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Chapter 77
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 78
"If he ever loses his job, I can help him find one. But for you to look down on people like this, aren’t you afraid of karma catching up to you?" That single sentence struck deep, sending a sharp tremor through Xavier’s heart. "Stellar Rivers?" Brian, one of Percy’s usual lackeys, naturally recognized her. Upon hearing her words, he let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, look who it is. Stellar Rivers. You’ve already been thrown out by Mr. Moore, barely able to take care of yourself, and yet you still want to help Xavier? “You should know your place. Take my advice—stop making a fool of yourself and go apologize to Percy. Please him properly, and maybe he’ll throw you a lifeline." His eyes were filled with mockery and disdain. His words were downright vile. Xavier clenched his fists, about to speak up, when a cup of coffee suddenly flew through the air, splattering across Brian’s face.Suzy, standing to the side with an empty cup in hand, had shed her usual elegant demeano
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 79
Brian was caught off guard, his face turning ashen as he scurried away like a defeated rat.Once he was gone, Xavier finally lifted his head and looked at Stellar and Suzy."Sorry… and thank you. I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you."In truth, he hadn’t wanted Stellar to see him in such an embarrassing state, covered in coffee. It only made him feel more humiliated.Leaving Percy was a decision he had contemplated for a long time, and it had nothing to do with Stellar. But after hearing about her breakup with Percy, he wanted to help her and even considered pursuing her. He thought they were alike.But now, he heard that Stellar had successfully been admitted to the research institute. She had moved on from Percy and was doing better and better. Meanwhile, he remained nothing more than an ordinary man.The gap between them was insurmountable.He no longer had the courage to confess his feelings.Yet Stellar had no idea what was on his mind. Instead, she spoke candidly."You do
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At that moment, Vivian suddenly spoke up. "If there’s a problem, we should focus on fixing it. Right now, the best course of action is to use a more advanced lab to handle the issue." The group snapped out of their frustration, realizing she had a point. However, something about the situation felt off to Stellar. Still, there was no time to dwell on it. The team quickly made their way to the higher-tier lab, only to be stopped at the entrance once again. "Sorry, but our team has reserved this lab for today," Alex said, arms crossed. Then, as if remembering something, he added with a smirk, "Oh, and just so you know, we submitted the request in advance. No rules are being broken this time, right?" Simon, as the team leader, stepped forward to negotiate. "Alex, could you do us a favor? We urgently need the lab, just for thirty minutes. We’ll make it up to you next time." "Simon, it’s not that I don’t want to help," Alex replied with a feigned look of helplessness. "But
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Vivian's eyes flickered with a hint of triumph. Stellar caught the look, and a suspicion suddenly crossed her mind. But there was no proof. Would someone really go so far as to sabotage the entire team's work just to make her take the fall? Just as she was about to speak, a cool, clear voice rang out from a distance. "I can lend you my lab." Everyone looked up in surprise. Stephen strode over, his long legs covering the distance effortlessly, the crisp, refreshing scent he carried lingering in the air around her. She was momentarily stunned. He was indeed been involved in this project, but he had his own private lab, and all his data was independent from theirs. He had never mixed his work with their team. Besides, he was extremely territorial. Normally, he wouldn’t allow outsiders to step into his space. Yet this time, he was actually offering to lend them his lab? No matter what, this was an unexpected turn of events. "Really, Senior?" Stellar pressed her
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Stephen shut his eyes tightly, but he couldn’t erase the lingering image from his mind. He exhaled deeply, lowering his gaze as he tried to collect himself. It took him a while before he finally reopened the door. When Stellar stepped out in her lab coat, she was surprised to see him still standing there. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he hesitated, then spoke up. “I didn’t know you were inside. I wasn’t trying to intrude… I’m really sorry.” For the first time, his apology was sincere, his gaze avoiding hers as if he were trying to escape something. Stellar had felt a little embarrassed at first, but the feeling faded quickly. It wasn’t as if losing a little modesty would cost her anything. Besides, she was wearing a camisole underneath. She wasn’t the type to make a big deal out of something like this or expect responsibility over a fleeting moment. Still, his reaction was far stronger than she had expected. Was he… embarrassed? She shook off the thoug
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 83
"I'm just excited Think about it—you almost let your talent go to waste! Luckily, you came to your senses. “Don't worry, I’ll personally help you apply for a patent on this research. The world needs to know that this achievement belongs to you." Though the project was a team effort, Stellar was undoubtedly the driving force behind it. She had led the entire process from start to finish. Victor’s enthusiasm was unmistakable—he truly cherished and valued talent. Stellar felt a wave of emotion swell in her chest. "Thank you, Professor. This time, I won’t let you down." This newly developed material was exactly what she promised for Shane’s project enhancement. With the results in hand, the contract negotiations should be finalized soon. …Early the next morning, Stellar called Shane and arranged to meet at the Brighton Group’s office. During the meeting, she provided him with a portion of the material. Though the patent application was still in progress, the feasibility
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Stellar paused for a moment, sensing an unusual warmth in Shane’s demeanor. A strange feeling crept up on her—it almost felt like… a date. But she quickly brushed the thought aside, telling herself she was overthinking it. Lowering her gaze to the menu, she raised a brow in mild surprise. "The dish names are definitely unique. I’ll go with ‘Veiled Blossoms in Mist,’ ‘Crisp Emerald Leaves,’ and this one—‘White Truffle Delight.’ That should be good. You can pick the rest." She passed him the menu. Shane glanced at it briefly before adding, "I’ll include one more—‘A Worthy Pursuit.’ The name has quite the meaning behind it, don’t you think?" As he spoke, his gaze lingered on her, his deep-set eyes carrying a touch of intrigue. Stellar’s mind immediately recalled an old line of poetry: “A true gentleman seeks a worthy match, drawn to beauty and grace.”Her chest tightened slightly. Was she reading too much into this again? "It sounds… fine," she said vaguely, not wanting
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 85
It was the first real setback she had ever encountered in her life. Stellar was still courteous enough to spare his pride. "This dish is actually pretty good, Mr. Howe. You should try it too." Although the price was steep, the taste was undeniably fresher and more flavorful than other restaurants. Shane assumed she was just being nice, but after taking a couple of bites, he had to admit it was indeed delicious. His emotions were a rollercoaster—soaring one moment and sinking the next.Determined to regain his footing, he shifted the conversation back. "We were just talking about relationships. Miss Rivers, do you have anyone special in your life right now?" Stellar’s hand paused for a moment. She knew she wouldn't be able to avoid this. From all the subtle gestures and careful probing earlier, she had already guessed that Shane was interested in her. He wasn’t just treating her as a friend—he wanted something more. She decided to be straightforward. "No, I don't." Sha
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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
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 444
"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,
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 441
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
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 439
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
