Chapter 369:

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«Get out of Prosper Bay, you opportunistic woman! You only got this far by clinging to Matthew!»

The throng instantly obstructed Stella and Miley’s path. Miley positioned herself in front of Stella, attempting to shield her, but it was futile. The crowd, spewing venomous words, inched closer.

The popular sentiment held that Stella’s success was solely attributed to her unsavory relationship with Matthew.

No one was willing to believe that Matthew could engage in an affair with an orphan, especially when Stella had apparently disrupted his marriage.

«Have some decency and leave Seamarsh!»

«You home-wrecker! Who do you think you are? Aspiring to marry into affluence?»

Amidst the turmoil, Stella felt her hair yanked from behind, followed by a swift kick.

«Enough!» Miley shouted, striving to protect Stella. Yet, she was abruptly pulled away, tumbling hard onto the ground.

The scene was absolute chaos.

Just then, a swarm of reporters burst onto the scene, thrusting their cameras and microphones at Stella.

«Did you transition from a PR officer to a designer because of Matthew? Did you win Mrs. Burke’s design by shady means?»

«Did you seduce Matthew so you could obtain all the success you’ve been enjoying?»

«Is your ultimate aim to force Matthew into a divorce so you can marry him?»

Their questions were relentless, bending the narrative.

Stella remained silent, visibly dispirited.

For a moment, the tumult around her seemed surreal.

How had she come to warrant such unrelenting vitriol for an unverified rumor? Why did no one bother to substantiate the claims before vilifying her?

R3ad th3 l4t3st 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

Stella’s visage reflected not just weariness, but an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Just then, a burly man pushed his way through the crowd, his fist raised, ready to strike Stella.

The crowd gasped as Stella recoiled in terror, her eyes clenching shut instinctively.

But then, the revving of engines pierced the tension.

Heads turned as several cars sped toward the crowd, forcing them to scatter in panic. The burly man hastily retracted his fist and dodged to the side.

The front car’s door swung open, and out stepped Matthew, clad in a black suit.

His icy demeanor radiated an almost palpable aura of fear and intimidation.

A cadre of heavily-armed, well-trained bodyguards emerged behind him, adding to the already heightened sense of urgency.

«Matthew’s arrived. This is going to be a spectacle.»

«By the looks of Matthew, I’d say Stella’s days in Seamarsh are numbered.»

«What a shame Mrs. Clark isn’t here. We could’ve witnessed a showdown between a wife and a mistress. But honestly, Stella’s not worth Mrs. Clark’s time.»

They continued gossiping until Matthew’s chilling gaze swept over them.

Those who met his icy stare instantly felt a shiver down their spines. They lowered their heads, avoiding further eye contact.

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