The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1367

Joshua was the kind of person who could master anything he set his mind to in an astonishingly short amount of time.

Her high praise brought a wide smile to Joshua's face, but he demurred. "Most guys have a natural love for cars. I used to be into this stuff, but I got too busy and let it slide. I'm just picking it up again, so it's coming back quickly."

The two of them chatted as if no one else was in the room, completely oblivious to Leonard and Aurora. It wasn't a deliberate slight; their rapport was so natural and familiar that they could understand each other without having to spell everything out.

Finally, Leonard's cold voice cut through their conversation. "Even if you managed to stumble upon the right design, rebuilding the Dawnlight won't be that easy."

Stella and Joshua both turned to look at him, their expressions nearly identical in their annoyance at being interrupted. Seeing their synchronized glare, Leonard felt an unfamiliar prickle of irritation. He had always looked down on Stella, viewing her as a failed housewife who was foolishly trying to compete with Aurora. He'd thought she was nothing without a man to lean on—first Haynes, then Neville, and now Joshua.

But he was beginning to realize that the Stella he had so easily dismissed was not as useless as he'd believed. As much as he hated to admit it, she was formidable. She had protected Joshua at his most vulnerable, leaving no openings for his enemies. She had masterfully deflected the family's attention by leaking the news about Israel. And now, she was even willing to take responsibility for the Dawnlight. He glanced at Aurora beside him. She was as elegant and radiant as ever, yet she had never once done something as simple as handing him a bottle of water.

Aurora's face froze, her customary smile finally vanishing completely. She knew Joshua could be vicious with his words, but she hadn't expected him to be so merciless in front of Stella and Leonard. She instinctively looked to Leonard for support, but he only frowned.

"It's just a meal," Leonard said flatly. "I'll pay."