Chapter 19

After collecting her things, Stella said goodbye to Lainey, mentioning she had to head out early.

Lainey gave her a casual nod. "Go on ahead. There's nothing urgent here today anyway."

When Stella reached Marc's company, Haley's sharp,entitled voice was already echoing from inside the legal department.

Just as she was about to step in, Evie-a familiar face from the past-hurried over and tugged Stella aside."Mrs. Walsh, what are you doing here? That Haley girl is clearly targeting you. You really shouldn't go in."

Everyone knew how much losing the patent would hurt the company, but Haley's arrogance had rubbed them all the wrong way.

And on top of that, they all knew Stella was Marc's legal wife, and Haley was nothing more than a mistress, yet she strutted around like she owned the place.

Not sure what she'd walked into, Stella raised a brow.

"What happened?"

Evie pulled a face. "What do you think? First day here and she's already scolding the whole legal team,calling them useless for not landing the deal. Mrs.Walsh,seriously-better not walk in there."

Stella gave her a calm smile, silently letting her know it was alright.

As she walked in, Haley glanced up and spotted her.Reclining on the sofa with her chin lifted high, she wore the smug look of a cat that had just lapped up a bowl of cream.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Haley sneered. "You were all high and mighty yesterday,acting like you didn't need the contract. And now?You're back to sign it like nothing happened. If this was where you'd end up anyway, what was all that drama for?"

Haley's eyes were filled with contempt. To her, Stella was nothing in comparison. She was the dignified daughter of the prestigious Smith family from Achury.What did Stella have? Just Marc as a husband-and even that, she believed, was temporary. In her mind,Marc's affections had already shifted. Stella had no right to challenge her.

Stella stood in the legal department's office, listening in silence as Haley rambled on and on. She didn't bother replying.

Her expression was calm, almost indifferent, like none of it mattered.

Eventually,when Haley realized she was the only one speaking, her smug look disappeared. Her face darkened with frustration, and she snapped, "What the hell are you pretending for?"

Stella finally looked her way and let out a quiet chuckle. "If Marc hadn't dragged innocent people into this, I wouldn't be here. So, this is your talent?Manipulating people who have nothing to do with your feud? Impressive."

Haley's face turned red with rage. Stella had hit a nerve. It had been Haley's idea to pressure Stella into showing up by having Marc involve the legal department.

"Stella, all's fair in love and war! If it works, then it works.Now sign the damn contract-right now!"Haley barked.

But Stella just smiled faintly, unbothered. "No. I'm not signing anything."

"You!"

Before the argument could spiral further, Theo Haynes, the vice head of legal, let out a silent sigh. His temples were already starting to throb. He stepped in quickly, trying to defuse the growing tension. "Mrs.Walsh, if something's bothering you, let's talk it through. You are Mr. Walsh's wife,after all. Just let us know what you need, and we'll work something out."

Stella shifted her eyes back to Haley and gave a small smile,calm but cutting. "The reason I'm not renewing the contract? Simple. It's her. If you want my signature,tell your Mr. Walsh to show me some sincerity. And by that, I mean start by kicking Haley out of the company,and make sure she leaves humiliated."