The Framed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 18 A Sudden Surge of Justice

Stella had just wrapped up her audition.

She had expected thunderous applause, but all she got was a few scattered claps-and even those faded quickly into an awkward silence.

The director's expression was far from pleased.

Davina and Ryan turned to the audition stage.

Davina had caught a glimpse of Stella's performance earlier and wasn't impressed.

The role was supposed to be a straightforward doctor, but Stella showed up in full glam, makeup flawless, and even her white coat looked like it was tailor-made for her.

Everything about her screamed, Lookathouwgorgeous I am, rather than, 'wheretosavelives.

She didn't look like a doctor-she looked like someone role-playing in a costume drama.

The director frowned and commented, "Way too many dramatic gestures. And tell me, what r white coat like that? Do you think our audience is blind?"

Stella's cheeks flushed red from the sharp comment, but her eyes sparkled with defiance.

real doctor wears a tailored

Her assistant leaned in and whispered, "Director, Ms. Summer is connected to the investors; both the Summers and the Holts are major investors."

The director's face turned grim

The assistant smiled and turned to Stella. "Ms. Summer, please head to the lounge and wait for further instructions."

Stella nodded, confident the role was hers anyway.

But as she turned, her gaze landed on Davina and Ryan standing together-andnoveldrama

her face changed. She walked straight over.

"Pyan, what happened to your face?" she asked, her tone sharp

Ryan's cold eyes darted toward Davina.

"Have you lost your mind?" Stella snapped, disbelief written all over her face,

Davina, however, smiled sweetly. "Mr. Holt here tried to take advantage of me. I just defended myself."

Ryan's face turned ashen, and he roared, "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

Davina lifted her hand, wearing a look of hurt, her voice sugary. "Look, he even left red marks on my wrist. Everyone around

saw it"

A crowd was beginning to gather.

Stella scoffed as if it was a joke. "He tried to take advantage of you? Are you kidding me? I know you've had a crush on Ryan. but do you really think this is the way to win him over? That's just-gross."

Everyone knew that they had been engaged for over a year.

So naturally, the gossip was getting juicier by the second.

And just then, a man walked toward them with confident, long strides.

Stella looked up-and froze. The man's face, his aura-everything about him stole her breath away.

The man walked right up and punched Ryan square in the face.

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Chapter 18 A Sudden Surge of Justice

Ryan stumbled back several steps, lost his balance, and landed hard on the floor.

Gasps rippled through the crowd with the twist of the event.

Davina looked up at the man who had just thrown the punch.

Even from the back, his broad shoulders, trim waist, and long legs formed the

kind of figure sculptors dreamed about.

He looked strangely familiar,

Stella stood there, stunned. "You... you're Jude Wilson."

She'd only seen him once, from afar, at a private auction.

Online, there were barely any photos of him, let alone details. But the rumors about him were endless.

Ryan struggled to his feet, his face dark with rage and ready to get his revenge, until he saw who it was.

Jude?" He blurted out, disbelief flashing in 1

his eyes.

Jude calmly adjusted his sleeve and said coolly, "I just saw Ryan harassing this young lady with my own eyes. Guess my sense of justice kicked in

Everyone gawked at him, speechless.

Davina was equally tongue-tied..

"I've always been a man of justice," Jude added, slowly turning toward Davina. A

sly smirk tugged at his lips, laced with danger.

By now, anyone with even a hint

int of influence recognized who he was.

And when he spoke, people couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths

Did he actuallybelievethatline!

Jude was known throughout high society and the corporate world as a ruthless powerhouse.

And to think he'd just decked Ryan in public like that? No one else would have dared to save him.

Oh, and that girl stood next to him.