𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 | SPINOFF

CHAPTER TWENTY

GRAYSON
MEADOWS

Stella Russel was a force of nature, raw and ruthless. She did what she wanted, and she didn't ask for permission or forgiveness—she was karma itself, dressed in a body that could ruin you with a single look. Her confidence wasn't just high; it was dangerous, cutting through anyone who dared challenge her. I'd seen her tear people apart without a second thought, all with a smirk that promised she'd enjoy every second of it.

But tonight, something was off. That deadly edge, the untouchable fire in her eyes, seemed to simmer instead of blaze, and it unsettled me. I wanted my savage back—the girl who didn't care if the world burned as long as she could walk away untouched, the one who thrived on making others flinch. Stella Russel wasn't just fierce; she was intoxicating in her darkness, and she looked damn good wielding it.

Stella was usually savage incarnate, and damn, she looked incredible while owning every moment of it.

But considering Avery's back from the hospital, and she's sitting right in front of Stella, I understood why. Avery wasn't eating, she just sat in complete silence. We all did. "Honey, you know the doctors told you to eat more than usual, please eat." Mama Crist smiles, patting Avery's head.

Avery shrugged, her shoulders tense, gaze cast downward. I tried to lighten the mood with a quick joke, hoping for even a flicker of her old self. "Listen to your parents, Aves," I chuckled, but her head snapped up, eyes hard.

"I don't have parents," she said, voice steely. "And I don't need them. So everyone can stop pretending like I'm their long-lost daughter and get over the fact that I'm my own person." She stood, storming off without a backward glance, her words like a slap of finality.

Mama Crist sighed, her hand lingering on her coffee cup as if the warmth could melt the chill that Avery left behind. She rose quietly, her footsteps soft as she made her way toward the kitchen. "The doctors said to expect this," she murmured, more to herself than to us. "She's in shock, and hospitals... they've never been easy for her. Let her adjust. I'll go talk to her," she added, and Uncle Crist followed her outside, his expression somber as he headed toward the backyard.

"This sucks," Stella muttered, watching them leave. "I just want the old her back."

"I don't think she'll ever be back," Jaxon said quietly, his eyes downcast. "I think we broke her."

"No, don't say that," Lily murmured, resting a gentle hand on his arm. Jaxon's hand instinctively found hers, a small gesture of comfort that made the room suddenly, palpably silent. Lily's cheeks flushed, and Jaxon looked away, fidgeting.

"Holy... he got her!" Alessio grinned, breaking the silence with a smirk. "Congrats, Jaxon. You got what you wanted all your life."

Lily's gaze shot to mine, wide with uncertainty, while Marcella and Damon exchanged confused looks. "Wait, what's going on?" Stella muttered, her brows furrowed.

Lily took a deep breath, glancing nervously at Marcella before admitting, "Marcella, I... I like Jaxon." Her voice was soft, vulnerable, but resolute.

Marcella's laugh was unexpected—light, genuine, even warm. "That's great! We all knew you did. Congratulations, you two!" she said, surprising both her best friend and her brother.

She leaned over to me, a funny glint in her eyes. "I'm only supporting them so that if I get with Damon, Jaxon won't be as mad. I'm so smart, right?" she whispered, her grin mischievous.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Oh, you're a crazy girl."

For a moment, Stella's eyes met mine, locking in a silent clash. We held each other's gaze, the tension crackling until she rolled her eyes, lifting her middle finger at me. I smirked, unbothered, and winked.

"You're an asshole," she muttered from across the table.

"My heart loves that, princess," I grinned, knowing it would get a reaction.

Lily smiled, clearly amused by our banter. "This is all cute. Jaxon calls me 'doll face,' Grayson calls Stella 'princess,' and Avery's nickname used to be 'little devil.' That just leaves Marcella."

Marcella giggled, rolling her eyes playfully. "I'm no devil, I'm definitely not a princess, and 'doll face' doesn't fit me at all. Honestly, I don't think my future boyfriend will have anything to call me."

"You won't ever have one," Jaxon said, his tone darkening instantly. Alessio nodded in agreement, his face serious.

Marcella frowned, but shook her head with a laugh. "Glad we're all friends, guys. I mean it; our friendship means a lot to me. You're my favorites, even though I'm such a 'popular princess' with plenty of options." Stella grinned, feigning a regal wave.

Lily clasped her hands together, giving Marcella a mock adoring look. "I'm glad you're my bitch," I added, throwing Stella a wink.

She stuck her tongue out at me. "Correction: I'm a hot blonde bitch."