Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 22

Irene let out a defiant “humph!” her little face full of displeasure. She didn’t even bother answering.

‘Sylvia is so much better. Mom already has me–why is she holding someone else’s kid?‘ she thought.

And now she’s using that mean voice with me! From now on, I’m giving all my love to Aunt Sylvia. None for Mom!

Feeling like she’d won some kind of victory, Irene pressed her lips together smugly.

“What are you smiling about?” Stella asked, genuinely confused. Where had she gone wrong? How had her daughter become like this?

“I’m not telling you,” Irene retorted, sticking out her lower lip.

Stella studied her for a long moment. She wanted to say something–to–teach her, to correct her–but when she thought about Irene’s recent behavior, it all felt pointless.

What good would it do? Even if she scolded her, it would only last a few days.

The moment Sylvia showed up, everything would go back to the way it was.

She was tired.

“Trisha, sweetie, where are your mom and dad? Why are you here alone?” Stella turned her attention back to the little girl in her arms.

Trisha scratched her cheek shyly. “I wanted to come to the amusement park… Mom and Dad were busy, so…”

She hung her head, her voice growing softer. “… I came by myself.”

Stella had expected many possibilities–maybe the girl had gotten separated from her parents, or was waiting for someone -but never imagined this would be the reason.

She was completely caught off guard. How could a child so young be allowed to wander off alone?

“How about you wait with me for a little while? Once I’m done here, I’ll take you home,” she offered gently.

“Okay! Thank you, Auntie!” Trisha replied politely.

The two chatted easily, their interaction warm and natural. Even though Irene had decided to “take back” her love, seeing them like that still stung.

“Get away from her! She’s my mom!” Irene suddenly shouted, running over and trying to push Trisha.

Stella reacted quickly, lifting Trisha higher out of reach.

“Irene!” she said sharply. “I let the rock throwing slide, but pushing? That’s not okay.”

“You were holding her!” Irene yelled, pointing accusingly.

Trisha peeked out from Stella’s arms. “Big sister, I’m not trying to steal your mom,” she explained earnestly.

“Get down!” Irene screamed, stomping her foot and tugging at Trisha’s dress, trying to pull her out of Stella’s arms.

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3:20 pm

Chapter 22

“Irene, what is all this about?” Stella said, blocking her daughter’s grabbing hands, her patience wearing thin.

First the rock throwing, now this–what was she trying to prove?

Was she… jealous?

Stella quickly dismissed the thought.

‘Since when do I rank high enough for her to be jealous?‘ she thought.

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But there was no denying it–Irene was throwing a fit because Stella was holding another child. She’s the one who said she didn’t want me as her mom. But the second someone else gets a little attention, she can’t handle it.

The whole thing was ridiculous. Since when did a five–year–old get to be so greedy?

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3:26 pm P p pp

Chapter 22

“If you’re interested in jewelry, Ms. Spencer,” Sylvia said, her voice dripping with false sweetness, “I have a few design drafts you could… learn from.

“No need.”

Stella saw that Ernest was now holding Irene. The two were chatting, wrapped up in their own world. She had no reason to

stay.

But just as she was about to drive off, a manicured hand gripped the top of her car door, holding it firmly. “What do you think you’re doing?” Stella asked, turning toward Sylvia with a cool expression.

Sylvia leaned in closer, her voice low and suggestive. “Since you’re not really interested, maybe you should avoid meddling in things you don’t understand. Save yourself the embarrassment–wouldn’t you agree?”

“Looks like I used to intimidate you more than I thought,” Stella replied with a faint smile.

She wasn’t surprised Sylvia knew she was also a jewelry designer–or that she was warning her to stay away from the industry.

Sylvia had always been cunning, skilled at wearing a mask of charm while playing deep games.

Even now, with her intentions laid bare, Sylvia’s smile didn’t falter. “What’s past is past. From now on, I’ll always be steps ahead of you.”

“Is that so?” Stella raised a brow. “You’re that confident?”

“Of course,” Sylvia chuckled softly, leaning even closer. “After all, your wonderful husband will make sure of it. He’ll help me crush you.”

Stella shrugged, unfazed. “Well then… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

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