At this mont, Shane Donovan and Aidan Sterling returned to the living room one after the other.
Just as they stepped in, Shane Donovan saw Stella Sterling sitting cross-legged on the sofa, holding a phone, her face scrunched up, staring directly at the screen, unaware of their arrival.
Shane Donovan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and just as he was about to speak, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He took out the phone and glanced at the caller ID—Evan Hughes.
Calling at this ti?
He swiped the answer button and put the phone to his ear: "Speak."
On the other end, Evan Hughes’ voice was unusually devoid of his usual carefree tone, instead carrying a sense of urgency and seriousness, speaking quickly.
Shane Donovan listened without much expression on his face, just his deep eyes narrowing slightly, a cold glint passing through them.
"Understood." He responded indifferently with just those words, and decisively hung up the phone.
Putting away his phone, he turned to look at Aidan Sterling and Stella Sterling, his tone calm: "Sothing happened at ho, I won’t stay long."
Aidan Sterling was just picking up a cup of water to drink, paused mid-action, raised an eyebrow at him, "Alright, go ahead and leave..."
Shane Donovan nodded, then glanced at Stella Sterling once more, before turning to walk towards the door.
Sothing happened to the Donovan Family?
Was it the dia leak she just saw?
Stella Sterling pursed her lips, as if suddenly recalling sothing, jumped up from the sofa, didn’t even bother to put on her shoes properly, and dashed out in her slippers.
"Shane Donovan!"
In the courtyard, the winter sunlight carried a weak warmth, landing on the man’s dark-gray coat.
Shane Donovan heard the sound and paused, turning around.
Stella Sterling ran up to him, out of breath, her cheeks flushed due to the hurried run.
"Is it because of Grace Quinn’s news?" She looked up eagerly, "I saw the push notifications! Saying she’s your father’s illegitimate daughter? That’s utter nonsense! I know what’s going on!"
Shane Donovan looked down at her, his gaze deep, remaining silent as if waiting for her to continue.
Stella Sterling took a deep breath, spilling out all the information she knew rapidly: "Grace Quinn should be Philip Donovan’s daughter! I’ve found that Audrey Quinn and Philip Donovan have a close relationship, with many secret exchanges—funds, trips, and hotel records all match up! It’s definitely those mother and daughter stirring up trouble, trying to confuse the facts, and taking the opportunity to let Grace Quinn claim lineage with the Donovan Family!"
She finished in one breath, nervously watching Shane Donovan, afraid he wouldn’t believe her, and added: "I have evidence! Though not very ample, it’s quite indicative!"
Shane Donovan quietly listened to her finish, observing her chest slightly heaving with agitation, originally cold and stern brows and eyes subtly softened.
He suddenly let out a low chuckle, stepping forward.
His tall figure imdiately enveloped her, carrying an invisible sense of pressure.
Stella Sterling’s heartbeat skipped at his sudden approach, instinctively wanting to retreat, but he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her forward.
"Our Little Counselor Sterling," his voice was deep and teasingly magnetic, "Are you worrying about ?"
"Who’s worrying about you!" She retorted, "I’m advocating for legal fairness! Exposing the truth! Can’t let the villains succeed!"
"Oh?" Shane Donovan raised an eyebrow, voice drawn out, lifting his other hand to gently brush away the stray hairs beside her cheek, the gesture ambiguous yet fond, "Is that all?"
His fingertips were slightly cool, touching her sensitive ear, Stella Sterling trembled all over, like a cat whose tail was stepped on, quickly swatted his hand away.
"Shane Donovan! I’m talking business with you!" She was both embarrassed and annoyed, glaring at him, "Can you be serious!"
Seeing her riled up, the amusent in Shane Donovan’s eyes grew deeper.
Instead of restraining himself, he inclined his head closer, with his thin lips almost touching her forehead, warm breath falling:
"I am serious." He lowered his voice further, "Seriously thinking... how co my fiancée is so adorable."
"!!!"
Stella Sterling’s face flushed crimson in a blast, even her neck turned rosy.
This shaless rogue!
At such a ti, still having the mind to flirt with her!
"Hurry up and leave!" She pushed his sturdy chest in exasperation, feeling it hard as a rock, unable to push him away, "Go handle your family affairs! Don’t act like a rogue here!"
Shane Donovan took her little hands that were pushing him and wrapped them in his palms.
His palms were warm and dry, with a reassuring strength.
"Don’t worry." He put away the joking expression, looking at her calmly, "They’re just clowns, won’t stir up any storms."
He gently pulled her into a hug.
It was a brief yet solid embrace.
Stella Sterling’s cheek rested against the cool fabric of his coat, able to sll the fresh woody scent mixed faintly with tobacco, creating a unique and heart-throbbing aroma.
Her heartbeat went erratic, her mind blank, forgetting to struggle.
"Wait for to co back." He whispered in her ear.
He released her after speaking, turning around striding toward the black Bentley parked at the gate.
Stella Sterling stood in place, watching his silhouette disappear behind the car door, the engine starting, the car swiftly driving away.
Not until the taillights vanished did she slowly raise her hand, covering her still pounding heart.
Her cheeks were blazing, earlobes hot, the hand he held, the waist he wrapped, the forehead he neared...
Everywhere he touched seed to leave an invisible imprint, scorching and hard to endure.
"Bastard..." She muttered softly, yet her lips unconsciously curved into a faint angle.
...
Inside the Bentley, the atmosphere was icy.
Shane Donovan leaned back in the rear seat, resting his eyes, fingers unconsciously rubbing the spot he held Stella Sterling’s wrist earlier, as if still feeling the delicate texture.
The driver glanced in the rearview mirror carefully, asking, "President Donovan, back to the old residence?"
"Mhm." Shane Donovan didn’t even lift his eyelid, replied faintly.
He took out his phone, quickly dialing a number, issuing commands concisely, his voice calm without a ripple.
"Find out where the news originated from."
"Contact all major dia platforms, I don’t want to see any further discussions related."
"Prepare all exchange records between Audrey Quinn and Philip Donovan, especially hotel bookings and fund transfers."
"Also... notify the old residence I’ll be there in half an hour."
Each instruction was clear and precise, carrying a sharp decisiveness.
After hanging up, he closed his eyes again...
Philip Donovan—
His good uncle...
I underestimated him before!
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