Chapter 130

• Jake stared silently, consumed by every word that left her mouth. His composure was slowly fading, almost at the brink of an outburst; he composed himself right away.
• Still retaining her triumphant smile, she added, "Don't play dumb; I know your little secret..."
• "I don't know the Stella you speak of..." Jake denied abruptly after recovering from his trance-like state. His heart raced slowly, betraying his outward composure. "And I don't have time to..."