Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 137: You Still Think You’re the Donovan Family’s Future Granddaughter-in-Law?

Chapter 137: Chapter 137: You Still Think You’re the Donovan Family’s Future Granddaughter-in-Law?

At the same time, the news of Jasper Hawthorne returning to the country spread to The Donovan Family’s old house like it had wings.

"What? As soon as Jasper Hawthorne came back, he went to see that jinx?!"

Grace Quinn, in a fit of fury, swept the expensive skincare products off her vanity onto the floor!

The bottles shattered with a piercing sound, and the rich scent of the essences filled the air.

Her chest heaved violently, and her carefully adorned face twisted with jealousy and rage.

Why?!

Why can’t Jasper Hawthorne forget that jinx, Stella Sterling, even now?!

"Grace! Calm down!" Audrey Quinn hurried in, frowned at the mess, and quickly closed the door.

"How can I calm down?!" Grace turned, gripping Audrey Quinn’s arm, her nails nearly piercing her skin. "Mom! Did you hear? Jasper Hawthorne... his eyes are only for that bitch Stella Sterling! What about me? I am now the eldest miss of The Donovan Family!"

Audrey Quinn held her daughter’s excited hands, a shrewd calculation flickering in her eyes: "That’s exactly why you need to keep your composure."

She pulled Grace to sit on the sofa, lowering her voice: "We both know Jasper Hawthorne’s abilities. Even Elias Peyton at Innovatech Bio isn’t his match. A person like him, if he could really be used by us, would be a huge asset."

Grace paused for a moment, then pouted reluctantly: "But his heart is only with Stella Sterling! How could he help us?"

Audrey Quinn gently patted the back of her hand, her tone probing and seductive: "Grace, honestly tell your mom, do you truly like Jasper Hawthorne, or... are you just unwilling to lose to Stella Sterling?"

Grace’s eyes flickered, and she bit her lip: "Of course I like him! He’s so outstanding... Plus, getting him would be a slap in Stella Sterling’s face!"

Audrey Quinn nodded in satisfaction: "That’s enough."

"Mom, do you have a plan?" Grace asked eagerly.

Audrey Quinn chuckled lightly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

"Oh, there’s certainly a plan. You just need to be obedient and wait and see."

She leaned in close to Grace’s ear, whispering a few words.

Grace’s eyes widened at first, then a twisted yet hopeful gleam slowly appeared in them.

...

The rain in Riveria was relentless, dampening the mood.

Stella Sterling sat in the law firm, gray skies outside the window.

The case files spread on the desk, but the handwriting was blurry.

Finn Lockwood pushed open the door, his expression not good.

"Boss, The Donovan Family struck again..." He handed over a document, "For several projects we’re representing, the other side suddenly withdrew their investment and moved it all to Philip Donovan’s company."

Stella Sterling didn’t even lift her eyelids.

"Got it."

Her voice was calm, without any waves.

Ever since Shane Donovan passed, the second branch of The Donovan Family had been acting incessantly.

First, they sidelined Elias Peyton and took over Innovatech Bio. Then they began to clear out Shane Donovan’s old associates, not even sparing her little law firm.

Their tactics weren’t sophisticated, but they were disgusting enough.

Finn Lockwood hesitated to speak: "Also... Old Mrs. Donovan spread rumors, saying you... you’re cursed... It’s spreading around and sounds unpleasant."

Stella Sterling’s fingers holding the pen slightly tightened.

The ink spread on the paper.

She didn’t say a word, just crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it into the trash can.

"Go and do your work."

Finn Lockwood sighed and closed the door.

The office returned to silence.

Stella Sterling leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.

Her eyelashes cast a light shadow on her pale face.

She didn’t cry.

Tears had dried up that day at the hospital entrance.

Now there was only an empty shell and a small, unextinguished hope.

...

The Donovan Family’s old house, brightly lit.

Philip Donovan sat proudly at the head, and Beatrice Donovan flattered beside him: "Second brother, now that Innovatech is entirely under control, your methods are indeed superior."

