Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 An Awkward Apology

“Dad’s still sick, and he begged you,” Amber snapped, unable to hold back any longer.

This time, Jasper finally turned to face the Moore family.

He opened his eyes–red–rimmed, his gaze icy as it swept over each of them.

“He begs, so I’m supposed to forgive him?”

His voice was calm. Terrifyingly calm.

“When I begged you back then, why didn’t you let me leave?”

Felix flinched at the coldness in his son’s stare and stumbled back a step.

Amber’s temper flared. “Jasper, the relationship between the Moores and the Shaws is already strained. You’re a Moore, but you insisted on associating with them–what exactly was your angle?

“And Nicole… that storm–she is a grown woman. Couldn’t she have found her way home?

“If you ask me, the Shaws planned it. Nicole probably got married years ago, living comfortably somewhere, enjoying herself. Only you were foolish enough to wait over twenty years for her, even turning against your own family.”

A single, hollow laugh escaped Jasper. He turned and walked away.

“Jasper!”

Felix’s cry tore through the house, raw with pain. He stared at his son’s retreating back, hoping–praying- he would turn around.

Just like over twenty years ago, Jasper walked away without looking back.

*****

“Thanks for today,” Stella said, still slightly surprised that he’d shown up and stood up for her the way he

had.

“It was nothing.”

His immediate response gave her pause.

“You saved my life. Looking out for you for the rest of yours–that’s the least I can do.”

Stella looked up at him, caught the faint nervousness in his eyes, and couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips.

Tess had been quietly focused on her food, occasionally glancing between them. Suddenly, she set down her fork and stood up.

Both Stella and Elias turned to look at her.

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Chapter 44 An Awkward Apology

Finished

“Stella, I need to head back and handle the White Pit Village situation.”

“Finish eating first.”

“I’m good. I’ll get going. You two take your time.”

Tess walked to the restaurant entrance, bought a pineapple bun from the bakery next door, and started eating it as she walked away.

She stopped abruptly, turned her head, and through the glass window met Stella’s gaze. She offered an awkward wave and hurried off.

Stella raised an eyebrow, amused. When she turned back, Elias was watching her.

Their eyes met. They shared a smile. Something warm and unspoken settled between them.

“Stella.”

The moment shattered.

Stella frowned. She genuinely didn’t understand the people from the Harlow family. She wanted to crack open their skulls just to see what the hell was going on in their heads.

“Silas and I are getting engaged this Saturday. You should come.”

Jasmine clung to Silas‘ arm, practically preening, like she’d just won some great victory.

“Engaged? So you’ll be accepting gifts?”

Silas‘ expression curdled. “Keep your cheap presents. We’re inviting you as a courtesy.”

“If you’re accepting gifts, that means money’s not tight anymore. Jasmine, don’t forget to tell your dad to pay back what he owes.”

Jasmine’s face went pale.

“Stella, if you had any conscience at all, you wouldn’t have pressed charges against my dad. He raised you. And this is how you repay him?”

Her voice shook with indignation.

Stella smiled faintly and took a calm sip of her coffee.

“Stella, Jasmine is talking to you.”

Silas‘ pride stung at being ignored. Again.

“Stella doesn’t understand dog barking.”

Both of them flushed with anger.

Stella’s lips curved, and she glanced at Elias across the table.

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Chapter 44 An Awkward Apology

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Finished

“And who are you?” Jasmine asked, her gaze lingering on his face with poorly concealed admiration.

“Why would I tell you?”

“Excuse me?”

“A deaf man trying to start a fight.”

Jasmine’s face went green.

Elias glanced at Silas. “This guy? And you paid a fortune for him? Spare change would’ve been more than enough–it’s not like Stella wouldn’t have taken it.”

Rage flickered in Silas‘ eyes. His fists clenched, veins standing out against his skin.

“Stella, you’re just jealous that Silas is engaged to me.”

“Jealous? Jealous you landed a man who bites the hand that fed him? Or jealous of your life as a homewrecker, so pathetic people can’t stop talking behind your back?”

Elias‘ words cut deep. Nearby diners turned to whisper, pointing at Silas and Jasmine.

“Just tabloid gossip. Stella’s not interested.”

Silas grabbed a glass of grape juice from the table and hurled it at Elias. But Stella was faster–she knocked his hand aside, and the juice splashed across Jasmine’s face instead.

Jasmine shrieked. “Stella, have you lost your mind?”

She grabbed another glass, but before she could throw it, Elias picked up a bowl and sent it flying toward her hand. Grape juice drenched her face again, this time along with a tangle of spaghetti.

Elias stood, positioning himself in front of Stella.

“Stella, I’m calling the police. Assaulting a student.”

“Go ahead.”

Stella tugged lightly at the hem of his jacket. “Let’s go.”

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