McCoy Watts was disfigured by a car accident, which caused him to be eccentric.

Stella happened to see him when she visited the Watts family. She had nightmares for a few days since then, and she can't accept the fact of being engaged with someone who is almost like a monster to her.

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"I don't want to marry him, dad," Stella said with a fear full of her eyes. She didn't want to face an ugly face for the rest of her life.

"I'm not negotiating with you," Baron said and took a sip of the coffee.

Seeing that, Stella looked at Nathan for help.

"Nathan, talk to dad. It's my marriage, my life! I can't do that!" With that, tears dropped from Stella's eyes.

Nathan had been caring about this sister and didn't want her to be sad. He gave Stella a comforting look and then tentatively asked Baron, "Isn't there any other way, dad? You don't want Stella to marry that ugly man, do you?"

He was right. Baron didn't want Stella to marry someone she didn't love. But his company would be at risk of falling because of a lack of funds if he refused the marriage with the Watts. So, he shook his head.

As Stella became more desperate and cried more sadly, she thought of the ring from Patrick.

There was a gleam of hope in her eyes.

"Dad, the ring! Can we coerce the Thorne into investing in our company with it?"

After saying that, she stared at Baron. She knew it was her only chance. She would die rather than marrying McCoy.

Stella had thought of the idea. He took out the ring with a hint of regret in his eyes.

"It was just a ring of an adopted son of the Thorne family. It won't help much."

Hearing that, Stella thought of something. She wiped the tears from her face and then bit her teeth.

"Dad, the ring is not from Angelo. It's a birthday present from Patrick," Stella explained.

She didn't love Patrick. But compared to McCoy, Patrick was much better, and she would instead choose Patrick.

Baron was stunned and then realized what Stella said.

"Are you serious?" he asked anxiously.

Patrick was a son of the Thorne family and had a higher status than Angelo. If this ring were from Patrick, it would help the Hills a lot.

Everyone knew that Patrick was obsessed with Stella. So, Baron would like Stella to marry Patrick rather than Angelo.

"Yes."

Stella nodded and looked at Baron. Seeing that he wasn't angry, she continued, "You know I love Angelo then, dad. I lied to you because I want to engage with him. I know it's my fault, but…"

Baron didn't mind her lie at this moment. He looked at the ring and smiled, "Let's go to the Thorne now."

Stella was confused when she heard Baron. She looked at him. "Why?" she asked cautiously.

"I'll use it to threaten the Thorne. I believe Drake cares about his brother."

Nathan learned what Baron was up to and explained to Stella, "You are right, dad. Then the Thorne will dispute with the Taylors, and we will benefit on it."

Hearing that, Baron looked at Nathan with satisfaction and thought that he chose the suitable successor.

Stella nodded and thought of Angelo. He was a member of the Thorne now, so she didn't want to have a dispute with the Thorne, or she would feel awkward when she met Angelo again.

She never wanted anyone other than Angelo. Now she just compromised for the time being. She rolled her eyes and had an idea. She looked at Baron and said scornfully, "Dad, let me talk to the Thorne with Nathan. You don't have to go in person."

Baron had been angry with the humiliation he suffered because of the Thorne. Now with the ring, he thought he got a chance to trick back and win a game.

But Stella's words made sense. As a father of the Hills, he would be dishonored if people knew he went to Thorne to force Patrick to marry his daughter. After thinking things through, he agreed and handed the ring to Nathan.

"Go to Thorne with your sister. I'll wait for your good news!"

Nathan took the ring over, nodded, and then left with Stella.

Stella warned Nathan to be nice to Angelo if they happened to see him on the way to the Thorne' house.

Nathan knew Stella's concern. He didn't like Angelo but still agreed for the sake of Stella, his beloved sister.

When they arrived at the Thorne' house, they found that Drake wasn't home. They could only find Patrick first.

"What are you doing here, Stella?"

Patrick was surprised to see Stella come. She had never been to his house when he had invited her.

But now, there was no admiration in his eyes. After the meeting with that mysterious girl in the hospital, his mind was occupied by the girl, no room for any girl else.

To him, Stella was like any other beautiful girl. But Stella didn't notice the change in his attitude towards her.

She snorted and sat down on the sofa, so did Nathan.

Patrick saw that and just felt funny. He looked at the proud Stella with contempt.

"I heard you are going to marry McCoy, Miss Hill. Congratulations!"

Before, he was willing to cater to Stella because he liked her. Now he had lost interest in her.

"You are so rude. You should apologize to me, Patrick!" Stella shouted.

She had never been treated like this by Patrick and was irritated by his words.

"I have to deal with something. You can have a rest here," Patrick made up an excuse.

He had never seen Stella like this, and now he just doubted how he could like her. She was nothing near a lady. He smiled ironically and turned to go upstairs.

Stella didn't understand why Patrick suddenly changed his attitude. Thinking about Nathan beside her, she gritted and stood up.

"Come back, Patrick!"

Hearing the words, Patrick stopped and leaned against the railing with an impatient look on his face.