Stella heard Isabelle's oh-so-gracious words and felt a wave of nausea roll through her. She forced a cold, mocking smile.

"Isabelle, I didn't come here for him. You might see him as some sort of prize, but trust me-he's not worth a dime in my eyes."

Isabelle was still clutching Charles's underwear, watching Stella walk off toward the house next door. Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding with rage. The fabric crumpled in her grip, a pathetic little symbol of her so-called claim.

She couldn't stomach it. Resentment twisted in her chest, and before long, she trailed after Stella without making a sound.

When she saw Stella step into Jason's place, a crooked smile crept across Isabelle's face. She whipped out her phone, clicked a couple of times, and snapped a picture just as Stella disappeared through the door.

Not long after, Charles came home with Olivia in his arms.

Isabelle, already waiting for this moment, pretended to be half-distracted, nervously fiddling with the very same underwear still in her hand.

Charles immediately spotted it and frowned, voice full of suspicion.

"Why do you have my underwear?"

Isabelle lowered her eyes, tone soft and full of fake vulnerability.

"You left it here the last time you drank too much... I just kept it for you."

But the truth was, she'd swiped it when he passed out, stashing it just in case she needed it.

After speaking, her gaze intentionally shifted toward Jason's house, clearly uneasy-with something clearly on her mind.

Charles caught on and followed her line of sight. Wasn't that Jason's place?

Jason was his longtime friend and personal doctor. Their families had known each other forever, so his house being next door was no coincidence.

"You feeling unwell or something, keep looking at Jason's place," he asked, eyebrows slightly drawn.

Isabelle's fingers twisted nervously at the hem of her shirt. She fidgeted, a nervous wreck, looking like she was wrestling with whether or not to keep quiet.

"Um... I'm just not sure if I should say it. It might make Stella look bad."

Stella?

What now?

Charles frowned deeper, instantly annoyed.

"She went to see Jason?"

His voice was tense, slow, and sharp as a knife.

His face grew darker by the second, even without a full explanation. The temperature in the air seemed to dip.

Isabelle bit her lip. She was practically itching to spill it.

"Yeah... I saw her go into his place. Not sure what they're up to."

That was the final trigger.

Charles's expression darkened instantly, gloomy like a thundercloud.

His mind flashed back to the time when Stella had demanded a divorce. Back then, he thought she was pulling the same old stunt-playing hard to get, trying to get him to notice her.

But now... she really was off seeing other men? And not just any man-his own friend?

Then the memory hit him-six years ago, when Stella had drugged him and climbed into his bed. His whole body went cold.

Was she really up to her dirty tricks again?

Without another word, he stormed off toward Jason's house, fists clenched.

Behind him, Isabelle held Olivia tighter and smiled faintly, covering the little girl's eyes.

"Don't look, baby. Aunt Stella's doing something bad."

Bang! Charles kicked the door open.

Inside, Stella was going over a music score. She jumped at the sudden noise, staring wide-eyed at Charles's raging face, completely confused.

"Charles? Why are you here?"

He made his way to her in a few angry strides, eyes practically spitting fire.

"Why? You really wanna ask me that? Stella, do you even have any shame? Sneaking into my friend's house to seduce him?"

He sneered and added with venom, "Trying to play the same old tricks you did back then?"

Those words-"seduce" and "same old tricks"-felt like invisible blades slicing right into Stella.

Her throat tightened. "Charles, I'm just here for a job. This is my work!"

Charles let out a cold laugh and stormed over, wrapping an arm tightly around her and squeezing her waist hard.

"Your work?" he repeated, eyes darkening. "So what, I haven't touched you in a while, and now you're so desperate you're out here taking jobs like this?"

The venom in his voice stung. Stella slapped him across the face without thinking, struggling like crazy to break free.

"Get off me, Charles. I came to drop off a score. I'm not disgusting like you."

Who did he think he was to judge her?

He was all cozy and lovey-dovey with his sweetheart Isabelle, living the good life.

"I'm disgusting? Stella, you better be careful with what you're saying, or-"

Just then Jason, the client and Charles's friend, stepped in.

"Charles, you've got it all wrong. Mrs. Hart is really just here to deliver the composition."

That hit Charles like a brick. Yeah, he remembered now-he'd been too busy, so he asked Jason to find a decent composer for him.

Jason had said all the big names were tied up, but money could fix that. Still, Charles wanted someone who'd actually put their heart into making something for Olivia.

And the one Jason found... was Stella?

Stella was still breathing hard, listening to Jason's explanation.

She suddenly recalled what Renee had said when she got the assignment.

A terrible thought hit her. She felt her knees go weak.

"Mr. Bennett," she asked, voice shaking, "you said this music piece was for a little girl who was just released from the hospital. What's the girl's name?"

When she took on this project, it was because she understood the pain. She had Sophie in mind the entire time she composed that melody-wishing her little girl could be free from pain too.

