Chapter 19 Cutting Ties Cleanly
Finished
Madeline held onto Stella’s hand,asif she wanted to say more. But Stella’s stance was firm. “Madam Madeline, I’m sorry,Ethanis not someone I can entrust my life to.”
Madeline fell silent..
Stella continued. “I never expected his undivided loyalty, but he hasn’t evengivenme the bare minimum of respect,”
Madeline sighed. “This…”
but
She couldn’t deny it. Ethan hadn’tshownStella even the most basic respect. Even as his mother, she couldn’t blindly defend
him.
“But what will you do? Without Ethan, your life in the Reed family will be even harder.”
Madeline reminded Stella of her standing in the Reed family. Even though everyone now despised Lillian,they still had to Jacknowledge that she heldasignificant position within the family.
Stella lowered her gaze without responding.
Madeline pressed on, “Youdon’t need to answer me now. I’ll talk to Ethan, and Lillian v
will be sent away as
as soon as possible.”
She was beyond furious. What hold does Lillian have over Ethan to make him so utterly bewitched?
The thought of Stella and Ethan completely breaking things off, leaving Ethan free to be even more reckless with Lillian.made her bloodboil.
“The Reed family favors Lillian. If you keep pushing back against Ethan, things won’t be easy for you.”
She was advising Stella to endure it. As her future mother–in–law, Madeline was making it clear–she would always be on Stella’s side.
Everyone assumed there was no place for Stella in the Reed family and that the Keenefamilywas her only refuge.
Stella glanced at Madeline. I’ve gotten through tough times before, haven’t I?Madam,thisis the end forEthanand me.”
Things had already come this far–there was no turning back. Stella’s tone wasresoluteand final.
She had no intention of leaving even ashredof hope for anyone. Simply put, she hated unnecessary trouble. She wanted to cutthingscleanandmove on.
Madelinesawher unwavering attitude and felt slightly embarrassed. “You child…”
She had humbled herselfandsaid everything she could, yet Stellawasstill this stubborn?
Her tone carriedahintof dissatisfaction
now.
Stella didn’t want to waste any more time. “I’m leaving.”
Withthat, she shoved the necklace firmlyintoMadeline’shandsand turned to leave.
Madeline had more tosay, but seeing Stella’s determined posture and then looking at thenecklacein her hand, she could onlystompher foot infrustration.
The butler appearedbehindher. “Madam Madeline. Whatisshe being so proud about? Who else would take her if not
Ethan?”
Shewas engaged to Ethan. Who else in Rivermount’s elite circle would be foolish enough to marry heronshort notice? And as for the Reedfamily..
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Chapter 19 Cutting Ties Cleanly
The butler glanced in the direction Stella had left.“She’s young. She can’t swallow this humiliation.”
To him, Stella’s reaction was purely driven by the injustice she felt over Lillian..
Madeline thought the same.
Finished
She scoffed. “If she wants to make a scene, she should at least pick the right place. She can fight with the Reed family all she wants, but actingself–righteous in front of me?”
If not for Nicole insisting Ethan had to marry Stella–claiming Stella’s birth chart was exceptionally auspicious–Madeline wouldn’t have even considered accepting a daughter–in–law from the Reed family.
Her frustration only grew. She wasfuriousat Ethan for being tangled up with Lillian, but she was even angrier that Stella had been the one to call off the engagement.
Now the Keene family had lost all face–both publicly and privately.
And to make things worse, Nicole had given her a strict order–which was to get Stellaback.
But with the way Stella carried herself, fearless, untouchable, how am I supposed to do that? Madeline’s expression darkened with
anger.
“This is infuriating! Where is Lillian hospitalized?”
The butler replied, “Rivermount International Medical Center.”
Stella walked out of Keene Estate.
Just as she reached her car, a horn honked from nearby. Looking up, she saw Ethan’s Rolls–Royce Phantom parked not far away.
He’s still here?
Ethan stepped out, a cigarette betweenhisfingers.
His tall, lean figure exuded natural dominance, an aura of authority that keptothersat a distance.
Truth be told, he was undeniably handsome.
In just a year, he had doubled Keene Group’s market value, and he was also lial and respectful toward hiselders.
Everything about him was impressive–except for his taste in women. Absolutely Mind.
When Stella met hisgaze,she showed no kindness.
Ethan was the first to speak. “Give your car keys toJason. He’ll drive it back to Kingston Heights. You’re coming with me.”
“I can drive.”
Stella scoffed, her voice dripping withsarcasm. Those three words were a declaration of independence. I would never be the one left behind.