Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 A Crumbling Engagement

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Zach didn’t hold back. “I’ve been making calls. Someone even asked me straight up if we’d made enemies.”

“Besides Stella, who else in Azure Peak City would have a grudge against us?”

Elaine looked genuinely confused.

“The Cross family, the Monroe family, the Moore family–all three of the prominent families have pulled their business. And none of the smaller players would dare touch us.”

Hearing that, everyone in the Thorne family went pale.

Even if they weren’t openly declaring war, this was still enough to cripple them.

“How is this possible? We’ve never had any conflict with them.”

Arthur was completely at a loss.

Out of the four prominent families in Azure Peak City, every single one except the Shaws had made a move against them.

They were just a mid–tier company–how were they supposed to fight back against people like

that?

Silas‘ face lost all color. “It’s Iris.”

“But we’ve never done anything to her!”

Elaine still wasn’t following.

“Iris and Stella are close. After everything that went down yesterday, she came out publicly in Stella’s corner.”

The weight of those words settled over the Thorne family like a storm cloud.

Elaine couldn’t stop herself from hitting Silas on the arm. “And you said you wanted to pursue Iris, even dropped ten million on having a song written for her. Look how she’s treating you now! Look what she’s doing to this family!”

“Ten million?”

Arthur’s jaw tightened with barely contained rage.

“I don’t care how you do it, but you will get that money back.”

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Silas went pale. “Grandfather, I announced that publicly online. If I ask for a refund now, what am I supposed to do about my reputation?”

“You ungrateful brat!”

Arthur clutched his chest, swaying on his feet.

The Thorne household descended into chaos.

Silas stared blankly at the court summons.

Stella wasn’t just suing him for defamation–she was also bringing up the earlier incident that had already landed him on academic probation.

On top of that, his reputation as a slacker who challenged professors, spread rumors, and stirred up trouble had sparked complaints from parents and students alike. They were demanding Azure Peak University expel him before he poisoned the school environment and set a bad example for

everyone else.

He wandered the streets in a daze until Jasmine suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Silas, what’s wrong?”

He looked at her, a flicker of guilt surfacing, and pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Jasmine.”

“I’m here.”

They went back to Harlow Villa together.

Jasmine poured him a glass of water. “Silas, don’t be upset. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what happens, I’ll stay right here with you.”

Then she leaned in and kissed him.

He cupped the back of her head and kissed her back.

The evening breeze drifted through the bedroom curtains, cool against their skin, but it did nothing to dull the heat building inside.

Everything unfolded naturally from there.

*****

Stella sat at her computer, scrolling through national databases for missing persons with the

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Chapter 38 A Crumbling Engagement.

last name Shaw.

After a long while, she rubbed her tired eyes.

She printed out a few profiles that seemed worth a closer look.

“Stella, Arthur just went to the county jail.”

Tess pushed the door open as she spoke.

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“He’s trying to get Derek out on bail.”

“Probably.”

Given the Thorne family’s current financial situation, Stella could guess exactly what they were planning.

“Should we do something about it?”

“No need.”

A small smile played at the corner of Stella’s lips. “What about the White Pit Village situation?”

“We’ve got most of the evidence. The people you rescued have all agreed to press charges against the entire White Pit Village operation. We’re also putting together the case for Derek’s involvement in trafficking your mother and her murder.”

What they had was enough to put him away for good.

“Stella, when do we move on Derek?”

“Soon. Make sure everything’s ready.”

“Got it.”

Stella’s eyes narrowed.

Derek, this time I’m making sure you never get back up.

And Jasmine, Silas–you kept poking the bear. Don’t blame me for fighting back.

Night fell, and Stella finished the lyrics and melody she’d been working on.

She yawned, exhaustion settling into her bones, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, when Ava saw the song,

song, her eyes lit

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Chapter 38 A Crumbling Engagement

“Nirvana, you’re incredible.”

Stella just offered a faint smile.

“Silas wants to meet with you.”

“Tell him no.”

Ava nodded slightly. “Understood.”

“I should head out.”

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