SWNOVELS Chapter Doll 1346
Chapter 1346 Turning A Foe Into An Ally The next morning, Stella accompanied Queenie to the hospital to have their blood drawn for the DNA test. In a few days, the results would be ready, bringing either closure or upheaval.
Queenie observed the frail-looking girl beside her. Stella's gaunt appearance tugged at Queenie's heart, yet she didn't extend the same warmth she had once given Cassina. This time, Queenie's instincts told her to be cautious, and she chose to withhold any decisions until the results were out.
At the same time, Queenie had discreetly sent someone to investigate Stella's past. It was true that she had grown up in Tudela Orphanage, just as she claimed. Unfortunately, her exact birth date had been lost due to incomplete records. "Why is your last name Ross if you were never adopted?" Queenie asked, watching for Stella's reaction.
Stella answered without hesitation, "The woman who cared for me in the orphanage had the last name Ross. I took her name to honor her."
"I see," Queenie responded. "I've also heard you have some history with the Smith family?"
Stella knew Queenie wouldn't be easily deceived, so she carefully crafted her reply. "Yes, the Smith family funded my education. I'm deeply grateful for their help. Sadly, I never had the chance to repay their kindness before they passed."
She sighed, casting her eyes downward. "It's my own fault. I haven't accomplished anything since graduating."
Her candid tone eased some of Queenie's suspicion.
Meanwhile, Cassandra had thought that with Cassina out of the picture, her place in the family was secure. But now another potential heiress had shown up, just as determined to claim a place in the Jamieson legacy.
After leaving Queenie's room, Stella didn't leave immediately. Instead, she sought out Cassandra.
"Ms. Evans," she said respectfully, her eyes resting on Cassandra's growing belly. "You must be four or five months along by now. It looks like you're having a boy. Have you considered starting prenatal education? And why isn't the child's father more involved?" Stella's words were carefully chosen, designed to stir doubts in Cassandra's mind. She had learned about Cassandra's complicated relationship with Nicholas and knew just how to exploit it.
Based on her understanding of men,
it was clear to her that Nicholas had no feelings for his wife. Moreover, Stella was certain that Nicholas was fond of Cecilia.
Sure enough, Cassandra's expression hardened. "Why are you talking about things that don't concern you?"
Stella feigned concern. "I'm sorry, I just thought after all your efforts to win over Mr. Nicholas, he shouldn't still be preoccupied with Cecilia." Cassandra's eyes narrowed, anger flashing across her face. "What are you talking about? Who said Nicholas was thinking about Cecilia?"
Stella pressed on, pretending to be worried for Cassandra. "I thought you knew. I've been hurt by Cecilia myself. I'm just concerned that she might take advantage of your kindness." en FindNovel
Cassandra's curiosity piqued. "How exactly did Cecilia hurt you?"
Stella spun a careful story, recounting her past with Nathaniel and Zachary, while shifting the blame entirely onto Cecilia.
"She's always had a way of
charming men. I waited for
ner
Nathaniel for eight years and ended up with nothing. Even my friend Zachary chose her over me. She's dangerous, Ms. Evans, and from what I've heard, Mr. Nicholas has been entangled with her for years. You should be cautious."
Cassandra's face darkened as she absorbed Stella's words. She now saw Stella as an ally rather than a threat, her attitude softening.
"This Cecilia is more trouble than I realized," Cassandra muttered. "I'm not even sure how to handle her."
"She knows how to play her cards," Stella replied. "I'd be happy to share what I know if it would help you." ""Sure," Cassandra said, leading Stella to her room.
In just a few moments, Stella had managed to turn Cassandra, once a foe, into a potential ally. Meanwhile, over at the Smith residence, Cecilia sneezed repeatedly. Each time, her baby shifted inside her.