Chapter 74 Confronting Derek in Jail
“I’m… I’m going to sue her.”
Derek’s voice came out weak, barely a whisper.
“Miss Shaw.”
Stella slid a card across the table. “Here’s my information. Sue me if you want.”
She leaned back in her chair and tilted her head toward the ceiling, forcing the tears back.
Nicole. The proud, brilliant daughter of the Shaw family.
Her dazzling life had ended in complete ruin.
Her confidence. Her pride. All of it destroyed.
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Who could have imagined that the girl who once commanded stages with such grace would end up broken beyond recognition?
The agony–physical and emotional–had snuffed out every light she’d ever carried.
Even before the end, she’d endured torture no one should face. And she’d still remembered who she was. Remembered what she’d lost. How could someone like that ever accept such an ending?
She was supposed to shine. Not end like this.
Elias‘ excitement evaporated the moment he saw her. All that remained was raw, aching concern.
He walked over and stood close–his tall frame shielding her from view. His long fingers gently guided her head to rest against him.
“Mr. Cross. Miss Shaw is free to leave.”
Elias nodded. Then he lifted her into his arms.
Stella didn’t resist. Her eyes were empty. Far away.
The sunlight felt too bright. She closed her eyes. A tear escaped, tracing a slow path down her cheek.
“Elias. Put me down.”
He did.
She wiped the tear away. Took a breath. Composed herself.
It broke something in him to watch.
“Thank you. I should go.”
She walked toward her car. Before she could open the door, his hand covered hers. Warmth spread
9:47 am pppp.
Chapter 74 Confronting Derek in Jall
through her cold fingers. Just a little. But enough.
“You shouldn’t drive right now. Let me take you.”
Stella didn’t argue.
“I’ll have someone bring your car back.”
“Okay.”
She sat in the passenger seat. Stared blankly out the window.
Elias leaned over. She turned, questioning.
“Seatbelt.”
He fastened it for her.
“I’ll take you home. Rest.”
“Alright.”
Stella closed her eyes.
Tomorrow. Vincent’s follow–up. She could still get a sample. Run the test.
Iris‘ words echoed in her mind.
Had her mother’s disappearance been an accident? Or something else?
She’d find out.
Meanwhile, the internet had exploded.
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The trending topic spread like fire. “Nirvana–the genius songwriter–had allegedly lied about being Elias Cross‘ woman to advance her career.” Within hours, everyone had an opinion.
[User472: Elias Cross? The head of Cross Group? What does he even look like? If he’s some bald old guy, I don’t approve of my goddess being with him.]
[User891: Who’s trying to drag Stella’s name through the mud again? She’s an independent queen. “Relying on a man“? Please.]
[User234: “Lied“? How would the original poster know? Were they hiding under his bed?]
[User567: Nirvana IS the elite. Why would she need to name–drop some guy?]
[User890: I heard using Mr. Cross‘ name gets you buried. He’s not into women. If he finds out someone’s pretending to be his, she’s done. Who’s spreading this to hurt her?]
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