Chapter 136 You Call That a Guilt Gift?
+8 Pearls
She called it an apology gift, but honestly, forget Abraham not buying it–even she didn’t believe that nonsense. What the heck is Louis thinking? Does he even have a brain? He is completely unreliable.
Sure enough, Abraham raised a brow and said, “An apology gift?”
The disbelief in his voice couldn’t have been more obvious..
Stella nodded. “Yeah. His sister Sharon got into a fight with me, remember? He said this was a gift to make up for it.”
If she was being honest, this whole thing reeked of Louis trying to sneak in through the back door. She’d already made it clear back then–no matter what he gave her, that door was staying shut
So no, she didn’t say a single good thing on his behalf.
With a sharp snap, the velvet ring box in Abraham’s hand closed; he tossed it straight into the trash.
His eyes stayed locked on Stella, emotions dark and unwavering. “He gave you a ring to say sorry? Do you actually believe that?”
Stella froze. He’s so mean!
She pouted, looking at Abrahamn with wide, innocent eyes.
“Right? I mean, does he have something wrong with his head? I was totally stunned when I saw it was a ring”
He was supposed to be the heir to one of the major families in Rivermount, and the gift he gave was jaw–dropping
The guy clearly had zero common sense. No wonder Abraham didn’t want anything to do with working with him.
Abraham’s
‘s gaze stayed deep and unreadable.
That look of his made Stella feel a little uneasy. She reached out and tugged on his hand. “Hey, come on.”
Right now, she looked exactly like a guilty little girl trying to suckup to her parent after getting caught doing something
wrong.
Abraham reached out and pulled her into his arms.
His warm fingers gently pinched her chin. The moment their eyes met, Stella caught a glimpse of something dark and unreadable in his gaze.
It was the kind of depth that could pull her into his abyss. Her explanation might’ve sounded weak, but Abraham’s voice was noticeably softer when he finally spoke again.
“Then why’d you keep it?”
Sure, Louis was an idiot–but she’d been clear–headed when she gave her answer.
Abrahamn pondered. If she knew the ring couldn’t possibly be an apology gift, then why keep it?
Stells answered, “I didn’t keep it. He forced it on me, and by the time I opened it, he was already gone.”
“Really?”
“Of course it’s true. I swear–back when I was at Rivermount, I didn’t have anything to do with him. You know that, right?”
That promise came out fast, full of pure survival instinct. With the way Abraham was grilling her, she was starting to panic. There was no way he dieln’t know shell had zem interaction with 1 nuic hefore
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11:57 AM
Chapter 136 You Call That a Guilt Gift?
+8 Pearls
“I do.”
Of course he believed his Star. As for Louis…
Abraham’s gaze drifted toward the trash can, a flash of coldness crossing his eyes.
Stella finally felt a bit of relief hearing those words.
Abraham let her go.
Only then did Stella ask, “Why’d you come by now?”
“Just figured I’d stop by,” he replied.
Stella fell silent. He was always so busy–this so–called casual visit must’ve had his subordinates pulling their hair out in panic.
He didn’t mention that he’d heard about Susan fainting on her way out, or how Jonathan had shown up after. The Reed family had never treated his Star like family; if anything, they’d probably be willing to kill her for that adopted daughter of theirs.
Abraham spent the whole afternoon in Stella’s office. Meanwhile, she held two meetings. Everyone in the studio treated her with the utmost respect.
When Stella finally returned to her office, she was met with Abraham’s deep, indulgent gaze.
All the authority and poise she’d shown in those meetings vanished in an instant. Twisting her fingers together, she walked over and mumbled. “Why’re you looking at me like that?”
Abraham pulled her straight onto his lap
Stella instantly stiffened. Did this guy forget I am an adult now? This really isn’t okay.
He played with her tiny, ice–cold hand. “Star, you really did grow up.”
That no–nonsense, formal version of her reminded him of her childhood.
Back then, she’d been spoiled rotten–always had to be the leader whenever she played with other kids.
The image of that bossy little girl popped into his mind, and the look in his eyes turned even more affectionate.
Hearing him say she’d grown up made Stella mutter, “Then why’re you still holding me like this?”
“Hmm? You don’t like it?”
That made her glance up at him. Am I supposed to say yes? If I said I liked it, would he keep holding me like this forever?
When she didn’t respond, Abraham gently squeezed her hand again. “You don’t like it?”
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