Beneath the shade of a leafy tree, a girl stood with her arms folded, wearing a fitted training tee. Her makeup was flawless, her long hair spilling down her shoulders, and she had this cool, superior vibe that made it clear she thought she was above everyone else. She let out a mocking laugh. “Well, look who it is. Stella. Thought I was seeing things, but nope, it’s really you.”
That was Janie, Stella’s cousin.
Stella’s face lost all its color. She kept her hands balled up at her sides and didn’t say a word, just turned to leave.
Janie’s smile twisted, her eyes hardening as she blocked Stella’s way. “What’s with the attitude?” Her voice was ice. “You see me and don’t even say hi?”
She snorted. “What, did you turn mute after all these years?”
Stella slowly raised her head. Her eyes were clear, but they burned with pure hatred. She glared straight at Janie, her voice hoarse but steady. “I have nothing to do with the Adams family. And even less to do with you.”
Janie’s tone sharpened, her words laced with poison. “Trying to pretend nothing happened? Fine. Let me jog your memory.”
Stella’s breathing was shaky now. Her fists clenched tighter, her knuckles white, and her eyes stung red.
Janie looked her up and down, clearly enjoying every second of Stella’s distress. “You hated my aunt for marrying your dad, so you made sure she lost her baby. You planned it.”
Stella’s nails dug deep into her palms, pain shooting up her arms, but she refused to flinch.

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