"After Leonard and the others hurt Star, I don''t recall you interrogating Aurora like


    she was a criminal. Besides, Star''s only fault is that she can''t control her bodyguard. She''s done nothing wrong."


    Joshua''s words left the Williams family speechless. Even Israel, who loved to twist words, found himself at a loss. They could ignore the recording, but they couldn''t be so tantly hypocritical with Ste watching them.


    After a long silence, Skyler finally spoke. "Since you''ve admitted to framing Aurora, you must take responsibility. You will issue a public rification, apologize to Aurora, and then we can consider this matter closed. However, you will no longer be permitted to work for Star."


    The Williams family members'' expressions soured. "Father!" The punishment was far too light.


    Jonathan ignored them and turned to Aurora. "Aurora, what do you think?"


    Aurora showed no resentment or dissatisfaction with the lenient penalty for Joshua. She said softly, "I''ll abide by whatever you decide, Father."


    She knew that as the head of the Gardner family, Joshua was not someone they could easily touch. If his identity were revealed, Skyler would be even less likely to punish him. It was better to take a step back, earning the sympathy of her father and brothers while also doing Ste a favor.


    Skyler was pleased with her response. For now, the priority was to quell the rumors. Pushing Joshua too hard wouldn''t be wise. As long as he was willing to confess, the rest would be easy to handle.


    But Joshua just chuckled. "I''m Star''s


    bodyguard publicly admit to


    framing Aurora, how is that any different from Star admitting it? Everyone pur Tust assume s me up to it, and she''ll end up taking


    the fall, won''t she?"


    Skyler''s face darkened. "Star is responsible for failing to manage her own staff. If it


    weren''t for her, do you think I would let you off so easily?"


    Ste listened in silence, not offering


    an opinion. Joshua''s sudden return


    was likely nned for this exact moment. He had his reasons for confessing, and since they hadn''t discussed it beforehand, she wouldn''t interfere.


    Suddenly, Joshua broke into a brilliant smile. "Alright, I''m done joking around with you all. The truth is, I had nothing to do with what happened to Ms. Williams."


    Everyone stared, dumbfounded. Aurora was incredulous. "What did you say?"


    Joshua looked at her apologetically. "I''m sorry, Ms. Williams. What I told you earlier wasn''t true."


    Aurora sneered, "And we''re just supposed to believe you now?"


    "I knew you were recording me from the start, so decided to y a little joke on you," Joshua exined


    calmly. "Mr. Lerman used to


    these kinds of jokes on Star all the time, not only denying he''d hurt her hand but twisting the truth to im she framed him I figured since you and Leonard are so close you must appreciate that kind of humor. As for just now, the atmosphere in here was so tense, I just wanted to


    lighten the mood..."


    He nced around at the stony faces and sighed. "My apologies for failing to make


    youugh. It seems I don''t have Leonard''s sense of humor after all."