Andrew shot Fiona a glance. “We must find a way to make Stella agree to marry Henry today. As long as the company’s in trouble, my mom condition won’t improve.”
Fiona sighed. “You know how stubborn that girl is. I’m afraid this isn’t going to be easy.”
Andrew said, “Just ask her if she wants Eleanor to die. If the Hayes Group collapses, we won’t be able to pay for Eleanor’s medical treatment, and the won’t last long without proper care.
“Isn’t Stella supposed to be a considerate granddaughter? Can’t she even make a little sacrifice for her own grandmother?”
“Alright, I got it,” Fiona said, turning around, only to find Stella standing there.
The entire family followed Fiona’s gaze and froze when they saw Stella standing there.
Given Stella’s past behavior, Max instantly positioned himself protectively in front of the other three, glaring at her. “What are you up to this time?”
Stella’s face remained utterly expressionless as she steadily descended the stairs.
In the past, Stella’s every thought had been written plainly on her face. But now, her expression gave nothing away. That black mask was downright unnerving to the others.
As Stella approached, Max stood tensely, his eyes burning with wariness.
Stella looked him in the eye. “Weren’t you trying to marry me off? Fine. I’ll do it.”
Hearing this, Fiona beamed with delight. She rushed over, seizing Stella’s hand and squeezing it tightly. She said excitedly, “Stella, that’s wonderful. You’ve come to your senses! Don’t worry, sweetheart. Your father and I love you dearly.
“Henry called earlier and said you two had already met. Sure. He’s a bit older than you, but he’s very caring. Since he’s been married before, he really knows how to treat a woman right. You know what I mean, don’t you? I-”
Before Fiona could finish, Stella discreetly withdrew her hand. “But I have conditions,” she said flatly.
Fiona’s smile froze, her face instantly darkening.
Andrew snorted coldly. “I knew you weren’t that selfless, Stella. Don’t push your luck with outrageous demands, or I won’t spare you just because you’re my daughter.”
“My condition is 20% of the Hayes Group’s shares. I’m not getting married without it,” Stella declared.
Andrew jabbed his finger at her forcefully, just like the night before. “Stella, you’ve really gone too far! How dare you ask for 20%? Even your brother only gets 30%. Looks like you’ve learned a few tricks since you left.”
Stella said coolly, “When I left, I hadn’t even turned eighteen. After I was gone, you celebrated Anna’s eighteenth birthday and publicly announced she’d get 20% of Hayes Group shares, didn’t you? If Anna gets 20%, then why shouldn’t I?”
Andrew shifted uncomfortably. “H–how did you know?”
“With how connected the world is now, everyone over there knew I was from the Hayes family. When they tried to pressure me into submission, they made sure to tell me everything you did after I left,” she said.
Max felt a sharp pang. He had confronted his parents about this before, and they had promised him that when Stella returned, she would also receive 20% of the Hayes Group shares.
With so much time having passed, he’d completely forgotten until Stella brought it up. Now, facing Andrew, he said firmly, “Dad, this isn’t even a demand. You promised her this before. Now it’s just about honoring your word.”
1/2
Chapter 35
“Enough!” Andrew snapped, shooting Max a glare.
Max stood stunned. Fiona instinctively turned to look at Stella, whose face was utterly blank, and it was exactly that impassive expression that tent shivers down their spines.
“No shares, no marriage.” With that, Stella turned on her heel and walked away.
Andrew yelled with rage, “She’s truly audacious. How dare she try to bargain with me? That’s her own grandmother! Is she not going to save her?!
