Chapter 112 Caught Off Guard
Eddie leaned in with a smirk. “Let me guess–he’s looking at Stella. Who else could make Abraham smile like that?”
Abraham shot him a look.
Eddie held up his hands. “Alright, I get it. I shut up. I’ve got a sister too, you know.”
It was obvious–Stella wasn’t just anyone to Abraham.
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They’d all watched Stella grow up. Eddie had always had a decent relationship with her. Every time they saw each other, she’d greet him politely.
But apparently, even that was enough to irritate Abraham.
Like someone was trying to steal his little sister.
Seriously, relat, Eddie thought We ve all gor sisters.
Abraham gave him a side glance. “Then bring your sister out sometime.
Eddie stopped cold. Yeah, no thanks.
His sister was… well, a bit on the boyish side. If he brought her around, people might think he was dating a dude.
It had happened before. And honestly? It was a nightmare.
Why is it that other people’s sisters are cute and girly, and mine’s not? Other guys had sisters who wore skirts, styled their hair and looked adorable. His? Short hair. Military background. Strong as hell.
“Fine. My sister can’t compete. Happy now?” Eddie muttered. Yeah, yeah–your sister’s the best.
Still, he had to admit–Stella was gorgeous. Ever since she got back from Ealvaria, her skin looked perfect, and she had this easy, natural glow.
Abraham looked pleased with himself and opened the photo Abel had just sent again.
He texted back: “What is she doing?”
Abel replied: “Eavesdropping”
Abraham’s expression shifted. “On whom?”
“The Reeds”
Abraham went quie
quiet. Seriously? Where did she even learn that?
I If she needed info, all she had to do was ask–he could get it in seconds. But crouching by doors? Unbelievable.
Back at the hospital
Inside the room, the tension was thick
All eyes were on her, and Lillian’s heart was pounding in her throat.
She had no idea how much they’d heard. Or what they were thinking
But judging by their expressions, they clearly suspected something
Especially Ethan. He’d overheard something before–and now this?
Chapter 2 Gauge Of Bud
band zum zad. Es umr was cum- there was on mistaking te ge unienestu, die dan
jonatan treowned. “Tacomall Then wir were must worked up just hang up dues come
Lillum sand and wanent on in the person kept going on and on
que ha posam ham and Thr the war ju the
Soan ponane and met senord in domu ung-
WIS (108) I MEDM all. Nothing in mess abou” She raced out and
Lilian’s hunt Testame, dan een botter amswering. And if you do pick up, hang up immediacy Donarque wit those lands of people the pedes, and if 900 puss them off who know who the ‘ll do. They re miding beitund.
Lillian nodded wenn Gurt Mom. Net dnu Igen & call like thun, fl hang up nightaway.”
That should’ve been the end of the cond’ve been able to man..
Sur then Susan added, usually oh, mich—ll say auzon–band–dallas charge from your accoum. When was thm for
weurned. Lillian‘, her dream. She bured out — 201 Mummed out of it!”
Sirsan blinked.
pression didn’t change, blur something
soal Branded 70th so that what that veling was about No won
Jonathan, on the other hand, didn’t seem
cht were threatening to throw someone in jail.”
Lilium hear mend. She nodded quickly
al–chey nook foureen grabe thram me Of mure.
Suur les ou a breath of reher. “Well, it’s just fourteen downed Noxworth warming pers
Send Gifts
$ 1.08
Chapter 113 Cut Ties
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next
Jonathan gave Lillian a warm smile and gently ruffled her hair. “Yeah, just a scam. Just don’t answer those kinds of calls n time, alright?”
It was obvious–both Jonathan and Susan believed her.
Ethan, though. His expression didn’t change. His eyes were still unreadable.
Lillian picked up on it immediately. She looked at him and asked carefully, “Ethan, is something wrong?”
His expression was impossible to read. She couldn’t tell if he believed her-or not.
After a beat, Ethan shook his head. “It’s nothing. I’ve got something to take care of. If you need anything, call me.”
“Okay.” Lillian nodded quickly, not daring to say more.
She couldn’t risk slipping up.
Outside the room.
Stella had been listening the whole time. The second she saw Ethan heading out, she nudged Abel and made a quiet escape,
But before they could slip away. Ethan spotted her.
He caught up in just a few long strides.
