Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 168

The onlookers‘ advice didn’t soothe Irene; it only seemed to fuel her performance, as if she was determined to bring the hospital roof down.

Unfortunately for her, the act had no effect on Harvey.

He didn’t even break his stride, just let out a scornful laugh before disappearing behind the hospital room door.

Ernest, who had remained silent, straightened his collar with a blank expression. He didn’t spare a glance for the hysterical Irene, simply grabbing her small hand with a firm, unyielding grip and pulling her away.

Irene’s wails choked off, replaced by stunned sobs.

She stared at her father’s cold face, then back at the closed door. No one was coming to coddle her.

Not even her father.

A wave of real panic and heartbreak washed over her.

She desperately missed the mother who would have scooped her up and whispered comforting words, no matter how much of a scene she made.

had truly lost that mother for good.

A few days later, under careful observation, Stella’s injuries were finally starting to improve. Though still heavily bandaged, she could manage small, careful movements.

“The Thorn Collection is wrapping up nicely,” Jeremy said, watching her expression. “It should be completely finished the day after tomorrow. The design team wants to have a small celebration that night.”

He observed her for a moment before adding casually, “As the lead designer, everyone really wants you there. This was your big debut at Lumière Group, after all. I’d hate for you to miss it and regret it later.”

Stella glanced down at her bandages and gave a wry, pained smile. “Do you really think I’m in any shape for a party?”

She was in pain with every small movement, let alone getting dressed up for an event.

Jeremy was ready for that. He grinned, a roguish glint in his eye. “What’s the big deal? If you really want to go, I’ll hire a couple of burly orderlies…

“No, we’ll carry you in on a throne! You’ll be the star of the show. How about it?”

The ridiculous suggestion made Stella laugh, which pulled at her injuries, and she winced. But the idea had taken root

The Thorn Collection meant so much to her; she wanted to be there to see it through to the end. She hesitated, “Well maybe…

‘Hold your horses!”

A familiar, theatrically drawn–out voice cut in from the doorway as the door burst open.

Erica swept in like a whirlwind, shot a death glare at Jeremy, then extended a vicious finger and poked Stella right on her injured arm.

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“Ow!” Stella yelped, caught completely off guard. “Erica! Are you trying to kill me?”

“Hmph!”

Erica planted her hands on her hips, her eyebrows arched. “Stella Spencer, have you ever heard of ‘rest and recovery? You’re barely held together with tape and stitches, and you’re already planning to go out partying? What, you enjoy the VIP suite here so much you’re looking to sign up for an annual membership?”

Her verbal assault was as fierce as ever, every word dripping with a mix of frustration and deep concern.

Stella was speechless, shrinking back under the force of her friend’s love, which felt both sweet and suffocating.

Jeremy, who had been on the receiving end of Erica’s first glare, had wisely lowered his head, trying to make himself invisible.

But Erica wasn’t about to let him off the hook. “Don’t think hiding will save you, Jeremy Ford. What were you thinking, encouraging an injured person to go to a party?”

Jeremy immediately looked up, a placating smile on his face. “Erica, let me talk my way out of this… wait, no, let me explain!”

“I’m not listening!” Erica declared, tossing her head.

my obediently fell silent.

her head back, her eyes wide. “You’re not even going to try? So that’s it, Jeremy? You don’t even have the plain things to me anymore? Has it come to this?”

Jeremy looked like his blood pressure was about to skyrocket.

“I was just trying to respect your wishes! I was going to say I’d hire…”

“Nope, not listening, blah blah blah!” Erica covered her ears dramatically, her head shaking like a bobblehead, a perfect picture of high drama.

A vein throbbed in Jeremy’s temple, his fists clenching. “What do you want from me? Are you listening or not?”

Erica shot back, “How am I supposed to know if I want to listen if you don’t talk? So talk!”

Jeremy took a deep breath, his voice tight with frustration. “Fine! I’ll talk! I was going to hire two professional orderlies to carry her…”

“Not listening!” Erica clamped her hands over her ears again and stuck her tongue out at him.

“Erica!” Jeremy finally snapped. He lunged as if to tickle her. “You are impossible!”

The room, once heavy with tension, was suddenly filled with their playful shouts and laughter, the air clearing instantly

The cheerful chaos, however, was short–lived.

Knock, knock, knock

Three polite knocks sounded at the door before it opened a crack

Kourtney stood in the doorway, perfectly made up and impeccably dressed, a practiced smile of concern fixed on her face.

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Chapter 168

“Stella. I’m here on behalf of Sebastian. How are you feeling?”

She remained in the doorway, showing no intention of coming inside.

When Sebastian woke and learned the truth, he had nearly fainted from rage again. His first order upon recovering was for her to visit Stella on behalf of the Lloyd family to express their ‘concern‘ and ‘apologies.

She couldn’t refuse, so she had come, albeit reluctantly.

Unfortunately for her, she had severely underestimated the ferocity of Stella’s self–appointed protector, and she had no idea what was about to hit her.

“Hey!”

A deafening shout, like a thunderclap at close range, made Kourtney’s ears ring. The plastic smile on her face froze solid.

In a flash, Erica was right in Kourtney’s face, her voice a furious torrent that spattered her face with spittle.

“Who do you think you’re fooling with this act, you old witch? It’s been days! You’re a little late to be pretending you care! Don’t come in here acting like you mean well! You…”

Erica grew more incensed with every word until, overcome with fury, she lost control.

Sh

ted squarely on Kourtney’s meticulously maintained, foundation–caked cheek.