Semua Bab As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart: Bab 471 - Bab 480

"Grandpa, Grandma, Mentor—this is some game meat Stellar and I cooked together. Thought we’d bring it over for you to try." Stephen set the packed containers on the table with a casual smile.The elders, however, weren’t about to let it slide that easily."Oh? So, you two had time to cook together, did you?""Sounds a lot like playing house to me.""Maybe us moving out was just what someone needed to make their move."Their teasing came one after another, leaving Stellar caught completely off guard.Her cheeks flushed as she scrambled for an excuse. "Um—the food’s still hot, so you should eat it while it’s fresh. We’ll just... head back now."Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed Stephen by the arm and made a swift escape to the villa next door.Behind them, the elders shook their heads and sighed dramatically."She’s not even married yet, and already siding with him.""That boy’s got some tricks up his sleeve, alright."…Once they made it back inside, Stellar finally let out a lo

This was a textbook example of chauvinism—men who inherently believed that gender alone gave them the upper hand in status and competence.“Come on, Charles, don’t be so quick to judge,” someone interjected with a chuckle. “I know Miss Rivers—she’s made quite a name for herself online, and even published technical work in national journals. She's a recognized prodigy in the field.”“A prodigy?” Charles scoffed. “One paper doesn’t mean a thing. Probably just got lucky. When it comes to real challenges, I doubt she’d be of any use.”The disdain on his face was obvious, and though the others didn’t voice it, their thoughts mirrored his. To them, she was just another young woman in her twenties—no matter how skilled she seemed online, it all felt exaggerated.“Is that so?” Lucien let out a low chuckle, leaning forward with his hands braced against the table as he addressed the room.“Then let me ask all the senior experts and directors present—those propulsion and structural issues we’v

And there were no signs of industrial pollution or heavy foot traffic—an ideal location for an aerospace research lab.Stellar’s expression lit up with excitement. It was clear she was more than pleased."Looks like you really like it," Stephen said with a slight smile. "I’ll have it transferred to your name in a couple of days."Stellar turned to him. "Let me know the price. I’ll transfer the money to you.""Are we really going to talk money between us?"Stephen’s brows drew together, and he gave her a wounded look."You’re hurting my feelings here."Stellar was speechless for a second.She just didn’t want to owe him something that big. But she knew there was no point arguing further, so she let it go for now.On the drive back, she was still buzzing with excitement.Then Stephen’s phone rang.He answered through the car’s speaker system without hesitation."Hey, man, I sent you the latest commercial plan and partnership proposals. Did you look them over yet? Any feedback?" Shane’

"They’ve already reported it to the higher-ups. The whole institute’s talking about it. Stellar, is it true?”Stellar almost laughed from sheer disbelief.“Who started this rumor? If they’ve got the guts, come say it to my face. Spreading lies from the shadows—what kind of coward does that?”She was deliberately provoking, and sure enough, a man in his forties stepped forward with his hands in his pockets.“I did. So what? Don’t tell me I’m wrong.”The man’s tone dripped with contempt. “Stellar, I saw you with my own eyes visiting several construction firms over the weekend. “You’ve even picked a location for your so-called lab. You’re supposed to be part of the institute, but it looks to me like you’re trying to strike out on your own.“Everyone knows Mr. Song favors you. Gave you all kinds of resources behind the scenes. “Makes you wonder what you did to earn that kind of special treatment. Because let’s be honest, how could you possibly land such a prime site on your own? “Now t

“Later on, she took a liking to my stepdad, probably because he was a teacher, and made him marry into the family,” Suzy said. “As I got older, my mom started me on piano, calligraphy, and all sorts of other classes. It got so overwhelming I could barely breathe. “I almost hurt myself back then. It was my stepdad who talked me down, and after that, I never had to go to another training class again.”She listed several examples—each one painting her stepfather as someone who had truly helped her. Deep down, she respected him, saw him as someone worthy of genuine gratitude.But the more Stellar listened, the deeper her frown became.She slowly set down her pastry.After a moment’s pause, she said carefully, “Suzy, I don’t think your stepfather is as good as he seems.”“What?” Suzy froze, clearly caught off guard, as if Stellar had just said something completely absurd.“What makes you say that? Didn’t I just tell you everything he’s done for me?”Stellar pressed her lips together,