Shadows Between Us (Stella and Sebastian) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Sebastian’s cold, soul-chilling eyes swept over Stella’s ankle. With every second of her silence, he became more fixated on what kind of shackle would look best on her.

It was platinum, unbreakable, and encrusted with sparkling diamonds. If she dared to refuse returning, he would keep her trapped on the island, ensuring there was no way for her to escape.

Sebastian lowered his eyes, his presence radiating icy menace. The air in the walk-in closet seemed to grow heavier with each breath.

“I will.” Stella said, her voice calm as she reached out to ruffle Lucas’s hair gently. “I will come back every time. I promise.”

Those simple words brought instant relief. Lucas, delighted by the gesture, let out a soft, contented sound and beamed. The room seemed to brighten with his joy.

He even raised a tiny hand in a playful victory sign toward Sebastian, giggling. Sebastian turned his gaze away, his expression unreadable, thinking to himself that Lucas was childish.

Down in the yard, Allan stood with his arms crossed, clad in a black silk robe. Big Ben mirrored his stance, equally imposing.

Not far away, Snowball was coiled in a tree, fixated on Big Ben, tongue flicking as it drooled. Snowball suddenly blurted out, “It looks so tasty.”

Allan yanked his collar tight, scanning the surroundings as if guarding against intruders. “Who’s there? Who’s peeping at me?” he said.

The wind rustled the treetops, but no one answered. Allan frowned, uncertain if he had imagined it.

“So huge,” came the robotic voice again. Allan instinctively shielded himself. The voice said again, “I want it so bad.”

“All right, this place is haunted,” Allan shouted, his voice echoing across the yard. He stared at the empty yard, utterly bewildered, thinking that the ghost seemed to have a peculiar interest in handsome young men.

Stella stayed calm and expressionless as she approached the tree and reached out toward Snowball. Snowball, eyes fixed on Big Ben, began to slither down.

Snowball continued, “It’s so adorable, but I can’t eat it.” Allan froze, unable to believe his eyes, and wondered if the python was really talking.

Allan remained frozen, utterly dumbfounded, as Snowball slithered lazily behind Stella. When Snowball passed by, it slowly lifted its head, locking eyes with Allan in the most awkward silent stare-down.

Snowball suddenly said, “You’re so ugly.”

Allan’s jaw dropped. ‘Could he be getting insulted by a python? Did that python call me ugly?’ he demanded.

“Stella, I swear my ears must be full of wax. Did that thing say I’m ugly?” Allan asked as he clutched his chest, gritting his

teeth.

Stella gave a faint, knowing smile and replied, “Yes, it did.”

Allan’s face flushed with rage. He imagined ripping the python to shreds on the spot.

Snowball said, “Gorgeous, wait up for me.”

Before Allan could even lunge, Snowball had already turned to Big Ben and pressed its massive head against Big Ben, nuzzling with evident delight. Allan could only stand there, utterly defeated, feeling humiliated.

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Chapter 60

Later in the dining room, Allan lounged over the table, examining the pet translator. The device itself was simple, but the chip inside was extraordinary. It could sense emotions, read thoughts, and track movements.

It was a level of technology far beyond anything available commercially. This kind of tech belonged in military labs, not in a gadget for communicating with pets.

Allan shot Stella a thoughtful glance and muttered, “What a waste

“By the way, Sebastian, what the hell is growing in your yard?” Allan asked, resting his chin on one hand, unimpressed.

Allan grumbled inwardly, Who the heck plants carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes in their yard anyway? What happened to all those precious flowers I had shipped in from abroad?’

“I had them planted. Got a problem with that?” Stella said, lifting her eyelids, her pretty eyes flashing with a hint of mischief as she arched an eyebrow.

Lucas tapped his watch. “Carrots are yummy,” Big Ben replied. Another tap. “Potatoes are yummy.” A third tap. “Tomatoes are yummy.”

“All right!” Allan exclaimed in disbelief, glancing at Sebastian, who had set down his fork and was watching Lucas with a calm expression.

Allan’s mind raced: “The old Big Ben had never had this feature. Now it was perfectly synchronized with Lucas, their brainwaves aligned. Even if the digital watch still acted as a bridge, the technology was nothing short of next-level.’

“I’m heading out,” Stella said, glancing at her watch. It was about time. Even though she couldn’t stand her cousin Lila, she was always punctual.

Lucas’s soft, squishy little face immediately fell. He gave Stella a pitiful look and tapped his watch repeatedly. Big Ben echoed his sentiment, letting out mournful whimpers as if joining in the plea.

“Where are you off to, Stella?” Allan asked casually.

“Nova Mall,” Stella replied, expression blank. She didn’t notice Allan’s subtle change of expression at the name. She stood up

and left.

Once she was out of sight, Allan cocked his head at Sebastian and asked, his voice thick with mockery, “Well, isn’t that perfect timing? What are the odds?”

Sebastian picked up his napkin and dabbed at the corner of his mouth, his face unreadable.

Allan shot a sideways glance at Sebastian and added, “Stella’s been wearing the same few outfits repeatedly, They’re starting to fray from all the washes.” Lucas’s eyes widened with worry.

“I wonder if anyone’s going to pick on Stella,” Allan muttered. Lucas whipped his head around, full of anxiety.

Come to think of it, I haven’t checked on my own business in Haliville since I got here,” Allan muttered. He stretched lazily, only to feel someone tugging at his shirt.

Lucas tapped his watch, and Big Ben added, as if echoing, “Protect Stella! Protect Stella!”

“Enough,” Sebastian snapped, shooting Allan a piercing glare. His presence was so menacing that it seemed he could swallow Allan alive in an instant. The room fell into heavy silence.

At half past three in the afternoon, outside Nova Mall, Lila stepped out of the car in a pale yellow Chanel suit, flanked by her friends Wendy and Hazel. Lila said, “Hazel, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you and your mother get even.”

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Lila let out a cold snort. They were supposed to meet at three, but she had purposely told the driver to arrive half an hour late.

With Stella’s predictable patience, Lila was sure she would be standing at the entrance like a fool, baking in the heat, before Lila showed up. A cruel smile tugged at her lips.

“Lila, she’s still your-” Hazel started as she pretended to hesitate faking concern.

“I don’t have a cousin who hangs out with lowlifes. It’s humiliating,” Lila sneered, her face twisted in disgust.

“Hazel, don’t go soft on her,” Wendy interjected quickly. Wendy had helped Lila mess with Stella plenty of times before. Stella never fought back, and a sly grin crept onto Wendy’s face.

As they chatted, the group reached the revolving doors of Nova Mall. A crowd of men in suits was gathered at the entrance, all looking nervous, as if waiting for someone important.

“Where the hell is Stella?” Lila snapped.

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