Chapter 1273

Stella chuckled and said, “We could call the cops, but Hylda wants everyone to join in. We gotta fight fire with fire. If the police handle it quiet, her reputation stays intact.”

Felicity worried. Hylda was sneakier than Bella. ‘That homewrecker, she twisted Albert around her finger, playing the waiting game as his secret love. Stella dashed those hopes. Now, she might try crazy stuff since her cash flow’s drying up.’

“Stella, maybe you should have Keegan arrange a bodyguard for you. I’m worried you might get beaten up.

While they talked, Keegan strolled in shirtless, wearing boxers like it’s his home. It was early morning, and Stella was more than happy to enjoy the view.

Keegan had an amazing physique. Muscles stood out, and Stella could not help peeking more than once.

Keegan had just woken up and felt a little groggy. When he saw Stella sitting cross-legged on the couch, sipping from her cup, he asked, “Got water?”

Stella pointed to the kitchen, “Yep, there. Cups in the cupboard.”

Keegan nodded, off to the kitchen. Stella almost choked on water when she saw his bare back. It was covered in scratches. His fair skin made those marks look obvious. In an instant, the scene last night replayed in Stella’s mind, and her face turned red.

‘Shit. Shit. Shit. I have to kick Keegan to the guest room tonight,’ thought Stella.

Soon, Keegan came back with water. “Ted call yet?”

Stella nodded. “Mr. Eldrich reached out to the person who made the post to gauge their stance.”

As Keegan took a sip of his drink, Stella leaned in and asked, “Hey, can you do something for me?”

Keegan felt a jolt of worry, his hand shaking. He put his cup down and grabbed a tissue. Calmly, he said, “What do you need? Is this gonna be something silly?”

Stella laughed, “Come on, can’t I ask for help with something serious?”

“Tell me what it is then,” Keegan looked at her skeptically.

Stella got closer and said, “I want you to find Albert and convince land in my name. Once I’ve got the papers, Hylda can’t do anything about it.”

Keegan wondered, “How do I do the convincing?”

Stella launched into her clever plan, “Tell him you’re crazy about me, can’t live without me, and want to marry me ASAP. But, here’s the twist—I’m not into it. You overheard I’ve got my eye on my mom’s house, and you’re trying to make me happy. Persuade Albert to sign over the property, promise him some big business deal… You catch my drift?”

“Got it. So, basically, I’m making up a story,” Keegan summarized.

“Exactly.”

“How many points would I get for doing this favor?”

Stella went all out and said, “A thousand!”

Keegan grabbed his cup and stood up to leave. “I need to wash up for work,” he said.

Stella quickly grabbed his hand and added, “I mean two thousand!”

Keegan raised an eyebrow, “You do realize this is like fraud, right? I could end up in jail.”

Stella hesitated for a moment at the mention of jail.

“High risk often comes with high rewards. If I’m willing to bear the risk, I expect to gain an appropriate return,” Keegan continued.

Stella thought, then said, “What do you suggest, then?”