Shadows Between Us (Stella and Sebastian) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244

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With a sharp crack, the thick branch of the tree that had just been struck by lightning snapped off, charred and broken, and crashed down onto Conrad, catching him completely off guard.

The branch was as thick as a man’s arm and almost waist-high.

Conrad was knocked unconscious on the spot.

Celia cried out in alarm, “Dr. Kramer!”

Everyone except Stella turned around at the commotion.

Allan was stunned.

Victor and Levi said in unison, “Serves him right!”

Only Hudson looked at Stella thoughtfully. He thought, ‘So she’s been counting down the seconds, waiting for this moment all along?’

As if she sensed his gaze, Stella glanced up and flashed Hudson a knowing, playful smile.

There was an air of carefree amusement about her, as if life itself was just a game to her.

By the car, the old guys said their goodbyes and each headed off in their own cars.

Broderick plastered on a sycophantic grin, rubbing his hands together like a scheming little weasel.

Ignoring him, Stella yanked open the car door, ready to get in.

Broderick quickly blocked her, sounding desperate. He said, “Wait, wait, wait! Stella, I need a favor!”

He braced one hand against the car door, refusing to let her open it, looking as pitiful and humble as humanly possible.

Stella looked at him with a deadpan face.

Broderick fidgeted with his fingers, sneaking glances at her. He said, “Stella, I’m heading out now.”

Stella nodded.

Broderick pretended to be all teary-eyed, whining, “You don’t even miss me!”

Stella just scoffed.

After a long pause, Broderick finally spoke up, “Uh, that guy, Declan…”

Stella raised an eyebrow and asked, “Who?”

Broderick said, “You know, the guy from that bar brawl last time.”

12:51 Wed, Feb 4 T

Chapter 244

Stella said, “Oh, you mean 10 million? What’s up?”

:

Broderick thought, ‘You really have a no-nonsense way of remembering names.’

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Broderick cleared his throat, sneaking a glance at her. Seeing she seemed to be in a good mood, he continued, “Stella, could you do me a favor and keep an eye on 10 million and his stuttering friend?”

Stella gave Broderick a gentle, dangerously warm smile. She asked, “Do you think I’m easy to talk to?”

Broderick’s hair stood on end.

He snapped to attention, standing up straight.

He shook his head vigorously.

Stella’s smile disappeared in a flash. She pressed, “So, are you saying I’m not easy to deal with?”

Broderick froze.

He screamed inwardly, ‘Help! Somebody save me.’

Two minutes later, another 10 million just landed in Stella’s account.

Broderick felt like his soul had been sucked dry. He let out a sigh, mourning the 20 million he’d just lost.

Stella, looking smug, casually stuffed her phone back into her pocket. She said, “Ask me that question again.”

Broderick looked dazed.

Stella smiled and said, “Go ahead.”

Broderick said, “Stella, could you do me a favor and keep an eye on 10 million and his stuttering friend?”

Stella flashed a sly grin and said, “You got it.”

Broderick was speechless.

He thought, ‘Not a shred of emotion; just cold, hard cash.’

As if something just occurred to her, Stella glanced up at Broderick with a subtle, curious look. She asked, “So, Declan is the Knight family’s…?”

Broderick muttered, sounding totally drained, “Their bastard kid.”

Stella asked, “Jaxon’s?”

Broderick was shocked. He exclaimed, “No way!” Worried she wouldn’t believe him, he quickly added, “It’s his brother’s.”

‘Fine, whatever,’ Stella thought.

12:51 Wed, Feb 4 T…

Chapter 244

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Broderick said, “Declan’s life has been hell. His mom was just the daughter of a Knight family maid. She got taken advantage of, ended up pregnant, but the Knight family wanted nothing to do with her or the kid.

“They kicked her whole family out of Jaffina. Her parents literally died from heartbreak. In the end, she had no choice but to sell herself just to survive.

“She didn’t survive long before a client murdered her.”

Stella leaned lazily against the car, tilting her head to look at Broderick.

Broderick continued, “No one found her until the place started to stink. Declan stayed with her body the whole time, only leaving when the smell finally gave her away.”

Stella asked, “And then?”

Broderick said, “The neighbor lady was a real softie. She felt bad for Declan and took him in, raised him alongside her own kid, yeah, Chadwick. But a few years later, she got a brain tumor, and her husband was a hopeless gambler.

“Those two boys were just trying to get by, sticking together through all the mess.

“After she got sick, her husband sold their place and gambled away every last cent in no time.

“Good thing Declan still had that old haunted house from before, so at least the three of them weren’t totally out on the street.”

Thinking about how Declan and Chadwick were always inseparable, Stella raised an eyebrow. She asked, “So the Knight family is trying to get him back now?”

Broderick thought, ‘Of course, nothing gets past Stella!’

Broderick said, “Jaxon’s brother got into a car accident and was left unable to have kids. And just like that, Declan’s the only son they’ve got left. They’ve got a throne to pass down, and only a male heir will do!”

“That’s just tragic,” a voice suddenly cut in.

Stella turned her head.

Broderick was still oblivious. He continued, “Exactly! If Jaxon hadn’t put his foot down, the folks from Jattina would’ve come and taken Declan back ages ago.

“That kid is as stubborn as a mule. Last time I helped Chadwick clear that 300 thousand dollar debt, Declan’s been working himself to death ever since…”

Suddenly, he realized something and looked down.

He noticed the car window, which had been tightly shut, had somehow slid down into the door.

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