If Leonard married Aurora, the support of the Williams family would guarantee his return to power.


    "It wasn''t Leonard," Aurora said coolly. "Nothing happened between us that night. He spent the whole time in a cold shower."


    Ste found that hard to believe. Was Leonard really that much of a gentleman?


    Jonathan''s expression softened. "Leonard may have his ws, but his feelings for Aurora are genuine." He assumed Leonard hadn''t touched Aurora because he cherished her too much.


    Israel, however, was indignant. "Regardless, Aurora was the one who was wronged in this situation, so Leonard bears some responsibility. He needs to figure out how to shut these people up. He also has topensate Aurora for her losses. He may have been ousted, but he''s still thergest shareholder in The Lerman Group. Aspensation for the damage to her reputation, he should transfer one percent of his shares to Aurora. He can''t just benefit from this and get away scot-free." Jonathan considered this for a moment, then looked at Aurora. "This situation is very damaging to you, Aurora. Letting Leonard handle it is the best option." Before Aurora could reply, Joshua spoke up with a smile. "Mr. Israel, you''re being quite presumptuous, aren''t you? Leonard didn''t do a single thing he didn''ty a finger on Ms. Williams. How exactly did he ''benefit''? And demanding one percent of his shares... Are you trying to pull assets out of thin air? I at least offered to *buy* Ms. Williams''s shares. You''re talking about daylight robbery."


    Israel''s temper red whenever Joshua spoke. "You shut your mouth!" he snapped. "The rumors are that he slept with her. That''s how he benefited! For years, Aurora has had a spotless reputation, and now because of him she''s being ndered. Of course he should be held responsible!"


    "And wasn''t Leonard the one who suppressed any negative news about her all those years?" Joshua countered.


    "He''s not suppressing it now, is he?" Israel retorted. "He''s letting the rumors spread to ruin her name so that no one else will have her, and she''ll be forced to marry him! Don''t think I can''t see through his pathetic,pdog tactics!"


    Joshua just smiled and said nothing more. Thinking he had finally won a verbal sparring match, Israel grew even more smug. "One percent of his shares is letting him off easy. If he can''t undo the damage to Aurora''s reputation, he''ll be in her debt forever!"


    Aurora wasn''t as optimistic. She could feel a distinct change in Leonard.


    He


    hadn''t contacted her


    once since that night. She couldn''t believe he was unaware of the rumors that had reached her sote. Yet, he hadn''t made a move, hadn''t even called. Could Israel be right? Was he deliberately letting her reputation be destroyed so she would have no choice but to marry him?


    In his study, Leonard was using his right hand to copy one of Summer''s paintings. He always used his right hand in public; no one knew he was left-handed. His dexterity with his right was no worse than an average person''s, but for fine motor tasks ike painting, the difference was noticeable.


    Just then, his phone vibrated on the desk. He nced at the screen. Though there


    was no name, his sharp memory recognized the number as Joshua''s.