"Our Stellar is incredibly talented and thoughtful—the most caring little sweetheart," Martha said, her eyes welling up with emotion again. Seeing this, Stellar quickly walked over to her grandmother and picked up the hair clip. "Grandma, let me put this on for you. Let’s see how it looks." "Alright, alright," Martha eagerly agreed. Stellar carefully gathered her grandmother’s hair into a neat bun, securing it with the elegant clip. After examining her handiwork, she nodded in satisfaction and said with a straight face, "Now, when you step outside, you’ll be the most dazzling lady in all of Southport." Martha couldn’t hold back her laughter, thoroughly amused. Laurence watched their interaction, a sense of nostalgia washing over him. For a fleeting moment, it felt like stepping back in time—his daughter had always been a cheerful little girl, making Martha laugh with ease. Now, Stellar’s face overlapped with the memory of his daughter. She was such a wonderful child,
"You have no idea how much effort the Rivers family has put into finding you over the years. “Grandpa and Grandma have been heartbroken from missing you, and not long ago, Grandpa even fell ill. “Thankfully, you finally decided to show up, or who knows what would have happened!"It was meant to be a kind sentiment, but to Stellar, something about it felt off."Stellar didn’t go missing by choice. No one in the family blames her, and my illness has nothing to do with her. Janet, don’t put so much pressure on her."Laurence was sharp as always, cutting straight to the issue in her words.Janet's face turned pale, and she immediately looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I got too emotional and misspoke."Laurence nodded, choosing not to dwell on it with a younger generation.The family quickly shifted their attention back to Stellar."Stellar, this is a gift from me."Julian handed her a card. "This is an all-access pass to my resorts, hotels, and restaurants. “Whenever you're trave
To everyone’s surprise, Stellar simply smiled at Janet’s words."If I’m not mistaken, this should be the work of the renowned painter and calligrapher, Mr. Malachi Law, from a thousand years ago. “At the time, his country had just endured devastation and was in the process of rebuilding. “This painting reflects his emotions during that period. As for the poem, it conveys the importance of cherishing a prosperous homeland…"Janet listened in stunned silence as Stellar spoke with eloquence, citing historical references with ease. Every word felt like a slap to her face.When Stellar finished, she turned to Janet. "Miss Cole, do you think I’m correct? Or would you like to add something?"If she had thought it was just her imagination before, now she was certain—the girl standing before her harbored clear hostility.But why? They had never met before. Where did this animosity come from?"I…" Janet had only thought of using an expensive gift to win Laurence’s favor. She knew jewelry, l
Her face turned pale. "What happened?" Claude and the others had clearly noticed the commotion. Before Stellar could say a word, Janet forced a smile and spoke first. "It’s nothing. The bracelet accidentally broke. It wasn’t Stellar’s fault, of course. I’ll be sure to get her an even better one next time." The way she said it made it sound as if Stellar had broken the bracelet, yet she was graciously letting it slide. Stellar’s lips twitched. "I didn’t drop it." Janet immediately adjusted her tone, lowering her stance. "It was my own carelessness. It really had nothing to do with Stellar." Stellar was speechless.She almost laughed at the ridiculousness of it. Before she could respond, Claude spoke from the couch. "It’s just a bracelet. Four hundred thousand dollars is hardly worthy of our princess, Stellar. No need to bring out something so insignificant next time." Janet’s carefully crafted look of grievance nearly cracked. She had never seen Claude stand
Now that Stellar finally understood Janet’s motives, she found them even more absurd."Just because I am the true heiress of the Rivers family, and my grandparents are my closest relatives, you—an outsider—think you have the right to claim everything as yours? “Have you stayed in the Rivers family for so long that you actually believe you belong here?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. The truth always struck the deepest. Stellar wasn’t being cruel. She had simply fought too hard to reunite with her family—she wasn’t about to lose them again. Janet couldn’t bear the humiliation. Just as she was about to step forward in anger, she suddenly noticed a figure not far away. In an instant, she reversed her move and delivered a hard slap to her own face. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked pitifully at Stellar. "Stellar, I thought we had already moved past this. I didn’t expect you to still blame me. If hitting me makes you feel better, then go ahead." Stellar was stunne
Stellar’s nose tingled with emotion.Unable to hold back, she reached out and hugged Martha, her voice soft. "Thank you, Grandma." "Good girl." Martha gently patted her back, her eyes filled with warmth and heartache. As they made their way downstairs, Laurence spoke up. "Why did Janet leave so suddenly? She looked awful. Did something happen?" Martha’s expression darkened as she recounted everything. "She grew up under our watch, but I never thought someone so young could be so consumed by jealousy."She couldn’t deny the disappointment and sadness she felt, but Janet had crossed a line. Stellar was their precious long-lost granddaughter who finally returned home. Their family was meant to be her safe haven—how could they stand by and let someone mistreat her?Laurence’s face hardened. "Looks like we’ve been far too generous with the Cole family all these years. They’ve forgotten their place, pushing their luck and daring to mistreat our Stellar. This won’t go unche
