Chapter 247: That Was Not You

After Stella's discharge from the Tudela hospital, she began preparing for the next day's filming commencement ceremony. She sent several text messages to Nathaniel, but received no replies.

Her best friend, Yvette, approached. "Stella, media arrangements are finalized for tomorrow. Your new drama is guaranteed to be a hit before it even airs."

"Yvie, thank you," Stella replied with a smile.

"No need for thanks between friends." Yvette added, "You can invite more people, right? I invited Cecilia. I want her to see you and realize she's not in your league."

Stella responded, "That's unnecessary. Her family's bankruptcy and divorce are already quite enough."

"You're too kind. Don't worry, I'll handle her. She'll pay for what she did to you." Yvette hadn't anticipated Cecilia's acceptance of the invitation. Stella dropped the subject.

"I'm going to the restroom. Could you tell my boyfriend when he arrives?"

"Okay."

After Yvette left, the third Murdock son arrived, chatting amiably with Stella. After Yvette returned, they departed. Stella then received two messages from Nathaniel:

"I'll send someone to offer congratulations."

"Name your price for the Smith residence."

The Smith residence?

Stella immediately called Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, why do you want the Smith residence?"

"Just sell it to me. No further questions," he replied coldly.

Stella knew Nathaniel would get what he wanted. Reluctantly, she agreed.

Upon returning to Daltonia Villa, Cecilia saw numerous messages from Stella on Nathaniel's phone. He eagerly responded as soon as he arrived home.

I wonder if he'll remain so attentive once he discovers the truth about Stella tomorrow.

Cecilia had instructed Elliot to be ready. She then confirmed with Norman that a new identity had been created.

After Nathaniel's call ended, Cecilia knocked on his study door. "I need to discuss something."

"What is it?"

"It's Elliot's birthday tomorrow. I was thinking of visiting him. Is that alright? If you're worried, you could come, or we could have someone watch me."

Nathaniel, despite other plans, agreed. "I'll go with you tomorrow."

"Okay." Cecilia nodded.

Only one matter remained: Jonathan was still with Zachary. She called Vivian. "How's it going?"

"That idiot said Jon is his son!"

Cecilia was stunned. She knew better than anyone whose son he was. Vivian, frustrated at Seabay Villa, exclaimed, "What do we do now?"

Cecilia wasn't sure how to proceed with Zachary.

I can't take Elliot and leave Jon behind, can I?

This opportunity was rare; delay might mean losing Elliot.

"I'll have to take Elliot first. Zachary's made a mistake. Once he realizes the child..."

"Alright, I'll try harder to make him realize it," Vivian said.

At Seabay Villa, Vivian was weary of repeatedly telling Zachary Jonathan wasn't his son. She changed her approach. "Zachary, I've only been with one man, and it wasn't you."