Chapter 863
Chapter 863:
How had it come to this? Abroad, she had been admired, praised, and surrounded by people who respected her. But here, William treated her as if she were nothing. And all because of Stella.
Something inside her snapped. She jumped to her feet, grabbed her phone and bag, and stormed out of the institute. Without pausing to think, she drove straight to the city center, making her way to a quiet, upscale coffee shop.
An hour had passed, and Nina found herself sitting in a quiet, secluded booth across from her childhood best friend, Harlow Stanley, the proud daughter of one of Choria’s noble families.
Harlow had always been known for her commanding, spoiled presence. She barely acknowledged anyone she disliked, but with those she held dear, she was fiercely loyal, sharing everything.
At that moment, Harlow carefully poured a cup of steaming, freshly brewed coffee for Nina. Across from her, Nina’s eyes were puffy, her makeup streaked, and she clenched her teeth as she recounted the events of the past few days. She made sure to emphasize how much she despised Stella and how William seemed utterly captivated by her, ignoring Nina entirely.
“Can you believe him?” Nina hissed. “William acts like I don’t even exist. He barely looks at me, yet he dotes on Stella! That woman’s divorced, she’s nothing, and he treats her like a queen!”
Harlow leaned back slightly, blowing gently over her cup of coffee. She listened to Nina’s rants with calm patience, though a flicker of calculation—and just the faintest trace of disdain—flashed in her eyes. She placed a calm hand over Nina’s and offered a soothing pat.
“You’re letting this new girl push you around like that? Don’t kid yourself. William’s just fascinated by something new and shiny. He’ll get over her soon enough.”
“But…” Nina started, only to be cut off by Harlow, who leaned in closer. Her words dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
“No ‘buts.’ Forget confronting William directly. That’s pointless. As for Stella, honestly, what’s a recluse nerd gonna do? She’s holed up in her lab all day. Hardly a threat.”
Nina blinked, doubt creeping into her expression despite herself.
“Harlow, are you sure? Don’t underestimate her. She’s sharp, and now she’s got my cousin and the others backing her up. She’s not someone you can just sweep aside.”
Harlow’s smile faltered slightly, but if anything, her smirk deepened. Disdain gleamed in her eyes, completely unbothered by Nina’s warnings.
“Her strength is William, isn’t it? Take him out of the equation, and what does she have left?” Harlow’s tone was almost playful.
To her, Stella was just another woman clinging to a man for support. She’d handled dozens like her before; this one wouldn’t be any different.
Nina’s tears halted as she stared at Harlow, hope flickering in her eyes. “You mean… you have an idea?”
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