Chapter 1604

Steve said, "Look, if something happened to your woman, it's all on Stellie. But hey, you divorced her, right? She's not yours anymore. If Stellie wanted a fling, so be it. Let's not make a big deal out of it, for old times' sake." Lucas replied coolly, "I might let it slide, depending on your next move." Out of nowhere, Rian blurted out, "She's just a worthless actress, man. You can have your pick of women like her. Why make a scene?" "A worthless actress?" Lucas's eyes flashed dangerously. He shot Rian a piercing look and stormed off. Rian stammered, "Dad..." "Shut it!" Steve barked. "Open that file and see what's inside." He thought to himself, 'This kid is more trouble than he's worth.' Rian hurriedly opened the file. "Dad, is Lucas really expecting us to personally send Stellie down the river?" Steve's forehead veins were nearly bursting, not out of sympathy for his daughter, but because he was furious at being cornered by someone younger. "I swear, the White family is going to pay for this." Rian, with a hint of defiance in his voice, said, "Fine, we'll go head-to-head with the Whites. They may be tough, but they're not invincible against the Sandow family." Steve, frustrated by Rian's naivety, snapped, "Would you use your head for once?" "So what do we do? Just tell me, and I'll do it." "Take the evidence and personally ensure your sister faces the music." Steve knew all too well that the White Corporation was riding high and the Sandow family, their power waning, stood little chance against them. The once formidable Sandow Corporation had become nothing more than a hollow shell, no match for Lucas's machinations. Unaware of the full extent of the Sandow Corporation's dire straits and reluctant to betray his sister, whom he had cherished for years, Rian protested, "Dad, without our protection, Stellie could be facing a death sentence for her actions." Steve waved dismissively, shuffling inside with a faltering step. "We've raised her for nearly thirty years, given her the best life. She's had her run in this world, and that's not nothing." As Lucas exited the Sandow residence, he was still haunted by the words "worthless actress" ringing in his ears. He remembered the first year he was married to Stella, when he brought her home for the holidays to the White residence. Back then, some members of the White family sneered at Stella, calling her a "worthless actress" and deeming her unworthy of their prestigious family. He vividly recalled Stella's face draining of color, her eyes pleading for him to defend her. But he did not stand up for her in front of the whole family. He wanted her to feel the sting. Although he eventually dealt with the loose-lipped offender, he did it behind Stella's back. She never knew. So, in Stella's eyes, she was nothing more than a "worthless actress" to him. As Lucas reflected on his past misdeeds, he felt an overwhelming urge to slap himself for his cruelty.