The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1274

Joshua's expression softened when he saw her. "Star."

Stella turned, the ice in her eyes melting away. "Are your wounds all dressed?"

"Yeah, all done. It's nothing serious." Joshua's gaze swept over to Leonard in the hospital bed. He feigned surprise. "Mr. Lerman, what a coincidence. Are you staying here too?"

"You have a real talent for playing dumb," Leonard said coldly. Joshua was the one who had caused the accident; he knew perfectly well why he was here.

Joshua maintained his innocent facade. "I don't know what you mean, Mr. Lerman."

"It's a shame you're not an actor. You'd win an Oscar for Best Actor at a record-breaking age."

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Lerman, but I'm not interested in a Hollywood career," Joshua replied smoothly. "However, you might want to consider it. When you're eventually kicked out as head of your family, it would be a decent way to make a living. Though I'm not sure the industry would welcome someone with your… image."

A murderous glint flashed in Leonard's eyes.

Feeling the atmosphere grow cold, Stella grew anxious that Joshua might push him too far and cause a scene in the hospital.

"Joshua, let's go home," she said, intervening. "Didn't you say you were craving my cooking? I'll make you something later."

The mention of her cooking immediately diverted Joshua's attention from Leonard. "Okay."

As they turned to leave, he couldn't resist a final jab at Leonard. "Poor Mr. Lerman, stuck here all alone with hospital food."

Leonard sneered. "Poor? If I wanted, I could have world-renowned chefs prepare anything I desire. One word from me, and the rarest ingredients would be flown in instantly."

Joshua laughed. "Is using money to get what you want something to be proud of? When the day comes that you lose your power and influence, what will you have left?"

With that, he dismissed Leonard and turned to Stella. "Star, let's go."

"Alright."

Israel's complaint was skillfully crafted to shift all the blame onto Leonard. He was implying that Aurora's recent troubles were a direct result of the enemies Leonard had made. If it weren't for him, Stella and Joshua would have never targeted her.

Leonard found it amusing. He looked at Aurora. "Is that what you think, too?"

Aurora's eyes darted away for a second before she said softly, "Leonard, don't listen to my brother. That's not what I meant. I ran into Joshua outside the office the other day, and we just chatted for a bit. It was lunchtime, so out of politeness, I asked if he wanted to eat together. I never thought he'd actually agree. But I'd already offered, so I couldn't take it back."

Her explanation did nothing to change the look on Leonard's face. Lunch could be explained away, but the Dawnlight was another matter entirely.

Sensing this, Aurora continued, sighing softly, "As for lending him the Dawnlight… you know who Joshua is, Leonard. He's always by Stella's side, and his motives are unclear. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to gauge his attitude."

Leonard's eyelids lifted slightly. "And did you find out anything?"

Aurora shook her head. "No. He's hostile and guarded around me. He seems to believe I'm the cause of all of Stella's suffering." She paused. "It looks like he's genuinely committed to helping her."