The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1442

"How did Joshua stack up against them?"

The question caught Stella off guard. The models' physiques were certainly impressive, but the details were already fading from her memory. She cleared her throat. "...Your physique is better."

He turned his head to face her fully. "In that case, if you want to look at something in the future, you can just look at me."

Stella was sure she'd misheard him. "What did you say?"

Joshua replied with complete seriousness, "Some unscrupulous people are fond of using seduction to manipulate their targets, even selling their own bodies to achieve their goals. Star, we still have many enemies. It's best to keep your distance from people with unknown backgrounds."

He paused for a beat before adding, "Since you find me acceptable, if you ever feel the need to look, you can come to me."

Stella's face flushed a deep crimson. The way he put it made her sound like some desperate, lonely woman. "No, no, that's not necessary!" she stammered. "I'm not thinking about those things right now. I wasn't interested in those models; Mr. Franco was just being overly hospitable. And I had no idea he was going to arrange that kind of program... Joshua, you can rest assured, I have no intention of dating anyone until the situation with the Williams family is resolved."

Joshua fell silent again, an inexplicable quietness settling over him.

...

A few days prior, while Israel was having drinks with a business partner at a bar, Violet had stormed in, flipped their table, and accused Israel of cheating on her. Israel's reputation had hit rock bottom recently, and he had even been forced to take a leave of absence from work. He knew that if this continued, his power and influence would be completely eroded.

Once the issue with Violet had been temporarily smoothed over, Israel had eagerly thrown himself back into work, desperate to consolidate his position. With Aurora's help, he had finally managed to secure a new contract. After the signing, it was only natural to arrange some entertainment. What was the point of men just drinking and eating together? Without beautiful women, it would be boring. So, Israel had arranged for a few.

He never expected Violet to crash the party, accusing him of having an affair. At first, Israel tried to reason with her. But Violet went too far, making a scene in front of so many people, ruining his evening, offending his partner, and showing him no respect at all. Israel, never one for patience, slapped her across the face.

The result was catastrophic. Violet posted a picture of her swollen face online, along with an edited video of her 'catching him in the act' at the bar. The Williams family was once again thrown into a media firestorm. The partner who had just signed with Israel was also dragged through the mud, facing public backlash. Terrified, the partner immediately canceled the contract. Several other potential partners who had been in talks with Israel saw the writing on the wall and cut off all contact.