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Chapter 16
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 17
When it came to sharp-tongued remarks, Victor was unmatched, leaving no room for pleasantries. Yvonne’s face turned crimson as she was rendered speechless by his blunt dismissal, and even Jonathan was momentarily stunned into silence.However, Victor paid them no further attention and turned to Jasper. “Jasper, weren’t you just saying you wanted to meet the investor who would invest one hundred million dollars into my project? Well, here he is!” His expression was indignant as he patted Claude on the shoulder. “And if a mere two million dollars can bar Stellar from returning to this school, then surely one hundred million dollars can ensure people like this…” His disdainful gaze flicked to Yvonne, and he enunciated slowly, “…are banned from ever setting foot on this campus again.”For a moment, the entire room fell into stunned silence. All eyes turned to Claude, their disbelief evident. A man this young and polished had casually invested one hundred million dollars? Who was he?How
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 18
Clearing his throat, Jasper tried to mediate, his voice filled with an attempt to diffuse the tension. “Let’s all calm down. This is just a misunderstanding.”Before he could steer the conversation away, Claude, who had remained silent for a while, spoke again. His tone carried a commanding authority that brooked no argument. “The one hundred million dollars I’ve invested now comes with an additional condition—there will be no collaboration with this Miss Harlow or her family. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize the project’s success.”The implication was clear: she was bad luck.Yvonne nearly exploded with rage. She opened her mouth to retort, but the cold glint in Claude’s eyes made her bite her tongue. Instead, she turned to Jonathan, her voice dripping with grievance. “Uncle.”Jonathan snapped back to attention, ready to defend her, but before he could say anything, Claude’s gaze swept over him dismissively, his tone laced with indifference. “Ah, I almost forgot. The Harlow family, wa
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Jasper quickly turned his attention to Stellar, bowing his head in apology. "I’m sorry, Stellar. This was my mistake."Stellar shook her head, offering no further comment, and quietly left the office with Victor and Claude.Once outside, Stellar’s vision blurred momentarily, and she turned toward Victor with a deep bow. "Professor, thank you so much for standing up for me today."Other than her family, no one had ever defended her so fiercely before.Victor snorted, crossing his arms. "Always causing me trouble." Though his words were gruff, the faint warmth in his tone betrayed his true feelings. Stellar recognized his sharp tongue but soft heart, and a comforting warmth spread through her chest.As for Claude, a glance between them was enough to communicate volumes. "Uncle Claude, I promise your investment will pay off.”The ordeal had stretched the afternoon far into the day. After Victor left, Claude offered to drive Stellar back. However, as they stepped out of the building, t
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When Stellar returned home, Claude suddenly informed her, "Stellar, I’m entrusting the Riverside and Brighton project to you. I’ll be leaving for a while to handle some matters. Make sure to take care of yourself while I’m away."Stellar immediately understood. The Rivers family’s foundation was rooted in Southport, and with Claude managing countless responsibilities, he couldn’t stay here indefinitely. She nodded with understanding. "Uncle, don’t worry. Focus on your work. I’ll take good care of myself and ensure the project is completed successfully."Her thoughtfulness only made Claude more concerned. After a moment’s hesitation, he pulled out a sleek black card from his pocket and firmly placed it in her hand. "Take this card. It’s got a little money on it. Use it as you need, and don’t even think about refusing. If you try, I’ll just convert it all into gifts and send them your way."He left no room for argument. Stellar couldn’t help but laugh, ultimately accepting the card.
