Chapter 54

The chaos in the banquet hall hadn't died down one bit. Stella stood still, watching as Haley and Jazlyn dragged each other through the mud,spilling almost every dirty secret they'd ever kept.

Jazlyn wasn't one to go down quietly. The second Haley started throwing accusations,she fired right back-no hesitation.

"Haley, you've got some nerve," she snapped."You knew my son was married and still chased after him like a lost puppy. Everyone at Walsh Group has seen you throwing yourself at him.And let's not forget-you hired thugs to kidnap Stella!"

Haley's face turned ghost-pale. "Don't you dare pin that on me! You're the one who told me to do it. I wvas following your orders!"

Stella listened quietly from the crowvd, her eyes narrowing at Haley.

At first, she'd thought Haley was just another spoiled brat-pampered overseas, loud and entitled.

But after what she pulled... Stella realized something else entirely. People raised in Achury acted like the laws in Choria didn't apply to them. They did whatever they wanted and expected to get away with it.

Haley had no conscience. She'd done those things without flinching-and she'd absolutely do them again if she got the chance.

Even if Stella eventually divorced Marc, Haley was someone she'd always need to keep an eye on.

She glanced at Marc, who hadn't said a word all this while. His expression was dark, like the ground had just shifted beneath him. Good,Stella thought.

Bet he never imagined that while he was busy thinking he had everything under control, the two women closest to him were running their own shady games behind his back.

What a crisp slap to the ego.

Realizing she was losing ground with Jazlyn,Haley suddenly switched gears.

With tears in her eyes, she turned toward Stella and rushed over, pushing past Marc and his mother.

"Ms. Russell, I'm so sorry," she said breathlessly. "This is all on me. I was tricked by Marc's mom. I swear, I never meant to hurt you.Whatever compensation you want-money,anything-just say the word. My family will pay Please...forgive me."

The implication was clear-she was admitting Stella had been violated.

Stella let out a soft scoff. "Oh? And how much exactly were you planning to offer me?"

Haley's face lit up,thinking Stella was willing to settle. "Whatever amount you want! Just name it.My family can afford it."

Typical Achury elite. To them, money fixed everything.

Marc's brow furrowed. Why would Stella even entertain this?

Had he ever denied her money? Why go to Haley of all people?

Haley was still watching Stella with hopeful eyes, desperate for a number-any number.

But Stella? She was enjoying every second of it.

The more hope Haley showed, the sweeter the fall.

"Haley," Stella said coolly, "not everything in life can be solved by throwing money at it. I don't want your money. I'm taking the evidence to the police. Let them handle it."

Her voice was calm, but her smile was ice-cold.

Haley's face fell in an instant.

She opened her mouth to say something else,but Stella cut her off with another sarcastic smile. "Oh-and by the way. All that effort you put in? It was a waste. Your guys failed. There are no pictures. I just walked away with a few scratches."