EuropeNovelChapter 440
“Alright.”
Stella arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes early.
Yet, to her surprise, Foreman was already there, waiting for her.
She walked over. "How long have you been here?"
Foreman's deep gaze lingered on her face for a moment. He gave a subtle smile and stood to pull out her chair.
"Not long. I just got here myself."
After placing their orders, Stella couldn't help herself. "Foreman, about Antoney..."
At the mention of the name, Foreman's expression grew a shade heavier.
He nodded slightly. "Yes, it was Haynes. He's behind it."
Stella didn't look at all surprised.
Foreman poured her a glass of water and said quietly, "I went to see Haynes today under the pretense of
discussing a partnership. From what | gathered, he wants you to hand over the studio. He hasn't given up on you
writing that song for Rachel, either."
Stella let out a cold laugh. "And if | refuse? After what he's done to Antoney and Abby, what's next-me?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtForeman's face was solemn. "Star, Haynes would do anything for Rachel. It's just a studio. Until you're in a
stronger position, don't go head-to-head with him."
Stella unconsciously tightened her grip on the water glass.
She mocked herself, "The n'Star'-even | barely dare to use it, yet he wantsto stir up publicity for his
beloved?"
Just then, her phone rang.
Abby's panicked voice cthrough the receiver.
"Haynes, that snake—he bribed the testing lab! They just published the results online. It's official-he's the
father!"
Stella felt as if her heart had plummeted into a pitch-black abyss.
Her hand shook, and the glass slipped from her grasp, shattering on the floor with a sharp, ringing sound.
She closed her eyes, forcing down the surge of anger.
"Alright.
voice
understand," she said, her
nothi and even, betraying . The calmness unser
on the other end.
Co. Sele
"Star, are you... are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Stella replied, her tone cool and steady. "I'll handle it."
Abby hesitated, but Stella had already ended the call.
Foreman looked at her in concern; her face had gone pale. "Star, what happened? What's wrong?"
Stella gave a low, humorless laugh. "You were right. Haynes really would do anything for Rachel."
Her face was so pale that her eyes seemed darker, sharper, more resolute than
ever.
For reasons he couldn't name, a strange, uneasy feeling stirred in Foreman's chest.
"Star, don't do anything rash."
"I know," Stella said, managing a small smile as she regained her composure.
"I'll talk to Haynes tomorrow."
Foreman still looked worried. "What time? I'll cwith you."
"I'll let you know once | confirm with Haynes," Stella answered, not refusing his offer.
The rest of the meal passed in silence.
She didn't mention Haynes again, nor did she bring up Antoney.
It was the calm before the storm.
After returning home, Stella dialed Haynes' number.
He picked up almost immediately.
"Have
voice
was
made up your mind?"
low, cool, and unhurried,
as though he'd been expecting her eall.
Stella's voice was equally cool, almost detached. "Mr. O'Brien, you'd go this far for Ms. Pearce's future. How could
| not understand your intentions?"
"As long as you know," he replied.
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