Chapter 1607

Stella said, "Does what I think even matter to you?" "Of course it does," Lucas shot back. "I thought we agreed — one child, and no chance of us getting back together. Ever." Lucas remained silent. "I'm going to bed," Stella declared, rising to her feet. But before she could take a step, Lucas grabbed her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Let me go!" Stella demanded, struggling against his grip. "I won't let go." "Lucas, if you keep this up, I'll have no choice but to move out." At her words, Lucas immediately released her. "Stella, it's not safe out there. You can't go anywhere but here." Shooting him a piercing look, Stella turned away and walked off. She was well aware of the dangers outside: the looming threat of the Sandow family, the maniac Stellie at large with sinister plans, and the unsafe Florivera, making even Hayshiport a risky venture. Stella was acutely aware of the perilous world she was ensnared in. No place was safe outside, which was why she ended up back at Lucas's place. Internally, Lucas cursed himself, thinking bitterly, 'I've made my own bed.' Meanwhile, Rian, armed with the documents Lucas had entrusted to him, made his way once again to Stellie's hideout. Stellie had always known the moment would come when she would have to choose between self-interest and the greater good. So, when she caught sight of the file, her reaction was icy calm. "What's your plan for me?" she asked. Rian hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You need to understand, both Dad and I love you, but..." "Cut the 'buts'," Stellie interjected. "Speak plainly." "Dad wants me to personally take you in. Don't hold it against him, Stellie. If the Sandow family goes down, it's not just you — all of us are doomed." Upon hearing Rian's words, Stellie burst into laughter that quickly turned into tears. "Do me a favor; pass a message to him: I wish him a long and prosperous life." "Stellie..." "I've got one last thing to settle. Let me handle it personally. Wherever you're sending me, I'll go without resistance," Stellie declared. Rian knew exactly what Stellie was planning to do. "Stella didn't wrong you. Lucas never agreed to your engagement. Stella entered the picture after he rejected you, following your departure abroad. She never provoked you, so why the deep hatred?" "Lucas rejected me, yet he is head over heels for that woman, and you say she hasn't crossed me?" Stellie retorted. "Tell me, in what way am I, Stellie, inferior to her?" Without thinking, Rian blurted out, "Looks." Stellie let out a piercing scream. "What did you just say? Rian, do you realize what you're saying?" "Yes, you may surpass Stella in family background and education, but she's undeniably more attractive. You can't expect me not to acknowledge it," Rian stated bluntly. Stellie fumed. "Are all you men blind? How is she prettier than me? She's nothing but a lowly temptress, skilled in pleasing men." Rian remained silent. Stellie's voice turned venomous. "Now, I want her dead. She must die. I can't stand the thought of her living a happy life." Confronted with Stellie's unreasonable and vindictive demeanor, the little guilt Rian had felt was slowly dissipating. "Stellie, get a grip on yourself."