Chapter 7

Stella POV

After the gala ended, I didn't return to my own apartment but went back to my parents' home.

In the old apartment complex in the suburbs, there was a comforting atmosphere of everyday life. When my parents saw me return late at night, though surprised, they immediately went to the kitchen to heat up food.

"Stella, no matter how busy work is, you need to take care of your health. Look how thin you've gotten lately." Mom lovingly brought me a steak.

I ate with my head down, my eyes welling up. After enduring all that coldness and humiliation at Ethan's, only here with my parents was I a treasured child.

After dinner, Dad hesitated before speaking. "Stella, we've been discussing something. My friend settled in Vancouver and says the environment there is perfect for retirement. Your mother and I have worked hard our whole lives and want to go out and see the world. We're thinking of settling in Vancouver."

I froze.

My parents had mentioned wanting to retire overseas before, but I'd found various excuses to delay because I couldn't bear to leave Ethan. My parents, feeling sorry for me, had shelved the plan.

"Stella, we know you're busy with work and developing well here. We're not forcing you to come with us, we just wanted your opinion." Mom held my hand, her eyes full of love.

Looking at my parents' graying temples, my heart ached sharply.

For a man who didn't love me, I'd wasted five years of my youth and even neglected the parents who loved me most. What exactly was I holding onto?

"Dad, Mom." I gripped Mom's hand back, raising my head with unprecedented determination in my eyes. "I'll go with you. The sooner the better."

Dad and Mom looked at each other, both seeing delight in the other's eyes.

"Good, good! Then I'll contact the agency tomorrow to process the passport. Our whole family will go together!"

Over the next few days, I began secret preparations. I contacted headhunters, handled my assets, and cooperated with my parents in processing overseas visas and moving arrangements.

At the company, I remained that perfect chief secretary. I no longer argued with Ethan, no longer reacted to Luna's provocations. Like a precision machine, I efficiently handled all work, including the procedures for Ethan and Luna's engagement party.

Ethan keenly noticed the change in me.

I'd become too compliant. No matter how he mocked and ridiculed, no matter how Luna ordered me around, I accepted everything without even frowning.

This compliance didn't satisfy Ethan. Instead, it stirred an inexplicable irritation in his heart.

"For the engagement party favors, Luna wants macarons flown in. Go arrange it." Ethan threw a document in front of me, his gaze fixed on my face, trying to find any trace of jealousy or pain.

"Yes, Mr. Carter. I'll contact the supplier immediately." My tone was emotionlessly professional, even thoughtfully adding, "Luna is allergic to nuts. I'll specifically instruct the supplier to avoid nut ingredients."

Ethan looked at my completely calm eyes, feeling like his punch had landed on cotton. Suffocatingly frustrating.

"Stella, you've finally learned your place." Ethan snorted coldly, trying to hurt me with words.

I smiled slightly. A flawless, impeccable smile. "Mr. Carter taught me well. As a secretary, solving my boss's problems is my duty."

Ethan stared at me intently. After a long moment, he waved his hand irritably. "Get out."

I turned to leave. The moment I closed the office door, the smile dropped from my face. Only icy coldness remained.

Lean my place?

Yes, I knew my place. And I was ready to flip the whole game over.