Lucas sent another text: [Stella, I've already found out who's messing with you. Don't worry, that person will hold a press conference soon to apologize to you. She won't be able to stay in the entertainment industry anymore.]Stella's eyes suddenly turned red when she saw that text.In the past, many people in the entertainment industry tried to mess with Stella because she did not sign with any film and television companies; she only had her own studio. So, everyone thought Stella had no connections, and everyone in the industry wanted to take advantage of her, trying to bring her down.However, what those people did not know was that the man behind Stella was the real powerhouse.The film and television company under White Corporation was among the top in the country, and its public relations team was unparalleled.Lucas would handle all issues efficiently without Stella asking him for help. Stella's public relations team never needed to get involved.So, after so many years,
This scene reminded Stella of the time when Stellie tried to hurt her. The car she and Ronan were in was surrounded by a group of cars, making it impossible for them to escape, and ultimately leading to a car accident.Stella was so frightened that her face turned pale. She wanted to ask Abigail what was happening, but she was afraid of disturbing Abigail while she was driving, so she just tightly held her own hands. She was so nervous that she did not dare to breathe heavily.Luckily, not long after, Abigail safely entered the villa area.The cars that had surrounded them were blocked at the entrance of the villa area, not being able to follow them anymore.Stella let out a sigh of relief when she saw the danger was eliminated. "Abigail, what just happened?""I don't know the details; Paxton didn't tell me." Abigail then drove the car toward Monsoon Villa's front door.Just as Stella was about to say something, she looked up and saw Nathan waiting in front of the front door, anx
"Stellie Sandow, have you lost your mind? Of all places, you had to go after Stella in Florivera." Rian suddenly entered. The way he looked at Stellie was fierce, devoid of any tenderness as if he had become a different person.He continued saying, "Do you think Florivera is a place where you can act recklessly?" Rian thought, 'Lucas alone is overwhelming for our family, and yet, Stellie actually went to provoke Nathan in Florivera, a cold-blooded man feared by everyone.'Just because he changed his name doesn't mean he's changed.'Even though Stellie knew this would be the outcome, she still felt very upset. "As long as Stella lives another day, I'll feel extremely hurt. I don't care where she is; as long as I can make her die, I'll do it.""You're insane!" Rian, furious, raised his hand and slapped Stellie's face hard. "From now on, you're not allowed to step out of the house again."Stellie covered the part of her face where she got slapped and stared coldly at Rian. "You hit m
Upon listening to Rian's words, Hannah suddenly chuckled. "Rian, have you ever considered me as your partner for a second in all these years? If you did for even just a second, you wouldn't treat me like this."With the Sandow family's situation being so critical, Rian did not have the mood to soothe Hannah. Moreover, he had always considered her as nothing more than a plaything. He replied, "You're just picking a fight for no reason.""I'm picking a fight for no reason?" Hannah looked at Rian. Actually, she had always known that Rian had never considered her as an equal.She knew he would never marry her. She was aware that he was involved with many other women besides her. She knew she was just one of his numerous women.In the past, when the Sandow family was powerful, Hannah needed to depend on Rian and did not mind humbling herself.But now that the Sandow family was going downhill, she believed Rian had no value to her anymore. And yet, he still did not respect her. So, she
In the past, Hannah was very gentle when she was with Rian. When they spent time together, she would be intimate with him in various physical positions.Many women were willing to do this with him, but none of them could satisfy him like Hannah.Over the years, she was the woman who stayed with Rian the longest. This made him somewhat reluctant to let her go.He let go of Stellie and said, "Behave yourself. Just stay at home for the coming days and don't go cause trouble. Otherwise, the next person coming to find you might be Dad."Stellie glared at him furiously. "If you have someone capture Hannah and bring her to me for me to punish, I'll listen to you and stop causing trouble."Rian smiled. "All right, I'll have her brought to you in a few days."Stellie responded, "I want her now!""Sure." Rian patted Stellie's head and continued saying, "I'll personally go out and bring her back for you now."Stellie was happy with Rian's response. "Okay."Rian gave some instructions to
Rian did not respond.Hannah moved her eyes, and she looked very charming. "I really like your taste, so I want you to taste it yourself."This statement, for a man, especially someone like Rian, was particularly effective.The disgust in his eyes faded as he stared at Hannah and smiled. "Shall we do it again?"Hannah replied, "Okay."...In the security room of the villa area, two security guards were looking at the shaking car parked on the road from the surveillance screen. One of them could not help but comment, "This man is really something. The Sandow family is about to collapse, yet, he can still fool around like this."The other security guard replied, "No matter how bad the Sandow family ends up, it's still the Sandow family.""Maybe not long from now, the man in the car will come and compete with us for our jobs.""The Sandow family has properties everywhere. The money received from selling just one of the properties is enough for us to live for a lifetime.""Let's
In the past, no matter what happened, Lucas would have already taken care of things before Stella had a chance to take action. This allowed her to focus on honing her acting skills which led her to get numerous awards.Consequently, after parting ways with Lucas, Stella's public relations team could not handle even the smallest issues.Stella was lost in her thoughts. 'Lucas and I are no longer in a relationship. I don't want to reject his pursuit while still enjoying his help. So, I must personally get involved this time.'Even if I can't beat Stellie, I must fight her. Avoiding her will only boost her confidence.'Upon hearing Stella's determined words and seeing the resolve in her eyes, Lucas understood her.Although he did not want Stella to take risks and preferred to keep her under his protection, he believed he should let her face her problem if she wanted to.In his opinion, Stella's inner strength would only grow if she could overcome difficulties on her own. He pondered
"Lucas, let's get divorced," she said very calmly, so calmly as if she was not talking about her own matters.The moment he heard the word "divorce", he snapped and brutalized her for a whole day...Perhaps he had hurt her too much and she grew fearful that she never mentioned about divorce again, but he knew that she was thinking about escaping from him day and night.But if he did not let go, there was no way she could flee...Without her stardom, she was just a very, very normal girl that knew nothing aside from acting.How could she ever be a match for Lucas White?For her, and many others, she was a bird he kept in a gilded cage. As long as he kept the cage shut, she was forever trapped inside the cage.He knew he was in the wrong, but he was unwilling to admit fault, so he used another extreme way to pester her.No matter where she went, he would not allow her to stay away from him for more than three days before rushing over to satisfy his husband-and-wife interaction.
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