Janice was just as eager for Stella and Caleb to get back together.

But since both Stella and the brooding bodyguard were painfully passive, someone had to forcefully nudge the romance along.

Janice literally shoved Stella toward the closet to change.

Lemira looked at Janice. "Are you coming?"

"I'll sit this one out. You guys probably won't be back tonight anyway, so I'll cover for you here. Text me immediately if there's any progress with the bodyguard!"

Lemira nodded with a laugh. "Let's hope your strategy works."

"Trust me. As long as he has feelings for her, he'll take the bait. I just want Stella to find a man who genuinely loves her, otherwise her family will eventually force her to marry some vulture who'll just prey on her inheritance."

Hearing the words "prey on her inheritance" made Lemira cringe.

After all, the person currently trying to steal Stella's fortune was none other than her own brother, Asher.

It was intensely humiliating.

She really needed to figure out a way to put that arrogant leech in his place!

And Caleb was definitely the perfect man for the job.

Once Stella had changed into a stunning outfit, the two of them left the dorm.

Caleb was leaning casually against a tree outside. The moment he saw Stella, his dark eyes perceptibly darkened.

Yet, his face remained completely unreadable, and he didn't take a single step toward her.

Lemira raised an eyebrow. "What's his deal?"

"He said he's just going to follow from a distance and that I should go about my day without worrying about him."

Lemira was stunned. He wasn't even going to come over and say hello?

She had assumed that becoming her personal bodyguard would finally give the hardened ex-mercenary an excuse to get close to Stella. Clearly, she had overestimated his emotional intelligence.

Deciding he needed to learn a lesson, Lemira grabbed Stella's hand and pulled her into a cab headed straight for Bistrova.

Bistrova was an ultra-exclusive, members-only club. Without proper status, entry was strictly forbidden.

Lemira led Stella straight toward the opulent entrance, whispering, "Don't look back."

Stella looked worried. "If we don't bring him in with us, he won't be able to get through the door."

"If he's so confident about doing things his way, let him figure it out."

Lemira felt the bodyguard was being far too frustrating. He definitely deserved a bit of a challenge.

Before stepping into the elevator, Stella cast one last anxious glance over her shoulder, spotting Caleb's

towering figure just arriving at the club's entrance

As the elevator doors slid shut, Stella sighed. "Lemira, I don't think this is a good idea. He doesn't have the money for a place like this."

"Stella, you're way too soft on him. He knows that, which is exactly why he thinks he can keep pushing you away. Trust me, he'll find a way in."

The elevator chimed open on the upper floor, and the two girls stepped out-straight into Sophia Sinclair and her entourage.

Sophia was dressed sharply in a designer business suit, flanked by several men in suits carrying document portfolios.

It was obvious she was here brokering deals.

Lemira could practically feel the venom radiating from Sophia's glare. Ever since Mrs. Amelia had been

released, the Sinclair family had

deduced that

Temira Wa

somehow

connected to the kidnapping.

The Sinclairs probably wanted her dead right now.

But because of the blackmail evidence Lemira held over them, they didn't dare make a move.

Sophia sneered at Lemira. "Wow, you actually have the nerve to walk around without an escort? Aren't you afraid of a little 'accident' wiping you off the map?"

Sophia was currently fantasizing about Lemira dying a slow, excruciating death.

Unfortunately, with Orion actively protecting the bitch, there was nothing Sophia could do.

Stella stepped forward defensively. "Watch what you say, Ms. Sinclair. Threats like that have legal consequences."

Like a rabid dog that had finally snapped, Sophia turned her malice on Stella, laughing mockingly. "Oh look, it's Ms. Waverly. I heard you've been throwing tantrums and fighting with your family agam. A crippled girl like you should just be grateful a man is even willing to look in your direction. Don't be so picky."

Stella's face instantly drained of all color.

Lemira marched forward and delivered a vicious, echoing slap straight across

Sophia's face. "Shut your mouth!"