Stella's POV

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of my chest, but my tongue didn't hesitate.

"You can do whatever you want, Mr. Winter," I said. My voice came out steady, despite my shallow breathing. "Order the test. Hire detectives. Send people to follow me. Nothing is going to change the truth."

His gaze darkened. For a second, I thought he might pull me even closer. Instead, he kept that infuriating hand on my waist, his thumb resting on a spot that made me pa