Semua Bab As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart: Bab 351 - Bab 360

“Our company’s planning to bid on a major infrastructure project,” Claude said as he adjusted his cufflinks. “It’s city-led, and there are a lot of strong contenders. From how things look, we’re unlikely to land the primary contract—maybe a secondary one, if we’re lucky.”Claude had always aimed for the top, but there was always someone better, especially in areas outside his core expertise.Stellar wasn’t in that field herself, so there wasn’t much she could do. Still, her mind wandered back to Percy. As much as she loathed the man, there was no denying his professional skills—this kind of work had always been his forte.It was a shame she’d switched to finance back then instead of staying long enough to learn more about that field.She looked up, a bit apologetic. “Sorry, Uncle Claude. I don’t think I’d be much help with that.”“It’s alright,” he said with a reassuring smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “It’s not your responsibility. No need to stress yourself over it.”Wit

"You…" Percy’s face twisted with frustration, stunned she’d humiliated him so directly. "Fine. You win."Clenching his jaw, he turned and walked away.This time, he was going to make it. He’d rise again and prove to Stellar just how wrong she’d been to dismiss him.With that thought burning in his chest, Percy forced himself back to the pawn shop and handed over the heirloom—this time, for a long-term loan.…Stellar didn’t give the encounter another thought. After getting into her car, she didn’t head home right away.Instead, she drove straight to Howard’s studio.She carefully carried in a canvas from the back seat."Sorry to keep you waiting, Professor. This is my latest piece. I wanted you to have it now.""No worries," Howard said with a warm smile. "The exhibit doesn’t officially open until tomorrow."His eyes lit up the moment he laid them on the painting. The longer he looked, the more pleased he became."Incredible, absolutely incredible! You’ve outdone yourself. I always

Zayden immediately caught on."This is about the painting, isn’t it?"Stellar gave a subtle nod, then leaned in and whispered a few quick words in his ear.His brows lifted in surprise, but he nodded without hesitation."Got it. Wait here."With that, he turned and hurried off.Not far away, Stephen stood with arms crossed, his expression dark. Watching them whisper to each other, that spark of closeness—it twisted something in his chest. Jealousy curled up sharp and bitter inside him.When Stellar returned, he kept his tone casual, though his eyes gave him away."Is there something I’m not allowed to hear?"She flashed a mysterious smile."You’ll find out once the exhibit starts."Stephen narrowed his eyes, voice low and laced with something unreadable."You trust him more than you trust me?"Stellar studied him, amused by the flicker of insecurity in his eyes."You sound jealous.""Am I not allowed to be?" he replied, dead serious."Alright, alright," she said with a laugh, like she

"Sir, my name is Howard Roberts."Dean's face lit up with joy. "Is that you, Howard?""You... you're Dean?" Howard stared at him, trying to confirm the familiar voice. After a closer look, he said in disbelief, "It's been so many years... you've grown a full white beard. I almost didn't recognize you.""Professor, you two know each other?" Stellar asked curiously.Only then did Howard explain to her that they were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.The two old men chatted happily and brought Stellar with them into the lounge."Don’t even think about making a move on my student. She’s the one I trust and value the most.""She's important to me too. Her talent in aerospace is truly remarkable.""She's also great at painting. My student is a true all-rounder!"The two old men took turns singing her praises.Stellar had clearly become the center of attention.Stephen followed silently behind them like a quiet guardian.Just as they reached the lounge, they saw Zayden, who had

"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