The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1400

Summer had principles but didn't judge others for their life choices. "Summer must have been through a lot," Simone remarked.

A faint smile touched Leonard's lips. "I think so, too."

Simone noticed that the raw hostility that had clung to him since his injury had faded. He seemed less extreme, less dangerously obsessive. Although they were siblings, their relationship had never been as close as people assumed. They had been bullied their entire childhood, and Leonard had grown up isolated and sullen. Deep down, Simone had always been a little afraid of him. She had admired Aurora for being able to tame such a man.

But now, Leonard was crippled. A woman like Aurora would never look his way again. All his sacrifices for her had been for nothing. He had given more of himself to Aurora than he ever had to his own sister. It was deeply unfair.

An idea took shape in her mind. "Brother, are you free in three days?"

Leonard glanced at her. "Why?"

"Aurora gave you so many makeup gifts recently," Simone said. "It reminded me that I've forgotten to give you a gift for years. I'd like to make up for all the ones I missed."

Leonard had long since lost interest in gifts. "There's no need for that between us," he said dismissively.

"Even close family should keep accounts straight," she insisted with a smile. "I have to give you these gifts."

Leonard had nothing but time on his hands now. Seeing her persistence, he didn't refuse.

…

Three days later, Leonard arrived at the presidential suite of a hotel owned by the Lerman family. As he walked in, Simone let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief.

She poured him a glass of red wine. "Brother, this is a wine I made myself a few years ago. Try it."

At that point, they both assumed Simone was simply trying to play matchmaker, something she had done before. It didn't seem particularly alarming.

Leonard immediately took out his phone to call Simone, but the call went straight to voicemail. He knew then that she wouldn't be answering today. He stood up. "I'll go find her."

But as he rose, a strange, burning heat surged through his body. His expression changed.

Noticing his odd reaction, Aurora asked, "Leonard, what's wrong?"

His face grim, Leonard strode to the door and tried the handle. As he expected, it was locked from the outside. His expression darkened further.

Still oblivious to the situation, Aurora saw his increasingly grim face and asked again, "Leonard, what's going on?"