Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 102

Silence hung heavy in the room. Erica opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words.

The public opinion about Stella right now was downright vicious. Calling her infamous was probably putting it lightly.

A large number of netizens who did not know the truth followed suit, and people in the elite circle were also shocked that Stella would be so crazy.

Everyone was convinced that Stella, driven by love and hate, had hired a hitman to target Ernest and Sylvia. The motive was obvious to everyone.

If Ernest were to die, Stella would inherit the Lloyd family’s massive fortune. Even if she couldn’t get all of it, a fraction of those assets would be enough to set her up for life.

“Erica?” Stella called, snapping her back to reality.

Erica put on an awkward smile, trying to brush it off. “Stella, you’re really just overthinking. Who would even believe any of that stuff about you?”

“Stop pretending with me.” Stella’s voice was unwavering. “I know perfectly well what they’re all thinking.”

“Alright.” Seeing Stella wouldn’t let it go, Erica picked out the milder rumors and told her, trying to soften the blow. “Stella, don’t stress too much. Once the truth comes out, everyone will see you’re innocent.”

Stella bit her lip, silent. She could tell Erica was trying to sugarcoat things, but even the best case seemed bad. She could only imagine how terrible her reputation must be right now.

“Stella, are you okay?” Seeing how pale Stella looked, Erica couldn’t help but worry.

“I’m fine,” Stella replied, shaking her head. Her real concern was how to clear her name. As a jewelry designer, even if she created brilliant pieces, no one would buy them if her reputation was ruined.

The more she thought about it, the more hopeless it seemed. She feared that even if the truth was revealed, people would always doubt her.

People loved to tear others down. Even after learning the truth, most clung to the gossip. They kept spreading rumors, eager to drag someone through the mud and ensure they never got back up.

It seemed they took delight in it, relishing the damage they caused.

“Stella!” Before Stella could spiral any further, Erica’s sudden shout snapped her back to reality,

“What’s wrong?” Stella asked, startled.

Erica’s voice was firm. “I don’t care what you’re thinking or what’s worrying you. Just know you’ve got me, and I’ll always have your back.”

“I know,” Stella said with a smile. She’d always known Erica would stand by her, no matter what. The weight in

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Chapter 102

her chest lifted a little.

“So, can you finally tell me what’s on your mind?” Erica asked, her tone soft but persistent.

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Stella nodded and spelled out everything she’d been worrying about. “Honestly, if I just let all these rumors keep piling up, even when the truth gets out, I’ll probably have to leave the jewelry world for good.”

Once someone got labeled as infamous, they were blacklisted in every industry.

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk to my dad and get you some help,” Erica said.

The Russell family had serious connections in the media world–that was how Erica managed to get a crew of hired internet commenters whenever she needed them.

Just because Erica didn’t have the influence didn’t mean her family couldn’t make things happen.

“No,” Stella refused instantly. “I’ll figure this out myself. Don’t even think about going to your dad for help.”

If things went wrong, the Russell family might get dragged into it too. And if they somehow fixed it, it would only make Ernest furious.

There was no benefit in it, and it could make them a powerful enemy. Stella knew her dad wouldn’t risk it. Rather than putting Erica in the middle between her family and her, Stella decided to stop her before she even started.

“But why not?” Erica asked, her tone more pleading than protesting.

Finally, she had no choice but to feel her way to the door. After another long struggle, she found the cold metal doorknob.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” Stella called as she gently pushed the door open, her voice uncertain. She tried again, but nobody answered.

It was lunchtime, so most people had gone for lunch. The nurse on duty was probably far away at the nurses‘

station.

Stella sighed, realizing she was on her own for now. Pressing one hand to the wall, she carefully inched forward, hoping she’d eventually find someone who could help her to the restroom.

The hallway felt endless. Every step felt like it took forever, but it was probably just her desperate bladder making time feel so slow.

Just as she thought she couldn’t hold on any longer, her hand brushed against something warm–someone’s

back.

She couldn’t see who it was, but seized the moment, voice trembling. “Excuse me, I can’t really see right now. Could you please help me get to the restroom?”

She faltered, her face turning redder. “I really can’t hold it anymore.”

There was no response. But Stella could sense the person had turned toward her, and her hand now rested against a firm, muscular chest. It was definitely a man.

Realizing what she’d just touched, she quickly withdrew her hand, flustered. “Sorry! I didn’t mean to touch you there.

She crossed her legs tightly, her voice shaky. “Could you please help me to the restroom? I really need to go.”

The silence between them stretched thick and heavy. The man didn’t say anything, but he didn’t move away either–he just stood there, watching her.

Even though Stella couldn’t see him, she could feel his gaze. It was intense, as if his eyes were burning through her.

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