Chapter 679
Chapter 679:
Janice smiled knowingly. “You’re right. I respect your talent, Stephen, and I believe in your potential. That’s why I’m going to invest in your film—not just as a business move, but as the first step in launching my own entertainment company.”
A spark of determination lit up her eyes. “I want you by my side, Stephen—to be the shining star of my company.”
Stephen’s fork froze mid-air. He blinked at her, stunned. “Are you serious?”
“As serious as it gets.” Janice’s gaze was unwavering, clear as a mountain spring. There was no trace of jest in her expression—only sincerity and determination.
Stephen, however, stiffened, visibly rattled. “No! I can’t accept that. Please, don’t bring this up again.”
Janice arched a brow, her voice turning firmer. “Stephen, I mean every word. I want you on my team, and I’m offering you a future far better than the one you’re clinging to. If you choose me, you’ll have a brighter future.”
Her words struck Stephen like a thunderclap, sending tremors through the fragile certainty he had wrapped himself in. His mind reeled back to that moment in the fire—when Janice had vowed he would have a better future.
“Stephen, if you’re afraid Wendy won’t let you go, then let me handle that.” Janice’s eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto Stephen’s with razor-sharp intensity. “You need to trust me. I can make it happen! No matter how powerful or terrifying she seems to you, trust me—I can take her on.”
Stephen met Janice’s gaze, and for a fleeting moment, doubt wavered. Her conviction was like an unshakable fortress. Could she really go against Wendy?
“No.” The mere thought of leaving Wendy sent a chill down Stephen’s spine. He knew better—her wrath was not something he could afford to provoke. “Janice, I appreciate your kindness, but I will never betray Wendy. Everything I am today is because of her. I owe her my loyalty.”
Janice’s eyes dimmed slightly, though her resolve never wavered. She could see it—the war raging within Stephen’s heart, the desire for freedom locked in chains of fear. He longed to break free from Wendy’s grasp, but her psychological hold on him was a shackle too tight to escape—fear kept him firmly in place.
𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸬𝖼𝗈𝗺
“Stephen, remember one thing—I never fail to achieve what I set my mind to. Wendy may be a force to be reckoned with, but so am I. My offer stands. The moment you decide to break free, call me. My door will always be open.”
With that, Janice turned and walked away. Just as she reached the door, she hesitated, casting one last glance over her shoulder at Stephen. She would wait for her brother—no matter how long it took. The moment he found the courage to take that step, she would be there to pull him to safety. No trial, no matter how fiery or dark, would stop her.
Stephen sat there, watching Janice’s figure fade into the distance, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. While Janice was undeniably powerful, with the Green family backing her, the sheer fear Wendy instilled in him was on a whole different level.
Wendy wasn’t just a threat; she was a nightmare come to life, a force of nature who left destruction in her wake.
As Janice made her way out of the ward, a tall figure suddenly appeared in her path. Janice caught a faint whiff of his cologne, the unmistakable scent that told her exactly who it was. She couldn’t help but smile.
“Aiden, what brings you here today?”
Aiden looked down at her, his gaze soft and full of warmth. “Just checking in on my future brother-in-law. Is that a problem?”
Janice tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze with an unspoken understanding between them. “I haven’t agreed to marry you again, you know.”
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