Stanley nced at Luna beside him. "Get out."


    He ordered her to leave the car.


    And just like that, he dropped her off in the middle of the road.


    Luna got out, and the business car sped off with a whoosh, leaving her surrounded by exhaust fumes.


    Luna clenched her fists and stomped her foot in frustration


    Wendy had already arrived at the Hawk family''s estate, sitting on the living room sofa and chatting with Glinda.


    Not long after, therge estate doors opened. A chill breeze followed a tall, dignified figure inside-Stanley had returned.


    The housekeeper greeted him respectfully. "Mr. Hawk."


    Stanley took off his shoes at the entrance and strode into the living room, his long legs carrying him effortlessly. When he saw Wendy, their eyes met.


    It had been a while since theyst saw each other, not since that day in the school infirmary. Wendy had lost some weight and appeared more delicate. Her once- perfectly round face now had a sharper, cooler air about it.


    She was still wearing her school uniform-a white shirt and a checkered skirt, with a jacket thrown over it. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her youthful, innocent energy was almost palpable.


    Stanley looked at her but didn''t say a word.


    "Wendy, you''re back! Come on. Let''s eat," Glinda said cheerfully.


    The three of them sat down at the dining table. Glinda sat at the head, while Stanley and Wendy were seated across


    from each other.


    The housekeeper served Stanley a bowl of soup, and after taking a sip, Stanley furrowed his brows. "Grandma, what kind of soup is this?"


    Glinda chuckled. "It''s Caldo de Cardan soup, for your health" Stanley froze.


    "Stanley," Glinda continued, "do you remember what I told youst time? You''re not getting any younger. It''s about time you and Wendy have children. Drink this soup, and tonight, I want you to make me a great-grandchild.


    11


    Stanley turned his gaze toward Wendy


    Wendy raised her eyes to meet his, her gaze steady and clear, then spoke softly, "Grandma, I still need to go to school tonight."


    Glinda paused, surprised. "But Wendy, you just got home! Aren''t you going to stay the night?"


    "I''m really busy with schoolwork," Wendy replied gently.


    Glinda, with a tender expression, picked up some barbequed ribs and ced them in Wendy''s bowl. "Wendy, you''ve lost weight recently. After dinner, let Stanley drive you back to school,"


    back


    Stanley watched her, noticing how quiet Wendy had be. Her longshes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks as she picked up the rib and took a small, graceful bite.


    Stanley felt a pang of something in his chest-Wendy''s silence tonight made her seem so fragile.


    After dinner, Wendy got up to leave. Stanley grabbed the car keys, following her outside.


    As they walked together, Wendy caught the scent of perfume in the air-it was a sweet, peachry fragrance, familiar and unmistakable. It was the same fragrance Luna used.


    Earlier, in the VIP hospital room, Luna had mentioned that her boyfriend would be picking her up and had sprayed this very perfume.


    Wendy''s face went pale as the realization hit her. She had found the answer.


    In all of Hovendale, other than Stanley, the richest man in the city, who else had


    the resources to make Luna a star overnight?


    So, Stanley was Luna''s benefactor, the one backing her all along


    Wendy had suspected as much, but she hadn''t wanted to believe it.


    The two of them walked across thewn toward the luxury car. Stanley, noticing


    her sudden quietness, raised an eyebrow and asked, "What made you decide toe back tonight?"


    "Mr. Hawk, do you have some time tomorrow?"


    "Why?"


    "Tomorrow, let''s go to the clerk''s office and get a divorce."


    Stanley froze mid-step.


    Wendy stopped too, her eyes cold as she fixed her gaze on him. "Stanley, I want


    a divorce. I don''t want to wait another day."