SWNOVELS Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Stella was a fallen heiress. Although her beauty was unparalleled, she lacked the ability to defend herself. In the eyes of the lecherous elite, she was the perfect target, a delicate flower among thorns. Moreover, given Simon’s past indiscretions, there would be no shortage of men vying to assert dominance over her.
“I don’t need your concern,” Stella hissed. Just the thought of Brian impregnanting Jessica made her feel
nauseous,
Without another word, Stella turned around and strode away. As she turned a corner, a sudden splash of coffee hit her.
“You wretch! How dare you seduce Yoel? Who do you think you are?” Carrie shrieked. She was You accompanied by a group of models, each one shooting menacing glares at Stella.
Before Stella could speak, Carrie grabbed her hair and yelled, “Stella Yates, you’re nothing but a shameless wretch who married Brian. Now that Jessica’s back, he doesn’t want you anymore. Is that why you’re trying to seduce Yoles? Hah, even though your family’s gone bankrupt, you still haven’t learned to behave? How dare you try to snatch my man?”
Nobody in the Foley family respected Stella as Simon had played tricks on Brian. Besides Alfred, who was a bit kinder, everyone else treated her with disdain and sarcasm.
Stella’s heart sank. Her marriage had always been tumultuous.
Perhaps from the very start, there was never a happy ending. She was unworthy of the Foley family’s wealth and influence, and it was unwise to provoke them.
Carrie called out, “What are you all waiting for? Let’s teach her a lesson!”
Upon hearing Carrie’s instructions, a group of people surged forward. Stella was pushed and shoved until she collided with the corridor wall. A loud “thud” was heard and the pain caused her vision to blur.
“Carrie, you’ve misunderstood.” Stella attempted to explain, but the group ignored her and continued. grabbing her by the hair and attacking.
Carrie slapped Stella across the face. Feeling enraged, Stella retaliated with a slap of her own. She could try to explain misunderstandings, but she refused to accept an unprovoked slap.
Stunned, Carrie held her face and yelled, “How dare you hit me?”
“You started it!” Stella retorted.
Infuriated by Stella’s response, Carrie threatened, “I cant believe you hit me. I’m going to teach you a
lesson!”
Suddenly, a man called out, “What’s happening?”
Brian appeared from the end of the corridor. As he strode toward them, his usual charming face gave way to an intimidating presence that sent a chill down one’s spine.
Carrie dared not continue her brazen acts upon seeing him approach. She uttered meekly, “Brian.”
The rest of the models trembled and looked at him respectfully. “Mr. Foley,” they greeted in unison.
Brian Fol
was known as the grim reaper in Sendoville. No one dared offend him.
“What the hell are you doing, Carrie?” Brian glared at Carrie, who was still holding onto Stella’s hair. Carrie was startled and quickly released Stella’s hair. In retaliation, Stella slapped her across the face. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle Carrie; rather, she couldn’t dodge with so many people around earlier.
Having endured several sneak attacks earlier, Stella was now giving Carrie a taste of her own medicine. Infuriated by the slap, Carrie attempted to strike back. However, Stella managed to block her attack. “Stop!” Brian’s stern voice caused Stella to stop in her tracks.
Stella stood tall, her dress stained with coffee. Her face was swollen from the slap and there was a visible fingerprint.
“Who poured the coffee?” Brian’s intimidating gaze scanned the room, making everyone tremble.
Everyone started apologizing to Stella, except Carrie. “I’m sorry for hurting you earlier.”
Brian lowered his voice, “Carrie?”
Fear gripped Carrie’s heart, but she refused to yield. Her eyes reddened as she protested, “Brian, she hit me first.”
“So, you’re saying she attacked all of you first?” Brian said coldly.
Stella was taken aback as she didn’t expect Brian to speak up for her.
“I–It’s not like that. It’s because she was seducing my man.”
“Who’s your man?”
“Yoel Perkins.” Since Yoel wasn’t present, Carrie could say whatever she wanted. She was secretly in love with Yoel for quite some time and saw him as the man of her dreams.
Brian said sarcastically, “Why would Yoel be drawn to someone like you?”
“What’s wrong with me?”
“You’re overbearing and arrogant. You’ve no good qualities.”
Seeing Carrier falter and unable to conjure a retort, Stella smirked. At least Brian was aware of Carrie’s shortcomings. It was difficult for someone to like a useless airhead like her.
“You’re a bully, Brian Carrie, unable to stand her ground, dissolved into tears.
Just then, Jessica approached. “What’s happening?” she asked gently while handling Carrie a tissue.
“Carrie, why are you crying?”
Carrie felt relieved to see Jessica, a friend whom she could rely on. Between sobs, she pleaded, “Jessica,
you have to help me.”
“What happened?”
“That wretch was seducing Yoel!” Carrie accused Stella
After hearing the story, Jessica said sternly, “Carrie, you’re in the wrong. Regardless of the circumstances,
it’s wrong to resort to violence. You should apologize to Stella.”
However, Carrie refused. “Jessica, are you really going to defend that wretch? If it weren’t for her father scheming against Brian, he’d never have married her!”
Jessica paused before speaking calmly, “Let’s not dwell on that. First, apologize to Stella, or Brian will be
truly upset. I won’t be able to protect you.”
“Stella slapped me twice just now!”
“You should apologize first,” Jessica urged.
Carrie reluctantly turned her head and snapped, “Sorry
Stella began to walk away as she didn’t expect Carrie to be sincere in her apology.
Brian interjected, “Is this how you were raised?”
Thinking he was addressing her, Stella stiffened and turned back.
Brian’s gaze, devoid of emotion, fixed on Carrie. “If your father taught you to apologize like this, I don’t mind giving you a lesson myself.”
Carrie trembled, her pride slipping away. Bowing slightly, she offered her apology to Stella. ‘I’m sorry, Stella. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
Stella was taken aback. A mix of unexpected feelings surged within her, but she knew better than to let herself be swayed again.
Jessica was calm and poised as she said, “Brian, Carrie has already apologized. Let’s leave it at that. I’ll take Stella to the hospital to ensure there won’t be any lasting scars. Is that okay?”
Carrie glanced gratefully at Jessica, seeing her as the epitome of grace.
Stella couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. She had seen through it all.
Jessica was adept at navigating such situations; she was even more calculating and composed than Stella had imagined.
Just as Brian was about to respond, Stella interjected. There’s no need to visit the hospital. Just give me some money for my medical expenses.”