Weston was baffled by his own behavior. He felt like a despicable hypocrite in that moment, torn between his anger and his inability to control himself.
He handed the bag of medicine to Stella and said, “The doctor said it’s not a serious issue—just some aphrodisiac fragrance. You’re highly allergic to it, which is why you reacted so strongly. Just go home and rest.”
Stella nodded and looked at Justin. Although his wounds had been treated, it was clear that Weston had put a lot of force into that punch. The corner of Justin’s lips was badly swollen, and the bloodshot, bruised area was a terrifying sight.
A wave of guilt washed over Stella. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Hall, for causing you trouble.”
Even someone as composed and mature as Justin felt embarrassed, especially considering he had been beaten up in front of the woman he liked. He touched his swollen lip gently and, with a shrug, said nonchalantly, “Only childish people solve problems with violence.”
Stella chuckled lightly. It was the first time anyone had described Weston in such a way. Justin then shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“It’s cold out. I’ll take you home first,” he said kindly.
Stella instinctively reached to return his jacket, but Justin gently took her wrists to stop her. “If you give it back to me, I’ll feel like a terrible person. You’re rejecting my help so bluntly.”
“I don’t mean anything by it, Ella,” he continued, his tone soft but sincere. “If this had happened to any other woman, I would have done the same thing. Don’t feel burdened by me.”
Stella could tell he was a man of experience, not in a rush to rush things, but genuinely wanting to get to know her better. “I called Robb just now to explain everything. He knows you’re safe now and is probably asleep by now.”
Upon hearing this, Stella breathed a sigh of relief, though she hadn’t realized how much tension she had been holding in. “Thank you, Mr. Hall.”
“I don’t need any repayment. Just get in the car, and I’ll send you home,” Justin said with a small smile.
The ride home was quiet. Every so often, Justin glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel. Finally, when he saw her features relax slightly, he broke the silence.
“Forgive me for asking,” he said cautiously, “but what’s your relationship with Mr. Ford? Of course, if it’s uncomfortable to answer, feel free to ignore me.”
Stella was taken aback for a moment. When she snapped back to reality, she shook her head and replied, “I walked into the wrong private room and accidentally provoked him. I don’t understand why he kept pestering me.”
“Is that so?” Justin asked, though his tone betrayed his suspicion. “From what I know, Weston Ford isn’t one to get involved with women like that. You must have heard that he has a family. I’ve never seen him lose control with a woman before.”
Stella remained silent, her gaze fixed on the passing streetlights. Justin’s words echoed in her mind, but she kept her thoughts to herself. He continued, his voice steady but with an edge of concern, “He’s not someone you want to meddle with. Ella, I know you’ve probably guessed that I have feelings for you. We’re adults, and there’s no point pretending otherwise. Even if things don’t work out between us, I want to warn you to stay away from someone like Weston Ford. He’s not someone you can afford to get involved with.”
Stella kept quiet, leaning her head against the window. Despite the smile on her face, her eyes revealed a deep-seated disgust and hatred.
Justin didn’t overthink it, assuming that she simply hated men like Weston Ford who forced themselves on others. “I’m glad you think so,” he said, his tone softer. “Please, take care of yourself. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”
His words were casual, but somehow, they crossed a line. Stella’s face shifted slightly, a brief moment of awkwardness flashing in her eyes. Justin immediately sensed it and quickly changed the subject.
“By the way,” he continued, “I noticed that you’re already fully booked at the training center. Why are you still doing home tutoring? It sounds like it would keep you really busy. Are you short on money?”
Stella exhaled softly, the fatigue weighing on her. “It’s not really about being short on money… It’s just…” She glanced out the window at the streetlights passing by, her thoughts drifting. “Robb’s health isn’t great, and we’re always in need of money. We’re not desperate yet, but there may come a time when we will be. Work is the only thing that gives me a sense of security right now…”
Before she could finish her sentence, a sleek black luxury car suddenly appeared in front of them, blocking their path on the road. The car seemed to come out of nowhere, and the driver didn’t slow down, effectively trapping them in place!
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