"Joshua," Ste''s voice came from beside him.


    He turned to her. "What is it, Star?"


    "Were you deliberately trying to provoke him?" she asked.


    "No, I just can''t stand Sellers," he replied casually.


    Though Joshua brushed it off, Ste knew him well enough to understand he wouldn''t be so harsh with Aurora for no reason. The most likely exnation was that he was trying to redirect Sellers''s animosity from her to himself.


    Just as she was about to say something, Joshua cut her off. "Star, wait here. I''ll go get you something to eat."


    Ste sighed helplessly as she watched him walk away.


    Not long after Joshua left, amotion erupted near the entrance. Thinking some important dignitary had arrived, Ste turned to look. She was taken aback by who


    she saw.


    It was... Leonard?


    While Ste and Leonard were sworn enemies, the Chapman family had no such feud with him. The great families were deeply intertwined, and despite Leonard''s ruthless reputation, old business partnerships couldn''t be severed on a whim.


    Leonard''s entrance immediately captured everyone''s attention. The recent turmoil within the Lerman family wasmon knowledge in their circle. While he was at his most vulnerable, many of his enemies had not only attacked The Lerman Group but had also sent assassins after him. It was widely known that Leonard had been severely injured, losing an ear and an arm.


    So, when he appeared at the g, many were curious to see just how pathetic he looked. To their surprise, however, he looked almost the same as before.


    Even so, his presence sparked a wave of hushed whispers and murmurs.


    Ste, too was surprised. Everyone knew that Leonard never broughta date to these events other than Aurora Since Aurora hade with Seffers tonight, Ste had assumed Leonard wouldn''t show up at all.


    A variety of judgmental gazes fell upon him. Leonard had a bad reputation and few friends. In the past his immense power had kept people from saying anything to his face, but now that he was down, they felt emboldened to kick him.


    Everyone who disliked him was itching to take a jab.


    "I can''t believe Leonard actually has the nerve to show his face here. I heard he was even removed from his position at The Lerman Group. It won''t be long before he loses his title as head of the family."


    "Who would''ve thought Leonard would see a day like this? It''s karma for all the evil he''s done!"


    "Remember how Aurora always used to attend these things with Leonard? Tonight, she came with Sellers. You see what that means, don''t you..."


    "I''ve hated that guy for ages. He totally deserves this!"


    "Good for Aurora for not ending up with someone like him. Sellers is so much better than that bloodthirsty monster..."


    "Aurora needs to run and never look back. She shouldn''t have anything to do with that heartless beast."


    Ignoring the murmurs, Leonard walked into the ballroom alone, his expression unruffled. He had weathered far greater storms than this and couldn''t be bothered by gossip and ridicule.


    His eyes scanned the hall as if searching for someone. His gaze paused for a fraction of a second when itnded on Ste, then luickly moved on, finally settling on Aurora in the crowd. She wasughing and chatting with a group of business elites, seemingly unaware of his arrival.


    Having found his target, Leonard began to walk toward her.