Chapter 14

An hour. It takes an hour more and Stella will finally meet the Castigados in person. Well, last night before going to bed she researched them again. They were all big-time people and they look intimidating enough in photos.

Stella can't help chewing on her lower lip as she looks outside through the window. With every passing moment, the time is running out. Her hands were sweating, it gets harder to breathe too. She doesn't know if she looks pleasing enough. She's nervous to the bones.

"You're hand is sweating," Charles told her.

"I'm sorry." She removed her hand from his and wipe it on her dress. "I'm terrified," she softly said.

Charles took her hand again, pressing it which made her gaze up at him. He brought his hand close and kiss the back of her hand. Then he smiled at her.

"It's fine," he reassures her. "I'll be there with you, okay?"

What he said doesn't entirely help her. It's not him that needs an introduction, it's her! The pressure is on her, all on her!

"Is your family really not that scary?" she asked. "Because according to what I read online, they're all professionals."

"You should not believe what you read online. Just don't get close to Jason. He is all you should avoid."

"You seem to hate Jason a lot. Is there a feud between you two?"

Charles breathes in deeply and blew it out. "We are rivals. From the public eyes and to our selection as heir now, we fight to be on top."

"Hmm... so it's not about some girl," she murmurs but Charles still heard her, making him scoff.

"Why would it be about some girl?" he asked, brows slightly drawn together. Stella looks away, holding her breath. Then she hears him snort. "You can't be serious? You think I'm a player?"

"I didn't say anything," she twitched her lips to one side, avoiding his gaze. "You said it."

"I actually liked Vanessa that night. She invited me in and I do not do that kind of move every time." He had to make it clear to her. Stella only rolled her eyes. "I'm serious, baby!"

"Talk to yourself, Charles."

"Oh, come on, baby! Let's not fight when we're halfway there!" He tossed his head back, leaning against the headrest.

Now, Stella isn't that nervous thanks to Charles calling her baby again. She should try what she practiced for days, smiling and being gentle around everybody in that house. The problem is just how? How will she pull it?

***

Jason knew that Charles would be arriving any moment soon. He just can't hide that evil smirk on his lips. Just imagining Charles' face when he sees him. It excites him.

Soon enough, Jason's secretary told him of his cousin's arrival and he couldn't get any happier. He got off the bed and did some neck stretches before going out of his room, humming.

At the grand staircase, he could hear voices. It must be the introductions from the family to Charles' girlfriend. They are really welcoming her, huh? Well, they don't have much of a choice.

Jason glanced over the handrail and exactly as he did that, he met such eyes like the golden sun. It was only for a second since she looked away and started smiling at the rest of the family.

Enchanting eyes, he thought to himself as he continues to descend the staircase. When Charles saw him, he displayed a smile.

"Hey, Charles!" he greeted, making everybody turn to him. He noticed Charles wrapping his hand around the so-called girlfriend with amber eyes. "Long time no see!"

"I believe, we've seen each other last month. And with the selection around, we'll be seeing each other more," Charles said with a straight face. "How unfortunate."

Jason replied with a smile and shifted his gaze to the lady in front of him. He can't help but look her in the eyes.

"I'm sure Charles had told you about me," he said, reaching a hand. "You are?"

"Stella. Stella Lacrone," she answers. Even her voice is sweet yet it has that precise tone in it.

As she was about to take Jason's hand, Charles took her hand first. Jason glanced at his cousin, a corner of his mouth up as he withdraws his hand.

"Seems like Charles don't want me to touch you. He's always been like that." Jason sighed heavily. "Anyways, nice to meet you, Stella Lacrone."

As the women of the house receive Stella further, Jason needed to exit. He excused himself with a business meeting, something he knows that Charles won't believe.

"I will see you all at dinner," he said and glance at Stella with a charming smile. "Welcome to the family Castigado."

Right after that, he exits the mansion with his car, driving around the city, grinning. Looks like there are other ways he can piss Charles off. If he could get closer to amber eyes, he can surely win on Charles.

"Stella Lacrone," he murmurs when he stopped at a red light. She's the woman Charles slept with, the woman Vanessa betrayed. How much did he pay for her?

At a studio, Jason visited the one and only Vanessa. She had a lovely smile while talking to her model friends. But as soon as someone announced Jason's presence, her smile immediately faded.

Jason called her and heard the cheering from the people around them. They actually thought that he is courting her. He would never!

"What is it?" she asked the moment she was in front of him.

To make the best out of the issue, Jason decided to top it out by tucking a hair strand against Vanessa's hair, earning another cheer. She was looking down and scared but they think she was shy.

"Stella Lacrone. That's your friend's name isn't it?" When he felt her frozen, he cupped her face so they can see eye to eye. He gave her a fake smile. "See me later when work is done. We have some things to talk about."

Vanessa swallowed hard, nodding at him. She was shaking, afraid of the crime she had committed. Setting up a genuine friend just so she could have her dream, she know it was wrong but she did it anyway.