Stella's POV:
"Where are you now?" Julian's tone was somewhat harsh.
After the way I embarrassed him, his anger was expected.
I cautiously observed James, his expression unreadable, his deep eyes fixating on me intently.
He made no move, just held the phone for me.
The atmosphere was eerily tense.
Every nerve in me was stretched tight as if the slightest tug could snap them.
I pressed my lips, still cautiously watching James while I asked huskily into the phone, "Mr. Laurent, what’s wrong?"
His voice roared from the other end. "What do you think? As if being with me is a loss for you? Bailey, don't get cocky with me! I don't care about your past or origins, I'm still willing to dote on you right now, so you'd better appreciate it!"
A chill ran through me, and my voice cooled as I
