Chapter 68

Charles watched as Stella finished the apple, only then did he look away. She never once looked at him, as if he was just part of the furniture. "All done. You can leave now." Her tone was cold, almost mechanical, like she couldn't be bothered. Charles slowly tossed the apple core into the trash. His movements were dragged out—he clearly didn't want to go just yet. But Stella didn't even glance at him, not once. "Stella," he said, his voice hoarse and worn out. "About that thing... I'm really sorry. But I swear, I didn't put them up to it." Still, she didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on the window, like he wasn't even there. Of course she knew it wasn't him. But that wasn't the point. She wanted him to get a taste of being doubted. Of how much that hurt. In the end, he let out a soft sigh and walked out of the room. Public opinion outside was almost completely under Charles' control now. Since both Ethan and Stella were hospitalized at the same time, it was pretty clear someone was