Justin had no time to react and slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching loudly against the concrete road. Everything happened so quickly that Justin could only instinctively stop the car. He quickly turned to check on Stella. “Are you alright?”
Stella shook her head, her eyes locked on the familiar luxury car now positioned in front of them, a bad feeling rising in her chest. “Who’s that in front?”
Justin followed her gaze and immediately recognized the car—a limited-edition Cullinan. He had a strong suspicion about who was inside.
To think that Weston Ford, the man who had previously seemed so controlled, would go back on his word like this. Justin’s thoughts churned as he internally scoffed at Weston’s actions. He was behaving so out of character—completely unhinged over Stella.
The car’s engine growled as Weston’s cold, handsome face appeared from the driver’s side window. His gaze was icy as he looked directly at Justin and Stella. “Hand her over,” he demanded.
Justin’s expression hardened. He had anticipated something like this, and his voice was firm. “Mr. Ford, have some self-respect. You are a respected figure with a family. Why are you making things difficult for a woman?”
Weston’s laugh was devoid of humor, his tone dripping with disdain. “What, are you the woman herself?” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. “I can stop making things difficult for you—just hand her over to me.”
The silence in the car was thick and suffocating. Weston’s words hung in the air as he repeated himself, his voice colder now. “Let me say it again: Hand that woman next to you over to me.”
Stella clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. She met Weston’s gaze without flinching, her voice sharp and defiant. “I’m not your possession. I have the right to decide who I want to be with.”
Weston seemed unfazed, almost amused. He leaned back slightly, his expression casual. “Is that so?” he asked, as though genuinely interested. “Fine. I’ll give you a chance to choose. Who do you choose?”
Stella was taken aback by his unexpected offer. She didn’t hesitate for a second. “I won’t leave with you. Mr. Hall, please drive on.”
Justin, sensing the tension in the air, knew this wouldn’t be as easy as it seemed. But seeing no immediate response from Weston, he quickly raised the car windows and started driving, not sparing a word.
As Justin pushed the car forward, he glanced in the rearview mirror, his features tense. He hadn’t even reached the expressway when the Cullinan abruptly shifted gears and began chasing them. Without warning, it slammed into the back of their car, sending a violent jolt through the vehicle.
The impact was so hard that Stella almost hit her head against the windshield. Justin’s face darkened with anger as he slammed his hand against the steering wheel, causing the horn to blare loudly. “What a madman!” he muttered under his breath.
Stella immediately unbuckled her seatbelt, concern flooding her voice. “Mr. Hall, are you alright?”
Justin calmed himself, trying to reassure her despite the chaos. “I’m fine, don’t worry. Let’s just ignore him. He’s a madman, through and through.” His grip tightened on the wheel, but he kept his focus on the road.
Stella, however, wore a complicated expression. She knew she didn’t want to drag Justin into any more trouble. Despite her worries, she had to put an end to this.
“Mr. Hall, please let me out here,” she said quietly, a sense of resolve settling over her.