The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1261

Even years after Nora's death, Zane remained fiercely loyal, adhering strictly to her final wishes.

"Star, my dear, are you busy?" he asked. Zane was around the same age as Stella's mother, a man of refined and elegant bearing.

Stella set down her papers and stood to greet him. "Mr. Vance, please, come in."

Her relatively smooth entry into The Williams Group was largely thanks to the support of shareholders loyal to her mother. Zane, more than anyone, was championing her to one day lead the company.

She poured him a glass of water. "Mr. Vance, what brings you here today?"

Zane smiled. "Star, your recent accomplishments have deeply impressed the board. Nearly ninety percent of the neutral shareholders are now backing you. Even some who previously supported your father and brothers are leaning our way. In a company as large as The Williams Group, the power structure is complex. Even your father and brothers face resistance in their decision-making, which is why they're so desperate to acquire the founder's shares. When your mother was in charge, she had significant support, but when Skyler returned, he quickly replaced her."

"Your mother's downfall was her sentimentality toward Skyler and her children," Zane said, his tone serious. "Star, I know you understand better than most how unreliable emotions can be, given your past marriage. So if feelings can't be trusted, why not chase something solid, something real? Why not pursue power?"

He looked directly at Stella. "Men will enter into loveless marriages for business and power, casting their wives aside once the deal is done. A woman can do the same."