Old Mrs. Donovan twirled the Buddha Beads, her tone indifferent: "After all, it’s not legitimate. Shane hasn’t been gone long, don’t let it look too bad, lest others gossip."

"Mother, what you’re saying isn’t quite right."

Philip Donovan was indifferent, "Big brother only had Shane as a son. Now that he’s gone, his Innovatech Bio can’t be left unmanaged. I’m just safeguarding his legacy, aren’t I?"

Grace Quinn sat beside Old Mrs. Donovan, obediently peeling an apple.

"Grandma, second uncle is doing it for the good of The Donovan Family." Her voice was soft, "But... Stella Sterling doesn’t seem to be keeping quiet. I heard she’s still investigating Shane’s matter."

Old Mrs. Donovan frowned: "What’s she still investigating? He’s gone, why not let it rest!"

"Exactly." Grace Quinn sighed, "If it weren’t for Shane going to deliver something to her, he wouldn’t have... And now she’s putting on a show of deep affection, for whom to see?"

Philip Donovan snorted coldly: "Ingrate. Given her some respect, she really thinks she’s still The Donovan Family’s future granddaughter-in-law?"

He looked at Beatrice Donovan: "Little sister, find some time to talk to her. Let her see reality and not stand in the way."

Beatrice Donovan nodded knowingly.

A few days later, an uninvited guest came to Serene Law Firm.

Beatrice Donovan wore an expensive fur coat, strutting in.

She was followed by two assistants, carrying several boxes in their hands.

"Counselor Sterling, busy?" She sat down on the sofa of her own accord, her gaze critically sweeping across the office.

Stella Sterling looked up from the documents, her expression indifferent: "Is there something, Aunt?"

Beatrice Donovan was irked by the term "Aunt," pulling a corner of her mouth: "No need, I can’t afford it. Today I came to deliver something on behalf of The Donovan Family."

She signaled the assistant to open the boxes.

Inside were some pieces of jewelry and a check.

"These were things Shane previously gave you, and we Donovan’s family don’t want them back, consider it compensation."

Beatrice Donovan’s tone was condescending, "Additionally, this five million should ensure you a comfortable life. The condition is, sign this agreement, renounce any possible inheritance rights from The Donovan Family, and... leave Riveria."

Stella Sterling looked at the items and suddenly smiled.

The smile was faint, carrying a chill.

"Since when is it up to you all to decide about Shane Donovan’s things?"

Beatrice Donovan’s face darkened: "Stella Sterling, don’t be ungrateful! Shane is already dead! The Donovan Family is now managed by my second brother, Philip Donovan! Do you think you’re still the future granddaughter-in-law of The Donovan Family?"

She stood up and stepped closer, lowering her voice: "Be sensible, take the money and leave. Otherwise, I have ways to make it hard for you to survive in Riveria!"

Stella Sterling met her gaze, not backing an inch.

"And if I don’t leave?"

"Not leaving?" Beatrice Donovan sneered, "Then just try it. Let’s see if it’s your law firm that closes first or The Sterling Family that gets into trouble!"

Before she finished, the office door was suddenly pushed open with force.

Rhys Lennox leaned against the door frame with a cigarette between his lips, his blond hair disheveled, his eyes sharp and dangerous.

"What’s all the noise?" His voice wasn’t loud, but it made Beatrice Donovan’s whole body stiffen.

"Rhys? Why are you here?" Beatrice Donovan’s expression changed, trying to force a smile, "I’m discussing something with Miss Sterling..."

Rhys Lennox ignored her, his gaze falling on Stella Sterling.

She stood there, her back straight like a taut string, her face pale, but her eyes were pitch black, intimidating.

He felt an inexplicable irritation in his heart.

"Are you done talking?" He looked at Beatrice Donovan, his tone displeased, "If you’re done, get lost."

Beatrice Donovan was humiliated in front of Stella Sterling, her face couldn’t hold: "Rhys Lennox! I’m your mother!"

"So what?" Rhys Lennox raised an eyebrow, "Want me to call someone to escort you out?"