He caught up fast, falling in step with them as the elevator doors slid open. The three stepped inside. Ethan’s face soured the moment he noticed she was with Abel.
Seriously? A nete guy again? This woman…
When the elevator reached the lobby, it dinged open. Stella started to walk out with Abel
But then-
She felt a grip around her wrist. She turned and met Ethan’s eyes, her tone sharp. “Let go.
“You’re really cutting ties with the Reed family?” Ethan asked, still clinging to disbelief.
He had honestly thought she was bluffing–just trying to stir up drama. But clearly, she meant every word. She’d actually sent a lawyer to deliver the paperwork to Susan.
Right on cue, a lawyer walked up with documents in hand. “Ms. Dawson,” he said politely.
Stella didn’t even flinch. ‘Go ahead. Get it done quickly,” she said coolly
That was it. Stella didn’t need to explain anything to Ethan anymore–this was her answer, loud and clear.
She wasn’t bluffing. The lawyer had arrived–papers in hand.
Ethan’s grip on her wrist tightened. “Why? Is this because of Lillian?”
Stella shot him a look. “Still not thinking straight, huh? That bucket of water clearly wasn’t enough.”
She wasn’t going to explain anything. She didn’t owe him that.
Ethan said nothing: his face darkened at the mention of the incident. Damn woman. That attitude–hore do these other men even
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Chapter 113 Cut Ties
Ethan red and glared at him furiously
siella rased an eyebrow “What now? You want to fight about it?”
When than all duln’t let go, Stella’s voice dropped–cold and sharp Ethan’s expression darkened even more
Uand tally, he did..
stella pulled her hand free and walked away with Abel, not even glancing back
+S Peans
Ethan stood there, watching her back as she disappeared down the hall–so tiem so cold, like she’d made up her mund and there was no turning back
For the test tune in forever, Ethan felt the quiet ache of something slipping away–something he might never get back.
tumed to Abel. “Yourteen thousand dollars was transferrest out of Lillian’s account. Find out where it
The rest of the Reed family might’ve believed Lillian’s story about being scammed–but Stella wasn’t buying it for a second
Abel gave a nod. Understood.”
Of course he was going to dig into it.
That evening
Stella returned to Verdant Villa. Abraham wasn’t home yet. After dropping her off. Abel headed out again to follow up.
The dinner table had been set with all her favorite dishes–the ones she’d loved back when she lived in Falvaria.
Halfway through her meal. Abraham’s call came in.
This time, before the butler could even answer. Stella grabbed the phone herself “Don’t start. I’m eating–and it was just one bowl, not even that much.”
He treats me like a child sometimes… Always watching how much I eat. I savdh dogs he ever get tired of worrying about me And if he does burnout, he probablyyay it because I never grew up and he always had to take edge of me. I’m not taking the blame for that one.
II
His voice came through, smooth and low carrying that familiar warmth he only used when talking to her. “Sounds like someone’s behaving tonight.”
Stella rolled her eyes, but her voice softened. “If I’m full, I stop. You really don’t have to stress over every little thing”
“If it’s you, how could I not care?” Abraham replied.
Stella fell quiet for a second Fise he wants to care and fuss over the little things let him, Just don’t come complaining about it later
She changed the subject, her voice softening “When are you coming back? Did you drink tonight?”
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Chapter 114 Unraveling
“Til be home in about two hours, Abraham said over the phone. “Had a couple of drinks. Don’t wait up–just go to bed.”
“Got it,” Stella replied, then hung up.
She made her way back to the dining room. There was no way she was going to stop eating–she was still hungry.
The butler watched as Stella went back for two more bowls, a bit surprised–but hey, having a healthy appetite was a good thing.
After dinner, Stella headed out to the yard for a quick walk to help it all settle.
That’s when her phone rang again.
Ethan. The moment she saw the name, she wanted to hang up.
“What is it now? Seriously–what do you want? Haven’t you caused enough chaos already?” Her tone was sharp, full of irritation. She was absolutely done with Ethan.
His breath caught on the other end, clearly worked up. “Who owns Verdant Villa?”
“Why?” she snapped.
“Just ask him what he wants for it I’ll pay whatever,”
Stella went quiet for a moment.
That desperation in Ethan’s voice? It could only mean one thing–Lillian must’ve stirred something up again. Of course she did, Whenever it came to Lillian, Ethan completely lost his head.
