The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71 Jasmine’s Desperate Scheme

+5 Pearls

“You don’t actually believe Stella single–handedly brought down the Thorne and Harlow families, do you?”

“She has Iris backing her. If I were with Stella, the Monroe family would support us too.”

“Idiot. Stella is a woman Elias Cross has his cycs on.”

The room went dead silent. Jasmine and Ruby, who had been about to knock, froze mid–motion outside the door.

“Mr. Cross… you mean that Mr. Cross?”

Zach’s voice trembled.

“Grandfather. You’re not talking about… the head of the city’s most powerful family? Elias Cross?”

“The same. We need to leave Azure Peak City immediately. It’s the only way we might survive. Go home. Start packing.”

“No. That’s impossible. Stella was raised in a convent. Yes, she’s talented, but her background is damaged. Her mother was trafficked.

“The Cross family would never accept someone like her.

“There was no way Mr. Cross is interested in her.

“You have to be mistaken, Grandfather. You have to be.”

ine couldn’t process it. Her face twisted with disbelief. “Arthur. A woman like Stella… even if Mr. Cross

been seen with her, she’d be an embarrassment. She grew up in a convent. Her mother was sold. Who ows what happened to her.

“How could Mr. Cross possibly care about someone like that?”

“Dad. How do you know this?”

Zach trusted his father wouldn’t speak without reason.

“I had someone look into it. And I’ve seen Mr. Cross from behind. From the side. He looks exactly like the man always around Stella.”

“That can’t be. Mr. Cross travels with layers of security. There’s no way that man is him.”

Even Arthur started to doubt himself.

“Grandfather. I’m not leaving Azure Peak City. Even if I can’t have Stella, I won’t let her be happy. She destroyed me.”

Silas stormed out.

He nearly collided with Jasmine and Ruby, who were pressed against the door. He shot them a look of

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Chapter 71 Jasmine’s Desperate Scheme

pure disgust and kept walking.

Ruby and Jasmine set down the gift baskets they’d brought and hurried away.

+5 Pearls

Inside, Arthur still gave the order: liquidate everything. The family would leave Azure Peak City. Start over somewhere no one knew them.

“Jasmine. Where are you going?”

“Mom. I finally know how to deal with Stella.”

Ruby looked confused.

“Mr. Cross doesn’t like women. If he finds out some former convent girl is using his name to cause chaos, he’ll destroy her.”

Jasmine smiled. Finally. A way to take Stella down.

“But what if she really is his girlfriend?”

“Impossible. I heard Mr. Cross once threw a princess out of his bed without a second thought. Didn’t care about her status at all. Why would he want Stella? She’s not even in his league.

“Besides, I’ve seen Stella’s boyfriend. He gossips like a washed–up socialite and acts like a complete lunatic.

“There’s no way that’s Mr. Cross.”

Ruby still looked worried. “Your father’s trial is coming up. We shouldn’t make more trouble.”

this isn’t trouble. If Stella becomes public enemy number one, she won’t have time to fight us in court.”

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed. She smiled.

Stella. You’re finished this time. Of all people to impersonate, you picked Elias‘ woman.

Him liking her? That was the funniest joke she’d heard all year.

*****

“Stella. What are you thinking about?”

Iris noticed her distraction and leaned forward with concern.

“Do you know Nicole Shaw?”

“Who?”

“Nicole Shaw. The daughter of the Shaw family.”

Iris set down her coffee. “Oh. Her.”

She took a breath. “I only know rumors, honestly.”

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Chapter 71 Jasmine’s Desperate Scheme

“What kind of rumors?”

Stella had spent all day digging. Found nothing.

“It’s not exactly a secret among the old families. I heard it from relatives when I was younger.”

“Tell me.”

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