Chapter 2063
Stella returned to the Sanders residence to find Boris already home.
Today, Boris was all spruced up, his face breaking into a grin the moment he saw her.
"Elle, your Uncle Augus just called me. The share transfer will be sorted within a week." Looking at the feast spread out on the table, Stella finally understood Boris's eagerness. Boris nudged her towards a chair at the dining table.
"Sit, sit. Have you thought about what you'll do with the money?"
Stella lowered her lashes, pondering, a hint of vulnerability crossing her face.
"I... can I plan for this money myself? But, Bonnie said she wanted it."
Boris was aware Morgan had a girlfriend named Bonnie, whom he had seen around the villa. That girl seemed cunning at first glance.
Despite his flaws and unreliability, Boris had a clear view of these women's intentions.
Hearing Stella, his expression darkened instantly.
An outsider, not even part of the family, dreaming about the shares? Absurd!
"She told you that?"
"Yeah, she came to the villa last night, quite aggressive. Dad, I don't think she likes me."
"What does she count for, not even married into the family yet! Elle, don't be scared, I will make sure you're taken care of."
Stella's face showed immediate relief as she clutched his sleeve.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
"Dad, please don't tell her I said this. She'll come after me again, and you're not always home to protect me."
Her fear seemed so genuine, as if she had been bullied by Bonnie countless times.
Boris had always been hands-off with Stella. When she wanted to move back, he allowed it without prying into her reasons.
Seeing her so afraid of Bonnie, he slammed his hand on the table.
"Elle, though you've only recently been found, you're a recognized member of the Sanders family. Bonnie is an outsider; you have no reason to fear her. If she dares to bully you, fight back." "What if my brother causes trouble?"
"If he dares to touch you, I'll cut off all his cards. It seems this boy has been spoiled rotten outside, forgetting who his real family is."
A slight smile played on Stella's lips as she quietly continued her meal.
She had grasped Boris's stance; at this critical moment of share transfer, Boris would unconditionally support her.
It was time to settle the debts Morgan and Bonnie owed her.
After dinner, she retreated to her room.
Stella was always languid, as if she could fall asleep at any moment.
Unknown to anyone, she had rarely slept well before. Especially at night, she'd rather spend the whole night in a mall than return to her rented place.
Having faced cold realities from a young age, she knew all too well the dangers a beautiful girl living alone might encounter.
Most dangers came from men. At school, she faced bullying from Bonnie and Morgan, and Morgan's cronies would also pick on her.
Morgan quickly fell asleep.
Boris knocked from outside, but no response came.
"Elle, asleep already?"
Stella opened her eyes, got up, and opened the door to find Boris, now changed into a suit, likely heading out.
He handed her a card. "No pin, there's two hundred thousand dollars in it for you to use as pocket money." "Thank you, Dad."
Boris didn't say much more, giving
he said, "You look a lot like your
her a look-over, adjusting his shirt as
re
ve
mom, especially those eyes. Your brother's been spoiled rotten; I'm not cut out for parenting. Just remember one thing, don't put too much stock in men. I'm a man
myself; I know what most of us are thinking, none of it good."
Stella was surprised; this was the first time Boris had spoken to her like this since she was acknowledged.
Indeed, Boris had a notorious
reputation, with countless women in his past. But he was also wealthy,
having invested wisely with Undet
Augus's initial funding, now living comfortably off dividends without needing a job, effectively retired early.
Stella remained silent, her impression of Boris beginning to change.
He might be a rake, but he was clear-eyed about it.
Finally adjusting his collar, Boris added, "You're a Sanders. That last name means you can't be pushed around here in North America. 4 don't know what you went through before, but from now on, stand tall
"I will, Dad."
Boris nodded and left, throwing over his shoulder, "And watch out for your brother too; he's no saint either."