The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1608

The moment Joshua returned, he had handed Stella a deal of massive proportions, an even grander gesture than Leonard's had been.

By appearing publicly in this setting, he not only elevated Stella's status but also trampled on her siblings, humiliating them in the process.

Whether he was Joshua the bodyguard or Joshua the family head, he hadn't changed at all.

His very first appearance after his departure was calculated to bring Stella the greatest possible benefit and value.

Aurora lowered her gaze, her long hair concealing her expression. Only her tightly pressed lips and her hands clenched under the table revealed that she was not as calm as she appeared.

Stella hadn't been briefed on the specifics of the collaboration, so she had to improvise as she led the meeting. Despite this, she remained composed and navigated the entire session with skill and ease.

Joshua watched the self-assured woman beside him, an unexpected sense of pride welling up inside him.

From now on, she could handle anything that came her way. She no longer needed him to teach her.

Stella felt his gaze on her, and her eyelashes fluttered for a second before she quickly returned to her professional demeanor.

Two hours later, the meeting concluded.

Jonathan, Coleman Williams, and Aurora left the conference room with grim expressions.

The shareholders from Skyler's faction looked like they had swallowed poison. Only the shareholders who supported Nora were smiling.

Zane Vance gave Stella a meaningful smile before he left. President Crawford and the others also nodded at her in acknowledgement.

Aurora's only advantage had been eclipsed by Stella. Even with Jonathan's help, it was now nearly impossible for Aurora to surpass Stella's position in The Williams Group.

Before Jonathan could speak, Aurora interjected, "Father, it was my idea. I told Jonathan not to say anything."

Skyler turned to look at her.

Aurora explained, "We've actually known Joshua's identity for a while. The reason we kept it a secret was... because if the shareholders found out, Stella could essentially replace Jonathan's position in The Williams Group. The shareholders who support Nora would use this to pressure you to name a new successor. Furthermore, our family, the Burton family, and the Lerman family all have a terrible relationship with Joshua. It's reached an irreconcilable point."

She looked directly into Skyler's eyes. "Are we supposed to abandon our relationships with those two families for the sake of one man?"

Skyler frowned. "If things were truly irreconcilable, the Gardner family wouldn't have offered The Williams Group such a large contract."

Coleman sneered. "Joshua didn't give it to The Williams Group; he gave it to Stella alone. A month ago, he sent a message saying he wanted to partner with us. But if he really wanted Stella to lead the project, he could have specified his choice in advance, just like the Quinn family did. He didn't. Instead, he deliberately created the illusion that anyone could take on this contract."