The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1411

"After Leonard and the others hurt Star, I don't recall you interrogating Aurora like she was a criminal. Besides, Star's only fault is that she can't control her bodyguard. She's done nothing wrong."

Joshua's words left the Williams family speechless. Even Israel, who loved to twist words, found himself at a loss. They could ignore the recording, but they couldn't be so blatantly hypocritical with Stella watching them.

After a long silence, Skyler finally spoke. "Since you've admitted to framing Aurora, you must take responsibility. You will issue a public clarification, apologize to Aurora, and then we can consider this matter closed. However, you will no longer be permitted to work for Star."

The Williams family members' expressions soured. "Father!" The punishment was far too light.

Jonathan ignored them and turned to Aurora. "Aurora, what do you think?"

Aurora showed no resentment or dissatisfaction with the lenient penalty for Joshua. She said softly, "I'll abide by whatever you decide, Father."

She knew that as the head of the Gardner family, Joshua was not someone they could easily touch. If his identity were revealed, Skyler would be even less likely to punish him. It was better to take a step back, earning the sympathy of her father and brothers while also doing Stella a favor.

Skyler was pleased with her response. For now, the priority was to quell the rumors. Pushing Joshua too hard wouldn't be wise. As long as he was willing to confess, the rest would be easy to handle.

Joshua looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, Ms. Williams. What I told you earlier wasn't true."

Aurora sneered, "And we're just supposed to believe you now?"

"I knew you were recording me from the start, so I decided to play a little joke on you," Joshua explained calmly. "Mr. Lerman used to play these kinds of jokes on Star all the time, not only denying he'd hurt her hand but twisting the truth to claim she framed him. I figured since you and Leonard are so close, you must appreciate that kind of humor. As for just now, the atmosphere in here was so tense, I just wanted to lighten the mood..."

He glanced around at the stony faces and sighed. "My apologies for failing to make you laugh. It seems I don't have Leonard's sense of humor after all."