chapter1457

But regardless of Skyler's faith in Stella, the fact that no test was done on the spot meant her identity would forever be a subject of speculation.

Her position at The Williams Group would be less secure. In this day and age, even the most clumsy lie will find people willing to believe it.

The Williams family might not move against Stella now, but in time, if they found her to be a difficult obstacle, they might resort to more extreme measures. He had merely planted a seed of doubt between Stella and the Williams family.

As for Nora, Jonathan, his brothers, and Skyler... Sellers couldn't care less about their reputations. He was only concerned with helping Aurora. From his perspective, the plan was a win no matter the outcome.

Leonard swirled the wine in his glass, watching the drama unfold with amusement. The Cameron family was truly naive. They actually thought that by taking Stella down, they would get a piece of her original shares. They were nothing but pawns pushed forward by Sellers, who wouldn't care if they lived or died, or if they offended Stella and the Williamses. In fact, Sellers was probably enjoying the show from the sidelines.

However... Leonard took a slow sip of his wine. "Sellers's methods really are insidious."

His gaze shifted to Stella on the stage. He chuckled softly. "But this is just the beginning. I'm curious to see how you'll handle what he throws at you next."

Skyler's refusal to cooperate had, for the moment, foiled the Camerons' plan to publicly 'expose' Stella.

After Skyler's declaration, they didn't dare push for a test, knowing it could sever their ties completely. Stella had managed to 'escape' the immediate crisis.

But she felt no relief. She had a nagging premonition that things were far from over.

...

Back in her study, Stella discussed

the evening with Joshua. "The Camerons were likely used as pawns by Sellers. Even though their plan failed, Sellers still wins because he used them to do his dirty work."

Joshua didn't answer right away. Stella noticed he seemed lost in

thought, a state she rarely saw

in Even in life or death situations, Joshua had always been fearless.

"Joshua," she prompted gently. "Are you thinking about something else?"

These days, Stella could plan three steps ahead. But Joshua could see ten. He always saw things no one else could.

He came back to himself, his long lashes concealing the shadow in his eyes. "It's nothing. Sellers won't give up this easily. Star, you need to be careful."

His expression was the same as always, but Stella sensed something was different.

"Okay," she said.

At that moment, Stella thought he was just worried about her. It wasn't until much later that she realized

Joshua bad probably alreadyet?

guessed what they were about to face. And Sellers was indeed far more vicious than anyone imagined. Everyone thought his target was her. In reality, it was Joshua.

Sensing his preoccupation, Stella assumed he was exhausted. "Joshua, you should

go get some rest."

He didn't refuse. "Alright, I'll head back then."

Not long after Joshua left, there was another knock on her door. This time, it was

Skyler.