"That’s right, Stellar. You deserve the best in this world. That brat from the Ward family must be blind, so let’s find someone even more handsome, intelligent, and successful to make him regret it for the rest of his life!" Laurence was clearly still fuming over the Ward family's broken engagement. Stellar glanced down at the stack of profiles and photos in front of her, feeling a wave of awkwardness. She had no interest in dating, let alone marriage, at the moment. But turning down her grandparents' well-intentioned efforts outright felt too harsh. "Grandpa, Grandma, I’m a little tired today. I’ll look through them another time." She covered it up with a small yawn for good measure. At that, the elderly couple immediately realized their oversight. "Of course! You’ve been traveling all day, and we haven’t even let you rest. What were we thinking?" Martha quickly shot a glance at Claude. "Claude, take Stellar to her room so she can get some rest." Claude stood up,
Suddenly struck by an idea, Laurence pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of the teapot, and sent a message to one of his contacts."This is a gift my granddaughter made for me herself. Look at this craftsmanship—it’s as fine as anything from a top-tier artisan, don’t you think?"Meanwhile, at the Ward estate…Marcus had just finished dinner with Stephen when a message notification popped up on his phone.He glanced at it and, to his surprise, saw that it was from Laurence.Ever since he brought up the engagement cancellation, Laurence had ignored him for a week straight.And now, out of the blue, the old man was reaching out? Was hell freezing over?Puzzled, Marcus opened the message and immediately understood.So, he just wanted to brag about his granddaughter?At first, Marcus didn’t think much of it. But the moment he tapped on the photo and took a closer look, his eyes widened in surprise.The intricate craftsmanship, the lifelike engravings—every detail was stunning.Like Laure
Eddie knew exactly how to exploit Tori’s weak spot. After a moment, she finally calmed down. "What are you so afraid of? At the end of the day, this so-called 'Star Luna' is just one of Suzy’s regular friends from outside the industry. "If she really had any connections, do you think someone who looks like her would still be a nobody?"Eddie's eyes lit up at her words. "Right! I remember her mentioning that she was the fake heiress of the Harlow family and was kicked out. She really has no backing at all." "Then it’s simple." Tori beckoned him over and whispered a few instructions. Eddie nodded repeatedly, then quickly picked up his phone from the floor and dialed a number. …By evening, Stellar left the base, but instead of heading home, she drove to a nearby café. When she approached a window seat, Eddie was already there, waiting. As soon as she arrived, he stood up and pulled out a chair for her, his attitude overly attentive. "Go ahead," Stellar said as she sat dow
"Stellar, are you okay?" Ethan asked with concern."I'm fine." Stellar snapped out of her thoughts and explained seriously, "Ethan, I never pretended to be Star Luna."Perhaps her gaze was too resolute, because after a moment, Ethan nodded. "I believe you."He had seen her capabilities firsthand—there was no reason for her to fake it.He wanted to ask more, but just then, Stellar’s phone rang. She waved at Ethan before stepping aside to answer Suzy’s call."Stellar, I just saw the news... I'm so sorry, I dragged you into this."Suzy’s voice was full of guilt."What are you apologizing for? The ones in the wrong are those shameless impostors."Stellar’s tone was calm. "Don't worry, I won’t let them off so easily."Hearing the way she spoke, Suzy could tell she had something planned. She curiously asked, "Stellar, what are you going to do?""You’ll find out soon enough."After hanging up, Stellar returned to the base without haste and resumed her morning work.Stephen stopped by at so
But her creative energy still surged.Stellar saved the draft but didn’t publish it just yet.This novel, After Dawn, felt like her unfinished life—one she was determined to keep writing.Afterward, she sent a message to David, letting him know she was making her return.It wasn’t long before his response came in—a flurry of excited, spinning emojis.“This is amazing, Star Luna! It had been two years, three months, and six days! Welcome back, we love you!!!”Stellar was both touched and amused.So, this was what it felt like to be liked and anticipated. It was a wonderful feeling.With that warmth in her heart, she went to bed in high spirits.But the next day, when she arrived at the base, she quickly noticed something was off.People were whispering, shooting her subtle, or not-so-subtle, glances."That’s her? Can you believe it?""Typical. Just another case of someone desperate for fame.""Didn't I say she was just pretending all along?"Their gazes carried a mix of ridicule, disdai
