Share

Chapter 359

Author: Warm Cocoa
"I've made up my mind."Stellar’s expression was firm. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Shaw. I’m honored to accept the invitation and join the research project."

"Excellent!" Dean’s smile grew even brighter.

The conversation shifted to the upcoming art exhibition.

At first, it seemed Stephen might struggle to keep up—this clearly wasn’t his field. But to everyone’s surprise, he slipped into the conversation effortlessly, speaking with a calm confidence and insight.

Even Howard found himself impressed by his insight.

At first, Stephen appeared like just another face in Stellar’s circle, but the dynamic was already shifting into something more—an unlikely friendship in the making.

The scene felt all too familiar.

Stellar had witnessed how easily Stephen won over every important elder in her life with just a few well-placed words countless times.

It was as if he had a gift for it.

When it looked like Howard was about to take him under his wing, Stephen shot her a desperate look.

Finally, St
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 360

    "I..." Susan faltered, unsettled by the sharpness in his eyes.But Zayden gave her no chance to wriggle out of it. He cut straight to the truth. "You destroyed her painting yourself and you're terrified of being found out."The room went completely still."I-I didn’t!" Susan quickly snapped back, her eyes reddening as she put on a wounded look. "Zayden, I know you and Stellar grew up together, and you’ve always been close to her, but that doesn’t give you the right to smear me just to protect her!""Smear you?" he scoffed. "Let’s see what the footage says."Before she could react, he tapped the screen on his tablet and turned it toward the crowd.People leaned in out of curiosity only to freeze in disbelief.On the screen, Susan could be seen sneaking into the studio in the middle of the night. She stood in front of a stunning painting, her expression cold and furious, a far cry from her usual soft demeanor. She pulled a utility knife from her bag and began slashing at the canvas

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 361

    "I didn’t…" Susan flatly denied any involvement. "I-I just wanted a chance for my work to be exhibited too. I never meant for anyone to hurt her, he acted on his own!" Everyone exchanged doubtful looks. But when their eyes landed on the painting on the wall, someone couldn't help but comment, "This piece is really well done. The colors are a little muted, but it actually brings out the story behind it more." "Honestly, I didn’t even know it was done by Sole Light at first. I was just drawn to it. I think it’s just as good as Sole Light’s original piece." "So, Susan Raines is actually quite talented too..." People naturally held a bit more admiration and leniency toward those with talent. Hearing this, Susan immediately seized the opportunity. Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked pitiful and remorseful. "I’m sorry, I truly am. I shouldn’t have resorted to this just to achieve my goal. But our professor has always been so biased, he only ever had eyes for you. "I

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 362

    It didn’t take long for Stellar to remember that she’d painted it during the lowest point of her life, when she first discovered the truth about her past. Lost and overwhelmed, it became a raw expression of the turmoil she was drowning in. It was no wonder the memory was so vivid.Afterward, she asked Zayden to look for it in the studio and eventually put the original on display.If Susan hadn’t pulled this stunt—risking Stellar’s reputation just to elevate her own—maybe Stellar wouldn’t have exposed the truth. But now that it had come to this, she had no reason to hold back."No wonder I thought the painting was so striking. Turns out it is really the work of Sole Light." "God, Susan Raines is disgusting! Faking remorse just to climb higher? She has zero talent and still had the nerve to copy someone else’s work for fame and profit." "I actually felt bad for her earlier. I thought she was just a victim stuck in someone else’s shadow." "She played us all for fools. Someone lik

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 363

    This time, Stellar turned him down. "Not tonight. I need to get home early and spend some time with my grandparents.""They’re in town too?" Zayden’s eyes lit up. He quickly offered, "Why don’t I come with you? I’d love to stop by and say hello."Before Stellar could respond, Stephen cut in coolly, "They don’t like being disturbed by strangers.""Who says I’m a stranger?" Zayden shot back, voice sharp. "Senior and I are close—practically family. Unlike a certain someone who really ought to take a hint and stop sticking around her.""Alright, that’s enough." Stellar rubbed her temples, clearly exasperated. "Zay, maybe next time. I’ll let them know ahead of time. I’m heading home for now."With that, she turned and walked off, not waiting for a reply.Stephen caught up to her in a few strides. "I’ll walk you back."Since they lived right across the street from each other, Stellar saw no reason to refuse.Zayden stood rooted to the spot, glaring after them. The fury in his eyes

