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."

"No way, I'm stepping in! You two can't just split like this. Wait there, I'm telling my grandson to come apologize to you properly-right now."

After hanging up Stella's call, Old Mrs. Hart didn't waste a second and dialed Charles.

The phone barely rang a couple times before he answered, and Old Mrs. Hart let years of pent-up fury explode.

"Charles, you brat! What the hell have you been up to out there? You bullying Stella again? She's talking divorce and you still don't get how badly you've screwed up?"

Charles was in the middle of playing with Olivia when his grandma's voice came blaring from the phone-loud enough to scare anyone standing even a meter away.

Startled, Olivia's little body twitched, those wide innocent eyes quickly filling with fear.

He immediately began gently patting her back, whispering comfort to calm her down before setting her on the couch nearby.

Then he stepped into a quieter corner and sighed. "Grandma, please calm down. It's not what you think, really."

"Not what I think?" Old Mrs. Hart snapped. "Look at yourself-you've hurt Stella so bad she's done with you. Sophie's out of the country for treatment, and you're still cozying up with some other woman and her kid! Do you even have a conscience left?"

The more she talked, the more pissed she got. She had never liked that scheming Isabelle anyway. In her eyes, the woman was the reason Charles and Stella's marriage went downhill.

Charles was clearly annoyed, but he held back and tried to explain.

"Grandma, I just found out about Sophie going abroad for her treatment too. And there's really nothing going on between me and Isabelle. I was just keeping Olivia company, that's all."

"Nothing going on," huh?

Isabelle happened to hear that part loud and clear. Her face twisted with jealousy, and she bit down so hard on her lip that it almost bled. The plate she was holding slipped from her trembling hands and crashed to the floor, sending shards flying with a sharp crack.

The sound echoed harshly through the living room.

"Save it!" Old Mrs. Hart barked. "You're going to Stella's right now. Apologize properly, fix this mess. If she gets hurt any more because of you, don't expect me to let it slide!"

Charles shut his eyes for a second, worn out and clearly reluctant, but he had no choice with grandma pushing him like this.

"Alright, Grandma. I got it. I'll go talk to Stella."

The moment he hung up, his face darkened.

It had to be Stella running to his grandmother, playing the victim and spinning the story. No wonder the old lady was fuming.

Typical Stella-always throwing a tantrum.

Not long ago, she'd ripped up his sheet music and shouted about divorce like it was some kind of joke.

Obviously just trying to get a reaction out of him-so childish.

Right then, the little girl bounced over to his side and looked up with wide eyes, her voice soft like cotton.

"Daddy, don't be mad."

Who wouldn't melt at a sweet little angel like that? Some of the tension in his chest eased right away.

He couldn't help but think of Sophie-his Sophie was just as adorable, only quieter and more reserved.

Charles gently ruffled Olivia's hair. "It's okay, Olivia. Be good, alright? I have to go out for a bit. Listen to your mom while I'm gone, and I'll be back soon."Olivia nodded obediently, her soft little voice calling out, "Okay~ Daddy, come back soon."

Charles stood up, grabbing his coat. Before he left, he glanced at Isabelle.

"I'm heading out. Take care of Olivia."

Looking at her daughter's innocent face, a thought suddenly popped into Isabelle's mind. She crouched down, resting both hands gently on Olivia's shoulders.

"Olivia sweetie, you know that Stella and her daughter Sophie also want Daddy's love. Daddy used to be able to play with you, tell you stories... but now he has to go see them instead. He can't always stay with my baby girl anymore."

She paused for a second, then continued, "So, maybe don't cling to Daddy all the time, okay?"

Olivia's little mouth pouted, clearly upset.

"But Mommy, I don't want her to take Daddy away from me."

Isabelle pulled Olivia into her arms and gently patted her back.

"My sweet girl, if you don't want that to happen, you've got to work hard to make Daddy stay. Otherwise, Stella will take him and we might never see him again."

The little girl trembled a bit as tears welled up in her eyes. Just thinking about not having Daddy around made her panic.

She clutched at Isabelle's sleeve, voice shaky with sobs.

"Mommy, I don't want Daddy to leave, I want him with me forever."

The tears poured down her chubby cheeks. She cried harder and harder, even struggling to catch her breath, tiny shoulders shaking.

Isabelle gently wiped her tears and continued coaxing.

"Olivia, baby, if you behave and act really sweet and sensible, Daddy will like you more. Then he won't leave with Stella, okay?"

Sniffling, Olivia nodded, her little face full of sorrow.

She had to keep Daddy around. She couldn't let Stella take him away.

"But Mommy... if Daddy only loves me, what about Sophie? Won't she miss him too?"

Isabelle looked at her like she couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could this kid still worry about someone else at a time like this?

"My good girl, you're way too kind. Don't forget-Stella tried to hurt you. They don't care about you at all, you know."

-

Charles sat in the car, frowning as he turned on the stereo with irritation.

Stella had gone straight to Grandma to complain. Unbelievable. No wonder Grandma had chewed him out.

He was absolutely going to have a word with Stella about this.

Not long after, his car pulled up in front of the old Johnson family house.

The second he stepped into the living room, Old Mrs. Hart shot up from her seat, pointing at him, her voice thunderous.

"Charles, just look what you've done! You've been staying at Isabelle's? That's disgraceful! You've thrown the entire Hart family's reputation in the trash!"

Charles' eyes turned cold, his voice clipped and chilly.

"Grandma, I wanted to marry Isabelle back then. You know exactly why that didn't happen."

Old Mrs. Hart trembled with anger at his words. She slammed her hand on the table so hard the teacups practically jumped, some of the tea spilling over.

"How dare you bring that up again! If it weren't for-"

Stella set her teacup down, cutting in before the argument could get worse.

"Grandma. Charles. Please stop. There's really nothing to argue about. If you want, you can come with me-we're getting divorced."