Chapter 222

New Year’s Gift Stella’s eyes turned cold as she looked at me.

I began to piece things together and concluded that Annalise’s death wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.

Stella quickly corrected herself, “What I meant was that there could never have been a future for them.

It wouldn’t have worked out even if she hadn’t died!”

“If Annalise held such a special place in Mr. Atlas’s heart, it must’ve been tough for you, too,” I pointed out. “It affects you directly.”

Her.composure wavered, but she masked it with a bigger smile. “I don’t concern myself with such things. Even if a thousand Annalises appeared, he’d still be mine. I won’t allow anything else.” Her arrogance knew no bounds.

I nodded. In reality, she had a point. The formidable Pierce family stood solidly behind her.

“How did Annalise die?” I brought up a topic I had avoided. However, Stella kept bringing her up, indicating she wanted to tell me something more.

I wanted to hear Stella’s version of Annalise since I had already gleaned some clues from her slip–ups.

Annalise’s death was undeniably linked to Celine.

Stella stated matter–of–factly, “She fell off a cliff and died. When they found her, my mom had Atlas identify the body. They say it was a horrifying sight.”

“How could Mr. Atlas bear it?” I felt a twinge, imagining how Atlas must have felt then.

“It was like the end of the world for him,” Stella said, her eyes holding a cruel glint. She spoke with eerie satisfaction.

“Did you witness it yourself?” I looked at Stella, searching for answers.

She scrutinized me as if trying to discern my intentions. “I couldn’t bear to look. I only knew that Atlas was in despair.”

“Perhaps, for you, this was a fortunate turn of events,” I remarked, voicing a harsh truth even though I wasn’t sure why I said it.

Suddenly, Carol knocked and entered. ‘Ms. Chloe, it’s time for your meeting.”

I was happy with her quick thinking and nodded. “Alright, I’ll be there in a moment.”

Then, I turned to Stella and said, “I’m sorry, I have a meeting. We can catch up over tea sometime.”

Stella had no choice but to stand up. “Of course, I’ll take my leave. I just dropped by to see you. Oh, and…

She reached into her bag and produced a small, elegantly wrapped gift. She placed it on my desk and said, “You can leave it in your car. It has a particularly refreshing scent.”

“Thank you very much!” I smiled. “I didn’t even get the chance to prepare anything!”

“Don’t mention it, just a little trinket!” She remarked before making her graceful exit.

“Carol, please escort Ms. Stella out,” I instructed.

When Carol returned, she muttered, “She just wouldn’t stop talking. Who does she think she is?”

I smiled at Carol, giving her an approving look. “That was clever of you! Well done!”

Carol burst out laughing Then I pondered for a moment. “Get Grayson for me.”

He entered promptly, and I gestured for him to take a seat. I decided to speak candidly despite my hesitation.

“Grayson, there’s something I’m not sure how to tell you.”

“Just tell me what you need, Ms. Chloe,” he replied, unwavering.

He seemed to sense my apprehension and put me at ease. “I’m loyal to my boss. Since Mr. Atlas recommended me to you, I pledge my loyalty to you. You’re the only one I’ll take orders from!”

His words moved me. “Help me investigate Ms. Stella thoroughly. The more detailed, the better.”

“Yes!” He nodded, then left to carry out his task.

As I watched Grayson depart, I reassured myself that taking risks was sometimes necessary.