The Returned Heiress Who Never Fit In

Chapter 19 Cutting Ties Cleanly

Finished

Madeline held onto Stella’s hand, as if she wanted to say more. But Stella’s stance was firm. “Madam Madeline, I’m sorry, Ethan is not someone I can entrust my life to.”

Madeline fell silent..

Stella continued. “I never expected his undivided loyalty, but he hasn’t even given me the bare minimum of respect,”

Madeline sighed. “This…”

but

She couldn’t deny it. Ethan hadn’t shown Stella even the most basic respect. Even as his mother, she couldn’t blindly defend

him.

“But what will you do? Without Ethan, your life in the Reed family will be even harder.”

Madeline reminded Stella of her standing in the Reed family. Even though everyone now despised Lillian, they still had to Jacknowledge that she held a significant position within the family.

Stella lowered her gaze without responding.

Madeline pressed on, “You don’t need to answer me now. I’ll talk to Ethan, and Lillian v

will be sent away as

as soon as possible.”

She was beyond furious. What hold does Lillian have over Ethan to make him so utterly bewitched?

Ethan completely breaking things off, leaving Ethan free to be even more reckless with Lillian. made her

Reed family favors Lillian. If you keep pushing back

Stella to endure it. As her future mother–in–law, Madeline was making it clear–she would always

place for Stella in the Reed family and that the Keene

at Madeline. I’ve gotten through tough times before, haven’t I? Madam, this is

had already come this far–there was no turning back. Stella’s

no intention of leaving even a shred of hope for anyone. Simply put, she hated unnecessary trouble.

saw her unwavering attitude and felt slightly embarrassed. “You

said everything she could,

a hint of

now.

waste any more time.

firmly into

then looking at the necklace

her. “Madam Madeline. What is she being so proud about? Who else would take her if

Ethan?”

Ethan. Who else in Rivermount’s elite circle would be foolish enough to marry her on

172

Cutting

butler glanced in the direction Stella had left. “She’s young.

Stella’s reaction was purely driven

Madeline thought the same.

Finished

at least pick the right place. She can fight with the Reed family

was exceptionally auspicious–Madeline wouldn’t

being tangled up with Lillian, but she was even angrier that