Early that morning, Esther stretched her stiff muscles before heading to the bath. Yesterday had been unbearable, not because Andy wasn't easy to handle, but because of Lachlan Stokes, who had been lurking around her, making her skin crawl.
She changed into a simple yet elegant outfit, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, before boarding a cab to Central Halls. She had sent the time and place for the Stokes family to meet her that night, and she was determined to cut ties with them once and for all. Her resolve was evident in her punctual arrival, well before the scheduled time.
As she entered the grand halls, she was struck by the opulence that surrounded her. The high ceilings, the chandeliers, and the intricately designed furniture all seemed to whisper tales of luxury and refinement. The halls were bustling with people, some finalizing their divorces, while others were tying the knot.
Esther stood out among them, not because she drew attention to herself, but because her presence seemed almost incongruous amidst the joy and despair that filled the room. Yet, she didn't feel out of place; instead, she felt a sense of detachment, as if she were observing it all from a distance. Her thoughts were consumed by the Stokes family and their manipulative ways. She scoffed inwardly, thinking about how men often promised the world and delivered nothing but heartache.
Thirty minutes later, she spotted Quainton Stokes, Lachlan's grandfather, who had always looked at her with disdain. To him, she was nothing but the daughter of a murderer, a constant reminder of the shame that had befallen their family.
Next to him stood Wyatt Stokes, the Municipal, who had watched her grow up with a mixture of disinterest and disdain. He had always treated her like a plaything, something to be used and discarded at his whim.
As Lachlan's elder aunts, clad in expensive clothing and jewels, walked into the hall, Esther's gaze followed them, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in their haughty demeanor. They approached Quainton, their gazes lingering on Esther with a mixture of mockery and contempt.
Genesis Stokes, Lilith Clay, and Lucian Stokes trailed behind them, their presence a reminder of the complex web of relationships that Esther was desperate to escape. When Lachlan himself failed to show up, Esther wasn't surprised. She didn't expect him to care enough to attend.
Without sparing any of them a greeting, she turned her attention to Wyatt Stokes and demanded, "Uncle have you brought the document?" Her tone was cold and detached, a stark contrast to the Stokes family's condescending attitude. Elena Stokes, Lachlan's aunt, bristled at Esther's audacity, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Do you think just because you're leaving the Stokes family, you can behave in any manner and get away with it?" she sneered, her gaze piercing. Esther didn't flinch, her expression unchanging. She knew that engaging with Elena would only lead to more drama, and she wasn't interested in indulging her today. The Municipal presented Esther with the agreement, but before Quainton could make his move, he tried to strong-arm her.
"If you sign that paper, you'll never be welcomed into the Stokes villa again. We'll cut you off financially, and you'll lose all the privileges you've had so far. And as for the apartment—" Quainton Stokes expected Esther to crumble under the pressure, to beg for mercy or plead her case. But Esther merely stared at him, her expression unreadable. "And why should I apologize for something that wasn't my fault?" she finally said, her voice firm. "Everyone here knows what happened yesterday. I'm not the one who needs to apologize."
Quainton Stokes's face reddened with anger, but Esther continued, her tone unwavering. "As for working or fending for myself, that's no longer your concern. You were eager enough to throw me out when it suited you; now that I'm giving you the opportunity to be rid of me, you're trying to take it back. Isn't that ironic?"
With a flourish, Esther signed her name on the document, her movements swift and decisive. She didn't hesitate, didn't look back. As she turned to leave, her gaze met Lachlan's, who stood watching her with a stoic expression. For a moment, their eyes locked, and Esther felt a spark of something she couldn't quite define. But she pushed it aside, telling herself she was free now, free from the Stokes family's manipulation and Lachlan's indifference.
As she walked out of the halls, the fresh air hit her like a slap, snapping her back to reality. She felt a sense of liberation wash over her, a sense of starting anew. That was when a sleek black sports car pulled up beside her, drawing the attention of everyone around.
: A tall, handsome man with sleek black hair, slicked back to reveal his chiseled features, stepped out of the car. His hazel brown eyes sparkled as he gazed at Esther, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He was dressed in all black, his attire accentuating his refined and mysterious aura.
As he approached Esther, he extended his hand, his long fingers wrapping around hers in a gentle yet firm grasp. He bowed his head, his lips brushing against her hand in a gentle kiss.
"Ready to go, cupcake?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. Esther nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she climbed into the car.
The driver sped off, leaving the Stokes family and their drama behind. Now that she was free from the clutches of the Stokes family, she wanted to focus her attention on finding her remaining brothers and seek justice for her brother Myron. She wasn't going to spare the big six families, especially that of the Ibarra Family of Waterside City.
The memories of her brother's tragic fate still lingered in her mind, fueling her determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. She had been searching for answers for long, and now that she had finally broken free from the Stokes family's grasp, she could devote herself fully to her mission.
Her first step would be to gather intelligence on the Ibarra family and their connections to the events surrounding Myron's health condition. She would need to be careful, as the Ibarra family was known for their wealth and influence, and they would stop at nothing to protect their interests.
Despite the risks, she was undeterred. She had a burning desire for justice, and she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. She would leave no stone unturned in her quest for the truth, and she would not rest until she had brought the perpetrators to justice.