The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85 Stella’s Painful Secret

+5 Pearls

When Stella arrived and her eyes met Frederick’s, it was clear there was plenty to say–but this wasn’t the time for conversation.

“Where is he?”

“This way.”

Stella moved quickly.

Pushing aside the chaos in her own head, her hands worked fast and precise. She also gave Vincent a small herbal pill.

After what felt like forever, Vincent’s eyes fluttered open. Still groggy, he whispered, “Nicole.”

His hand found hers, gripping it with unexpected strength.

Stella went completely still, frozen in place.

A moment later, Vincent realized who she was. Excited, he tried to sit up, but she gently held him down.

“Dr. Shaw, could I see a picture of your mother?”

Stella’s heart clenched.

She’d planned to let him process things slowly–never imagined he’d piece it together this fast. `

Should she tell him?

“I’m not prying. I just need to confirm something.”

Vincent’s voice grew urgent.

“Ah–hem!”

The words triggered a coughing fit.

Stella rubbed his back gently, hesitation flickering in her eyes. She didn’t know what to say.

“Kenneth, go get your aunt’s photos.”

Vincent’s voice shook–caught between desperation and fear.

Seeing the look on his grandfather’s face, Kenneth didn’t hesitate. He turned and left the room.

Frederick’s eyes narrowed as he studied Stella.

Her reaction made his stomach tighten.

He had to be overthinking this.

9:50 am P ppp.

Chapter 85 Stella’s Painful Secret

Maybe she just didn’t feel comfortable sharing personal things with someone she barely knew.

+5 Pearls

Frederick’s breathing grew slightly uneven. Watching her struggle with what to say made his heart sink further.

“Grandfather, here.”

Kenneth handed over the photos, glancing instinctively at Stella.

Did she really look like his aunt and that heartless bastard?

Stella kept her head down, packing her equipment, but her pulse was racing.

“These are pictures of my daughter.”

Vincent’s voice cracked with emotion.

Stella drew a steadying breath, composed herself, and accepted the album with both hands.

She turned the pages slowly. In the room, the soft rustle of paper was the only sound besides everyone’s breathing.

Vincent watched her face intently, the hope in his eyes gradually fading, his fear easing just slightly.

“The mother I knew… her face was badly scarred.”

The Shaw brothers went completely still.

Stella’s nose burned, and tears threatened to spill.

She tilted her chin up slightly, fighting to keep control.

It had only been two days since her last visit, but Vincent had visibly declined.

And seeing those photos–her mother smiling, so full of life made it even harder to admit the truth. She was terrified the shock might break him.

Her mother’s smile had been so bright. So happy.

“Scarred… scarred?”

Vincent’s mind flashed to the missing women cases he’d seen–the tragic ones–and his worry deepened.

Nicole, where are you?

Are you suffering too?

Did someone take your freedom? Is that why you can’t come home?

If something happened to you, were you lucky enough to find someone like Dr. Shaw to save you?

Vincent asked himself–he’d never done anything wrong in his life. He just prayed heaven wouldn’t be this

cruel to him.

):50 am P p p p

Chapter 85 Stella’s Painful Secret

“Mr. Shaw, I appreciate your concern. But your emotions are running too high. It’s not good for your health.”

“Child, your mother would be so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

Vincent reached out to pat her shoulder, then hesitated, letting his hand drop.

“Take one of these before bed.”

Stella left a small bottle on the table.

The Shaw brothers‘ eyes widened slightly. Vincent opened it–a rich, herbal scent filled the air, so familiar it caught him off guard.

These were the same pills he used to take. Each one cost a fortune.

And, Stella had just handed him a whole bottle. Just like that.

Frederick and Kenneth exchanged a glance, their stares lingering on Stella with new intensity.

This woman was something else entirely.

1. st. I’ll check on you again soon.”

picked up her bag, she reached for the photo album without thinking.

Dr. Shaw–the album?”

Kenneth’s voice made her pause. She offered an awkward smile. “Sorry.”

Frederick kept watching her.

They weren’t close, but he knew enough to recognize when someone was off–balance. Stella Shaw didn’t make mistakes like that.

The reluctance in her eyes, the carefully hidden grief–it made Kenneth’s chest tighten.

Stella left.

She walked fast, like slowing down would let the tears win.

That album wasn’t just a record of her mother’s happy early years. It was filled with notes–the Shaw family’s longing for Nicole.

And Vincent’s apology.

He’d written that the only time in his life he’d raised his voice at his daughter was when she defied him, leaving Azure Peak City with Jasper.

Just that on

twenty years apart.

2.30 am

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