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 364

    But when Keith scrolled past the post, jealousy hit him hard. He knew Stephen was flaunting it on purpose, but there was nothing he could do in return. All he could do was stare at the photo, stewing in silent bitterness. …The next day, Claude was scheduled to attend a bidding event. The event was scheduled for the afternoon, and since Stellar was home, he invited her to come along, saying it would be a good learning experience—something that might come in handy down the line.Stellar had nothing else planned, so she went with him. The venue was spacious and brightly lit, with rows of tables and chairs arranged neatly. Many of the bidders were already present.They were seasoned business elites, each with an impressive background. Stellar glanced around casually, about to shift her gaze elsewhere when a familiar figure walked in from the opposite side of the room. It was Percy.Today, he looked nothing like the washed-up man she remembered. He wore a crisp tailored su

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 365

    As they left the venue, Claude suggested stopping by the mall. "Your grandmother’s been obsessed with shopping lately. Just yesterday she mentioned wanting to pick something up... “We’ll swing by, and you can ask what she needs. We’ll bring it back for her.""Alright," Stellar replied, pulling out her phone to make the call.Whatever her grandmother said on the other end had Stellar sighing in defeat as she answered with a few quick nods, "Okay, okay, I get it. I promise."She hung up and turned to Claude with a smile before he could even ask. "Grandma says the fun of shopping is going in person. Picking things out herself is the whole point."Claude let out a laugh. "She’s turning into more of a kid with every passing year. Alright, I’ll head back and bring her over."In the end, it was Stellar who accompanied her grandmother to the mall.They went from store to store, and perhaps because she had her granddaughter with her, Martha was in unusually high spirits. She picked up al

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 366

    Martha and Stellar shared a helpless glance before finally giving in with a quiet nod.They drove Cheryl over to the preschool together.All the way there, Cheryl kept bragging nonstop. "This preschool? It’s the top bilingual academy in the area. All the language teachers are brought in from overseas! Tuition alone runs around four or six grand a year. “My son really values his kid’s education, so he’s giving him the absolute best. It’s like pouring money down the drain, but thankfully, he makes enough to support the family. “He even bought a house here and paid four hundred thousand dollars without blinking."The more she talked, the prouder she sounded, completely unaware that the car she was riding in was worth far more than that.Stellar’s ears were practically going numb from the constant boasting. But out of respect for her elder, she held her tongue and didn’t interrupt.When Cheryl finally ran out of things to say and noticed the lack of praise from her audience, she turn

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 367

    Earlier, Martha had let Cheryl's endless bragging slide without a word.But this time, her expression turned cold in an instant."My granddaughter doesn’t need to do chores. She’s the pride of our family—born to be loved and cherished. Whatever she wants, we can give her. No one has the right to order her around."Cheryl was taken aback, stunned into silence for a moment before snapping back, "What man would want a wife who can’t even handle basic housework? I’m saying this for her own good! Aren’t you worried she won’t be able to get married?""Then she won’t," Martha replied without hesitation."If she stays with us for the rest of her life, so be it. We’re more than capable of taking care of her."Cheryl fumed, feeling like her good intentions had been thrown back in her face."Grandma, I want a drink! And snacks!"The chubby boy came running back, flushed and sweaty after tearing through the house.Cheryl dropped the argument instantly, her focus back on her grandson."Alright, alri

Latest chapter

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 458

    If her grandfather or uncles caught them, she didn’t even dare to imagine how chaotic that scene would be.Stephen’s smile deepened. “What, isn’t the doorstep romantic enough?”Stellar said nothing.“You wish!”Throwing the words over her shoulder, she spun around and dashed back into the house.Stephen stood there, watching her retreating figure, a bright mood blooming in his chest.Clearly, he meant something different to her.At the very least, he was sure that Stellar would never kiss anyone else as a token of gratitude.This was something only they shared. A kind of secret intimacy.And with that thought, his desire to make their relationship public and mark his territory burned even stronger.He needed to act fast—cut off any competition before they even had a chance.…Meanwhile, after being turned down by Stellar and mocked by Keith, Percy’s mood was heavy.Back at the office, he was stopped by his boss, Jackson Far.“Percy, what’s with the long face? Come on, let’s grab a drin

