HEIRESS [JUSTICE #1]

10|| Nothing but the truth

I shouldn't be jealous, you aren't even mine.

=====

An hour and thirty minutes ago, Stella returned to the Esoro enterprises building after a short break outside.

A breath of fresh air was needed from all the work piled on her. She was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she understood things and she even managed to make a right business decision on her own.

Stella felt her confidence in her business skills. She felt like she was really Stella.

"...I still can't believe she is back."

Stella paused in her steps and peeked around the corner to see a trio of employees talking.

"Madam must be really serious about not letting miss Stella find out, everyone signed a confidentiality contract," A busty woman marveled.

"I think it's crazy," a slim lady shook her head. "it's not even clear to us what or why they are hiding?"

"I remember how traumatic it was when the chairman died," a younger woman said. "everywhere was a mess."

"You mean when he was killed," The busty woman corrected. "If Madam doesn't want anyone to know, it must mean that the rumours are true; miss Stella truly lost her memory."

"It sounds like something out of a film."

"It's even a miracle she is alive. Don't you remember, everyone in the company attended the funeral. Now she is back to life."

"You know, I'm friends with someone who worked in their house. I heard that there is some kind of serial killer picking off the family. Don't you remember Mr. Raphael's death and all the rumours?

"Rich people and their wahala, it is well o."

The three women walked away discussing other things while Stella slowly crept out of the corner in shock.

"S-serial killer?" Stella whispered wide-eyed. She held the wall for support and slowly made her way to Marlene's office, revisiting all her memories.

"Stella?"

Stella stood at the entrance of Marlene's office staring at her phone with a detached look in her eyes while Marlene and other employees stared at her puzzled.

Marlene pursed her lips, studying the people around her.

"You can go," she dismissed them and they speedily left.

Stella walked into the office in slow, heavy steps and Marlene went to hold her. Worry marred her face, "Are you alright Stella?"

Marlene helped Stella to a seat.

"You all...you lied to me."

Marlene frowned. "What?"

Stella turned to her fiercely. "You lied to me! Everything you said was a lie!"

Marlene was taken aback. "What? What are you saying?"

"You didn't tell me anything! You didn't tell me my Dad died from a murder! I remember!" Stella yelled tearily and Marlene paled. "You didn't tell me my accident was planned! Is that why I was assumed dead?!"

"Stella calm down..."

"No, I-" Stella paused suddenly. "That is...that is why we have Brandon, he knew something, he knew everything."

Stella got up ready to leave full of purpose but Marlene grabbed her wrist.

"Where are you going?! Stella be calm about this!" Marlene looked desperate but Stella gave her a hard look and flung her hand away.