Chapter 271

Stella Johnson pulled her hand away from Michael Anderson, her cheeks flushed pink as she spoke, equal parts embarrassed and annoyed. "Mr. Anderson, what you said in the meeting earlier today… that really threw me off." Michael looked at her flustered expression tinged with a bit of shy irritation, and the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth grew. His gaze softened as he replied seriously, “Stella, I wasn’t kidding. I’ve liked you since the first moment I saw you. Your courage and strength… they pulled me in. Helping you wasn’t just about standing up to the Carters—I wanted to do it for you, because I care about you.” She had totally not expected him to say that. She thought he had just been teasing. Quickly turning away, she said, “Mr. Anderson, I really appreciate you helping clear my name, but I’m not in a place to think about stuff like relationships right now. All I can focus on is making the Carter family pay for what they did to me.” Michael stepped closer, gently placing