Her Hidden Hero from the Unwritten Page novel Chapter 33

Penelope forced a smile. "Are you still mad, Winona?"

Seth shot her a sideways glance and walked straight into the kitchen.

Winona leaned over to pick up a slice of orange from the fruit platter, smoothly and subtly slipping her arm out of Penelope's grasp. "Mad about what?"

Penelope's smile stiffened for a fraction of a second before recovering. "At the luncheon yesterday, Herbert embarrassed you in front of everyone. He feels terrible about it and specifically brought you a gift to apologize."

Winona took a bite of her orange, tilting her head to look at Herbert.

"What gift?"

Herbert picked up the velvet box from the table and handed it to her, his voice low and smooth. "The necklace you've been eyeing lately."

Winona casually took it and flipped the lid open. Inside rested a blindingly brilliant diamond necklace, a piece that easily retailed in the low six figures online.

"Thanks." The corners of her lips curved up. "I didn't expect you to know I liked this one."

Seeing her smile, Herbert felt a wave of relief wash over him.

It seemed her stunt this morning—giving Jupiter that cupcake—was purely a ploy to get his attention, a petty retaliation for him defending Rhea Sawyer at the banquet.

Penelope and Herbert stayed for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes.

The moment the door clicked shut behind them, the smile vanished from Winona's face.

She looked down, idly twirling the diamond necklace around her finger, then turned to Stella. "Mom, do you want this?"

Stella paused mid-bite of her orange. "Still angry?"

Normally, Winona cherished everything Herbert gave her, meticulously displaying each item in her bedroom like a museum exhibit.

"No," Winona said flatly. "I just don't like him anymore."

Stella placed her half-eaten orange back onto the platter, pulled a tissue to wipe her sticky fingers, and reached over to press the back of her hand against Winona's forehead.

Her palm was warm and dry. Winona stayed perfectly still, her breath catching slightly in her throat.

The girl's arms were slender and soft—a burst of vibrant warmth that Stella hadn't experienced in a very long time.

Her perpetually hardened heart felt as though someone had gently breathed life into it, cracking it open just a fraction.

Stella swallowed hard. She awkwardly patted the back of Winona's arm. "You're my child."

With that, she quickly disentangled herself from Winona's embrace, turned around, and walked upstairs.

Winona stared blankly at her retreating figure.

She had always thought her mother found her repulsive and didn't want to be near her. But looking at it now...

It wasn't disgust. It was fear.

The moment Winona got too close, Stella was terrified.

"Why are you sitting here all alone?"