The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1136

As expected, Israel asked, “What is it?”

Leonard replied, “It’s about Simone. You saw what happened before. On the day we went to rescue Aurora, Simone was kidnapped and… violated. The people behind it are using this to blackmail her and steal business opportunities from The Lerman Group.”

Israel didn’t seem interested in Simone’s predicament. “So, what’s your point?”

Leonard continued, “The person who orchestrated Simone’s kidnapping is almost certainly someone close to Stella—though I can’t say exactly who just yet. But…” Leonard leaned in, lowering his voice to outline his plan.

At first, Israel looked bored, barely listening. But as Leonard spoke, Israel’s eyes began to light up. The prospect of bringing Stella down without having to get his own hands too dirty was tempting—how could he pass up such an opportunity?

After all, if Stella made a critical mistake, disappointing The Williams Group’s shareholders, then their chances of buying out her original shares would skyrocket.

Israel said, “Stella probably managed to acquire Pearce Group’s original shares with help from Haynes and Neville. I suggest we strike against them now. It’d deal a heavy blow—maybe even let us take over their companies too. Without their support, Stella is finished. She won’t have a leg to stand on.”

He’d tried persuading his father and older brother to go after Haynes and the others, but they hadn’t given him a straight answer. They wouldn’t make a move unless they were absolutely sure Stella had gotten her funds from those men.

Israel thought that was just an excuse. They were still clinging to their fake sense of propriety and family ties—otherwise, why the hesitation?

Well, if they wouldn’t do it, he would. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d played the villain.

***

The signing ceremony went off without a hitch. Even at the end, Stella felt like she was still dreaming. She had actually pulled it off—she’d successfully acquired Pearce Group’s shares.

On the way back, Joshua asked, “You spent three hundred sixty million out of the five hundred million, so there’s still over a hundred million left. What are your plans for it?”

Then, one day, Foreman’s assistant, Ray, sought her out.

“Ms. Cameron, Mr. Richards… Mr. Richards hasn’t slept for days. Can you go see him?”

Stella looked at Ray, concerned. “What’s going on with Foreman?”

Ray hesitated, clearly struggling with what to say, but finally steeled himself. “Mr. Richards’ company is in serious trouble. They’re facing an unprecedented crisis.”

Stella’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

Ray shook his head. “I don’t know all the details—some of it’s confidential. But what I do know is this: The Lerman Group has been attacking The Richards Group relentlessly.”