The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Simone let out a sigh. "So this is what it's like being the city's top socialite. Endless parties, constant networking... Ugh, I was definitely not born for this kind of life."

Aurora, who had mingled with half the room that night, looked just as weary.

"Simone, you really do need to get used to it,” she said gently. “All these events— they're about building connections. The more friends you make, the better it'll be for you and for Leonard later on."

Simone groaned. "I know, but honestly, I'm not sure I can keep up." She glanced around the bustling ballroom and lowered her voice. "Where are Queenie and Lana tonight? I haven't seen them in ages. What have they been up to?"

Queenie Burton and Lana Chapman were Aurora's other two closest friends. They were always busy, and the four of them hadn't managed to get together in months.

Mentioning them brought a faint trace of worry to Aurora's face. "Queenie told me the Sellers situation is still unresolved. He's missing-no news at all. The Burtons are pulling every string they have to try and find him. If something really has happened to Sellers, it could shake the entire Burton family. Queenie's been preparing for the worst, so she won't be free for a while. As for Lana... her old health issues flared up again. She's been recovering at home. You know she's never been particularly strong."

Simone shot a disdainful glance at Lauretta standing a few feet away and gave a cold laugh. "If Lana weren't out sick, Lauretta would never have gotten her chance with the Chapmans. She's in over her head-everyone says she's your equal, but honestly, she doesn't even come close. Has the bar for 'leading lady' really dropped this low?"

Aurora only nodded. "It's a shame about Lana's health, really."

A thought seemed to strike Simone, and her expression brightened with sly amusement. "Tonight was supposed to be Stella's big moment, but as soon as you walked in, every single eye followed you instead. I wouldn't be surprised if Stella blames you for stealing her spotlight."

Aurora shook her head, unconcerned. "She won't." Clearly, she had no intention of discussing Stella at length. Instead, she steered the conversation elsewhere. "By the way, where's Leonard? He's not here yet?"

After a month under the care of top

doctors, Leonard's injuries had finally improved. He'd been hurt plenty of times fighting for the head of the family, but never this badly-it had taken more than a month just to get back on his feet, and he still wasn't fully recovered.

Simone answered, "My brother called earlier. Something came up on his end, so he'll be late."noveldrama

Aurora nodded. She'd invited Leonard herself-given Simone's presence, and the business ties between the Williams Group and the Lermans, there was no reason not to.

Just then, as the two women continued chatting, someone called out, "She's here!"

Instantly, the lively chatter in the ballroom died down. Every head turned toward the grand staircase.

A woman descended slowly from the second floor, dressed in a pale blue gown with vintage patterns that hugged her slender figure. The crystal chandeliers bathed her in a soft, glowing light, revealing flawless skin as smooth and fair as porcelain. Cóntent

Even from a distance, the curves of her body left the crowd momentarily breathless.

But when people's eyes traveled up to her face, the room seemed to

hold its breath. Her features were so harmoniously sculpted they looked carved from the finest

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marble-arched brows, long dashes, and eyes as clear and deep as mountain lakes. Under the dazzling lights, every angle of her face was exquisite, perfectly defined.

Her dark hair was swept up with an understated, elegant pin, a few loose strands

framing the slender curve of her neck-making her look as graceful and

untouchable as a swan.