Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 340: The threat had no effect on Nyla. Her gaze drifted to a nearby window, and her tone remained indifferent. "And?" Stella frowned, taken aback. "What do you mean, 'and'? Do you even realize how much Callie and Ethan love each other? If it weren't for you using the baby to manipulate him, do you think you'd still be here?" Nyla allowed herself a bitter smile. Everyone believed the same thing-that she had schemed to trap Ethan, that even her child had been nothing more than a bargaining chip. Her love for Ethan, it seemed, had always been worthless-fragile, easy to dismiss.

The ache in her chest grew sharper, but she forced herself to take a steadying breath. "As soon as Ethan lets me go, I'll leave," she said softly. What was the point of staying? No one cared. She turned to leave, only to notice Ethan standing a short distance away. In that moment, something clicked. Without sparing a glance at Stella, Nyla walked silently to Ethan's side. Once again, the same petty tactics. She was too tired to care anymore. "Uncle Ethan!" Stella's voice wavered as her confidence crumbled. She had no doubt he'd overheard everything-especially Nyla's parting words.

Stella's mind raced. If Nyla wanted to leave and the baby was gone, surely Ethan would let her go. After all, he could never truly care for someone like Nyla. But Ethan's expression was unreadable as he said, "You've disrespected your aunt. Two weeks of grounding. No exceptions." "What?" Stella stared at Ethan in disbelief, convinced she must have misheard him. Lαtєst chαptєrs in gąlnovels.ćom But the impatience in his eyes made it clear she hadn't. She had crossed a line, and there was no mistaking it. Stella gritted her teeth, her disbelief turning into defiance.

Summoning her courage, she said, "Uncle Ethan, but she doesn't deserve any respect." Ethan's gaze turned icy, his tone colder than she had ever heard. "Was the last punishment not enough for you?" Under the weight of his stare, Stella faltered. She clutched the hem of her dress, trying to calm the storm of fear rising within her. Yet, she refused to back down. "No matter how many punishments there are, I have to say this-she used her pregnancy to manipulate you, Uncle Ethan. Now that she's had a miscarriage, shouldn't you get a divorce?" Her voice grew sharper, each word dripping with venom.

"The Brooks family doesn't acknowledge her. Everything people say about her is true. Her mother's reputation is built on manipulation and greed-there's nothing respectable about her family. How can someone like her ever be accepted by the Brooks family? Besides, you were supposed to be engaged to Callie. Years of love and commitment can't just be outweighed by the other woman!" . . .