Chapter 24
Chapter 24
“Hmm?” Harvey’s voice sounded surprised on the other end of the line. “Is something going on over there?”
“If you’re busy, I can come pick up Irene myself. I haven’t seen her in ages–who knows if that little munchkin has gained any weight?”
He couldn’t help but add a bit of a complaint: “Stella, I’m not blaming you, but you know how much Mom, Dad, and Grandpa adore Irene. I’m not saying you have to bring her over all the time, but at least send us more photos once in a while.”
Stella smiled bitterly. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to–it was that Irene never wanted to go.
Every time they made plans to visit the Spencer family or stay for a couple of days, something would always come up with “Sylvia,” and Irene would break the promise without hesitation to run off to her.
Over the years, Stella had made countless excuses to her uncle’s family on Irene’s behalf.
“Stella? Are you still there?”
When she didn’t reply right away, Harvey called her name again. She pulled herself together and answered gently, “I’m here, Harvey. Don’t bother making the trip tomorrow–I’ll bring Irene over myself.”
“Alright then. We’ll be waiting for you at home tomorrow.”
They chatted a bit more before hanging up. Afterward, Stella called Irene. Content originally comes from.net
Since they were going to the Spencer family tomorrow, she needed to prepare her daughter in advance.
She’d expected resistance–maybe even a flat–out refusal because Irene would rather be with Sylvia. But to her surprise, Irene only complained a little before agreeing.
“Ugh, Mom! I’m playing right now–can’t you stop bothering me?”
“It’s just Uncle’s house. I already know. Stop nagging!”
“So I’ll pick you up tomorrow?” Stella asked calmly.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. I gotta go–Aunt Sylvia is waiting for me.”
In the background, Stella could faintly hear a woman’s gentle laughter and a child’s unrestrained excitement.
Then, with a sharp beep, the call ended.
Stella set down her phone, her expression unmoved.
She was used to it. She should’ve been used to it a long time ago.
Right now, all she wanted was to return to Lumière Group as soon as possible and focus on the dreams she’d put on hold for so long.
As for everything else… as long as things stayed calm on the surface, that was enough. And even if they didn’t—it didn’t matter anymore. She’d stopped caring.
The glow of the computer screen was harsh in the dark room, but Stella’s focused eyes shone brighter than ever.
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Chapter 24
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The next day, Stella arrived at the Lloyd residence right on time–but Irene was nowhere to be seen.
Looks like she wasn’t up yet.
Stella didn’t plan on going inside to wake her. A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.
More importantly, she had no desire to step back into that house–it still felt like a gilded cage.
“Ma’am―I mean, Ms. Spencer.” A hesitant voice came from beside the car window. Stella rolled it down and saw Betty Wilson, the housekeeper, standing there.
“Betty,” Stella smiled. “It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has,” Betty nodded, a touch of emotion in her eyes. She hadn’t seen Stella in days, and the change was striking. The once listless Mrs. Lloyd now had light in her eyes. She seemed brighter, more alive–like someone stepping toward the sun.
“I’m really happy to see you like this, Ms. Spencer,” Betty said sincerely.
“Thank you,” Stella replied, slightly taken aback before smiling genuinely. She was happy, too.
“But why are you waiting out here?” Betty asked. “Are you expecting guests?”
If so, she’d make sure not to get in the way.
“Well…” Betty hesitated. “It’s the Miss Irene. She says she won’t get up unless you come help her wash up and brush her teeth.”
That’s why Betty had come out as soon as she saw Stella arrive.
That little troublemaker didn’t listen to any of the staff.
Stella understood. Although she hated to go in, she didn’t want to make things harder for Betty. “Alright,” she said. “Go up and tell her I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Thank you, Ms. Spencer.”
Thank you?
More like what a hassle.
Back in the day, Stella would’ve been thrilled to take care of her daughter–not just helping her brush her teeth, but even testing the water temperature to make sure it was perfect. But now? She just felt annoyed.
Why did everything have to be a struggle? Couldn’t she just get up, get ready, and go?
Is it because she’s young, just like making trouble?
But then Stella remembered–when Sylvia was involved, Irene would bounce out of bed with just one word. No fuss, no attitude.
Stella let out a long breath. She sat in the car a moment longer, pulling herself together, before finally stepping out and walking toward the mansion. It looked grand from the outside, but inside, it was nothing but coldness and rejection.
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Chapter 24
“Hmph! What’s so great about her? I’m gonna teach her a lesson–see if she ever dares to bother Sylvia again!”
Irene completely ignored Betty’s attempts to stick up for Stella. She looked proud of herself, like she’d just pulled off something brilliant.
Sylvia would totally praise me for this. She thought.
“Young miss…”
“Ugh, Betty, why are you so annoying?” Irene scowled. “Besides, Daddy pays your salary. Why are you always on Mom’s side?”
‘So you do know she’s your mom,‘ Betty thought, but didn’t say it. She knew the little girl’s temper–pushing it would only make things worse.
She’d only made Irene angrier by trying to smooth things over.
“I’ll go take care of my duties then, Miss Irene,” Betty said quietly.
“Just go,” Irene waved her off impatiently. Betty’s presence was just ruining her mood.
Honestly, if Betty hadn’t been taking care of her for so long–and was way better at it than the others–she would’ve asked Daddy to fire her already.
“Everyone who takes Mom’s side is a bad person!” Irene declared, her voice sweet but full of spite.
Outside the door, Stella ran into Betty on her way out. Their eyes met–awkwardly.
No matter how badly her daughter behaved, Stella still felt protective. She didn’t want others to see this ugly side of Irene.
Betty awkwardly wiped her hands on her apron. “Ms. Spencer, she’s still young… Don’t take it to heart. I’m sure she’ll appreciate you when she’s older.”
“Maybe,” Stella replied with a faint smile before walking into the room. Betty quickly slipped away.
Inside, Irene was sitting on the bed, hands on her hips, looking mighty pleased with herself.
When she saw Stella, she pouted dramatically but didn’t say a word–just stared at her mom with accusing eyes, as if saying: Well, Mom? Now you know you were wrong?
If Mom would just apologize to Sylvia, maybe—just maybe—she could forgive her. This once.
AB