The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1040

Israel spoke again. “Just now, that little performance of Stella’s—pretending to be all sweet and innocent—she was probably fishing for information or maybe even streaming us live without our knowledge. Thank God I caught on in time. Otherwise, we’d have fallen right into her trap again.”

Israel had been burned once before, and ever since, he was always on edge, wary of being deceived.

Coleman scowled. “Having a walking surveillance camera around us all the time is exhausting. Our family used to be so close. Now we have to watch our backs every second because of her.”

Aurora tried to ease the tension. “Come on, you two, don’t let her antics shake you up. Stella can’t possibly record or livestream every single conversation. Maybe the first couple of times, people will find it shocking or entertaining, but if she keeps pulling this stunt, folks will start questioning her character. Who goes around secretly recording their own family for the world to see? After a while, people won’t be on her side. In fact, her reputation will take a nosedive. Put yourself in her shoes—nobody wants to be betrayed by their own family.”

She paused, thoughtful. “This kind of trick is only useful the first time. If she tries it again, people will start to doubt her motives.”

Israel’s eyes lit up. “So, if she keeps recording and livestreaming, it might actually work in our favor?”

Aurora nodded. “Exactly. If she pushes this further, we might finally get our chance to set the record straight.”

Israel’s lips curled into a mischievous smirk. “Should we provoke her a little? Maybe push her buttons until she loses it and goes live again?”

Aurora shook her head, exasperated. “Israel, she’s still family. There’s no need to go that far. Honestly, Leonard’s actions pushed her to this point. Stella lost her career—wanting revenge is understandable. And besides…”

She hesitated. “We can’t let our frustration blind us into making mistakes ourselves. You’re not usually so reckless, Israel.”

Israel took a breath, his expression softening. “You’re right. I just hate that things can’t go back to the way they were. Is it so much to ask for a little peace in this family?”

Skyler looked up, genuine surprise flickering across his face. “Star, what brings you here?”

Stella glanced at the two middle-aged foreign men sitting on the sofa and offered a polite, almost distant smile. “Israel called me specifically. He said I should come and apologize.”

Skyler opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, one of the men—a burly oil tycoon—leapt to his feet, face red with anger. He pointed straight at Stella. “So you’re the one who hurt my son? Aurora, don’t think your family’s reputation will protect you!”

The financier beside him glared at Stella, his eyes cold and sharp as he sized her up. “You’re Aurora?”

Both men were seething. Their sons had been hurt, and the moment they learned the Williams family was involved, they stormed over to confront Skyler, demanding answers.