The argument between Justin and Tina continued to escalate in front of everyone, their bickering completely disregarding the public spectacle. The tension in the restaurant was palpable, and the atmosphere was on the verge of collapse. Stella hadn’t expected any of this to happen. She glanced at Weston, who remained unfazed through it all. His composure was unnerving. He had orchestrated everything from the start. No matter how hard they fought, they were still under his control, and no matter what she did, she couldn’t escape his grasp.
Realization hit Stella like a cold wave—she felt like nothing more than a pawn in his game.
Behind her, the argument between Tina and Justin raged on. With a heavy heart, Stella let go of Justin’s hand and walked toward Weston. As she faced him, their gazes locked. She saw no shame, no remorse in his eyes—just the cold, calculated certainty that he held all the power.
She lowered herself to her knees, both hands raised in surrender. “Give Bryce back to them,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Weston raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, he watched her, a subtle shift of amusement in his expression.
Stella, desperate, added, “I’ll give you anything you want. Just… just give Bryce back.”
Weston took a slow drag from his cigarette before exhaling and flicking it away, his expression unchanged. It was clear he was done with the game.
He looked down at her, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes as he spoke, “Come here and kiss me.”
Stella froze, staring at him in confusion. But, seeing no other option, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his chin, a quick, almost imperceptible kiss. The sight was enough to make Justin and Tina halt their argument and stare in shock.
Justin’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. “Ella…”
His voice was barely a whisper, his words lost in the tension that hung heavy in the air.
Weston didn’t let the moment slip away. He took advantage of Stella’s gesture, his gaze narrowing as his fingers curled around her neck, pulling her gently toward him. He kissed her forehead softly, his voice a low murmur. “Good girl.”
With a casual motion, he pulled her into his lap, his grip on her chin firm as he continued, “It would have been so much easier if you’d been this cooperative from the start.”
Stella’s eyes were hollow, void of emotion, as if she had already resigned herself to her fate.
After a brief pause, she nodded. “I understand.”
She held his gaze, and he immediately knew what she meant. He gestured to the waiter nearby.
“Security contacted me earlier. They mentioned that since the child was without his parents, they decided to hold him back to prevent any mishaps. Now that his parents are here, we can fetch him.”
It was clear to everyone in the room that Weston had been behind it all along.
Tina glanced between Stella and Weston, her suspicions clear, but she said nothing. She followed the waiter, though her mind raced with questions.
Justin, having calmed down enough to go find Bryce, paused at the door. He turned back to Stella, his gaze filled with unspoken words. “Ella…”
Before he could finish, Weston slammed the door shut behind him, cutting off any further conversation.
Inside the room, the tension was almost suffocating. Weston gazed at Stella, his expression softening just slightly. He reached for her again, his lips finding the corner of her mouth in a reckless kiss.
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