The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1276

Aurora scrutinized Leonard's face, but it was a blank canvas, revealing nothing of his true feelings. One thing was certain, however: Joshua's provocations had hit their mark.

Her smile remained warm and elegant. "Leonard, wait here for a moment. I'll go get you something to eat."

"Don't bother," he said. "I'm being discharged soon anyway. If you have things to do, go ahead. You don't need to stay here with me."

Aurora wanted to say more, but Israel cut in. "Aurora, there's a mountain of work waiting for you at the office. You know Leonard's fine now, so you can relax, right?"

Seeing no other choice, Aurora turned to Leonard. "Alright then, Leonard. I'll be going. Call me if you need anything. I'll come see you another day."

Leonard gave a noncommittal grunt.

As he watched her leave, he recalled the conversation between Joshua and Stella earlier.

"Didn't you mention you liked the food at that one restaurant?" Stella had asked. "I spent some time studying the recipe, and I think I've got it down. I'll make it for you later."

Joshua had seemed stunned. "You… you learned it just for me?"

"Not exactly," Stella had replied. "I liked the dish too. I can make it for Keen when he visits."

But Leonard knew that if Joshua hadn't mentioned it, Stella would never have thought to learn a new recipe. A strange light had filled Joshua's eyes, and the corners of his mouth had curled into an unconscious smile. "Great. I'll be the taste-tester for Keen, then."

The stark contrast stirred something unfamiliar in Leonard. It wasn't about whether Stella could return Joshua's affection in equal measure. What mattered was that Joshua's efforts were being rewarded. Stella treated him so well without even knowing his true identity, which proved she valued character over status. Even if Joshua lost everything one day, Stella would likely still treat him the same.

And him? Leonard looked down at his own broken state and let out a self-deprecating laugh. He hadn't even lost everything yet, and he was already being cast aside.

Just then, Aurora, who had just stepped out of the room, saw a figure standing in the hallway.

"Simone Lerman, when did you get here?"

Simone was standing silently by the door. It was impossible to tell how long she had been there.