Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86 Meeting at the Cemetery

The evening air carried a chill. Stella walked to the side and lowered herself onto the steps, glancing back at Shaw Estate behind her.

Mom, I came back to the home you lived in for over twenty years.

Your family loved you so much.

A weight settled on her shoulders–a black suit jacket blocking the cold wind.

Elias, who normally wouldn’t dream of sitting on public steps, lowered himself down beside her. He gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, letting her lean into him.

He tilted his head back, gazing at the darkening sky. His face, usually so carefully controlled, was etched with something raw–something that looked a lot like pain.

From a distance, Frederick watched them. His chest ached unbearably.

He lifted his own gaze to the sky, his eyes rimmed red.

Beautiful memories flooded back–laughter echoing in his ears, as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

And then, in an instant, all hope crumbled.

When Elias helped Stella up to leave, he turned and spotted Frederick. Their eyes met, and both men gave each other a small nod of acknowledgment.

hing clicked into place for Elias.

erick? What are you doing out here?”

Kenneth’s voice made Frederick turn slightly away. He raised a hand–knuckles prominent–and wiped discreetly at his face.

“What are you looking at?”

“Frederick… are you crying?”

Kenneth stared, genuinely shocked.

He knew his brother. Frederick didn’t cry.

By the time Frederick looked back, Stella was gone.

“Frederick, what happened? Did Dr. Shaw say something? Is it Grandpa?”

“Nothing.”

Frederick turned and walked off, leaving Kenneth utterly confused. He scratched the back of his head, worry still clouding his eyes.

9:50 am Pppp.

Chapter 86 Meeting at the Cemetery

+5 Pears

Elias and Stella ended up at a restaurant. At this hour, the place was nearly empty.

Stella sat in silence for a long time. Her mind kept replaying those happy photos–and the wreckage of what came after. Had someone else played a part in destroying her mother’s life?

“Stella. Drink some water.”

“Thanks.”

Elias thought about everything he’d witnessed earlier. He parted his lips carefully. “Mr. Shaw… I think he knows.”

She looked at him, confused. “Knows what?”

“Back at the gate. He was watching you. I saw his eyes–they were red. He looked broken.”

From what he knew of Frederick, the man had probably figured it out.

Stella stared at him, surprised he’d picked up on it.

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Elias explained gently. “With everything you’ve asked about Miss Shaw, and the timing of her disappearance… I guessed. You’re her daughter, aren’t you?”

At that, Stella couldn’t hold back anymore. Tears spilled over as she turned to look out the window.

Elias moved to sit beside her, pressing a handkerchief into her hand.

“Elias, today Mr. Shaw wanted to see a photo of my mother. I wanted so badly to tell him that my mom was his daughter–Nicole.

“But I hesitated.

“From everything I’ve learned these past few days… she was so happy. So full of life. She had everything ahead of her. And then, that night Jasper never showed, she fell into hell.

“How could I tell him that the daughter he’s been missing all these years has been gone from this world for so long?

“The truth about what she went through… even if I wanted to hide it, I can’t keep it buried forever.”

Elias gently guided her head to rest on his shoulder.

Behind them, a woman’s eyes went wide as saucers.

Stella prepared her offerings. On Nicole’s birthday, she came alone to Orchid Isle Cemetery.

She knelt, gently wiping dust from the headstone. “Mom. I found your family.”

Her gaze lingered on the photo etched into the stone. Even though she’d touched it up herself, the face. still bore the marks of suffering–a world away from those old photos of a young, radiant Nicole.

9:50 am P PPP.

Chapter 86 Meeting at the Cemetery

“I only found out today was your birthday.”

She lit the small candles on the cake she’d brought, her throat tightening.

+5 Pearls

“Mom, we never got to eat cake together. Today… today I finally get to do something I’ve dreamed about since I was little.”

Her voice cracked. “Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday, Mom…”

She picked up a fork and took a small bite of frosting.

“Mom. Turns out cake isn’t that sweet after all.”

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