The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 44

"You think staying silent will make Uncle Hewitt stop targeting me?" Sara scoffed, her voice edged with defiance.

"Confidence is good, but you've been unconscious for half a year..." Chuck replied, concern tightening his features.

Audrey shot her husband a disapproving glance. "If our daughter says she can do it, why doubt her?"

"It's not that I don't believe in Sara's talent—I always have," Chuck insisted, his gaze shifting pointedly toward Stefan, "But things are different now."

Audrey caught the look. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means it's his fault!" Chuck snapped, "Do you have any idea what people are saying out there? They're calling our daughter the wife of a worthless ex-con. Do you really think the Reed family will want to work with Sara once they find out she's engaged to a man who just got out of prison?"

Audrey shot back, "That has nothing to do with Stefan! He didn't commit some terrible crime. Rumors die with reason—the Reed family won't care."

"It will affect her chances. Instead of helping Sara, this guy is only dragging her down," Chuck argued.

Tired of the bickering, Sara turned and walked upstairs, leaving the tension behind.

"Mr. Stewart, I won't hold Sara back. In fact, if she wants the CEO position, I'll help her secure it. Who knows—maybe the Reed family will come seeking a partnership themselves," Stefan said calmly, a faint smile on his face.

Chuck let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "You really think you have that kind of influence? There's nothing wrong with being ordinary, but empty boasts? That's just pathetic."

Even Audrey, who usually defended Stefan, frowned. She could accept his lack of status, but she valued honesty and humility—traits this bold claim seemed to lack.

"Stefan, we know you want to help. Just do what you can. No one will blame you if it's beyond you..." she said gently.

Stefan simply smiled, offering no explanation.

He knew it was pointless—telling them he knew the Reed family's young heiress, the one overseeing the East District project, would only sound like another lie.

"Understood, Mrs. Stewart," he replied politely before heading upstairs.

*****

Alone in her room, Sara sat cross-legged on the bed, attempting to circulate her energy.

Halfway through, a wave of pain twisted her expression, forcing her to stop.

"Still sealed..." she whispered, frustration flickering in her eyes.

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