Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 189

“Erica?” Stella tugged at her sleeve.

“Alright, I’ll stop,” Erica said, miming zipping her lips shut.

Her silly antics made Sebastian chuckle. “You really are a real character. Honestly, I’m a bit jealous of Cody- with a daughter like you around, there must never be a dull moment at home.”

Thinking of how she always pushed her dad over the edge and made him yell, Erica didn’t feel even a pang of guilt.

She nodded with a smug air, as if to say, “That’s right. You hit the nail on the head.”

“Sebastian, you couldn’t be more right. He’s lucky to have me in the house,” she giggled.

Sebastian burst out laughing, and the chilly mood in the dining room seemed to melt away, bringing warmth and lively chatter back to the air.

While Stella and the rest were having a blast, Kourtney and Noreen, sitting off in the corner, were struggling just to get some food.

After dinner, Kourtney and Noreen said goodbye to Sebastian and got up to leave. Stella was about to leave with Erica when Sebastian called out, “Stella, wait a moment. Come with me to the study. I need to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.” Stella nodded.

She told Erica to wait in the living room, then quickly went to assist Sebastian as they made their way upstairs to the study.

As soon as they reached the second floor, they ran right into Ernest, stepping out from a doorway. When he spotted them heading for the study, his eyes narrowed, a keen, probing glint flickering across his face.

Sebastian instantly stood before Stella, blocking Ernest’s line of sight. Despite the deep lines etched into his face, he radiated an undeniable gravity and locked eyes with Ernest, radiating authority without a trace of

anger.

Neither man spoke, but the air between them crackled with an intense, silent confrontation–the atmosphere heavy and taut.

Even though Stella had no clue why they seemed at odds, caught right in the middle of it, she felt her heart race, almost breathless from the pressure.

After what seemed like ages, just as Stella’s complexion began to turn pale, the silent standoff finally drew to a close.

The aging tiger wasn’t outmatched by the wolf king prowling in the shadows. To everyone’s surprise, Ernest, the heir to the Lloyd family, was actually the first to yield.

He shifted to the side, silently opening the way to the study.

Sebastian gave Ernest a deep, meaningful look before leading Stella away.

As Stella brushed past Ernest, she could distinctly sense the complicated look in his eyes, as if he were quietly letting whatever trouble looming on the horizon unfold.

Inside the study, Stella helped Sebastian make sure he was comfortable before sitting down opposite him.

Sebastian offered her a gentle smile, though the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable. “Stella, I know that back then Ernest really let you down.”

“Sebastian, that’s all in the past now,” Stella said, not wanting to hear more of this. Honestly, it could do nothing good except make her feel worse. “We should look ahead, not keep clinging to old troubles.”

“You’re right,” Sebastian said with a nod, pulling a document from his drawer. “Just have a look; if you’re okay with it, go ahead and sign.”

Stella took the document and saw the bold title Share Transfer Agreement right at the top. Her brows knitted together, and without even glancing at the terms, she handed it back. “Sebastian, I really can’t accept this.”

Sebastian put on a mock frown. “What’s this? Already acting like a stranger to me?”

Stella gave him a helpless smile. “Sebastian, you know that’s not what I mean.”

Sebastian let out a long sigh. “Stella, I don’t have much time left. Before I go, I just want to make sure you’ll be okay.

“You said yourself it’s important to look forward–this is the support I want to give you so you can take on whatever the future holds.”

Stella knew Sebastian meant well, but she just couldn’t take it. “Sebastian, I can’t accept this. Really. And—”

The light from above mixed with the night outside, wrapping Stella’s face in a blurry glow.

Even with her features softened by the shadows, the confidence blazing in her eyes refused to hide. Her voice was firm and passionate. “Besides, I trust myself. I know I can create the life I want, with my own strength.”

Sebastian fell silent.

Over the past seven years, he’d never seen that confident spark in Stella’s eyes before.

Maybe all his interference, all his so–called kindness, might not have been good for her after all.

Once Sebastian understood, he didn’t push her anymore. Instead, he picked up the document and patiently explained, “Stella, you don’t have to say a word. I know what’s in your heart.

“I support your choices, but I still want to give you something. I’m not asking for anything in return, and every clause in this share transfer is for your benefit.

“If you’re not ready to accept it now, that’s okay. Before I’m gone, I’ll put it in my will and have the foundation

keep it safe for you. Whenever you feel ready, the offer will be waiting.”

Stella thought to herself she’d never actually take him up on it, but she was still deeply touched by how far Sebastian was willing to go for her.

“Sebastian,” Stella’s eyes were rimmed with red as she choked out, “don’t talk like that. You’re going to live a long, long life.”

“Alright, alright, I will try to stick around a couple more years–just so those guys won’t try to give you trouble when I’m gone,” Sebastian joked, waving his hand to dismiss the topic.

He changed the subject and chatted with her for a while, but soon started to look tired. Finally, he waved his hand again, signaling she could go. “Okay, I’m getting sleepy. Go on home. Just make sure to visit me when you have time.”

“Okay, Sebastian, I’ll head out then,” Stella replied with a nod, standing up and heading for the door.

As soon as Stella stepped out, she spotted Ernest still lingering outside, like he’d been waiting for her the whole time.

When he saw her, his unreadable, intense gaze narrowed, and he asked in a low, steady voice, “What did Grandpa say to you?”

Recalling how he’d gone head–to–head with Sebastian earlier–just to keep her from leaving–Stella let out a cold, sarcastic chuckle. “Isn’t it obvious? Why even bother asking me?”

As she spoke, Stella stepped right up to him, meeting his intense, almost suffocating gaze head–on. Every word was laced with sarcasm. “Are you just looking for an answer that’ll let you sleep at night?

“Or do you still think I’ll just do whatever you want, like I used to?”

Ernest pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Stella didn’t expect him to answer. As she was about to walk past, he suddenly reached out and caught her

wrist.

His broad hand easily enveloped her slender wrist, the heat of his touch startling her so much that she yanked herself free, her face clouded with barely concealed anger.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Stella snapped. Her voice was so harsh that it was as if she couldn’t stand even the briefest touch from him.

Downstairs, Erica heard the commotion and dashed up the stairs. The moment she saw Stella getting blocked by that jerk, she went off. “Ernest, you better not lay a hand on-”

Erica was seconds away from throwing hands, but Stella quickly stepped between them, stopping her before she could go full slap mode.

Stella swallowed her anger and disgust, forcing herself to sound gentle as she soothed Erica, “Erica, really, I’m okay. Don’t get upset.”

“But just now-” Erica clearly wasn’t buying it.

“I’m really fine,” Stella insisted, her tone firmer this time.

Chapter 190