The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 931

A sly, almost mocking smile played at the corners of Leonard Lerman’s mouth.

“This violin may just be a relic, but its former owner was, in a roundabout way, responsible for Aurora Williams losing her mother. Smashing it to pieces—that might offer a little comfort to Aurora’s mother, wherever she is now.”

Leonard moved with the practiced confidence of someone who’d trained his whole life; his strength was undeniable.

Stella Cameron could only watch in horror as the violin—her beloved Nocturne Stella—splintered bit by bit right in front of her eyes.

“Let me go! Let me go, you bastards!” she shouted, fighting to break free, but the bodyguards at her side held her fast, their grips unyielding.

The violin snapped clean in two before her, jagged wood chips scattering across the floor. Stella stared at Leonard, her gaze darkening with hatred.

Leonard had seen that look countless times before; it didn’t faze him in the slightest. In fact, his grin only widened, sparkling with the childish delight of someone who’d just found a new favorite toy.

“I pointed a gun at your head, and you didn’t even flinch. But a violin? That’s what finally gets to you? Is it really worth more to you than your own life?”

A film of tears shimmered in Stella’s eyes, but she fought to keep them from falling. Tears were useless—her mother had taught her that. She bit down hard, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Leonard looked her over, amused. “I thought you were tougher than this. But look at you—without a man to fight your battles, you’re nothing.”

Stella lifted her chin and met his gaze. “You say I rely on men, but what about you? Isn’t your whole life propped up by your family’s power? If you can’t stand on your own, what makes you any better than me?”

Leonard bent down, patting her head with mock affection as if she were a pet. “You know, you almost make a good point. Unfortunately for you, my backers are stronger than yours. So you’ll always be at my mercy.”

He straightened, flashing a warm smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, and I almost forgot—I love seeing you like this. Helpless, wounded, and utterly powerless.”

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