"Olivia."

Jason had recognized Stella the moment she walked in, but he didn't want to meddle in drama. Now that things had escalated, he figured out what happened.

Stella froze when she heard that name.

She stared, like she couldn't process it.

Charles had planned a whole event for Olivia... had commissioned a celebratory score for his other daughter.

And her Sophie?

Her Sophie never even got to see her dad before she passed.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bennett. I'm backing out."

Her voice cracked. She snatched up the score, but Charles was faster and stopped her.

"Stella, don't be ridiculous. You know the penalty for breaching the contract."

She scoffed. "Charles, I'd rather pay the damn fee than give you this music. You planned a party for Olivia-what about Sophie? Did she deserve to be ignored, to be forgotten?"

Her voice broke as tears welled up.

She couldn't stop thinking of those last moments with Sophie, while somewhere else Charles was planning some grand celebration for his other daughter.

Jason sighed, clearly uncomfortable.

"Mrs. Hart, Charles only wanted Olivia to smile again. This penalty... it's no small sum. Are you sure this is worth it? Can't we talk this through?"

"Mr. Bennett, thanks, but my mind's made up. I can't give you that music."

When she was writing that piece, all she thought of was Sophie.

Now Sophie was gone.

And they expected her to hand it over to Olivia? She just... couldn't.

Anyone else. Just not Olivia.

Charles's patience snapped. His tone dropped cold.

"Stella, don't push it. Do you really think you can afford to break this contract?"

Can't afford the penalty? Charles really underestimated her.

Without waiting for a response, Stella gripped the sheet music tight with both hands and tore it apart. Before he could stop her, she crouched down and ripped it into even smaller pieces, then tossed the fragments right onto his head.

"This is the score you wanted."

Her voice trembled as she spoke each word slowly. She was furious-even her chest hurt from the rage. Her head spun a little, but she forced herself to stand tall. No way was she going to fall apart in front of him.

Funny, wasn't it? She spent six years showing him every bit of her vulnerability without holding back. But he never offered an ounce of tenderness in return.

Charles was completely thrown by her sudden move. His face darkened, and he stormed forward, reaching out to grab Stella's wrist.

"Stella, are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you're doing?"

She staggered back a few steps, her body swaying, clearly struggling to stay upright.

"I'm not crazy. I've never been more clearheaded. This music? No way I'm giving it to Olivia."

Sophie, Mommy won't hand your song over to some other child. Never.

She felt dizzier by the second, a wave of nausea rising from her stomach. Pressing herself against the wall for support, her eyes still burned with defiance. She wasn't backing down one bit.

Watching her like this, Charles was reminded more and more of the reckless girl she used to be. Maybe the obedient, gentle side she showed the past six years was all fake.

He snapped out of his thoughts momentarily, his tone still cold.

"Really, Stella? So this is how tough you want to play it?"

Taking a shaky breath, she bit her lip. Her lips had gone pale from strain. "I can pay fifty thousand-that's what we agreed when I took the job."

Charles raised an eyebrow, letting out a mocking chuckle.

"Fifty thousand? Stella, you seem confused. You're three days overdue already. Based on the contract, that's ten times the original amount-five hundred thousand."

Half a million?

Stella's mind went blank. She forced a sarcastic smile through the overwhelm.

There was no way she could pull that kind of money together. But caving in? Giving up just like that? Then she wouldn't be a mother worthy of Sophie.

"Charles, are you seriously gonna be this heartless?"

He had once shared her bed, knew her better than anyone. And maybe that was exactly why he knew where to hurt her most.

He knew she couldn't afford that much. He wasn't trying to negotiate-he was trying to crush her. All because of his precious mistress's daughter, Olivia.

Yet Sophie, their daughter, never even got a shred of affection. How could someone be so outrageously biased?

Charles scowled. "You brought this on yourself. If you had just handed over the music, none of this would've happened."

Stella looked at him, suddenly feeling strangely calm. A bitter smile crept up on her lips. "Fine. Five hundred thousand it is. I'll find a way to pay you back, little by little. But don't expect me to do a damn thing for your sweetheart's daughter."

With that, she turned to leave.

Charles reacted instantly, rushing after her and grabbing her arm.

"If you walk out now, don't think you'll get away so easily. And stop dragging Sophie into this-she's not your bargaining chip."

Sophie?

Stella let out a dry laugh. Oh, so he still remembered Sophie? What a joke.

She shoved his hand off with all her remaining strength, her body swaying dangerously.

"Let me say this one last time-Sophie's gone. She died while you were throwing a birthday party for Olivia with your precious Isabelle."

Charles froze, but the storm on his face only intensified. He yanked her arm, his eyes dark with fury."Stella, you're seriously heartless. Cursing your own daughter again and again, I-"

Before Charles could finish, Stella's knees gave out and she collapsed right into his arms.

