Chapter 35
“Murderers deserve the death penalty!”
The group of girls was in a frenzy, their eyes blazing with hostility, faces twisted with rage. They looked like they wanted to tear Stella apart as if she were their arch-nemesis.
To someone looking in from the outside, it might have appeared as though Stella had done something unforgivable to them.
Stella surveyed their expressions and quickly deduced those girls were likely Rachel’s fans. Although she wasn’t a frequent internet user, Stella had recently learned that Rachel had amassed a massive following online.
It was only the previous day that Stella discovered Rachel had millions of devoted fans, drawn to her delicate beauty, talent with the violin, and inspiring
determination to live life to the fullest despite her terminal illness. In six months, Rachel had become as well-known as a B-list celebrity.
Rachel’s rise to fame wasn’t by mere chance. Someone was orchestrating it behind the scenes. That someone was Haynes.
Rachel had signed with a media company under the O’Brien Group’s wing. Haynes hadn’t bothered to dispel the rumors about him and Rachel, explaining to Stella that it was all part of a plan to boost Rachel’s profile.
As Haynes explained, Rachel’s final wish was to become a star, and with so little time left, they couldn’t wait for her to slowly build a fanbase. Spreading gossip was the quickest way to make her famous overnight.
Despite her reservations, Stella had to bite her tongue and accept the situation. She hadn’t realized how quickly Rachel’s supporters had multiplied until then.
Seeing the hostile crowd, Stella quickly handed Marvin to Hans, the driver. “Hans, take Marvin and go.”
Hans understood the danger. The mob’s anger was directed at Stella, and lingering could put Marvin at risk. He nodded and picked Marvin up. “Come on, little man. We need to leave.”
But Marvin squirmed, refusing to leave. “No, Stella’s in danger. I can’t leave her here.”
Stella’s heart warmed at his words. Her husband and son treated her like an enemy, yet this boy, whom she’d only known for two days, stood by her side unwaveringly.
“Marvin, you must go. I can handle this,” Stella said gently. “If you stay, I’ll be worried about your safety.”
Marvin’s eyes were filled with concern, but he nodded reluctantly. “Okay, but…” Stella urged him. “Go on. I can manage.”
Marvin realized staying would only hinder her. If Stella had dodged, the egg would have hit him instead.
Hans carried Marvin to the car, and they drove off. When the car started moving, Marvin pulled out his phone to call Neville. “Dad, Stella’s in trouble. It’s your turn to play the knight in shining armor.”
…
As Marvin’s car disappeared from view, another bottle of water came at Stella. Thud! The bottle struck Stella’s head, making her vision blur as she nearly fainted. Blood trickled down her forehead, staining her clothes.
Once full of righteous fury, the crowd suddenly fell silent as if poured over by a bucket of ice water. These keyboard warriors, so bold online, were visibly shaken at the sight of real blood.
At that moment, a sleek black luxury car rolled up the street, catching everyone’s attention. In a panic, someone shouted, “Run!” and the crowd quickly scattered.
Stella touched her forehead, her fingers coming away stained with blood.
The black car stopped beside her, and the window slid down to reveal a handsome face.
The man’s cold, detached gaze settled on her bloodied visage.
“Stella, do you realize your mistake?”