Stella knew Joan’s role wasn’t just to take care of her; she had also been assigned to keep a close watch on her every move. Everything she did was under Weston’s scrutiny.
Joan seemed hesitant at Stella’s request, her gaze filled with uncertainty. Seeing the light in Stella’s eyes dim slightly, Joan sighed. “Ms. Steele, I’m just an employee. If you have any concerns, it’s best to speak directly to Mr. Ford.”
That was her way of saying she couldn’t act on her own. Stella nodded, forcing a smile. “Okay. Never mind. Don’t worry about it. I won’t trouble you.” She casually grabbed a towel and wiped the water from her face.
Just as she finished, her phone beeped from the living room. She moved quickly to check the message. It was from Yvonne:
[Yvonne: Ella, why didn’t you pick up the phone? I have something to tell you. The training center may be closing down.]
Stella’s expression shifted. Her eyes widened in surprise as she rushed to check her call log and saw multiple missed calls from Yvonne. Without hesitation, she dialed her back.
The phone rang, and when it finally connected, Stella immediately asked, “Why is the training center closing?”
But it wasn’t Yvonne’s voice that answered. Instead, a man’s voice responded calmly, though distant and polite.
“The policy has tightened recently. There’s no longer a need for the training center.”
Stella felt a sharp pang in her chest, but the man continued speaking, his tone soft yet firm. “Ms. Steele, please stay away from Yvonne from now on. She’s too trusting and often does foolish things for her friends. She’s too easily influenced. Please don’t use her.”
Stella felt the weight of Lucas’ warning. His prejudice was clear, and she understood what he meant—he didn’t want her to tarnish Yvonne’s reputation.
Without responding, Stella quietly ended the call. Her palm clenched into a fist as she tried to suppress the frustration rising inside her.
A few minutes later, her phone rang again. It was from Yvonne. Stella hesitated, unsure if she should pick it up, but after a few more rings, she answered.
“Hello?” she spoke hesitantly.
At first, she thought it was Lucas calling again, but Yvonne’s voice filled the line instead.
“Ella? It’s me! Did Lucas say anything to you just now?” Yvonne’s voice rushed out, as if she couldn’t wait to explain. “He’s probably said something to upset you. Don’t listen to him! I just went to the toilet and saw him answering my phone. Did he say anything to you? Don’t take it to heart!”
Yvonne had always known that Lucas disliked Stella. And now, hearing the hesitance in Stella’s voice, Yvonne immediately guessed what had happened.
“He said something to you, didn’t he?!” Her tone shifted, becoming colder, as if she were already preparing to confront Lucas about it.
Stella hurriedly reassured her, “He didn’t say anything to me. He just mentioned the training center might close because of the tightening policy. Is that true?”
Yvonne sighed heavily, clearly distracted by the news. “I’ll explain everything to you in person. Do you have time now?” She paused before continuing, “I need to talk to the others about this as well.”
Stella could sense the internal conflict in her voice, and understanding her hesitation, she didn’t push her. “Okay, we can talk later,” she replied.
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