Page 49 of King of Rage

She then shot Stella an angry look.

“Nobody knows him better than I do. So stay out of this. Get lost. You’re not needed here.”

Lucius glanced down at the drink in his hand before lifting his eyes toward Stella. His gaze immediately softened when it settled on her.

Then, without saying a word, he extended the glass toward her.

“I won’t drink anymore.”

Stella took the glass from his hand and placed it on the table.

Catherine’s face darkened.

“Can you get lost? I already told you that Lucius was waiting for me. Why do you keep interfering between us? You’re confusing him!” she shouted.

Her anger intensified when she noticed how tightly Lucius was clinging to Stella and refusing to let her go. Her expression twisted with fury as she glared at Stella.

“He and I are about to get married. Don’t you understand? I’m going to be his wife, and you’re ruining everything for me! Can you just fucking leave?”

Stella’s expression changed the moment Catherine mentioned their impending marriage. The concern she had shown while trying to help Lucius vanished, replaced by anger. At the same time, a cold mask settled over her features.

She carefully pried Lucius’s arm from around her waist. His grip tightened instinctively, but she managed to pull away from him and step back, putting some distance between them.

Catherine immediately brightened. Believing Stella was finally leaving, she moved closer to Lucius with a pleased smile.

Stella glanced toward Juliet and Xavier before turning to the man who had called her.

“Since you called me here, I’ve already tried to help him. I’ve done my part, so my job is over. There’s nothing more I can do.”

With that, she turned and started toward the exit.

Lucius abruptly pushed himself off the couch.

He rose to his feet and rushed after her, stumbling slightly because of the alcohol. The next moment, he reached Stella and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her tightly against him. His face dipped into the curve of her neck as he held her close.

“Where are you going?” he murmured. “Don’t leave me.”

Stella struggled against his hold, trying to free herself.

“Let go of me, Lucius.”

But he refused to release her. Instead, he tightened his arms around her waist and pressed his face against her neck.

“Don’t leave. I don’t feel good,” he mumbled.

Then, in a tired, almost childlike voice, he added, “My stomach hurts, Stella. I’m so tired.”

Catherine, who was still standing near the couch, watched them with growing fury.

“Lucius, let her go!” she snapped.

Stella continued struggling against Lucius’s hold, but he clung to her as though he were afraid she would disappear the moment he released her.

When her efforts failed, her frustration finally boiled over.

She shoved him away with all her strength and slapped him hard across the face.

The sharp crack of the slap cut through the music.