chapter1592

Stella thought she must have imagined it. "Nothing," she said, shaking her head.

Just then, her phone vibrated softly.

Abby saw her take it out and leaned over curiously. "Is that another message from 'L'?"

After Stella's personal information was thoroughly doxxed, several of her secret identities had been exposed, including her life as the painter 'Summer.'

Abby would never forget the shocked and incredulous looks on the Williams family's faces when they learned just how accomplished Stella was. They seemed unable to believe that the woman they had looked down on had achieved so much in various fields.

Aurora Williams had been particularly stunned, especially since she had once bid on one of Summer's paintings.

After Stella's information was leaked, a person named Lin started sending her gifts from time to time, saying they were a thank-you for the painting Stella had given away for free.

The gifts weren't extravagant, but they were always thoughtful. Some were even handmade and perfectly matched Stella's taste, making it impossible for her to refuse them.

Even Abby was surprised by the gifts Lin sent.

"Wow, this girl is something else. She really gets your style. No wonder she likes your paintings; you two clearly have a lot in common."

Stella showed Abby the message on her phone. "It is from Lin."

Lin had sent a photo of a tabby cat.

Abby couldn't help but comment, "Lin has taken such good care of that little stray. Its fur is so glossy and healthy, and it even looks more fierce than before."

Three months earlier, Abby had found a tabby kitten. Since both she and Stella were too busy with work to care for a kitten, Stella had posted on social media looking for someone to adopt it.

Less than a minute after she posted, Stella received a message from Lin, who offered to take the cat. Since then Lin had sent daily updates the tabby, and through their shared affection for the cat, she and Stella had grown closer.

"This Lin seems so kind and talented," Abby said. "I bet she's a really sweet girl. Have you ever thought about meeting her in person, Star?"

Stella shook her head. "My situation is too complicated. It's better if we don't meet, to avoid dragging her into my problems."

"That's true," Abby conceded.

The masquerade ball held little appeal for Stella. After staying a little longer, she said to Abby, "Let's get Wilbur and Gideon. It's time to go home."

"Okay," Abby agreed.

Just as Stella and Abby left, two figures appeared in a secluded spot on the second floor of the ballroom.

Lola frowned. This Stella certainly has impressive work ethic, coming up with a plan that satisfied us

within six months. But... how long has Joshua been gone? And she's already got two handsome guys by her side. I really don't get what Joshua sees in her. She's not worthy of him at all."

Laurel Quinn watched Stella's departing figure and said calmly, "Don't talk nonsense. They're just her bodyguards. If she attracted Joshua, she obviously has something special about her."

Lola pouted. "The one protecting Abby looks like a proper bodyguard. But the one with Stella... he doesn't look like a bodyguard at all. Or if he is, he's not a very professional one."

Laurel's expression was serene. "Stella will never be interested in anyone else. Once you've met. Joshua, it's hard to feel anything for

another man. It's not her I'm worried about. It's Joshua."

Lola looked at Laurel, confused. "Joshua is so capable. What is there to worry about?"

"A while ago, Dr. Chase asked me to optimize the treatment plan and try to limit the duration to under six months," Laurel explained.