The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

He spoke in a leisurely manner, “Our family—the Lermans—are the Williams family's partners. How could we possibly be absent from an event like this?"

He cast a sidelong glance at Joshua, who sat calmly nearby.

Leonard was certain Joshua was the one who'd snuck into the hospital that night. What he didn't know was why Joshua had helped Stella. Judging by the way Stella acted around Joshua, she seemed completely unaware of who he really was. Leonard certainly wasn't foolish enough to tip her off. If Stella ever learned Joshua's true identity, a woman as calculating as her would never let go of such a powerful ally.

Stella's expression slowly grew cold and distant.

She said nothing, simply gazing at Leonard in silence.

Leonard stepped closer, leaned down so only the two of them could hear, and whispered, "Stella, even if I ruin your hand, so what? The Williams family won't blame me in fact, they'll treat me as an honored guest. No one will stand up for you. No one will even see it as a big deal. No matter how far I go, they won't lay a finger on me. In their eyes, maybe... they'll even think you deserved it."

His voice was soft, but every word landed sharp and precise, like a blade pressed right to Stella's heart.

Suddenly, Leonard smiled. "Stella, I honestly didn't expect you'd dare show your face to me again. Looks like the lesson I gave you last time wasn't nearly painful enough. So, next time... what game should we play?"

His gaze lingered on Stella's face, his tone deceptively gentle.

"How about a little game of disfigurement? What do you think?"

Before he could finish, a loud slap cracked across his face.

Smack!

The sound drew everyone's attention, and the nearby guests paused their conversations to stare at the scene unfolding before them.

Stella's voice was as cool and clear as ice water. "Mr. Lerman, you barely escaped death last time, and clearly, you haven't learned a thing. Are you really that eager to die?" noveldrama

Leonard hadn't expected this at all. He'd thought Stella would cower or run the instant she saw him-instead, she'd slapped him.

The onlookers watched in stunned silence. That was Leonard Lerman-the head of the Lerman family! Had Stella lost her mind?

Leonard recovered quickly, icy anger flashing in his eyes. He was about to step toward Stella when a tall, lean figure slipped between them.

"Mr. Lerman," Joshua said, his tone courteous but firm, "getting too close to a lady is rather inappropriate, don't you think?"

Leonard stared at Joshua, a flicker of unease in his eyes.

But before he could react, a glass of red wine splashed across his face. The

hair son liquid dripped from his

ir and down his suit, leaving him utterly humiliated. fo

For a moment, the room fell completely silent.

Then, a startled cry shattered the hush.

"Leonard, what happened?!"

Simone rushed over, pressing a handkerchief into Leonard's hand Trailing behind her were Aurora Coleman, and Israel. The three of them froze at the sight before them.

Israel's brow furrowed in anger. Striding up to Stella, he spoke in a voice cold as

steel. "Stella, was this your doing?"

Stella calmly set down her wine glass, her red lips curving into a faint, unapologetic smile. "Yes."

"Apologize," Israel ordered, his tone icy. "Apologize to Leonard. Now."