Stella stopped wiping the clothes and paused for a moment.
âHeâs still on the island,â she replied, but couldnât bring herself to tell James that she had shot Erin. It was like something was stuck in her throat, preventing her from saying a word.
James stood outside the operating room with his hands in his pockets. After a moment, he coldly ordered the bodyguard, âGo to the island and bring him back.â
Upon hearing this, Stellaâs tense body gradually relaxed. Bringing Erin back, whether to hand him over to the police or whatever, they would first treat Erin. That way, he would be safe and she could finally be rid of him.
âStella!â
At the sound of Ameliaâs voice, James turned and saw Paul, Amelia, and Eva rushing towards them.
As he saw the three of them, his brows furrowed. Amelia hadnât slept since she found out Stella had been kidnapped. She had traveled to another country and now wanted to come to Panama.
James was worried about Ameliaâs health, so he had come to Panama alone while she met up with Eva. He had instructed Paul to take care of them, but who would have thought that he would bring them along.
Paul fell a shiver down his spine as he received Jamesâ cold gaze. In his clear eyes, there was a hint of innocence and helplessness.
Why did he have to listen to women? Besides, it wasnât too much for Amelia to be worried about her best friend and come along. His brother was being too strict, wasnât he?
Paul inwardly complained about James while putting on a pleasing smile and walking towards him.
âJames, did you catch that bastard Erin?â.
James ignored him and turned his gaze to Amelia, who had already reached Stella. âIf anything happens to her on your way here, Iâll hold you responsible.â
Paul rolled his eyes at him in his mind. âWith my skills, canât I protect Amelia?â he thought.
James seemed to think of something and his expression darkened. âJust make sure you can protect her,â he said in a softer tone.
Paul didnât understand and furrowed his brows. âJames, what do you mean?â
James didnât answer anymore. Ilis indifferent eyes softened as they rested on Ameliaâs worried face.
On their way to Stella, Paul had told Amelia and Eva about her situation. Now, seeing Stella sitting in the chair covered in blood, their hearts clenched tightly.
They squatted down next to Stella and checked her up and down, relieved to find that she wasnât injured.
Amelia looked at Stella for a few seconds, then straightened up and hugged her tenderly. âStella, itâs okay, we found youâ¦â
Stellaâs restrained emotions suddenly overwhelmed her as she saw them. Her eyes reddened, as if she had seen her own family, and she couldnât help but reach out and hug Amelia back.
She didnât say anything, just quietly leaned against Ameliaâs embrace, while her other hand held Evaâs.
âThank you bothâ¦â
Dealing with Erin wasnât easy, yet they managed to find her location in such a short time. This meant that they had put in a great deal of effort in terms of manpower, resources, and finances.
Stella felt insignificant, but the fact that so many people cared about her made her think that maybe her existence had meaning.
âStella, youâre family to us, no need to thank us.â
Amelia gently patted her back, her actions gentle, her words warm, warming Stellaâs heart. She couldnât control herself and hugged Amelia tightly once again.
Like grabbing a lifeline, Stella held onto her desperately, finding redemption in that moment, despite her physical and mental exhaustion.
Eva, like an older sister, brushed the messy hair from Stellaâs face and tucked it behind her ear, her movements gentle, not disturbing the tranquility of the moment.
It was unclear how much time had passed, but Stellaâs anxious heart gradually eased with Ameliaâs hug and Evaâs gesture, and she no longer felt frantic.
Seeing her emotions expressed and her expression returning to calm, Amelia finally took Stella to clean up the blood stains, while Eva went to buy new towels and clothes.