Dear Sweetheart novel

That also meant it’d be even more difficult for Stella, who was merely his illegitimate child, to claim a dime from him.

In all honesty, her reason for working with Naomi and becoming a spy in the Faymon Group wasn’t to get back at Mathias. It was simply because Naomi could pay her well.

As for a heartless sc*mbag like Mathias, Stella couldn’t care less if he died.

Arnaud smiled as he crossed his legs and leaned back on the couch. “Even if you can’t get anything from your father, there’s no need to fret. That pathetic inheritance is nothing compared to what I can give you.”

“You’re right, Sir. Your generosity is incomparable,” Stella replied, a smile tugging at her lips while she twirled her hair. “I know there are many benefits from working with you, so rest assured that I’ll do my best.”

Arnaud took a sip of his brandy and nodded, clearly impressed with Stella. Like Naomi, she was deviously clever, and it wasn’t every day that he got to meet a woman of such caliber.

“You’re a lot smarter than I imagined, Ms. Zink. The person you sent to Summerbank accomplished their tasks perfectly. However…” he said before casting a sidelong glance at Stella. “I only told you to keep an eye on Rayna. I didn’t give any other instructions, did I? It’s impressive that you’ve gotten yourself acquainted with Mrs. Xavier, but there are times when lies backfire. Given the status and power of the Xavier family, not even I would be able to protect you if anything goes wrong.”

Stella smiled, seemingly unfazed by Arnaud’s words or the Xaviers’ clout.

“Sir, do you know what the butterfly effect is?”

Naturally, that piqued Arnaud’s interest. “Tell me more.”

plucked a grape and

stay well-protected. However, if you were to toss the eggs out, there’s no doubt they’d all break,” Stella explained calmly. “Jessica and Jasmine’s friendship with Rayna is

don’t you think it’d

that, Arnaud felt a chill run down

terrifying, especially since they can betray others in the blink of an eye. Well…

a few seconds, Arnaud had a newfound respect for Stella, though he didn’t let it show on his face.

force to be reckoned

stepping out of the house. I have faith that you’ll outdo Jefferson within the

soon as he heard that, Arnaud arched a brow.

shook her head. “I wouldn’t know

staring at the woman for several seconds, Arnaud, too, let out a chuckle. “That’s a good attitude to have, Ms. Zink. I

herself another glass of wine. “Anyway, given the severity of Jasmine’s injury, she’d most likely be bedbound

Mrs. Xavier

to pick my brain!” Stella replied smugly. “I had only visited the beauty salon a few times and chatted with her. Never in my wildest dreams did I think she’d befriend me that quickly! All I did was pull out a random news article, and she

a sharp-witted lady and not one to be messed with. I was worried she’d see through my facade from the get-go, but to my surprise, she turned out to be nothing more than a paper tiger! I merely told Mrs. Xavier that Jasmine had secretly married and was pregnant. Who knew she’d take my

if only Mrs. Xavier had used her brain more, Jasmine wouldn’t have ended up in such

for Jasmine to suffer, yet you’re still blaming Mrs. Xavier for not being clever enough?” Arnaud scoffed. “Are you sympathizing with Jasmine? Or…

admitted without skipping a beat. “I can’t stand how lucky she’s been. Have I not proved myself to be smarter

as she took a whiff of the brandy. “The both of us started from the bottom, but why does she still get to live a good