NovelApexLeonard was nothing short of a legend.
Despite starting out as an illegitimate son with neither power nor influence, he'd managed to seize the head seat
of the Lerman family in record time—a feat that bordered on the unbelievable.
Of course, he was known for his ruthlessness.
A rare look of gravity crossed Haynes's usually calm face.
"Star, someone has to take the fall for the scandal about Aurora being an illegitimate child. If we can't find out
who leaked the news, you're the one who'll be in danger. I've thought it through. I'll go with you to the Williams
estate, and, for now, I'll claim responsibility. You're Keen's mother. If | speak up for you, it'll seem logical and
justified."
Stella instinctively shook her head. "No, if Leonard's that dangerous, and you take the blame, all you're doing is
putting yourself in harm's way instead."
Haynes's deep eyes softened with a faint smile. "Star, you're worried about me. That means a lot."
Stella opened her mouth to say something, but Haynes quickly grew serious again, cutting her off.
"Star, if we can't find the real culprit, everyone will assit was you. And Abby could be at risk too. With
Leonard's temperament, the fact that she once spoke poorly of Aurora is enough to make her a target, whether
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtshe spread the rumor or not. The way this information got out is extremely strange—it spread through outside
channels. It'll take tto trace the source."
But twas exactly what they didn't have.
The longer this dragged on, the worse it would get for Stella.
For now, Haynes could draw Leonard's suspicion onto himself, giving Stella sbreathing room. Leonard would
focus all his energy on dealing with Haynes, leaving Stella out of the crosshairs.
Abby listened, her expression growing conflicted. As Stella's best friend, anything she said would be seen as
coming from Stella herself. Leonard would hold Stella responsible for Abby's words. She realized she'd only made
things harder for Stella.
Stella turned to Haynes, shaking her head again. "No, | can't let you take this risk for me."
Haynes's voice was calm, tinged with a gentle warmth. "This is Novaris, Star. Leonard's chances of succeeding
here aren't very high. Besides, I've been through worse situations before. I'm not doing this to play the hero or
shield you from danger. | just want to buy us stime. If we can find the real culprit before then, the crisis will
pass."
Stella had a gut feeling things
wouldn't go as smoothly as Haynes
hoped. She was about to say more
when Jonathan's assistant arrived.
"Ms. Cameron, Mr. Williams sentto escort you."
Stella had no choice but to leave with the assistant, her words swallowed by uncertainty.
ork
The Williams estate.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Aurora called, "Cin," and a tall, striking man stepped into the room.
She set her book aside and looked up. "Leonard, you're here."
Leonard's gaze fell on her delicate, pale face. "How are you feeling, Aurora? Any better?"
Since that day, Aurora had come
down with a terrible fever and hadn't
fully recovered. She'd dropped out of
the competition because of her
illness, and the swirling public
rumors didn't help.
She nodded. "Much better, thank you. And Leonard, about what happened that day... | really appreciate what you
did."
Leonard said, "Aurora, | cby today because | wanted to give you something."
He handed her a large, square gift box. It looked heavy, but felt surprisingly light.
Curious, Aurora opened the box. When she saw what was inside, she instinctively covered her mouth in surprise.
"This is..."
Leonard looked at her, his gaze steady and deep. "Simone told me
the girl in this painting is you, and
that you loved it. So, after thinking it
over, | decided it ought to be yours."
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