Chapter 118
“Senior?”
“Mr. Ward?”
Percy’s stunned gaze darted between the two of them, his expression turning increasingly sour.
Memories of the past few weeks flooded his mind–images of Stellar and Stephen together, moments he dismissed but now took
on a new meaning.
To outsiders, they were already a strikingly attractive pair, an undeniable match.
At that moment, fear and jealousy consumed him, making him lose all restraint.
“Mr. Ward, do you really not care about her past?”
He refused to believe that any man could be so magnanimous as to accept a woman who was no longer ‘pure.‘
before softening as h
Stephen’s gaze narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable before softening as he looked at Stellar.
“I don’t just accept her, I also wish I could have been there sooner to protect her.”
His voice was gentle, carrying an unmistakable warmth.
“Because none of it was ever her fault.”
His words settled over Stellar like a soft spring breeze, warmth spreading through her chest.
She lifted her head and smiled at him, a rare, genuine smile from the heart.
He really was a kind man.
Percy, watching the silent exchange between them, felt his jealousy boil over, his eyes burning with rage.
“Then do you know she lived with me for two years? Do you know that we already…”
Before he could finish, Stephen shot him a cold, lethal glare–sharp enough to feel like a bullet through the chest.
Percy’s breath caught, the words dying in his throat.
“I know, but so what? If I hear you slander or harass her again, the Moore family can forget about having a foothold in Northvale.”
Percy stiffened.
He knew Stephen wasn’t bluffing.
He meant it.
Chapter
A chill ran down his spine, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
“I–I’m sorry.”
Muttering the words hastily, he turned and fled without looking back.
Once Percy disappeared into the distance, Stephen finally let go of Stellar’s hand.
Yet, the warmth of her touch lingered in his palm, along with the faint scent of citrus that clung to her skin.
A subtle ripple of emotion stirred within him, though his expression remained unreadable.
“Apologies. That was out of line.”
Stellar shook her head, her gaze soft.
“It’s fine. If anything, I should be thanking you. Otherwise, he would’ve kept pestering me endlessly.”
+20 Bonus
“Forget about it. There’s no need for gratitude between us. From now on, you don’t have to worry about anything–just focus on starting your new life.”
A bright smile spread across Stellar’s face, her eyes gleaming with confidence and vitality.
“Of course.”
Watching her like this–radiant and full of life–Stephen felt a strange, inexplicable tug in his heart.
There was no proof, nothing concrete to go on, but deep down, he had a strong premonition.
She had to be the little girl he was searching for all these years.
They walked side by side toward the main building.
Then, as if remembering something, Stellar turned to him with a look of concern.
“By the way, the call you took yesterday–was it something serious? Did you manage to sort it out?”
Stephen’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.
He recalled the phone call from the engagement banquet.
The Ward family’s butler had called to inform him that his grandfather’s condition had taken a critical turn.
The news had shaken him.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he had left immediately, boarding a private jet back to Southport, unwilling to waste even a
single second.
When Stephen arrived, he was met with the sight of his grandfather lying in bed, an oxygen tube attached to his nose, his face pale as death, looking as if he were moments away from passing on.
+20 Bonus
A row of doctors and nurses stood solemnly by his bedside, their expressions heavy with concern.
The moment he saw Stephen, the old man’s frail, trembling hand reached out to grasp his.
His voice was hoarse, weak, and filled with sorrow.
“Stephen…. you’re finally back. I don’t have much time left. Before I go, I have just one last wish… I want to see you marry the
Rivers family’s heiress. Can you grant this old man his dying wish?”
Stephen’s mind went blank.
Faced with his grandfather’s pleading gaze, he nearly agreed on the spot.
But just as the words were about to leave his mouth, something caught his eye.
The color of the old man’s face didn’t quite match his neck.
The pale, deathly complexion looked… off.
Frowning, Stephen took a closer look and suddenly realized that his grandfather’s ghostly pallor was nothing more than makeup.
