Chapter 16

"Ma'am, I'll whip up your favorite breakfast," Marimar said quickly before rushing away from Stella.

Stella wanted to stop her, but Marimar was already gone. Turning back to Charles, she sensed a strange emotion in his eyes. Despite her disbelief, it seemed like a touch of longing lingered in his gaze.

Charles, briefly adrift, blinked, regaining his focus. He couldn't quite grasp his earlier emotions. "Good to see you haven't completely forgotten about Grandpa," he commented.

Stella's anger flared at his words. She doubted her own eyes from before. Charles stayed as arrogant as ever, showing no kindness toward her. He still saw her only as a gold digger and a fake.

She replied, "I'm not here for trouble. I didn't come to chat with you."

Charles paused, taken aback by Stella's icy tone. He looked into her eyes, but they held no emotion. It dawned on him that she had changed. He missed the warmth and pleading in her gaze she used to show him.

Quickly, Stella turned away, uncomforta