Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Ernest raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the implication in her words. “I don’t think it needs to be low-key. I never hide.”
“Whatever, Stella rolled her eyes and turned to walk away.
“Dad, what are you hiding?” Irene asked, curious as ever.
‘Dad definitely has something from Ms. Jansen. Otherwise, Mom wouldn’t be this mad,’ Irene thought, confidently connecting the dots.
There wasn’t a hint of concern about her mom in Irene’s eyes-she only cared about whatever Sylvia had given her dad. If Ernest had it, then Irene wanted it too.
“Nothing,” Ernest ruffled her hair and led her toward the rest area. “Let’s go back and rest for a bit. There’s still one more game to play.”
“Okay,” Irene nodded. Back in the rest area, Irene immediately approached Sylvia, eager to know what she had given her dad because she wanted one too.
Sylvia forced a smile and replied, “It was probably just a necklace I accidentally left at your dad’s that night. If you want, I’ll get you one when I have the chance.”
“Thank you, Ms. Jansen. You are the best,” Irene cheered, bouncing with excitement.
“You’re welcome,” Sylvia said with a faint smile, her eyes darting to Stella, who seemed indifferent, as though Sylvia’s words meant nothing to her.
Stella didn’t care. Whether it was “that night” or the so-called “accidentally,” she had no interest. Even if Sylvia and Ernest had actually done something, it didn’t bother her.
Now that she’d made up her mind to leave her past behind, there was no way she’d bother with people who were already out of her life.
Sylvia suspected that Stella was pretending to be calm. Sylvia’s eyes flickered for a moment but then quickly dismissed the thought.
Everyone who knew about Stella and Ernest’s past knew just how much Stella had once clung to him-humiliating herself just for a little attention from him.
Now, Sylvia wasn’t buying that Stella had suddenly stopped and walked away. It seemed impossible.
With that in mind, Sylvia decided to test the waters. “Ms. Spencer, I heard you recently got a job?”
Stella didn’t respond right away. She just gave Sylvia a cool look, waiting for her to continue.
Sylvia went on, “I’m just curious, as Ernest’s wife, you should have everything you need, so why would you want to work?”
When people had a safety net, they often acted fearless. Unless her situation with the Lloyd family had become so bad that she was forced to find an escape route.
To be fair, Sylvia had nailed it. She really was the reason why Stella had ended up in this mess to begin with.
Stella sneered. She wasn’t about to be polite anymore. “Ms. Jansen, wife or not, I’m still myself. Everything I do, I do because I want to-not because of anyone else.”
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She paused, a mocking smile curling on her lips, then met Sylvia’s gaze directly, her voice clear and sharp. “And for the record-my business is none of your damn concern.”
Those words nearly wiped that fake smile right off Sylvia’s face.
Sylvia clenched her teeth, struggling to maintain composure, before forcing a smile. “Ms. Spencer, I was just curious. Even if
don’t want to answer, there’s no need for such an attitude.”
you
Stella retorted, finally letting loose. “Honestly, I think my attitude has been more than good enough.”
If Erica was here, she wouldn’t waste her breath-she would’ve slapped Sylvia ages ago.
Stella shook her head, thinking to herself, ‘I really have a lot to learn from Erica’s no-nonsense style.
There was no way Sylvia could get the better of Stella-especially not while Stella was still Mrs. Lloyd. Sylvia didn’t have a leg to stand on, nor any real right to argue with her about anything.
Left with no choice, Sylvia turned her gaze toward Ernest, the only person who could help.
But today, Ernest was acting completely out of character-constantly helping Stella, supporting her, watching over her, and now even stepping in to speak for her.
“Alright, we’re at school right now. If there’s anything that needs sorting out, wait until the event is over,” Ernest said, keeping things neutral.
His words didn’t favor either side. He made it clear that any issues could be addressed after the event. If Sylvia had a problem, she could talk to Stella afterward.
In Sylvia’s mind, the fact that Ernest didn’t back her up right away was as good as him taking Stella’s side.
“In that case, I’ll leave,” Sylvia said, unable to handle it anymore.
Just as she was about to leave, Irene jumped in, playing the hero to defend Ms. Jansen. “Mom, why are you being so mean to Ms. Jansen?”
Sylvia gave Irene a look, then lounged back into her seat with a self-satisfied smirk. She was eager to see how Stella would handle being put on blast by her own kid.
It wasn’t the first time this had happened. Stella was used to it by now, and it didn’t bother her at all. “And why can’t I treat her that way?” Stella responded calmly.
“Because she’s Ms. Jansen-she’s my absolute favorite,” Irene protested with childish certainty. “Mom, you can’t be mean to Discover more novels at ~net
her like that.”
“You just said she’s your favorite, not mine,” Stella replied coolly. “So what does that have to do with me?”
“But,” Irene frowned, confused. “I’m your most important person, aren’t I?”
Irene thought that since Stella cared about her, she should also care about the people Irene liked. She even considered having Stella take care of Sylvia’s life as well.
Irene’s ideal life was to form a big happy family, with Ernest and Sylvia playing with her, while Stella took care of them.
Luckily, Stella had no idea what Irene was thinking, so her response was still gentle.
“Just because you’re important to me doesn’t mean I have to like the people you like,” Stella replied calmly. She didn’t say “most,” because Irene no longer held that level of importance in her heart.
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Chapter 43
If it weren’t for her duty as a mother and worrying about Irene’s feelings, Stella would’ve said something much harsher.
Irene was stuck now, unable to back down without losing face. She was sweating, feeling cornered.
Just because she was young didn’t mean she didn’t understand these things. She knew what it felt like to have her pride at stake in public.
Although no one was really watching her, Irene still felt embarrassed. She couldn’t help but blame her mom for not understanding.
“Mom, just apologize to Ms. Jansen,” Irene pushed, wanting this whole mess done with.
“Not happening,” Stella cut her off coldly. “I said I’m not apologizing, so just drop it.”
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