“He’s not selling. Stella said flatly. “Give it up.
Ethan nearly lost it. “Just tell me who owns the place! I heard he’s sixty–six. Seriously, Stella? You’re with someone old enough. to be your dad?
Lately, every time Ethan turned around, there was a different guy hanging around Stella.
Now he couldn’t even tell who actually owned Verdant Villa anymore.
With everything going on with Lillian, his head was all over the place. He couldn’t think straight–everything felt like a mess
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She stared at her phone, utterly speechless. Did Ethan hit his head or something? Has he completely lost it?
“So what if I want his inheritance? You really think I’m into him? Please. Compared to your insane family, he’s a dream. No parents, no nosy relatives–just peace and quiet. Sounds like heaven to me
Ethan fell silent. His chest tightened. His head was pounding. Stella didn’t just argue. She crushed him. He had no comeback. She left him speechless.
That’s just how Stella was. You threw a pebble, and she’d come back with a boulder.
His thoughts were a blur, his whole brain buzzing.
And just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, Stella hit him with the final blow, “You really should see a doctor, Ethan. Something’s definitely off–you’re not thinking straight.”
Chick. She hung up before he could even react,
Meanwhile, Ethan was still on his way to the hospital, furious.
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Chapter 114 Unraveling
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somehow, she still managed to sneak out. I ate trying to kill hersely? Does the have a death wish or whatthat’s the thinking!
Jason,” he called
Yes, Mr. Ethan‘”
“Do you think Stella, she” Ethan started voice low. hat about Stella! He didn’t even know what he was asking anymore.
His mind was a mess. A dozen different faces flashed through his head–every guy who’d been around Stella lately.
Who was actually with hert Eddie! That gay from earlier!
Everything was complete chaos. All these guys suddenly showing up around Stella had completely messed with his head. He
couldn’t think straight.
They got to the hospital quickly.
As soon as Ethan‘ stepped into the room he saw Susan sobbing uncontrollably. “What were you thinking: With your condition, you still run off? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”
“I’m sorry, Mom. Lillian said softly. “I didn’t mean to worry you
Susan wiped at her face, her voice trembling, “What if something had happened to you? You can barely walk right now
When they found her, she was slumped on the edge of a garden bed, completely out of breath
Lillian looked at Susan, her lips parting like she wanted to speak–but in that moment, she couldn’t get a single word out
She’d gone out to find that man. She wanted to kill him.
But she hadn’t realized her body had become this weak.
When Susan spotted Ethan at the door, she turned to him in desperation. “Ethan, please talk some sense into her. She scared the life out of me today. Tell her to stop doing things like this.”
Seeing Lillian like this broke Susan’s heart more than anyone else’s,
Ethan nodded.
Susan stood, gave Lillian a look, and said, “Talk to Ethan for a bit. I’m going to get someone to warm up your food–it’s all cold now.”
She’d gone to deliver the meal herself, only to find Lillian gone. What followed was pure panic as everyone scrambled to find her.
Chapter 115 Just Let Me
Go Home
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Susan stepped out, leaving just Ethan and Lillian alone in the room.
Lillian glanced at Ethan, guilt in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
Ethan pulled over a chair and sat beside her bed with a sigh. “Why did you sneak out! Do you have any idea how worried everyone was–especially Madam Susan?”
Lillian lowered her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I just… I can’t take the smell anymore, Ethan. You don’t know how hopeless that disinfectant makes me feel. The moment I walked into this hospital, it felt like the whole world shut down. I can’t feel the sun. It’s like I’m cut off from everything. I don’t want to stay here. I just can’t
Only someone who’d been seriously ill–who’d spent long stretches confined to a hospital room–could understand how hopeless that felt.
Lillian’s life hadn’t been easy to begin with.
She didn’t want Stell:
Stella to have it good… But the truth was, she wasn’t doing any better herself
Hearing her break down, Ethan’s brow tightened. “Even so, you can’t just run off like that.”
“What choice did 1 have? Would you have let me leave! Of course not, she snapped.
“You’re in no condition right now. Even if you do leave, we have to prep everything. The team, the equipment–everything has to be ready”
They’d need a full medical team, the necessary equipment, and access to immediate testing–everything had to be in place. That was why Ethan had been trying to buy Verdant Villa. Lillian’s current care involved almost twenty medical staff. The estate was big enough to hold them all and still make space for a dedicated treatment room.
