Sylvia frowned slightly. She wasn’t here just to stir up trouble with Stella and Erica–she was actually trying to get some information about the investigation.
Honestly, with Ernest’s power, finding out these details should have been easy. But ever since he went to the police station that day, he hadn’t said a word about it to her.
Sylvia couldn’t ask him directly, and she certainly couldn’t go poking around the police station herself. That would raise way too many suspicions.
But now, running into Stella and Erica, she figured she might as well try her luck. To her surprise, she actually managed to gather some useful info.
Sylvia frowned, deep in thought. The only thing that could really drag the Jansen family into serious trouble right now was if they messed with the investigation or tried to interfere with the authorities. Nothing else made sense.
‘But didn’t Theodore say he’d already taken care of that? Or maybe he didn’t?‘ Sylvia started to doubt him.
What worried her even more was that maybe Theodore hadn’t handled the situation at all. Instead of fixing things, he might have gotten caught.
If trouble came knocking for the Jansen family, Sylvia knew she’d be caught right in the crossfire too.
Just as she was pondering this, Sylvia suddenly snapped to attention–she could feel a sharp, probing gaze coming from the side. Ernest’s silent, almost suspicious stare made her feel like she was under intense scrutiny.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, keeping her composure as she turned to him, feigning confusion.
“It’s nothing,” Ernest said calmly. “Didn’t you say you wanted a custom dress? If we don’t hurry, we might end up late for tonight’s party.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Sylvia gave Stella and Erica a quick nod, then turned and left with Ernest.
“Did you notice…” Erica stared after Sylvia, thinking for a moment before adding, “She seemed a bit off just
now.”
“Did she?” Stella asked, sounding a little lost.
Erica smacked her forehead. “Oh, right, you can’t see. Anyway, Sylvia’s reaction was kind of weird–like she was worried about something.”
“Worried about what?” Jeremy said, walking over with the dress in hand.
Erica quickly filled him in on what had just happened.
“Maybe she’s panicking a bit,” Jeremy shrugged. “If the Jansen family goes down, she’ll lose her biggest supporter.”
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Chapter 112
“Yeah, that makes sense,” Erica nodded, not thinking much more about it.
“Alright, we’ve got the dress. Let’s go find somewhere to eat,” Jeremy said.
“Sounds good,” Stella smiled.
50
55 vouchers
Jeremy and Erica supported Stella as she made her way outside, never noticing the intense stare trailing her
every move.
Only when she disappeared through the doorway did Ernest finally let his gaze drop, his eyes lingering on the fitting room–his mood darker and more mysterious than ever.
*****
The night was dark, the moon hanging high above, and the sky was strewn with stars glittering like scattered diamonds, casting endless brilliance everywhere.
Luxury cars filled the street outside the banquet venue, and everyone was dressed to impress–tailored suits, stunning dresses, all dripping with wealth and class. Small clusters of acquaintances gathered together, laughing and chatting as they headed for the glamorous ballroom.
Stella, dressed in a dress with a heart–shaped jewel resting on her chest, walked through the crowd with Jeremy on her left and Erica dazzling in her princess–like attire on her right. Erica’s crown sparkled so brightly that it almost blinded people around her.
“Do you really have to wear that tiara?” Jeremy squinted, his eyes still hurting from the shine.
17:33 Sat, Oct 18
Stella didn’t care much about them, but of course, there were always those desperate to suck up to Ernest, who couldn’t resist throwing some shade.
“Ms. Jansen is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. No wonder she’s Mr. Lloyd’s date tonight. Her look is just perfect. Unlike some people who try to copy her style and end up looking ridiculous,” one of them sneered.
“Yeah, the same dress on different people, well, it really makes a difference,” another chimed in, her voice thick with sarcasm.
“Some folks really ought to check the mirror before trying to get Mr. Lloyd’s attention,” a third person said, snickering.
They never said Stella’s name out loud, but with all those mocking glances thrown her way, it wasn’t hard to tell who their target was.
With a cold smile, Stella made a silent vow. Ever since she decided to leave behind the pain of her past, she swore she would never let herself be mistreated again—and she wouldn’t tolerate anyone’s nonsense.
Before Stella could react, Erica slammed her hand on the table and stood up, staring down the group. “You guys are a bunch of losers, aren’t you?” Erica said.
One of the men opened his mouth, but when he realized who Erica was, his words died on his tongue.
In this world of the rich and powerful, the class lines were razor–sharp. If someone had to toss out lame compliments just to cozy up to Ernest, it meant their family was barely scraping into the upper crust anyway.
The real big names–like the Russells, or anyone who actually mattered–wouldn’t even bother with that kind of pathetic bootlicking.
“Apologize to her!” Seeing they recognized her, Erica pressed her advantage. “Look at you, running your mouths nonstop. What? Cat got your tongues now? Suddenly lost your voice?”
“Don’t push it, Ms. Russell,” one of them snapped, feeling humiliated. He shuffled closer to Ernest, desperate to cozy up and show off his supposed connections–like hiding behind him would somehow save face.
Before Erica could even respond, Ernest frowned with clear distaste and said coldly, “Stay away from me.”
“Mr. Lloyd,” the guy started, hoping for support. But when he caught Ernest’s indifferent gaze, he immediately went silent–no way he’d dare say another word in front of him.
Jeremy rose to his feet, his gaze unwavering. “Apologize.”
17:33 Sat, Oct 18
Chapter 113

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