Joshua hesitated for a moment beforeplying.


    Once he was gone, Jonathan Williams spoke. "Star, we''ve heard about what happened in Germany. Joshua killed Stuart Gibson, and now the Gibson family is demanding an exnation."


    He paused, his expression grim. "Star, you can''t keep him around any longer."


    "Since you know what happened with the Gibsons," Ste countered calmly, "do you also know what Stuart did to me?"


    "We''ve been briefed on the general course of events," Jonathan said dismissively. "While Stuart did force his way into your room, he didn''t actually harm you. You were fully clothed and physically uninjured."<fnaa66> The rightful source is Find~Novel</fnaa66>


    Ste let out a soft, incredulousugh. "So, I have to be vited before I''m allowed to fight back?"


    Jonathan frowned. "That''s not what I mean. I''m saying that while Stuart was in the wrong, his actions didn''t warrant a death sentence. Star, I know you. You wouldn''t kill someone without a very good reason." He nced in the direction Joshua had disappeared. "Don''t you think your bodyguard has been overstepping? He''s constantly getting involved in your personal affairs."


    Israel, who had suffered at Joshua''s hands multiple times, despised the man. Seeing a chance to kick him while he was down, he chimed in with relish.


    "Ste, your bodyguard''s actions reflect on you. Now that he''s a murderer, if you harbor him, you''re no better than he is. Thepany''s shareholders, the public- no one will ept that."


    In truth, Israel had gotten the full story from Leonard even before Ste''s return. They had discussed it: if Ste chose to protect Joshua, it would be the perfect opportunity for them. They could leak the story of Joshua being a killer, and Ste''s reputation as his employer would be dragged through the mud. No matter how much influence she had at The Williams Group, the public would never support someone with such a tarnished character. She would be forced to retreat into the shadows, a pariah.  s


    And once Ste was out of the picture, Aurora Williams could step in and take her rightful ce.


    Hearing Israel''s words, Ste instantly understood his game. The ybook was all too familiar, reminiscent of the tricks Jasper Wilkinson and Rachel used to y.


    She smiled faintly. "You can save your breath. I''m standing by Joshua. You know as well as I do what kind of man Stuart was. Joshua did the right thing. Stuart got what he deserved."


    With that, she turned her back on them and walked up the stairs.


    After she was gone, Israel sneered. "See? I told you she was involved with that pretty boy. He killed Stuart just for hitting on her, and now she''s willing to ruin her name to protect him. Theard they disappeared together for three or four days in Germany. Who knows what they were up to..."  s


    "That''s enough, Israel," Jonathan cut in, his voice cold and sharp as Israel''sments grew more vulgar. Ste was still a Williams, and this scandal would tarnish the family name.


    Coleman Williams spoke, his tone icy. "Ever since Ste came back, she''s been nothing but trouble for this family. Gibson has made it clear: if we don''t hand over his son''s killer, the Gibson and Williams families are at war. Jonathan, the familles allied with the Gibsons are already canceling their contracts with The Williams Group. If this continues, our losses will be significant."  s


    The Williams family had always prided itself on its extensivework and good


    rtions, making a point never to offend anyone.