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Chapter 171
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 172
Simon was more focused on the team’s overall achievement. “And the prize money isn’t bad either.”Nathan, whose family wasn’t well-off, was the most practical of them all. “The real challenge is figuring out what kind of project will stand out in such a competitive field,” Lilian said, frowning slightly at the thought. Stellar considered it for a moment before an idea began to form. “Since it’s an aerospace model competition, we can start by focusing on the design—using artistic techniques to enhance the model’s sense of motion…” She continued laying out several constructive ideas, and by the time she finished, the others were nodding enthusiastically, their eyes full of admiration. “As expected from Stellar! I think I already have some ideas now,” Lilian said, grinning. “Stellar’s basically our think tank at this point. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind handing over the team leader title to her,” Simon joked. Stellar gave him a helpless look. “Simon, cut it out.” “But we’re
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 173
No one had expected the aloof, ever-solitary Stephen, the senior who never joined group activities, to suddenly offer to treat them to dinner.Lilian and the others were momentarily stunned, feeling almost flattered by the invitation.“That’s too generous of you. We really can’t let you go to such trouble,” Stellar tried to decline politely.But Stephen remained composed. “We all share the same professor, and I’m your senior. It’s only natural.”With that, she really had no way to refuse.“Well, since our senior insists, we’d be rude not to accept,” Simon said as the team leader, agreeing on behalf of everyone.Meanwhile, Lilian’s gaze flitted between Stephen and Stellar, a knowing glint flashing in her eyes.On the way to the restaurant, Lilian and Stellar sat together.Leaning in close, Lilian whispered, “Stellar, did you and Stephen have a fight?”Stellar sighed internally.It wasn’t exactly a fight—it was just that after learning about their arranged engagement, she couldn’t help b
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Lilian’s wink practically screamed: “Gal, I’ve set everything up for you! Now go for it!”Stellar had no choice but to bite the bullet and sit beside Stephen.The space between them was small—just a slight shift, and their shoulders would touch.Stephen, as usual, remained composed. He quickly placed their order, and every dish he chose happened to be her favorites.It was impossible for Stellar not to notice.Luckily, as they waited for their food, the group naturally fell into conversation, and the relaxed atmosphere helped ease her discomfort.Meanwhile, at another table not far from them…“Ah—so spicy! But so good!”Dawn fanned her mouth dramatically, her face flushed from the heat, as she turned to the man across from her.“But, Mr. Moore, I have to admit, I never expected someone of your status to eat at a place like this. Turns out you’re more down-to-earth than I thought.”Percy watched her, amused by her unfiltered reactions, but as he did, a familiar face flashed through his
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Percy’s temper flared instantly. “Who said I have to lower myself and chase after her over and over again?”As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously reached for the pendant resting against his chest—a smooth, polished stone disc.It was something Stellar once gave him, something she specially picked out for his protection. Back then, he carelessly tossed it into a forgotten corner of his villa, not giving it a second thought.But recently, for some reason, he took it out again and started wearing it.And now, as if he had finally found an excuse, he snatched it up and marched straight toward Stellar’s table.With a sharp thud, he slammed it down in front of her.The lively chatter around the table came to an abrupt halt. Everyone stopped eating, stunned by the unexpected intrusion, and turned their attention to him.However, Percy had eyes only for Stellar.“This is the pendant you specially got for me,” he said, his voice laced with accusation. “You went out of your way to have it bl
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“!!!”The bystanders exchanged looks of admiration.Was this what they called the confidence of the one who held the real power?Even Keith twitched at the corners of his mouth.What a pretentious act. Seriously, did he think playing the bigger man makes him look impressive?He knew Stephen was just putting on a show, deliberately making himself seem refined and unbothered.And yet, despite knowing that, Stellar couldn’t help but find it amusing, and, in a way, unexpectedly moving.Meanwhile, Percy’s face had turned an alarming shade of red, on the verge of exploding.Either these two men had lost their minds, or the entire world had gone insane.Was Stellar really that irresistible? Enough to make two powerful men swallow their pride and step aside for her?The thought burned through him like acid.She was once devoted to him, belonged to him.Now, she was the one being fought over.The mix of regret and fury twisted deep in his gut.Before he could say another word, Stellar reached
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 177
Dawn smirked to herself but kept her expression warm. "Absolutely! A man as generous and thoughtful as you, Percy, is hard to come by. I can't help but envy Miss Rivers!" Percy’s lips curved into a slow smile. He genuinely thought Dawn was a remarkable woman. His impression of her improved significantly. He just couldn't understand—why couldn't Stellar be as understanding as Dawn? Turning to Dawn, he said, "Dawn, I'm really glad to have met you. To show my appreciation, how about I take you shopping and buy you a piece of jewelry?" Dawn chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, please, I have no interest in jewelry. It’s all just decoration—pretty but useless. You can’t eat it, can you? If you really want to thank me, just transfer me the money for dinner." She appeared cheerful and straightforward, completely unfazed by the idea of jewelry. Instead, she cared about something as simple as the cost of a meal—frank and adorable. Percy couldn’t help but admire her, feeling even m