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 21
After breakfast, Stellar noticed Mary was still busying around, so she stepped forward to help. She moved the antique pieces, paintings, and coffee table, placing fresh flowers into vases. The living room’s ambiance instantly became more elegant and refined.Mary watched her efforts with satisfaction, silently appreciating Stellar’s graceful movements. When Stellar wasn’t looking, Mary took out her phone, recorded a short video, and sent it to a private account.…Hundreds of miles away.In Southport, at the Rivers estate.Laurence Rivers and Martha Whitmore were looking at the video sent to their phone. The girl in the footage stood tall and poised, her features delicate and radiant, outshining even the fresh flowers around her.“Look at her! Doesn’t she look just like our daughter? Her eyes, her nose… our precious granddaughter is such a beauty!” Martha clutched the phone, her eyes brimming with tears.Laurence leaned against the headboard, gripping the edge of the blanket as his eye
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 22
Chris had originally visited campus today to check on an old professor who once helped his family. However, as he was leaving, he caught sight of Stellar rinsing a mop near the faculty housing.A smirk tugged at his lips.So, this was what she’d been reduced to—cleaning floors at the school after breaking things off with Percy.He found it absurdly entertaining.Without hesitation, he snapped a photo and sent it straight to Percy with a message:"Caught your ex working as a cleaner at the faculty apartments. Hasn’t she begged her way back to you yet?"Meanwhile, Percy, still fuming from their last encounter, was sitting with some friends, attempting to drown his frustration with drinks.The message notification made him pause. He opened it, and at the sight of the photo, a cold laugh escaped him."Serves her right," he chuckled coldly.So, it had all been a performance. Her defiant attitude at the restaurant, agreeing to attend his engagement, and the bravado were all a show.Watchin
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Percy’s expression darkened, but the thought of her still having cleaning tasks to finish brought him a measure of satisfaction.He assumed that seeing his car would make Stellar obediently come over.To his surprise, she didn’t even glance his way, choosing instead to walk off in another direction.Percy frowned and quickly stepped forward to block her path.“Stellar, what’s this about? Still pretending?”To him, her display of feigned strength was utterly ridiculous.Stellar found his words laughable.“Mr. Moore, it seems you’ve forgotten. You still haven’t issued the apology statement from last time, have you?”Her single remark left Percy’s face alternating between red and pale. However, remembering that her life after leaving him wasn’t going particularly well, he felt a bit smug.He smirked. “What’s this? Still putting on an act? Reduced to working as a cleaner here, and you’re still pretending? Let me tell you, if you apologize for all the foolish things you’ve done, I might ju
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 24
After finishing her meal, Stellar intended to leave and didn’t bother acknowledging Percy. She walked straight out of the campus gates. With an upcoming commitment to attend a few project meetings with Shane next week, Stellar knew her wardrobe needed an upgrade.Though her closet was filled with dresses and gowns handpicked by Claude, she found his taste a bit too plain for her liking. For important occasions, it was better to pick out outfits herself. Besides, Claude’s black card came with a minimum spending limit. If she didn’t spend enough, he’d take it upon himself to send over more clothes, so she’d much rather choose things she genuinely liked. Since the area was close to the city center, Stellar decided to stop by for some shopping. She stepped into an understated luxury boutique and soon spotted a gown displayed in a glass case. Unlike the other items in the store, this one stood out—elegant and clearly expensive. Noticing her gaze lingering, a sales associate eagerl
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 374
Over the years, you changed your identity and deliberately cut ties with them to avoid being found out, living a glamorous life on your own. “If the truth gets out and everyone finds out about your background and what kind of person you really are, do you think you'll still have a place in this circle? “When that happens, my grandfather will be the first to kick you out of the family!”With those biting words, Christopher’s expression darkened, and he was left speechless.“So I suggest you know your place. Do as you’re told and stay out of things that don’t concern you. Otherwise…” Joy’s tone was sharp, thick with threat.Under pressure, Christopher finally kept quiet. Even though he was deeply unhappy with how Joy handled things, he had no choice but to turn around and leave silently.Just as he walked out, a slow round of applause came from the doorway.Joy looked up and saw a laid-back man strolling in.“Joy, you’re really getting good at this. Taming Christopher like that is like
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After a round of brief introductions, everyone quickly dove into the project work.With hardly anyone dragging their feet, progress was smooth. For Stellar, things moved along efficiently. After completing the initial stage of her research, she quickly identified a direction for the next phase and decided to use a critical piece of lab equipment for the upcoming experiment.She headed to the relevant department to file a request.“Sorry, Miss Rivers, that high-grade instrument has already been reserved. We only have one available,” the staff member informed her.It didn’t come as a complete surprise.After all, it was a top-tier device, rare even on the international level. It was the world-class equipment and elite talent that drew her to this institute in the first place.“No worries,” she replied. “I’ll go check in with the lab and see if I can borrow it for a bit.”With that, she made her way to the lab and knocked on the door.“Well, well, look who it is. Isn’t this the one and
