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Chapter 216
Bab terkait
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 217
The call was from Dawn, her voice laced with cautious humility. "Percy, I just had a prenatal checkup at the hospital. The doctor said my health is a bit weak… Can you transfer me some money for nutrition expenses?" Percy didn’t hesitate. "Alright, how much do you need?" Since she was carrying his child—and the situation benefited his return to the Moore family—he naturally intended to take responsibility. "Can you send me forty thousand? I’ve also run into some other issues… Don’t worry, consider it a loan. I’ll pay you back once I’ve sorted things out." Percy pressed his lips together. He wasn’t entirely pleased with her sudden high demand, but in the end, he softened. "There’s no need to talk about paying me back. I’ll send it right now." After hanging up, he transferred the money. On the other end, Dawn received the funds without a flicker of emotion. She immediately wired the amount into another account. "There, are you satisfied now?" She raised her gaze cold
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Ethan had only gotten dragged into this because of her. Stellar curled her lips into a cold smile and spoke, her voice steady and sharp. "Since when did asking questions become something to be ashamed of? Or are you telling me you all know everything?" The moment she finished speaking, the ones who had mocked Ethan stiffened, caught off guard. They clearly hadn’t expected an intern to have the guts to challenge them so directly. "Being willing to ask, learn, and seek answers is a sign of humility and dedication. But instead of encouraging it as senior professionals, you ridicule it? What kind of logic is that? Or is this just how your team operates? Are questions not allowed?" A flush crept onto their faces. As seniors, they had planned to put the intern in his place. Yet instead, they had been publicly called out and humiliated by someone younger. Their pride took a heavy hit. One of the leaders, a man named Guy Wellson, scowled, his temper flaring. "Stellar, don’t
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With a sharp slam, Stephen set his glass down on the table, his gaze turning icy as he shot a look at Shane. "Is that funny to you?""Ahem..."Shane cleared his throat, realizing that pushing any further would only get him into trouble. He quickly straightened his expression."Alright, alright, let’s get serious. I know you’re frustrated, but listen, I've got to say, I think you’ve always liked Stellar. That little girl from the past? That was just an obsession, maybe even a sense of duty."Don't confuse the two, or you’ll regret it someday.""I know."Stephen’s voice was steady, sharper than Shane expected. "That’s not the problem. I just don’t know how to pursue her without being too abrupt. If I don’t act soon, I’m afraid she’ll slip further away from me."From the way Stellar treated him today, he could feel the distance growing between them, and that alone sent a wave of unease through him."Hah! So even the great Mr. Ward can struggle when chasing a girl," Shane teased, barely ho
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"You don't have to be so formal with me," Stephen said, his gaze warm and unwavering.But Stellar didn’t look up at him. Instead, she simply replied, polite as ever, "It’s just basic courtesy between friends."With that, she turned and walked into the lounge.Stephen felt a pang of disappointment but knew better than to rush things.Just then, Joy approached from the distance."Stephen, there are still some details about the aircraft incident I need to go over with you. Can we talk in the office?"Since it was work-related, Stephen gave a nod and followed her.Meanwhile, after a sleepless night, Percy spent hours going over every moment he had shared with Stellar.Finally, he had put together what he wanted to say—how he could convince her to help him.But when he searched the maintenance area, she was nowhere to be found.Just as confusion settled in, he turned back only to see Stellar stepping out of a room marked with Stephen Ward’s name.Her face was slightly flushed, steam still
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Inside the lounge.Stellar helped Stephen sit down gently, cupping his face in her hands."Senior, you really didn’t have to stand up for me. How are you feeling? Let me apply some medicine first."Her palms were soft, carrying a faint, sweet scent.Stephen’s eyes widened, just as he was about to speak, Stellar stopped him. "Don't talk yet…"She leaned in, carefully examining his wound with a serious expression.Seeing her lips so close, Stephen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his gaze darkening.But in the next second, Stellar let go of him. "Fortunately, it’s not too serious."After saying that, she stood up, asked Stephen a question, then went to retrieve the first-aid kit.A flicker of disappointment crossed Stephen’s heart.Moments later, Stellar returned to his side, took out a cotton swab, dipped it in antiseptic, and carefully applied the medicine to his wound."Hiss—" Stephen sucked in a breath, as if it stung a little."Now you know it hurts? Why bother fighting with someone like that
