Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 114: Chapter 114

Eleanor had long since stopped caring about things outside her own home, so she didn't know about Jordan. And now, Jordan was here—how could the Hayeses talk openly about Jordan right in front of him?
Stella's nerves tightened. Even though Eleanor had given her quick approval, the stakes—her own future—made Stella feel unsure.
Then Stella felt Jordan's hand close around hers. Glancing up, Stella caught the barest hint of reassurance in the slight curve of his lips.
Moments ago, his glacial intensity towards her family had seemed impenetrable. That fleeting softening, however, eased a knot of tension in her chest.
"Of course," Eleanor affirmed, her voice gentle but resolute. "I couldn't be more pleased with them."
"Mom!" Andrew's voice cut sharply through the room. He started to object, but a wary glance at Jordan choked the words. Instead, he turned a commanding stare on Stella. "Come with me. Now." With that, Andrew stood up.
As Stella rose from the sofa, Jordan's grip tightened, anchoring her in place. "Stella is my wife," Jordan stated, his voice deceptively calm. "There's nothing concerning her that I shouldn't hear."
Andrew threw caution to the wind. "Fine," he spat. "Since you've forced your way into this family, let's be brutally clear. Jordan, you are utterly unsuitable for my daughter. I demand you file for divorce. Immediately."
"Never." Stella countered, her voice ringing with conviction. "Jordan and I are in love. I knew you'd try to stop us, so we just got married first. Now nothing will break us apart."
Max leaned forward. "Stella, do you even know what kind of man he is? He—"
Stella cut him off sharply. "Save it, Max. Kevin already tried that line." She turned to Jordan, her expression softening into genuine warmth. "I knew Jordan long before the Erwin Group existed. I know the man he is.
"He never judged me, even after everything. And when we reconnected, he still chose to marry me. Choosing to be his wife is my deepest desire.
"Oh, and when Henry nearly got me killed, it was Jordan who saved me," she added pointedly. "You kept pestering me about our connection? Well, we were together even then.
"This time," Stella continued, her voice hardening, "Jordan knew you planned to force me onto Troy. If you hadn't pushed us too far, we wouldn't have taken such a drastic measure. So if you need someone to blame, look in the mirror."
Eleanor whipped around to face Andrew and Fiona, her voice trembling with fury. "Is this true? You intended to force Stella into marriage with Troy?"
Andrew was about to explain when Eleanor slammed her palm onto the coffee table with a crack. "Answer me! Is it true?"
Andrew's shoulders slumped. "Yes," he admitted, the word dragged out reluctantly.
"Fools!" Eleanor cried, her voice raw. "You know Troy's vile nature! How could you sacrifice your daughter to that scoundrel?" Fury propelled her forward, hand raised.
Andrew scrambled back, hands raised defensively. "Mom, please! What choice did I have? It's all because of her own actions—secretly meeting Troy and giving away her reputation to him. I had no choice."
The slap rang out, sharp and stinging. "How dare you." Eleanor roared, her eyes blazing. "Stella is not that kind person. Utter another slander against her."
Stella's expression frosted over. "Since you insist on lies," she said, her voice glacial, "let's illuminate the truth. How did I end up with Troy that day? Ask Max. It was entirely his handiwork."
Max shot to his feet, panic flaring. "You're insane." he shouted, jabbing a finger at her. "That's a complete fabrication. I did nothing."
"Liar!" Stella fired back, her voice cutting. "You knocked me unconscious—a blow to the neck—right before my eyes. I woke in Troy's bed. And now, you're telling me that was not your doing?"
Eleanor swayed, clutching the sofa back for support. The revelation hit like a physical blow. "Max," Her voice was thick with anguish and disbelief. "Stella's your sister. How could you push her into the fire again and again?"