The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1178

The Williams family had gathered under one roof, all because of Stella’s disappearance.

Israel Williams couldn’t hide his anger. “Stella’s been missing for two whole days right under our noses, and we’re only just finding out now!” As he spoke, he glanced upstairs and let out a cold, dismissive scoff. “And it’s all because that ungrateful brat kept covering for her. If it weren’t for him, we would’ve known much sooner. Like mother, like son—utterly heartless, the both of them.”

Skyler and Jonathan Williams’s faces hardened at his words.

“Enough, Israel!” Jonathan snapped.

Aurora Williams spoke up as well, her tone sharper than usual. “Second brother, Keen is just a child. Don’t take it out on him.” Skyler had already made it clear to everyone—the grudges between the adults should never involve Keen.

He himself had once been ruthless in his youth, but age had tempered his edges. He simply couldn’t bring himself to be so cold-blooded anymore, especially not toward a child. No matter what happened, he would never let anyone harm Keen.

Seeing that no one was siding with him, Israel’s breath caught in his throat and his expression turned awkward.

Coleman Williams broke the silence. “The people we sent to investigate just called. Apparently, Stella and her bodyguard were ambushed. Judging by the evidence at the scene, the attackers weren’t from Solmaris.”

Jonathan frowned. “Not from Solmaris? Does Stella have enemies in other countries, too?”

Israel let out a sarcastic laugh. “See? Stella’s been nothing but trouble since the day she was born. If she’s not causing headaches here, she’s stirring up enemies abroad. No wonder she agreed to come back—she’s just looking for the family’s protection.”

No one bothered to respond.

“Not mine,” Leonard replied, but there was a strange amusement in his voice. “But I did tip them off. Those people—they’re Joshua’s enemies.”

Stella was untouchable for the moment, and Leonard knew he couldn’t get to her directly. Still, he wasn’t about to swallow his losses so easily. After all, The Lerman Group had taken a massive hit—hundreds of millions gone—and his position had grown shaky.

If he couldn’t strike at Stella, there was always Joshua. Joshua had no shortage of enemies, especially in Aetheria. All Leonard had to do was leak a little information, and Joshua would never know peace again. The people hunting Joshua were ruthless; they didn’t care about collateral damage. If Stella got caught in the crossfire and ended up dead, well, Leonard could hardly be blamed.

It was the perfect plan: two birds with one stone, and he wouldn’t even have to get his own hands dirty.

Aurora saw right through him. She frowned. “Leonard, Stella already made out her will. Even if something happens to her, the family won’t get her original shares. And don’t forget—she’s our blood. Father made himself clear: no matter how fierce the fighting gets between us, no one crosses the line. Life is the bottom line.”