Lillian looked away, her voice trembling “So what–you think I’ll ever make it out of here? That I’ll just… die in this place?”
“Don’t say that,” Ethan snapped, his voice low and sharp
Lillian went quiet immediately.
Her Eyes welled
up again, and Ethan’s heart
see several strands come loose in his handled even more. He sighed, reached over, and gently ruffled her hair–only to
Lillian saw it, too. Her body began to shake. “Ethan…” Her voice cracked. “My hair.
He held back the pain in his chest. “It’s okay. Once you’re better, it’ll grow back.”
-wille “Will it?” she asked, her voice barely holding together.
To her. losing hair wasn’t just about appearance–it felt like her body was giving up. When it started falling out from illness, it was like a warning sign that things were only getting worse.
“I’m really scared,” she whispered.
Ethan said nothing
“I want to leave the hospital,” she said, broken. She never mentioned the real reason she’d run away–and Ethan didn’t press
her
Looking at her pale, devastated expression, Ethan let out a quiet breath and gently pulled her into his arms. “Okay. We’ll get
you out. Soon.”
“Ethan ”
“I promise.” he said “I have you discharged within a week. Deal?”
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Chapter 115 Just Let Me Go Home
And for the first time in days, she felt a little peace settle in her chest.
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just
She really didn’t want to stay in the hospital. The smell of disinfectant filled her with endless dread. It terrified her. She j wanted out. And she was terrified she wouldn’t make it in time.
Back at S
Stella’s side.
Abraham had returned. The two of them sat across from each other, and Stella felt a little uneasy
under his gaze.
“What’s with that look?” she asked, glancing at him.
Abraham, a little buzzed from the wine, smirked. “So you like old men now? Planning to inherit someone’s fortune?”
Stella was speechless. Great, Just great. Seriously, when did he even get back Of all the things to overhear, of course it had to be that part.
“Come on, I was just messing with Ethan! He said the owner of Verdant Villa was some 66–year–old man–I was just trying to get under his skin, that’s all.” She rushed to explain. Especially with Abraham. If she didn’t clear this up fast, she’d be the one paying the price.
Abraham chuckled at her explanation, then pulled her into his arms. His fingers, warm and steady, traced along her jaw. “Ethan really hasn’t figured it out yet, has he? Still clueless about who actually owns Verdant Villa?”
With Abraham, she never held back–she always laid things out plain. But with Ethan? Yeah, she had no patience left.
He and his family were always so full of themselves–cutting off her credit cards, threatening to shut down her business, doing everything they could to block her path forward.
Stella never would’ve guessed that after all that digging. Ethan would land on such a ridiculous conclusion. At this point, it wasn’t just his lack of common sense–clearly, his whole team was clueless. A sixty–six–year–old villa owner? Seriously? I here tere they even getting their inteft
She glanced at Abraham and asked, “Didn’t you say you’d be home in two hours? Why are you back so soon?”
Abraham gave her a look. “You’ve really lost all self–control at night, haven’t you?”
“You’re a grown woman–aren’t you even a little worried about gaining weight, eating that much right before bed?”
The truth was. Abraham had rushed back because he was worried she might get sick from overeating
Stella shot him a look. “Seriously? That’s why you came back?”
Of course Abraham heard her. He gently ran his hand down her slender back, full of quiet affection. He knew–how could he not? She hadn’t eaten properly in years. That’s why, lately, she’d been overeating, craving everything like she was trying to make up for lost time.
The second he said Abel would take care of it, all the warmth vanished from his voice.
Ever since the incident at the hospital, Susan had gone quiet–avoiding any legal follow–up Stella’s attorney had tried to arrange. She clearly didn’t want anything official documented. No signatures, no formal closure. Just… avoidance.
No one knew exactly what Susan and her family were thinking anymore. Maybe they believed if they stalled long enough. Stella would come around. But Stella wasn’t budging.
On the third morning. Stella woke up to a new text on her phone: “Just four more days until I’m discharged!”
Yesterday’s number had already been blocked. Today, it was a new one
She never wasted time when it came to the Reed family. The second she recognized one of their numbers, she blocked in That’s why no one from the Reed family–not even Ethan–could get through to her anymore.
