The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"But even after all these years," Jonathan said, "that group of old-timers at the company still remain fiercely loyal to Mother. Some of them won't even consider selling their founding shares."

Skyler sighed, his voice tinged with admiration. "Those people-your mother personally promoted them when the company was at its lowest. They owe her everything, and after all this time, they still remember her kindness. Some of them... they're even waiting for her to come back."

It was clear just how much Nora had won people over in the years she ran the company. But the truth was, they would wait for her in vain—she was never coming back.

Jonathan fell silent for a moment before asking, "Dad, just now you mentioned that they wanted to meddle in our family affairs. What exactly did you mean?"

Skyler's tone hardened. "Those relics must be out of their minds. They actually want Star to join the executive team at Williams Group. Star didn't even grow up with the family-she never received the kind of elite education they know we value. And despite knowing that, they're still clinging to some sentimental notion."

A flash of anger crossed Skyler's face. "They also want me to reclaim Aurora's shares and hand them over to Star. They've even banded together with a few other shareholders to put pressure on me. And as if that weren't enough, they're threatening that unless Stella is brought into the executive ranks, they'll never agree to the acquisition."

He let out a cold, mirthless laugh. "They're actually trying to threaten me now? Do they think they can stage some kind of coup?"

Jonathan didn't look the least bit surprised. Watching his father, he said, “Dad, there's something I just learned as well."

Skyler raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Jonathan replied, "The lawyer told me that before she died, Mother left a will. Even though her shares will be unlocked at the end of the year, only Stella is named as the sole heir."

Skyler's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "What did you say?"

Jonathan continued, "Mother left everything she owned-all her founding shares -to Stella."

Skyler could hardly believe it. "Jonathan, are you absolutely certain?"

Jonathan nodded. "I'm sure."

Skyler pressed, "She didn't leave anything for you or your siblings?"

Jonathan's lips tightened. "No. Nothing."

A deep disappointment clouded Skyler's expression. "Your mother was truly ruthless! She abandoned you all those years, and now, in the end, she leaves you nothing, as if she wants to see you siblings at each other's throats. If she hated me, fine-but you and your siblings are her children, not pawns for her revenge!"

To Skyler, Nora's decision to leave all her shares to Stella was a deliberate move to pit Stella against her brothers for the inheritance. And with so many of Nora's loyal old guard still at Williams Group the moment Stella set foot in the company, those people would rally behind her without question.

Back then, the scandal with the Fisherwoman had been swept under the rug, but the company veterans knew the truth.

Skyler shook his head, anger simmering beneath his words. "Those people have never stopped blaming me for driving Nora away. Their resentment festers—they even threaten me, insisting Aurora must never be allowed to work at Williams Group."

Jonathan was momentarily stunned. “Dad, what did you just say?"

Skyler's voice was heavy with meaning. "Why do you think I never let Aurora study business? It wouldn't matter. She was never going to be allowed into the Williams Group-not with the way things stand."

At last, Jonathan's calm facade

cracked. "They're using this tonoveldrama

control us? Barring Aurora from ever joining the company? Unbelievable! Dad, if these parasites can threaten us today, what's to stop them from taking over Williams Group tomorrow? Maybe it's time we fought back."