Chapter 54
“You’d do anything to marry into money, wouldn’t you? How do you even have the nerve to show your face in this world?”
“I can’t stand women like you, so vain and superficial. If you dropped dead, it would serve you right!”
“If the law won’t punish you, we will! Today, we’re dishing out some justice on behalf of the universe!”
The crowd trapped Stella in the middle, shoving and hurling insults at her. One of them even pushed her to the ground.
That was when a hospital security guard noticed the disturbance and quickly intervened. “What are you doing? Get out of here, now!”
When the guard arrived, the mob scattered, leaving Stella on the ground. As she tried to gather herself, a pair of polished black leather shoes appeared in her view.
Stella instinctively looked up. Her vision blurred, but she could make out a handsome, aloof face.
Eyes downcast, the man surveyed her bedraggled state with dark, piercing eyes.
He said calmly, “I’ve talked to Rachel. She won’t press charges for the car accident, but you have to apologize to her publicly.”
Stella closed her eyes briefly, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She tried to push herself up from the ground, but her limbs felt like jelly. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stand up.
There she was, utterly useless and pathetic, especially before Haynes. She always seemed to be in such a state around him.
At that moment, Stella felt a bitter laugh bubbling up. Her lips curved into a smile,
but her eyes betrayed her, welling with tears before anything else.
Haynes watched her, his gaze deepening. His lips pressed together as he stepped forward, intending to help her up.
But a slender hand stretched out to Stella before he could reach her. “Stella, are you okay?”
Stella looked up to see a handsome face. Her throat felt tight, choked with emotion. “Mr. Connolly.”
Neville helped her to her feet. “Sorry, I’ve been busy the last few days and forgot you were getting out.”
Stella replied, her voice hoarse, “I didn’t want to bother you, so I didn’t mention it.”
Neville glanced at the wound on her foot. “You hurt your forehead. Let’s return to the hospital and have it checked.”
Stella rejected it. “It’s nothing, just a scratch. A quick bandage will do.”
“No way.” Neville insisted, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “You need a proper check-up.”
Seeing his resolve, Stella nodded in agreement. “Okay.”
Neville supported her as they walked toward the hospital entrance.
Just then, Haynes gripped Stella’s wrist. His face was expressionless, his voice icy. “There’s no need to trouble Mr. Connolly with taking Stella to the hospital.”
Neville, however, didn’t release her hand, feigning surprise. “Mr. O’Brien, you’re taking Stella to the hospital? Funny, I didn’t see you rushing to help her when she was on the ground.”
Haynes’ expression darkened, but a cheerful voice rang out before he could respond. “Haynie, you’re here!”
A slender figure dashed over, throwing herself into Haynes’ arms without a second thought.
“Haynie, did you come to pick me up because you knew I was being discharged today?” Rachel’s voice was sweet, her eyes glowing with warmth. Her face lit up with joy. “I told you, Haynie, you really didn’t have to come if you’re too busy.”