The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1390

At the gala, Old Mr. Chapman personally took the stage to announce the engagement date for Lauretta and Jonathan. Stella did a quick calculation; it was six months away. On stage, neither Lauretta nor Jonathan showed any of the bashful joy of a newly engaged couple. Their expressions were detached, as if the announcement was about someone else entirely.

In the audience, Israel and Coleman stood together. "Coleman, have you dealt with that Violet Yancey yet?" Israel demanded. "Am I really going to have to get engaged to that crazy woman?"

Israel had hoped the scandal would blow over, but the public hadn't forgotten, and many were still waiting for him to announce his own engagement date. He thought time would make people lose interest, but there were still those who kept stirring the pot online.

"We've located her," Coleman said, "but she's well-protected. It's been difficult to find an opportunity to act."

Israel's face darkened. "I don't know what's wrong with Leonard lately. He takes what we offer but doesn't deliver! With his methods, getting rid of Violet should be a piece of cake. Now, even Aurora can't get him to do anything."

At the mention of Leonard, Coleman frowned. If even Aurora's influence was failing, it meant Leonard's state was more than just strange.

Israel's gaze swept across the room and landed on Sellers, who was standing with Aurora. He snorted. "They're right. Leonard is just a useless cripple now. Asking him for help is less reliable than asking Sellers."

"Sellers may be fond of Aurora," Coleman noted, "but he isn't at her beck and call like Leonard is. To Sellers, Aurora is important, but not more important than his position as family head or other key interests."

Just as he spoke, a crisp female voice cut through the air from the entrance.

"Israel, your brother and Ms. Chapman have already announced their engagement. When are you going to announce ours and take responsibility for me?"

All heads turned in shock toward the doorway. A slender, beautiful woman stood there, clad in a fiery red dress. Her features were striking, and her slightly arched eyebrows gave her a sharp, formidable look.