e was met with Carlson's cold, ster

d her back, and lifted her e

If I could sever the mark with him, I'd have a chance at a b

flicker of hope

e that her father cared more about he

him was the greatest blessing you'll ever have! Severing the mark is a huge decision, a

hes, the last remnants

ough. "How much of Eric's fortune did he give y

small share could be worth billions. If Carlson co

othing." Stella spoke calml

ld you agree to leave with nothing?" He threw the tea set across

pain evident with each blow, leaving

With tears in her eyes, she silently e

ng herself between them. "What's wrong with you? Why can't

a and shouted, "What use is a daughter l

hand and pulled him away. "Go upstairs,

ears threatening to fal

rm. "Don't go, not like this. You're hur

rn but shook her head. "No need.

"I can't let you go alone

stairs and helped her tend to the wounds. Throughout, she sh

connection to her. But on the surface, she played the role of a mother perfectly. Though Stella

this, Stella couldn't help but feel

he take a bath and rest, assuring her t

horne insisted. In the end, Stella

t, Stella was a

adness and despair that had been weighing on her he

told her he despised her. Now

e in this world

her knees, stifling her

ated. Stella, worried it might be work-r

ification fr

hand, savoring their time together. Later, the

she turned off her phone and bur

arlson. In the end, the family parted ways in frustration. Stella stormed off to her room, barel

f bowls. Perhaps the warmth and nourishment helped, as fatigue soon overcame her. After Thorne left,

ely felt someone lifting her up. Her

eyes open, found herself overwhelmed by an int

ped, and she was laid do

s too weak to fully comprehend her situation. Struggling to regain her str

he bed, but her legs betrayed her. The moment her feet touched the floor, she collapse

h the pain and the disorienting sensa

eaked open, and a sho

him. It was Banker William-the man who had once assaulted her. A chill

ly heavy, as if weighed down by lead. Every movement was a battle.

turned her body and pinn

oice dripping with malice, as he moved closer to he