The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Aurora's sudden withdrawal from the competition caught everyone off guard.

Some had speculated she might crack under pressure and eventually drop out, but no one expected it to happen so soon. They'd barely finished the first round- wasn't she going to put up more of a fight?

Online, the conversation was relentless. No matter what Aurora did, a swarm of trolls were ready to pounce; she was damned if she stayed, damned if she left.

Sherman Burton, seeing the tide of hateful comments, decided he'd had enough and jumped into the fray himself. He didn't bother with an alias-he went in under his main account and started firing back.

To one particularly nasty commenter, he replied, "You jealous nobodies can't stand that Aurora's beautiful, talented, and comes from a good family, can you? Let me tell you, no matter how hard you try to drag her down, you'll never measure up."

Unsurprisingly, Sherman's words only fanned the flames.

Sure, there were plenty of bots and paid posters stirring the pot, but most of the backlash came from regular people.

"Jealous of Aurora? Please. Are we supposed to envy the fact that she's an illegitimate child? Get real. The rest of us actually come from decent families— why would we be jealous of someone like her?"

"Aurora's mother is basically the poster child for homewreckers everywhere. She's living proof that if you play your cards right, you can raise your illegitimate daughter as if she were an heiress-while the real heiress ends up cast out, living a life in exile."

"Sources say that back when Skyler Williams lost his memory and was fawning over Aurora, it was Nora who kept the company afloat by herself. In the end, Nora and her daughter got kicked out, and yet Aurora-born from an affair-still ended up with a chunk of The Williams Group's shares? If you really have any self- respect, stop living off the fortune built by the real wife."

"Skyler, how could you do this to Nora? You handed over the company she protected to the daughter of your mistress! How ungrateful can you be?"

If anything, the anger toward Skyler was even fiercer than the criticism of Aurora. Sherman's defense had completely backfired.

...

Solmaris. The Williams family estate.

Israel Williams was sitting in the living room, sipping tea, when Coleman Williams came in from outside, his brow deeply furrowed.

Noticing the look on his brother's face, Israel asked, "Coleman, what's with that expression? Did something happen?"

Coleman replied, "Do you remember Mr. Crawford?"

Israel frowned, searching his memory. "Which Mr. Crawford?"

"The one who went after Aurora, tried to force her hand-Baber Crawford."

Israel's expression immediately

cooled. "If Baber's father hadn't come begging on his knees last time, our eldest brother would never have let him off so easily... What about him? Is he up to his old tricks?"

set

Coleman's disgust was obvious. "That creep Baber is at it again. He wants to marry Aurora-claims now that er reputation's ruined, she should be grateful anyone's willing."

Israel's brows knotted. "Ruined reputation? What's that supposed to mean?"

Coleman shook his head. "I had a friend look into it. Word's gotten out all over high society that Aurora is an illegitimate child. Families that once wanted her as a

daughter-in-law are suddenlynoveldrama

keeping their distance. Some lesser families are even acting high and mighty, saying unless the Williamses cough up a massive dowry, Aurora isn't setting foot in their homes."

Israel stared at him in disbelief. "How did this happen? Who leaked it?"

"I've already asked my assistant to investigate," Coleman said grimly.

Though the Williamses had managed to keep a lid on things in Solmaris, it was only on the surface. The truth had spread.

...

The next day.

Israel and Coleman attended a signing ceremony, representing The Williams Group in a partnership with The Watson Group.

Antoney Watson had returned to his family, but for now, he was still in the early stages of learning the ropes.