The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 980

Israel’s expression darkened, and he was just about to step forward when Coleman reached out and stopped him.

“They’re trying to provoke you,” Coleman murmured quietly. “Tonight’s gala is important—don’t act on impulse and make a scene.”

Israel took a long, steadying breath before regaining his composure.

Coleman went on, “Why don’t you go somewhere else for now? I’ll handle things here.”

The ballroom was already filled with guests. If a scandal broke out tonight, they’d become the laughingstock of everyone present.

The Williams family could hardly afford more gossip at this point.

Israel understood that, even if hearing it stung. He muttered, “I’ll go check on Aurora.”

If he was already being treated this way, he could only imagine how much worse things must be for Aurora.

Coleman nodded in understanding.

Before leaving, Israel shot a cold look back and said through gritted teeth, “This is all Stella’s fault. If she hadn’t run off years ago, humiliating the family, none of this would be happening.”

Ever since the secret about Aurora’s parentage had gotten out, both Israel and Coleman had been subjected to endless mockery and snide remarks.

They had never experienced such disgrace in their lives.

And all of it—every miserable bit—was thanks to Stella.

For her own selfish reasons, she had exposed Aurora as a child born out of wedlock, dragging her down from her pedestal and tarnishing the O’Brien family’s reputation, as well as jeopardizing the company’s interests.

Israel couldn’t understand why their father and older brother still allowed someone so destructive to return home.

…

Aurora, on the other hand, was accompanied by Simone, and no one dared approach to make trouble for her.

A pair of delicate pearl earrings adorned her ears, and a modest necklace rested at her throat.

Yet, it was precisely this simplicity that highlighted her beauty and poise.

Aurora’s allure was striking, but never vulgar; her presence was like the full moon reflected in a cold lake—luminous, distant, untouchable.

Her steps were measured and graceful, the hem of her dress swirling just enough to be enchanting, never frivolous.

Her eyes sparkled like stars, clear and bright, yet veiled by a hint of mystery that made her emotions impossible to read.

There was an unmistakable air of dignity and grace about her, something rare and inborn.

As she entered, the noise in the ballroom began to fade, replaced by a hush of awe.

Aurora was used to such attention. She showed no trace of pride—only a gentle smile as she nodded in greeting to those around her.