The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1416

A mocking smile touched Leonard's lips. "Trying to stir up trouble again."

He was ready to dismiss it, but then a suspicion dawned: what if Joshua was flaunting his happiness, deliberately rubbing in how well Stella treated him?

As if possessed by a strange impulse, Leonard picked up the phone. The message was a video. The camera was pointed at the floor, but the distinct pattern of the tiles identified the location as the Williams estate. Soon, Israel's arrogant voice filled the air.

"Regardless, Aurora was the one who was wronged in this situation, so Leonard bears some responsibility. He needs to figure out how to shut these people up. He also has to compensate Aurora for her losses. He may have been ousted, but he's still the largest shareholder in The Lerman Group. As compensation for the damage to her reputation, he should transfer one percent of his shares to Aurora. He can't just benefit from this and get away scot-free."

Leonard's expression remained impassive. Even when he heard Israel call him a lapdog, not a flicker of emotion crossed his face.

Suddenly, the study door burst open, and Simone stormed in, furious. "After all these years, after all the benefits the Williams family has taken from us, they have the nerve to call you a lapdog behind your back? And Aurora just sits there and lets her brother say that without defending you?"

Simone no longer saw Aurora as a friend; she saw her as an enemy. Ever since she discovered Aurora had been secretly meeting with Joshua behind her back, she had despised her. Being backstabbed by a close friend was always more disgusting than being attacked by an open enemy.

"The Williams family and Aurora have taken so much from you over the years," Simone fumed. "Even if she married you, we'd still be getting the short end of the stick. They don't want her to marry you, but they still have the audacity to demand your shares? Are they playing us for fools?"

The audio clip was long, and nearly every member of the Williams family had spoken, except for Stella. Even Skyler hadn't objected. Although Jonathan suggested only holding Leonard responsible for the rumors and not demanding shares, he still seemed to agree that Leonard owed Aurora.

Simone's angry voice rose again. "They're so self-righteous, acting as if liking Aurora means you're automatically in her debt. Do they really think she's some goddess descended to earth? They've been selling that image for so long they've started to believe it themselves. In reality, she's not even as good as that second-hand Stella. From her looks to her talent on the violin, Stella is far superior. Even joining The Williams Group as a novice, she's more capable than that pretender who relies on men to secure deals. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."