Stella’s body trembled as her face paled, but she remained silent. Mr. Smith had arrived to pick up Ruby. After helping Ruby into the car, Stella lingered by the door, hesitating.
Mr. Smith glanced at her. “Ms. Steele, aren’t you coming in?”
Stella shook her head. “I still have something to attend to. Please drop Ruby off first.”
Ruby popped her head out of the window, calling out, “Ms. Steele, let my dad take you home!”
With a smile, Stella waved it off. “I’m fine, Ruby. Go home safely.”
Though Mr. Smith wasn’t exactly a saint—Stella recalled the private arrangements he’d made earlier—he still seemed like a reasonable man. “It’s not safe for a woman to be out this late. If you don’t mind, let me take you home.”
His words seemed caring, even considerate, and for a moment, it was hard to associate him with the man who had so easily objectified women.
Stella smiled politely. “Thank you for the thought, Mr. Smith, but my friend is coming to pick me up.”
At her words, Mr. Smith’s expression shifted slightly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. “Since Ms. Steele has things to attend to, we’ll leave you to it. Take care on the road.”
Stella nodded, watching them drive off. Mr. Smith’s shift in demeanor was clear—he likely understood now that there was nothing between her and Justin. At least, she hoped, he wouldn’t involve Justin in the future.
When the car had finally left, Stella noticed a sleek black luxury car waiting in the parking lot. The car’s lights blinked, signaling her to approach.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced around, ensuring no one else was around. Then, she slowly walked toward the car.
Just as she reached for the door handle, it swung open. A strong hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the car in one swift motion.
Stella gasped as she was yanked inside and pressed against the leather seat, unable to react before she found herself consumed by a powerful kiss.
Her lips were sealed tight, and no matter how much she wanted to resist, her hands were trapped above her head. Helpless, she could only submit to his overwhelming presence.
She felt her coat being lifted, and she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, powerless against his actions.
After what felt like an eternity, he pulled away, his gaze locking onto hers. “How bold of you to come to a place like this.”
Stella struggled to catch her breath, her head turned to the side. “I told you already, I was bringing Ruby here…”
Weston’s grip tightened on her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Did I allow you to audition?”
Stella swallowed, still trying to steady her breath. “Didn’t the director explain? It was just a trial…”
“A trial that you had no business being part of,” Weston cut in sharply. He recalled the way she had performed earlier, putting herself on display, and the thought of her dressed the way she was caused a surge of frustration to rise in him. “You are mine. I don’t like the idea of you being exposed to the world.”
His words sank deep into Stella’s chest, and she clenched her fists, trying to summon strength. Her gaze turned bitter. “Then what about Guinevere? Isn’t she even more exposed, being a famous celebrity?”
Weston’s eyes narrowed, the tension in the air thickening. “She’s different.”
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