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"Alright, time to head back."Bother Stephen and Keith were speechless.An awkward silence stretched between them as Lilian and the others struggled to hold back their laughter, following Stellar outside.Initially, Stellar planned to leave with Lilian, but before she could, Lilian waved her off dramatically, raising her voice on purpose."Oh no, sorry, Stellar! I have something else to take care of, so I can’t go with you. Why don’t you let Stephen or Keith give you a ride home instead?"Stellar was speechless.Watching Lilian wink at her before walking away, Stellar instantly understood—this girl was just here for the drama, happily stirring the pot.The next second, her phone buzzed with a new message.She tapped the screen and saw a text from Lilian:“Go for it, heartthrob! Wishing you success in winning over both of them and expanding your royal court!”Followed by a grinning emoji that made it all the more infuriating.Stellar's mouth twitched as she snapped her phone shut."Uh…
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"It’s probably because, as a kid, I was always fascinated by the sky. I wanted to fly like a bird. “Then, when I saw spacecraft landing in space, I was completely in awe—it was inspiring and moving. “I started imagining that one day, I could build something even better, something that could make history. “Of course, that sounds like a wild dream, but I believe having dreams is what makes us passionate and drives us to achieve them." As Stellar spoke about her field, her eyes sparkled with excitement, just like the girl Stephen had seen in that old photograph—bright, full of ambition, and completely devoted to her passion. "What about you? Why did you choose this major?" "I…" Stephen hesitated for a moment before answering in a low voice. "There was a time when I felt trapped, like I was suffocating in a cage. I wanted to escape, to see a bigger world. “I didn’t have many hobbies back then, but my family bought a lot of model planes. I kept assembling and disassembling th
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 446
Even though acknowledging it meant giving credit to a rival, Keith had no intention of claiming what wasn’t his.Besides, if he kept it quiet and Stephen ended up telling Stellar the full story later—with a few embellishments to make himself look better—it’d all backfire anyway.Stellar froze for a second, then looked at Stephen in surprise.So, was it because she’d casually mentioned the issue before that Stephen took it to heart and made preparations ahead of time?The moment their eyes met—his gaze warm and steady—something soft bloomed in her chest."Thank you. Both of you."She truly meant it.Her connection with Stephen didn’t need words to be understood.As for Keith, she genuinely considered him a good friend now.Just as they stepped out of the hall, a wave of reporters from the neighboring signing event rushed toward them."Miss Rivers, it's been said that your friend paid to hire a crowd of fake fans to boost your signing event. Care to explain?""A group that large showing
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Seeing how calm and composed Stellar was, Larry finally let out a breath of relief.At exactly two o’clock, the signing event officially began.A pair of hands slid a book across the table toward her, followed by a familiar deep voice above her head."Star Luna, would you sign your name for me? I’ll treasure it for the rest of my life."Stellar looked up and was met with Stephen’s handsome face. She couldn’t help the smile that bloomed on her lips.After signing her name on the first page, she added a note: To: my dear Stephen, followed by a little heart.When Stephen took the book back and saw what she wrote, a soft, lingering smile rose in his eyes.The chemistry between them was so sweet it practically clung to the air—enough to make anyone nearby cringe from the sugar overload.Readers began to trickle in. At first, there were only a dozen or so. After getting their books signed, they quietly left, making the event feel rather sparse.The reporters kept snapping photos, clearly
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"It’s not even close. I checked that book out myself. It’s nowhere near as good as yours," Larry said firmly. "And it didn’t even have that title originally. It’s clearly trying to ride your wave. All the trending buzz? “That’s paid promotion, no doubt about it. There’s serious backing behind it."Stellar couldn’t help but laugh, though she wasn’t really upset about being overshadowed."Alright, alright. Don’t get worked up. Let’s just let things play out," she said, trying to calm him before ending the call.That evening, while out to dinner with Stephen, she brought it up in a teasing tone.Stephen listened quietly, thoughtful for a moment, as if something had just clicked in his mind.Soon, the day of the signing arrived.With Stephen by her side, Stellar arrived at the hall right on time.A group of reporters had already gathered. The moment they spotted her, they swarmed in.Thankfully, Stephen stepped in front of her, shielding her from the worst of it. With him there, no one