Abraham replied, calm but firm. “Yeah, and then she’ll overdo it trying to burn it off. That’s not good for her either”
After that, Abraham made one thing clear–he wasn’t going to tolerate any binge eating in the house.
Stella sat across from him at the breakfast table, all innocent. “Are you saying I eat too much now?“
Abraham didn’t miss a beat “Yes.”
Stella went quiet. Has he seriously that concerned about how much I was eating? Then again… maybe he meant well. Maybe he was scared I’d end up like Marie–gain a little weight, freak out, and crash–land in the hospital trying to lose it all.
She remembered the feeling–like something soft and cold wrapping around her as she slept, then the weight of someone’s arms drawing her in close. She’d tried to move, to pull away, but her body wouldn’t respond. It was like she was frozen in place. It had to be a dream right|
Abel continued, “Ms. Lillian’s been pushing hard to get discharged. And Mr. Keene’s still trying to uncover who owns Verdant Vill. Should we drop a hint–maybe get him to back off?”
Abraham smirked. “If she dies before he ever figures out who owns this place that’d be the biggest joke of all
Being kept in the dark–that was what really drove people crazy.
Abel added. “He already knows Ms. Dawson lives here. He’s been pestering her nonstop, asking who the owner is–every single day”
He was literally asking the owner who owned the place–looked like a total idiot.
He remembered that nonsense Ethan spouted a few days ago–about the villa belonging to some sixty–six–year–old man. Where did he even get that information And how was someone like that still running the Keene Group!
The worst torture was k
the other side had all the answers–while you had nothing.
ad been blowing in her abone for days, insisting Lillian needed to move imo Verrian Villa for her marvey–lite
Cleary, Lace had finally done is borewexit and figured on her connection in Abraham Whm hr bainit expected was ther Sacila was Abroadoomed den
Louis kept smiling Sharon was out of line–I’m here to apponitzygmiste com tback, butaiff She’s been dealt with. I’ve made sure completely cut off from the outside world.”
- me. This deal really matters”
Louis’s eve twitched “Wait, what
Stella said. “You figured out I’m his sister but I guess you missed the part where he can’t stand people trying to pull strings”
Louis went silent
Okay, yeah–he had read that too. But he figured i
s diferent
wasn’t just anyone–she was Abraham’s fav
because of you. You and Sharon got into it at my grandfather’s
“The only reason the deal fell through in the first pla birthday party -and Abraham took your side!
Everything had been going smoothly–until Sharon picked a tight with Stella and blew the whole deal up Brothers looking out for their sisters wasn’t new to Louts. But Abraham? Hèto
to another level.
Stella gave a light shrug. “If that’s how you’re seeing it. Mr. Louis. I don’t have anything else to say “Come on don’t say that” His voice took on a desperate edge. If Stella gave up, so did his last shot at Stella walked over and sat down in her desk chair.
Across from her, Lours placed the jewelry box gently on the desk and slid it toward her
Stella sighed. “Fine: 1
make a call”
Louis and Sharon were two very different people. Louis actually had a solid reputation in R if Abraham’s cold shoulder was really all her fault.
But the way Louis was pushing today made one thing clear–he wasn’t going to let this y Abraham. He wasn’t backing down
Hight there in front of Louis Stella pulled out her phone and dialed Abrahar
He picked up almost instantly. “Star”
“Abraham, what do you think of Louis?” she asked bluntly.
abraging the deal
nd Stella
least tried to talk so
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Chapter TTS A FAMO
geakes, and x
VOICE Though cam, beld a tendernes
And yet the Feed Sah bad caned her like she didn’t me at all. How blind could they be
voice came through a
Svila didn’t hestume. Then wondering Do you think be a good guy
Then Vorwana Poc
asking a wimple question, and somehow «braham had tumed r inte a confession of feelinin- And than some—he was dearly nex burpe
Stella frowned. “No, of course in. I’m jus rating
mis in line, he s now worth trusting Don’t wake your time on him. The ch
made it
Tm not interested in him. site repite entperimen
Tll pick you up for lunch. Be good. Eve
Click. He hung up
Louis binked, sail processing what had juur happened. My dad o dderate find the things had caturn a sharp turn
Stella turned to him with a look. You heard in your shabam doanhieve you. So yeah. I looks like the deal really fall spart because of voul
Send Gift:
Chapter 119 A Family Worth Fighting For
Stella continued. “The deal didn’t fall through because of me–it was all Sharon. The way she acted showed Abraham exactly what kind of people he was dealing with.”