Stellar looked up in surprise, her gaze locking onto a pair of deep, gentle eyes."For you."Stephen stood before her, dressed in a crisp white suit, holding a bouquet of fiery red roses. The elegant ensemble made him look even more striking than usual.Her heart skipped a beat before she finally snapped back to reality. "Why are you giving me flowers all of a sudden?""I'm courting you."His voice was low and magnetic, filled with effortless charm.Stellar's face turned beet red, and she stammered, "Y-You… When did I ever say you could court me?"Stephen blinked, looking momentarily wounded, a hint of grievance in his expression."That night at the hotel—you personally agreed to give us a try. Did you forget so soon?"The way he said it made her sound like some heartless player.But she clearly remembered saying they should just go with the flow!"I didn't mean…"She tried to explain, but Stephen lowered his gaze, looking dejected. "Never mind. I was too presumptuous. You don’t have t
Stellar’s last shred of patience vanished, and disappointment laced her voice."Eddie Palmer, as a fellow creator, I thought you would understand the fury of having your work stolen.“You stood in front of those reporters, speaking so righteously, yet you’re the real thief. Doesn’t that make you feel hypocritical? Disgusting?""I…" Eddie was at a loss for words.Stellar had held onto a sliver of hope, thinking that maybe he would show genuine remorse.She had been completely wrong."I will not let you continue stealing my work! Your so-called dignity means nothing to me!"With that, she turned to leave.But before she could take a step, a loud thud sounded behind her.Startled, she turned around, only to see Eddie kneeling before her."I truly know what I did was wrong," he said, his voice trembling. "I never did this for fame or fortune. I just needed to survive.“Tori’s influence gave me a way to earn money that I desperately needed. My mother has cancer. Her medical bills cost hundr
Eddie spoke with absolute conviction, his words filled with righteousness.The crowd erupted in praise, impressed by the dignified presence of such a renowned author."But this time, my sister told me that someone is deliberately impersonating me. This is an insult to my dignity! “I will not allow my creative work to be exploited by others, which is why I’m here today—to see for myself who has the audacity to steal my name!"His voice carried righteous anger, and the crowd immediately sympathized with him.Their gazes all turned toward Stellar.Eddie followed their stares, but the moment his eyes landed on Stellar, his entire body froze.Stellar let out a cold laugh and stepped through the crowd, stopping directly in front of him. Her eyes were sharp and filled with icy contempt."And who exactly is the one with no shame here?"The sight of him was almost laughable. She knew this man.Years ago, back when she was still writing, she had met Eddie, who was just another aspiring writer
The reporters finally took notice of Suzy."Hugh Mann? Who’s that? Never heard of him."Some younger journalists had no idea who he was."Isn’t he that nearly-retired veteran? He hasn’t written anything in ten years. And wasn’t there some major scandal before he disappeared? I can’t believe he’s still in the industry!""It’s probably nothing special. No way it can compare to a project backed by Star Luna!"No one believed in Suzy. Instead, they showered Tori and Star Luna with endless praise.This was exactly what Tori wanted.Using her own fame, she trampled Suzy down, ensuring she’d never have a chance to rise again.The smug satisfaction on Tori’s face was infuriating.Suzy clenched her fists in frustration and tugged at Stellar, ready to leave.But Stellar held onto her arm, her gaze turning icy. Instead of walking away, she stepped forward, right in front of Tori, prepared to expose her in front of the reporters.Before she could speak, a loud and powerful female voice cut throu
Stellar ignored them and accompanied Suzy to the audition with Hugh . She waited quietly outside.About half an hour later, the door to the audition room swung open.Suzy walked out, her face glowing with excitement. She rushed forward and hugged Stellar tightly. "This is amazing, Stellar! I got the role!""Really? That’s fantastic!" Stellar beamed with joy.The two of them quickly left, one after the other.Inside the room, someone suddenly stood up, about to rush out."What’s wrong, Mr. Fisher?" Hugh asked, confused."I think I just saw Star Luna," David Fisher said, his voice tinged with excitement."You mean that Star Luna? The author who disappeared two years ago?"David was the editor who once worked closely with Star Luna. Years ago, he spent years negotiating to sign her, and they became close friends.He invited her here today to help with a project, and they even had a discussion of her unfinished novel, lamenting that they had lost contact with her and regretting that the
Suzy entered the entertainment industry with the sole purpose of honing her acting skills and improving herself, so she naturally refused to compromise.Yet, that woman had betrayed her and even acted so self-righteous about it.Suzy was utterly disheartened."Ms. Helen, you can’t say that. Ms. Suzy hasn't had it easy all these years. Look, even her auditions have ended in repeated failures."Tori watched Suzy’s setback with a surge of satisfaction, though she still put on a pretentious act. "Ms. Helen, don’t you have a few roles available?"She then listed a few role names before feigning sincerity. "Ms. Suzy, since you can’t seem to land any good roles, why don’t I recommend you for these?"Suzy stared at her expressionlessly.The roles Tori mentioned were all minor extras, the kind that barely lasted a few episodes before being written out.It seemed like an act of kindness, but in reality, it was pure humiliation."Who says Suzy can’t land a good role?" Stellar finally had enough a