Chapter 231: Stella’s Inner Turmoil
Trappett left.
When he went, he took with him a large bag filled with coffee, bread, and delicate pastries.
Davey’s café had already gained a certain reputation among Saint Denis’s upper circles. Unlike the one in Rhodes Town, the people of Saint Denis had far stronger purchasing power. Davey had originally assumed the place would run at a loss, yet to his surprise, it was turning a solid profit every single day.
The interior décor was refined and modern, costing Davey a considerable sum. He had hired top-tier baristas, bakers, and pastry chefs, and equipped the café with the newest and best machines available. Everything about the place emphasized luxury.
Because of Mrs. Berry’s connections, the main customers were naturally women—most of them well-off. A single cup of coffee, paired with refined pastries and bread, cost a steep five dollars. Even with the Women’s Rights Association’s half-price discount, it was still two dollars and fifty cents, and that was only the most basic option.
In this era, such prices were outrageous. Even so, the café’s daily income remained impressive.
The upper class of the United States currently pursued the most extravagant lifestyle imaginable. Those without money wouldn’t come even if prices were lowered, and those who did come naturally didn’t care about the expense.
When Trappett left, he also took a key Davey had given him.
It was for a larger apartment, better located and with a far more comfortable environment—situated in Saint Denis’s affluent district. Of course, it was only a free lease. Davey could afford to give it outright, but not at this stage.
“It seems your conversation went very well, Davey.”
Stella hadn’t left. When she saw Trappett depart, she walked over with a smile.
“I’m sorry, Stella. You’re the person I trust the most. But if there were too many people around just now, Mr. Trappett might have felt uncomfortable.”
“There were some sensitive matters involved. If it was just the two of us, he’d feel more secure.”
Davey’s first words to Stella were an apology. He had noticed her mood.
“It’s fine. I trust you, Davey. Maybe this is just my own issue.”
“But Trappett… is he really reliable? You might need to be a bit more cautious.”
Stella didn’t believe that half an hour was enough to make Trappett fully submit.
Davey, however, didn’t seem particularly concerned.
“Actually, that isn’t what matters most. Trust is something that naturally builds over time. What’s important is that while he has value to us, we also have value to him.”
“Human nature is complicated. I don’t like guessing at people’s thoughts, but I won’t ignore them either.”
“Most of the time, I prefer to think in terms of interests.”
Stella blinked, then suddenly asked, “Then what about me, Davey? In your heart, am I the same—just a matter of value?”
“No.” Davey shook his head immediately. “Stella, you’re different. You’re different from them, different from everyone else.”
“To me, you have nothing to do with value. Even using that word feels like an insult. You’re irreplaceable.”
Hearing this, warmth spread through Stella’s heart. Then Catherine suddenly came to mind.
Her vivid red lips moved slightly, but reason stopped her.
Christmas break would arrive soon, and Stella knew that Catherine would definitely come to see Davey then.
This left Stella deeply conflicted. She didn’t know what choice Davey would make. After all, in a sense, it was because of Catherine that she had met him in the first place. And she also knew the nature of Catherine and Davey’s relationship.
Yet in the end, she still couldn’t restrain herself. Davey was simply too outstanding. Among all the men she had ever met, she couldn’t find anyone better than him.
“Men who are smooth with words are always so likable.”
“Alright. We should talk about other things next—the factory, and your moonshine business.”
Stella didn’t want to continue dwelling on this topic. For now, avoidance was all she could manage.
“Alright, as you wish.”
Davey sensed her emotions and followed her lead.
...
Elsewhere.
Trappett carried his large bag of gifts through narrow, foul-smelling alleys, finally returning to his apartment. The place was close to Saint Denis’s slums, and the stench was hard to describe.
Homeless people could be seen everywhere in the alleyways, leaving those who lived here with no sense of security at all.
The United States was a nation of immigrants, and Saint Denis was practically a stronghold for illegal immigrants. Smugglers from all over the world gathered here, and the mix of cultures bred countless unspoken conflicts.
The Saint Denis Police Department, however, paid little attention to crimes committed by these lower classes.
“Oh, Trappett, you’re finally back.”
“Dinner tonight is mashed potatoes and bread, but we’re out of salad dressing. The children aren’t eating much. Maybe you could go buy some?”
Trappett’s wife spoke helplessly.
Salad dressing was cheaper near the slums, but she didn’t dare go alone, especially with two children at home. Recently, there had been frequent reports of children going missing, which made her deeply anxious. After picking the kids up from school, she no longer went out by herself.
Even though her husband was a police officer in Saint Denis.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser
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