CHAPTER 26: CHAPTER 26: TEARING OFF THE MASK

Silas Sutton’s question was impulsive and presumptuous.

Following his words, there was over a minute of silence on the phone.

Just as Stella Grant was about to respond, Silas had already hung up.

Listening to the disconnected tone on the phone, Stella moved the phone from her ear to before her eyes.

Staring at the darkened phone screen, Stella raised an eyebrow slightly.

What does this mean?

Dialed the wrong number?

Before Stella could think further, the door in front of her suddenly opened, and Flynn Shepherd stood inside with a smile, making eye contact with her.

Stella looked up, and Flynn’s smile became even more eager.

"Stella, you’re back."

"I just heard some noise at the door and guessed it was you."

Saying this, Flynn reached out to help Stella with her bag.

Stella moved her hand holding the bag back, avoiding him rather obviously.

Flynn’s smile turned awkward for a second, then he lowered his voice, "Stella, don’t let Mom lose face."

Stella looked at him with a cold expression.

Being stared at by Stella made Flynn feel somewhat guilty. He had to admit, although Stella was a woman, she had a strong presence, especially when there was no hint of a smile on her face.

They lingered at the doorway for so long that Mrs. Grant and the Shepherd family parents sensed something was off.

Worried they might start arguing at the door and make a scene for the neighbors, Mrs. Grant spoke first, "Stella, whatever you have to say, come inside and talk."

After Mrs. Grant spoke, Stella responded with a soft "Hmm," and pushed past Flynn to step inside.

That push from Stella was quite forceful, causing Flynn to stagger back a couple of steps.

Seeing this, Mrs. Shepherd immediately was displeased, but rather shrewdly, she didn’t criticize Stella for pushing Flynn but spoke about her lack of respect for elders, "Stella, we’ve been waiting for you most of the day, why are you only just getting back?"

Stella curled her lips, her voice distant and cool, "There was work to do at the company."

Hearing this, Mrs. Shepherd sneered, "Work? How busy can a mere departmental manager be? Busier than our Flynn, a vice president?"

Having said that, without waiting for Stella to respond, she continued, "Besides, today was a date we agreed on long ago, it wasn’t a last-minute decision. Don’t you know..."

Mrs. Shepherd was full of fervor, but was interrupted halfway by Flynn frowning, "Mom, say less. Stella was on a business trip and just got back today."

Hearing Flynn speak up for Stella, Mrs. Shepherd’s face turned even darker, "Have you no backbone? You’re not even married yet, and she’s already ordering you around like this. If you actually got married, wouldn’t she ride all over you?"

With those words, Mrs. Shepherd essentially tore away any pretense.

Mrs. Grant glanced at Stella, her face stern, preparing to speak, but then heard Stella’s calm voice, "Auntie, rest assured, I won’t ride all over Flynn."

Mrs. Shepherd thought Stella was giving in, and snorted coldly, "Easy for you to say, you dare to push Flynn in front of us, behind our backs..."

Before Mrs. Shepherd could finish, Stella put down her bag and interrupted her, "Because we won’t be getting married at all."

After Stella’s words, the living room fell into a brief silence.

Mrs. Shepherd looked at Stella, her mouth agape, before turning to Flynn, "What did she say?"

Flynn couldn’t be bothered with Mrs. Shepherd right now, as rumors were already going around the company about him and President Wright’s wife. He needed to marry Stella quickly to quell these rumors.

If those rumors reached President Wright’s ears, Flynn’s position as vice president would be immediately revoked.

Flynn took a deep breath, stepped forward to grab Stella’s hand, "Stella, I know you’re still mad at me, but we’re both adults. You can’t act rashly. The invitations are already sent out. If you cancel the wedding now, what face does your mom have..."

Flynn’s words, on the surface sounded like he was pleading for Stella’s forgiveness, but each word was a threat.

He knew the person she cared most about was Mrs. Grant.

So he repeatedly reminded her of this, exploiting her weakness.

Once Flynn finished speaking, seeing Stella remain silent, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just when he thought Stella might relent, she spoke coldly, "Flynn, did you receive the message I just sent you?"

Flynn froze.

Stella withdrew her gaze from his face, and turned to look at Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, "Flynn probably didn’t tell you two yet. We actually broke up a month ago because I caught him cheating with another woman."