Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 177

The hospital’s spacious reception room was packed with people.

On each side of the long table, the Finch family and Erica locked eyes, tension crackling between them, like fireworks about to go off.

Clearly, the unfinished business from the garden was ready for a second round right here.

Erica gave a mocking laugh, rolling up her sleeves as she eyed Victor. “What? You keep glaring at me like that. Want to have a go, old man?”

Victor had honestly never dealt with anyone this outrageous before. His breathing grew ragged from the fury, and he looked like he was about to keel over any second.

After taking care of Victor, Erica was about to shift her focus to Louisa when Sylvia, sitting beside her, cut in. “Ms. Russell, regardless of your excuses, you hit my mom first.

“Then Ms. Spencer went and broke my grandfather’s expensive cane. You guys are clearly in the wrong here. Are you seriously still going to act all tough?”

“Tough?” Erica laughed, her tone dripping with irony.

Her eyes met Sylvia’s–no hint of guilt, just open mockery and challenge. “Sylvia, don’t think this whole mess doesn’t involve you just because you kept your distance earlier.”

With that, Erica leaned in, her whole vibe menacing as she got right up in Sylvia’s face, word by word, voice carrying a veiled threat. “You really think I didn’t notice you spying on us from upstairs?”

Sylvia’s eyes flickered for half a second, but she kept her cool, pretending innocence like she hadn’t heard a thing. “Ms. Russell, I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“How about this?” Erica said, whipping out her phone and flashing a photo for everyone to see.

The shot clearly showed Sylvia sneaking a peek from behind the second–floor curtains, spying on all the drama happening below.

Even Sylvia, normally the queen of composure, looked genuinely thrown for a split second.

‘When did she take this?‘ Sylvia was inwardly reeling. ‘How the hell did I not notice at all?‘

“Well?” Erica flashed a smug grin, clearly loving every second of it. “Got anything to say now?”

Sylvia just gave a sly smile, almost mocking Erica’s attempt. “Ms. Russell, that photo doesn’t actually prove anything, does it?”

“You’re right; it doesn’t prove much,” Erica agreed, still cool as ever.

Louisa and Victor’s faces started to light up in relief, but Erica just drawled, “But what if I’ve got a recording?”

Upon watching Sylvia’s stunned face and the Finch family’s blank stares, Erica’s innocent–looking smile

stretched even wider.

She said, “You know, on my way to the hospital, I overheard you three scheming against Stella–and I made sure to get it all recorded. That’s right, I have the whole thing on my phone.”

Erica gave Sylvia a devilish smirk and arched her brow, pure challenge in her eyes. “So? Want me to blast it for everyone right now?”

Sylvia squinted, her face still cool as ice. But there was nothing she could do about her idiot teammates—even the two of them dragging her down.

As soon as Erica mentioned she had the recording, Louisa practically leapt out of her seat. “Alright, let’s just settle this privately. We’re totally fine with that.”

Victor just winced, swallowing his pride like someone had stolen his wallet. “Fine, let’s settle it privately.”

“No problem,” Erica grinned and tossed the ball to Stella. “Stella, how much do you think we should ask for as compensation?”

Not only did the Finch family look gobsmacked–even the hospital director, supposed to keep everything under control, was completely stunned.

‘She threw punches, and now she wants hush money? This is nuts, the director mentally screamed inwardly, finding the whole scene unreal.

But when Erica shot Stella a quick, sneaky wink, Stella immediately got the hint; obviously, there was no recording at all.

The whole compensation act was just Erica’s clever way of steering the situation and ending things on her

terms.

Getting the hint, Stella played along, “Alright, since we’ve both suffered losses, let’s just handle things ourselves and call it even.”

Louisa, struggling with her swollen face, couldn’t help but protest, her voice trembling, “So your idea of mutual loss is me getting a swollen face while she just ends up with a red hand?”

Stella coughed lightly, honestly at a loss for how to reply.

Erica, meanwhile, didn’t even blink. “Why not?”

Louisa just sat there, totally lost for words.

The more she thought about those stinging slaps smacking her face, the angrier she got.

“Ms. Jansen, you got any objections?” Erica said.

After shutting Louisa down, Erica’s eyes swung over to Sylvia, practically daring her to jump in–like she was spoiling for another fight.

Sylvia held back for a moment, swallowed her pride, and finally forced out through gritted teeth, “Fine. Private settlement, it is.”

“Alright then,” Erica nodded, her smile stretching wider. “Since that’s settled, we’ll get out of your hair.”

She linked arms with Stella and started for the exit.

Just before reaching the door, Erica paused, turned back, and called out, “Oh, Sylvia–about that recording? Totally made that up. Didn’t expect you to fall for it, but you totally did.”

The sound of Erica’s mocking laugh lingered in the air for everyone to witness.

Louisa looked ready to explode, and Victor was on the verge of another meltdown.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes, a calculating glint flashing for a second; just as Stella swung her phone in front of her, voice clear and full of playful mischief.

“But I recorded our little private deal just now. Want to risk it, and see what happens if you try anything funny?” Stella teased, her warning hidden in the grin.

With that recording, Sylvia was completely boxed in; she could forget about flipping the script now. If she tried anything, her reputation in the power crowd would be toast.

Sure, business was all backstabbing and scheming, but in public, everyone still had to put on a show of honesty.

Sylvia’s sharp smile suddenly faded, her tone dropping to something frostbitten–chill enough to pierce bone. “Ms. Spencer, don’t get ahead of yourself. Only the ones laughing in the end are the true winners.”

“Then let’s just wait and see who gets the last laugh,” Stella retorted, her gaze unwavering.

With that, Stella and Erica headed out together, leaving everyone else behind.

Seeing that the matter was settled, the hospital director excused himself and took his leave as well.

The only ones left in the reception room were Sylvia, Louisa, and Victor.

The room was so quiet that one could practically hear everyone’s heartbeat echoing off the walls.

The tension hung in the air, thick enough to choke, making Louisa and Victor’s breathing shallow and uneasy.

Sweat beaded on their brows, and neither dared meet Sylvia’s icy gaze as she sat there in stony silence.

After what felt like ages, Louisa finally forced out an awkward laugh. “Well, Sylvia, your grandpa and I were doing exactly what you said–almost had it all wrapped up.

“But then Erica barged in and threw everything into chaos, We-

Sylvia gave her a cool look, voice perfectly calm for now. “So, what are you actually saying here? That this whole mess is my fault, not yours, because I didn’t cover every angle?”

Louisa flinched, totally panicked. She hurriedly explained, “N–no, that’s not it. We’re the ones who blew it, honestly.”

Victor nodded quickly, anxiety all over his face. “That’s right, Sylvia, your plan was solid. We just messed up the execution, wasted all the effort you put in.”

Sylvia’s smile bloomed without warning, her demeanor flipping from cold to almost playful in the blink of an

eye.

Gone was the frostiness from before–now her voice carried the sweetness of an affectionate junior, all cordial and warm, as if her earlier edge had never existed.

“Grandpa, Mom, what are you getting so worked up for? You’re my family. Even if you make mistakes, I’d never do anything to hurt you,” she said softly.