Chapter 74
Chapter 73
Back then, Stella really believed Wade was a good person-even went so far as to reach out to him for help.
But in the end, if Stella’s mom hadn’t fought through her last bit of strength to pull her away, Stella would have ended up being sold off by him.
Just the thought of that ticket to a foreign country and Wade’s fake smile still sent chills down Stella’s spine.
At the time, Stella was still underage, completely alone, and being sent to an unfamiliar, chaotic country was extremely dangerous. Yet, Wade didn’t hesitate for a second in trying to put her on that plane.
Stella couldn’t imagine how someone could be this vicious.
Suddenly, someone placed a steadying hand on Stella’s trembling shoulder, and Harvey’s confident, soothing voice spoke right in her ear, “Don’t worry-with me here, nobody can touch you.”
As Harvey said this, he cocked his head and shot Wade a freezing look. The ice in Harvey’s eyes was so fierce that Wade found himself unable to meet his gaze.
But just as importantly, Richard was already on his feet, his fists crackling with tension, itching for a fight. His eyes swept the room, clearly sizing up where to throw the first punch.
Everyone knew about what had happened that year, and they’d even investigated afterward.
But there was no evidence to prove if Wade was really trying to sell Stella overseas for profit or if he was just “helping” her. In the end, it was quietly shelved.
“Grandpa, are you alright?” Stella didn’t even glance at the Finch family, rushing straight over to Richard and giving him a quick once-over.
Only after making sure he was okay did she finally relax. “Thank goodness. Don’t go doing anything crazy next time, okay?”
When Victor heard this, he thought Stella was going to défend him and almost nodded in agreement. But then she continued, “What if you got hurt? You scared me. I’m not about to visit you in the hospital.”
Her tone, which sounded worried but playful, made Richard chuckle. “Alright, alright, Stella, you’re right. Next time, I’ll keep my cool.”
The sweet family moment only fueled Victor’s anger. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Stella, do you even still see me as your grandfather?”
Harvey’s expression turned icy, and Richard raised his fist. But before either of them could lash out, Stella cut in, her voice cold and flat. “Don’t even try to pull the family card. We’re strangers.”
Aside from the time she was kicked out of the Jansen family, Stella had crossed paths with Victor a few times after that. Back then, she was just a kid-couldn’t speak up for herself, had no one to turn to. That made Victor think she was easy to push around.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to corner her with harsh demands when she first walked in. Caught off guard by her icy response, Victor was left speechless.
“Stella, that’s on you,” Wade said, giving her a disapproving look.
He kept his tone gentle, almost coaxing. “I’m your dad’s brother-in-law, and he is your dad’s father-in-law. You’re Theodore’s daughter-like it or not, we’re all connected.”
“Oh, enough already,” Harvey snorted, his laugh cold. “I’ve seen people toss around family ties before, but you two take it to another level. Have you got no shame?”
1/3
“Harvey, if you really think about it, we’re family,” Wade started, trying to pull Harvey into the conversation.
“You really asking to get punched, huh?” Richard couldn’t hold back. “You’ve got some nerve.”
Wade snapped his mouth shut, knowing full well Richard actually would hit him.
Sure, the law treated everyone the same, but some situations were different. The punishment for old folks and minors was usually more lenient.
If Richard had hit Wade, he’d probably have gotten away without consequences. Plus, Richard was a decorated veteran- Wade didn’t stand a chance.
The officer, clearly overwhelmed, could only bring everyone into the mediation room and tell them to figure it out themselves.
But this whole situation was spiraling out of control. If no one stepped in soon, it was about to turn into an all-out brawl.
The officer drummed his fingers on the table, waiting for the noise to die down. Once everyone settled, he rubbed his temples and sighed, “This situation is clearly a fight under the law, you all realize that, right?”
“Hold on!” Victor cried out, practically panicking. “Fighting? He’s the one who attacked me! Are you saying I’m supposed to apologize for catching his punch with my face?”
The officer calmly explained the rules. Reluctantly, Victor had to accept it. The officer then said, “Here’s how it’s going to go.
“You either pay a fine and spend two days in lock-up, or you reach an agreement and go your separate ways. Stop fighting. Make up your minds.”
Richard couldn’t care less. He was an old soldier. Back in the day, soldiers fought all the time. Spending a couple of nights in lock-up was nothing to him.
Victor had been riding a wave of ego ever since his family latched onto the Lloyd Group. If word got out he’d spent two days behind bars, his pride wouldn’t survive the blow-he’d be a joke in Seabrook’s elite circles.
Thinking about that, Victor just gritted his teeth and forced out, “Fine. Let’s settle this.”
“And you?” The officer asked, turning to Richard.
Richard just grinned, clearly seeing right through Victor’s game. “You don’t want to be embarrassed? Looking to smooth things over? Well, tough luck. I’m not letting you off easy.”
Victor started to protest, but Richard shut him down. “Unless you get up, bow to my granddaughter, and say sorry, there’s no way we’re settling this.”
“Mr. Spencer, isn’t that a bit much?” Wade pleaded, trying to negotiate. “My dad’s old-seriously, you want him to bow to his granddaughter?”
“Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you get to be shameless,” Richard sneered, pure disdain in his voice. “Where was all your dignity when you were insulting Stella?”
Richard’s gaze went steely, his presence pressing down hard on Wade with every word. “Didn’t you hear Stella say you two aren’t family to her at all?”
“I… I messed up,” Wade muttered, cold sweat running down his forehead. He didn’t dare say another word, so he whispered to Victor, “Dad, just say sorry, alright?”
“I’m not,” Victor started, but before he could finish, Richard cut in with a mocking laugh. “Go ahead, keep acting tough. After our two days here, I’ll come back for round two.”
2/3
Chapter 73
Victor went silent, totally stunned.
Even the officer was thrown for a loop.
55 vouchers Fresh chapters posted on fıCome on, just admit your fault and get it over with,” the officer said, trying to talk Victor down. “You’re the one who started insulting his granddaughter so harshly. Can you blame him for wanting to fight back?”
1
田
AD
Comment
Send gift
No Ads