The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1395

"Something must have changed on Mr. Gardner's end," Harold speculated.

Joshua's initial plan was to arrange for Sellers to have an illegitimate child. The scandal would destabilize his position, leaving him with two choices: marry the woman, or refuse to acknowledge the child and risk his authority. Either way, his relationship with Aurora would be shattered. If Aurora continued to associate with a man who had a child with another woman, she'd be no better than a mistress, earning the scorn of their entire social circle. The Williams family was fiercely protective of its reputation, and as the most celebrated socialite of her generation, they would never allow their daughter to be branded a homewrecker.

With Leonard out of the picture and Sellers entangled in a scandal, Aurora's two main pillars of support would be gone. She would lose her leverage for a powerful marriage alliance, and she would no longer be a threat to Stella's position at The Williams Group. The plan had been perfect. They even had someone lined up to play the part, but Joshua had abruptly changed course.

"Did Leonard do something to offend Mr. Gardner again?" Jake asked.

"Not exactly offend," Harold said. "In a way, this new plan is helping Leonard get what he's always wanted. Or… maybe Mr. Gardner wants Sellers and Leonard to tear each other apart. If they're busy fighting, we can just sit back and reap the benefits with a lot less effort. Personally, I think this plan is even more brilliant."

Jake considered it and had to agree. The plan may have changed, but it was still a masterstroke.

"I don't know how Mr. Gardner's mind works," Jake said, shaking his head. "How can he think so fast? It's a tragedy to be his enemy. But I thought Mr. Gardner couldn't be bothered with Aurora."

Time ticked by slowly. Finally, with just ten minutes to spare, Joshua walked in. Tall, slender, and devastatingly handsome, he immediately drew the attention of every woman in the room. Simone heard several sharp intakes of breath and felt a fierce urge to gouge out their eyes.

Joshua scanned the cafe, and his eyes landed on her. As he walked toward her table, the women who had been watching him sighed with disappointment, their gazes shifting to Simone, filled with undisguised envy.

The possessive anger in Simone's heart began to fade, replaced by a satisfying sense of pride. Joshua sat down across from her. "Miss Lerman."