Semua Bab As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart: Bab 401 - Bab 410

"Mom." Nathan suddenly put down his plate and utensils, his eyes red. "If you die, what am I supposed to do!"He grew up with his mother, and the two of them depended on one another. She raised him single-handedly and worked hard to put him through college, all so he could get to where he was today."Besides, those scammers used my safety to trick you into transferring the money. I was the reason it happened. If anyone should take the blame, it’s me!""Nathan, don’t say such foolish things!" His mother broke down in tears.Everyone present felt a twinge of sadness watching the two of them."It’s not time to give up hope just yet," Simon spoke up. "How much do you owe? We can pool our resources and help."Stellar had thought of that too, but hadn’t said anything because…"No need." Nathan’s tone was firm. "I know you all mean well, but this is my problem. It has nothing to do with any of you, and I don’t want to owe anyone that much."Even now, he clung to his pride. He didn’t want t

But Stellar couldn’t help hearing a faint trace of loneliness in his voice."Stephen, do you want to come over for dinner? My uncles are all here. But if you’d rather not…"She hadn’t even finished when Stephen answered right away, "Give me ten minutes. I’ll be there."Even through the phone, she could hear the happiness in his voice.Her lips curved into a smile without her realizing it.Of course, this little exchange didn’t go unnoticed by her uncles.They exchanged a look—an unspoken agreement passing between them. They’d keep a close eye on Stephen. No way would they let him off easy.The doorbell rang exactly ten minutes later.Before Stellar could move, Adrian, stood up. "I’ll get it."He was curious to see just what kind of man Stephen really was.As he opened the door, his eyes locked onto Stephen’s with a gaze as sharp and penetrating as a hawk’s.Having come from a political background, Adrian didn’t even need to speak to give off a commanding, oppressive presence.He staye

”My aunt just returned from abroad with me. She's also a researcher and is quite interested in investing in your work.“So, I was hoping you could meet and introduce your project to her,” Keith said casually.Stellar thought it over for a moment before nodding. "Alright.""Perfect. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow, and we’ll talk more when you two meet." Keith’s voice lit up with satisfaction. Not giving her a chance to decline, he wished her good night and hung up.Stellar sighed. There wasn’t much she could say.She never slacked when it came to work, and she hadn’t intended to refuse him anyway.After turning in early, she was woken the next morning by a message from Keith: “I’m downstairs.”She hadn’t expected him to show up so early. After telling him to wait a moment, she grabbed a yellow file folder, packed the documents she needed, and headed out the door only to find two people standing at the entrance."A busy man like you, skipping work in the morning just to loiter here? A

"I'm trying to teach you a little respect," Autumn said with a sigh, her tone both patient and firm.Keith quickly stepped in as well, turning to Stellar with an apologetic expression. "I’m sorry about that. This is my elder aunt’s daughter, Rory Lane. She can be a bit spoiled. I apologize on her behalf."Stellar raised a brow. "Miss Lane seems to have quite a problem with me.""And why shouldn’t I?" Rory crossed her arms, her tone laced with arrogance. "Those so-called investment projects you’re pitching? Please. Aunt Autumn and I saw far more advanced tech overseas. The aerospace field here is years behind. There’s no real progress in forever. “You say you're in aerospace research? Fine. Why don’t you explain the process behind developing next-gen propulsion fuel?"What seemed like a simple tantrum from a spoiled heiress took an unexpected turn. Rory’s question was sharp, and highly technical, clearly not something she’d picked up from casual dinner talk.Stellar was mildly surpr

Stephen remained perfectly composed, his slender fingers deftly peeling the shrimp and placing it onto Stellar’s plate. Every movement was smooth and elegant, executed with an effortless grace. Only after he’d done it did he speak, casually, as if making an offhand observation. "Some people call it friendship, but they’re secretly coveting more. They pretend to be devoted, but all it does is make things uncomfortable for the person involved." "You act like you know everything!" Rory snapped, fuming. What was with this guy? Did he think he could be so smug just because he had a handsome face?And honestly, in her eyes, her cousin was even better looking. But Stephen only chuckled softly, saying nothing more. Still, the sarcasm behind that laugh couldn’t have been clearer. Keith, unwilling to let him have the last word, fired back. "Mr. Ward, I heard you’re heading back to take over the Ward family business. Word is, your family already lined up a few marriage prospects f