Chapter 15 Irene flopped against Stella's knees , her voice bright and chirpy . She looked up , eyes shining , waiting for the usual hug and shower of praise . Yeah , it used to annoy her - but after days without a single ' good job , ' she kinda missed it . But Stella just said , ' Mm - hmm ,' quiet and flat . No hug . No smile . Her voice gave nothing away , but that soft , empty sound made everyone pause . This wasn't the Stella they knew - the one who lived for her husband and daughter . Sebastian frowned , his eyes moving from Stella's calm face to Irene's crumpled one . Something unspoken flickered in his tired gaze . Dinner was served . So - called ' family gathering ' - really just Grandpa's excuse to get everyone in one room . Ernest's married sister hadn't come , so there were only six of them . Even though Stella had decided to divorce , she kept up appearances - helping Irene with her food , just like always . Grandpa kept shooting looks at Ernest until , finally , Ernest started putting food into Stella's bowl . A piece of barbecue pork ribs landed in front of her . She pressed her lips together . All these years married , and he still didn't know she didn't eat fatty meat . " Mommy , I want that one , " Irene chirped , pointing at a plate across the table . She hadn't noticed a thing . " Okay , " Stella said , reaching for the dish . That's when Grandpa spoke , " Stella . Where's your ring ? " Silence . Every eye dropped to her left hand . Even Ernest's . Everyone knew - back when Stella married Ernest , there hadn't even been a proper wedding . That ring was the only thing Ernest ever picked for her himself . She never took that ring off . Not even when the band dug so deep it left a mark . And because of that , Grandpa had ordered Ernest to wear his , too . But now ... Ernest's ring was still on . Stella's was gone . " It gets in the way at work , " she said lightly . Not the right moment for the divorce talk . Grandpa didn't reply . He just cough softly and went back to eating . The meal felt heavier than ever . Afterward , he set down his tea cup . " Stella , ' he said , his voice low but firm . ' Come upstairs . I want a word . " His voice carried the weight of years - steady , deep , and leaving no room for doubt . 1/3 3:25 pm pppp Chapter 15 His eyes shifted to Ernest , who had just returned from a phone call . " You too . " Neither said a word as they followed him up to the study - the room where family matters were settled . The air was thick and still . Behind the wide marble table , Grandpa Lloyd's face was grim . " Ernest ! " Grandpa Lloyd's voice was low , but it cracked through the study like a whip . " Explain yourself . What's this nonsense I'm hearing about you and that Jansen woman ? " Ernest didn't even blink . " What nonsense ? " " Don't play dumb with me . " The old man's palm hit the desk with a force that made the inkwell tremble . 11.05vouchers " I told you to stay away from her . And now you're not only parading her around in public - you're dragging my great- granddaughter into it ? Do you think no one has eyes ? " Ernest's gaze flickered toward Stella . He didn't say it , but the accusation hung in the air between them . He thought she had complained to Grandpa . Stella said nothing . She just held his stare , calm and unmoved . IA few weeks ago , that look would've shattered her . Now ? She didn't even feel the urge to defend herself . " Did you call us here just to lecture me , Grandfather ? " Hearing Ernest's reply , the old man grew even angrier , his chest heaving violently . His face flushed with anger . " Watch your tone . You think just because you're a married man with a child , you're above reproach ? " Even standing quietly to the side , Stella understood what Grandpa was doing - he was fighting her battles for her , like he always had . " Listen to me , Ernest . End it . No more games . That woman is off - limits . You belong with Stella . " " Sylvia is a designer at Lloyd Group . Our interactions are strictly professional . " Ernest's voice was iron - cold and unyielding . This was the same script , every time . At first , the scoldings happened behind closed doors . Then , when private words failed , Grandpa started doing it in front of her . Now , hearing it all again from the outside , Stella just felt ... tired . She was grateful - really - but every time Grandpa defended her , it only made Ernest resent her more . " Grandpa , it's fine , " Stella cut in , her voice even . " Sylvia is his employee . It's normal for them to work together . " Stella's voice cut through the tension like a knife . The air in the study eased almost instantly . 2/3 3:25 pm Chapter 15 Ernest watched her - calm , direct , without a hint of sarcasm . When his eyes met hers , she didn't flinch . No blush , no nervous glance away . Just stillness . Grandpa sighed heavily , his expression a mix of frustration and resignation . He knew Ernest wouldn't listen - but Stella never pushed back . She always gave in , playing the role of the perfect wife . If only she'd stood her ground sooner , he thought , maybe she could've reined him in . " Ernest , " the old man said , his voice gravelly with emotion , " she's a good woman . Look what you've done to her . Can you honestly tell me you feel no guilt ? " " None . " Just as the two men seemed ready to clash again , Stella felt a wave of weariness . She was done . There was no point letting Grandpa fight her battles anymore - not when she'd already decided to leave . Besides , over the years , her presence had strained the bond between grandfather and grandson more than she'd realized . She opened her mouth to speak - to finally say the words that would end it all - when a knock interrupted her . The door opened , and the bitter , familiar scent of herbal medicine drifted into the room . " Sir , it's time for your medicine . " AD