The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"But now that she's part of the Williams family-our sister-we have to protect Stella, no matter what."

Joshua fixed his gaze on Israel, his tone layered with meaning.

"So, Mr. Israel, what do you propose?"

Israel replied, "If Stella is making false accusations, it speaks volumes about her character. Someone like that isn't fit to work at the Williams Group."

Joshua's voice was cool. "So?"

Israel's tone was heavy. "Stella should hand over her founding shares."

Hearing this, Stella didn't even flinch. Her composure was almost unsettling, as if nothing could rattle her.

Joshua turned to him. "Are you saying Star should just hand them over for nothing, or do you plan to buy them?"

Coleman let out a cold laugh. "After all the trouble Stella has caused us, after we've cleaned up her messes, shouldn't she pay up in some way?"

Joshua arched an eyebrow. "So you want to take advantage of her? Slap a crime on Star and walk away with her shares for free-is that it?"

Joshua's words were blunt, and the faces of the Williams family members flushed with embarrassment and indignation.

Jonathan, always more composed than Coleman or Israel, looked uncomfortable himself. He cut in, "Coleman, Israel, enough nonsense! Even if Star agreed to give up her shares, we'd still have to buy them. There's no way we'd just take them for nothing."

Israel and Coleman fell silent.

After a moment, Israel muttered, "We were just joking with Star, that's all."

But everyone in the room knew there was nothing funny about it.

Joshua gave a slow, mocking clap. "So it's that easy to get your hands on founding shares? What a bargain."

He leaned forward. "How about this-let's reopen the investigation. If it turns out Star was framed by Sherman all those years ago, and you accused her unjustly, then as compensation, you'll give hecan additional ten percent stake. Sound fair?"

Israel's face turned beet red. "You want ten percent for something that happened ages ago? Why don't you just rob us while you're at it?!"

Joshua replied, "Relax. Star isn't looking for a handout. We'll buy them at the highest market price. We're not here to cheat you."noveldrama

Coleman sneered. "Buy them? Do you have any idea how much a single percent of the Williams Group is worth? And you think she has what it takes to buy us out?"

Joshua's eyes glinted. "How about a wager? If Star can come up with the money within the agreed time, you sell her your shares. If she can't, her founding shares go to the Williams family. Deal?"

Joshua was definitely pushing the boundaries with this proposal. But Stella remained calm, showing no sign of wanting to stop him.

Israel smirked. "You're just a bodyguard, yet you dare to spout off in front of us? Do you even know your place? Even the heads of the major families wouldn't dare to make such a demand."

In truth, even the wealthiest families kept most of their capital tied up in

investments. Any serious acquisition would require months-sometimes years-of meticulous planning and raising funds.

Even the Burtons or the Lermans

would struggle to buy up shares of

the Williams Group. For someone

like Stella, it was nearly impossible, no matter who backed her-Haynes, Neville, even Mr. Burton himself. The scale was simply too much for anyone to swallow.