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She never knew that Stephen and Janet were close enough for her to call him so affectionately.But she also trusted Stephen’s character. He wouldn’t do something like this."Stellar, you’ve misunderstood Stephen. He just gave me an opportunity to make my path smoother, but in the end, I still have to rely on my own abilities to get in," Janet quickly denied, not foolish enough to let the misunderstanding continue."Oh, by the way, this engine development project is led by Stephen, right? Your team is participating in the research. He agreed to let me sit in and observe!" With a smug expression, she waved the project documents in front of Stellar, as if showing off.Stellar narrowed her eyes and stepped forward, her tone serious. "Are you saying he personally agreed to let you join?" "Of course!" Janet answered confidently.She knew how much the university valued this project. As long as she got involved, she would have the chance to create distance between Stellar and Stephen. W
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Janet's expression was full of satisfaction. "Oh? Is that so?" Stellar’s tone was indifferent. "Well, it looks like you two really do have a close relationship." Her casual, uninterested response only made Janet bristle with frustration. "You…" Just as Janet was about to argue further, her eyes suddenly flickered toward the door. In an instant, her expression lit up. "Stephen!" Dropping her previous arrogance, she beamed and walked past Stellar, her whole demeanor shifting into one of sweet delight. Stellar turned, watching as Janet approached Stephen, looking almost bashful. "Starting today, I’m officially your junior. I hope you’ll take care of me from now on." Stephen gave a small nod, his response noticeably less cold than before. A strange tightness gripped Stellar’s chest. He didn’t reject her? So, they were really that close now? "What were you two talking about?" After offering a polite greeting, Stephen’s gaze landed on Stellar, his tone carrying a hi
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"What happened?" Stellar’s heart tightened as she quickly got in her car and rushed to SA Club, following the address Suzy had sent.When she finally arrived at the booth, she found Suzy hunched over a glass of liquor, drinking sullenly.The tension in her chest eased instantly.With a mix of relief and exasperation, she sat down beside her. "You scared me to death! I thought something serious had happened.""It is serious!"Suzy slammed her glass down, her face full of misery as she poured out her grievances."You have no idea! A few days ago, I went on a date with my boy toy, and guess what? My mom caught us! She thinks he’s just a gold digger and is now forcing me to go on blind dates!“Can you believe it? Me—a rising star at the peak of my career—being reduced to blind dates?! Tell me, isn’t that tragic?"Stellar couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Your mom is just looking out for your future. She probably just wants you to find someone reliable.""Exactly! That’s what sh
Bab terbaru
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 452
"Stellar, I really need to thank you." Autumn’s tone was sincere. "There’s no need for that, Autumn. I just did what anyone should’ve done." Stellar couldn’t explain it, but something about Autumn made her feel warm, almost protective. "Stellar…" Just then, Laurence approached from the side. Autumn turned instinctively at the sound of his voice. The moment their eyes met, both froze. That strange sense of familiarity surged again in Laurence’s chest. The closer he got, the stronger it felt. Stellar quickly stepped forward and took his arm. "Grandpa, let me introduce you."This is Ms. Autumn Lane, Keith’s aunt—the one I told you about. She’s always been kind to me. She even gave me an emerald pendant as a welcome gift when we first met!"Autumn, this is my grandfather." Autumn was the first to snap out of it, pushing aside the strange feeling in her chest. "Mr. Rivers, it’s an honor. I’ve heard so much about you. I really appreciate you taking the time to help ide
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The manager turned to her in shock, clearly about to say something, but Keith stopped him with a single look."You’ve got some sense, I’ll give you that. At least you know I’m not someone you can afford to offend." The wealthy woman sneered smugly, then barked at the manager, "Well? Hurry up and get these things packed for me!"The manager looked troubled, but before he could respond, Stellar spoke up with a cheerful smile. "Ma’am, you can take them, sure, but we’ll need your signature and fingerprints first. These three antiques are each worth over two million. “If it turns out someone took them without the owner’s permission, it’ll go straight to court. And that’s a serious offense—major fraud with a possibly of a life sentence."Her tone was breezy, but the words sent a chill down the woman’s spine. "Wh-What are you trying to say? Are you threatening me?""Oh no, not threatening. Just stating the facts. If you’ve got the owner's permission, there’s nothing to worry about, right?"
