Chapter 56
Lately, Stella and Neville had become quite familiar with each other.
As they got to know each other better, Stella was surprised to discover just how many hobbies she and Neville shared.
Neville was also a big fan of concerts. He even minored in the violin in college but had to set aside his passion when he took over the family business.
Despite not being a maestro, his insights into music were unique, which gave Stella a fresh perspective she found enlightening.
In the past, Neville had playfully called her “Star” before Haynes to help her out. Now that they were friends, the nickname stuck, and it didn’t seem out of place.
Stella smiled wryly. “Rachel thinks she’s got everything perfectly covered, but it’s full of flaws. Today, I’ll show the world who Rachel truly is.”
Since Rachel returned, Stella had faced her share of grievances because of her. She genuinely despised Rachel but had never intended to ruin her.
After all, if a man cheated, it might mostly be his fault. Blaming the other woman wasn’t fair. If she couldn’t keep a man’s heart, it was her problem. If it wasn’t Rachel, it might be someone else.
Previously, Rachel had only played small tricks. But recently, Rachel had crossed a line, pushing Stella to her limit. If Haynes and Rachel wanted to play dirty, they could go to hell for all she cared.
Neville raised an eyebrow. “But if you release this video, your future with the O’Brien family might not be pleasant.”
That was true. The O’Brien family was not only Haynes but included Haynes’ mother, Deanna, and his sister.
“It doesn’t matter,” Stella replied, her voice steady. “Haynes and I have no future together.”
Her name had been smeared across the internet for days, and not a single soul from the O’Brien family had lifted a finger to defend her. Why should she care about their precious reputation?
From then on, she wouldn’t sacrifice an ounce of herself for people who didn’t deserve it.
Neville’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile, and he said nothing
more.
As the time approached, Stella nodded to Neville and headed to the stage. She hadn’t released the video earlier because she feared Haynes would suppress it. That was not the outcome she wanted.
With the press conference being live, Haynes couldn’t stop it even if he tried.
…
Half an hour before the press conference, Haynes leaned back in his office chair
and watched the live feed on his screen.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Benson entered, looking uneasy. “Mr. O’Brien, I’ve received some important information I need to share with you.”
Haynes glanced over at him. “What is it?”
Benson hesitated, his lips moving as though he found it difficult to say it out, and a sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead. “Ms. Cameron’s press conference isn’t about an apology. It’s to play a video.”
“What kind of video?” asked Haynes.
“It’s the footage related to the car accident,” Benson stammered. “Mr. O’Brien, you should see it for yourself.”
With that, Benson handed Haynes an iPad.
Haynes took the device, finding a video barely a minute long. As he pressed play, his eyes widened in shock, disbelief written across his face.
Seconds ticked by, and the video ended.