The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Such a large deal was, of course, handled personally by Antoney's father, Nicolle Watson.

When Nicolle spotted the Williams brothers, he gave them a knowing, almost sly

smile.

"You both look a little pale today. Didn't sleep well? Something big happen?"

At his words, the brothers' faces turned even grimmer.

Last night, they'd learned just how far Aurora's scandal had spread by now, everyone in Novaris seemed to know. Antoney had grown up in Novaris; of course Nicolle would have connections there. There was no way he didn't already know everything.

Given the circumstances, Nicolle's question felt almost pointed, his words laced with hidden meaning.

Nicolle simply chuckled, not bothering to press the issue. Soon, he turned and walked away.

He'd barely left when a group of wealthy young men-longtime rivals of the Williams brothers-swaggered over, grinning with barely concealed glee.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Israel and Mr. Coleman! The Williams family's men are all stars in their own right. Every woman wants to marry into your family, and every guy dreams of winning Aurora's hand."

Someone else chimed in, voice dripping with mock admiration, "I heard Leonard Lerman fought his way up from nothing to become the Lerman family head, all just to be worthy of Aurora. Anyone who so much as thinks about crossing her ends up wishing they were never born... She really is something, isn't she?"

Though their words sounded like praise, the sarcasm was unmistakable, making the air thick with discomfort.noveldrama

Another man laughed. "I always thought a goddess like Aurora was way out of my league. But now, with everything that's come out... maybe I've got a shot after all."

"Who would have thought? The city's number one socialite, turns out she's an illegitimate child-"

He didn't get to finish. Israel lunged forward and landed a hard punch on the man's face.

"Shut your mouth!" Israel's voice was raw with anger. "Say another word about Aurora, and I'll make you regret it."

Clutching his cheek, the man

sneered, "Regret? I'm just telling the truth! Everyone's talking about it. You're alt half-siblings, but you treat her like a priceless treasure, while your real sister can't get a kind word from you. Aurora's mother is the reason you and your mother were separated for years. Instead of

standing up for your mom, you treat the enemy's daughter like your own sister. Honestly, if your mother could see you three now, she'd probably die all over again just from sheer disappointment."

That was the last straw. Coleman, who'd managed to keep his cool until now, finally lost it and threw himself into the fight.

In an instant, what should have been a formal signing event devolved into a full- on brawl.

It had been years since Israel and Coleman had let themselves lose control like this. They'd long

outgrown fistfights, but today, every word had hit squarely on their deepest wounds. There was no way they could have just stood by and taken it.

But as it turned out, this was only the beginning.

For several days straight, people kept popping up to taunt them with sly remarks and cutting sarcasm. When a wall falls, everyone wants a piece of the rubble.

The Williams family had made

plenty of enemies over the years but their children had always kept their reputations spotless-never a whiff of scandal. No one had ever managed to catch them out.

But now, with this rare chance to watch the mighty Williamses stumble, the entire social scene was buzzing with excitement, as if it were a holiday just for them.

Anyone who'd ever held a grudge or resented the Williams family couldn't resist joining in, eager to kick them while they were down.

Some even went so far as to openly warn their children, right in front of Israel and Coleman, "Don't get too close to people from families like that. Bad morals are contagious."