Skyler was so furious that his chest heaved, like a father who''d just learned his daughter had been hurt.


    "That Leonard-I swear, I''ll make him pay for this!"


    Jonathan''s brow twitched, but he looked straight at Ste.


    "Star, Leonard may have done this to get back at Aurora, but she wasn''t involved. She didn''t know anything about it—she''s still in the hospital in Solmaris, remember? Her arm was burned with acid; her skin''s badly damaged, and she''s still undergoing treatment."


    Ste stayed silent.


    Even if Aurora hadn''t ordered it, it all started because of her. Ste couldn''t bring herself to be so magnanimous as to say she didn''t me Aurora.


    Skyler finally managed to calm down. "Star, don''t worry. I promise I''ll get justice for you."


    Ste lowered her eyes.


    Justice? What did that even mean? As far as she knew, the Williams family and the Lerman family had deep business ties-thanks to Aurora''s rtionship with Leonard and Simone. Leonard had pursued Aurora for years, and in the process, the Williams family had reaped plenty of benefits from their business deals.


    But outside the Williams family, Leonard never let anyone else take advantage of him in business. The same held true for the Burton Group.


    That, Ste knew, was the real reason Jonathan valued Aurora so much.


    She didn''t believe for a second that Skyler would break off all ties with the Lerman family just for her sake.


    Almost as if sensing her doubts, Skyler spoke up, "Star, the Williams family''s partnership with the Lermans isplicated-it''s not something I can exin in a few words."


    He sighed and added, "Besides, the Williams Group is a massive enterprise. It''s not just my decision to make. Even if I wanted to cut ties with the Lermans, the board would never agree."


    Jonathan frowned slightly. "Star,


    you''ll be part of the Williams Group one day. y. You should


    o permanent


    understand-there are enemies in business, only permanent interests. Breaking off with the Lermans would hurt both sides in ways we can''t even predict. As for Leonard..."


    He fell silent for a long moment before continuing, "We''ll remember what he''s done. When the timees, the Williams family won''t let him get away with it."


    Just then, a cool, deep voice rang out from the doorway.


    "And when exactly will that be? When Leonard''s dead, or when the Lermans have


    a new head and stop handing you profits?"


    Haynes and Abby entered the room.


    Seeing Ste awake, a rare softness flickered in Haynes'' usually sharp, handsome features.


    "Star, how are you feeling? Are you in any pain?"


    "I''m fine," Ste replied. "Thank you for everything."


    Haynes shook his head slightly. "There''s no need for thanks between us."


    He turned to face Skyler and Jonathan, his expression icing over.


    "Mr. Williams, gentlemen-Leonard kidnapped Star. He destroyed both her hands. She''ll never y violin again, and even her daily life will be affected. After something like


    this after he''s ruined her future and endangered her life-you still want to do business with the Lermans?"


    His eyes shed with a hard, cold light.


    "The William''s family is a


    powerhouse. Losing the Lermans as partners won''t shake your foundation. Or are you really telling me that a bit of profit matters more to you than your own daughter?"