Chapter 40

Stella had been curled up in Eric's arms, crying for what felt like an eternity. By the time she lifted her head, his shirt was soaked with her tears, a large wet patch staining the fabric. She sniffled, feeling embarrassed, and said, "I'm sorry... I got your shirt all wet." "It's fine. Aren't we married? No need to worry about things like this." Eric replied dismissively, as if it didn’t matter. "Oh, right, what about Aunt Zhou?" Stella asked with some concern. "She’s still an elder, after all..." "Did you show her respect, and did she take care of you?" Eric patted her head. "Don’t be so naive." Stella fell silent. After a moment, she asked, "Did you break her tendons? And her legs...?" "Yeah," Eric nodded, then added, slightly nervously, "Do you think I’m being too cruel?" Stella shook her head. "I just hope she can live a decent life, with Dad... Maybe rebuild the company sl