Chapter 196
Though Kevin was a decent guy, Mary had always preferred Jordan. To put it bluntly, Jordan had no family left, and the so–called family stalls. had might as well not exist. At least that meant fewer complications in their relationship,
“But the Carvers? Every last one of them is rotten. Even if Stella ends up with Kevin, how long can he really protect her? A day? TwoT 30oner or later, they’ll find a way to hurt her again,‘ Mary thought.
Still, Mary politely bid Kevin goodbye, reminding him to drive safely. Once he was gone, she turned to Stella with a pained expression. “I’d hoped marrying Jordan would finally put an end to all this. But I was wrong.”
Mary was the only family Stella had left in this world. “Don’t worry about me,” Stella said, forcing a tired smile. “I’ve endured worse. And this time, Anna’s the one suffering.
“Jordan had her arrested. She’s going through exactly what they put me through in prison. Trust me, she’s not having a good time.”
Mary sighed. “If only they could lock her up for good.”
A thought suddenly struck Stella. “Mary, listen. If Anna ever calls you, don’t answer. Don’t believe a word she says. Don’t engage with her at all. Understand?”
“You think she’d try to kill me?” Mary asked, eyes widening.
“Anna’s far more twisted than I ever realized,” Stella said darkly. “After what I just did to her, she won’t let it go. If she can’t get to me directly, she’ll go after the people I care about. And you’re the only one left.”
Mary’s face hardened with resolve. “I’ll be careful. I won’t even leave the house unless I have to.”
“Please,” Stella whispered, gripping her hands. “I can’t lose anyone else.”
Mary nodded, then hesitated. “Ms. Hayes, do you think your grandmother found out what Anna had done? Is that why Anna killed her?”
“It had to be part of it,” Stella said bitterly. “But even if you accidentally cross paths with Anna, act like you know nothing. She’s ruthless.”
Stella couldn’t fathom it. They’d grown up together. After everything she’d suffered, she could have turned her rage against the world. But she hadn’t. Instead, it was Anna–the spoiled, doted–on favorite–who’d become the monster.
‘Why?‘ Stella would never understand.
Jordan slept straight through the evening, his phone buzzing multiple times without rousing him, proof of just how exhausted he was. Thankfully, Stella handled everything in his stead.
By the time he woke, Stella had regained enough strength to stand and walk to the bathroom on her own. Jordan, still groggy, bolted upright
in alarm when he noticed her absence.
Mary intercepted him with a knowing smile. “Relax, Mr. Erwin. She’s much better now, thanks to you taking such good care of her.”
Jordan exhaled in relief. “What time is it?”
“A little past six.” Summer sunlight still streamed through the windows despite the late hour.
Jordan was surprised. “I slept that long? Why didn’t anyone wake me?”
1/3
Chapter 196
- Hayes’s orders” Mary said. “She insisted you needed the rest after forty eight hours without deep said only manner can interrupting you. She added that Stella had managed his affairs seamlessly in fila absence.
faint smirk tugged at Jordan’s lips. “Mary… don’t you think Stella’s grown more protective of me lately?”
He’d once confessed his unchecked feelings for Stella only to Mary and her late grandmother. Now, with the old woman gone, Mary had become his sole confidante. She was the family he’d adopted through loving Stella.
“She’s never cared for anyone like this,” Mary mused. “Not even Lionel. Oh, and Andrew’s been located.”
No more Mr. Hayes. The title died when he’d betrayed his own daughter. Some sins stripped a man of dignity, of the right to breathe the same air as decent people.
Jordan wasn’t surprised his men had found Andrew. Their efficiency was unquestionable. But Stella’s prolonged absence in the bathroom nagged at him.
“Stella-?” He approached the door just as it swung open.
“What’s wrong?” She stood there adjusting the wig Mary had brought earlier, synthetic strands falling neatly over her shoulders.
Jordan’s gaze swept over her, lingering until he confirmed she was unharmed.
Mary chuckled. “And here you were, thinking she was the clingy one. Look who’s hovering now.”
Jordan met Stella’s eyes. Of course he hovered. She was his everything.
Stella suddenly stepped aside. “You need the bathroom? Go ahead.”
As she and Mary settled on the bed, Mary checked her watch. “It’s getting late. You two must be starving. I’ll grab dinner.”
“Just enough for the three of us,” Stella reminded her.
“Got it.” Mary headed out.
Jordan stepped out of the bathroom just as his phone buzzed. When he glanced at the screen, a smirk curled at the corner of his lips.
“You look pleased,” Stella remarked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, I am,” Jordan said, handing her the phone. “Take a look.”
Stella’s eyes flickered over the screen. There was a video of Andrew, beaten and broken, begging for mercy.
“I’ll do anything. Just stop! Please, no more!” Andrew sobbed, his voice cracking. He even collapsed to the ground, groveling like a coward. Pathetic.
Stella’s lips thinned. Men like him were spineless until they got a taste of power again. Then they’d turn vicious in a heartbeat.
In the video, a cold voice responded, “Relax, Mr. Hayes. This is just the beginning. Our boss said you’ll endure triple what you put Stela through in prison. Consider it… payback.”
Andrew feigned unconsciousness, a weak attempt to escape. But it was useless. A bucket of ice water splashed over him, jolting him back to reality. There was no running from this.
She might be called ungrateful and cruel by people, but watching her own father suffer like this? It sent a dark, satisfied thrill through Stella’s
veins.
chanter 196
in
Jordan’s phone buzzed again, real, Got It the answered briskly before hanging up More good news. Kevin just card there confirmed the dector’s death wasn’t linked to you.” He paused. “Bad news? They still can’t pin it on Anna
