Chapter Eighteen *Ring Rinngggg Ringgggg* Stella's grandfather dialled Declan's number early in the morning. Declan, who had fallen asleep while working on his laptop, was jolted awake by the ringing. He answered the phone, his voice groggy. "Hello?" Declan said, trying to shake off his drowsiness. "Declan, it's me, Stella's grandfather," came the voice from the other end of the line. "I hope I didn't wake you up." "No, no, not at all,Good morning Sir" Declan replied, sitting up in bed. "Is everything okay with you, how is your health?" "I'm fine, thank you," Stella's grandfather said. "But I wanted to talk to you about something important." Declan, now fully awake, listened intently. "I've been thinking," Stella's grandfather continued, "about your living arrangements. I heard rumours that you've been staying in the penthouse at some luxurious hotel, but I think it would be better if you moved back into our family house." Declan was surprised by the suggestion. "Oh, um, why
Chapter Nineteen Declan decided to pay a visit to his Inlaws and check up on his wife. As Declan walked into Stella's house, he could hear her talking to her grandfather. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to interrupt, but then he saw them both smiling and knew it was safe to approach after whispering inside jokes to each other. "Declan, my boy!" Stella's grandfather exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about you." Declan smiled politely, unsure of what to expect. Stella's grandfather then surprised him by offering him a job at the stocks and investments company. "I want to offer you a job at my stocks and investments company," Stella's grandfather said enthusiastically. "It will give you valuable business experience and help you become an entrepreneur, apart from your medical work." Declan was taken aback by the offer. He knew Stella's grandfather meant well, but he also knew that he was not cut out for a job in finance. "Thank you,
Chapter Twenty Stella's brother, Richard, was known for being a pampered, rich, spoilt brat. He often acted like a bully, especially towards Stella who he thinks will be given the position of the legitimate heir to the company instead of him. As she discussed the pressure of the deals with her family, Richard couldn't resist mocking her. "I'm sure you can't handle the task given to you," Richard sneered, his tone dripping with condescension. "I hope you fail and disappoint the family. Maybe then they'll realise how important I am." Stella tried to ignore his taunts, but his words stung. She knew Richard's behaviour stemmed from his own insecurities, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. Before Stella could respond, Richard turned his attention to Declan, her husband. "And you," he said, his voice full of disdain. "You're saying you'll help with anything she needs? What can you possibly do? You're a broke ass nobody, a beggar who doesn't even have $10 in his account."
Chapter Twenty One As the leader of the gangster-looking men accused Stella's brother, Richard, of owing them 1 billion dollars, her heart sank. It was an absurd amount, far beyond anything Richard could have borrowed. “Richard bullying , stealing a few dollars , smoking and getting drunk was the least you could do but when did you start gambling and taking huge loans ?!” Grandfather shouted angrily, almost hitting Richard with his walking cane stick but Richard dodge him. "That's not true!" Richard exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear and anger. "I only borrowed 1 million dollars because I was broke and needed quick cash to buy the new Ferrari sports car that got stolen when I got drunk at some party! I never borrowed 1 billion dollars!" The leader of the men frowned, clearly not pleased with Richard's response. "We have records that prove otherwise," he said, his tone cold and menacing. "You owe us 1 billion dollars, and we're here to collect." Richard's face turned pa
Chapter Twenty Two The air was thick with tension and the stench of gasoline. Stella’s heart raced as she clutched Richard, who was now trembling with fear and pain. “Please,” she begged, “we’ll find a way to get the money. Just don’t hurt him anymore.” The leader smirked, clearly enjoying the power he held over them. He twirled the pliers in his hand, making Stella’s blood run cold. “Bitch, time is ticking,” he said. “Decide quickly.” Grandfather, his face pale with desperation, stepped forward again. “I’ll sell everything. The house, the cars. Just give us some time…” he said his face filled with regret and disappointment. But Richard, his face a mix of defiance and terror, cut him off. “Don’t you dare, Grandfather! I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone’s help!” The leader’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t seem to understand your position, boy, your just a skinny whining child who doesn’t know how to control the way he spends money on drugs and women when he doesn’t e
Chapter Twenty ThreeThe sirens blared louder, filling the tense silence that had settled over the room. The door burst open, and police officers rushed in, their eyes scanning the chaos."What's going on here?" demanded the chief, his voice firm and authoritative.Before anyone could respond, Richard jumped to his feet, shouting, "Nothing's wrong! It was a false alarm!"The chief's eyes narrowed. "A false alarm? We saw a suspicious black truck on our way here. Care to explain?"Stella tried to speak, but Richard grabbed her mouth, silencing her. Her eyes widened in fear and frustration.Declan stepped forward, his voice calm but stern. "Richard, stop making it hard for us and the police to help. This is serious."Richard glared at him. "Shut up when men are talking, Declan!"Declan's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice steady. "You should consider accepting help while it's still available. Before it's too late."Richard's face twisted in fury. "I will never be at the mercy
Chapter Twenty Four The police chief raised his hand, calling for silence. "Everyone, keep quiet! We need to get your grandfather to the hospital now," he ordered.An ambulance arrived, and paramedics rushed Grandfather out on a stretcher. Stella held his hand, tears streaming down her face. Declan followed closely, his face tense with worry. At the hospital, the doctors sprang into action. Grandfather was whisked away to surgery, and the family was left in the waiting room, their faces pale with fear and anxiety. Hours passed, and still, there was no news. By the time the doctors emerged, they looked exhausted. "We've done all we can," one said grimly. "But his condition is critical. We'll have to keep him in intensive care and monitor him closely."The police officers, who had stayed to take statements, looked at the tired and distraught family. "We'll be back tomorrow to get everyone's statements," the chief said, glancing sympathetically at Stella. "You all need to focus on you
Chapter Twenty Five Declan's hands moved quickly, performing chest compressions, his face set with determination. The room was silent except for the beeping of the heart monitor, which suddenly stopped. The flatline sound echoed through the room. Stella gasped, her eyes wide with horror. "No, Grandfather, no!" she cried out, rushing to his side.Doctor Jack stepped forward, shaking his head. "It's over," he said, a cruel smile forming on his lips. "Declan has killed the great businessman because of his busy body. If only you had left the job to professionals, this would have been successful."Declan looked up, his eyes filled with defiance. "Don't conclude yet. It takes time for the medication to kick in. We still have hope."Clara, eyes blazing with fury, stormed towards Declan. "How dare you! You've killed him!" she screamed, raising her hand to slap him.Declan saw her coming and moved just in time. Clara's slap missed him and landed squarely on Richard's face, who had been stand