The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1419

His words sent a wave of shock through the room. Everyone stared at Leonard, finding it hard to believe what they had just heard. The room was frozen in silence for a few seconds before Israel finally exploded. "Leonard, what is that supposed to mean? You're going to ruin Aurora's reputation and then just wash your hands of it?"

Leonard barely lifted his gaze, his voice a low rasp. "Ruin her reputation? Mr. Israel, I think you're mistaken. I wasn't the one who spread those rumors. In fact, if I hadn't sent people to stop those reporters and lock down the news that day, the situation would be far worse."

"So you admit you failed!" Israel shot back. "Since you couldn't handle it properly, you should be the one to see this through to the end for Aurora's sake!"

Israel's logic was warped beyond belief. It was astounding that such words could come from a highly educated man of his stature. Yet, no one in the Williams family reacted to his twisted reasoning, seemingly accepting it as fact. It was clear they all believed it was Leonard's duty to handle Aurora's problems. To them, the powerful head of the Lerman family was no different than a devoted lapdog.

At this thought, Stella glanced at Joshua. He was a peculiar man. He could go long periods without saying a word, but when he did speak, every word had a purpose. Even his seemingly crude attempts to sow discord always produced unexpected results.

Leonard had always been so overbearing, so arrogantly inflexible. He'd never shown consideration for anyone except Aurora—not even the rest of the Williams family. So to hear such a vulnerable admission from him was inconceivable.

Even Israel, who had been ready to shout again, was left speechless, frozen in place.