Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 190

Chapter 190

Stella knew that if she said a word to Erica, Erica would totally have her back.

But after seven years of marriage, Stella was more than clear just how cold and heartless Ernest could be.

If Erica really tried to mess with him, it would only trigger him to lash out with crazy revenge.

Rather than letting things blow up, Stella figured it was better to just grit her teeth and put up with it for now.

Funny enough, Erica knew Stella inside out. The second she saw the shock and anger still smoldering in Stella’s eyes, she could tell Ernest must’ve done something wrong.

Erica clenched her jaw, withdrew her hand, and stomped over to plant herself in front of Stella, blocking Ernest’s stare.

Her anger burned even hotter than Stella’s as she growled, “You’d better learn to act with some decency. Don’t forget, you’re not even married anymore.”

Ernest was unfazed by her attitude. He replied coolly, “Legally speaking, we’re still husband and wife.”

Erica gave a scornful laugh. “What’s that supposed to mean, Mr. Lloyd? Don’t tell me you’re starting to regret

it.”

Before he could respond, Erica’s lips curled into a wicked grin, her voice gentle but dripping with menace. “If that’s really the case, I wouldn’t mind having a nice little chat with your mistress.”

“Oh, speaking of which.” Erica slapped her forehead, her voice even more sarcastic. “I heard she’s undergone two major surgeries back–to–back. Her body can barely handle it anymore.

“If she gets another shock, she might never wake up again. But since you’re suddenly full of regrets, Mr. Lloyd, I guess that’s none of your concern now, is it?”

As soon as she finished, Ernest’s expression stayed chilled, his eyes frosty as an icy lake. His words were glacial, sharp enough to cut through bone. “You’re asking for death.”

“Whoa,” Erica yelped dramatically, clutching her chest all fake–scared. “Whoa, you sure know how to terrify a girl. No wonder you run Seabrook–just a single bad word and you threaten lives. Legendary stuff.”

Stella stepped up beside Erica so they stood shoulder to shoulder, mocking him in the same exaggerated tone, “Right? He’s the big boss and CEO of Lloyd Group, calling the shots and turning Seabrook on its head.

“Probably only found out killing’s illegal once he left the city.”

Their back–and–forth was practically a stand–up comedy set. If it were anyone else, they’d probably be roasted so hard that they’d drop from a heart attack.

But Ernest didn’t even flinch. The icy coldness in his eyes drained away like the tide pulling back, making it look like all that earlier intensity had just been a trick of the light.

He gave the two a long, lingering look before turning on his heel and leaving without a word.

Erica rolled her eyes. “What’s with the performance?”

“Alright.” Stella grabbed her arm and pulled her downstairs. “It’s getting late already; let’s hurry up and go.”

Even though this was Sebastian’s place, Stella just couldn’t shake off that uneasy feeling while she was here.

Before long, they reached the entrance hall and were just about to slip on their shoes when a hopeful little voice suddenly called out. “A–Are you leaving?”

They turned to see a small figure in cartoon pajamas peeking out from around the corner of the hallway.

Irene was huddled there, gazing at Stella with big, pleading eyes. She looked so tiny and vulnerable that it almost tugged at one’s heart.

Stella shot her a glance, then turned away, totally indifferent–not even interested in responding.

Erica arched her brow, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes. “If you’ve got something to say, make it quick. Otherwise, my sweetie and I are out of here.”

“She’s my mom,” Irene shouted loud and clear, almost as if she were planting a flag. “Not yours–mine.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Erica shot back with a savage question, “Then how come she won’t even talk to you?”

Irene’s

eyes welled up, and she looked at Stella, lips quivering as she called softly, “Mom?”

Stella didn’t say a word.

To Stella, Irene was totally invisible; the kid didn’t get a single look from her the whole time.

Once Stella slipped on her shoes, she just grabbed Erica and headed straight for the door.

Getting iced out like that was more than Irene could take. She burst out sobbing, head thrown back.

Her wails rattled the whole villa and echoed through the air.

Stella didn’t even look back. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her heart–calm and unshakable, like nothing could ever get to her.

Erica grinned, loving how Stella handled it, “Exactly–just keep it that way.”

Stella shot her a smile–no more forcing it, just pure happiness shining under the streetlights, dazzling and real.

The next morning, Stella woke up sporting serious dark circles; she was radiating more bad vibes than a haunted house.

Last night, Erica wouldn’t quit; she kept raving about how awesome Stella was and dragged her out for a

‘celebration. In reality, Erica was just desperate to let loose after being stuck in the gloom for way too long.

Stella totally saw what Erica was up to, but decided to just roll with it. But they didn’t stumble home until nearly sunrise.

Stella barely scraped together three hours of sleep.

When one was running on that little rest, all one could think was, “Why hasn’t the world just gone kaboom yet?”

“Why not get a little more shut–eye?” Harvey said, struggling to hold back a grin.

He did his best to avoid looking at those serious panda eyes, worried he’d lose it and start cracking up. “It’s Grandpa’s birthday, and since Mom is too busy to come over, she sent me to look after you.

“No rush–go ahead and sleep in. I’ll call you when it’s time for lunch.”

Stella

gave him a moody glare. “If you’d just laugh a little quieter, maybe I would’ve slept right through.”

Harvey rubbed his nose, trying to keep a straight face. “Hey, you can’t blame me; you’re the one who-” He finally lost it and just cracked up.

Just one glance at Stella rocking those exclusive eyes, and Harvey couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Stella just stared at him, dead silent.

After a brief pause, she snapped, “Harvey, you’re dead meat.”

“Okay, my bad. You’re still injured; don’t go making it worse.” Harvey begged, throwing up his hands in surrender.

Stella pinched the squishy flesh at his waist, earning a dramatic yelp from Harvey. She grinned, finally satisfied, “That’ll teach you to laugh at me.”

Harvey’s mouth twisted. “N–Not laughing, I promise.”

‘Seriously, dude, keep it together. Bite your tongue,’ he frantically begged himself.

Stella gave him a wicked little smile. “Harvey, you’re toast. I’m tattling to Aunt, to Uncle–going to report you as high up as I can.”

“Alright,” Harvey chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Told you not to mess around with crazy people, but you wouldn’t listen. Now look at you–Erica’s bad influence finally got to you.”

“Harvey, were you talking about me?” Before he could even finish, a suspicious voice piped up from behind

him.

Harvey froze, turning stiffly like some kind of robot. Erica was standing right there–tiny face, and those eyes sweeping over him like a radar.

“Harvey, you meant someone else with my name, right?” Erica pressed, her grin all sharp edges.

“Yeah, totally,” Harvey nodded frantically. “Just someone else with the same name.”

“Thought so,” Erica said, grinning wickedly as she slipped up beside him. Before Harvey even knew what hit him, she grabbed his squishy side and twisted hard.

The next second, his scream shook the hospital room and echoed all the way down the hall.