The fury burned hotter within Stella and the belt rose and fell with savage rhythm on Max’s writhing form. Each strike landed with brutal precision. When Mak flailed or tried to grab the belt, Jordan’s iron grip pinned him effortlessly.
“This is madness! Outright insubordination!” Andrew bellowed, trembling with impotent rage. But the threat of Jordan’s lawsuit choked his instinct to call the police.
Stella’s a tech whiz. Could she resurrect deleted security footage? Proof like that would bury Max,‘ he thought. Seeing direct confrontation fail, he locked desperate eyes with Anna.
Anna understood instantly. She scrambled across the floor, collapsing before Eleanor in a posture of abject supplication, forehead pressed to the cold tile “Grandma, pleasel” she begged, tears streaking her face. “You’re the only one Stella listens to. Please stop
her.”
Eleanor remained ramrod straight, her expression glacial. “I will not intervene,” she stated, her voice like frozen steel. “Stella chose mercy over the police. A beating is lenient for such betrayal. Perhaps more are needed to drive the lesson home.”
“Grandma, please!” Anna wailed, clutching at Eleanor’s clothes
Fiona threw herself down beside Anna, her face etched with terror. “Stella’s going to kill Max! He’s the sole male heir of the Hayes family.
If he falls, how will you answer to the ancestors?”
Fiona’s words ignited a fresh wave of fury in Eleanor. “A belt won’t destroy his ability to sine heirs,” she retorted scathingly. “Stella acts with restraint compared to his crime against her. Look to your son’s actions before you cry over his welts!
” Kevin hadn’t come to help,” Eleanor’s voice turned razor–sharp, “Stella would have suffered at Troy’s hands, then how would you face the ancestors?”
Fiona wanted to say something more, but Eleanor’s face hardened into implacable stone. “Silence!” she commanded, her voice cracking like a whip. “Kneel until your bones grind to dust. My answer remains unchanged.”
Andrew surged forward, but Jordan shifted, a silent, immovable barrier. The sheer force of Jordan’s presence dwarfed Andrew, radiating an aura that demanded submission. Andrew met his gaze, a silent battle of wills, but faltered almost instantly, forced into a grudging retreat.
Max slumped, unconscious, a broken mess. His clothes hung in tatters, skin beneath crisscrossed with bleeding welts. remained untouched. The punishment had been precise and brutal, confined to his torso and limbs.
The moment Max went limp, Andrew, Anna, and Fiona scrambled to his side in a frantic huddle.
Stella stared at the belt in her hand, the leather, now slick and dark with Max’s blood. “I’ll get you a new one,” she said quietly.
Jordan’s smile was surprisingly tender. “Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty at home. Replace it whenever you like.”
ce
The unexpected gentleness in his voice, the casual “Replace it whenever you like,” sent a wave of warmth through Stella’s chest. ‘He truly sees me as his wife, the realization bloomed.
Stella turned from Jordan and walked directly to Eleanor. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees before her
Eleanor immediately reached down. Stella, get up. You’re so weak.” Her concern was palpable.
Stella didn’t get up. “Grandma,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “I am sorry for the violence here. But I do not regret holding
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Chapter 72
Max accountable. Hate me if you must, but I stand by it.”
Eleanor sighed, a sound heavy with sorrow and understanding “No explanations are needed, dear child. The fault lies entirely with them. Choosing family honor over the courts was mercy they scarcely deserve.”
She glanced pointedly at Andrew and Flona. “They remain blind to their own sins. You acted rightly. Had you not, I would have taken that belt to him myself. You spared my old arms the effort.”
“Grandma,” Stella said softly, “Now I’m married. I can’t be around you as before, but I promise I’ll visit you often.”
Eleanor looked at Stella with a doting smile. “Oh, my dear. Seeing you married, cherished by your husband, it’s the greatest blessing this old heart could ask for.”
“Mary!” Eleanor called.
“Yes, Mrs. Hayes.” Mary hurried forward, presenting a thick, ornate envelope and a beautifully carved rosewood jewelry box.
“This has been waiting for you, my dear,” Eleanor said, placing the heavy envelope in Stella’s hands. “Here’s a cash gift for you and Jordan.”
Then, she opened the box, revealing gold and jewels that gleamed softly. “These were my mother’s, passed to me on my wedding day. Now, they pass to you. I pray for a lifetime of joy for you both.”
Fiona’s attention snapped from Max to the gifts. She darted to Eleanor’s side and protested, “All this for Stella? What of Anna’s portion?”
Eleanor’s warmth vanished, replaced by icy disdain.“Answer me this: What bridal gifts did you, her mother, prepare for Stella?”
Fiona floundered, struck silent.
“Perfect then,” Eleanor retorted coolly, “I provide for Stella. You provide for Anna. Fair and square, both girls will get their share.”
Fiona bit her lip hard, frustration flashing in her eyes.
Eleanor gently urged Stella to her feet.
Stella stood up. Then she told Eleanor she needed to gather her few belongings. Though meager, she would leaver–hing of herself behind in this house.
Jordan didn’t follow Stella upstairs. Take your time,” he told Stella softly. “I’ll keep Mrs. Hayes company. Call if you need help with anything heavy.”
“Alright,” Stella replied.
Stepping into her old room felt like entering a tomb of bad memories. Not one happy moment lingered within these walls. ‘Good riddance forever, she thought fiercely, surveying the sparse space.
Just then, Mary came over, offering to help Stella pack her things. Seeing the pitifully small pile–a few clothes folded beside the laptop–her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, child, they failed you so terribly.”
Stella managed a fragile smile. “Anyway, I had Grandma’s love. Without her, I’d really be pitiful.”
“Mrs. Hayes is the most clear–headed of all,” said Mary. “You’re the brightest child in this family. Fate dealt cruel hands, but now, I pray marriage brings you every joy stolen from you before.”
Chapter 72
Stella pressed a small, folded paper into Mary’s hand. “My new number,” she whispered. “My first phone got smashed, Guard this for Grandma. Tell no one else. I will call her to arrange visits. We’ll see each other often, I promise.”
Mary quickly took it, her face beaming. “That’s just wonderful. Mrs. Hayes will be overjoyed when she finds out you’ve left your contact details for her.”
“Mary, please. After I leave, please take good care of Grandma.”
“Don’t you worry, Ms. Hayes. Your happiness is paramount. I see Mr. Erwin treats you very well. If he ever dares to mistreat you, you just let us know–anytime.”
Stella nodded.
As Mary descended the stairs with Stella’s small bag and laptop, Jordan immediately rose and moved to take them. Mary protested faintly, “Oh, Mr. Erwin, I can manage!” but he smoothly relieved her of the burden with a respectful nod
Mary had a favorable impression of Jordan. He didn’t treat her as hired help but showed her respect due to an elder. Although he seemed aloof, he never hesitated when it came to Stella.
Jordan took Stella’s luggage and came in front of Eleanor with her. “Mrs. Hayes, we’ll be leaving now,” he said gently.
Eleanor smiled warmly. “Alright. Build a joyful life together. I will come visit whenever I can.”
Jordan gave a polite nod, then turned to take Stella’s hand as they prepared to leave.
Suddenly, Andrew barked, “Stop! You’re not allowed to leave.”
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