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.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance