Chapter 14
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After leaving the hospital, Stella Spencer didn’t waste any time. She shook off her gloom and headed straight to the mall to pick out something special for Sebastian.
Sure, she’d made up her mind about the divorce, but all these years under the Lloyd roof, it was Sebastian who’d really looked out for her–made sure she kept her dignity.
Now that they were going their separate ways, the least she could do was say thanks.
Besides, tonight’s family dinner was as good a time as any to break the news.
Gift in hand and clock ticking, Stella drove out to Lloyd Manor.
The old master, getting on in years and preferring peace and quiet, had the place tucked away in the suburbs–all green hills, fresh air, and calm waters.
A bit far from the city? Sure. But with a driver on call, it was no big deal.
Just as she stepped out of her car, Ernest Lloyd’s pulled up right next to hers. Stella froze mid–step. Then little Irene came bouncing out, her kiddie watch pressed to her mouth, sounding equal parts excited and hopeful.
‘Wait, really? Aunt Sylvia, you promise you’re not fooling me?‘
Her laugh rang out way too loud. Stella’s brow furrowed.
All these years, Grandpa had cut off the entire Jansen family because of her. If he saw his precious granddaughter getting chummy with Sylvia Jansen? It’d break his heart. Or worse.
By the time they reached the door, Irene was still giggling, totally unaware her mom was right behind her.
Stella had enough. ‘Irene…‘ she said, her voice tight.
The girl jumped. Instead of turning around, her first move was to hang up.
‘Mom? Wh–what is it?‘
‘Oh no‘ she thought, ‘Mom heard me talking to Aunt Sylvia. Is she gonna be mad again?‘
“Nothing. Just reminding you–we’re about to go inside. Remember your manners.”
Irene braced for a scolding… but it never came. Even as they stepped through the door, Stella stayed quiet. Slowly, it dawned on the girl.
That wasn’t about manners. That was about her call.
‘Ugh, why can’t I even take a call in peace?‘ she thought.
Ernest walked ahead like he hadn’t even noticed Stella arrive.
Inside, the butler took the gift from her hands. The old master sat centered in the living room, flanked on the couches by her mother–in–law, Kourtney, and sister–in–law, Noreen.
Those two never had a nice look for her anyway–Stella was used to it by now. Today, she couldn’t care less.
She was here for Grandpa.
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Chapter 14
Sure enough, the stiff atmosphere in the room softened the moment she walked in.
The old man’s face lit up. You! If your mother hadn’t called, would you ever have come to see your grandpa
He sounded stern, but anyone could see–he wasn’t really angry.
Stella went over and sat beside him. ‘Of course I would, Grandpa. I’ve just been… busy lately. That’s all
It was only half true.
Sure enough, Noreen couldn’t hold back. “What could a housewife possibly be busy with? Stop flattering yourself.”
Just thinking about how Stella still hadn’t handed over the design drafts made her blood boil. Content originally comes from.net
And now she had the nerve to use “being busy” as some lame excuse?
Stella ignored Noreen and turned back to Sebastian. “Grandpa, I’ve actually found a job. I’m getting ready to start soon.”
“A job?” The old man looked surprised. “If you’re bored at home, just have Ernest arrange something. You can take your pick of any position at Lloyd Group. Why go through some formal hiring process? ”
Before Stella could respond, Kourtney let out a cold laugh from the side.
“Honestly, people would think we can’t afford to keep her.”
She sat stiffly, shooting Stella a dismissive glance. Her tone grew even frostier.
“The life you’re living now–some people can only dream of it. Don’t be ungrateful.”
Noreen jumped right in. “Exactly. Why would she want to work? She’s just causing drama to get my brother’s attention.”
She didn’t believe a word Stella said about “wanting to work” -and she definitely didn’t want her showing up at Lloyd Group.
If Stella joined the company, those design drafts would never see the light of day.
Sebastian’s face darkened instantly. “I’m still right here. Is this how you speak to Stella when I’m around? What would you do if I weren’t? ”
He thumped his cane heavily on the floor. Kourtney and Noreen immediately fell silent.
They hadn’t forgotten how he’d been standing on the second–floor hallway after that phone call–the memory still sent chills down their spines.
In the past, Stella would have stepped in to smooth things over. But now…
“Grandpa, please don’t worry about me. I’ve already accepted a job. I start Monday. It’s not at Lloyd Group.”
The room fell silent.
Everyone remembered how clingy Stella used to be with Ernest.
She’d even considered working at Lloyd Group before–Grandpa himself had taken her to register her fingerprint.
They all assumed this “job” thing was just another excuse to get close to Ernest.
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Chapter 14
But now, even with Grandpa offering her a way in, she was turning it down?
Noreen rolled her eyes. “Who are you trying to fool? Acting all high and mighty.”
Without her brother’s approval, Stella wouldn’t even make it past the front door of Lloyd Group.
In the midst of the tension, Irene came running over on her short little legs and threw herself into Grandpa Lloyd’s arms.
“Great–Grandpa, if Mommy wants to work, just let her, okay? Please? ”
Lately, she’d truly enjoyed the freedom of having her mom away.
She could chat with Aunt Sylvia as long as she wanted, go out whenever she liked, eat whatever she craved, and even stay up as late as she wished.
For the first time, she understood what people meant when they said, “Your life depends on who you live with.”
If her mom stopped working–or worse, joined Dad’s company–her glorious freedom would vanish.
Thinking fast, she shook the old man’s arm even harder.
He sighed helplessly. “Alright, alright. We’ll listen to your mother.”
“ Yay! That’s so good!”
Irene had always known how much he doted on her. He’d never once said no to any of her requests.
Still, as much as she loved her new freedom, part of her felt uneasy about her mom being away so much.
Eager to please, she hurried over to Stella, beaming with pride.
“Mommy, did you hear? Great–Grandpa said you can work! I convinced him!”
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