chapter1312

"How much was it? I'll pay you back," Stella said flatly.

Israel glared at her. "Do you think this is about money? Do you think we're short on cash?"

"Then what do you want?" Stella asked.

A cruel smile spread across Israel's face. "Aurora's car was destroyed. It's impossible for you to return the car you took from her, but since we're family, you can compensate her with an identical race car. *Dawnlight* was the car that won Aurora countless championships. It means as much to her as *Nocturne Stella* means to you. I'm only being reasonable because we're relatives."

Israel's face was a mask of smug provocation. "So, Stella? Do you dare to pay that price for him?"

Her expression remained calm. "I can replace *Dawnlight* for you, but you'll have to send me a complete list of all its parts."

Israel started to say something else, but Stella cut him off coolly.

"I'm not familiar with the car. If you don't provide a list, I'll just build it my own way. If it doesn't meet your standards, that's not my problem."

"Fine," Israel sneered. "I'll send you a list down to the very last screw. And if you can't replicate it, don't blame us for forgetting we're family."

*Dawnlight* had been personally modified by Leonard. Even if Stella could get the parts, assembling an identical car was impossible. Not to mention, many of the materials and components couldn't simply be bought; only Leonard had access to them. And given that he and Stella were mortal enemies, he would sooner give them to anyone else.

Israel could finally look forward to watching Stella fail and be forced to admit defeat. The thought brought a triumphant smirk to his lips. This time, he would crush her arrogance and make her beg.

Aurora watched silently, neither ing nor intervening.

Having gotten Stella's agreement, satisfied Israel finally left. Skyler, who was still fuming and exhausted from worrying about Keen was

driven home by Jonathan,

After they left, Israel and Aurora exchanged a quick word with Jonathan and headed inside. Keen was still unconscious.

Seeing their strange expressions, Coleman asked, "What is it? Did something else happen?"

Aurora recounted the events that had just transpired.

Coleman frowned. "If Stella is protecting Joshua this fiercely, could she already know his true identity?"

"It's hard to say," Aurora replied. "But one thing is certain: he won't be easy for us to control. And..."

"And what?"

Aurora's gaze deepened. "I suspect he might actually have feelings for Stella."

Israel immediately scoffed.

"Impossible! Why would he fall for a divorced single mother when he could have a goddess like you? The world is full of strange people but who would willingly sign up to be a stepfather to that little brat? Is he out of his mind?"

Coleman looked at Aurora. "Are you sure?"

"Seventy, eighty percent," she said.

His frown deepened. "With Joshua helping her getting those original shares from Stella will be much harder. Leonard is out of commission, and Sellers alone might not be enough to handle Joshua."