he room was small, with black walls covered in twisted, graffiti–like faces.
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Blood–red claw marks marred the ceiling, and the longer Erica stared, the more it felt like something terrifying was about to burst through and tear her apart.
The decor was just as grim–old, broken, and reeking of mold and decay.
Erica couldn’t imagine how Stella, so tiny back then, had managed to survive in a place like that.
Stella took a look around and flashed a playful smile. “Honestly, it’s really not that scary.”
“Stella…” Erica sobbed, wrapping her arms around her. “It’s okay. I’m here with you now. I won’t let anyone mess with you ever again.”
Stella chuckled, then nodded. “Alright, Erica. You’ll be my shield. From now on, I’m counting on you.”
“Yeah.” Erica nodded quietly, burying her face into Stella’s neck. Her voice trembled with emotion. “Stella, I really can’t bear to imagine what you went through back then.”
Thinking about that now, Stella couldn’t help but feel a little wistful. She let the memories surface slowly as she spoke, “It was right after my mom and Theodore’s relationship fell apart.
“She wasn’t totally lost yet, just needed to spend a few days at a retreat or take some time for herself.
“That’s when Louisa got together with Theodore and did all this.
“Those few days were tough, but now when I look back, it doesn’t bother me anymore.”
As Stella returned to that place, she genuinely felt the weight lifting off her chest. All those childhood terrors, when she looked back now, were just the nightmares her mind conjured up in the chaos of her broken family -the desperate fear of losing her parents.
“Stella, your mom’s going to be okay, and I promise I’ll stand by you no matter what,” Erica said, her voice unwavering, her eyes full of comfort.
The two were caught off guard, sharing a heartfelt sisterly moment, when the door suddenly swung open and Gary stepped in. “Ms. Jansen…”
“Don’t call me that,” Stella cut him off coldly. “I’m not part of the Jansen family, and I never will be.”
Gary nodded and replied smoothly, “Ms. Spencer, Mrs. Jansen would like you to come to the living room. Ms. Jansen has returned.”
“You mean Sylvia?” Stella frowned.
“Yes. Gary nodded.
“You go ahead. I’ll come down in a bit,” Stella said.
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“Understood, Ms. Spencer,” said Gary.
Once he stepped out, Stella and Erica traded glances–each could read the worry in the other’s eyes.
Honestly, neither of them thought Sylvia would show up this fast after getting the news.
Erica thought to herself, ‘Something’s definitely up with the Jansen family–there’s no other reason for Sylvia to come racing back like this.‘
“Stella, maybe you should head down first. I’ll go check things out,” Erica suggested.
“No.” Stella shook her head. “Sylvia’s sharp–she’ll know something’s up if you’re not around, and she’ll definitely send someone after you.”
“So what? Let her try,” Erica replied, not bothered at all.
“We’re still in the Jansens‘ territory,” Stella reminded her in a low voice. “If she decides to accuse us of stealing some business secrets or whatever, no amount of explaining will get us off the hook. Better stay cautious.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Erica nodded.
“Come on, let’s go check it out downstairs,” Stella said.
They didn’t say anything else but just turned and went downstairs together.
In the living room, Sylvia was snuggled up to Louisa, with Irene in her arms, while Theodore and Ernest sat across from them.
Soft light played across their faces, giving the whole scene a warm, peaceful family vibe.
Stella walked in and saw the scene, her expression unchanged. But Erica couldn’t stand it. She pursed her lips, about to say something, when Irene jumped in first.
“Mommy?” Irene exclaimed, her eyes going wide when she spotted Stella at the staircase.
Stella barely reacted, just said calmly, “With him here, looks like we’ll have to delay our plans for a while.”
“It’s cool. Worst comes to worst, we’ll just stay at the Jansens‘ place for a couple of days. If we have to, I’ll pitch in for the groceries,” Erica said with her usual laid–back vibe. She could make anywhere feel like home, no matter the situation.
“Fair enough,” Stella said, nodding her approval.
“Stella! I’m talking to you—are you just going to ignore me?” Louisa snapped, her tone biting and impatient.
Seeing Stella and Erica chatting away like she didn’t even exist, Louisa was pissed.
‘If I can’t even keep Stella in line in front of Ernest, how am I supposed to boost Sylvia’s reputation?‘ Louisa fumed inwardly.
Stella couldn’t even be bothered to glance her way–maybe her vision was blurry, or maybe she just didn’t give a damn. Either way, Erica was ready to unleash some verbal fire on her behalf.
Erica jabbed a finger at Louisa and snorted. “What are you yelping about? What’s your problem?
“Oh, please, the Jansen young ladies? You’re shameless enough to say that out loud? Where was all that talk about family honor when you and your crew tossed Stella and her mom out on the street?
“And when you swaggered in here as the homewrecker, acting like you belonged–did you even stop to think
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about what ‘manners‘ mean?
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“Manners, huh…” Erica really dragged out the last word, her tone so snarky and dramatic it could’ve made Louisa pop a vein right on the spot. “You, the so–called mistress here, and you still have the nerve to preach
about manners?”
“1…” Louisa clutched her chest, actually gasping for air–she was so mad she could barely breathe.
At last, Sylvia jumped in, her voice cold as ice. “Ms. Russell, if you’re here to visit, the Jansen family welcomes you. But if you’re here just to pick a fight, don’t expect us to show you out.”
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