Chapter 58

Marc felt a wave of panic surge through him the moment Stella brought up divorce again.

"Stella, I know you're upset today," he said,trying to sound calm. "Let's talk when we get home, alright? Whatever apology you want, I'll give it to you. Just... come here. Don't make a scene."

Stella let out a cold laugh. He thought she was just being dramatic?

Marc glanced at William. "Mr. Briggs, regardless of what happened, you signed my wife's patent.I'm genuinely happy for her. Thank you for recognizing her talent."

He emphasized "my wife" deliberately-staking his claim in front of William.

It was a move meant to intimidate, to mark his territory. As long as the divorce wasn't finalized,he still had that hold over her.

Haley, standing just behind him, nearly combusted on the spot. Her face twisted in fury.

William watched it all, amused. "Mr. Walsh,perhaps you should focus on calming your mistress. She looks ready to blow. As for Ms.Russell's patent-her work speaks for itself.It's got nothing to do with you. So there's no credit for you to take."

William wasn't usually this talkative and Stella felt moved.

It felt like justice-to finally have someone on her side who saw through Marc's performance.

Every time she confronted Marc, he twisted it into some petty tantrum, some jealous outburst.

But now, with William exposing him in front of a crowd, Stella felt a deep sense of vindication.

Marc's face darkened. The charity event had gone up in flames for him. And worse, Stella wasn't on his side anymore.

She was staring at him now-stone-faced,unmoved.

Marc stared at Stella's unwavering expression,his anger overshadowed by panic. His fingers trembled.

He didn't want to lose her. He couldn't lose her.

Divorce? Absolutely not.

Gripped by desperation, he reached out to grab her hand again, thinking maybe-just maybe-he could reel her back in. But before Stella could even move, William stepped in and blocked him without hesitation.

Marc froze. Stella looked at his pitiful, wounded expression-and felt absolutely nothing.

She'd been through too much with him-and Haley. Whatever pain he was in now didn't even

scratch the surtace of what she u enuuicu.

Marc opened his mouth to say something when -WEE-OOO. The sound of police sirens sliced through the banquet hall. Moments later, a team of officers walked in, their expressions hard and professional.

One of them read from a file, "We received a report of kidnapping and assault. Haley Smith,Marc Walsh, and Jazlyn Walsh-please come with us."

Haley's mouth dropped open. Stella had really called the police?

She turned pale, grabbing her mother's hand in a panic. "Mom, I don't want to go!"

Beatrice was stunned. But she didn't believe her daughter had committed such a crime.

Then, snapping to action, she turned to the officers. "This must be a mistake. My daughter hasn't done anything wrong! You can't just arrest someone over an accusation."

But the officer was firm. "We'll sort that out at the station, ma'am. Please don't interfere."

Beatrice's heart dropped.

Back in Achury, she could've shut this down with a single call.

But this was Choria-her name meant nothing here.

She'd only come because Haley insisted, and now she was standing helpless as her daughter was about to be taken away.

Haley clung tightly to her mother's hand,pleading with her eyes. But the officers were already moving in.

One stepped forward with handcuffs. His voice was flat. "Ms. Smith, please come with us."