Chapter 408 Remarriage
Today was a rough day for the White family, but their rivals were having a field day.
Stella quickly wiped away her tears and said firmly, "No way, I can't let this go on. I'm not gonna let people walk all over me."
She was used to a life of luxury and power, and she wasn't about to go back to those tough times.
Seeing her like this, Oliver jumped in, "Stella, don't do anything crazy."
Even though the two families had stopped working together, the White family had enough money saved up to get by.
After saying this, Oliver seemed to remember something, "You don't need to become an actress. We don't need the money. From now on, stay at home. Your mom will set you up on some dates."
If she couldn't marry into high society in Evergreen City, she could marry into a wealthy family somewhere else.
Stella was almost 30, and in Oliver's eyes, it was time for her to settle down and start a family.
Before, he had turned a blind eye to Stella's career in the entertainment industry because Charles hadn't objected and even supported it.
But times had changed. In their social circle, anyone with a bit of money looked down on those who let their kids mix in the entertainment industry.
Actors, who were subject to public scrutiny and judgment, were seen as disgraceful. Oliver felt ashamed just thinking about it.
"Dad? No way!" Stella broke free from Calista's embrace and immediately retorted.
There were so many people in the industry waiting for her to fall. If she really quit the entertainment industry to get married, that would be truly humiliating.
"Do you think you're still the big star everyone adored? Our family isn't what it used to be! You need to come back and get married!"
Oliver shouted angrily, flipping the tea set on the coffee table, shattering it into pieces.
The loud noise startled the servants outside. They peeked through the door and saw Calista holding Stella, scolding, "Why are you taking it out on the child? If you have the guts, go yell at Charles. Stella is still young. We can afford to let her play around for a few more years."
"And whose fault is that? Wasn't it you who spoiled her? Why did you have to provoke that woman at the party today?"
Oliver was furious. His carefully laid plans had been completely ruined by Stella.
He had intended to buy some time and have Charles make an appearance at the party. Maybe with a bit of maneuvering, Stella and Charles' marriage could have been settled.
But what happened? Not only did things not go as planned, but the White family also became the laughingstock of the party.
Calista fell silent, biting her lip and tucking her hair behind her ear, feeling uneasy.
"Stella, listen to your father. We won't harm you. Once you're better, I'll help you find a suitable match."
Seeing her mother also turn against her, Stella exploded in anger, "What do you mean for my own good? You're just doing this for your own selfish reasons. You pushed me to Charles to get money, and now what? What do you want to trade me for this time?"
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face. She was furious, and in reality, she hadn't even told her parents that she and Charles were getting married but wouldn't be registering their marriage.
Now that things were ruined, she saw no reason to hold back.
Oliver, hearing her words, felt a headache coming on. He raised his hand high, ready to strike.
Stella, unafraid, looked him straight in the eye with tear-filled eyes, "Go ahead, hit me. Am I wrong?"
Oliver's hand didn't come down. Instead, he turned and slapped himself.
The rumors and scorn from today seemed to materialize into a slap, hitting Oliver hard.
After the slap, both Stella and Calista were shocked.
"Dad!"
"Honey!"
Oliver hadn't held back, and his face was now bright red.
The mother and daughter were stunned by his actions.
After the slap, Oliver said to Stella, "I was wrong. I apologize."
Calista's eyes filled with tears as she held Stella's hand, crying, "Stella, forgive your father. It's his first time being a dad. We just want you to have a good life."
Stella finally stopped arguing, biting her lip, her eyes red, and said softly, "Okay."
Hearing this, Calista's face lit up with joy. She hugged Stella tightly, murmuring, "That's my good daughter, my precious."
But no one noticed the flash of malice in Stella's eyes, hinting at her hidden thoughts.
At the hospital.
Diana didn't expect to be having dinner with Charles.
One was on the bed, the other on the sofa, not interfering with each other but also not speaking.
She couldn't understand why he insisted on staying here. Diana chewed on a piece of meat, lost in thought.
Charles, on the other hand, ate while watching her every move intently.
He admitted he was a bit paranoid.
After all, five years ago, Diana had escaped after falling into the water.
This time, it was the same situation. Although he had saved her, there was no guarantee she wouldn't try something else.
As Eugene put it, Charles had a psychological shadow.
He closed the lunchbox, wiped his mouth slowly, and stood up.
Seeing this, Diana swallowed her food and closed her lunchbox, "I'm done. Thank you, Mr. Percy."
"You're welcome."
Charles never took her thanks lightly. He took the lunchbox and stepped out.
Outside, Jacob was waiting with the servants. Seeing him come out, he quickly approached, "Mr. Percy, did the food suit your taste?"
Charles nodded slightly. The servant took the lunchbox and stepped aside, waiting for them to finish talking.
Jacob glanced through the door at the hospital room and couldn't help but click his tongue, "Mr. Percy, why don't you take Ms. Wipere home? We have a family doctor. Sleeping on the sofa is too uncomfortable."
Charles was tall, and sleeping on the sofa meant he had to curl up, unable to stretch out.
"It's fine."
Since Diana said she wanted to stay here, they would stay here.
He also wanted to see if she was genuinely hospitalized or had other plans.
Seeing he couldn't persuade him, Jacob sighed, "If you need anything, let me know. I'm here to help."
Before he could finish, Charles interrupted, "Jacob, it's getting late. You should go home. Next time, let the servants handle the food delivery."
Jacob had a lot to say but kept it to himself.
After Jacob left, Charles re-entered the hospital room.
But the room was empty. The bed was unmade, and the sheets were cold to the touch.
His heart skipped a beat, and the wind from the open window blew against his face.
Charles' expression froze. He clenched his fist and walked to the window.
This was the 14th floor. Unless Diana was Spider-Man, there was no way she could escape with her injuries.
His mind was in chaos. Just then, the bathroom door creaked open slightly.
Charles snapped back to reality and immediately pulled the door open.