Chapter 9: A Line Has Been Drawn

The ballroom fell unusually quiet after Noel's words. Dozens of guests pretended to continue chatting, but nearly everyone was secretly watching the confrontation. Stella looked at Noel calmly before speaking. 'Mr. Chilton, if it's about business, you can arrange a meeting through my assistant after the wedding. If it's personal, I don't think we have anything left to discuss.'

Noel frowned. 'It'll only take a few minutes.'

Before Stella could answer, Eric stepped slightly forward. His voice remained calm, yet every word carried authority. 'My fiancée has already declined your request.'

The atmosphere instantly became tense.

Noel met Eric's eyes. 'Uncle, this is between Stella and me.'

Eric's expression remained unchanged.

'You're mistaken. The moment she became my fiancée, anyone who wishes to trouble her is dealing with me as well.'

Several influential businessmen nearby exchanged surprised glances. Eric rarely involved himself in personal disputes, yet tonight he openly defended Stella without hesitation.

Noel clenched his fists.

'I'm not trying to cause trouble. I only want to understand why she suddenly changed her mind.'

Stella smiled faintly.

'Noel, people change.'

She paused before continuing.

'Sometimes they simply realize they've been walking in the wrong direction for too long.'

Those words struck Noel harder than he expected.

For years, Stella had followed him everywhere. No matter how cold he became, she never complained.

Now she was looking at him with complete indifference.

It felt as though the person who had loved him most had disappeared overnight.

Unable to accept it, Noel lowered his voice.

'Is this really what you want?'

Stella nodded without hesitation.

'Yes.'

'Not because you're trying to make me jealous?'

She almost laughed.

'Noel, you're giving yourself far too much importance.'

Her calm answer left him speechless.

Just then, the host announced the beginning of the charity donation ceremony.

Guests gradually returned to their seats.

Eric gently guided Stella toward the front row without saying another word.

Watching them leave together, Noel remained standing alone.

For the first time, he felt completely powerless.

During the auction's final session, Eric donated ten million dollars to children's medical charities under both his and Stella's names.

The generous contribution immediately earned thunderous applause throughout the ballroom.

The host smiled brightly.

'Mr. Eric Chilton and Miss Stella Judd have once again demonstrated remarkable generosity. Thank you both for supporting children in need.'

Stella looked at Eric in surprise.

'You included my name?'

Eric nodded.

'A family shares both responsibilities and honor.'

Those simple words warmed Stella's heart.

Noel watched everything from a distance.

In his previous understanding, Eric had always been a cold businessman who cared only about work.

Yet tonight, his uncle patiently looked after Stella, defended her publicly, and even shared the credit for such a large donation with her.

It was something Noel himself had never done.

After the ceremony ended, the guests slowly began leaving the hotel.

As Eric and Stella walked toward the entrance, Sophie quietly stepped in front of them.

She looked nervous.

'Miss Judd... congratulations on your engagement.'

Stella politely smiled.

'Thank you.'

Sophie hesitated before speaking again.

'Can... can I talk to you alone for a moment?'

Eric looked toward Stella, silently allowing her to decide.

Stella nodded.

'It's alright.'

The two women walked toward a quiet corner near the hotel garden.

For several seconds, Sophie remained silent before finally lowering her head.

'I'm sorry.'

Stella looked confused.

'Sorry for what?'

Sophie's eyes slowly turned red.

'For everything... Even though I never meant to hurt you, I know my existence caused many misunderstandings between you and Mr. Noel.'

Stella quietly observed her.

In her previous life, she had blamed Sophie for everything.

But after being reborn, she realized Noel had made every decision himself.

No one had forced him.

After a brief silence, Stella answered honestly.

'You don't owe me an apology.'

'The person who made those choices wasn't you.'

Sophie looked up in surprise.

'You... don't hate me?'

Stella slowly shook her head.

'No.'

'Because I've already decided to leave the past behind.'

At that very moment, neither woman noticed a photographer secretly taking pictures from behind a nearby hedge.

The camera flashed once.

A mysterious smile appeared on the photographer's face.

'These photos...' he muttered quietly.

'...will make tomorrow's headlines.'