Louis grew more anxious. “But Sharon has nothing to do with the company! That deal had nothing to do with her.”
Stella replied calmly. “In Abraham’s eyes, if you can’t manage your own family, it’s a sign you can’t be trusted”
In other words, working together? Not likely.
That one hit Louis hard. His jaw tightened in frustration–but deep down, he couldn’t argue. If someone couldn’t even handle their own family, how could they be trusted to run a business? Sharon… because of her. this deal was falling apart- and at this rate, it was going to be the end of him. She’d really pushed him over the edge this time.
What really stood out, though, was how differently Stella treated Abraham. After returning to the Reed family, she never once acknowledged Jonathan as family–let alone called Patrick and Susan her parents.
But he got it. People open up to those who treat them well.
The Reed family had always poured everything into Lillian and treated Stella like she didn’t exist. With her personality, it made perfect sense she’d give them the same cold shoulder in return.
She grew up with the Dawsons–and the Dawson family wasn’t just any family. They ruled Falvaria’s underground arms trade. No one raised in that kind of environment turned out soft.
Louis hesitated, then asked. “So the Dawsons? They’re really that different from the Reeds?”
“What?” Stella looked up, her tone turning sharp. “What are you trying to say?”
“I mean, you’re adopted into the Dawsons. I’ve seen how well they treat you. But how do they treat their actual daughter?” The moment he said that, Stella’s expression turned cold. “You’re seriously comparing the Dawsons to the Reeds?”
The Reed family? Please–they s weren’t ev
even in the same league.
The Dawsons and Reeds were nothing alike. The Reed family didn’t have much influence, but they sure thought highly of themselves. Lillian schemed against her, and what did the rest of them do! They sided with Lillian without a second thought -even turned their backs on their own daughter.
How could anyone compare that to the Dawsons?
With the Dawsons, it didn’t matter whether you were born or adopted–their hearts were united. Family meant standing together. Their fates were always tied.
Seeing her shift in mood, Louis quickly apologized. “Sorry. That was out of line.”
Damn it, what was I doing questioning the Dawson family here? Hadn’t I already figured out why Stella left them all those years ago? It was because the Tom family used Madam Evelyn–Abraham’s mother–and Abraham himself to threaten her. She left to protect tbraham She wasn’t like Lillian, who only clung to the Reeds for what she could take.
The Dawson family had a daughter too, someone who’d been incredibly close to Stella since they were kids. The two were practically inseparable..
Bottom line, Stella was Abraham’s everything–his most precious treasure–and Marie saw her as a beloved sister. And the Dawsons‘ They were the only true family she had ever known
“I was wrong, okay? Don’t be mad, Louis said with a sigh, rubbing his temple.
Stella huffed. “Mr. Louis, instead of wasting your time on me, maybe focus on earning Abraham’s trust. Out of all the options. you had, you really thought cutting corners and asking me to pull strings for you was the best idea”
Since when did the Dawson family ever make things easy for anyone! And even if there had been a way in, Abraham
Chapter 119 A Family Worth Fighting For
Louis went quiet Crap He’d just blurted it out without thinking “No, no, I didn’t mean it like that. I just I needed the full picture Working with Abraham is a huge deal for me”
Tve told you there’s no shortcut when it comes to our family
Our family. The way she said it hit hard–and made it even clearer to Louis just how different the Dawson family was from the Reeds
Rivermount had been buzzing lately.
The Reeds and Ethan were already pulling strings to shut down Stella’s studio. Louis had heard all about it.
Let them try. He was more than ready to sit back and watch them crash and burn.
He’d had it with Ethan for a long time.
“Ethan wants to work with Abraham too. Louis added.
Stella raised an eyebrow and gave him a look
Louis said. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just letting you know–the Parker family and the Reenes are both keeping a close eye on that Dawson family mine. We’re both hoping for a partnership.
You guys don’t stand a chance Stella shot back without missing a beat
She wasn’t wrong. When something was in Abraham’s hands, it all came down to his word. No one else stood a chance.
