Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41 Standing Up for Stella

He was genuinely terrified that this sudden hope would slip through his fingers.

“They said they’ve already retired. These days, it’s their apprentice who handles the patients.”

“An apprentice?”

The brightness in Mark’s face dimmed just a little.

“Dad, either way, it’s still something to hold onto.”

Mark nodded, but his grip on Jasper’s arm didn’t loosen.

“Dad, their apprentice is coming to Moore Manor tomorrow.”

Mark turned back to his brother. “Jasper. When are you coming home?”

“I’ll go meet them tomorrow.”

With that, Jasper walked away, his face unreadable.

Stella came down from the second floor, painting in hand, and headed for the main exit.

Jasper stopped mid–stride. His tired eyes, almost unconsciously, followed her retreating figure.

“Mr. Moore, is something wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He turned and left.

Elias said a quick goodbye to Leo and followed right after her.

“Stella, heading back to Imperial Crest Towers?”

“Yeah.”

She gave a small nod.

“Mind if I catch a ride with you?”

Gideon’s eyes went wide.

What was Elias doing?

Elias offered a smile. “My car’s having some issues.”

Stella glanced at the painting in her hands. Refusing now would feel rude after everything.

She smiled, easy and open. “Get in.”

Finished

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Chapter 41 Standing Up for Stella

“Thanks.”

Stella noticed Gideon lingering. “Gideon, you coming?”

Gideon instinctively looked at Elias, who was watching him with that calm, unreadable gaze.

“I’ll wait here for the tow truck. You two go ahead.”

Tess started the car.

Finished

Elias couldn’t help but glance at Stella sitting beside him. His heart was beating faster for no reason he could name.

What was wrong with him?

He’d actually lied just to spend a few more minutes with her.

He almost laughed at himself.

Stella was staring out the window, lost in thought, completely unaware of his attention.

Tess caught Elias in the rearview mirror.

This guy was being pretty slick.

“Stella.”

“Hmm?”

Stella turned, distracted.

“You remember Simon Vance from Veyra?”

“Yeah.”

“I ran into him overseas last time. He asked what you’re into.”

Elias‘ ears perked up, though he tried to look casual.

“I told him anyone who wants to date you has to be a ‘clean slate. Anything less? Forget it. Heard he cried for three days straight after that.”

Stella frowned at Tess, completely bewildered, as if to say what are you even doing right now?

Elias was thoroughly confused.

A clean slate?

What did that mean?

Did he qualify?

Stella happened to glance over at the exact moment Elias looked at her. Their eyes met, and the air

9:43 am P p pp.

Chapter 41 Standing Up for Stella

between them seemed to warm a few degrees for no reason at all.

Finished

They both looked away at the same time, the tips of their cars faintly pink. Something only Tess caught in the rearview mirror.

She smiled to herself.

Her usually untouchable, take–no–prisoners boss was actually blushing.

And Elias… Wasn’t he supposed to be some ice–cold, woman–repelling machine? The rumors were clearly wrong. The man was a total simp.

Ugh.

She shouldn’t be in the car.

Imperial Crest Towers.

Elias‘ usually stoic face carried the faintest trace of a smile.

“Thanks for the ride. How about I take you out for a meal sometime?”

Stella smiled and nodded.

The moment she turned away, something deflated in his chest.

How was he supposed to talk to a girl, exactly?

Remembering that “clean slate” comment, he pulled out his phone and called Gideon immediately.

“Mr. Cross.”

“Gideon. What’s a ‘clean slate“?”

“Uh?”

Gideon was completely lost.

“I’m asking you. What does ‘clean slate‘ mean?”

Elias, unusually patient, repeated himself without a hint of irritation.

“A clean slate? Like… a blank piece of paper?”

“Probably not that.”

Completely baffled, Gideon pulled the car over.

“Gideon. Do you think I’m a clean slate?”

Gideon nearly jumped out of his seat. “Mr. Cross, that’s something you’d have to ask yourself.”

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