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. '
Stella's eyes were big, bright and full of innocence, shining with a simple charm as she looked at Stellie. "In the shows, they always talk about making deals. Why can't I make a deal with you?"Stellie laughed, amused by Stella's naivety. She thought, 'Is Stella really this clueless? Maybe that's why Lucas can't get her out of his mind.'"Stella, stop being so naive. I told you to get out, and that's your only option. You're not in a position to make any deals with me."But Stella stood her ground. "Sorry, but I'm not leaving Hayshiport, and I won't vanish from Lucas's life either. We've been together for so long; he still cares about me.""You're awful!" Stellie was enraged and swung her hand to slap Stella.But Stella was quicker this time and grabbed Stellie's wrist. "Even a trapped animal will fight back. Don't go too far!"Stellie, always spoiled and frail, could not match Stella's strength and struggled to free her wrist. "Let me go, or you'll regret it."Stella, quick an
Stellie, though clearly displeased, motioned for her men to release Stella.Ronan approached Stella with a calm, measured stride and helped her to her feet. "Stella, we've only just started dating, and here you are asking me for a big favor. How do you plan to thank me?"Stella responded with a hint of mischief, "Maybe I could devote myself to you?"Ronan laughed softly. "I'm not Lucas. Your allure isn't my weakness.""So, what do you want from me?""I haven't quite decided what I want yet," Ronan said. "How about you owe me a favor, and I'll let you know when I've made up my mind?""Sure, that's fair."Stellie, feeling ignored, interjected sharply, "Ronan, do you not see me standing here?""Ms. Sandow, someone of your importance? Impossible to overlook.""When did you two get together?" Stellie asked.Stella pondered to herself, noting the familiarity between Stellie and Ronan. 'They've clearly known each other for some time. The elite circles of Hayshiport and Valtara are m
Stellie grew up like a princess, always getting what she wanted. Whatever mess she made, someone was always there to clean it up. She never learned her lesson, which made her bold enough to take on even the most dangerous tasks.Stella realized she could not count on anyone but herself for help. She tried to reach out to Lucas three times, but his phone was off every time.'He really doesn't care,' she sighed internally.Knowing Lucas might be on Stellie's side, Stella had to look elsewhere. Abigail and Nathan were dealing with their own problems, so she could not ask them for help. Then she remembered Ronan, whose family in Valtara was well-connected and powerful. She had just added him to her contacts.She texted Ronan a message: [Hey dear, got time for a video call?]Ronan did not respond with a text but directly called Stella through video. "Girlfriend's call? I've got to make time. What's going on, dear?"Stella grinned. "I'm in a bit of a jam."Ronan's voice was cautious.
Stella's brow furrowed. "Why?""The Zane Corporation just fell apart. Xander lost everything and owes a mountain of money. He faked his own death and changed his name to escape his debts. That's pretty low, don't you think? Everyone should be mad at him. And I can't figure out why Abigail still sticks up for him. Is it possible that Xander has cast some kind of spell on her?"Stella stayed quiet for a moment, lost in thought.Ronan could not hold back. "I've got to talk to Johann about this. We need to check if Xander has done something to Abigail. How else could she still love him so much and defend him like this?"Finally, Stella spoke up, "You're not seeing the whole picture. You only see what Xander lets you see. The parts he keeps hidden? You're in the dark about them. As for whether he's good or bad, nobody knows better than Abigail."She knew Abigail too well, having been friends for years. She was sure that if Abigail, despite everything, still supported Nathan, there had
When Stella heard Ronan's reassuring words, she let out a big sigh of relief. "I'm texting you the address now. I'm on my way to see Stellie. I'll be there in about ten minutes. After I meet her, I can probably hang in there for another ten, so you've got to get here in twenty minutes max. Otherwise, you might be too late."Ronan replied, "If I promise to help you, I'll be there on time, no doubt."Stella's voice softened with affection. "Dear, your girlfriend, me, is counting on you big time.""Don't worry."Stella felt reassured by Ronan's promise to come. However, she was not prepared for the bold statement Ronan would make in front of Stellie upon his arrival.Everyone had been saying Stella was way out of her league with Lucas. They called her shameless, and even she sometimes felt she had traded her soul for her current life. Yet, here was Ronan, a stranger, fiercely defending her. He declared that her relationship with Lucas was a consensual game, with neither being more no
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