Chapter 4

My love for photography isn't some lingering attachment to Liam.

In fact, the moment I read that suicide note in my past life, I was utterly heartbroken and gave up completely.

It's just that when I was reborn, I found that all my money had already been spent on camera equipment.

I couldn't sell it on eBay, so I just picked it up and started using it myself.

And surprisingly, I actually fell in love with photography.

In this life, I'm not trying to please anyone else; I'm doing it solely for myself.

I politely declined Liam again, my tone distant and formal.

"My hobby generates enough income for my living expenses, thank you for your concern."

Seeing my perceived lack of gratitude, a flicker of anger crossed Liam's face.

"You're turning down this opportunity. Don't come crying to me later!"

I didn't say anything, nor did I tell him.

Currently, my photography work is commissioned by several national publications and top international journals.

All the copyright fees combined are certainly not lower than Liam's income.

But if I said it out loud, he'd probably think I was bragging.

After all, my wrinkled pajamas certainly made me look quite humble.

It's my son's fault, really. He insisted on me playing with him in the sandbox. The moment I turned my back, he darted off downstairs.

I hadn't even had a chance to change clothes when I chased after him.

I was just looking for an excuse to leave when the waiter seemed to notice something.

He pointed at my clothes and said.

"Balenciaga? Where did you pick up that outfit? You're not one of the cleaning staff, stealing from a guest's room, are you?"

I couldn't help but frown.

"Can't these clothes be my own?"

Chloe scoffed, a mocking laugh escaping her.

"Your own? Can you even afford it? What wealthy person runs around dressed so casually?"

She dramatically pinched her nose.

"It's so dirty, you probably haven't even washed it and just secretly put it on."

Liam looked at me, his brows almost knit together tightly enough to catch a fly.

"Stella Maxwell, you're in this state, are you still going to be stubborn?"

I didn't want to deal with them, so I turned directly to the waiter.

"If you truly think I stole something, you're welcome to call the police right now."

I knew he was just trying to curry favor with Chloe, seeing her displeasure with me, and wanted to kick me while I was down.

Sure enough, his bravado immediately deflated, and he muttered quietly.

"If it weren't for an important person staying at the hotel today, and us not wanting you people to disturb them, I would have called the police already."

Chloe's eyes lit up, and she quickly interjected.

"Is it Arthur Kingston? I heard he and his family are in New York and staying at this hotel."

Liam nodded, a look of anticipation in his eyes.

"If we could get the Kingston family's support for the project our company is working on, that would be amazing."

The name "Arthur Kingston" dropped like a bomb, instantly igniting a feverish buzz of discussion.

"Isn't the whole point of coming to this gala today to meet Arthur Kingston? This entire building belongs to his family."

"I heard he got married and had a kid in his early twenties. I wonder which heiress he married."

As everyone was discussing, the lobby manager burst in, his face slick with sweat, followed by a whole team.

"Everyone, has anyone seen a seven-year-old boy around here, about this tall?"

The manager wiped his forehead, his eyes frantically scanning the hall.

Someone quick-witted, seeing the commotion, immediately guessed something.

"Is it the Kingston family's young master? I heard he's exactly seven this year."

The gala attendees became enthusiastic, quickly searching everywhere.

After all, finding the boy could be a chance to connect with the Kingston family.

Liam and Chloe also joined the search, no longer paying attention to me.

I looked at the chaotic hall and walked straight to the dessert area.

Sure enough, I found my son under the table, his face covered in cream.

I frowned, extending my hand.

"Come here."

My son jumped, hugging the table leg and refusing to let go.

"No."

I was about to pull him over when Chloe suddenly appeared, blocking me, her voice righteous.

"Stella Maxwell, what do you think you're doing!"

"Even if you want to connect with the Kingston family, there's no need to lay hands on a child, is there?"

Liam rushed over, his eyes filled with disappointment as he looked at me.

"Stella Maxwell, I can't believe you'd do something like this for fame and fortune."

The waiter grabbed the manager and complained.

"It's this woman! She suddenly crashed the gala and even stole clothes from another guest!"

The manager's face immediately turned cold, and he called security.

"Grab this thief and take her straight to the police station! If she scares the young master, you're all fired!"

A triumphant smile flickered in Chloe's eyes. She bent down, putting on a kind face for the Kingston family's young master.

"Come here, sweetie, Auntie will protect you."

My son ignored her completely. To everyone's astonishment, he carefully reached out for my hand.

"Mommy, I'm sorry."