Chapter 40
They arrived at an upscale restaurant. Henry turned to Stella and asked, “What would you like to order?”
Stella replied softly, “I’m sorry, I don’t have much of an appetite. Please go ahead and eat. I’ll just keep you company.”
Henry understood her situation. His eyes softened with concern. “It’s alright,” he said gently. “Take your time. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll treat you to anything you want.”
Stella had been through so much that she wasn’t easily moved anymore.
Henry ordered a few dishes and ate across from her, occasionally glancing up at her with a gentle smile.
Stella didn’t check her phone or look at him. She simply sat there, lost in thought.
Once Henry finished his last bite, he set his fork down and looked at her. “Is there anywhere you’d like to go? Maybe a movie or an amusement park?”
Before he could say more, Stella interrupted, “Mr. Bass, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course,” Henry replied, his tone calm.
Stella hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’ll marry you, but there are conditions.
Henry nodded. “I know. Your father has already discussed it with me. He has agreed to give your family 20% of the company’s shares, which seems reasonable to me.”
He continued, “You’re about to become my wife. How they treat you will reflect how they treat me. I won’t tolerate any disrespect toward you in your family.”
Stella interrupted him again. “No, I mean conditions about us.”
Henry paused, slightly taken aback, but then he smiled softly. “Alright, I’m listening.”
Stella said, “I don’t mind getting married, but I’d like to keep it private. We can sign the papers and have a quiet dinner with our families. People will find out eventually, especially given my situation.”
Henry smiled warmly. “I understand, Stella. I’m really touched that you’re considering me. Honestly, I never cared about the public side of things since I chose you.”
Stella paused, surprised by his answer. She had meant to say she didn’t want to become the subject of gossip, but seeing that he misunderstood, she
didn’t correct him.
Instead, she said, “Also, since you’re investing in their company, I want
you to ask for an extra five percent of the shares for me.”
Henry paused thoughtfully, as if something had just clicked. “Stella, people always say you’re smart, and they’re right. You’re thinking about our future, aren’t you? Alright, I’ll talk to your family about it.”
“And then my condition…” Stella didn’t spell it out, but she trusted he’d understand.
“I know,” Henry said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll take care of you for a while and help you recover. If you want to study during this time, you can do it here at home. I’ll arrange for tutors to come and teach you.”
“Thank you,” Stella said.
Henry smiled and said gently, “You’re welcome. Anything else?”
Stella shook her head, signaling that there was nothing more to say.
21.10 Fri, 1 Aug JOGS
Chapter 40
“These are all simple requests. I can easily take care of them,” Henry added.
Stella reminded him, “I’ve been out long enough. I should get going now.”
Henry stood up and offered, “Let me drive you home.”
Stella shook her head. “No need. I can go back on my own.”
“Alright,” Henry replied. “I’ll start making the arrangements and bring you home as soon as I can.”
Stella looked at him as if she wanted to say something more, but in the end, she remained silent and walked away.
The moment Stella stepped inside the house, she heard Eleanor’s voice. Concerned that something might be wrong with Eleanor, Stella hurried toward
her.
“You heartless wretches!” Eleanor said. “The company is failing, and you’re selling Stella to Henry? Do you even realize how old he is? He’s lost two wives already, and now you want Stella to be a stepmother? What are you thinking? I won’t allow it!”
AD
