Chapter 296

The shattered glass shimmered under the light, catching Stella Johnson's distracted gaze as she stared blankly at a water stain, lost in thought—until a muffled voice reached her from beyond the door. It was Charles Hart, speaking in a low, suppressed tone. Something pushed her to move. She dragged herself out of bed, barefoot, and crept silently to the door. “Grace Carter, I told you not to call me at times like this.” Charles’s voice was ice-cold, laced with tension, like he was trying hard not to be overheard. Stella's fingertips unknowingly dug into the door frame. Through the faint static of the call, she caught a woman’s flirty giggle. Charles’s words grew colder. “I’ve already agreed to your terms. Just keep your people under control.” There was some interference, and then his voice dropped even lower. “We have to keep her stable… at least until the treatment’s done.” Stella stumbled back like she’d been struck. Her blood seemed to freeze mid-flow. “Keep her stable”? “Until the