"This trick won't work on me. I'm telling you, you still have to-"

He didn't finish either. In that instant, Charles realized something was very wrong. Stella's face was colorless, and her lips were pale and dry.

"Jason!"

Jason had already rushed over by the time Charles called out. Spotting Stella passed out in his arms, his brow immediately furrowed hard.

"You really had to push her this far? That's twice now she's fainted. Her body's in terrible shape."

"I'm starting to think you're abusing her."

Charles looked grim, voice sharp. "Cut the nonsense and help her out."

Jason sighed and shrugged, then helped lay Stella on the bed.

"Last time, I told you-her condition's because of emotional stress and skipping meals. She needs real rest. And now you pissed her off again? No wonder she passed out. She probably hasn't eaten. We need to get nutrients in her, fast."

He worked quickly, giving her an IV with nutrients.

Charles stood next to the bed, quietly watching her frail, bloodless face.

Then, wordlessly, he crouched and started picking up the pieces of the shredded musical score one by one. Jason glanced over and raised his brows.

"You're trying to piece that back together?"

"Yeah. It matters."

Knowing better than to meddle, Jason said nothing more.

It wasn't clear how much time passed before Stella's eyes finally fluttered open.

She blinked at the unfamiliar room and then turned to see Charles sitting by the bed. The memory of what had happened came rushing back.

She tried to push herself up.

Seeing this, Charles instinctively moved to help her, only for her to slap his hand away abruptly.

"Don't touch me!"

Her voice was laced with disgust.

Charles's brows drew together. He opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but ended up silent.

At that moment, Jason stepped in and gave a little sigh of relief. "Thank god you're awake. You're still really weak-try not to move too much."

Stella looked between Jason and Charles, then let out a cold laugh.

"What, scared I'd die before I paid back your precious penalty fee?"

Charles frowned and said sternly, "Stella, stop twisting things. I want to see Sophie."

She cut him off right away, "I already told you-you're never seeing her again."

Charles didn't feel like arguing. He grabbed a tuna sandwich sitting on the side table.

"Eat this."

But Stella wasn't buying it for a second.

"Not hungry."

Seeing tension spark between them again, Jason stepped in quickly.

"Alright, enough. Miss Johnson, your health's the priority. Let's deal with the penalty stuff when you're back on your feet."

If it weren't for their ridiculous contract, she wouldn't be in this mess to begin with. Now they want to come off like the good guys?

"No need. I'll pay it. Every cent. I owe you nothing."

With that, she swung her legs off the bed, dead set on leaving.

Charles's expression darkened as he reached out to stop her again. "Look at yourself right now. Where do you think you're going? Stop pushing it."

That stubborn look in her eyes only made his jaw tighten. Without a word, he grabbed her chin, forcing her face toward him.

With his other hand, he picked up a sandwich, tore off a chunk with his fingers, and shoved it against her lips.

"Eat it," he growled.

She turned her head away, but he held her still.

"I said-eat."

But then his phone rang out of nowhere. He let go and put the sandwich back where it was.

That ringtone-he knew it well. Isabelle.

He answered with a softened voice, "Hey, what's up?"

Isabelle's soft voice drifted through the phone speaker.

"Charles, Olivia's been asking for you non-stop. She misses you so much. Can't you come home and spend some time with her?"

Barely a second later, a tender little voice followed.

"Daddy, I miss you."

Charles's expression softened in a flash, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. He responded in a gentle tone,

"Okay, sweetheart, Daddy's coming right away. Stay put, I'll be there soon."

As soon as he hung up, he turned to look at Stella. The warmth in his eyes vanished in an instant, his voice clipped and almost commanding.

"Stella, eat. Otherwise, you're not leaving."

Charles could've been an actor the way he switched faces-Stella felt a chill in her chest watching his sudden shift.

Same kind of love, but completely different treatment. Just because Olivia missed him a little, he rushed to coddle her like she was made of glass.

But her daughter, Sophie... in her final moments, all Sophie wanted was to see her dad.

Even that small wish never came true.

The memory hit her like a punch to the chest. She struggled to breathe under the ache.

Charles's favoritism-it was like a thorn constantly lodged in her heart.

"Charles, just go. Stop pretending in front of me. Don't worry, I'm not dying."

Stella fought back tears, voice cold.

Charles frowned irritably, pressing his tongue against his cheek like he wanted to say something-but stopped himself.

Then he grabbed his coat and walked out without another word or even a glance back.

As she watched his silhouette disappear, her tears finally spilled over.

Four years of crushing hard, six years of marriage-ten years of love.

How could she ever let go that easy?

But deep down she knew-he never loved her. Never had.

She had carried the whole act alone, playing both roles in this twisted love story.

Now it was finally time to drop the curtain on this show.

