Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Back then, Stella really believed Wade was a good person-even went so far as to reach out to him for help.

But in the end, if Stella’s mom hadn’t fought through her last bit of strength to pull her away, Stella would have ended up being sold off by him.

Just the thought of that ticket to a foreign country and Wade’s fake smile still sent chills down Stella’s spine.

At the time, Stella was still underage, completely alone, and being sent to an unfamiliar, chaotic country was extremely dangerous. Yet, Wade didn’t hesitate for a second in trying to put her on that plane.

Stella couldn’t imagine how someone could be this vicious.

Suddenly, someone placed a steadying hand on Stella’s trembling shoulder, and Harvey’s confident, soothing voice spoke right in her ear, “Don’t worry-with me here, nobody can touch you.”

As Harvey said this, he cocked his head and shot Wade a freezing look. The ice in Harvey’s eyes was so fierce that Wade found himself unable to meet his gaze.

But just as importantly, Richard was already on his feet, his fists crackling with tension, itching for a fight. His eyes swept the room, clearly sizing up where to throw the first punch.

Everyone knew about what had happened that year, and they’d even investigated afterward.

But there was no evidence to prove if Wade was really trying to sell Stella overseas for profit or if he was just “helping” her. In the end, it was quietly shelved.

“Grandpa, are you alright?” Stella didn’t even glance at the Finch family, rushing straight over to Richard and giving him a quick once-over.

Only after making sure he was okay did she finally relax. “Thank goodness. Don’t go doing anything crazy next time, okay?”

When Victor heard this, he thought Stella was going to défend him and almost nodded in agreement. But then she continued, “What if you got hurt? You scared me. I’m not about to visit you in the hospital.”

Her tone, which sounded worried but playful, made Richard chuckle. “Alright, alright, Stella, you’re right. Next time, I’ll keep my cool.”

The sweet family moment only fueled Victor’s anger. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Stella, do you even still see me as your grandfather?”

Harvey’s expression turned icy, and Richard raised his fist. But before either of them could lash out, Stella cut in, her voice cold and flat. “Don’t even try to pull the family card. We’re strangers.”

Aside from the time she was kicked out of the Jansen family, Stella had crossed paths with Victor a few times after that. Back then, she was just a kid-couldn’t speak up for herself, had no one to turn to. That made Victor think she was easy to push around.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to corner her with harsh demands when she first walked in. Caught off guard by her icy response, Victor was left speechless.

“Stella, that’s on you,” Wade said, giving her a disapproving look.

He kept his tone gentle, almost coaxing. “I’m your dad’s brother-in-law, and he is your dad’s father-in-law. You’re Theodore’s daughter-like it or not, we’re all connected.”

“Oh, enough already,” Harvey snorted, his laugh cold. “I’ve seen people toss around family ties before, but you two take it to another level. Have you got no shame?”

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“Harvey, if you really think about it, we’re family,” Wade started, trying to pull Harvey into the conversation.

“You really asking to get punched, huh?” Richard couldn’t hold back. “You’ve got some nerve.”

Wade snapped his mouth shut, knowing full well Richard actually would hit him.

“Mr. Spencer, isn’t that a bit much?” Wade pleaded, trying to negotiate. “My dad’s old-seriously, you want him to bow to his granddaughter?”

“Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you get to be shameless,” Richard sneered, pure disdain in his voice. “Where was all your dignity when you were insulting Stella?”

Richard’s gaze went steely, his presence pressing down hard on Wade with every word. “Didn’t you hear Stella say you two aren’t family to her at all?”

“I… I messed up,” Wade muttered, cold sweat running down his forehead. He didn’t dare say another word, so he whispered to Victor, “Dad, just say sorry, alright?”

“I’m not,” Victor started, but before he could finish, Richard cut in with a mocking laugh. “Go ahead, keep acting tough. After our two days here, I’ll come back for round two.”

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Chapter 73

Victor went silent, totally stunned.

Even the officer was thrown for a loop.

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“Come on, just admit your fault and get it over with,” the officer said, trying to talk Victor down. “You’re the one who started insulting his granddaughter so harshly. Can you blame him for wanting to fight back?”

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