Chapter 38
As Stella left the police station, the sky had darkened. She glanced at Neville and spoke softly, “Mr. Connolly, thank you.”
With a casual smile, Neville replied, “Marvin likes you. Consider it a perk of the job. Do you want me to handle those online news stories for you?”
Stella’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Can you suppress the news, Mr. Connolly?” Neville raised an eyebrow. “What? You don’t believe me?”
“You must already know who I am, Mr. Connolly,” Stella said. “I’m Haynes’ wife. The O’Brien family runs Neo-Vespera. Not many can stop Haynes if he wants something done.”
Neville seemed a bit surprised. “You think Haynes is behind this?”
With a hint of sarcasm, Stella replied, “I can’t think of anyone else.”
Neville’s eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed the relationship between this couple was worse than he had imagined. They were falling apart without him even lifting a finger.
After some thought, Neville said, “I offer because I can do it. Ms. Cameron, tell me if you need it.”
Stella hesitated. “Suppressing the news isn’t necessary. But there’s another thing I’d like your help with, Mr. Connolly.”
Neville leaned closer, intrigued. “Go on.”
Stella murmured something into his ear, and Neville let out a low, appreciative chuckle. “Brilliant. That’s far more effective than trying to bury the story. Consider it done.”
Stella smiled sincerely. “Mr. Connolly, I can’t thank you enough.”
Neville replied, “If you want to thank me, Ms. Cameron, take good care of Marvin.” Stella nodded lightly. “I will.”
Even if Neville hadn’t helped her, she had decided to do her best at her new job and take good care of Marvin.
Neville checked the time. “I just got off a plane and haven’t eaten yet. If you’re free, would you join me for dinner?”
Given how much Neville had helped her, Stella readily agreed. “Sure, dinner’s on me.”
Neville smiled, “Alright.”
…
By the time they finished dinner, night had fallen.
Stella excused herself to the restroom and settled the bill. As she was returning, blinding flashes surrounded her, and a swarm of reporters popped out of nowhere, encircling her.
“Ms. Cameron, who was the gentleman you dined with? Is he your affair partner?”
“Ms. Cameron, there are rumors about you and Antoney. Are you in several relationships?”
“Ms. Cameron, people claim you’ve climbed the social ladder by being someone’s mistress. Don’t you realize that breaking up relationships is wrong? Do you even understand what shame means?”
“Sources say the police took you in for questioning this morning. Are you a murderer?”
The reporters formed a tight circle, trapping Stella with no way out.
When Stella realized what was happening, it was too late. She frowned and said, “I’ll hold a press conference soon to address all your questions.”
But the reporters weren’t satisfied and kept firing sharp questions at her, even pushing and shoving her around.
Stella was shoved and pushed, her feet stepped on over and over, and in the chaos, she even lost a shoe. Already drained from a full day of questioning, she felt even more frazzled and overwhelmed by the relentless barrage of reporters.