Chapter 131

“Smack!”

The sharp crack of Deanna’s slap reverberated off the walls, Stella’s head snapping to the side as an angry red handprint bloomed across her cheek. The room fell dead silent—even the clock seemed to stop ticking as everyone froze, stunned by the violence. Stella had been caught off guard, completely unprepared for the force of the slap.

Marvin gasped, his voice filled with concern, “Stella!”

Haynes quickly intervened, stepping between them, “Mom, what are you doing?”

Callie rushed over, her tone pleading. “Mom, please calm down. There has to be some misunderstanding.”

Rachel stood off to the side, a smirk playing on her lips, enjoying the drama.

“Misunderstanding? She’s the one who was supposed to be watching Keen! Look where her negligence landed him—in a hospital bed! Stella, let me tell you this—if anything happens to my grandson, I’ll make sure you regret it!”

Stella stood there, disheveled and weary from rushing to the hospital, her hair falling messily over her face, obscuring her expression. Marvin looked at Stella, his worry evident as he reached for her hand, “Stella—”

Her hand was as cold as ice.

“I’m fine,” Stella said quietly. She lifted her head, her eyes void of warmth as they met Deanna’s furious gaze. A small, unexpected smile formed on her lips.

Everyone was taken aback. Despite the slap, Stella was smiling. Deanna opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Stella raised her hand and slapped Haynes twice with resounding force.

“Smack! Smack!”

The room fell silent in shock.

Deanna pointed a shaky finger at Stella, “You—you dare to hit my son?!”

Stella met Deanna’s eyes calmly. “Haynes is not just your son, he’s my husband and Keen’s father. Those slaps were on your behalf.”

Deanna was trembling with rage, almost on the verge of fainting. “Stella, are you rebelling?”

“Save the act,” Stella snorted. “Haynes fucked up royally and you’re over here slapping me? Pick a lane.”

The revelation that it was Haynes who had taken the child out hit Deanna hard. She turned to him, seeking confirmation.

Haynes, his face dark and grim from the slaps, met her gaze, “Mom, this has nothing to do with Stella.”

Deanna knew she’d overstepped—but pride stiffened her spine. “A woman’s duty is to her family,” she declared, chin tilted defiantly. “Even if she’s not at fault, as Keen’s mother, she bears some responsibility.”

Stella’s eyes were as cold and clear as a mountain stream. “I’ll take responsibility for my actions, but why should I bear the brunt of my husband’s mistakes as well?”

“Deanna, have you forgotten that you, too, are a woman when you belittle us so?”

Deanna, infuriated by Stella’s defiance, moved to strike again. Stella’s voice was cool and steady, “Deanna, if you lay another finger on me, I’ll report you for assault.”

Deanna laughed bitterly, “Assault? Didn’t you just hit Haynes? The police would hold you accountable.”

Stella’s tone was mocking. “You misunderstand, Deanna. Haynes and I are married. Domestic disputes are seen as private matters, not something the police get involved in. Besides…”

Stella fixed Deanna with a steely gaze, “If you can hit me, why shouldn’t I hit him? Just because I’m the daughter-in-law of the O’Brien family doesn’t mean I have to be a doormat, does it?”