The more Stella thought about it, the more excited she got.She continued thinking, 'Lucas is always being so affectionate with the woman he loves. So, why can't I find another man?'I want to get a new boyfriend to show Lucas.'Stella said with a smile, "Sure, let's date. There's nothing to be afraid of."Abigail was worried that Stella might get hurt again. She quickly intervened. "Stella, a relationship isn't a game. Don't act impulsively. You should take some time to think about it."Unexpectedly, Ronan stood up and wrapped his arm around Stella's waist. He then said to Abigail, "Abigail, you're an outsider to both of us now. You don't need to worry about what happens between me and Stella."Abigail knew he was deliberately provoking her. She just ignored him and said, "Stella..."Stella removed Ronan's hand from her waist. "Abigail, I'm just playing around with him. Don't worry."The words "playing around" made Ronan chuckle. "I'm being serious. But Ms. Dawson, you're just
Abigail said, "Silly girl, how can you try to move on from Lucas using this method? Ronan may seem gentle, but he isn't a simple person either. You just got out of a relationship with a dangerous man, and you're getting into a relationship with another."Stella frustratedly said, "It's better than not being able to escape from that man."Abigail asked, "Did he come looking for you again?"Stella answered, "Yes. I was shooting a night scene last night. And it was already past 3 o'clock in the morning when I returned to my hotel room. When I opened the door, I saw Lucas waiting for me in my room which I didn't expect."Abigail replied, "Did he come to find you to do that kind of thing again?"Stella said, "He didn't have sex with me. He just warned me as soon as he saw me. And he left after that."Abigail asked, "What did he warn you about?"Stella responded, "He said that even if he doesn't want me anymore, I can't be with another man. Who is he to say that? Is it just because he
Stella knew she could not fight against the Sandow Corporation. Moreover, Stellie had Lucas's support.People might not know who Lucas truly was, but Stella knew him very well.She had been with Lucas for many years. She had witnessed the ruthlessness of the way he dealt with things.Stella thought, 'I don't want to give up, but after spending so much time in this circle, I know how filthy it is.'Ordinary people in this circle are treated very badly. If Stellie wants to destroy me, it'll be extremely easy.'Abigail was very worried. "Stella, tell me the details. I can help you..."Stella smiled as she said, "Abigail, if you truly consider me as a friend, don't ask too much about this matter. And don't get involved. What you need to do now is take care of your health and your child."Abigail had just given birth. Xander's company had closed down too. Moreover, his current health condition was very bad. Stella did not want to bother them with her troubles.Abigail responded, "St
Stella was very disgusted when she thought about that. She did not want to get involved with Lucas again. "Julie, what's the purpose of your call? If it's not to help me deal with the online incident, I'll hang up."Julie replied, "You're so stubborn. I just said a few words, and you're already impatient. The one behind this incident is Sandow Corporation. Our company can't deal with it. If you want to turn things around and improve your reputation, Mr. White is the only person who can help you."Stella responded, "Hah..."She thought, 'After so many things happened, the only person who can help me is still Lucas. This is just like that night many years ago when I fell into the water. I had no choice.'But this time, I don't want to walk the same path as before. I want to make a different choice. I want to maintain my self-respect. I want to live with dignity.'Julie asked, "What's with that scoff? Do you have any other way?"Stella said, "The company is so eager to take a cut wh
Julie said, "Your endorsements, the dramas you acted in which haven't aired yet, and so on, will all be affected because of you being a mistress. When the agency signs contracts with endorsement companies for you celebrities, one of the most crucial clauses is that if your image is damaged and it affects the image of the endorsed products, you'll have to pay a breach of contract fee.""How much?" If the amount was not too high, Stella thought she could use some of her savings to compensate. She just did not want to seek help from Lucas again.Moreover, the person who wanted to ruin her was Lucas's beloved Stellie. She believed Lucas would not go against Stellie for her.Julie responded, "The amount can bankrupt you."Stella said, "Julie, don't scare me."Julie replied, "You can come to the company and check the contract yourself to see if I'm scaring you or not. The brands you endorse haven't taken action yet because there's no concrete evidence. Once there is, everyone will go ag
Stellie threw down a challenge to Stella. "Deal with you? Really, who do you think you are?"Stella was unfazed. "Well then, what's the big deal about calling me out?""I've booked a private space at Harborview Lounge. Curious about why? Then show up, pronto.""Sorry, no can do. Got a show shoot lined up soon."Stellie was unimpressed. "With all the bad press about you online, you're still set on filming? Are you clueless or just living in a dream?"Stella just let out a laugh, choosing not to reply."You've got thirty minutes," Stellie said."Alright, Ms. Sandow, I might swing by, but only if you agree to a term.""Do you hear yourself, Stella? I'm extending an olive branch by wanting to see you. Don't show, and I'll make sure you do.""Fine, I'll come on my own terms.""Why even bother?"Stella was known for handling her personal matters in a low-key manner, often driving a simple car by herself. This strategy kept her movements largely under the radar. Today, after visiti
Stella, having arrived at the designated location after about thirty minutes, was so well-disguised that she passed unnoticed.Riding the elevator from the basement to the twenty-sixth floor, she was surrounded by people, yet remained unrecognized.Upon disembarking on the twenty-sixth floor, a sense of danger washed over her. The corridor was deserted, but Stella felt as if she were under the scrutiny of numerous invisible eyes.She noticed several security cameras in the hallway, each one following her movement, a stark reminder of her monitored status.Stella, guided by her keen instincts, was acutely aware that Stellie might be observing her every move.The situation puzzled her. 'Why is Stellie so determined to antagonize me? If she is troubled by Lucas's history with me, why doesn't she just leave him? Her reunion with Lucas suggests she's moved past his history. Yet, here she is, making my life difficult. What have I done to them?'These reflections brought discomfort to S
Stella chuckled. "Go on, keep venting. It's okay, let it all out."Stellie's frustration grew with each moment of Stella's apparent indifference. "You think Lucas will swoop in to rescue you, don't you? Are you under the impression that I wouldn't dare touch you?""Is it wrong to hold onto that hope?"Stellie's anger reached its peak with Stella's words. "Stop dreaming! Do you really think I'd touch you without Lucas's go-ahead? I only acted after getting his nod."Stella's eyes dropped. "Is that so?"Despite anticipating this harsh truth, hearing it was like a painful squeeze on her heart. But Stella, an expert at masking her feelings, kept her composure in front of Stellie.Stellie challenged her. "You don't believe me? Why don't you call Lucas and check?"Stella's smile did not waver. "I've already called him, but his phone was off. I couldn't get through. Maybe you have another way to reach Lucas? Could you help me contact him?"Stellie was astounded by Stella's boldness. '
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi