Chapter 190 Have Mason Chop Off Your Hand

Chapter 190 Have Mason Chop Off Your Hand

Time flew by. Trapped in the cage that was Astoria, Stella had spent over a year in captivity.

During this year, she'd completely abandoned all thoughts of escape, lowered all her defenses, and gradually grown accustomed to Mason's omnipresent, infinitely gentle care.

Mason never forced her to do anything against her will. The violent, bloodthirsty side he'd once shown had completely vanished in her presence.

He remembered all her preferences, knew all her little habits.

Adding layers when it turned cold, meals served on time, patiently keeping her company through sleepless nights—he handled every trivial detail and uncertainty in her life.

Day after day of tender care gradually eased the tension between them, making their interactions natural and peaceful.

Noticing that Stella had truly settled down with no more thoughts of fleeing, Mason gradually relaxed his restrictions. He no longer confined her to the villa all day, occasionally allowing her to go out shopping or take walks.

But he would never let her go alone. Whenever she went out, a top-tier bodyguard in black would accompany her.

Partly to ensure her safety, partly to prevent her escape.

That afternoon, under pleasant sunshine, Stella had just finished shopping at the mall and was preparing to leave when sudden, jarring gunshots exploded without warning.

The accompanying bodyguard's expression instantly tensed. He immediately shielded Stella behind him, body rigid, ready to engage at any moment.

"Mrs. Howard, we need to leave! Now!"

But the attackers had planned this carefully. Dozens of black-clad thugs who'd been lying in ambush around the perimeter instantly closed in, blocking every escape route.

Though the bodyguard was highly skilled, the enemy had overwhelming numbers and firearms. Within moments of fighting, he took multiple bullets, blood staining his clothes.

Shot in the chest, bleeding profusely and strength rapidly draining, the bodyguard still used his last ounce of energy to stand before Stella, protecting her without yielding an inch.

Until he could no longer hold on and collapsed heavily to the ground, completely losing the ability to resist.

Then, a man approached from behind the fallen bodyguard. He arrogantly pulled Stella into his arms and addressed the bodyguard: "Go back and tell Mason—I, Colton, have taken his woman. If he wants her back, he'd better come with sufficient... sincerity."

With that, he took Stella away.

After a bumpy ride, Stella was brought to a remote, secluded, heavily guarded private villa.

Colton's gaze fell brazenly on Stella's face, carefully examining her exquisite features. His eyes were full of greedy possessiveness as he couldn't help but chuckle: "Truly lives up to her reputation. Such stunning beauty—no wonder someone as ruthless as Mason treasures you so dearly, unwilling to let you suffer the slightest grievance."

With that, Colton stood and approached Stella step by step, reaching out to touch her face.

Just as his fingertips were about to make contact with her skin, Stella jerked her head away and spat directly on the back of his hand. Her eyes were cold and fierce, showing none of her former timid gentleness.

"Don't touch me."

Her voice was icy, each word a warning. She stared Colton down without a trace of fear: "If you dare lay a finger on me, when Mason gets here, I'll make sure he personally chops off both your hands and makes you pay dearly."

A year ago, faced with such a situation, she would have been trembling with fear, collapsing in tears.

But after spending a year with Mason day and night, witnessing his decisive brutality, seeing the dark and cruel rules of this land, living daily amid undercurrents of danger—she'd long since shed her former weakness and timidity. Her very bones had quietly absorbed a fearless defiance and resilience.

Far from being angry, Colton raised an eyebrow with interest. He withdrew his hand and wiped the spit from it, his eyes showing even more appreciation: "Quite spirited. Truly worthy of being the woman Mason keeps closest to his heart."

"Why not stay with me instead? I can give you everything Mason gives you—even more. I'll cherish you more than he does, never let you suffer any grievance."

Stella's mind worked calmly, knowing that confrontation would only put her in greater danger.

She suppressed the wariness in her eyes without showing it, her gaze locked firmly on the handgun tucked at Colton's waist, never looking away. Maintaining a calm facade, she slowly spoke: "Alright."

Colton froze, clearly not expecting her to agree so readily.

"But I haven't eaten a thing since this morning. I'm starving." Stella's expression remained indifferent, her tone flat and emotionless, though she kept watching that gun from the corner of her eye, constantly monitoring his hand movements. "Have someone prepare food for me first."

Colton scoffed, eyes full of mockery: "Don't forget—you're a hostage. You're in no position to make demands."

"Of course I know I'm a hostage." Stella lifted her gaze, composed and calm, showing no panic. Her logic was clear as she spoke: "But precisely because I'm your leverage against Mason, you need to treat me well. If I lose a single hair, suffer any injury, what will you use to negotiate with Mason?"

"Besides, you just said you'd cherish me more than Mason. Can't you even afford me one meal?"

Throughout, she remained perfectly composed. Even trapped in danger, she showed no panic—only cold calculation in her eyes, her gaze subtly fixed on the weapon at his waist, searching for an opportunity to strike back.

Watching her remain so unruffled in crisis, Colton found her increasingly intriguing. He threw his head back and laughed, no longer making things difficult. He immediately ordered a nearby servant: "Prepare a lavish dinner. Treat our distinguished guest well."

Soon, steaming hot dishes were brought to the table.

Stella didn't pretend to be reserved. She sat down calmly and began eating.

She was genuinely hungry, and she also understood perfectly that Colton was keeping her alive for a purpose—he absolutely wouldn't harm her in the short term.

All she needed to do now was conserve her strength and wait patiently for Mason to come rescue her.

Midway through the meal, Stella's heart suddenly trembled.

She suddenly realized that, without knowing when, she'd come to trust Mason so completely.

However, she'd ultimately underestimated Colton.

Before she could finish eating, Colton reached out and forcibly pulled her into his arms.

Stella instantly became alert. She immediately stood to resist, her body nimbly dodging. In the instant they struggled, she seized a fleeting opportunity. Taking advantage of Colton's momentary distraction, she suddenly reached out and precisely snatched the handgun from his waist.

The cold metal grip in her palm, Stella didn't hesitate for a second. She pulled the trigger.

The gunshot rang out abruptly, but this was her first time holding a gun. Her wrist was unsteady. The bullet grazed past Colton's ear and struck the wall behind him, exploding a small patch of plaster, missing its target.

Colton's pupils contracted sharply. He stared in complete shock at the woman who dared point a gun at him, all traces of amusement gone, murderous intent surging around him.

And in that moment, outside the villa, dense and continuous gunfire suddenly thundered through the night sky.