The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 990

He spoke in a leisurely manner, “Our family—the Lermans—are the Williams family’s partners. How could we possibly be absent from an event like this?”

He cast a sidelong glance at Joshua, who sat calmly nearby.

Leonard was certain Joshua was the one who’d snuck into the hospital that night. What he didn’t know was why Joshua had helped Stella. Judging by the way Stella acted around Joshua, she seemed completely unaware of who he really was. Leonard certainly wasn’t foolish enough to tip her off. If Stella ever learned Joshua’s true identity, a woman as calculating as her would never let go of such a powerful ally.

Stella’s expression slowly grew cold and distant.

She said nothing, simply gazing at Leonard in silence.

Leonard stepped closer, leaned down so only the two of them could hear, and whispered, “Stella, even if I ruin your hand, so what? The Williams family won’t blame me—in fact, they’ll treat me as an honored guest. No one will stand up for you. No one will even see it as a big deal. No matter how far I go, they won’t lay a finger on me. In their eyes, maybe… they’ll even think you deserved it.”

His voice was soft, but every word landed sharp and precise, like a blade pressed right to Stella’s heart.

Suddenly, Leonard smiled. “Stella, I honestly didn’t expect you’d dare show your face to me again. Looks like the lesson I gave you last time wasn’t nearly painful enough. So, next time… what game should we play?”

His gaze lingered on Stella’s face, his tone deceptively gentle.

“How about a little game of disfigurement? What do you think?”

Before he could finish, a loud slap cracked across his face.

Smack!

The sound drew everyone’s attention, and the nearby guests paused their conversations to stare at the scene unfolding before them.

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