Louis stayed silent. Harsh, yeah–but true. But if Abrahamt ends up working with Ethan, won’t that get under your skini
If asking for a favor didn’t work, then maybe it was time to try a different approach
Send Gifts
Chapter 120 The Game Just Changed
“It wouldn’t bother me, even if they did end up working together, Stella said calmly.
er partner up. That much, Stella was sure of
Besides, there was no way Ethan and Abraham would ever
“Then can you at least throw me a bone?” Louis was at his wit’s end. Abraham had completely shut him out, and it had been cating at him for days,
“This doesn’t sound like a personal issue,” Stella replied. “It’s probably a problem with the contract you gave him.”
“The contract?” Louis blinked
Stella nodded, “You’re not like Ethan. There’s nothing personal going on with you–at least not from Abraham’s side.”
“You really mean that?”
“Why would I lie to you?”
Louis fell quict. The contract… is that really the issue? Wait–now that Stella had said it out loud, something suddenly clicked The Parker Group always used the same standard contracts when partnering with others. No exceptions. Could it be that one particular clause–the one that restricted the other party- was what pissed Abraham off?
As the thought hit him, Louis slapped the table and stood up. “Damn, I totally overlooked that.”
Stella said nothing,
Thanks. I’ll have someone take care of it right away. Oh, and… Louis glanced at Stella, then added. “There’s history between Lillian and Ethan. She saved his life once. When something starts with that kind of bond and turns into something more… it’s not something you can just step into. Don’t get involved–it won’t go anywhere.”
As a way of returning the favor. Louis had just handed over one of Ethan’s deepest secrets.
Sure, Stella was holding her ground with Ethan right now. She was the one who spread the news about calling off the ́engagement, after all.
But the truth was, no one could ever say for sure what a woman was really feeling.
Either way, Louis just didn’t want her wasting her time on a guy like Ethan
A man like that—no matter how things played out–wasn’t someone she could count on for the long haul.
Stella’s expression shifted slightly. She hadn’t expected there to be that kind of history between Ethan and Lillian. “Thanks”
Louis set a velvet box down on her desk. “Anyway, I’m heading out–but keep the gift
He’d brought it for her–no way was he taking it back. Taking back a gift just wasn’t something he did.
As Louis stepped out of Stella’s office, he ran straight into Ethan.
Ethan looked pissed And when he saw Louis walking out of Stella’s office, his mind practically exploded.
That thought–the one he hated–came back again, loud and clear.
As they brushed past each other, Ethan grabbed Louis by the wrist. “What the h’ll were you doing in there?”
As far as Ethan knew, Stella and Louis had no connection whatsoever.
So why was Louis visiting her now?
10:12 AM E
Chapter 120 The Game Just Changed
The way Ethan always jumped to conclusions about Stella, as if she were some kind of reckle more than ready to sit back and watch Abraham crush him
Louis’s laid–back attitude pushed Ethan over the edge
-S Pears
But before Ethan could even take a swing. Louis spoke up first. “Your hand’s still busted and it looks like your legs not doing much better. Are you sure you want to throw hands! Don’t blame me if you end up not being able to
If anything that just made it worse. The second Louis said in the fury on Ethan’s face boded over
His hand was fractured, and the doctor said the cast would have to stay on for at least a month. His leg wasn’t seriously injured, but it still hurt–enough that he walked with a slight limp
“What the hell were you doing in there with her?” Ethan growled, spitting out every word through clenched teeth
Louis just smirked. “Why do you care? She already told all of Rivermount the engagement’s oE So if I want to co what’s it to you?”
after her
Ethan’s chest tightened, and anger surged through him
Louis shrugged him off and walked away, done wasting his time.
This was Stella’s place, after all. If he started something here and it got back to Abraham, he’d be the one paying for in
And judging by what Stella had hinted at. Abraham had already shut the Keene family out of the game completely
Louis figured he’d better head back and clean up that contract. If he played his cards right, he might still have a shot. He’d win Abraham over first–then he’d deal with Ethan.
Ethan! Please. Not worth the effort. Just a waste of
flime.
And with that, Louis left.
Ethan stood there, shaking with rage, his head spinning.
Damn it. Stella. What the hell was going on between her and Louis And Louis ever since he took over the Parker Group, the company has been taking off
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