Shane Donovan achieved his goal, knowing when to back off, immediately putting his arm around Stella Sterling and heading out.
Just a few steps out of the study, they ran into his aunt, Beatrice Donovan, at the top of the spiral staircase.
Beatrice was clearly waiting there on purpose.
"Shane, Miss Sterling, finished chatting with the old man?" She stepped forward enthusiastically, though her gaze pierced Stella like a searchlight, with an almost imperceptible scrutiny and assessment.
Shane’s lazy smile faded a bit, and he subtly moved Stella behind him, blocking Beatrice’s view, his tone calm and depthless: "Yeah. Anything up, Aunt?"
His protective stance was unmistakable, and Beatrice’s smile stiffened momentarily before she pulled herself together: "Nothing, just checking. You’re heading out?"
"Taking Stella back to the Sterling Family."
Beatrice seemed oblivious to Shane’s coldness, still smiling as she spoke to Stella, "Miss Sterling, you’re truly fortunate to have Shane so attentive. I heard you’re a lawyer in Riveria? Alas, it’s tough for a young woman to be out and about like that; once you marry into The Donovan Family, it’ll be easier."
Stella’s brow furrowed imperceptibly, but before she could speak, Shane cut in coldly, "Stella enjoys her career; she can do whatever she wants in the future, no need for aunt’s concern."
Beatrice’s smile froze instantly, "Shane, what are you saying? Your aunt is simply concerned..."
"You’re busy, Aunt, we’ll be going now..." Shane had no intention of talking further, holding Stella tightly as they walked past her.
Beatrice stood there, watching their backs as they left, her face maintained beautifully but unable to hold the last shred of her smile, her eyes turning cold.
...
Meanwhile, on the first floor, Rhys Lennox was leaning against a column, focused on his mobile game, his golden hair dazzling under the light.
He seemed to have just finished a game, impatiently clicking his tongue, and ran his hand through his hair.
Looking up, he saw Shane holding Stella as they came downstairs.
Rhys’s gaze couldn’t help but land on the suitcase in Stella’s arms, a slight curve forming at the corner of his mouth, his tone habitually laid-back, "Oh, hit the jackpot?"
Stella had a helpless smile, just about to speak when Shane shot Rhys an emotionless glance and replied coolly, "Jealous?"
"If you’re jealous, find yourself a wife, bring her to the old man, otherwise, suck it up."
Rhys was almost choked on his own spit, clicking his tongue in annoyance, his eyes back on his phone, muttering, "Who’s jealous... I’m not interested..."
Shane couldn’t be bothered with him any longer, walking straight through the hall with Stella in tow heading for the door.
As Shane’s car drove away from the Donovan residence, Beatrice finally descended the stairs, walking over to Rhys, looking even more irritated at her son’s nonchalant demeanor.
"Look at you! What do you look like?"
Beatrice was full of frustration, "Shane put you in Stella’s little law firm, clearly to keep you away from Innovatech Bio’s core industry! And you willingly stay there as a runner? Helping him count the money?"
Rhys was already annoyed. Without looking up, he finger swiped swiftly on the screen, his tone impatient, "Mom, stay out of my business."
"If I don’t, who will?!"
Beatrice’s voice heightened, "Can’t you show some backbone? Stella Sterling, who knows what spell she’s cast on Shane and your grandpa, treating her like she’s precious! She’s just a..."
"Mom!" Rhys interrupted sharply, looking up, his defiant eyes clearly displeased, "Stop badmouthing others."
Beatrice was stunned, staring at her son in disbelief: "You’re speaking up for her? You’ve only just met her!"
Rhys slipped his phone into his pocket, standing up straight, taller than Beatrice, looking down at her, his tone carrying an unconsciously protective element, "I’m not well acquainted with her. But she’s diligent, sharp-minded, not throwing around her status because of my brother. At least she doesn’t gossip behind people’s backs..."
He paused, adding, "Big brother has good taste; stop worrying pointlessly."
"You... you fool!" Beatrice was furious, her chest heaving, her finger trembling as she pointed at him, "I raised you for nothing! Just like your father, both useless!"
Rhys’s face darkened instantly, his eyes turning cold and fierce: "Don’t mention my dad!"
He no longer looked at Beatrice, turned and strode out decisively.
"Rhys! Stop right there!" Beatrice yelled furiously behind him.
But Rhys’s footsteps did not pause.
Beatrice stood alone in the empty hall, looking at the direction her son disappeared into, recalling what Philip Donovan had said to her earlier at the staircase, feeling a chill rise from the bottom of her heart, mixed with unwillingness and resentment, making her expression seem somewhat twisted...
...
Shane’s car drove down the tree-lined road leading to The Sterling Villa, the sky nearing dusk.
Stella leaned against the passenger seat, holding one of the sandalwood boxes the old man had given her, her fingers unconsciously caressing the cool, smooth carvings.
The car rounded a curve, and the familiar sight of the white villa came into view.
However, Stella’s gaze was drawn to a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan parked at the villa entrance.
The smoothly intimidating lines of the car shimmered with a cold luster in the sunset.
"Hm?" Stella slightly straightened, blinking in confusion, "Family got guests?"
Shane glanced at the car, a barely detectable ripple crossing his deep eyes, but he said nothing, calmly parking behind the Cullinan.
Just as they stepped out and onto the stairs, they heard a low, furious roar erupt from inside the villa, clearly audible through the thick door—
"Get out!"
It was Aidan Sterling’s voice!
Stella’s heart skipped, glancing at Shane, both seeing surprise in each other’s eyes.
Big brother’s temper wasn’t the best, but he rarely lost control like this.
What was going on?
She couldn’t think more, nor consider anything else, reaching out to push the door.
The villa’s door wasn’t locked and swung open easily.
The vestibule was dimmer, the bright light from the living room outlining a slender silhouette.
It was a beautiful woman.
Wearing a fine apricot-colored cashmere dress, with a matching long coat, her figure graceful, her demeanor refined.
She was slightly bowing her head, one hand covering her mouth, shoulders gently shaking, seemingly struggling to suppress sobs, tears streaming from her pale cheeks, pitifully.
Stella’s steps abruptly halted, pupils shrinking, disbelief flashing in her eyes.
...Elara Forrest?
Big brother’s... first love and long-lost muse?
Didn’t she... marry abroad years ago?
Why would she suddenly appear here?