Chapter 29 Harvey dialed the number, and the line was picked up almost immediately, the voice on the other end tinged with curiosity. "Since when do you care about those shiny little baubles, Harvey?" the man on the other end teased. "What's the plan, blind your enemy with some diamonds?" "Cut the crap," Harvey's voice was flat. "Just do as I say." "Got it," the man replied. "I'll get right on it." Ending the call, Harvey tilted his head back toward the giant LED screen across the street. The Lloyd Jewelry ad glowed bright against the night. A flash of steel flickered in his eyes. Everything Stella had endured, he'd settle the score, piece by piece, until the debt was paid in full. *** "I've already given the hairpin away," said Irene, "there's no way I'm taking it back." At the Spencer estate, Stella's bedroom, Irene was already awake. She curled up happily, chattering on the phone with Sylvia as if Stella weren't even there. By now, Stella barely felt it. She'd grown used to the sting. But when she heard Irene casually mention giving away the birthday gift she had carved by hand-a hairpin she'd labored over for days and nights-her chest still tightened. Did all her love and effort mean nothing? Stella was not sure. "That hairpin was mine, so I can give it to whoever I want," said Irene. "Mom can't tell me what to do." Irene's sassy justification to Sylvia hit like a jab at Stella. Stella rose to her feet, wanting to escape the suffocating room. But Irene, still resting her head on her lap, frowned. "Mom, stop moving! Didn't you see I almost slipped?" she protested. Stella stayed quiet, her gaze heavy on Irene. On the line, Sylvia's voice sounded surprised. "Irene, your mom's right there with you?" asked Sylvia. "Yeah," Irene replied plainly. Sylvia hesitated. "So... she heard everything you just said?" "Of course. What's the problem?" Irene blinked innocently. It was just a phone call, thought Irene. Mom wasn't going to ban that, right? She glanced up at Stella's dark expression. Instead of fear, irritation flared. Irene sat up with a huff. "Mom, can you stop being so dramatic? I was only talking to Ms. Jansen about tomorrow," she demanded. 1/3 Before Stella could answer, Sylvia's polite voice broke in. "Ms. Spencer, I didn't realize you were there," said Sylvia. "My apologies. I'll let you two be." Her tone softened. "Irene, sweetheart, I'll call you next time." Then, despite Irene's protests, she hung up. "Mom! This is all your fault!" Irene's temper exploded. "If it weren't for you, Ms. Jansen wouldn't have hung up. Why do you have to be so annoying?" Stella's silence only fanned Irene's anger. She kept laying blame anyway. She had already forgotten that she was the one who begged Stella to stay with her. But Stella still didn't speak. She just looked at Irene quietly. Honestly, she couldn't figure out what kind of spell Sylvia had cast on Irene, that years of her care could be wiped away in ar instant. What was she to Irene, really? Stella had no idea. Was she just the help to fetch and carry? A cook to crank out her favorite meals? A night-light in human form, a bedtime story on demand? Or nothing more than a punching bag for every tantrum and sulk? Out of all the roles, not one was "Mother." The thought made Stella laugh-at herself, and at the child who didn't even realize she was about to lose the one person who had truly cared for her. Maybe this was what it meant to trade gold for glitter. Or maybe, to Irene, it was a relief. Finally free of the mother she didn't want. "Irene," Stella straightened, stepped back, and said calmly, as if signing a contract. "From this day on, I won't bother you anymore." She had once wanted to say those words to Ernest, but she hadn't expected Irene would hear them first. Irene blinked. "M-Mom, what did you just say?" Stella's gaze stayed level. "As you wish. From now on, do whatever you want. I'll never bother you again." "Really?" Irene whispered, not sad but practically buzzing with excitement. She knew that if Stella stopped interfering, then she could be with Sylvia whenever she wanted. Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush. She could hardly wait to call and brag. Stella gave her one last look, then turned and left. Just as she had walked out of the Lloyd family years ago-without a shred of regret. "Ms. Jansen, guess what..." Irene's voice bubbled with glee behind the door. 2/3 Chapter 29 Stella paused for a heartbeat, then continued, steady and quiet. "Stella, are you okay?" Evelyn appeared in the hall after clearing the table, worry etched across her face. 65 vouchers She hadn't heard the exchange inside, but Stella's pallor was alarming. Her lips were pale, her steps shaky, and she clutched the banister as if it were the only thing keeping her upright. "I'm fine, Aunt," Stella forced a smile. "Just... haven't been sleeping well these days. My body feels off." "Then why are you out here instead of resting?" Evelyn frowned. Stella paused, then said lightly, "Irene woke up and kept fussing. I couldn't rest anyway, so I thought I'd switch rooms for a bit." Evelyn nodded. "All right. I'll keep an eye on her. I've missed her. It's been too long." "Wait," Stella quickly caught her arm. "My head hurts. Could you massage it for me? Like when I was little." Inside, Irene was already laughing and whispering on the phone. Stella knew if Evelyn went in now, she'd notice. Evelyn's heart softened instantly. She tapped Stella's forehead gently. "You're not a kid anymore. Still acting spoiled?" "I may be grown up, but I'll always be your little darling, right?" Stella teased, leaning against her. Evelyn chuckled, "Alright, alright. You'll always be my little girl. Satisfied now?" Arm in arm, they walked toward the guest room. Their silhouettes, bathed in the fragmented corridor light, looked almost tender. E AD Comment Send gift No Ads