Semua Bab As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart: Bab 431 - Bab 440

When Stellar came downstairs in fresh clothes, Stephen was just finishing up a call in the living room.She walked toward him, planning to share what had just come to mind, but paused when she realized he was on a work call.“A script?” he was saying.“Yes, Mr. Ward,” came the voice of the development director on the other end. “We’ve just reviewed last quarter’s report from the film division—it exceeded projections by a wide margin. “If we continue selecting strong scripts and hiring top-tier actors, this production model could take the company even further.”“So, you want me to choose?” Stephen asked.“Yes, I’ve received several promising scripts and we’re ready to move forward with a major production. “But I’m struggling to narrow down the best one. I’d really appreciate your judgment on this.”“Got it. I’ll come by shortly,” Stephen replied, ending the call.He turned to see Stellar approaching. “Something on your mind?”Then, as if struck by inspiration, his eyes lit up. “Star

Unfortunately, Janet agreed with her mother."I’ve said it all along—the Rivers family never saw us as their own. At least now you’re finally seeing their true colors. “But Mom, there’s no need to be upset anymore. We don’t need to rely on them."Her tone was firm and resolute."If not the Rivers, then who? You know your father’s limited abilities. With the company in its current state, what else can we do..." Layla muttered, already regretting marrying such a useless man."Mom, you still have me!" Janet’s eyes lit up. "To tell you the truth, I’ve already gotten close to Stephen Ward.""What did you say?" Layla blinked, unsure if she’d heard correctly. "You mean the heir to the Ward family?""That’s right. Things between us aren’t ordinary anymore. I told him I wanted to become a director, and he immediately promised to give me the best resources. “It won’t be long before I win him over completely. Once that happens, he’ll help the Cole family out of this mess and bring us more ben

After hearing her plan, Layla’s eyes lit up instantly.“That’s my girl—brilliant as always. Once the reporters show up and catch you meeting with Stephen, along with him handing over a major production to you, everyone will start speculating about your relationship. “They'll see what you're capable of. You’ll be famous in no time.”Just picturing it had Janet practically glowing with pride. “That’s why I’m trusting you with this, Mom. Make sure you get the top media outlets involved.”“Leave it to me!” Layla said with enthusiasm before marching off, fully fired up.Feeling satisfied, Janet smoothed her hair and told the driver to take her to the meeting spot.When the car pulled up, she stepped out in her heels, strutting confidently into the place, only to pause the moment she saw it clearly.It was an open-air café?Why would Stephen choose a place like this?But then it hit her—this kind of setting was perfect for paparazzi shots. Her confidence returned in full.And soon, she spo

Layla was still completely in the dark.“I never said I was handing her the project. And for the record, I’ve never been involved with this Miss Yates, and I never will be.”Stephen’s tone was firm and final. “Ma’am, I’ll have my attorney contact you for spreading false claims like that.”Layla froze, stunned.This was nothing like the scene she’d imagined.“M-Mr. Ward, maybe there’s just a misunderstanding between you and Janet?” she asked hesitantly, still clinging to hope.“There’s no misunderstanding,” Stephen replied coldly. “Your daughter pretended to be the girl who saved me when I was a child. She used that lie to manipulate me and gain access to my resources. “On top of that, she went online and spread rumors that I was her boyfriend. I’ve now exposed the truth.”His eyes swept over to Janet, as cold as ice. “Miss Yates, what you’ve done crosses every line. “But for the sake of your family’s connection to Stellar, I won’t press criminal charges. “However, everything you to

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