Chapter 824
Chapter 824:
Stella slowly lifted her head, her clear eyes now clouded, dull, and lifeless, stripped of their usual spark. With a sharp tug, she pulled her hand free from William’s grasp, a bitter laugh escaping her lips.
“William… you knew all along, didn’t you?”
William’s chest tightened at her words. He forced a steady tone, feigning confusion.
“What are you talking about?”
Seeing him play dumb only fanned the flames of her anger.
“You knew it was Alonzo who killed my adoptive parents. And you’ve been lying to me!” Her voice cracked, trembling with suppressed rage.
William’s heart sank at her accusation.
“Say it!” Stella’s eyes bore into him, cold and hollow, as though she were staring at a stranger. “You knew, didn’t you? You didn’t tell me because he’s your uncle. Because you’re protecting the Briggs family!”
That gaze— it stung more than her words ever could. William’s hand hung in the air, frozen, still warm from the moment he had held her shoulder.
“It’s not what you think…” His voice was low, with a hint of desperation.
But Stella was past reason, her emotions at a breaking point. She let out a harsh, sarcastic laugh.
“Not what I think? Then tell me, what is it? Marc said you knew all along. That you found clues, got the film, even suspected Alonzo from the start. But did you ever tell me?”
Her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. If William had just been honest from the beginning—if he’d said he wouldn’t interfere—she could’ve accepted it. Even now, knowing the culprit, she wouldn’t have blamed him. But William had looked her in the eye and promised to help. Sworn he’d never keep things from her. And yet, here they were.
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Her voice trembled, carrying through the institute’s lobby. Several people turned their heads, curiosity flickering in their eyes, but the moment they recognized William, they looked away and pretended to hear nothing.
William’s jaw clenched, his eyes dark with frustration and hurt. Stella’s mistrust cut deep, but what hurt more was knowing she had let Marc’s poison take root in her heart.
“I didn’t cover for him.” William’s voice was steady but quiet, laced with urgency.
He stepped closer, closing the space between them, and gripped her shoulders firmly, forcing her to meet his eyes. His gaze held only her—unyielding, intense, as though nothing else in the world existed.
“I want him brought to justice more than anyone. But Alonzo’s power runs deeper than I imagined. If I act without proof, he’ll erase every trace and come after you. I can’t risk that, Stella. Don’t you understand? I’m not protecting him—I’m protecting you.”
For once, William stripped away his usual reserve, laying his thoughts bare. He never explained himself to anyone. Misunderstandings never mattered to him.
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