The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1277

"I just arrived," Simone said. "I heard my brother was injured, so I came to see him." She looked at Aurora, a subtle curve to her lips. "It's been a while, Aurora."

Aurora smiled warmly. "Simone, what have you been up to? Why haven't you been in touch?"

After Simone's compromising photos had been leaked by Rachel Pearce, Aurora had tried to meet with her twice. When Simone declined both times, Aurora stopped asking. In the past, they had been inseparable, talking and texting constantly. Now, their chat history was months old.

"My brother's been in the hospital, so I've been busy taking care of him," Simone replied with a smile. "That's why I haven't had time to contact you. You're not mad, are you?"

"Of course not," Aurora said. "Leonard's health is the most important thing."

"And what about you, Aurora?" Simone continued. "I haven't seen you around at all lately. What's keeping you so busy?"

"My father wants me to join The Williams Group ahead of schedule, so I've been swamped with work."

"I see. Sounds like you're busy," Simone said, glancing at Israel behind Aurora. "Well, I won't keep you then."

With that, Simone stepped into the hospital room. Aurora and Israel quickly departed.

The mention of Joshua's name was the only thing that could make her seem normal. Her guard went up. "What are you planning, brother?"

"I destroyed Stella's hand, and in return, Joshua destroyed mine. The score between us is settled. Now that I'm just a pawn Aurora is ready to discard, there's no reason for me to keep fighting him for her sake. So, I won't interfere in your affairs any longer. If you want to keep loving him, go ahead."

Simone's eyes lit up. "Do you really mean that?"

"Simone, before Aurora came along, you were the most important person to me," Leonard said gravely. "I see her clearly now. I won't oppose Joshua for her anymore. As for my injury…" He looked down at his severed arm, a flicker of darkness crossing his features. "Let's just call it the price I paid for my foolish devotion to her."