"He's so old, a fall like this could be really bad for him.""Grandpa fell at Stella's place, and no one from her family is even here. Aren't they gonna take responsibility?"The Jewells were clearly trying to put the blame on Stella.Stella didn't say anything, just looked down."Enough! All this noise!"Arthur wasn't happy with their so-called 'concern'. "Everyone out, now!" he shouted, looking annoyed.The room went quiet.One by one, they all left.Stella started to go, too, but Arthur stopped her. "Stella, get me some water."She turned back around.Her uncles and aunts gave each other a look, then closed the door behind them.Stella filled a glass and put a straw near Arthur's lips. He took a couple sips and lay back."Where's Keegan?" Arthur whispered."He was here but had to leave for something," Stella said, looking down.Arthur didn't say anything."I'm sorry," Stella said softly, clenching her hand.Arthur smiled. "What for? You didn't do anything wrong."St
Arthur knew people well. He'd lived a long time and seen a lot, including what his family was really after.He was nearing ninety, outliving even some of his own kids. Over the years, his grandkids became distant, especially after his kids passed away. He spent years mostly alone, with family rarely visiting. But the moment he got that compensation money, everyone became caring relatives again.He knew they were after his money.He'd lived long enough to stop caring about things like money. He also knew that once he gave it away, no one would bother with him anymore.So, when he still had what everyone wanted, he moved to Rivera, and they all let him because he had the cash. Then, he saw Stella on TV and realized he wanted to see his great-granddaughter again.Stella was different. She cared about his health and well-being, always putting others before herself.Stella held back her tears and spoke softly, "I'll make the Kane family say sorry to you."Arthur shook his head. "That
Anthony tugged at Elaine's sleeve, signaling her to quit talking.Anthony figured they all worked for Albert's business, so it wasn't a good idea to pass the buck over something like this.Albert looked around at the silent group and said, "No one's paying for this but me, alright?"Elaine responded, "Brother, that's not what I mean. We can handle the bills. But Grandpa's old and this fall's not gonna help his health. We need to talk about who's gonna take care of him after he leaves the hospital."She had a point.It was an issue they'd talked about before when Arthur was doing better. But back then, they were more interested in his money than in him. Arthur had been stubborn about not living with any of them, so the topic had been dropped. But Elaine brought it up again because of his accident.Albert wasn't after Arthur's money. He was well-off already. But he did want a piece of land that Arthur owned. Albert thought this situation might be a chance to get closer to Arthur an
Stella felt her heart drop, thinking Keegan was protecting Aurora."Wow, Mr. Kane, how noble of you. What do you think my great-grandpa's going to do? He's too old to lay a hand on her. Let go!"Keegan held his grip, speaking softly, "Stella, think. What's going to happen if you actually slap her?"Stella said nothing."Great-grandpa's still in the hospital," Keegan continued. "Do you think he'd recover peacefully knowing you fought with my family?"Stella stared at him. "He wouldn't be in the hospital if not for Aurora.""That's why I brought her—to apologize and make amends."Stella shook off his grip. "Money isn't the answer, Keegan. I won't forget this," she said, walking away.No longer wanting to confront Aurora, Stella stood quietly to the side.Albert was surprised to see Dahlia and her family. Dahlia asked how Arthur was, then headed into his room without even checking if he was awake.Arthur was awake. His expression changed when he saw Keegan. "Ah, Keegan," he said
Albert paused, a little taken aback. "Alright then."Everyone turned to look at Arthur. He had a calm look on his face as he said, "Give the card back."Dahlia quickly spoke up, "It's just a little help from our side."Lydia chimed in, "Dad, you got hurt because of her daughter. Hospital stays aren't cheap. They're just doing what they should."Arthur looked at Lydia. "The fall isn't why I'm in the hospital. Taking the card would be like blackmail. Give it back."Feeling cornered, Albert returned the card to Dahlia.Dahlia's face tightened a bit. "If you need help some other way, let us know."Arthur waved his hand dismissively. "Her apology is enough. You all can leave now."Albert, worried Dahlia might take offense, whispered to Arthur, "Dad, they just got here."Arthur frowned, unphased. "This room is cramped as it is. I can barely breathe with all these people. You want me to suffocate?"Albert was at a loss for words.Dahlia's face didn't look too happy either. She thoug
Stella paused and spun around. "Excuse me? What did you just say?"Aurora grinned. "I said it seems like your family is more into money than morals. But your aunt's more upfront about it."Her phone rang and she picked up, walking away. "Yeah, where are we meeting tonight? The Dawn again? Alright, see you there."Stella's eyes narrowed as she watched Aurora walk away.Back at the hospital, Keegan had arranged for a caregiver just for Arthur.After hanging around for a bit, Stella said she had to go for some work commitments and left.Keegan sat there, peeling an orange for Arthur.Arthur wasn't really hungry and said quietly, "You should go too. Stella didn't seem too happy today. Why not go spend some time with her?"Thinking of the way Stella had looked at him earlier, Keegan felt uneasy."I'll go after you eat two more slices," he replied softly.Arthur quickly popped two orange slices into his mouth. "Alright, off you go. I need to get some sleep."Keegan gave his number
The car door slammed shut, and the vehicle took off."I have to go, I'll call you back," Trevor quickly said into his phone and hung up. "Xavier, follow that black SUV. But keep some distance; don't let them know we're trailing them."Xavier nodded and hit the gas, keeping the black SUV in sight.The SUV was careful, avoiding main roads and surveillance cameras, eventually slipping into an alley. Xavier parked their car at the other end and waited. A white minivan emerged from the alley, but the black SUV was nowhere in sight."Something's off," Xavier said, puzzled. "That alley is just half a mile long with no other exits. There's no way that SUV is still in there."Trevor grinned, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "She's given us the slip.""You think she was in that minivan?" Xavier asked, perplexed."It's the only explanation," Trevor said. "The alley is too narrow for the SUV to hide, and it didn't come out. They must've switched cars. Clever."Xavier's eyes widened. "Are y
Stella squinted at the bright car light before seeing Trevor's Bentley pull up. "Hi, Mr. Saun," she greeted cautiously.Trevor offered to drive her home, but Stella hesitated. "My husband's working late. Would you mind giving me a ride?"Once in the car, Stella was visibly cold. Trevor told his driver, Xavier, to turn up the heat, and Stella thanked him.Trevor eyed her curiously, making Stella a bit uncomfortable. Offering her water, he asked, "Would you like some?""I'm not thirsty, thank you," she replied, avoiding the bottle."Alright, let's head to Royalpark then," Trevor suggested."Actually, could you take me to the city hospital?" Stella countered.Trevor looked concerned. "Are you not feeling well, Mrs. Kane?""Nope." Stella paused before she continued, "One of my family members is staying there."Trevor stopped asking questions and told Xavier to start driving.When they arrived at the hospital, Stella was about to get out of the car, but Trevor stopped her. "Mrs. K