Chapter 71 I Should Never Have Let This Devil In
“He moved into the apartment above mine.”
Finished
“What?” Amelia exclaimed. “Wait–he left you at the airport yesterday. He already chose Nadine, didn’t he? If that’s the case. he should ve divorced you cleanly. What’s the point of running back and forth between you and her like this?”
Jemima sighed. “Who knows what he’s thinking? I just hope he’s too busy with Nadine to bother me anymore.”
Still, the thought of that viral Twitter post nagged at her, filling her with unease. She had a gut feeling that Nadine–and by extension, the Goodwin family–would cause her trouble soon.
It was inevitable, really. Her grudge with the Goodwin family had been established at the charity dinner previously.
Meanwhile, Julius–still nursing a hangover from one too many drinks the night before–was jolted awake by a call from the Goodwin family. They told him Nadine had attempted suicide because she couldn’t handle the humiliation from the Twitter scandal, urging him to come over.
Julius was stunned. On his way over, he glanced at Twitter, his emotions a tangled mess.
Meanwhile, at the Stahl residence, Amanda’s phone buzzed nonstop with incoming calls. She ignored them, her eyes locked on the video. Watching the two women caught in the scandal, she wished, more than anything, that they would simply disappear.
After the charity dinner debacle, Julius‘ father, Hayden Stahl, had rushed back from Azania. He had been living there for years, recuperating due to health issues.
But when he learned about his son’s affair, his daughter–in–law’s abrupt departure from the company, and the humiliating spectacle at the charity event, his fury reached a boiling pointing, so much so that he was on the verge of a stroke.
Over the years, Hayden had witnessed Jemima’s contributions to the company firsthand. At first, he had reservations about her less–than–ideal family background. But as time passed, those concerns faded–she had more than proven her worth.
She was exceptionally capable, steady in character, and unwaveringly loyal, dedicating herself to the company without hesitation.
Beyond her professional excellence, she was strikingly attractive and highly intelligent. With genes like hers, any child she bore for the Stahl family would undoubtedly be exceptional.
“I hear Julius is trying to make amends with Jemima,” Hayden remarked over breakfast. “Find an opportunity to invite her over for dinner and offer a sincere apology. As for the Goodwin family cut ties with them immediately
In his mind, as long as the Stahl family was willing to swallow their pride, reconciliation wouldn’t be difficult.
Irritated Amanda placed her phone in front of Hayden. “Just look at these two. Can you honestly say either of them is easy to deal with?”
Hayden remained unimpressed. “Jemima has always been strong–willed. That temptress from the Goodwin family seduced Julius–why shouldn’t Jemima slap her? If you won’t go, then I will.”
Amanda scoffed. “Fine. If you want to go, be my guest. I don’t care anymore.
She stood and left abruptly, frustrated. The moment she stepped outside, her phone rang yet again, pushing her patience to its breaking point.
“But when she saw the caller ID–Nadine–her irritation gave way to fear.
Compared to Jemima, who was merely a nuisance, Nadine was someone she was genuinely terrified of.”
She ended the call..
e call.
Moments later, a voicemail notification popped up on her phone. “Mrs. Stahl, it really saddens me to know that you dislike
me so much
Nadine’s voice was
almost delicate, tinged with sorrow. There was a brief pause before she let out a quiet, mocking laugh.
2:28 PM d
Chapter 71 1 Should Never Have Let This Devil In
Finished
were s
still so…. vigorous at your age. Hehe.
Amanda’s mind went blank. A cold wave of dread washed over her, draining every last bit of color from her face,
With unsteady steps, she rushed outside. Glancing around to ensure no one was near, she quickly dialed Nadine’s number. Her hands trembled, her voice barely coherent. “H–how… how did you know? What do you want?”
“Calm down, Mrs. Stahl. I just wanted to catch up,” Nadine said, her voice laced with both fragility and an eerie chill. Then, after a brief pause, she added sweetly, “After all, I was meant to become part of the Stahl family and start calling you “Mom, wasn’t I? Don’t you agree, “Mom“2”
The affectionate tone sent a shiver down Amanda’s spine.
A deep, bone–chilling fear crept over her–like a malevolent spirit had latched onto her, refusing to let go. She could sense it, an ominous force that threatened not just her son, but the entire Stahl family, ready to upend their peace and destroy everything in its path.
I should never have let this devil in. The regret hit her like a punch to the gut.
But it was already too late.
Five days later, the injury on Jemima’s leg had almost healed.
During these past few days, everything had been eerily calm.
Julius hadn’t contacted her. Then again, after the Twitter scandal erupted, he was likely too preoccupied to bother. With
Nadine being attacked online and the Goodwin family under intense public scrutiny, he had his hands full.
Still, Jemima had already braced herself for trouble. After ending her call with Amelia that day, a nagging thought crept into her mind. If the Goodwin family can’t reach me here, would they go after my parents instead?
The more she dwelled on it, the more unsettled she became. That very night, unable to shake off her unease, she called her father. Casually, she suggested that he and her mother visit her grandmother for a few days to check on the old woman. In reality, it was a precaution–her way of urging them to lay low for a while.
On the phone, father and daughter didn’t exchange many words.
Amelia had already filled them in on the details. Any questions, worries, or concerns they might have had were momentarily swallowed by silence.
