Chapter 31 Monica was about to hang up when Alexander's icy volce cut through , " No time during the day . 7 PM tonight . I'll send you the address . " " Fine , " Monica replied , not wanting to drag the conversation any longer , and hung up . Alexander listened to the dial tone . Was this really the same Monica he used to know ? He remembered how , in the past , no matter how late he came home , she would always wait for him , always . be there for him . Whenever he spoke to her , it would make her day . Why was she treating him like this now ? Feeling a mix of emotions , Alexander tossed the phone to Joseph and headed back to the ward . Bertha's voice called out from behind , " Alexander , what's wrong ? Why are you so upset ? " He turned to see Bertha and Stella standing there .. Ignoring his mom's question , he asked , " What are you doing here ? " " What do you mean ? My granddaughter's in the hospital . Can't I come to see her ? " Bertha snapped . Alexander didn't respond , his cold eyes landing on Stella . He knew Bertha never really liked Amelia . It had to be Stella's idea to come . Stella met his icy stare , feeling a pang in her heart . She could tell that the call he just received was from Monica . Even though Alexander usually had a bad temper , he was only cold to people and rarely lost his cool . Ever since Monica came back , he was often angry . He didn't get it , but everyone else could see it . If he didn't care about Monica , he wouldn't be so mad . And Stella heard he gave up huge profits just to work with CLOUD . But was it really about CLOUD , or was it about Monica ? Thinking about it made Stella furious , wishing she could tear Monica apart . But she had to keep up the act , smiling sweetly . " Alexander , I heard Amelia's not doing well , so I wanted to see her . But I didn't know which hospital , so I asked Mrs. Smith to bring me . How's Amelia ? Is she getting better ? " 1/3 3:41 pm Ppp Chapter 31 " She's much better , about to be discharged . You can go now , " Alexander said , turning towards the ward . Stella quickly followed , but Alexander suddenly turned around . Stella stopped , looking up at his perfect face , her heart racing , her cheeks flushing . " Alexander , what's wrong ? Why are you looking at me like that ? " " Your perfume's too strong . Amelia doesn't like it . You better not go in . " Stella's face fell , tears welling up . Bertha scolded , " Alexander , what are you saying ? Stella came to see Amelia out of kindness . How can you treat her like this ? " " Enough , " Alexander said , impatient . " I know you care about Amelia . She's fine now . You can go back . " " You're unreasonable ! " Bertha fumed . Stella started to cry . Bertha quickly comforted her , " Stella , Alexander didn't mean it . He's just worried about Amelia . Don't be mad at him . " " It's okay , Mrs. Smith , I won't , " Stella said , sniffling . " You're such a good girl . It's okay , take your time . Alexander will see your good qualities one day . " Stella couldn't stand it . She was already 27 , pushing 30. If Alexander didn't marry her soon , he'd just look down on her more as she got older . But she had to keep up the act , looking all understanding . " I know . I don't blame Alexander . If anyone's to blame , it's me for not being able to help him ... .. " Bertha tried to comfort her , " Don't say that . Your designs are great , bringing in lots of profit for the Smith Group . People praise you . You need to believe in yourself . " But Stella felt even more bitter . No one knew that Alexander actually hated her designs . Every time the Brown Group submitted initial drafts to the Smith Group , they were her work but under someone else's name , and Alexander always rejected them . The designs that got approved were actually stolen from other designers at the Brown Group , not her work . The desi Alexander had Joseph handle the discharge papers and left the hospital with the kids , ignoring Stella and Bertha . 2/3 3:41 pm PPP Chapter 31 Stella watched his cold back , deliberately saying , " No matter how good I am , I'm still no match for Monica . " " What did you say ? " Bertha was shocked , glaring at Stella . Stella looked panicked . " No , Mrs. Smith , I didn't say anything . " " What's with Monica ? Why did you bring her up ? " Bertha's tone got harsher . Stella looked like she wanted to say something but didn't dare . " Tell me , what happened ? " Bertha demanded . Stella looked troubled as she shared the details of the party incident and Alexander's decision to work with CLOUD . " What is Alexander thinking ? " Bertha fumed . " Even if CLOUD is a big deal , he should consider his status . How can he lower himself like that ? " Bertha's anger escalated with each word . " Maybe Alexander still can't let go of Monica , Stella softly suggested , then added , " Forget it , Mrs. Smith . I've waited for Alexander for so many years , but he's always so cold to me . It seems he doesn't like me anymore . " " No ! Absolutely not ! I will never let him be with that woman ! " Bertha looked at Stella . " You silly girl , how could you hide Monica's return from me ? You should have told me earlier . Don't worry , I'll go talk to Monica and make sure she stays away from Alexander . " " But if Alexander finds out you went to see Monica , he'll definitely ... " " What ? Disown me as his mother for that woman ? " Bertha sneered . " But if Alexander knows I told you , he'll be very angry . I don't want to cause any more trouble between you two because of me . " Stella looked understanding . " You silly girl , what are you talking about ? Don't worry , I won't tell him . Just leave this to me . " Bertha patted her hand , signaling her to calm down , then left . Stella watched her go , smiling coldly . ' Monica , with Bertha on my side , how can you fight me ? " Chapter Comments LIKE