Chapter 873
Lemira and Orion lounged at the Waverly estate, refusing to leave.
Orion shamelessly demanded that the staff bring them fruit and meals.
Honestly, Lemira could never pull off this level of arrogant composure. Without him by her side, she would have cracked under the pressure long ago.
By late afternoon, Stella finally came downstairs.
The moment Lemira saw her, her eyes welled up with tears. She rushed over. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Stella shook her head, but her own eyes instantly turned red.
She had been putting up a strong front this whole time, but seeing her best friend finally broke the dam of her emotions, letting a wave of despair wash over her.
Lemira pulled her into a tight hug. “It’s over. I’m taking you out of here.”
Stella froze. She glanced at Orion on the sofa, realizing Lemira was only able to pull this off because of his presence.
Sadly, some things were already lost.
She couldn’t protect the inheritance her father left her.
Just then, Asher stepped forward. “Stella, if you ever need anything, just ask. I will take good care of you for the rest of your life.”
At the sight of him, Stella instinctively shrank behind Lemira.
Her face drained of color. “I don’t need anything from you. Get away from me.”
She used to think Asher was somewhat of a gentleman, unlike the other sleazy blind dates who always tried to grope her.
But while he wasn’t a pervert, he was just as utterly despicable.
Asher softened his tone. “I know you’re furious right now, but I swear I’ll provide for you and ensure you live well.”
Lemira shoved him back. “Who needs you to provide for her? Did she lose her arms and legs?”
Caught off guard, Asher stumbled back a couple of steps.
Seeing Lemira, his tone turned harsh. “Show some respect to my future wife!”
Lemira’s suppressed anger instantly erupted.
She pointed right at his face. “Have you no shame? Stella has never liked you, and she certainly doesn’t need your delusional promises to take eare of her. This is straight harassment, do you understand?”
“Lemira, watch your tone. I am your older brother, and she will be my wife. I suggest you remember that.”
Asher didn’t have the patience to bicker with her.
Lemira blocked his path to Stella. “Back off.”
Asher frowned. “I need to speak with my fiancée.”
Orion had seen enough. He stepped up, completely blocking Asher. “Did you not hear the ladies? She rejected you. She never agreed to be with you. That makes this harassment.”
With Orion stepping in, the two men faced off, neither backing down.
One mature and authoritative, the other young and dangerous.
Yet, surprisingly, the younger man’s presence was far more suffocating.
Mrs. Waverly walked out just then. “Mr. Everhart, Stella has already agreed to an engagement with M Langston, and the will has officially taken@ffect. Legally speaking, Mr. Langston and our Stella are officially bound.”
Mrs. Waverly was in a fantastic mood.
She shot Stellà a look. “Stop being so picky. Do you know how many men I’ve yetted for you over the
years? You rejected all of them. But Mr. Langston
différent. He doesn’t
even mind your disability. You
should learn some gratitude.”
For years, Mrs. Waverly had borne the responsibility of finding Stella a fiancé.
But if she found someone too low-class, she’d become a laughingstock in their social circle. Since she wanted to keep the inheritance tied to Stella, she had to play the patient matchmaker.
And the result?
Stella didn’t appreciate it at all. Now that Mrs. Waverly needed a massive favor, Stella refused to help.
That was why Mrs. Waverly resorted to these extreme measures in a fit of rage. The money belonged to the Waverlies anyway. Stella would marry eventually, so they might as well take control of the funds now.
Lemira glared at her mockingly. “Mrs. Waverly, you aren’t even her legal guardian. What gives you the right to dictate her life?”