Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117 The Forced Press Conference

“I know you grew up in a convent,” Felix said, his tone almost condescending, “but you’re still a Moore. Moore children don’t belong on the streets.”

Stella laughed out loud at that.

She genuinely found it absurd. “You claim to love your son so much, yet after he left home over twenty years ago, all you’ve ever done is threaten and pressure him.”

“Watch your mouth. You should be grateful you’re still useful.”

Felix’s face twisted as he glared at her.

“First you stage that scene, now you kidnap me. You really think there are no consequences?”

“In Azure Peak City, I am the consequence.”

“Oh.”

Felix had to admit–she was calm. Too calm. The kid had composure.

Too bad she had Shaw blood running through her veins.

*****

Jasper had been waiting outside for what felt like hours. Stella never showed. Her phone went straight to voicemail.

His chest tightened. He finally managed to get Elias‘ number.

The first call, Elias glanced at the screen and let it ring. He was busy vetting security personnel for Stella.

The second call, he frowned and picked up. Not many people had his private line.

“Who’s this?”

“Jasper.”

Elias went still.

“Have you heard from Stella today?”

“I thought she was having lunch with you.”

Elias‘ stomach dropped.

“I never saw her. Her phone’s off.”

Jasper’s blood ran cold.

Stella was missing?

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Chapter 117 The Forced Press Conference

Finished

Had she changed her mind about seeing him? Or was something wrong?

It had to be something wrong. If she didn’t want to see him, she’d just say so.

“Mr. Moore–there’s a press conference happening at Grande Plaza. Felix Moore is about to announce that Miss Shaw is returning to the family. Every major outlet is there.”

Jasper ended the call. “Grande Plaza. Now.”

Elias got the news minutes later and was already moving.

*****

When Stella saw the setup–the podium, the cameras, the crowd–she almost laughed.

A public recognition ceremony. Felix really knew how to put on a show.

“Stella,” Sienna murmured, her smile cold, “if you don’t play along, the story about you coming between Elias and Queen is going to trend. Hard. You’ve just started building a name for yourself. You really want to destroy it?”

She didn’t want Stella back in the family. But under their roof? Stella would be much easier to control.

“So you’re absolutely sure I’m the one who came between Elias and Queen?”

“I have proof.”

Stella was curious. What proof could she possibly have?

It didn’t matter. She was Queen. They were threatening the wrong person.

“Just follow along. Otherwise, with your reputation in flames and the father of classical.music as collateral damage? Even if you’re Nirvana, no one’s going to touch you.”

Stella sat calmly at the front table, Felix beside her.

Below them: reporters, cameras, and a growing crowd of onlookers.

Felix had chosen this spot deliberately.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming today. I’ve gathered you here to share some wonderful news.”

Felix’s smile was grandfatherly warm

“The young woman beside me needs no introduction. Stella–the anonymous doctor, the mathematical prodigy, the composer Today, I want to set the record straight. Stella’s surname isn’t Shaw. It’s Moore. She is the biological daughter of my son. Jasper.

“And as a granddaughter of the Moore family, we will not leave her to fend for herself on the streets.”

Watching him perform. Stella’s lips curved. The weather was perfect today. Perfect for revealing secrets.

Chapter 117 The Forced Press Conference

Perfect for settling scores.

Finished

“What are the odds? A few months ago, everyone online was calling her some orphan from nowhere with barely any formal education. Now she’s a math genius, a composer, a miracle doctor–and apparently descended from two of the biggest families in the city.”

“I thought rich people’s welcome parties were all designer gowns and vintage wine. Didn’t realize they just called a few reporters and let us all watch.”

“Didn’t Jasper cut ties with the Moores years ago? If Stella’s going back, what about him? Is he coming too?”

“The Shaws and Moores hate each other. Is Stella picking a side, or are the families finally calling a truce?”

“Stella and Miss Moore can’t stand each other. This is going to get messy.”

The crowd buzzed.

Felix glanced at Stella. She hadn’t moved. She just watched him, calm and still.

Something flickered in his chest–something he didn’t like.

He picked up a bottle of water, unscrewed the cap, and placed it in front of her. That grandfatherly smile never left his face.

“Effective immediately,” he announced, “Stella will take her rightful place as a Moore. And my son Jasper will be returning to the family as of today.”

He paused, looking at her.

Stella’s expression didn’t change. Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, almost bored.

‘Mr. Moore,” a reporter called out, “with a genius granddaughter now part of the family, does this change the line of succession?”

‘The Moore heir will be determined by ability.”

‘Mr. Moore, will there be a marriage alliance with the Cross family?”

Felix smiled. “I don’t believe in forcing the younger generation into anything. If feelings develop naturally. of course I would support it.”

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