Stella found Charlene’s conduct puzzling.
She was about to speak again when she noticed a sudden change in Clint’s demeanor.
Stella’s heart clenched, fearing Charlene might say something inappropriate. She was just about to show Charlene the exit.
However, Charlene swiftly pivoted, correcting herself.
“Ah, my apologies. Let me rephrase that. I’m Maverick’s aunt.”
As she said this, Charlene’s eyes met Stella’s, her smile tinged with an unspoken message.
Stella’s face went rigid, disbelief filling her voice.
“What are you implying with your words?”
Charlene smiled faintly.
“You don’t know yet, do you? Matthew is, in fact, Maverick. He orchestrated an elaborate ruse, masquerading as Matthew, then play the role of your husband as Maverick.”
Each revelation from Charlene drained the color from Stella’s face further.
Relishing the moment, Charlene taunted, “So, Stella, how does it feel to be played for a fool?”
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“It can’t be.” Stella shook her head in denial, unable to muster any words beyond that simple phrase.
Charlene’s smile widened in triumph.
Observing Stella’s anguish brought her joy, dispelling some of the frustration she had been feeling recently because of Matthew.
“Why is it impossible?” Charlene shot a glance at the equally distressed Clint.
“If you’re skeptical, ask your own grandfather. He, along with the entire Clark family, knew about Matthew’s dual identity. Yet they chose to withhold this information, watching you make a fool of yourself.”
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A sense of vindication washed over Charlene’s features.
She couldn’t stomach the thought of Matthew enjoying his life when he put her through hell.
“Stella, don’t you find your situation pathetic? Everyone knew the truth, and you were the only one left in the dark.” Charlene peered into Stella’s eyes, feigning compassion.
“I couldn’t let it go on, which is why I took it upon myself to tell you, to liberate you from any further manipulation.”
“You’re lying!” Stella’s thoughts swirled in chaos, but she was still hesitant to embrace this unsettling truth.
“Matthew is the CEO of Prosperity Group, while Maverick is…”
As she tried to separate the two by their professional roles, she confronted the realization that she knew next to nothing about Maverick’s true identity, only that he was a businessman.