The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1384

"Joshua," Stella's voice came from beside him.

He turned to her. "What is it, Star?"

"Were you deliberately trying to provoke him?" she asked.

"No, I just can't stand Sellers," he replied casually.

Though Joshua brushed it off, Stella knew him well enough to understand he wouldn't be so harsh with Aurora for no reason. The most likely explanation was that he was trying to redirect Sellers's animosity from her to himself.

Just as she was about to say something, Joshua cut her off. "Star, wait here. I'll go get you something to eat."

Stella sighed helplessly as she watched him walk away.

Not long after Joshua left, a commotion erupted near the entrance. Thinking some important dignitary had arrived, Stella turned to look. She was taken aback by who she saw.

It was… Leonard?

While Stella and Leonard were sworn enemies, the Chapman family had no such feud with him. The great families were deeply intertwined, and despite Leonard's ruthless reputation, old business partnerships couldn't be severed on a whim.

Leonard's entrance immediately captured everyone's attention. The recent turmoil within the Lerman family was common knowledge in their circle. While he was at his most vulnerable, many of his enemies had not only attacked The Lerman Group but had also sent assassins after him. It was widely known that Leonard had been severely injured, losing an ear and an arm.

So, when he appeared at the gala, many were curious to see just how pathetic he looked. To their surprise, however, he looked almost the same as before.

"I've hated that guy for ages. He totally deserves this!"

"Good for Aurora for not ending up with someone like him. Sellers is so much better than that bloodthirsty monster…"

"Aurora needs to run and never look back. She shouldn't have anything to do with that heartless beast."

Ignoring the murmurs, Leonard walked into the ballroom alone, his expression unruffled. He had weathered far greater storms than this and couldn't be bothered by gossip and ridicule.

His eyes scanned the hall as if searching for someone. His gaze paused for a fraction of a second when it landed on Stella, then quickly moved on, finally settling on Aurora in the crowd. She was laughing and chatting with a group of business elites, seemingly unaware of his arrival.

Having found his target, Leonard began to walk toward her.