Chapter 4: Meeting Eric Chilton

The Rolls-Royce drove smoothly through the brightly lit streets of River City. Stella leaned against the window, quietly watching the familiar scenery pass by. In her previous life, she had spent countless nights crying over Noel, wondering how she could make him love her. Now, sitting in the luxurious car arranged by Eric Chilton, she finally felt as though fate had given her another chance to choose a different path.

The secretary, Mason Brooks, sat in the passenger seat and occasionally glanced at Stella through the rearview mirror. Although he had worked for Eric for more than ten years, he had never seen his employer agree to a marriage proposal so quickly. Countless prestigious families had tried to arrange marriages with Eric, but every proposal had been rejected without hesitation. Stella Judd was the first exception.

'Miss Judd,' Mason finally said politely, 'Mr. Chilton has arranged dinner with you this evening if you're available.'

Stella nodded immediately. 'Of course.'

'Very well. We'll head directly to Maple Manor.'

The car soon left the city center and entered a quiet mountain road surrounded by ancient trees. Twenty minutes later, an enormous estate appeared before them. The black iron gates slowly opened, revealing elegant gardens, sparkling fountains, and a grand mansion illuminated by warm golden lights.

Even Stella couldn't hide her surprise.

Although she had heard countless stories about Maple Manor, she had never visited it before. Eric rarely invited outsiders into his private residence.

As the car stopped, a butler respectfully opened the door.

'Welcome, Miss Judd.'

Inside, the mansion was peaceful and tastefully decorated. Every painting, antique vase, and piece of furniture reflected refined elegance instead of unnecessary luxury.

The butler led Stella into a spacious dining room.

A tall man stood beside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal-gray suit without a tie. His posture was straight, and the faint evening light outlined his sharp features. Unlike Noel's youthful arrogance, Eric possessed the calm confidence of a man who had already conquered the business world.

When he heard footsteps, Eric slowly turned around.

'Miss Judd.'

His deep voice was calm and pleasant.

Stella instinctively lowered her head. 'Mr. Chilton.'

Eric studied her quietly for several seconds before noticing the bandage on her forehead.

'You're injured.'

Stella touched the bandage subconsciously.

'It's nothing serious.'

Eric looked toward Mason.

'Who did it?'

Mason briefly explained everything that had happened at the bar, including Noel pushing Stella while chasing after Sophie.

The dining room suddenly became silent.

Eric's expression didn't change, but the atmosphere around him noticeably grew colder.

'Prepare the family doctor,' he instructed.

'Yes, sir.'

Stella hurriedly shook her head.

'It's only a small cut. You don't have to trouble anyone.'

Eric looked directly into her eyes.

'As long as you're my fiancée, no injury is too small.'

His words caught Stella completely off guard.

In her previous life, she had suffered fevers, injuries, and even pregnancy complications without receiving a single word of concern from Noel.

Yet the man sitting across from her had only met her today and was already arranging medical treatment.

For some reason, her eyes became slightly warm.

Dinner was served shortly afterward.

Neither of them spoke much while eating, but the silence wasn't awkward.

Eric naturally placed several dishes closer to Stella after noticing which foods she preferred.

He didn't ask unnecessary questions or make empty promises.

Everything about him felt steady and dependable.

After dinner, they walked through the mansion's garden.

The evening breeze carried the scent of roses.

Finally, Eric stopped beside the fountain.

'Miss Judd,' he said calmly, 'I accepted this marriage because I believe marriage should be built on responsibility and mutual respect.'

He paused before continuing.

'I know this marriage wasn't originally intended for me. If you regret your decision at any point before the wedding, you may tell me honestly. I won't force you.'

Stella looked at him quietly.

If he only knew...

In her previous life, she had begged for a man's affection until she lost everything, including her daughter.

Now fate had placed before her someone who respected her choices before they had even become husband and wife.

She smiled sincerely.

'Mr. Chilton... I won't regret it.'

Eric held her gaze for several seconds before giving a slight nod.

'Good.'

Neither of them noticed the black sedan parked quietly outside the estate gates.

Inside the car, Noel stared toward Maple Manor with an unusually gloomy expression.

He had followed Stella all the way here.

Watching her walk through Eric's garden beside his uncle filled him with an emotion he refused to acknowledge.

For the first time in his life...

Noel felt like he was losing something that had always belonged to him.