The worry in his voice was unmistakable, betraying his deep concern for her safety.
Stella arrived at the club first. Dexter wasn’t far behind.
They exchanged no words about their mission to confront Robin; their silent agreement was enough.
Now was a time for action, not words. Together, they navigated through the pulsing music and crowds toward Robin’s private room.
Dexter pushed open the door, and immediately a woman’s scream sliced through the thumping bass. The room was a mess, the air tainted with the smell of spilled drinks and sweat.
Robin, lost in the throes of the party, caught sight of Stella. His initial frown morphed into a cocky grin.
With a dismissive gesture, he shooed away the woman beside him and let her top up his drink before taunting, “Stella, made it here quick. Looks like that car is your favorite, huh?”
His voice was laced with a challenge.
Stella’s eyes were icy with resolve and simmering anger.
Without missing a beat, she strode forward, snatched a glass of wine from a nearby table, and drenched Robin’s sneering face with it.
He swore and leapt to his feet, furiously wiping his face. Before he could retaliate, Stella swung a bottle, smashing it against his shoulder.
The glass shattered with a sharp crack, embedding shards into his flesh.
Robin howled in pain, his hand moving instinctively to strike back, but Dexter was quick to step in.
Robin shot a glare at Dexter, hissing. “Who are you, another one of Stella’s lovers?”
He struggled against Dexter’s firm grip.
Stella’s eyes turned frosty at Robin’s words. She issued a chilling warning. “Stay away from me. If your mother and grandmother dare slander me again, it won’t just end with a trip to the police station.”
She thrust the repair bill at him, her voice unwavering. “Settle this.”
Robin’s shoulder pulsed with pain, and his wrist was sore from Dexter’s strong hold.
In a burst of anger, he blurted out, “Betsey and Leona have been sent back by Matthew.”
Stella’s face registered shock, but she swiftly masked her surprise.
Catching her fleeting reaction, Robin taunted, “Matthew was planning to divorce you before. Stella, how did you manage to make him change his mind? You must have worked very hard to stay his wife.”
His gaze dropped insolently to Stella’s chest, igniting her fury.
Without a second’s hesitation, Stella’s hand flew up and slapped him hard across the face.
Robin clenched his jaw and snapped, “I’m not paying anything. The Clarks owe Lindsay a pair of legs. We’re already doing Matthew a favor by not taking his life.”