The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"I was born my mother's daughter, and there's nothing shameful about that."noveldrama

"If you want to talk, go ahead and tell them. All that 'first lady' nonsense is just an empty title. I'm not about to deny my own mother for the sake of a reputation."

For the first time, Leonard heard someone speak so candidly, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. He'd always assumed Aurora cared deeply about her image, but now he realized she didn't care at all.

Aurora continued, "You heard what I said to my uncle just now. My mother saved my father's life. After my father lost his memory, he fell in love with her. My mother didn't know he already had a family. And besides, my parents were married legally. I don't consider myself illegitimate."

Her honesty struck Leonard. She was unlike anyone he'd ever met.

Two strangers, and somehow, they fell into conversation.

Leonard confided in Aurora that his childhood dream had always been to become an artist. But growing up in a family like the Lermans, that dream was always out of reach.

Aurora replied, "There's nothing you can't achieve. Once you're strong enough, anything is possible."

They began talking about painting, and to Leonard's surprise, Aurora had a remarkable understanding of art herself.

The longer they talked, the more Leonard realized that being a wealthy heiress wasn't all privilege and ease. Aurora was different from anyone he knew.

She said so many encouraging things to him. Whenever Leonard felt like he couldn't go on, he'd remember her words, and they gave him the strength to keep going.

To him, Aurora was his salvation. Without her, he wouldn't have become who he was. After his mother died, Aurora became the most important person in his life— even Simone came second.

So when Leonard heard Simone's words, anger and disbelief flashed in his eyes.

"How could Stella possibly have the nerve?!"

Simone gave a cold laugh. "Why wouldn't she? She stole Aurora's fiancé, disgraced herself, got thrown out of the Williams family, and she's been holding a grudge ever since, just waiting for a chance to take revenge."

Leonard's voice turned icy. "Is that so?"

"Of course. Aurora's always cared about their family bond, so she never had the heart to cut Stella off completely."

Leonard pressed, "But how could someone cast out from her own family possibly threaten Aurora?"

Simone replied, "You should take a look at the men around Stella. Her ex-husband is Haynes, and she has Neville chasing after her. Somehow, she's even gotten close to Mr. Burton. And even Joshua..." Simone paused for a moment. "No one

knows how she managed it, but now he's hiding his identity, staying close by as her bodyguard."

"She even holds ten percent of the Williams Group's original shares. If she ever finds her way back into the family, she'll do whatever it takes to drive Aurora out."

"And Aurora's three brothers? They're Stella's biological brothers-who knows if they'll switch sides one day and force Aurora to step aside for Stella. If that happens, Aurora will be completely alone."

Leonard's tone was frigid. "Don't worry. I won't let Aurora be left on her own. Sellers keeps promising he'll protect her-is this what he calls protection? Tell Karl: from now on, I'll be the one looking after Aurora."

Without waiting for Simone's reply, Leonard hung up.

Staring at the silent phone, a cold glint flickered in Simone's eyes.