Upon her arrival, a staff member greeted her with effusive warmth.
“Welcome, Mrs. Clark!”
Stella responded with a subdued nod and briefly explained her reason for coming.
The staff member eagerly interjected, “Next time just call us, and we’ll arrange to pick up your vehicle. You shouldn’t have to come down here. In three days, your car will be ready, and we’ll deliver it right back to you.”
Surprised yet appreciative of the convenience, Stella agreed.
With all matters swiftly handled at the dealership, Stella was ready to leave.
Just as she stepped through the doorway, a sports car hurtled toward her, screeching to a sudden stop a mere breath away from her, its abrupt halt sending a shock through the air.
Stella recoiled, her heart pounding as the sports car halted abruptly before her. A flicker of anger sparked within her.
Robin emerged from the driver’s seat, wearing a mocking grin. “Oh, isn’t this Stella? It’s been a while.”
Upon spotting Robin, Stella’s face clouded with displeasure. She had no interest in conversing with this vexatious individual and promptly turned to leave.
The staff, picking up on the mounting tension, exchanged anxious glances. Eager to avoid any discord, they discreetly trailed behind Stella, their concerns about potential confrontations growing.
Robin, however, was not one to let an opportunity slip by. He stepped swiftly in front of Stella, blocking her exit.
With confrontational zeal, he taunted, “Stella, you know what? Matthew recently gave Lindsay a lavish gift. He’s quite the spender. After all this time as his wife, here you are, all by yourself. Doesn’t that seem pathetic?”
Stella’s anger surged, yet she maintained a composed exterior.
She replied icily, “And how is that your concern?”
Robin’s sneer deepened. “Oh, it very much is my concern. Look at you, living this pitiful life. You’d be better off leaving Matthew rather than humiliating yourself further here.”
Stella fixed Robin with a steely gaze and countered sharply, “Don’t assume you’re untouchable just because of your ties with Lindsay. If I find any solid proof, I’ll personally ensure you face the consequences at the police station.”
Taken aback by her assertiveness, Robin’s expression darkened.
He retorted, glaring fiercely, “Fine, Stella, let’s see how long you can keep this up.”
Ignoring his bitter words, Stella turned and walked away, her stride resolute.
Behind her, Robin, seething with frustration, kicked at his car and muttered resentfully, “Humph, I refuse to believe you’ll remain composed for long.”
He then stormed into the dealership and demanded, “Make sure to give my car a thorough upgrade.”
The staff responded with quick, deferential nods, diligently catering to Robin’s needs. They were keenly aware of his reputation as a notoriously particular patron and were intent on not causing any displeasure.
In the evening, Lindsay waited with bated breath in her apartment for Matthew’s arrival.