Chapter 84 Muscle Memory
But right now, Tina’s heart gave a dull ache.
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After losing both her parents, Stella had taken care never to show her grief–for the sake of her three younger brothers‘ emotions.
And yet. she’d still managed to score nearly perfect marks and earn a place at Ashford High School.
How hard must that have been for her?
Tina’s gaze lowered. She turned, opened the door to the room next to Ethan’s, and stepped inside.
She pulled out her phone, crouched down, unzipped her suitcase, and snapped a few pictures.
It wasn’t even eleven yet–Stella was probably still awake.
She sent the photos along with a message: “Stella, I brought you some local specialties from Southville, and a really cute cat plush.”
She’d made time to buy them on the trip–just something small, hoping it might ease the heaviness deep in Stella’s heart.
Back in his room, Ethan went straight to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water.
Exhaling deeply, he sat on the sofa beside the window, fingers absently rolling the rosary bracelet around his right wrist.
He picked up his phone, scrolled to her name, and tapped the video call button.
The hum of vibration rattled the green velvet sofa.
Curled up on it, Stella was dressed in soft gray pajamas. She had been about to reach for the glass of red wine Nathan had poured for her–but drew her hand back.
She figured it was Ethan calling.
She glanced at the screen, only to see it was a message from Tina.
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Chapter 84 Muscle Memory
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Southville, being in the south, was famous for its delicate, beautifully shaped pastries.
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Opening the photos, Stella’s lips curved as she typed back: “Thanks, Tina. I love them!”
Just then, a video call request popped up.
Stella sat up, smoothed her hair, and accepted.
“Ethan, still awake this late?” she teased lightly.
His grip on the phone tightened slightly, but he went along with her tone, almost as if complaining. “No one calls me that—except you.”
Stella shrugged. “That’s just because no one dares to say it to your face. Behind your back, everyone’s chirping it.”
Ethan searched her eyes, hoping to find a trace of sadness. But he found nothing.
Rolling the rosary on his wrist, he said, “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Stella smiled. “Good. Then you can take Louis home with you. Right now he’s in the hospital with that lady. Staying in the slums just means he’ll keep getting hurt. He’s fine, but she needs. a few days in the hospital. Once she’s discharged, buy them a house.”
Ethan frowned. “Why buy them a house? My villa’s huge–plenty of room.”
Her peach blossom eyes held him with serious intent. “I’m worried you might not accept that lady. And you don’t have to.”
That woman had saved Louis. She and Louis shared a deep bond.
But buying them a house was enough–Ethan wasn’t obliged to live with her.
“It’s fine. I live alone–it’s too quiet. More family around will be lively,” Ethan said sincerely.
His sister was always like this–she seemed forceful, but was actually very democratic.
Seeing no trace of reluctance in his expression, Stella smiled. “Alright then. Just hire a butler and a few more staff, like Nathan’s place. It’s not like you can’t afford it.”
“Now that Louis is back, don’t overthink it. Stop blaming yourself. This wasn’t your fault–it was the traffickers. Punishing yourself for other people’s sins is wrong. Got it?”
Ethan nodded. “Got it.”
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Chapter 84 Muscle Memory
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He wanted to comfort her, but her emotions were hidden so perfectly that he couldn’t find an opening.
“Alright, hang up. Get some rest,” Stella said with a smile.
Ethan’s eyes flickered, but in the end he said nothing. “Okay.”
When she didn’t lift her wine glass, Nathan didn’t either.
He’d noticed that, before the call, she’d been a little low. But the moment she picked up the phone, her mood had lightened.
He couldn’t feel happy about it.
It wasn’t forced cheer–it was muscle memory, honed over years of practice.
She must have gone through this countless times, learning how to press her emotions down so effortlessly.
When the call ended, Stella’s slender fingers finally picked up the glass–only to find Nathan watching her from the seat beside her.