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 457

    Keith seemed to catch on to her thoughts—just for a moment, a flicker of something unspoken passed through his expression, a hint of melancholy."Of course, I believe in you," he said with a playful edge. "Guess that just makes me your silent supporter from the sidelines, Miss Rivers."The tension in the car eased, replaced by a lighter, more comfortable air.Before long, they pulled up to the villa.As Stellar stepped out, she turned back to him. "Are you sure you don’t want to come in for dinner? It’s the least I can do to repay you for today."Keith didn’t want to pass up the chance. But he had an important meeting scheduled in just half an hour. Missing it would be unprofessional and disrespectful to the client.With clear reluctance, he declined. "Next time. I’ll come by properly, with a gift in hand to visit your grandparents."Stellar waved him off with a smile, then turned around, only to jump slightly at the sight of a tall, shadowy figure lingering a short distance away.I

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 456

    But just as Percy darted after her, a server stepped in his path. "Sir, you haven’t paid yet."He let out an irritated sigh, pulled out his card to tap at the register, then hurried out the door.He managed to catch up to her after a short sprint, blocking her path. "Stellar, wait… just hear me out…"Her brows furrowed deeply. She didn’t want to cause a scene in public, so she held back."Move.""Stellar, I mean it this time," Percy pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "Why won’t you give me another chance?"As he reached out to take her hand, she smacked it away without hesitation."A second chance? Are you seriously joking right now?" a cool, mocking voice cut in from the side.Percy turned his head sharply, only to see Keith standing at Stellar’s side, arms crossed, his eyes glinting with disdain."Percy, do you even own a mirror? What makes you think you’re qualified to chase after her? You’re a joke.""Keith Sinclair," Percy ground out through gritted teeth, the old

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 455

    “No rush. I’m free all afternoon. Take your time and enjoy the dessert first,” Percy said gently, his smile relaxed."Stellar, aren’t you curious how I managed to climb back to the top? I’m not any less capable than I was before. If anything, it just proves you had great taste back then.”His self-congratulatory tone nearly made her gag."Mr. Moore, very impressive," she replied blandly, clearly not buying into the ego trip.But Percy took it as genuine praise, beaming. "But really, Stellar, it’s because of you that I pulled myself together. You’ve always been my driving force. I mean that I’m truly grateful."Stellar couldn’t care less about his sentimental nonsense. She finished her dessert in a few quick bites."Mr. Moore, I believe this is supposed to be a business meeting. If you’re not interested in the partnership and are just trying to stall, please say so—I won’t waste your time any further."Her tone left no room for pretense.Percy, sensing her patience wearing thin, finall

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 454

    The secretary’s face turned ghostly pale as she pleaded, "Mr. Moore, I-I really didn’t mean to! Please, just give me another chance.”"Even if it wasn’t intentional, it only proves you’re incompetent. You can’t even manage a cup of coffee properly. “If you don’t leave now, I’ll have security throw you out," Percy said coldly, showing not the slightest hint of sympathy.With her eyes brimming red, the woman turned and ran out.Stellar had silently witnessed the entire exchange from outside the door.Once the secretary was gone, she waited a moment before stepping up and knocking."I told you to get out. Are you deaf?" Percy barked, assuming it was the secretary again.But when he looked up and saw who it was, his expression froze.A second later, he shot up from his seat, surprise and delight written all over his face. "Stellar? What are you doing here?"Then, realizing how it might’ve looked, he quickly added, "Don’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t yelling at you just now. Come in."Stel

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 453

    "Then I’ll leave it to you," Laurence said with a chuckle, clearly pleased.The more suitors his granddaughter attracted, the better her chances of finding the right one.Stellar, on the other hand, looked slightly exasperated, but it didn’t seem appropriate to refuse.On the way back, Keith kept bringing up amusing topics, clearly trying to win over Laurence, who laughed heartily throughout the ride. The heaviness from earlier had completely lifted.Stellar appreciated the effort. Maybe Keith had sensed something off about her grandfather’s mood and had taken it upon himself to help.The car pulled up in front of the villa.Just as they got out, Stephen stepped outside and caught sight of the three of them chatting and laughing.His expression tightened.Keith, as if sensing his gaze, shot him a look filled with smug confidence, as if to say, “Game on,” before waving and driving off.Laurence headed inside, but Stellar lingered.She walked straight toward Stephen, a teasing glint in

  • 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

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 451

    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?"

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 450

    "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

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status