The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1397

But now, with the Lerman family's influence waning, Aurora was openly trying to steal him away. If it had been anyone else, it would have been one thing. But this was Aurora, her best friend for years! How could she be so thoughtless?

In that moment, Simone's hatred boiled over. Aurora's life had always been too easy. They were both illegitimate daughters, but Aurora had grown up in the spotlight, celebrated and admired. Meanwhile, she and Leonard had been forced to hide in the shadows like rats, ridiculed and shamed, never daring to show their faces in front of the legitimate heirs. They were both born to be scorned, so what right did Aurora have to be treated like a goddess?

Right now, her hatred for Stella seemed insignificant. The betrayal of a close friend cut deeper than the animosity of any enemy.

Taking a deep breath, Simone forced down the corrosive hatred in her heart and managed a smile. "Of course. No one knows what Aurora likes better than I do."

"Thank you, Miss Lerman," Joshua said with a warm smile. "Today's coffee is on me."

After they finished, they went to a nearby luxury shopping center. Simone didn't choose a gift she knew Aurora would dislike; that would be too amateurish. Instead, she picked something Aurora secretly adored, a preference known only to her. "Joshua, Aurora will love this," she said. "It was a little secret between us. Even my brother doesn't know about it."

At the mention of Leonard, Joshua asked, "Miss Lerman, are you… still trying to set your brother up with her?"

A flicker of coldness passed through Simone's eyes before she replied with a bitter smile. "My brother has lost his influence and suffered a terrible injury. He's no longer worthy of Aurora. She's an exceptional woman; she deserves better."

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