Semua Bab I'm Your Stepping Stone but His Gem: Bab 1 - Bab 9

"Ms. Kingston…"Tahlia, shoving her pain down, continued to put on her kind-and-understanding act as she said, "I know you love Mr. Leight, and the feelings between you two run deep. It's not something you can break off just because you say you want to."Their gazes all fell on me, with Michael even looking a little smug. He assumed I would still obsessively cling to him like before. I walked up to Tahlia and, with a voice that only the two of us could hear, said, "I heard everything you two said in the pantry. If Grandpa found out that his carefully mentored grandson-in-law-to-be has been fooling around with the family's chef, do you think he'd still allow you to stay in our home?"Shooting Michael a cold glare, I said louder, "Keep a closer eye on her. Don't let her roam around and be an eyesore."Michael leaped to his feet. "Ariel! Don't go too far! What did Tally ever do to you?"Tahlia tugged on his sleeve, her eyes brimming with tears as she continued to look pitiful. "S

Charles walked up to me. Not a speck of dust could be seen on his white suit, and though his presence was quiet, it carried an undeniable sense of authority.He gently took my hand—the motion so natural it was as if we'd known each other for years. "Apologies. I was delayed on my way here."His voice was clear, and his gaze solely rested on me as he asked, "And these three are…"Michael froze momentarily before anger colored his expression. He stalked forward, demanding, "Who are you? Ariel is my fiancee!""Is she?" Charles asked with a faint smile, but the derision in his expression was clear."I only know that greedy men aren't worthy of standing beside her. Please show some self-respect."Just those few words were enough to make Michael feel like he had been struck by lightning, and his face instantly paled. Right then, another wave of commotion stirred on the other side of the banquet hall. Grandpa was walking toward us with the help of his assistant. Though his complex

The wedding preparations were in full swing, and the Gordon family showed a jaw-dropping level of power and influence. The marriage alliance between the Kingstons and the Gordons became the biggest news in the business world this year. However, the good times didn't last. Three days later, a blurry video suddenly surfaced online, seemingly showing me and Charles in an argument. The caption claimed that I had forced Charles to return to secular life and threatened to expose the Gordons' deepest secrets."How ridiculous!" I snarled, throwing my phone angrily.But Charles only smiled calmly. "Let the stones fly—I'll just close my eyes. Those most eager to tear us down are often the ones with the most to hide."However, despite his calmness, things didn't improve. The authorities suddenly received an anonymous tip-off, alleging that Gordon Group had committed tax evasion. Charles' father was summoned for questioning, and the whole Gordon family was thrown into chaos. "Michae

Kingston Group officially released a statement announcing that it had retracted all sponsorship for Michael, Howard, and Jeremy, and publicly exposed the details of their betrayal. In an instant, their reputations in the business world plummeted, and no one dared to hire them.To make matters worse, major media outlets rushed to cover the news surrounding the "feuding wealthy families". Michael was even branded a traitor and a shameless liar. His once-proud title as a top graduate of one of the country's most elite universities had now become the butt of ridicule, with many mocking him as a selfish opportunist."What are we going to do now, Michael? No company is willing to even give me an interview," Howard said as he paced nervously around their apartment. Jeremy's eyes were lifeless as he slumped on the couch. "All my research funding has been pulled. My advisor doesn't want me anymore…"Michael's expression was stormy. "It's because of that bitch Tahlia! She guaranteed tha