Weston’s voice was firm, as if delivering a simple declaration. “Follow me. It’s your only choice.” Stella couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “I don’t understand what you’re saying. You want me to follow you? What about Guinevere? What about your child?”
Weston’s expression tightened. “I’ve already told you, I’m not married.”
“And so?” Stella retorted, her voice sharp. “Should I believe everything you say?”
Her trust in him had shattered long ago. “So, you’re not married. But you got a woman pregnant out of wedlock. Is that something to be proud of?”
The air between them thickened with tension. Weston’s eyes darkened, irritation flashing across his face. For a brief moment, he was tempted to reveal the truth to shut her up, but he refrained. Instead, he lit a cigarette, his movements deliberate, as though calming himself. “I’m not here to negotiate, Stella Sealey. Name your price.”
Stella was taken aback by his bluntness. After everything that had happened, for him to so casually ask for something in exchange—she could hardly believe it. She turned her face away and sneered, not willing to continue this conversation. There was no need to—she would never be with Weston Ford again, especially not under these humiliating circumstances. How dare he?
She closed her eyes, trying to block him out, focusing instead on the immediate problem. “Mr. Hall is still in his car. I need to see him safe.”
Weston’s gaze darkened, and he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, as though deep in thought. “You’re still thinking about him?” he asked, his voice tight.
“He’s innocent,” Stella replied, her voice calm but resolute. “No matter what, he shouldn’t be implicated.”
Instead of reacting with anger, Weston chuckled. “In that case, promise me something, and I’ll let him off.”
Stella’s eyes snapped open, disbelief washing over her. “You’re the one who started provoking him. Why do I have to promise you something?”
Weston’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not negotiating with you. I’m giving you a choice. You can refuse, and we can stay locked in this stalemate. But let’s see who can wait longer.”
Stella clenched her fists, her gaze drifting toward Justin’s car. She knew the longer she hesitated, the worse things would get. After a moment, she nodded ever so slightly. “What do you want me to do?”
Weston had won. But his satisfaction was fleeting. It wasn’t the victory he had imagined. He reached out, his hand brushing toward Stella’s hair, but she instinctively recoiled, dodging his touch. It was an automatic response, and it made Weston pause. Her rejection was evident, and it stung more than he expected.
Her disdain for him was palpable, something he couldn’t ignore. Despite his usual control, the frustration began to build. He withdrew his hand, his voice expressionless. “Be with me tonight.”
Stella’s face drained of color, the words hitting her like a blow. The blood drained from her face, and Weston caught her reaction in the rearview mirror. A strange, unexpected emotion stirred within him.
Memories that he had long tried to bury began flooding back. When they were married, Weston had never considered their relationship anything serious. Stella had always been so easy to be around—obedient, compliant, and, most of all, beautiful in her own quiet way. She had always welcomed him home, leaving a light on just for him, showing him only her best side. She had always loved him in her own silent, tender way.
But those memories twisted in his mind, mingling with the harsh words she’d spoken to him. Loved? What kind of love had that been if it ended so easily?
The seconds stretched between them. Stella knew the longer she stayed with Weston, the worse things would get for Justin. She also knew how ruthless Weston could be. The situation was dire, and she had no choice. Finally, she sighed, her voice resigned, “Fine. I promise.”
In the car, Justin remained trapped, completely immobile. For the first time in his life, he felt the bitter sting of helplessness. The realization hit him hard—he couldn’t move. His situation had never felt so dire, and he had no idea what would come next.
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