She couldn’t shake the feeling that their family had indeed experienced a tragic event years ago.
As Stella’s mind raced with possible strategies to handle the escalating situation, the thugs suddenly burst into laughter. “If she doesn’t return our things, let’s make her pay with her body. Who would’ve thought this woman would still be so beautiful after twenty years?”
“Yeah, even though she’s aging, her physique is still impressive. And these mature women are far more exciting than those young girls.”
Stella couldn’t contain her outrage any longer and cried out, “Monsters!”
“What did you say?” The man’s anger flared, and he swung his fist towards Stella.
Caught off guard, Stella closed her eyes instinctively, bracing for impact.
But at the last moment, Haley stepped in front of her, taking the punch intended for Stella.
Haley crumpled to the ground, blood oozing from the corner of her mouth.
She glared up at the man, her voice raw with emotion and eyes burning with rage. “Back off, all of you! My husband has been dead for years, and I have nothing left but my wretched life. If you provoke me again, I won’t hesitate to take you down with me!”
Stella’s eyes snapped open at Haley’s words, and she rushed to her side, kneeling down to check on her injuries.
The thugs seemed momentarily stunned by Haley’s fierce defiance, taking a step back as they muttered threats under their breath.
“You’re tough, but don’t think you can escape what you owe us! We’ll be back,” the leader spat.
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates…
(EagleNovels)
With a dismissive wave, he ordered his companions, “Let’s go.”
Stella helped Haley to her feet, her concern evident in her eyes.
“You’re injured. Let me take you to the hospital for a check-up.”
For Stella, who had grown up without experiencing a mother’s protective care, the instinct to shield her friend felt natural and comforting.
However, Haley shook her head, offering a faint smile. “I’m fine. I just need to buy some medicine from the pharmacy.”
Although Stella wanted to insist, she acquiesced to Haley’s wish.
As they made their way to the pharmacy, Stella’s mind was preoccupied with the unsettling encounter with the thugs. After a moment of hesitation, she finally mustered the courage to ask, “There’s something I’d like to ask you.”
“What is it?”
Meeting her eyes, Stella posed the question that had been weighing on her mind. “Is my father dead?”
Stella’s recollections of her father were ensnared in the haunting visions of the car accident that took his life.
In these dreams, he appeared as a benevolent spirit, a stark contrast to the sinister portrayals by others.
This discrepancy led her to question the accuracy of her own memories.