The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Simone Lerman glanced at the paintings hanging on the wall.

She was surprised to find that each one was signed, "Summer."

Two of these paintings, she recalled, had hung for years in her eldest brother's study back when she still lived with the Lerman family. The images were familiar, though she'd never paid them much mind before-art was never really her thing.

But now, standing in Leonard Lerman's study, Simone found herself lingering over the painting she and Aurora Williams had seen at the auction, the one titled *Nightfall*. She hadn't expected Leonard to bring those old paintings from the Lerman family estate to his new home as well.

Clearly, Leonard cherished them.

When it came to discussing things he cared about, Leonard—usually so reserved and cold—became unexpectedly talkative. The somber air about him seemed to lift, if only a little.

He told her, "The first time I saw Summer's work, I just knew this artist would be someone exceptional one day. Back then, he was barely known, and his work wasn't expensive. I hadn't inherited the Lerman estate yet, so I couldn't afford any of the truly famous pieces."

For anyone who loves art, collecting paintings is almost inevitable. Leonard was no exception.

Unfortunately, even as a Lerman by blood, he was constantly overlooked and mistreated by his own family. His life was harsher than most people's. He couldn't afford the paintings he liked, and the ones he could buy never inspired him.

Leonard went on, "So when I finally found something I loved that was actually within reach, I bought it. After that, whenever Summer released a new painting, I was always the first to snatch it up. But as things changed and I became embroiled in the family's power struggles, I no longer had the time or energy to keep up with the art world. It wasn't until I finally became head of the family that I started searching again, trying to find every painting Summer had ever done. But there aren't many of his works in circulation, and it seems he hasn't produced anything new in years."

Hearing all this, Simone suddenly understood why her brother valued Summer's paintings so highly-they'd been a source of comfort during his hardest years.

She said, "Aurora loves Summer's work too. She mentioned wanting to meet him someday, maybe talk about art together."

A shadow of regret flickered in Leonard's eyes as he replied, "I've looked into Summer's whereabouts for ages. The dealer who sold me his work said they lost contact five years ago." noveldrama

Simone let out a quiet sigh. It was only at moments like this that her brother seemed truly human.

After a pause, Leonard asked, "What was it you wanted to tell me earlier?"

Simone hesitated, then decided to come clean. Leonard, the truth is, I'm the one who revealed Stella Cameron's parentage. Aurora said Stella's about to be brought back into the Williams family. But of Stella returns, people will start questioning Aurora's place there. The Williams family is planning to release some ambiguous statements before Stella comes back, but I figured instead of letting them dance around the issue, I'd help Aurora out and bring everything into the open. I've played the villain before-one more time doesn't matter."

Leonard knew she was telling the truth.

Simone's face showed a hint of guilt. "I never expected it would cause Aurora so much trouble. And I definitely didn't think Stella would go off the rails and expose Aurora's own identity."

Leonard's expression didn't change; there was no anger or blame directed at Simone. “Don't feel guilty. You did nothing wrong. I'll deal with anyone who's out of line."

Simone finally relaxed. "Leonard, let's go see Aurora. Sellers Burton won't be able to handle this alone-it has to be you."

Leonard simply nodded and stepped out of the room.

Meanwhile, Stella and Abby Murphy were the last to hear the news.

Sandford was a tourist town, and after finishing their competition, the two of them had been wandering around, enjoying the sights and unwinding.