Chapter 337: Stella Arrives

"What is it?" Vivian asked, puzzled.

"My father's will," Cecilia replied. Before his death, Regas, fearing his company would fall into the hands of his incompetent son, discreetly drafted a second will. This will bequeathed one billion to Cecilia and granted her inheritance of all remaining assets, including Smith Corporation. Acceptance of this inheritance was entirely at her discretion.

The will had always been in Cecilia's possession, yet she'd never revealed it. Doing so would invalidate the will held by Paula. At the time, newly graduated and inexperienced in business, she lacked the confidence to claim her inheritance from her mother and brother. Even then, without support, the will would likely be ignored.

Now, however, Cecilia was a changed woman. If Paula and the others pushed her too far, she wouldn't hesitate to sever all ties.

Vivian was incredulous. "So that's what happened. But now, Smith Corporation is gone…"

"What if I pursue the case?" Cecilia asked.

From the side, Jonathan said, "Then they must return it. Even if they don't, they'll pay dearly."

Cecilia gently patted Jonathan's head. "I don't want the assets returned. I just want to frighten them, to make them reconsider their actions."

Vivian was surprised by Jonathan's quick thinking. She playfully pinched his cheek.

Jonathan immediately dodged, disgusted.

As they playfully bickered, the doorbell rang. Vivian looked puzzled. "We didn't order takeout. Who could that be? I'll check."

After slipping on her slippers, she went to the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw a masked and capped figure.

"Who are you?"

Stella removed her mask. She'd learned Cecilia was in Tudela, staying temporarily with Vivian. Finding them in their dilapidated apartment building proved challenging, and she worried about being discovered.

"Stella!" Vivian exclaimed, shocked. Instead of opening the door, she returned to the living room to inform Cecilia.

Cecilia frowned. "Why is she here?" Since Stella's video scandal months ago, they'd heard nothing from her.

"I'm not sure. Let me go ask."

"Okay."

Feigning ignorance, Jonathan asked Cecilia, "Mommy, is she the woman who used to bully you?"

Cecilia was surprised. She'd never mentioned Stella to Jonathan. "Who told you that?"

Jonathan froze, realizing he'd almost revealed a secret. "Oh, Ms. Kennedy told me when she was drunk. She said Stella was mean and bullied you."

Cecilia reassured him, embracing him. "Don't worry. No one can bully me now."

While they spoke, Vivian informed Cecilia that Stella had come to apologize and wanted to see her.

Cecilia sent Jonathan to his room. After he left, Stella entered, noticing Jonathan's small back, which seemed vaguely familiar, though she couldn't place him.

Averted her gaze, Stella looked at Cecilia, seated calmly on the sofa, still possessing an air of superiority. She couldn't bring herself to kneel.

Just then, Jocelyn's impatient voice sounded from Stella's headphones.