chapter1179

Stella stared out into the endless night, then dialed another number.

The call was picked up almost immediately. On the other end, Katrina Greene's voice rang out, bright with surprise and happiness.

"Star! Are you finally done with work? That's fantastic! Tomorrow, I'll take you sightseeing around Germany!

By the way, where are you right now? I'll come pick you up. You hardly ever get to visit no way I'm letting you miss out on the nightlife!"

Katrina had been living in Germany ever since her family called her back after a brief stint in Solmaris. Although Stella, Lauretta Chapman, Wendy Burke, and Katrina didn't see each other often, they kept in touch through messages, sharing a private group chat.

When Katrina heard Stella would be in Germany on business, she'd been over the moon, insisting that Stella meet her after work. Stella hadn't seen Katrina in ages and had readily agreed.

But after what had just happened, a night out was no longer possible.

Stella kept her explanation brief. "Katrina, I'm sorry. I've run afoul of the Gibson family. I don't think I'll be able to see you this time."

There was a sharp intake of breath. "Star, what happened? How did you get on their bad side?"

Stella hesitated only a moment. "Stuart barged into my room. I... defended myself. Maybe a little too forcefully." ?s s find novel net

Katrina knew exactly what kind of person Stuart was. Remembering the citywide lockdown from earlier, she quickly put the pieces together.

She didn't probe further, only said quietly, "Star, the Gibsons pretty much run this city. With the lockdown, getting out won't be easy.

Listen... why don't you come hide out at my place? The Greene family has some influence here too-they wouldn't dare come searching."

Stella shook her head, even though Katrina couldn't see it. "Katrina, I appreciate it, truly. But if I go to you, I'll just put you in danger too."

Katrina went silent for a moment, her voice dropping. "Is it really that bad?"

Stella's tone was steady. "I'm not familiar with Germany. Do you know anywhere I could lay low, somewhere harder for them to search?"

She'd already decided to keep her head down until things cooled off. Arranging backup would take time.

Katrina understood the gravity of the

situation. "There are a few places where people come and go all the

time It's tough to track anyone

down there... but-" fo s

She hesitated. But the living conditions aren't great."

"That's fine," Stella replied at once. "I just need somewhere to stay for a few days.

Once this blows over, I'll leave."

"Alright. I'll text you the address," Katrina said.

"Thank you, Katrina."

"No need," Katrina replied softly, a

note of guilt in her voice. "If you need anything promise me you'll call

me you'll call

Don't try to handle this all on your

own." - s

"I promise." Stella ended the call.

Afterward, she pulled up the map app, searching for the address Katrina had sent.

"Joshua, we'll have to lay low for a few days. Once things settle down, we'll head back to Solmaris..."

As she spoke, Stella's gaze drifted over to Joshua. He was frowning, his long, elegant fingers massaging his temples. A thin sheen of sweat his forehead as if

had gathered

had something he

he were fighting

didn't want her to see.

belongs to s

It struck her then-on any other day, Joshua would have already started

brainstorming solutions for her. But tonight, he was unusually silent.