Chapter 174

A Battle of Wits Despite feeling completely helpless, I tried to appear unconcerned. It was clear what Stella was trying to tell me.

I However, I couldn’t let on how I felt. I realized she had been probing me ever since we first met.

She seemed surprised by my indifference. “You don’t seriously think this is normal, do you?”

I sipped my coffee, but it tasted bitter. “I wasn’t born rich, so I don’t understand your world. Though I’m a businesswoman, I’d never force anyone against their will, especially not my family.”

Stella was somewhat taken aback.

“Does your mom need to force you into it? You can just marry if you love each other. After all, you’re not related.” I stared at her, my words taunting She wanted to tell me that Atlas was hers and find out if there was anything between us. I wanted to know why they weren’t married if he loved her. I doubted she could answer me!

“Let’s change the subject. We’re getting off track,” Stella chuckled. “Do you know why I’ve been so interested in you from the start?”

“Hmm?”

“You look just like a woman Atlas deeply loved before. I was shocked when I first saw you, thinking she had come to Foswood.” Stella let out a gloating laugh.

“The woman he was in love with?” I couldn’t help repeating it.

“Yeah, one he’d never forget.” Stella said, “Although I’ve had a crush on Atlas since I was a kid, when he disappeared for six years, he… Ah, forget it. Let’s not discuss that.”

She was good at keeping me in suspense.

“Anyway, Atlas has a secret–he never stopped searching for that woman. That’s why I have reservations about our marriage. Of course, it’s not up to us to decide.” Stella implied once again that Atlas was hers.

That made me feel terrible. I loved him and couldn’t bear the thought of being just a substitute.

“Why did he disappear for six years?” I couldn’t Imagine him doing something like that.

w knows, Stelle andered. I couldn’t tell if she truly meant it or not.

th her, B Even though she was smiling at me, her eyes weren’t.

1 offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, all the talk got me sleepy. I need to hit the sack.”

It was challenging to play this mind game with her while feeling hazy.

“You should. You don’t look too well.” Stella walked outside with me and said, “My mom will be shocked to see you.”

I was taken aback. “I won’t get to meet her, will I?”

“I bet you will since you have a project with ATL Empire. Not to mention the striking resemblance to that woman,” Stella remarked. “Miracles can happen, you know.”

I waved her goodbye before getting into my car. Her words left me unsettled.