Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 110

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Jeremy admitted. “The public outrage has mostly died down, but there are still a few people who just can’t let it go. If you attend this charity gala and make a contribution, it’ll do wonders for your reputation.”

“Wouldn’t that feel a bit fake?” Stella asked, a little uneasy. She’d never been to a gala like this before.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jeremy reassured her. “You’re judged by your actions, not your intentions. No matter what you contribute or bid on, the organizers will donate everything in the name of charity. It’s all for a good

cause.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Stella nodded, then paused, a little concerned. “But, will my vision be a problem?” Even after two days of rest, her eyesight was still a little blurry, and she couldn’t see clearly yet.

“Don’t worry about it,” Erica chimed in before Jeremy could answer. “I’m pretty sure my dad got an invite too. I’ll go with him tomorrow so you won’t have to handle everything alone—I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, Erica.” Stella flashed her a grateful smile.

Jeremy didn’t linger. He left, needing to get a custom dress for Stella ready before the gala tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Erica jumped right into tidying up the chaos on the table and carried out the trash.

With everyone gone, the hospital room felt strangely quiet and lonely to Stella.

Rubbing her full stomach, she decided to get up and stretch her legs. She carefully walked down the hall to get some fresh air.

She barely took a few steps before bumping into something solid. Stella wobbled, nearly losing her balance. “Sorry,” she quickly apologized, steadying herself.

But there was no answer. The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound was the echo of her own footsteps.

“Guess I bumped into something,” she muttered, thinking of stepping aside. But as she placed her hand on the wall to balance herself, she felt something warm and solid–like a human chest. Stella, startled, blurted out, “Are you a person?”

The silence continued. Stella was instantly reminded of the man who’d helped her before. A genuine smile spread across her face as she asked, “Sir, is that you?”

“Yeah,” came the quiet reply. His voice was so soft that if the hallway hadn’t been this quiet, she might’ve

missed it.

“You helped me out at lunchtime yesterday, and I didn’t even get a chance to thank you before you disappeared,” Stella said with soft gratitude.

She thought he wouldn’t reply, but to her surprise, she heard a deep, familiar voice right by her ear. “How do you plan to thank me?” he asked.

“Maybe I could treat you to a meal?” Stella suggested, pushing away the odd feeling she had. “Or if there’s

17:32 Sat, Oct 18

Chapter 110

something you like, I can get it for you.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

:

Stella blinked in confusion. “What’s so funny?” she asked.

50

E55 vouchers

“You’re really this grateful just because I helped you to the restroom?” he asked, his tone dripping with

sarcasm.

The mockery in his voice made Stella frown, feeling uncomfortable. But remembering that he had helped her, she replied, “I’m not exactly overflowing with gratitude, but if I owe you, I should pay it back, right?”

“That’s true,” he replied.

“So, you…” Stella started, uncertain.

“Just owe me for now. You’ll pay me back eventually,” he said, his tone casual.

“Alright.” She nodded and stayed silent. As the footsteps faded down the empty hallway, Stella realized the man was already gone.

“Stella, what are you doing out here?” Erica called out as she came back from taking out the trash.

She quickly came over to support Stella, her voice half scolding and half worried. “Honestly, with your eyesight all blurry, you should stay put in your hospital room. What if you get hurt?”

17:33 Sat, Oct 18

“Six in the morning and it was still pitch black out. Seriously, another hour of this and I’d have considered ending it all at sunrise.”

Erica sighed dramatically. “I knew if it came down to him or me, you’d always pick him.”

As they joked around, a knock came at the door. Erica quickly switched back to her normal self and opened the door. She almost jumped when she saw who it was.

“Whoa, Captain Lance. What happened? An all–night manhunt?” Erica said, wide–eyed.

Standing outside was Adam, who sported dark circles that rivaled Erica’s. “Yours are no better,” Adam replied with a tired smile.

“Sure, and I’ve been through a lot too,” Erica replied with a grin.

Adam just stared at her, speechless.

“Erica, let Captain Lance in,” Stella called out.

Once Erica had led him inside, Stella asked, “Captain Lance, you’re here so early–did something new happen with the case?”

“Well,” Adam said carefully, “Yeah, there’s been some progress—but it looks like we’ll need your help again.”

“What’s up?” Stella asked.

“Remember the guy we brought to the hospital yesterday? The one who claimed someone was out to kill him?” Adam prompted. “He woke up around midnight and spilled some critical info…”

Adam paused, trying to keep his voice calm. “He said it was the Jansen family targeting him, all because he tried to interfere when our team was investigating that murder–for–hire case from a couple days ago.”

Adam was watching Stella closely, trying to catch any flicker of emotion on her face. It was not something one could easily accept, learning that her own father wanted her dead.

But to his surprise, Stella’s expression didn’t change at all. In fact, it almost seemed like she’d been expecting

this.

She calmly replied, “So, what do you need me to do?”

17:33 Sat, Oct 18

Chapter III