She'd find out the truth behind Johnson Corporation's fall-then leave him for good.

Jason had been standing nearby. He stepped closer and gently said,

"Mrs. Hart, don't be too upset. You've got to take care of yourself."

Stella looked up at him and spoke, slightly apologetic,

"Mr. Bennett, thank you. Talking to you has been nice. Sorry things turned out this way."

"It's alright. If we get the chance, I'd love to invite you to collaborate on a piece-personally. Would you be interested?"

Even though she couldn't stand Charles, business was business. She managed a small smile.

"Sure, no problem. Just call Renee-I'll fit it in."

Jason nodded, then added,

"If you ever need anything, just ask. I'll help however I can."

Stella didn't say much more and turned to leave.

Just then, Jason stepped forward with a plate in hand, a grilled tuna sandwich.

"Mrs. Hart, do it for yourself. And for Sophie, like you said. Just have a little-it's good for you."

Hearing Sophie's name made her eyes blur with fresh tears.

Hands trembling slightly, she took the bowl and choked out,

"Thank you, Mr. Bennett."

"You're welcome."

The sandwich wasn't even made by Jason-it was from Charles. Jason didn't really know what was going on with his friend anymore.

He also had the finished music score in hand, yet Charles didn't mention a word. He still wanted Stella to pay the full penalty fee.

As if five million really meant anything to him.

"Mrs. Hart-"

Jason started to say more, then stopped himself.

"What is it?"

"Nothing. Just... take care."Stella let out a soft "mm" as she dragged her tired body out of the villa.

At the same time, Charles rushed back inside.

As soon as he saw Olivia, he scooped her into his arms, his voice soft and full of affection.

"Did you miss Daddy, sweetheart? Come, let Daddy see if you've been good."

Olivia melted against his chest, her little voice as sweet as honey.

"Mommy missed Daddy too. Daddy and Mommy need to hold hands~"

She waved her chubby hand toward Isabelle, clearly wanting the two of them to hold hands.

Standing to the side, Isabelle's cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her eyes with a shy smile, slowly reaching out her hand.

But Charles didn't even look her way. Instead, he twirled Olivia around in his arms, grinning.

"You're such a little mischief-maker. How about Daddy takes you for a plane ride?"

"Yes please~!"

Olivia clapped her hands in excitement.

He lifted her up onto his shoulders and carried her around the house as if she were flying.

It wasn't the first time this had happened. Isabelle's eyes flickered slightly-if his refusal to acknowledge her last time could be chalked up to awkward timing, this time it was clearly on purpose.

If Olivia hadn't brought up "Daddy and Mommy," Isabelle was pretty sure Charles would've flat-out shut her down.

-

At the airport.

Old Mrs. Hart had just landed and wasted no time in dialing Stella's number.

When Stella saw the caller ID, something unreadable flashed in her eyes. She hesitated for a second before hitting accept.

"Stella, darling, I'm back in the country! I called you the moment I landed. I've missed you so much. How have you and Charles been lately?"

Stella's throat tightened the moment she heard the old lady's voice. Her eyes warmed and grew misty.

She took a deep breath, tried hard to keep her voice calm.

"I missed you too, Grandma. Charles and I... things haven't been great. I'm planning to divorce him."

There was a beat of shocked silence on the other end, then Old Mrs. Hart's voice shot up in volume.

"Divorce? No way! Did that brat do something to you? I'll set him straight!"

Stella bit her lip so hard it turned pale.

After a pause, she pushed herself to say it.

"Grandma... too many things have gone wrong these past few years between me and Charles, I just can't keep going. And..."

She faltered, the thought of Sophie stabbing into her chest. "Sophie..."

She couldn't finish. She just couldn't do that to Grandma.

"Sophie? What about her? Has she grown taller? I haven't seen her in ages, I miss her so much."

Stella blinked back tears. She couldn't say it. Instead, she lied, gently.

"Grandma, Sophie went abroad for treatment. She's in good hands there, no need to worry."

"Abroad? Her condition isn't stable again? Poor thing... and you didn't go with her? Being all alone must be so scary for her."

That broke something in Stella. The tears burst out before she could stop them.

"Stella? Why are you crying? Is Sophie okay?"

The old lady immediately picked up on her change in tone.

Stella couldn't let her know. She sucked in a breath, her nose red from crying.

"It's happy tears, Grandma. She's doing better. Going abroad gives her better care. Sophie said she wanted to try being independent."

Old Mrs. Hart finally sounded relieved. "Oh thank goodness. That's our brave girl-so young and already independent, what a trooper."

"But about the divorce, absolutely not. I'm going to have a serious talk with that grandson of mine when I get back. This is no way to treat you or Sophie!"

Stella knew Grandma had always supported her and Charles being together-but that was the past.

Now... things were different.

She couldn't afford to love him anymore.

"Grandma, I have to go through with the divorce."