Chapter 2501 Declan, catching wind of their hushed exchange, erupted into ILaughtera harsh, biting sound that sliced through the clamor of the banquet hall like a whip crack.
Well, well.
Are we strategizing over who gets to meet their maker first? Relax, I have no plans to turn this castle into a graveyardat least, not tonight.
Matthews brow furrowed deeply, his piercing gaze locking onto Declan.
Dont you think its tto drop the charade? Why drag us all here? Whats the endgame? A sly smile danced on Declans lips.
His eyes narrowed just enough to hint at mischief.
Matthew, weve barely had a proper heart-to-heart.
Youre the young CEO of Prosperity Group, crowned so young.
Surely, a man of your caliber has secrets worth learning.
Perhaps its tyou gave meand my grandson, Sanforda lesson or two.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe boys going to need to fend for himself one day.
Matthews voice turned icy, sharp as a blade. If youve got something to say, spit it out.
Theres no need for theatrics or a change of scenery.
Declan let out a low chuckle, the kind that crawled under your skin.
Matthew, youre free to take Stella, but freedom isnt free, is it? Theres a price to pay.
With that, Declans secretary stepped forward, his expression as blank as a clean slate.
In his hands, he held a document, which he presented to Matthew with the utmost respect.
Matthews eyes swept over the page, and his jaw tightened.
It was an ownership transfer agreement-Declan was demanding every last one of his Prosperity Group shares.
Beside him, Stella felt the ground shift beneath her.
Panic surged in her chest, and she clutched Matthews arm as if anchoring herself.
Her eyes burned with determination and worry as she hissed, Matthew, dont sign that.
Absolutely not! Matthew offered a gentle pat on Stellas hand, a silent plea for calm.
I know what Im doing, Stella.
He then locked eyes with Declan and said, Let Stella and Bella leave safely, and I1IL sign the agreement.
Stellas reaction was immediate and visceral.
Matthew, have you lost your mind? Why would you throw away everything just to keep us safe? Bella quickly intervened, her voice thick with urgency as she faced Declan.
Look, if its money youre after, take my studio, take all my intellectual property.
Just let them go, please.
Declans reply was chillingly dismissive.
Im dealing with Matthew here.
The rest of you should back off.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe then nodded at Sanford.
Sanford, get Stella and Bella out of here.
You know them; itll make Matthew more comfortable.
Stella stood her ground, her voice resolute. No way Im leaving.
Im staying right here with Matthew.
Sanford caught the steadfastness in h Stellas gaze, a tug at his heartstrings ve making words seem pointless. He exhaled deeply and surrendered.
Alright, Ill stay.
Someone else will need to escort Stella.
Stella ignored him, her focus unwavering on Matthew.
She harbored no ill will toward Sanford.
She understood that people had their loyalties, their people they must m protect.
If the roles were reversed, she might have made the shard choices. The secretary attempted to usher Stella and Bella out by force. Matthews glance toward Stella was fleeting yet filled with conflict.
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