Chapter 285

The Two Sides of Stella As my mother and Lauren exited the room, Atlas sat beside me. He seemed to be carefully choosing his words Inside, I felt conflicted, a sense of injustice simmering in a corner of my heart. Seeing Stella, still radiant and carefree didn’t sit right with me.

From the moment this woman entered my view, I could sense her subtle schemes against me. Even that first dinner together felt calculated, How could I possibly stay calm?

Besides that, I had a persistent feeling of being trapped, which was probably connected to her.

Otherwise, Atlas wouldn’t have let the matter rest without investigating.

As soon as Atlas sat down, he held my hand.

“Don’t let Stella bother you. I know what’s going on.”

“How exactly did you know?” I spoke candidly. We had reached a point where there was no need to pretend nothing had happened.

Atlas’s intense gaze remained fixed on my face, his attractive features distracting me for a moment. I didn’t want to press him further. I understood that his perspective required careful maneuvering.

Moreover, no matter the angle, Stella had familial ties to him. I was nothing.

His scrutiny made me feel uneasy.

I forced a smile and said, “I’m not being dramatic. It’s just her actions… I know she’s your cousin, and I don’t want to…”

He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it while still looking at me.

“To be precise, she has no real connection to me. You, on the other hand…”

Atlas’s words instantly dispelled the pent–up frustration in my heart. I had to admit, Atlas was a man I found irresistibly captivating.

“Because, in a certain way, she holds value. Her presence isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Many threads converge on her,” Atlas stated solemnly, a side he had never revealed.

You mean the plane crash?” I asked.

It’s more than that.. Atlas’s eyes darkened, a glint of coldness shining through. “She’s not the real Stella.

Atlas’s revelation left me in shock. You mean…she’s not really Stella?”

A sudden sense of clarity washed over me. I had harbored suspicions like these when I had Grayson look into it, but I never dared to confirm them without concrete evidence.

It seemed Atlas had uncovered more than I had. I recounted her actions, especially her behavior leading up to my abduction and after I was saved.

His hand gently rested on my forehead, smoothing down my hair. He spoke softly, “I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

“I know you have your reasons for doing things. But she’s been too brazen, from my kidnapping, to your birthday, and even the perfume…”

I couldn’t continue.

Truthfully, I knew that even without my explanation, Atlas would understand what I wanted to say next.

Do y you know what Celine discussed with me when we agreed to meet?” Atlas looked at me, his deep eyes flashing with a hint of mystery. “She’s working with Atticus now. I can only play along for now.”

“Atticus?”

I was somewhat surprised.

“Yes, Atticus found the mortgage contract you took on, which Celine’s people actually orchestrated. He has reasons for not involving Echelon Group.” Atlas explained cryptically.

“You know all this?” I was genuinely speechless. What else did Atlas know?

“Just recuperate here. I might have to leave Foswood for a few days. Once you’re feeling better, I’ll go.

So, promise me you’ll take care of yourself!” He squeezed my hand.

“Where are you going?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Jitador,” he admitted without hesitation.

Jitador?”

Suddenly, I remembered how much Harmony was desperate to go to Jitador. Could it be related to him?