Chapter 48

"Stella." Charles's voice came through low and worn out. "I know I haven't been there for you lately, but you know how things are with Olivia. She's been holding onto this hope that you'd help her prep for the competition. It means a lot to her, can you..." "No." She cut him off right away, her tone flat as ever. "I'm not getting involved with Olivia again. It'll only make things worse for her." Charles froze, confused, his brows furrowing. What was she even getting at? Was she throwing shade over how he doubted her before? "What's that supposed to mean?" Stella let out a sarcastic chuckle. She couldn't tell if Charles was playing dumb or really that clueless. Was he seriously pretending not to know those dirty tricks were Isabelle's doing? Or was he just covering for her? Didn't matter. She wasn't going to be part of it anyway. "Charles, do you really not get it? If someone's out to hurt her, me getting close to Olivia will just add fuel to the fire. Take it as doing her a favor—don't