Chapter 173

Who Dares?

ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green, and I continued driving. “I’m almost home.”

Stella’s voice sounded a bit moody as she said, “Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone to talk to.”

“Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building.” I glanced at the kindergarten, turned the car around, and headed back.

At the coffeehouse, Stella was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. “It’s for you.”

I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. “What is it?”

“It’s from the latest YSL collection. I just got it,‘ she said.

I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. “I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself.”

“I ordered it just for you.” She glanced at me. “And you gave me a treat, didn’t you? Consider it my way of saying thanks. Just take it.”

“Well, thank you then,” I replied, not wanting to make a fuss over it.

As she sat down, Stella suddenly said, “You had a rough night, huh? What’s with the dark circles?”

I rubbed my eyes and smiled sheepishly. “I had a drink with friends last night and got home late. Do I look that bad?”

“Of course you do!” She seemed concerned. “Staying up late is a big no–no. It ages the skin quickly!”

“I’m a single mom. I don’t care about that.”

Despite what I said, I felt self–conscious seeing Stella’s beautiful face. Even Ivanna had reminded me several times to take care of my looks.

We ordered drinks and chatted until Stella shifted the conversation to her family.

“I miss the Nocturnia sunshine,” she sighed, looking out the window and reclining on the sofa. “I wonder when I can go back.

over b been forced to do thing your will? Sitting up, she looked at me. That’s what I’m “Who would dare pressure you into it?” I sipped my coffee, though I already had more than enough caffeine that day.

She shook her head helplessly. “I suppose you’ve never experienced it, have you? Even Atlas couldn’t do anything about it, let alone me.”

“What do you mean?” I knew she was trying to tell me something.

Sometimes, it felt like she enjoyed keeping me in suspense.

I pretended to be aloof and added, “ATL Empire is a kelompany and financially strong. Who’d dare.

push you guys around? It’s not like small business owners like me who struggle just to survive.”

As if testing my indifference, she examined my face. She admitted, “Things are more complicated than you think. I and Atlas have little control over many family matters. Especially marriage.”

I was stunned as I stared at her.

She giggled at my reaction and continued, “Didn’t see that one coming, did you? Well, my mother needed.

to ensure our assets stayed within the family. She’s not just going to give ATL Empire away.”

My heart raced. Did she just say what I think she did?

“Do you mean… you and Mr. Atlas are expected to marry each other? Are you engaged?” I quickly set.

down the cup as my hand shook slightly.

She shrugged and smiled. “It’s no secret in my family. I guess that’s why my mom adopted me back then.”

She kept her gaze on me, wearing a radiant smile. It seemed she wanted me to know this.