The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1398

"I received a gift today," Aurora said. "Simone, was it from you?"

"No, it was from Joshua," Simone replied coolly. "He said he felt bad about crashing your Dawnlight and wanted to get you something to make up for it, so he asked me what you liked."

Aurora's heart sank. First, Joshua drove a wedge between her and Leonard, and now he was turning Simone against her. But she knew that no matter how she tried to explain, Simone wouldn't believe her.

Taking a quiet breath, Aurora began, "Simone…"

But Simone cut her off. "Aurora, I think there are some things we can't discuss over the phone. We need to meet and talk in person."

That was exactly what Aurora wanted. Even with the Lerman family's decline, Simone was still a close friend who knew many of her secrets. Aurora had no intention of cutting her off. "Alright," she said. "When are you free?"

Simone suggested a time and place, and they hung up. Afterward, Simone drove to Leonard's home. He still lived in the apartment across from The Williams Group headquarters, a constant, obsessive vigil over Aurora. And after Aurora had sent him all those gifts, Leonard was probably more devoted to her than ever.

Though Simone had always disapproved of Leonard's feelings for Aurora, right now she desperately wanted them to be together. It would keep Aurora from pursuing other men. Besides, if Leonard and Aurora were a couple, Joshua—who claimed to care about her feelings—would surely keep his distance.

Leonard was surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?"

Seeing him prioritize an email over finishing a simple courtesy, she asked, "Brother, are you working again?"

The Lerman Group was a mature corporation; it wouldn't stop functioning just because Leonard had been dismissed. In a way, a break might do him good after all these years.

"No," he replied, typing a response.

Simone assumed it was something related to Aurora, but when she walked over to his side, she was surprised to see it had nothing to do with her.