novelxo Chapter 144
Chapter 144
Stella took a deep breath and accepted the bag, feeling a mix of emotions. “Thank you, and have a safe trip.”
She waved goodbye as Yoel’s car drove off. When he was gone, she turned around and came face–to–face with Brian’s cold expression at the villa’s entrance. He stood there, his brows furrowed with gloom.
Stella’s heart skipped a beat, but she walked over, bracing herself. Inadvertently, she bumped into his shoulder and halted.
“Why did you come back with him?” Brian pulled her into his arms.
“I went to get the quartz pendant from him, and he offered to drive me back.” Feeling a twinge of bitterness, Stella gently pushed him away to step out of his embrace.
However, Brian didn’t allow it. He held her tight and rested his chin on her head. “Did you get it back?”
“Yeah.”
Brian’s mood noticeably brightened at this news. “That’s more like it,” he thought.
He led her by the hand into the dining room. “Yvonne made your favorite dishes for dinner.”
Stella remained silent as he guided her to the table, which was filled with dishes she loved. “Have you eaten yet?” she asked as she looked at the food spread out before her.
“I waited for you to come back so we could eat together.”
Stella nodded and said softly, “Okay, let’s eat together, then.”
Perhaps this would be their last meal together, so she decided to accompany him through it. Stella sat down and placed her bag beside her.
After a glance, Brian seemed to have a premonition. He frowned but didn’t say anything. Sitting beside her, he peeled a shrimp and handed it to her.
Stella was surprised. “Why are you peeling shrimp for me? You can have it.”
“I’m being a bit nicer to you since you’ve been behaving lately.” Brian chuckled.
Stella’s hand tightened around her fork, feeling a complicated mix of emotions. “Hurry up and eat.”
“Why hurry? Be careful not to choke.” Brian was unusually patient. He then glanced at the bag on the table. “What’s the deal with that bag? Didn’t you sell it to Jessica?”
Stella lowered her head to eat, but her movements halted at his words.
“I contacted her to return the bag to me, and she agreed. I’ve already refunded the money to her.”
“Isn’t she in the hospital? Did you go see her?” Brian asked.
Stella’s mouthful of food suddenly became hard to swallow. Brian asked again, “Did they say anything to
you?”
He used they, not her. He seemed to know what Sharon would say to her. Stella glanced at him, and his gaze seemed to see through everything
Feeling guilty, she pressed her fingertips into her palm as she murmured, “They didn’t say much. I just bought the bag back. Brian, I’m retuming it to you, and with that, our debt is cleared.”
Brian’s gaze darkened. “What did they say to you?”
Instead of answering, Stella continued with her explanation, “I owed you before, so I couldn’t leave.
“I came to return the bag to you tonight, so now we have no debts between us. I want to leave. Goodbye.
She wanted to finish explaining her side of things and then leave, but Brian pulled her back and held her tightly in his arms. His gaze was cold and penetrating.
“Ouch…” she exclaimed “Brian, you’re hurting my arm.
Upon seeing her pale face, Brian released his grip. However, his expression was stern, “Don’t leave yet. Explain everything clearly”
“I’ve already explained it. You have the bag now,
“Are you still going to lie?” Brian’s imposing figure approached her. His gaze was cold. “Do you want another spanking?”
Stella kept her head down. After a while, as if unable to hold back any longer, she spoke in a heavy voice, You already know everything. I won’t have children. Sharon saw Jessica being pregnant, and now she’s treating her like a daughter–in–law.
“They called me to the hospital. You know very well what they said, and you’re perfectly aware that
Jessica has been looking after Sharon at the hospital. That’s why they’re starting to act like mother and daughter–in–law.”
Besides feeling sad, Stella was a little angry. Brian knew full well that Jessica had been caring for Sharon in the hospital
She hadn’t mentioned it to avoid upsetting Brian, given Sharon’s worsening condition. Yet his attitude made it seem like she was at fault.
“Did they ask you to leave Yolvencrest Estate?” Brian asked her