Chapter 63

Chapter 63:
Marc stared at the officer, frustration evident in his voice. “Let me out, or I’ll have my lawyer contact you.”
The officer didn’t flinch. “You’re welcome to call your lawyer, but it won’t change the fact that you’re not going anywhere tonight. You’re under investigation for intellectual property infringement. The opposing company has already submitted evidence. Until we sort this out, you stay put.”
That was the final blow. Marc slouched back in the hard chair, jaw clenched. He had planned to find Stella, to talk things through, maybe even fix everything. Now, that hope was shattered.
To make matters worse, Jazlyn and Haley were still sobbing beside him. Their constant sniffles and dramatic cries were grating on his nerves.
Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table. “Enough already! What are you even crying for? You two worked together to hurt Stella, didn’t you?”
The outburst silenced them. Jazlyn choked on her sobs. Haley glared at him, her lips trembling.
She couldn’t understand why everything was going in Stella’s favor. First, Stella had married Marc, then William showed up, practically shielding her from harm.
Haley was almost certain that William had intervened and ruined her entire plan. Why was Stella always so lucky? Why did men like Marc and William gravitate toward her?
Marc, who used to be so gentle with Haley, had been cold and irritable with her all day. The injustice burned inside her.
The next morning, the sun rose on what should’ve been a milestone day at the institute—the start of the confidential research project.
The lobby buzzed with activity. Selected members stood with their luggage, excited and proud. Those not chosen gathered to see them off.
Stella stood off to the side, quietly observing. On the surface, she was calm, but her eyes betrayed the disappointment she felt.
She had poured so much into this project, fully believing that her skills and dedication would earn her a spot. But in the end, she had overestimated herself. Now, she could only watch as the others chased a dream she thought would be hers.
Her suitcase was already packed. Not for the project, but for something far more personal. She had made up her mind to step away and focus on the divorce.
Last night’s drama had drawn too much attention, and she needed space. She had already informed the institute of her planned leave, and her superiors had not objected. After the project team left, she walked into the office to submit her leave request.
Her supervisor looked at her with a kind expression. “Stella, sometimes a break is a good thing. Come back when you’re ready.”
She forced a smile and nodded.
Her supervisor saw the disappointment in her eyes and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. There will always be other chances.”
“I know,” Stella replied softly. “I’ll be okay… eventually.”
Dragging her suitcase behind her, she made her way toward the exit.
Just as she neared the door of the institute, she saw Lainey rush in.
Lainey spotted her immediately, sprinted over, and grabbed her hand, panting and wide-eyed.
“Stella! Don’t go out—Marc’s at the institute gate. He’s causing a huge scene!”
Stella froze. Marc?
With all the charges against him, how could he be out already? Was he here because of what happened last night at the gala? Maybe he wanted to confront her.
“Who knows what kind of tricks he pulled to get out so quickly!” Lainey muttered, clearly shaken.
Lainey didn’t want Stella to face him. After all, Marc had once hit her. Who knew what he was capable of now?
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped the handle of Stella’s suitcase and yanked it back.
.
.
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