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Chapter 323
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 324
Something stirred in Stephen’s chest. It was the first time he’d heard her speak in that soft, almost clingy tone, like she was leaning on him. "I’ll walk you back." "Okay." They strolled side by side, exchanging idle conversation along the way. The atmosphere between them was quiet, easy—something warm and unspoken hanging in the air. ... Elsewhere— In a dim, cramped rental apartment, Percy sat crouched in the corner, staring blankly at a video playing on his phone. He watched as Stellar was surrounded because of him… and then rescued by Stephen.Guilt flickered deep in his eyes. Without warning, he raised a hand and slapped himself hard across the face. "Percy! What the hell are you doing?" A well-dressed middle-aged woman walked over, clearly startled. "I know the bankruptcy’s been tough on you, but come on. You’ve still got your father and me. You can’t just throw in the towel like this!" Before Margaret was sent to prison, she’d begged her younger sister,
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Percy was knocked to the ground, but Chuck clearly didn’t think that was enough.He pinned him down and continued to pummel him.The store staff were all stunned.That evening, Stellar had dropped by to pick out a gift for a friend when she happened to witness the scene.She was speechless for a moment.Northvale really was the kind of place where one couldn’t even go shopping without stumbling into a disaster.Out of basic decency, she walked to the entrance and flagged down security. "There’s a fight inside. Please handle it."The guards immediately rushed in and pulled Percy out."Sir, are you alright?"With a bruised face and a nosebleed, Percy wiped the blood away and muttered awkwardly, "I'm fine."But the guard shook his head, then pointed not far away. "It's thanks to that lady over there. She’s the one who told us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten here in time."Following the direction of the guard’s finger, Percy caught sight of Stellar’s back just as she was turning to lea
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Percy was nearly driven mad with anger. Stellar, however, watched the whole farce with a cold gaze. After a while, she suddenly stepped forward with a smile and handed over a gold card. “You want money, right? Fine. Here’s one million.” Dawn was still trying to figure out why she suddenly gave in. But her greedy mother snatched the card away immediately. “Now that’s more like it! So, you finally admit your guilt and want to compensate my daughter. I’ll accept this money.” The crowd frowned deeply, their eyes filled with disgust and contempt as they looked at Stellar. The three of them strutted off triumphantly. Percy looked at her, touched. “Stellar, I didn’t expect you’d go this far for me…” But Stellar didn’t even spare him a glance. She took out her phone and made a call. “Hello, is this the police? I’d like to report a crime. Someone spread false rumors about me and extorted one million from me. Please send officers over immediately. The address is…” She clearl
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“Stellar, my sweet granddaughter!” “Let me have a look at you—you’ve lost weight.” Martha gently pinched her cheek with a heartache. “No, I haven’t,” Stellar said with a playful pout, linking arms with them on both sides. “Grandpa, Grandma, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? If you missed me, you could’ve called. I would’ve gone to see you!” Laurence looked at her seriously. “We just wanted to see how you’re doing, and if anyone’s been bullying you. If they have, Grandpa’s here to back you up!” Though he was already in his seventies, the commanding presence he carried hadn’t faded with age. Stellar felt a wave of warmth rush through her. Her eyes curved with a smile. “Who would dare bully me? Besides, I’ve got Uncle Claude and the others around!” “That’s true,” Laurence nodded, finally relaxing a little. The three of them chatted as they walked out of the airport, the atmosphere warm and cheerful. Seeing that it was still early, Stellar suggested taking them o
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Now look how things turned out!She was actually starting to feel embarrassed on Percy’s behalf.And as for herself—what kind of bad luck had she run into to get saddled with a crazy family like Dawn’s?No, she had to find a way to turn things around.With that thought in mind, Fancy led them into a boutique. "I need to use the restroom. You go ahead and look around."Using the restroom as an excuse, she finally got a break from Dolly and Dawn. After tidying up her appearance, she headed toward the elderly couple from the Rivers family.Just as Stellar left, Fancy approached the couple with a bright smile. "Sir, ma'am, is this your first time at this store? I come here quite often. Are you shopping for jewelry? I’d be happy to help if you’d like."She put on the poised and experienced air of someone who had long mingled in the socialite circles, her tone warm and friendly, hoping to leave a good impression.The elderly couple had simply been waiting for Stellar to return from the rest
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Because of the unexpected situation, it still affected the old couple’s mood.In the end, they didn’t stay out long before driving back.Throughout the ride, the couple kept glancing at her, their eyes filled with worry.Stellar noticed it and gave a carefree smile. "Grandpa, Grandma, I know what you're worried about. But it’s all in the past. The Moores have paid the price, and I’ve already let it go. You should be happy for me instead."Seeing that her expression truly carried no trace of gloom, they finally felt at ease."Stellar’s right. Actually, we came to see you for another reason too."Stellar was puzzled. "What is it?""We saw that news about you online recently," Laurence said, his tone slightly heavy.Stellar’s heart skipped a beat. Were they referring to that rumor about her juggling several relationships?Even though the truth had been clarified later, if her grandparents started asking about her love life and expected her to make a choice...The first face that flashed
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He forced his way into the seat, and a silent tension instantly flared between the two men."What’s going on with them?" Stellar blinked, lowering her voice as she asked Suzy beside her.The brothers had always bickered and refused to back down to each other, but it was never this hostile.Suzy shrugged nonchalantly, completely unbothered. "Who knows."Stellar was speechless.She could clearly tell something had happened between the three of them but wisely chose not to ask.Soon, they arrived at the reserved restaurant and took their seats, chatting about recent happenings over the meal.During dinner, Julian served dishes and poured drinks for both Stellar and Suzy with casual ease and smooth movements.Stellar was a little surprised by how thoughtful he was.Edwin, however, looked increasingly grim. "Julian, it’s not like they don’t have hands. What’s with all the extra effort?"Julian raised an eyebrow and replied word by word, "Because. I. Want. To.""Thanks, Mr. Julian. How did y
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Seated in the center of the private lounge’s plush sofa was none other than Edwin—the very man Suzy had broken things off with not long ago. On either side of him sat two women, both striking in their own way, leaning in close with flirty smiles as they fawned over him. "Mr. Rivers, you really can hold your liquor," one of them giggled, raising her glass. "I’ve never met a CEO as handsome as you," the other added, inching even closer.Edwin didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the attention. Suzy frowned in disgust and turned to leave but Axel blocked her path. "What’s wrong, Suzy? Come on in! Don’t keep my friends waiting." He gave her shoulder a firm push, leading her into the room and right up to Edwin. From the moment she stepped in, Edwin’s gaze locked onto her. His eyes briefly darkened as they landed on Axel’s hand resting on her shoulder. Axel, oblivious to the tension, grinned and turned to Edwin. "Mr. Rivers, let me introduce you, this is my friend Suzy Walsh
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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