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"This is…" Laurence’s eyes lit up instantly. He leaned in, examining the piece carefully for a long moment before exclaiming, "This piece is from the early 1700s—right around the time of the Baroque period. I remember coming across it in historical archives..."Once the topic turned to his area of expertise, Laurence became animated, his voice filled with energy as he explained.A small crowd began to gather, drawn by his enthusiasm and deep knowledge.Stellar, who actually recognized many of the antiques herself, chose to play along, feigning curiosity. When Laurence finished, she pointed to another item. "What about this one, Grandpa?"He turned and his eyes lit up even more. "That’s an artifact from the early medieval period, likely from the 8th or 9th century. It’s absolutely priceless."He launched into another detailed explanation.Stellar kept the conversation going, asking thoughtful questions one after another, giving Laurence the chance to fully shine. Applause broke
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When they stepped out of the car, Keith was already waiting outside.Guests coming and going couldn't help but glance his way—tall, poised, and impeccably dressed, he was instantly recognizable. Several people greeted him with polite smiles and nods.Keith returned the gestures with a cool, distant air, his smile polite but faint.But the moment he spotted Stellar and Laurence, a flicker of warmth lit up his eyes. Cutting through the crowd, he greeted them with uncharacteristic enthusiasm."Mr. Rivers, Stellar, you're here! Come on, I’ll take you inside."Guests nearby were visibly surprised by his sudden shift in demeanor, their curious gazes drifting to Stellar and her grandfather.Their composure and presence were impossible to miss.A few who had previously met Laurence found themselves stunned.Could the Rivers and Sinclair families be tying the knot soon?Unaware of the speculation swirling around them, Stellar followed Keith inside with her grandfather.The moment she stepped
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Though a little disappointed, Keith didn’t push further. "Then let me give you a ride home.""No need, Mr. Sinclair. With me here, I’ll make sure Stellar gets home safely,” Stephen finally spoke, his voice cool and composed. "Yeah, we’re heading in the same direction anyway. No need to trouble you," Stellar added with a polite smile.Keith clenched his fists slightly, frustration flashing through him.Damn Stephen. The only reason he got this far was because he made the first move.Keith had even considered moving closer to Stellar’s neighborhood. But he’d held back, worried it might come off as too deliberate and push her further away instead. It was not worth the risk.In the end, he gave a casual wave and turned to walk away, doing his best to play it cool.It was fine. They’d be seeing each other again soon anyway.…After Keith left, Stellar and Stephen got into the car. On the ride back, Stephen finally broke the silence."You’re being too nice to him."Stellar blinked a
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Now that the truth was out, netizens finally saw the full picture and reacted with outrage and clarity:"No wonder I thought the book was just average, but everyone online was hyping it like crazy. Turns out, it was all bots!""I left one comment about the poor plot logic and got attacked by a swarm of fake accounts. I thought I poked a hornet’s nest—turns out they were just panicking.""Compared to that, After Dawn is gripping, suspenseful, and logically tight. Star Luna really is in a league of her own and always has been.""I went to her signing today—she’s even more stunning in person! Smart, talented, and graceful… no wonder people are jealous."The entire incident ended up boosting Stellar’s reputation. Support flooded in, and even readers who hadn’t been interested in this genre started checking out her novel, only to find themselves completely hooked.In no time, After Dawn soared to the top of the site’s trending chart.As for Tori, the one who orchestrated the sabotage from
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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
