Chapter 20 Irene couldn't think of any other reason her mom would be acting so strange . And when Stella nodded without even trying to hide it , Irene completely lost it . 55 vouchera " Mommy , why can't you just be reasonable ? Why do you always need me and Daddy's attention all the time ? Aunt Sylvia is so nice - why can't you just get along with her ? " Each question was more ridiculous than the last . Stella almost laughed - a dry , humorless sound . She didn't even feel like responding . " Are you coming or not ? " she asked flatly . When Irene found out that Ernest had left in the middle of the night - again - to see Sylvia , she felt like her world was ending . She wanted to go too , but how ? She couldn't exactly hail a cab by herself , let alone travel halfway across the city . So she had no choice but to ask her mom for a ride . She even thought she was being clever by not telling Stella the real destination - just asking to be dropped off " near the amusement park , " claiming her dad would pick her up . time cal Look how carefully she'd planned it all - just to spend time with her precious Sylvia . If Stella hadn't already known the truth , she migh actually believed her . " Moms are the worst , " Irene muttered under her breath , though she made sure not to say it too loudly - she still needed that ride . " Sylvia is way better ." Stella heard every word . She thought it , might hurt - or at least bother her a little . But she felt nothing . Her heart had gone numb a long time . ago . ***** Downstairs , the living room was empty except for the butler and a few staff members preparing breakfast . When he saw them , the butler approached promptly . " Will the Miss Irene and madam be leaving now ? " " Yes , " Stella replied . " Thank you for your help these past few days . " " It is my duty to serve the family , madam , " he said with a gentle smile . Then he added , " Shall I inform Mr. Lloyd ? " He meant Sebastian Lloyd . " No need , I already know ." Before Stella could refuse - not wanting to disturb the old man's rest - a steady , authoritative voice came from above . Stella turned in surprise . Sebastian was slowly descending the staircase , his cane tapping firmly against the wooden steps . There was an unspoken weight in his presence . " Stella , sweetheart , " Sebastian's voice was gravelly but firm . " Level with me . Did someone in this house upset you ? Is that why you're in such a hurry to leave ? " 1/3 3:26 pm P PPP Chapter 20 He'd been a soldier . He knew how to command a room just by standing in it . " You tell me who it was . Even if it's that hard - headed grandson of mine , I'll make sure he answers to me . 50 vouchers " Grandpa , don't worry , " Stella said softly , guiding him to his chair . " No one's bothering me . I'm just giving Irene a ride . " Morning , Great - Grandpa ! " Irene chirped , popping her head out . Grandpa gave her a warm smile , but his eyes quickly returned to Stella . He sounded almost unsure . " Stella , after you drop her off ... will you come back ? " Stella didn't answer . What was there to come back to ? She was done . Why stick around where she wasn't wanted ? The old man sighed . He could read her like a book . He was running out of time . All he wanted was to see Ernest and Stella happy . Was that too much to ask ? But nothing worked - not yelling , not guilt , not even threats . He was out of moves . " Alright , go on , " he said , his shoulders slumping . The energy seemed to drain right out of him . " If you ever miss this old man , you call me , hear ? I'll come find you . " If this family hurt her , she shouldn't have to come back . He got it . " I will , Grandpa , " Stella said , her throat tight . She didn't trust herself to say more . She took Irene's hand and walked out without looking back . If she stayed any longer , she'd cave - and she couldn't afford to . " Sir , " the butler began gently , " if you want the young madam to stay longer , we could- " " Let it be , " Sebastian cut him off , waving a tired hand . " Some people don't know what they have until it's gone . You can't force someone to stay . " He sighed . " I'm old . I don't have the fight left . Just let me help that girl while I still can ." " Yes , sir . " The room fell quiet . Sebastian sat alone on the sofa , watching as the two figures - mother and daughter - faded into the morning light outside . Finally , he let out a soft , weary sigh . ***** " Mom , you can stop here . " The outline of the amusement park had appeared in the distance . Irene , leaning against the car window , turned and called out to her . " Okay . " Stella slowly pulled over to the side of the road and helped unbuckle her seatbelt , but made no move to leave . " Mom , aren't you going ? " The little girl frowned . Was Mom trying to ruin her day with Sylvia ? " I'll leave once your dad gets here ." 2/3 Chapter 20 Stella didn't want to stay either , but as a mother , she couldn't just leave Irene here alone . At least not until Ernest arrived . But that only made Irene more convinced - Mom was definitely trying to sabotage her day with Sylvia . " Mom , can't you just take a hint ? Even if you're trying to get Daddy's attention , this isn't the time . Her soft , childish voice held no innocence - only sharp , piercing words . You already know how much I was looking forward to today with Aunt Sylvia . How could you be so mean and try to ruin it ? " " You ... what did you say ? " Stella was stunned . Even after hearing her daughter's hurtful words so many times , it still felt like a knife to the heart " So in your eyes , me staying here is just to get your dad's attention ? " " Isn't it ? " Irene shot back , like it was the most obvious thing in the world . Mom always cared most about Dad . Even when Dad ignored her , she'd still cling to him . She'd even been mean to Sylvia just to get his attention . Just thinking about it made Irene angry . Stella opened her mouth , wanting to explain - but no words came out . What could she say ? That she was worried about her safety ? Yes , that was the truth . But faced with Irene's thought of " I know exactly what you're up to " , Stella's throat tightened . She couldn't get a single word out . Whatever . Let her think what she wants . 3/3