"She might not feel embarrassed, but I''m cringing for her!"


    Ste''s lips curled into a cool, almost icy smile. Her eyes glinted with shards of frost.


    "Israel, you know, one of the greatest human delusions is thinking you''re more important than you really are.


    You honestly believe I''m desperate topete with Aurora, even though I''m supposedly not half as good as she is? What exactly about her do you think is worth my envy?


    Am I supposed to be jealous because she''s prettier than me? Or is it the fact that she''s had the best education money can buy since she was a child, yet her violin skills are nothing special? Or let me guess-am I envious that Aurora has barely any shares in the family business, not even a seat at the table?


    I''ve heard of people being jealous of those who are better than them. But jealous of someone who''s worse off? That''s a new one. Does your mind always work like this, Israel? Or do you spend your days envying the homeless on the street- wishing you could sleep in the cold, go hungry, and be stepped on by everyone who passes?"


    Facing Israel''s furious re, Ste raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe you''re a glutton for punishment, Israel?"


    Israel jabbed a finger at her, his lips trembling with rage, but he couldn''t get a single word out.


    "Ste, you-!"


    He wanted to challenge her, but even he couldn''t bring himself to im Ste was ugly-she was every bit as stunning as Aurora, if not more. And in terms of violin —yes, her hand had been injured, but she''d already beaten Harry, something Aurora could never dream of. Most importantly, Ste held original shares in the family business, a privilege not even Jonathan had.


    Jonathan, seeing the argument escte, finally interjected. "Israel, go get some rest. I''ll deal with this."


    Still rubbing his aching, dizzy head, Israel shot Ste onest angry look before he retreated upstairs.


    When he was gone, Jonathan sighed. "Sorry, Star. We made assumptions and med you unfairly.


    A little while ago, Shawn''s mother, Mrs. Pearce, called me in tears, iming you injured her son.


    I never imagined Shawn would have the guts toy a finger on someone from the Williams family.


    But don''t worry, I''ll handle it. Shawn won''t get off easy."


    Ste understood the intricate power dynamics in Solmaris all too well.


    Jonathan and Israel valued the Pearce family because they had political influence. Business and polities had always been intertwined, and the Williams family thrived in Solmaris thanks to its deep O connections in government. The Pearces were a key part of thatwork.  s<fn622b> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel</fn622b>


    That was the only reason Ste had held back when Shawn first grabbed her hand. Last time, she''d had no choice but to offend oil tycoons and


    financiers she wasn''t foolish


    enough to make enemies


    everywhere she went.


    belongs to s


    Yet, looking at things now, she''d managed to offend nearly every family allied with the Williamses.


    It just proved what she''d always known: The Williams family would cozy up to anyone, no matter how unsavory, as long as there was something in it for them.


    She''d seen their selfishness and self-interest from the very start, so she never expected Jonathan to truly take her side.


    She said coolly, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head upstairs and rest.”


    Jonathan didn''t stop her. "Go on."


    Ste turned and climbed the stairs.


    Soon, it was time for Aurora''s birthday party.


    This year''s celebration was especially borate-it was her first birthday since


    joining The Williams Group.


    Despite recent scandals, Aurora''s position in thepany had only made her more valuable. Her reputation-and her influence-had soared far beyond what it was when


    She was just a pretty face when


    with a


    famous name.  s


    Just a few days ago, Aurora had taken over a newpany andnded a major


    deal, boosting her status even higher.