The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1013

This time, before Stella could even open her mouth, Jonathan’s cold, steely voice cut across the line.

“Stella, running away is nothing short of disgraceful! Get back here immediately—win or lose, the Williams family owes people an explanation!”

Stella couldn’t help but frown.

She had no patience for Jonathan’s lectures and hung up without another word.

Back at the Williams estate, the news that Stella was at the airport, apparently trying to flee, drew a predictable expression from Israel Williams—a look that said, “I knew it.”

“She sounded so confident before. I actually thought she had some real evidence,” Israel scoffed. “But when her scheme to frame Leonard fell apart, she decided to bolt. Father, Jonathan, are you seriously going to let someone with such questionable character marry into this family?”

Skyler and Jonathan exchanged a glance, each seeing the same doubt flicker in the other’s eyes.

Was Stella really trying to smear Leonard?

Coleman Williams, noticing their uncertainty, spoke up. “Stella’s kidnapping in Novaris was already suspicious enough, and the fact that she lost the use of her hand makes it even stranger. Novaris isn’t the kind of place where Leonard could just do as he pleases. I’m telling you, this is about jealousy. Stella knows Leonard has been chasing after Aurora, and she can’t stand it—so she made up this entire story.”

Israel nodded. “Exactly. She’s been the only one talking from the very beginning. She was the one who announced she couldn’t compete because of the kidnapping, and all those so-called ‘horrors’ she claims to have gone through—no one can verify any of it. Even Dr. Burton, who treated her, is clearly on her side. For her, lying about all this would be a piece of cake.”

Listening to Israel and Coleman, Skyler’s resolve began to waver.

Israel pressed on. “Since Stella’s trying to run, our top priority is to stop her from leaving. Leonard still needs an answer from us.”

Coleman agreed. “That’s right. She still holds some original shares in the group—we absolutely can’t let her get away.”

As he spoke, Coleman seemed to remember something. He snatched up his phone and dialed a number immediately.

Israel sneered. “And if she gets her hands on it, what then? Besides, if she has the right to join The Williams Group, why has she always kept Aurora out? Afraid Aurora might outshine her and take her spot?”

Jonathan was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. “The ones who’ve always kept Aurora out of The Williams Group are the old board members who stayed loyal to Mother. I’ve spoken to some of them—they told me…”

Israel, never one for suspense, snapped impatiently, “Jonathan, Aurora isn’t here. There’s nothing you can’t say. Just spit it out.”

Jonathan shot a glance at Skyler, then finally admitted, “It was Mother… Before she passed, she left strict instructions: anyone could enter The Williams Group—except Aurora.”

A heavy silence fell over the room.

They could curse Stella as much as they liked, but none of them dared speak ill of their own mother.