Chapter 250

Chapter 250
Stella's POV

Julian’s grip on my wrist was firm, demanding attention. His blue eyes held mine with an intensity that made it impossible to look away.

“You’re clear, right?” His voice dropped. “I’ll go with you.”

The offer hung between us. For a moment, I felt the pull of letting someone else carry the weight. Then it vanished.

“Mr. Wade.” I kept my voice steady as I pulled my wrist free. “Let me handle this myself.”

The words were only half-true. Julian’s presence would complicate what came next.

Something flickered in his expression before it smoothed over. He released me, stepping back but still blocking my path.

“You’re sure?”

I nodded once. “Positive.”

He hesitated, jaw tight, hands flexing at his sides. Then he moved aside.

“Patricia,” he called without looking away from me. “Have our people watch closely. Call the police if needed, but give Stella space.”

His efficiency should have reassured me. Instead, I felt strangely exposed.

“Thank you,” I said, and turned toward the elevator.

The doors closed, and his gaze was gone. Only then did I let myself breathe fully.

Vivian was outside. Screaming. Making a scene.

Right on schedule.

The elevator descended slowly. I checked my reflection, adjusting my collar, smoothing my hair—small, nervous gestures for anyone watching.

The doors opened to a hushed lobby. Eyes turned toward me, whispers ceasing. I ignored them, walking straight ahead.

They parted like I was contagious. Let them watch. Let them talk. It all served the purpose.

I pushed through the doors into the rain. It soaked through my blouse instantly, cold and sharp. I didn’t flinch.

Vivian saw me coming, eyes lighting up. She raised the megaphone, but I was already there, leaning close so only she could hear.

“Did you know,” I whispered, “that your children aren’t Victor’s? Their real father has been living in your house all along.”

Her face whitened. The megaphone thudded to the ground.

“You’re lying.”

“Am I? Daniel Miller. Uncle Daniel. He’s been watching his children grow up right under your roof.”

Color flooded back into her face. She surged up, hands reaching, but I stepped away.

“I’m going to tell Logan. I’m going to tell him everything. What do you think he’ll do then?”

“You wouldn’t dare.” But her eyes showed she knew better.

“Try me.” I leaned in again, letting her see the cold in my expression. “You should have killed me when I was a baby. Instead you gave me to Jack. He just made me stronger. Now there’s nothing you can do to stop what’s coming.”

Her hands shot out, wrapping around my throat. Nails dug into my skin.

“I’ll kill you before I let you destroy my family—”

Security guards pulled her off. I stumbled back, hand flying to my neck—red marks, perfect evidence.

“Let me go! I’ll kill her!”

Around us, phones were raised, recording. Good.

A guard approached. “Ma’am, are you alright?”

“I want to file a police report. She tried to strangle me.”

“They’re already on the way. Mr. Wade is watching from upstairs.”

I didn’t look up. My eyes stayed on Vivian, who now hung limp, spent.

Our gazes met. I let her see the satisfaction, the promise. Then I smiled faintly and mouthed, Come kill me.

Her face twisted, but the guards held her firm. I walked back inside, hand still at my throat.

Behind me, she screamed threats, revenge, promises.

I didn’t look back.

She’d taken the bait. Attacked me in public, on camera. Now she’d go home desperate, and do exactly what I needed.

She’d convince Daniel I was too dangerous to leave alive.

Vivian was nothing. A tool.

Daniel was the real target.

And she was going to deliver him to me.