The Second Life of Stella Rossi

re a blur of quiet,

her own life, the life she

, a woman whose effusive greet

. Albright. Please infor

The preparation

, her voice flat. She felt nothing.

nt to Ethan Cole is terminated. I am pursuing a long-term resea

ld money" art patrons, linked to the Coles, "new money" tec

rtbroken. Her father, pragmatic, would worry

Her first life had taught her the price

she needed to do bef

nder, abstract form suggesting a protective hold. It was deeply sentimental, a tangible piece of the mother she mis

d supported for generations. Stella had set aside a considerable sum from her personal trust – money her

as leaving, but a piece of it she in

ed simply, a dark, elegant gown that spoke

the crowded ballroom

me in his custom tuxedo, his arm

her expression one of wide-eyed innocence. She clung to Ethan, her h

said something to Chloe, then strode towards

eaning of this? Cancelling the wedding via a planner? Humiliati

I told you, Ethan. It' s over

away from this? From me? From our families' commitments? You want m

uly believed she was incapable of lea

an," Stella said, her voice e

e and seemingly concerned. "Uncle E? Is eve

that emphasized a familial, non-threateni

s nothing, sweetheart. Stella is just being... dramatic." He turn

said, turning away from him and h

stal, illuminated by a soft spotlight. It w

tella waited, her he

ace" was announced, s

en climbed. Stella matched

voice join

than Cole' s voice rang o

mirk playing on his lips. Chloe was beside him, he

raised

ntered im

quieted, sensing the underc

ing her limit. This wa

than declared, his voice

hispered, loud enough for those nearby to hear, tears welling in her eyes. "It'

less. The picture of sud

xpression melting into concern an

urmured, loud enough for Stell

w filled with a cold triumph. He was

ep. He was using her mother' s memory, her mot

n to Stella. "Two hundred thous

s, what Chloe was. But what was the point? They wouldn' t belie

ered he

Cole for two hundr

ccepting congratulations, Chloe clinging to his

humiliate

a saw them. Chloe was holding "A Mother's Embrace," c

ld dread filling her, C

e slipped fr

le floor with a

large pieces, but into

Embrace" w

l sobs. "Oh, no! Oh, I' m so clu

over Chloe' s shoulder at Stella, his eyes accusing. As if Stella' s mere presence, her

of her mother' s legacy, her hear

atant favoritism, his cruelty, was

. This was the man who had cal

nd of Chloe' s sobs and Ethan' s co