Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Emancipation

Jack Holden paused, then asked, "May I ask who's calling?"

"Are you serious? You can't recognize my voice? It's Stella Dawson. Have you lost your mind?"

"Oh, Miss Dawson." He responded swiftly this time.

"Where is the divorce certificate?" Her voice wasn't loud, but the quiet room amplified her icy tone.

Kevin Porter kept his mouth shut-he knew better than to provoke her in this mood.

Ever since Stella had finally secured the divorce from Alexander Sterling, she had been euphoric. But now.

Alexander had better pray she didn't decide to unleash her full wrath.

Kevin muttered silently to himself, trying to blend into the background.

"Miss Dawson, as I said, my schedule has been overwhelming. Let's discuss this next month, shall we?" Jack was clearly brushing her off, his tone dismissive over the phone.

Right after saying that, he hung up. When Stella redialed, she discovered-no surprise-he'd blocked the number again.

"Whoa, careful, Miss Dawson! That's my only phone!" Kevin clung to her arm, terrified she was about to hurl it across the room.

Stella stood rigid, hands clenched into fists, trembling with suppressed rage.

"I found out something important!" Kevin blurted out hastily.

"Spit it out," her tone was sharp and demanding.

"Alexander used his connections to process the divorce without both parties being present. It's a fast-tracked, legal procedure. Since he can do it, so can we!" Kevin explained, now serious. "You already signed the agreement, so can't we just go collect the certificate ourselves?"

"Alexander's lost his mind," Stella stated calmly. "He won't allow it, and no one dares defy him."

Her phone buzzed. Distracted, she glanced down at the screen.

Another taunting message popped up in the group chat: "Stella, it's been days. Still counting pennies?"

She took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation.

"Listen up, everyone. Alexander signed the papers but is now withholding the certificate. He's doing this on purpose, keeping me in legal limbo to force me to beg. Who the hell can tolerate that?"

She fired off a rapid series of messages, her fingers flying over the screen.

Sure enough, the group chat erupted.

"What a disgusting piece of work."

"Does he think he's some kind of godfather?"

"Don't you dare beg him, Stella. I'll go teach him a lesson for you."

"If he kicks the bucket, no certificate needed, and you inherit everything, right?"

"Now that's an idea."

The comments flooded in, and Stella began reading them with newfound interest.

She typed quickly into the group: "The guy's worth billions, sure, but we had a prenup."

Meanwhile, the contact helping her with the bank cards messaged again.

"I'll make a call shortly. Have the divorce agreement ready and go collect your certificate."

"Once it's in your hands, contact me. Your card will be reactivated."

Stella Dawson stared at the two brief texts, her face instantly brightening. She gave Kevin Porter a quick, excited pat on the arm.

"Come on, Kev! To the courthouse!"

The entire errand took barely thirty minutes.

Stella stepped out holding two copies of the divorce certificate, beaming as if she'd won the lottery.

She made a quick call, waited a moment, and sure enough, a notification popped up: her bank card was officially active again.

"Perfect." Stella's eyes remained fixed on the screen, a triumphant smile plastered on her face.

After a moment, she waved a hand. "Kev!"

"What's the plan, Stella?"

"I'm officially wealthy enough to be your sugar mama now."

"Hey now, watch it-I'm premium merchandise!"

"Oh please, whatever the price, I can cover it!" She laughed, her eyes sparkling with glee.

Hooking her arm through his, Stella declared, "Let's go car shopping. Sports cars."

"Newly rich and ready to splurge-I deserve a reward!"

Later that day, Stella made a grand entrance at the mall, rolling up in a soft pink Lamborghini.

She'd been eyeing an upscale restaurant for ages-today was the day.

"Stella, your university starts tomorrow. Want me to drive you?" Kevin asked casually, playing with his chopsticks.

Leaning back, beer in hand, Stella took a slow sip and gave a slight nod.

"I have some credits to make up this semester. Need to wrap that up before I fully dive back into work."

"You'll drop me off, then link up with Rex. We need someone reliable to manage daily operations at the company."

"Don't worry, I'll transfer the necessary funds right after this."

She downed the last of her beer like a pro, radiating smug satisfaction.

Kevin nodded as if it were routine. "Understood. I'll finalize the remaining reports while I'm at it."

They refilled their glasses and clinked them together.

"To Stella's freedom!"

...

The next day-City University, the premier institution in the capital.

It was registration day. Luxury cars were casually parked near the entrance, the sons and daughters of the elite making their appearance.

Even in this gathering of brilliant minds, the scions of powerful families were ubiquitous.

No one felt the need to show off-it was unnecessary.

The three most influential families in the capital-the Sterlings, the Mitchells, and the Campbells-all had descendants enrolled here.

The Sterling Group, for instance, frequently recruited directly from City U's talent pool.

These three families held an unshakeable grip on the city's power structure, a status even other old-money clans couldn't challenge.

The capital's wealth rankings updated every three years, but these three dynasties? Untouchable.

Amusingly enough-their cars arrived almost simultaneously.

Evan Sterling and Liam Sterling stepped out, their valet waiting patiently nearby with the luggage.

"Well, what a coincidence. Seems we're all early birds," Evan said, his gaze drifting toward the Campbell family's vehicle.

Liam glanced over lazily but offered no comment.

A moment later, Lindor Mitchell strolled out of his car at a leisurely pace, also turning to look toward the Campbells' parking spot.

While they were still observing, the door of a sleek black sports car opened smoothly.

Lucas Campbell hopped out with a grin and pulled open the passenger door. "Cathy, we're here."

That single line acted like a catalyst.

Liam's face brightened, and he and Lindor both hurried in that direction. "Cathy!"

The girl wore a simple white dress, a delicate fish-shaped earring dangling beside her cheek, enhancing her soft, innocent beauty. Her features were delicate and graceful, and she carried an air of serene sweetness.

Catherine Campbell's arrival instantly commanded attention.

She might not have been the most visually striking girl present, but her pedigree made her utterly unapproachable.

The only daughter of the Campbell family, doted on endlessly by her four older brothers-she was the embodiment of envy.

Countless young men harbored crushes on her. Despite other beauties at City University, she secured the title of campus goddess with effortless ease.

In the back seat of a recently parked car, Stella Dawson lounged casually, her eyes catching the scene of Catherine standing there, encircled by her brothers. No one dared intrude.

Those four guys... they looked strangely familiar.

"Hey, Kev," she tapped the seat in front of her.

Kevin Porter unbuckled his seatbelt and turned toward her, puzzled. "Stella, what is it?"

"Look over there. The one with his arms crossed-" Stella pointed. "Doesn't he bear a slight resemblance to me?"

Kevin followed her gaze, squinting for a moment before raising his brows in surprise.

"Stella, wow, he really does! You both have those distinctly captivating eyes."

"Wait-could there be a family connection?" Kevin suddenly exclaimed, scratching his head.

"That's the fourth Campbell son. He and the youngest daughter-Cathy-are twins," Stella narrowed her eyes. "Think if I walk up and ask if he's my long-lost brother, they'll have security toss me out?"

Kevin opened his mouth to respond, but Stella had already stepped out of the car, slinging her backpack over one shoulder.

She was dressed low-key today in a basic hoodie and joggers, a black cap pulled down over her hair. Even without a trace of makeup, her tall, slender frame and graceful curves were unmistakable.

As she walked toward the university entrance, the sunlight hit her face at just the right angle-and suddenly, all eyes were drawn to her.