Chapter 145

23 Mar 3.54%

The conference room buzzed with tension as we awaited the arrival of Timothy and Stella.

Scarlett, our formidable lawyer, sat at the head of the table, her expression a mask of professionalism. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that the meeting that lay ahead would be a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over the estate.

As I sat there, my fingers tapping nervously against the polished wood, I couldn’t help but wonder how we had come to this point. The revelations about the shady dealings of the Hayes family and the secrets surrounding the estate had shattered the illusion of wealth and privilege that had once surrounded Timothy and Stella.

Stella had yet to arrive, and I took the opportunity to speak with Scarlett in hushed tones. My discovery about Andy, Stella’s connection to him, had raised countless questions that demanded answers.

“Scarlett,” I began, my voice low, “I found out something about Andy. It seems he and Stella are more acquainted than meets the eye.”

Scarlett’s gaze locked onto mine, her sharp mind processing the implications of my words. “Go on,” she urged.

I leaned closer, my voice barely a whisper. “I saw them together, and it didn’t seem like a chance encounter. They looked… well acquainted.”

Scarlett’s brow furrowed, and she leaned in, her voice equally hushed. “That’s interesting. Stella has been meeting privately with Andy for a while now, even after she got together with Timothy.”

The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, and a growing sense of anger welled up within me. The idea that Stella had maintained such a connection with Andy while she was with Timothy was unsettling. But my anger was not directed at Timothy; it was aimed squarely at Stella and her questionable morals.

I could feel the anger building within me, a roiling storm of emotions that threatened to spill over. It was difficult to remain composed in the face of such duplicity, and I struggled to control the rising tide of frustration.

Scarlett, always perceptive, noted the anger in my eyes and spoke softly. “Evie, I know this is infuriating, but remember why we’re here. We’re fighting for justice, for what’s rightfully yours and Timothy’s.”

I blinked in surprise. What did Timothy have to do with this?

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12:23 Sat, 23 Mar El I blinked in surprise. What did Timothy have to do with this?

Minutes felt like hours as we waited, and the tension only grew more palpable with each passing second. The door finally swung open, and Timothy and Stella entered in a hasty fashion, an eerily sweet smell drifting off of them.

Stella, as always, wore a facade of confidence, but there was a frantic edge to her movements that betrayed her composure. Timothy, on the other hand, seemed exasperated and overwhelmed, his frustration evident as he took his seat across from Scarlett and me.

“Sorry, we’re late,” Timothy blurted out, rushing in after Stella.

The room crackled with unspoken anger and resentment as they settled in the seats across from us.

Scarlett was the first to break the silence, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “Thank you for joining us. Finally.”

Stella offered a tight–lipped smile that failed to hide the tension in her shoulders. “Let’s get this over with.”

Timothy, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes darting between the faces in the room before eventually resting on mine. He caught my gaze and turned his attention to the far wall.

As Scarlett delved into the intricacies of the estate dispute, it became evident that neither side was willing to budge on the issue. Stella clung to her claim with tenacity, while Timothy appeared increasingly frustrated by the deadlock.

Eventually, Timothy spoke up, stunning everyone in the room. “Have you two considered splitting the estate? I mean, the place is so big that you could practically house five families in there.

Stella’s reaction was immediate, and her expression contorted into one of displeasure. “Split the estate? Timothy, that’s absurd! I’ve put too much into this, and I won’t settle for less than what’s rightfully mine.”

Her lawyer, nodded in agreement. “I have to echo Stella’s sentiments. Splitting the estate would not be in her best interest, given her substantial contributions.”

Scarlett snorted. “Contributions?”

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O “Look,” the lawyer started, running a hand through his thinning hair, “We’ve been at this for far too long. I suggest we find a resolution soon.”

I turned my attention to Stella, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “Stella, explain again why you’re so adamant about retaining the estate? What is it that makes it so crucial to you?”

Stella’s response was maddeningly vague, and she seemed to dance around the question. “The estate is a part of our future, Evie. It’s where Timothy and I will build our family together.”

The mention of a future with Timothy stung, and I felt my resolve harden. “Stella, you’re wasting time and money on this dispute when it could be better spent on your wedding. You’re jeopardizing your own happiness.”

The words hung in the air, and I could feel the tension in the group rising. Stella’s refusal to provide a concrete answer only fueled my frustration. She was hiding something, and I was absolutely sure that Andy was involved.

Stella’s grip on Timothy tightened, and she shot me a withering glare. “My happiness is not up for debate, Evie. I’ll do whatever it takes to secure our future.”

As Stella clung to Timothy, I noticed him watching me, his expression strained. He seemed deep in thought, and I was curious to hear what else he thought of the matter. Their fight in the apartment hallway still echoed in my mind, and he hadn’t seemed too pleased with the idea of living with her.

I seized the opportunity to suggest a new approach. “Perhaps it would be beneficial for all of us this time around to actually visit the estate and assess its assets before making any decisions. Seeing it firsthand might help us come to a resolution.”

Timothy nodded in agreement, and Stella and Scarlett seemed to reluctantly concur. Perhaps if Stella actually saw the property for herself, she’d question its significance. It was a small step forward in a battle that had grown increasingly convoluted.

“Alright then,” Stella’s attorney said. “We can visit the property tomorrow at noon. I’ll see you all then.”

As the others began to gather their belongings and make their way to the exit, Stella wasted no time in grabbing Timothy’s arm, her grip possessive and determined.

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A “Come on, Timothy,” she urged, her voice laced with urgency.

Timothy, however, hesitated. He glanced around the room, his eyes meeting mine and lightly shook her off.

“Give me a moment, Stella,” he replied, his tone weary.

The room gradually emptied, with everyone making their way out, leaving only me and Timothy behind.

Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with regret. “I’m sorry for getting you tangled up in all of this, Evie.”

I paused, meeting his gaze with a resolute expression. “Don’t be. I willingly accepted this opportunity, Timothy.”

His body stiffened at that, and a soft “Huh,” escaped his lips. I tossed my bag over my shoulder and squeezed past him before pausing in the doorway.

“And I don’t plan on making things easy for you or Stella,” I added.

With that, I turned and left the room, leaving Timothy standing there, a stunned expression dawning over his entire face.

Business wasn’t meant to be personal, but my motivations had become exactly that.

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