The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 A Costly Invitation

“Fine.”

Silas grabbed a glass from the table and lunged toward them.

Elias and Stella turned at the same moment. Their feet connected in unison, catching Silas in the knees. and sending him crashing to the floor.

“You don’t have to kneel just to apologize.”

They spoke in perfect unison, then glanced at each other and exchanged a small smile.

“Silas.”

Jasmine’s voice trembled. She looked up, hatred burning in her eyes as she watched the two of them walk away like nothing had happened.

Stella and Elias made their way to the parking lot.

“Stella, let me drive you home.”

Stella looked at him, a teasing smile playing at her lips. “Mr. Cross, since when did I become one of yours?”

His smile faltered.

“Don’t be upset, I—”

He wanted to explain, but he’d never had to explain himself to anyone before. The words wouldn’t come.

Seeing him flustered, Stella couldn’t help but laugh.

The laughter faded quickly, though, replaced by something more serious.

“Mr. Cross even knows about the money Silas spent on the engagement gift when he broke it off. Have you been looking into me?”

“No, I–I wasn’t investigating you. I just wanted to understand you better.”

“Understand me? Why? Trying to win me over?”

The bluntness caught him off guard. A faint blush crept up to his ears.

“You don’t stand a chance.”

His chest tightened. Disappointment washed over him, heavy and unfamiliar.

“Elias. Thanks for today.”

She got in her car and drove off.

He stood there, watching until her taillights disappeared. Something stirred in his chest–vague,

VA

1:43 am P p pp.

Chapter 45 A Costly Invitation

unfamiliar, and distinctly unpleasant.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Gideon.

“Mr. Cross.”

Gideon’s voice came through, respectful as always.

“I upset Stella. How do I fix it?”

Gideon blinked. Mr. Cross, trying to make amends? That is new.

“Mr. Cross, a sincere apology and a thoughtful gift usually do the trick.”

“How do I apologize?”

Gideon almost rolled his eyes before catching himself

Right. This is Mr. Cross. When has he ever needed to apologize to anyone?

“Write me a draft. I’ll use it as a guide.”

Gideon wanted to go back in time and sew his own mouth shut.

“Of course, Mr. Cross.”

Elias hung up and drove off.

The thought that Silas had once been engaged to Stella sat in his stomach like stone.

Jealousy. He was actually jealous.

You’re done for, Elias.

*****

Finished

Azure General Hospital.

The Thornes and the Harlows had gathered in the waiting room.

“What exactly happened? Who did this? Who dared lay a hand on my son?”

Elaine’s face was a mixture of anguish and fury.

“Elaine, it was Stella. She’s still bitter about the broken engagement, so she brought some thug along and jumped Silas.”

Jasmine delivered the accusation smoothly. Silas didn’t contradict her.

“Did you call the police?”

Arthur was so angry his mustache twitched with fury.

):43 am P P P P

Chapter 45 A Costly Invitation

“Not yet.”

“I’m not letting this go. Nobody lays hands on my grandson and walks away.”

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Jasmine’s face.

Stella, you’re finished.

Just some girl from foster care who got lucky with an education.

This was Azure Peak City. Without connections, the Thornes could crush her like a bug.

Finished

“With Silas and Jasmine’s engagement coming up, involving the police might not look great. And Stella’s mother did save Silas‘ life once. Wouldn’t people call us ungrateful if we had her arrested?

“Maybe we should wait until after the ceremony?”

Ruby’s suggestion was cautious.

Derek added, “Stella has the Monroe family backing her. I’m worried-”

Jasmine’s expression soured. She didn’t understand why her parents kept making excuses for Stella.

Remembering the recent trouble the Thornes had faced, Arthur reluctantly swallowed his anger.

“Grandpa, we can’t just drop this. I want an apology.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify