The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella had more or less guessed Neville's intentions, but she couldn't help asking, "Why?"

Sunlight filtered in through the windows, dappling the car's interior.

Neville's handsome face was cast in shadow, making it impossible to read his expression. Only his deep, steady voice broke the silence, resonating quietly in the stillness of the car.

"This isn't just about the Burtons," he said. "The Lermans are involved, too.

Simone is Leonard Lerman's younger sister, and Leonard... well, he's infatuated with Aurora.

Sellers managed to become head of the Burton family because he's genuinely capable. But Leonard..."

Neville paused, searching for the right words.

Stella didn't know much about Leonard. "What about him? Is he not competent enough?"

Neville shook his head. "The Lerman family is complicated. It's not about ability.

Star, you need to understand the Burtons are strict, almost severe, when it comes to family rules. Illegitimate children have no right to inherit.

You've met Mr. Burton. As a doctor and a man, he's upright and principled. He forbids his children from keeping lovers on the side or fathering children out of wedlock.

He made it clear long ago: even if an illegitimate child is born, they'll never have any claim to the inheritance. Actually, it's even harsher-anyone who dares keep a mistress and have an illegitimate child loses their own right to inherit, too.

The Burton Group is a vast empire. No one with sense would risk losing everything for a fling. That's why, by the time it got to Mr. Burton's children, there were hardly any scandals or secret offspring.

Without mistresses or illegitimate children, the Burtons have stayed relatively free of mess and drama. Sure, the competition for the position of family head gets fierce, but it's all between brothers and sisters. With Mr. Burton still alive, even if they play hardball, it never gets out of hand.

But the Lermans... that's a different world."

Stella remembered some gossip she'd once heard from Florrie Watson about the Lerman family. She spoke softly, "Leonard's an illegitimate child, isn't he?"

Neville nodded. "Leonard was always on the outside, never really part of the inner circle. At first, he didn't even want to fight for the family fortune.

But then he met Aurora. Suddenly, he wanted to prove himself worthy of her, and started eyeing the family inheritance.

The Lermans aren't like the Burtons. There are plenty of illegitimate kids, all desperate for a piece of the pie. Theggle power

get

ugly-sometimes even violent.

We're talking real bloodshed, not just harsh words between siblings.

Now, with Leonard's sister and Aurora both in the car, I'm worried Leonard might try something against you.

I'm just one person, Star. I can't guarantee your safety if things turn bad."

Both Sellers and Leonard had clawed their way up through blood and chaos. Leonard, especially, would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Neville hated the idea of involving Haynes, but he hated the thought of Stella getting hurt even more.

Stella quickly understood what he was getting at.

Haynes was no saint, and the

O'Brien Group wasn't as powerful as the Burtons or the Lermans-those transnational giants. But here in Novaris, on Neo-Vespera soil Sellers and Leonard didnt have free rein

With Haynes in the picture, they'd think twice before making a move.

The Connollys were a prominent family too, but they'd only just returned to

Novaris and didn't have Haynes's clout-at least not yet.

Sellers, Leonard, and Haynes might not be able to do anything to the Connollys,

but Neville alone couldn't protect her if things turned ugly.

With Haynes looking out for her, Stella would be a lot safer.

That was why Neville pulled out the video now. Once Haynes saw the truth, guilt would eat at him. As long as Stella and Rachel's interestsnoveldrama

didn't

ash, Haynes would feel

compelled to help-if only to make up for what he owed Stella.