Chapter 30
Stella nodded approvingly. “That’s just like you–not interested in anyone without real ability. And if Mr. Dawson actually agreed to take him on as a student, you know he must be talented.“”
She glanced at Alessia. “So, how’s it going between you two? If things aren’t working out, don’t force yourself. It’s not like you have nowhere else to go.“%
Alessia shook her head, losing track of how many times she’d already explained this. Still, her tone was patient, never once betraying any imitation at her friend’s concem.
The conversation paused for a moment. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Stella crossed her long legs and leaned in. Tocused on Alessia,
eyes keenly
“I just got an invitation from the Tates. It’s for some big family reunion dinner–seems like they’re planning to officially welcome their long–lost daughter. Any idea what you’re going to do? Or should I go stir up some trouble for you?”
Alessia let out a soft laugh. “You? Stirring up trouble?”
Stella rubbed her nose, slightly embarrassed. “That last time at the Thornes‘ party was honestly an accident. All I did was air out some of Hugo’s dirty laundry from school–how could I have guessed he’d lose his cool like that?”
She rolled her eyes. “A grown man, can’t out argue me, can’t out–fight me–pathetic.
Truth be told, the whole fiasco had started because of Alessia.
Hugo Thome was notorious at their school for being a playboy and a lazy troublemaker, constantly pestering Alessia. The problem was, the Tates and the Thomes did business together, so Alessia couldn’t just cut ties openly. That’s why Stella always stepped in–and by now, everyone at school knew Stella and Hugo couldn’t stand each other.
After weeks of tension, the Thomes threw a birthday party for their patriarch. The Tates, hoping to push Alessia and Hugo together, made sure both of them were there. That’s when Stella revealed footage of Hugo bullying students from less wealthy families–right there at the party.
No one expected Hugo to explode the way he did, hurling insults and even trying to hit Stella in front of all the guests, But Stella wasn’t exactly helpless. Even in her evening gown, she flipped him flat on his back. The room fell silent, Patriarch Thorne’s face went nearly purple.
The birthday party was a disaster, and Hugo v was promptly shipped off overseas by his family, left to fend for himself. On his very first night abroad, he ran into local troublemakers and nearly lost his life. Though they managed to save him, he was left paralyzed from the waist down.
When Stella heard the full story, she laughed till she cried. Needless to say, the Tates and Thomes quietly dropped any plans f engagement between Alessia and Hugo.
for an
“He really got what was coming to him, Stella said, grinning “Though can’t help but think it was all a little too convenient–if I had to guess, Id say it reeks of something that crazy eldest Tate son would pull.
At that, Alessia glanced up at her friend. Stella realized she’d said too much and quickly mimed zipping her lips shut.
“Speaking of Max,” she continued, “are the Tate siblings coming back for this dinner?:
Alessia answered honestly. “No idea.”
“Wait, so since you left the Tates, they haven’t tried to contact you at all?”
Alessia shook her head, her expression calm
Stella clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Figures. Cold–blooded, every last one of them.”
Alessia just smiled faintly, offering no comment.
“And what about that llea–wait, what’s her name again?
“leana” Alessia supplied.
“Right Stella snapped her fingers. “Heard about that mess too. Doesn’t sound like a peach. Rumor is she’s transferring into our class. You’ve met her–should we be worried?
“Don’t stress. She’s not worth the trouble
Stella had no reason to doubt Alessias confidence. Sensing her friend wasn’t interested in discussing it further, she checked the time, then whisked Alessia out for dinner By the time they returned, the bar was already open for business !