Brak

Chapter 20 Rotten To The Core

Summer was often a time of torrential rain in the south.

In the days following her discharge from the hospital, Calvin frequently made time to visit Cecilia.

Due to the lingering aftereffects of the medication, Cecilia’s health had worsened compared to before.

However, her mental state had improved significantly. Even when she had no appetite, she would force herself to eat a little more.

When she was with Calvin, she never once mentioned Nathaniel.

After being held onto for so long, some people bring nothing but pain when brought up.

Or maybe she simply didn’t want to burden her friends with her negative energy.

When she was alone, Cecilia would often stare blankly at Nathaniel’s WhatsApp at profile picture.

She didn’t know how to broach the topic of divorce again.

On this day, Cecilia had just bought some groceries and was on her way back when a figure. blocked her path.

Wearing sunglasses and a mask, her long hair flowing down her back, Stella was dressed in a striking long dress and high heels, giving off an imposing presence.

“Ceci, does Mrs. Smith know you’re not dead?” Stella asked with a playful smirk.

Cecilia hadn’t expected to run into her here.

The two of them found a quiet café and sat by the window.

Large raindrops beat against the glass.

Stella removed her mask, revealing her delicate face. “Don’t worry, I heard from Zach that Magnus had taken Mr. Larke’s money and had already fled with Mrs. Smith. They won’t bother you anymore.”

Cecilia had already heard this from Calvin.

Fearing retribution for failing to marry Cecilia off to the Larke family as agreed, Paula and Magnus panicked and fled abroad the same day.

Who could have predicted that the once–wealthy Smith family would become like stray dogs. because of a mere three hundred million?

Cecilia silently listened, showing no emotional reaction.

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Chapter 20 Rotten To The Core

“What do you want to say?”

Stella’s gaze drifted down to Cecilia’s belly, which wasn’t showing yet.

+5 Pearls

She pinched her palm but decided not to expose Cecilia on the spot. Instead, she said, “Tell me, what will it take for you to leave Nathaniel? Name your price. I’ll give it to you.”

What arrogance.

Cecilia smiled.

Her calm gaze fixed on Stella. “I’ve been married to Nathaniel for three years, so our shared assets must be worth at least billions. Can you afford that?”

Even the most famous actresses might not have that much.

Stella was merely someone who had polished her reputation abroad but was rotten to the core on the inside.

Stella clenched her teeth in anger, stung by Cecilia’s disdainful

gaze.

Of course, the woman before her had once been the most favored daughter of the Smith family, and money had only ever been a number to her.

Back then, Cecilia’s grandfather, the old patriarch of the Smith family, had even been known as the richest man in Tudela.

But now, Cecilia was nothing more than an abandoned woman nobody wanted.

That thought made Stella feel a little better, and her lips curled into a smile.

“You don’t know who sent me to talk to you, do you? Nathaniel’s mother specifically asked me to tell you that as long as you’re willing to leave, money is no object. Consider it… charity for a beggar.”

A beggar…

Cecilia thought back to how Elena had flattered her when she urged her to marry Nathaniel.

She said that only the daughter of the Smith family was worthy of Nathaniel and that she would treat Cecilia as her own daughter.

Suddenly, Cecilia didn’t want to endure this humiliation any longer. She stood up. “Then bring the money first, and we’ll talk.”

She didn’t need to think twice to know that Elena wouldn’t give her a cent.

regret this.”

As Cecilia walked away, she could hear Stella’s warning behind her, “You’ll regret

Back at home, later that night, Cecilia was half–asleep when the ringing of the phone woke her.

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Chapter 20 Rotten To The Core

+5 Pearls

“I really overestimated you. How many million do you want? You disappear for a few days, and this is the scheme you come up with?”

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