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"You really are as sharp as they say," Jonas remarked, handing her a folder.Tori immediately reached for it. Inside were detailed notes on Stellar’s current situation, including the announcement of her upcoming book signing event.A cold, bitter laugh slipped out.She gripped the papers tightly, growing more furious with each line. "Unbelievable. She ruined my name, dragged me through the mud, and now she gets to rise from it all? “A book signing? Seriously? If it weren’t for me mentioning Star Luna in the first place, that washed-up author would’ve been long forgotten!"The more she thought about it, the more rage bubbled inside her.No. There was no way that book signing was going to go smoothly. She was going to sabotage it.Jonas watched the shift in her expression and gave a faint, satisfied smile. It looked like his job was done.…The next day.Stellar returned to the research center and shared some specialty treats she’d brought back from Southport with her team.Every
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The two finally returned to the villa after an hour.Just before they stepped inside, Stellar suddenly stopped and grabbed Stephen’s arm, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. "By the way, I should warn you that I'm pretty sure Mary’s starting to suspect something’s going on between us. You might want to tone it down around her.""Something going on?" Stephen raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Are we hiding some kind of scandal?""I’m talking about that night during the thunderstorm. When you stayed in my room! I think she caught on to something. She’s been subtly probing me ever since."She shot him a half-glare, half-pout. "Anyway, no matter what Mary asks you, don’t admit to anything. If my family gets the wrong idea, they’ll come after you for sure."Stephen paused, eyes flickering with surprise. Was she more worried about him than herself?"Don’t worry, from the moment I decided to pursue you, I was ready to take whatever came with it. So, stop worrying about me," he said,
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Hulk and the others were practically fuming with rage. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go! Wasn’t she just some harmless little girl? Why was even the guy next to her such a monster? Had they been played?In the end, Stellar let out a cold snort and made a call to the police, having the entire group hauled away. From start to finish, neither she nor Stephen were harmed.In fact, they looked more energized than ever."You two are even more in sync than my wife and I! Honestly, you're a perfect match," Wayne said with genuine admiration after watching the whole scene unfold.Stellar cleared her throat awkwardly and pretended not to hear. Stephen, however, smiled gently.…After settling the trouble in Southport, the group finally arrived in Northvale that evening.With the family reunited, Laurence and Martha were overjoyed. They chatted warmly with Wayne for quite a while.Just in time for dinner, they even insisted Stephen stay for the reunion meal. Having learned from
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"Stellar, Stephen, this is my oldest student, Isaac Cross. Let me introduce him. He's the one I trust the most."Isaac might not have been the most gifted, but he was dependable and steady to the core.Everyone exchanged greetings."Isaac, while I’m away, I’ll be entrusting the academy to you. I believe you can lead everyone well." Wayne patted his shoulder firmly."Mentor, don’t worry. I won’t let you down," Isaac nodded earnestly.After a pleasant chat, everyone said their goodbyes and left.But not long after Stellar and the others stepped outside, they found the path ahead blocked by a crowd of dozens."Miss Rivers, where are you off to? Want me to walk you home?"The one teasing her in the lead was none other than Hulk—the same guy she’d knocked flat earlier.And behind him were clearly members of the Ironclad Academy."What’s the meaning of this?"Wayne's face darkened instantly. "Your academy lost to us in the challenge match, and according to the wager, you're not allowed to ca
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Fueled by rage, Janet stormed toward the living room, ready to smash whatever else she could get her hands on.But before she could touch anything, a sharp slap landed across her face.Layla’s voice followed, cold and cutting. “Have you lost your mind?”“Mom!” Janet looked up in shock, clutching her cheek, utterly stunned.“Do you not think we’ve been humiliated enough already? I put all my trust in you, pinned every hope on your future—and this is what you do? “Pretending to be Stephen Ward’s childhood savior? How unbelievably stupid can you be!”The thrill and anticipation she'd felt over the past few days vanished like a bucket of ice water poured over her, snapping her back to reality.“But Mom, how can you blame me? I did all this for the family!” Janet protested, her voice laced with indignation.“You think I’m angry because you lied? If you were absolutely certain you wouldn’t be exposed, I might’ve turned a blind eye. “But Stephen Ward of all people? You thought you could foo
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"Thinking back now, I’m pretty sure the people around me kept the truth from me on purpose. “And as for me falling into the water... I don’t think that was just an accident either.""Are you saying someone tried to hurt you?" A cold, sharp glint flashed in Stephen’s eyes."It’s been too long. I don’t really remember everything clearly..." Stellar didn’t want to dwell on the past. With a smile, she shifted the mood. "Didn’t you invite me out for dinner? Let’s not ruin it with gloomy talk."Stephen nodded but made a mental note to look into it later.Their dinner unfolded in warm, quiet elegance.Then, just as dessert plates were being cleared, the soft notes of a waltz began to float through the room.The next second, Stephen rose from his seat and stepped toward her, offering his hand like a perfect gentleman."May I have this dance with this beautiful lady?"Stellar looked up, surprised.He stood tall under the soft golden light, his every feature kissed with a glow, and the earnest
