Bruce's gaze narrowed menacingly, but I wasn't ready to back down, so I met his stare head-on.
"You dare me?" he asked, his lips curling into a cold, dangerous smirk.
I knew he found my threat ridiculous and perhaps it would have been if I were still the same Stella who once loved Bruce George so blindly.
But that woman was gone. I was done playing nice.
"I dare you to do it," I confirmed.
"We shall see then," he smirked.
With one last glare, he spun around and stormed out of the room, slamming the door so hard that my head buzzed from its vibration.
I sighed, my shoulders sagging from exhaustion after dealing with them both.
I slowly made my way back to the bed and slumped into it.
Just as I began to breathe again, the sudden buzz of my phone cut through the silence. I reached for it and glanced at the screen.
Dad: Don't forget to see me before you retire for the night.
I felt a headache forming at the idea of meeting him. I had just dealt with one Bruce George, and now I had to deal with him.
I left the room, my phone in my hand, as I made my way to his private study. Standing at the familiar door, I exhaled sharply before I raised my hand and knocked.
But there wasn't any response other than the faint rustle of papers inside the study. Just when I wanted to knock again, his response came through the door.
"Come in." His voice was cold and detached.
I took a deep breath before I pushed the door open and stepped into the study. My gaze quickly darted around the well-lit study.
Like at other times, he was seated behind a large mahogany desk, several files sprawled out before him.
The shelves were lined on the wall; books of various professions stood proudly on them. On a few rows were several awards of excellence.
A mocking smile curled my lips ...Nortons had always kept the perfect image of a prestigious, respectable, and responsible family on the screen, yet within the kinsmen, they were rotten to their bones and marrows.
"Sit," he said flatly.
I obeyed, lowering myself into the chair opposite him, like a child awaiting punishment
"Stella," he called. "I know you still hold grudges about the incident between your sister and Bruce George."
I shrugged lightly, offering no comment.
"You should understand she was just saving us from the embarrassment you created out there. I hope you don't hold it against her."
I stared at him, a bitter chuckle escaping my lips. I had always expected him to support her, and finally, he didn't disappoint.
But the idea that I made them embarrassed didn't go down well with me.
Shouldn't he think about the humiliation I passed through?
Shouldn't he make an effort to find out the truth?
Or was it their plan to ruin me?
"Dad…" I started.
"Stella," he cut me off sharply. "You should know the Norton family have done so much for you over the years, and it is heartless of you not to understand that your actions had already put us in a tight corner."
I was dumbfounded.
"Dad…" I called him again, hoping he might give me that listening ear to express myself just this once, but like the previous time, he cut me off.
"I have already made arrangements for you to marry Oswald Dallas…."
My head buzzed at the mention of the name. Oswald Dallas...pot-bellied, chunky man?
My heart raced in my chest, my nose flared with fury. I wanted to lash out. I wanted to tell him I wouldn't do it or, better still, laugh so hard and tell him I was already married, but no…I wasn't ready to go without a fight.
I schooled my temper to calmness, my fists clenched tightly on my lap where he couldn't see them.
Phina was right. Probably, it was all about a business deal, or was it a shield for his princess? I don't know.
I had thought she had guessed it wrongly for once, but then, who would have thought it had been discussed and a conclusion arrived at without my consent.
Without sparing me as much as a glance, he continued, "Since Phina wants you to assist in preparing her wedding, I hope you can let go of whatever grudge you have against her and do your best to make it glorious."
"This simple loyalty shouldn't be difficult to do, looking at the years you have borne the Norton name."
"...."
"Do I make myself clear? Don't forget you are registering your marriage with Oswald in the morning before the wedding commences."
"What?"
My stomach churned. Certainly, he had plans to cut off my escape. He must want to tie all loose ends. The fury I had managed to suppress reignited again.
"Stella, you should understand our reputation is already bad, thanks to your harlotry, and we are just working this hard to salvage whatever integrity that we have left."
My head spun with options. I no longer had the time and strength to bother denying or trying to make them see I was innocent.
The fact he had spoken this far was proof of my suspicion. He wanted to eliminate every potential threat to his dear daughter.
"Dad, why not after my sister's wedding?" I asked, my voice calm, concealing my emotions.
"Stella, you have no right to call the shots here. You've already messed up our Norton name once, and there's not going to be any repeat," he said coldly.
I stared at him for a long time and gave him a wary smile. "I understand."
"That's for the better. Within this period, I hope you don't cause any more harm. The press would be present to cover the wedding registration and your sister's wedding," he said coldly, returning his attention to the file before him.
I nodded. He waved his hand dismissively, his shoulder sagged slightly. My lips curled softly as I stood up from the seat to leave the study.
But on getting to the door, I hesitated. "Dad, I'm not familiar with Oswald Dallas; can you create an opportunity for me to meet him?"
He slowly turned his head to stare at me, but I had my head lowered.
"You want to meet him?" he asked.
I nodded softly, my head hung low in feigned meekness—the composure he had always wanted from me and had received over the years.
"I don't think that would be necessary. You are going to meet him at the registry."
But before I could answer, the door was pushed open, and Phina stepped into the study. Her cold gaze trailed over me.
"Dad, it would be better for her to meet him." She smirked, her forefinger lifting my chin to meet my gaze.
"That wouldn't be good. Marriage is still sacred, you know," he said.
My gaze darted between them.
Phina's brow furrowed in thought. I was already certain she was thinking of convincing him—an action she always exhibits when she has something dark in her mind.
"Dad, giving my sister the opportunity of meeting her husband-to-be would give her a moment to prepare her mind."
Her gaze was mocking and challenging.
"Besides, Oswald would be glad to meet her. A proof the Nortons aren't going back on their word," she concluded smoothly.
My heart raced; never had I been anxious about my father granting my sister's wish more than this moment.
I prayed silently.
"Okay," he finally said.
My shoulders sagged, and I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Thank you, Dad, you are the best," Phina said, with a sweet smile plastered across her face.
"Sister, I can arrange for you to meet him, or do you prefer contacting him yourself?" she smirked.
"You can arrange for the meeting and inform me then," I answered.