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Novel Catalog
Chapter 100 Escorted Yvette Out
Stella listened to Yvette’s rant with a slight frown, clearly unamused by the outburst. But as always, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor.
“Yvie, I understand how you feel. But remember, it’s not about whether she deserves anything—it’s about how we play the game,” Stella replied smoothly, setting her glass down on the table. Her tone was almost soothing, as though she were speaking to a child trying to make sense of a complicated world. “Cecilia doesn’t have to ask for anything. She’s already got what she wants without needing to ask.”
Yvette’s eyes narrowed, frustration evident in her voice. “What do you mean? She’s getting everything without lifting a finger. It’s like the world bends over backward for her! It’s unfair!”
Stella’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Yvie, sometimes it’s not about how much you have, but about how well you know how to wield it.” She stood and walked to the window, staring out at the city skyline. “Cecilia might be deaf, but she’s not weak. In fact, she’s a lot more powerful than you realize. She’s clever. And, unfortunately for us, she’s also managed to secure herself the favor of people in high places.”
Yvette scoffed. “So what, you’re saying I should just let her win? Let her take everything from us?”
Stella turned slowly, her expression colder now. “No, I’m saying that we need to be smarter. The more you fight her with emotion, the more you’ll lose control. We’re playing a long game here, and I intend to win.” Her voice grew firm as she approached Yvette. “The real issue here isn’t the clothes or the cards she holds—it’s the position she’s putting herself in. She’s positioning herself as someone untouchable, and that makes her dangerous.”
Yvette’s frustration was palpable, but she held her tongue, sensing that Stella’s mind was already elsewhere, plotting something more strategic.
Stella continued, her eyes narrowing in thought. “I’ve spent enough time watching her. Cecilia is more calculating than she lets on. She may have the appearance of someone innocent or naïve, but beneath that is a sharp mind—a mind that’s capable of turning the tables on anyone who underestimates her. We have to be careful, Yvie. One wrong move, and she’ll destroy us all.”
Yvette, not fully understanding but not wanting to challenge Stella, nodded in agreement. “So, what’s the plan?”
Stella’s lips curled into a dark, mysterious smile. “For now, we wait. Cecilia has already made her move by showing us her power with the card. But soon, she’ll slip up. Everyone does.” She paused, turning back toward the window. “We just have to be ready when that happens.”
Back at Cecilia’s place, she sat in silence, her thoughts still on Nathaniel’s growing presence in her life and the unresolved tension that hung between them. The incident with Yvette seemed like a distant memory already, overshadowed by the deeper emotional turmoil brewing within her.
She had to admit, she was deeply conflicted. Nathaniel’s sudden gentleness toward her the night before hadn’t escaped her notice. His rare moments of tenderness—moments she hadn’t seen in years—stirred something within her, a feeling she thought she’d buried long ago. But that same part of her that longed for reconciliation and warmth was the part that had been betrayed too many times.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Vivian.
“Let’s get together tomorrow. I’ll need a break from all the drama.”
Cecilia smiled faintly. At least there was someone who still cared enough to keep her grounded.
But as the day wound to a close and the silence of the apartment settled in, her thoughts inevitably returned to her sons. The haunting guilt over Elliot’s health never left her, and as much as she tried to push it aside, it always found its way back to her heart.
She couldn’t help but wonder—if things had been different, would they have a different life? Would her family be whole, without all the complications and betrayals?
But there was no turning back now. She had her sons, and they needed her more than ever. Despite the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future, she was determined to protect them—no matter the cost.
As night fell and the quiet hum of the city outside became her only companion, Cecilia made a silent vow to herself: she would not let anyone, not even Nathaniel, stand in the way of what was hers. The game was on, and this time, she was playing to win.
