Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 118

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She knew exactly when to call it quits, spun around, and walked out–her silhouette vanishing through the doorway in a flash.

After Erica stirred things up, everyone went quiet, and whatever cozy, friendly vibe had filled the room disappeared completely.

After a moment, Sylvia steadied herself. Her eyes, rimmed with a faint blush, met Ernest’s with a calm stillness–ready for some honest conversation. ▸

“Why?” Sylvia asked, straight to the point.

It was a bolt from the blue, but Ernest understood instantly. He answered in his usual cool manner. “He’s dead.

“You think I did it?” Sylvia snapped back, her tone sharp.

“I never said who it was,” Ernest replied coolly.

“Seriously? Do I even need to spell it out?” Sylvia fired back, getting worked up. “The room’s on this floor- unless you’re deaf or blind, you heard all that noise. Ask anyone, everyone knows what went down.”

She paused for a moment, let out a long breath, and tried to keep her voice gentle. “Honestly, I have no idea why you’d think it was me, but-”

With a harsh rip, Sylvia yanked open her hospital gown, exposing a bandage stained with fresh blood, right over her heart.

She jabbed a finger at her chest, locking eyes with him, pride radiating from her. “Listen up, Ernest. If I fall for someone, I’m going to love them out in the open. I’ll be with them, no matter what anyone says–I don’t need to stoop to sneaky tricks.

“This wound is real. If the shot had been even slightly off, I would’ve bled out and died right here.

“Seriously, you think I could pull off something that precise?”

Her question stumped Ernest. For once, he had nothing to say.

It was life or death over a millimeter–unless she had some ace sniper to make that shot, no way it would’ve landed so perfectly.

But the guy who actually fired–Hugh Tobin, Ernest had looked him up. He knew that Hugh was just a hard- luck nobody who probably had never fired a gun in his life before.

Ernest waited a while before speaking, tone still cool and distant. “You’re overthinking it.”

Sylvia kept her mouth shut, trying to look composed, but inside she was nowhere near as calm as she

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Chapter 118

appeared.

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She couldn’t figure out where things had gone south or why Ernest started doubting her, but once suspicion took hold, it never truly went away.

Just because she’d managed to fool him this time didn’t mean she’d get away with it next time.

To be honest, if it weren’t for this wound, there was no way she could’ve pulled off something that precise- even if she’d tried, she was just not that good.

The whole point was for Hugh to shoot her somewhere non–lethal, but his aim was garbage. By pure dumb luck, it turned into this crazy close call. ‘Guess a little misfortune turned into my lucky break after all, she wondered.

“Get some rest. I’m heading out,” Ernest said, his voice softer than before.

His noticeably gentler tone pulled Sylvia out of her swirling thoughts.

“Alright.” Sylvia replied with a slight nod. She really needed a moment to figure out her next move.

But Irene wasn’t ready to leave. “Dad, can I stay with Ms. Jansen?” she asked, her voice full of hope.

“Ms. Jansen’s hurt right now–she can’t look after you. It’ll just make things harder for her,” Ernest said, gently ruffling her hair. “Next time I have some free time, I’ll bring you back to see her, okay?”

“But… Irene had finally gotten to see Sylvia, and now she really didn’t want to leave. Ernest was always so busy -who knew when she’d get another chance?

“Wait–hold on! Irene suddenly piped up, her eyes flashing with an idea.

She tilted her head and tried her cutest negotiating voice, “Dad, can I go over to Mom’s place instead? I haven’t seen her yet! After I visit, can you come get me?”

Irene gazed up with starry eyes, all her hopes and little schemes obvious on her face.

Ernest hesitated before answering softly, “Well, that’s up to your mom–you’ll need her permission first.”

“Okay” Irene nodded eagerly, practically bouncing as she grabbed his hand and pulled him outside. “Let’s go

now!

She could barely wait to say bye to Ernest so she could hurry back to see Sylvia herself.

Watching the two of them go, Sylvia slipped out her phone, dialing a number as quick as lightning. The response was instant–on the other end, someone picked up with a voice full of respect. “Ms. Jansen, what are your orders?”

Shoot, Erica saw the whole thing earlier. If I try to fib with her right here, she’s totally gonna call me out–and I do not need another lecture from Erica Irene panicked.

Left with no way out, she tilted her head up at Ernest, her voice sweet and pleading. “Dad!”

Ernest jumped in, sounding casual. “I brought Irene over to see you. If this isn’t a good time, just say the word and we’ll head out.”

Truth be told, Stella had pretty much lost hope in Irene. But the fact that Irene bothered to visit while she was sick–even if it was just to stop by for a bit–actually melted some of that cold, hardened feeling she’d been holding onto.

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Chapter 118

But before Stella even got a chance to speak. Frica cut in with a form refoval “Curry, fours and gos Stella’s eyes are barely healed, and now you bring a line tog allong Serinudry, you think beads me to

take care of her?”

“Erica, I can take care of Mom Irene burst out, her voice despreze 11 dove had to becoce noo

she’d get another shot at coming over?

Gotcha” Erica thought, a sly smile playing on her lips.

She kept her tone casual, lips curled with amnement. “You were? You really fatal you cork for your

mom

1. I’m sure.” Irene stammered, not sounding all that confident. But for her son a waying and sexing Syfore she bobbed her head earnestly. Til take care of Mom–crow my heart

“Alright then.” Erica replied, pretending to be reluctant but secretly pleased “You can stay–just for once

“Mom….” Irene said softly, looking up at Stella with a pleading look

Stella still had no idea what Erica was planning but since Erica had given her approval the saw to conne refuse

Finally, she nodded slightly. “Alright then”

“She’s your responsibility now. When the time comes. I’ll swing by to pick her up.” Ernest said cannily

“Don’t bother,” Erica replied sharply, making it clear she had no desire to see him again. T just hate my family send a car to take her back.”

Ernest didn’t respond. He just turned around and walked our