From Betrayal To Brilliance: The Rise Of A Hidden Heiress

"What did you just say?" Owen stood stock-still, stunned by Stella's words. His eyes grew wide with disbelief, and all that arrogance he'd worn just a moment ago melted away, leaving only a glimpse of panic.

His friends, packed in around him, burst into laughter and whispers. A few of them jeered, their words full of contempt.

"Stella, are you really so desperate for Owen to notice you that you'd pull a stunt like this? There's got to be a limit to how pathetic you can act."

"Yeah, right! Who do you think you are, talking about leaving him?"

"Owen actually gave you the time of day. You ought to be grateful for that much!"

Stella paid them no mind. Without missing a beat, she lifted the menu and began to order her meal, as if none of them existed. Once she finished, her gaze returned to Owen. His face was now ghostly pale.

She met his eyes with a look as cold as ice. "Are you just going to stand there all day? Get out of my sight. You're making it hard for me to enjoy my food."

She couldn't deny it—she used to think Owen was attractive. There was a time when his figure and those deep-set eyes had made her pulse race. The story he'd sold her about being humble and hardworking was just convincing enough to make her feel sorry for him, but she was done believing in lies.

Time had changed everything. Watching Owen now, flustered and cornered, she found it impossible to recall what had ever drawn her to him. Whatever value she thought he once had was long gone.

Fury twisted Owen's features. His jaw tightened until it seemed his teeth might crack, and he fought hard to keep himself from exploding.

"If that's how you want it, then have it your way," he snapped. "Don't come running back when you regret this."

Instantly, his friends rallied to his defense.

"Get real! Owen could have any woman he wants. People would kill for a shot at him!"

"Wait till tomorrow—he'll have more love letters than he can count!"

"She'll be crawling back before he even thinks about her!"

Jenna slipped forward then, her voice coated in honey. "Stella, why are you being so difficult? Just say you're sorry. Everything will be fine." Her hand reached out for Stella's arm.

Revulsion sparked in Stella's eyes, and she jerked away.

A flash of irritation crossed Jenna's face. Her legs buckled, sending her crashing onto the floor. The slap of her fall rang through the restaurant, and blood quickly beaded from a cut on her knee.

Owen lurched toward her in alarm, catching Jenna and gathering her close, shielding her as if she might break.

A wave of outrage swept through the group.

"Unbelievable! How can you be this cold? Say you're sorry to Jenna, right now!"

"Seriously! You're just bitter because Jenna outshines you in everything!"

Without warning, Stella let out a laugh. "Jenna, I never laid a finger on you. What did you do—trip over your own shadow?"

A sharp glare from Owen cut across the room. "Everyone saw what you did! If you hadn't moved like that on purpose, she would still be standing. How can you sit there and lie about it?"

Jenna wrapped her arms around Owen, looking as fragile as a wilted flower. "She's probably still mad about me saying she stole my research results," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Owen... maybe you should give her another chance?"

Owen responded with a harsh, bitter laugh, "Another chance? She'll be begging me for forgiveness before the sun sets. That's how it always goes."

He had grown used to Stella's endless efforts to please him, expecting she'd never actually walk away. For that reason, he dismissed her outburst as nothing more than a temporary fit.

With a voice like ice, Owen issued a command. "Stella. Get up and grab a first-aid kit for Jenna. Do it now."

Just as the server arrived with her meals, Stella barely glanced up. She picked up her utensils, her lips curling into the faintest hint of a smile.

She spoke in a steady, detached tone. "I'm about to have my lunch. If Jenna needs first aid, whoever caused her fall can help her out."

Chaos erupted around the table. Owen's friends unleashed a torrent of shouts, their fingers stabbing at Stella like accusations.

"Are you even human? You're completely heartless!"

"Seriously, Stella? Jenna's over here in pain and you're just going to sit there stuffing your face?"

"Who do you think you are now? You used to hang on Owen's every word, and suddenly you act like he doesn't even exist?"

"Still the same trashy woman—no empathy, no shame!"

While insults flew, Stella never so much as blinked. Owen's jaw tightened until it looked painful. Scooping Jenna up, he made for the exit.

But before Owen could get far, the restaurant owner stepped in with two security guards at his side. "Not so fast. You all need to pay before you leave," he said, his tone unyielding.

Owen turned sharply, fury in his eyes. "Stella!"

Unbothered, Stella continued eating, her tone calm and almost amused. "Call whoever you want. I won't be paying. The bill has nothing to do with me."

Someone in the group shuffled nervously and mumbled, "Let's just drop it... Maybe she's broke. But Jenna really needs a doctor."

Another quickly added, "Owen, this is nothing for you. Your family's loaded. Just pay up and let's go."

Frozen in place, Owen's anger gave way to silent humiliation as sweat began to bead along his hairline.

Nestled in his arms, Jenna whimpered softly, her eyes filling with tears, "Owen... I can't stand the pain..."

All eyes in the restaurant landed on Owen as he froze, looking small and colorless beneath the harsh lights.

With a measured movement, Stella placed her fork and knife on the table and finally glanced his way. Her tone was cold and mocking. "What's the matter, Owen? Don't tell me footing the bill is too much for you now."