Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 Confronting Derek in Jail

“I’m… I’m going to sue her.”

Derek’s voice came out weak, barely a whisper.

“Miss Shaw.”

Stella slid a card across the table. “Here’s my information. Sue me if you want.”

She leaned back in her chair and tilted her head toward the ceiling, forcing the tears back.

Nicole. The proud, brilliant daughter of the Shaw family.

Her dazzling life had ended in complete ruin.

Her confidence. Her pride. All of it destroyed.

+5 Pearls

Who could have imagined that the girl who once commanded stages with such grace would end up broken beyond recognition?

The agony–physical and emotional–had snuffed out every light she’d ever carried.

Even before the end, she’d endured torture no one should face. And she’d still remembered who she was. Remembered what she’d lost. How could someone like that ever accept such an ending?

She was supposed to shine. Not end like this.

Elias‘ excitement evaporated the moment he saw her. All that remained was raw, aching concern.

He walked over and stood close–his tall frame shielding her from view. His long fingers gently guided her head to rest against him.

“Mr. Cross. Miss Shaw is free to leave.”

Elias nodded. Then he lifted her into his arms.

Stella didn’t resist. Her eyes were empty. Far away.

The sunlight felt too bright. She closed her eyes. A tear escaped, tracing a slow path down her cheek.

“Elias. Put me down.”

He did.

She wiped the tear away. Took a breath. Composed herself.

It broke something in him to watch.

“Thank you. I should go.”

She walked toward her car. Before she could open the door, his hand covered hers. Warmth spread

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Chapter 74 Confronting Derek in Jall

through her cold fingers. Just a little. But enough.

“You shouldn’t drive right now. Let me take you.”

Stella didn’t argue.

“I’ll have someone bring your car back.”

“Okay.”

She sat in the passenger seat. Stared blankly out the window.

Elias leaned over. She turned, questioning.

“Seatbelt.”

He fastened it for her.

“I’ll take you home. Rest.”

“Alright.”

Stella closed her eyes.

Tomorrow. Vincent’s follow–up. She could still get a sample. Run the test.

Iris‘ words echoed in her mind.

Had her mother’s disappearance been an accident? Or something else?

She’d find out.

Meanwhile, the internet had exploded.

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The trending topic spread like fire. “Nirvana–the genius songwriter–had allegedly lied about being Elias Cross‘ woman to advance her career.” Within hours, everyone had an opinion.

[User472: Elias Cross? The head of Cross Group? What does he even look like? If he’s some bald old guy, I don’t approve of my goddess being with him.]

[User891: Who’s trying to drag Stella’s name through the mud again? She’s an independent queen. “Relying on a man“? Please.]

[User234: “Lied“? How would the original poster know? Were they hiding under his bed?]

[User567: Nirvana IS the elite. Why would she need to name–drop some guy?]

[User890: I heard using Mr. Cross‘ name gets you buried. He’s not into women. If he finds out someone’s pretending to be his, she’s done. Who’s spreading this to hurt her?]

[User123: Elias Cross–the man who makes this whole city shake when he sneezes. No matter how talented Nirvana is, she’d never marry into that family. Her background alone would get her stopped at the gate.]

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Chapter 74 Confronting Derek in Jail

[User456: The Cross family is the top of the four prominent families. Claiming to be connected to theat Is she insane or just desperate for attention?]

[User789: Which one of you saw her name–dropping? She’s never mentioned him once. Her work speaks for itself. Stop running your mouths.]

[User012: She grew up in a convent. She’s basically half a nun. There’s no way Mr. Cross would be interested. Pretending to be his woman? Her career’s over. And she might be next!

The fire kept growing.

Behind the scenes, Jasmine watched. Waited for the mysterious Elias to make his move. That would be the end of Stella.

“Jasmine. Are you sure this won’t backfire?”

“Mom. Why are you so scared now?”

Jasmine shook off her mother’s hand.

But Ruby couldn’t shake the dread.

“Every time we go after Stella, she walks away clean. We’re the ones who get hurt. The Thorne family is destroyed. Your father’s still in custody.”

“The trial’s soon. I’ve looked into it. He won’t get much time. And honestly? We should be the ones demanding something from Stella. Dad saved her mother. Took her in. Married her. And she cheated on him. Made him a joke. Isn’t she at fault too?”

Jasmine’s face twisted with bitterness.