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"If you dare bother us again, I’ll take you to court, and have you thrown in jail."Her words made the man freeze. He looked ready to fall to his knees. "Yes, yes—thank you, Miss Rivers! Thank you! We promise, we won’t cause any more trouble."In the end, the IOU was signed, and Cheryl, reluctantly parting with her precious savings, handed over twenty thousand dollars. Her son matched it with another twenty thousand, and only then did the family leave, utterly humiliated.Once the door shut behind them, Martha turned to her granddaughter with a heartbroken look."Stellar, I’m so sorry. This was all my fault. I never should’ve invited them over. You spent months working on that data, and now it’s gone... You let them off lightly, didn’t you? For my sake?"But Stellar just grinned, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Grandma, you’re giving me too much credit. That file? It’s all in my head."As she spoke, she sat down, opened her laptop, and her fingers flew over the keyboard. Less than f
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As soon as Stellar finished speaking, Cheryl’s legs gave out beneath her, and with a loud thud, she dropped to her knees.Only then did the weight of the situation truly hit her.She scrambled forward on hands and knees until she reached Stellar, clutching desperately at her sleeve, tears streaming down her face. "Miss Rivers, I was wrong. I swear I know I was wrong! My grandson didn’t mean to do it, he really didn’t. Please, have mercy. Don’t hold this against us!"I’m old, and there’s no way we can afford four million! I’m begging you, for the sake of my friendship with your grandmother, please let us off just this once!"Stellar’s eyes were icy, unmoved.She was about to turn to her grandmother for guidance when Martha stormed over and slapped Cheryl’s hands away."Don’t you dare touch my granddaughter with your filthy hands! How laughable. You finally realize how serious the matter is when you need to pay the four million dollars? “My granddaughter worked for months on that data,
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The little brat joined right in with his grandmother, hurling insults. "You filthy woman! Seductress! You’re a liar! Dream on!"Stellar didn’t waste another word. She pulled out her phone and spoke calmly into it. "Hello, is this the police? I’d like to report a case of intentional property damage. Please send officers over immediately."With that, she hung up.Cheryl’s eyes bulged, her face flushing red with rage. "You’ve lost your mind! Calling the cops over something like this? You’re insane. We’re leaving!"She grabbed her grandson’s hand and turned to storm off only to be blocked at the door by several bodyguards."No one’s going anywhere," Stellar said coldly. "Not until the police arrive, assess the damage, and calculate the compensation. Then you can leave."A shiver ran down Cheryl’s spine.The chubby boy burst into loud sobs. "Grandma! I’m scared!"Cheryl, flustered but trying to keep her composure, cooed, "Don’t be scared, baby. They’re keeping us here against our will. Jus
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"Who let him into my room?!"Stellar's voice was cold and sharp, carrying a force that made the air around her feel heavy. Even Cheryl flinched instinctively."What happened?" Martha quickly stepped in, alarmed.Only then did Cheryl snap back to herself and immediately launched into complaint. "Martha, you really need to teach your granddaughter some manners. Arguing with a child? Honestly, she’s completely out of line—no patience, no grace whatsoever..."Before she could finish, Stellar cut in, her voice like ice. "Grandma, her grandson went into my room, tore up my bed and desk, broke several pieces of my makeup, and worst of all, he corrupted an important document on my laptop.""What?" Martha’s face darkened at once. "Cheryl, how could you let this happen?"Realizing her grandson was indeed at fault, Cheryl forced a shameless smile. "Oh, come on, it’s just some makeup. He’s just a kid. He didn’t mean it. It’s not like he knew what he was doing. Can't you just let it go, for old t
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So, she teased him on purpose. "Then maybe you should consider joining us at Starlight.""Are you trying to poach me?""Yep. Will you let me?"Stephen seemed to think it over for a moment, then shook his head. "Better not."Stellar knew switching bases wasn't something anyone would do on a whim—she’d only been joking. Still, hearing his firm refusal made her feel a tiny twinge of disappointment."Aren’t you going to ask why?""Hmm?" She looked up, puzzled. "Why?""Because…" Stephen looked down at her, eyes warm with amusement. "As far as I know, Starlight doesn’t allow workplace relationships. And that’s something I just can’t give up."Stellar’s heart gave a hard thump. In that moment, she finally understood what it meant to feel butterflies.This man had a way of tugging at her heartstrings with just a simple line."Ahem..." She couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips and quickly turned her head. "Well then, I guess it really is out of the question."They let the subject pass
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Earlier, Martha had let Cheryl's endless bragging slide without a word.But this time, her expression turned cold in an instant."My granddaughter doesn’t need to do chores. She’s the pride of our family—born to be loved and cherished. Whatever she wants, we can give her. No one has the right to order her around."Cheryl was taken aback, stunned into silence for a moment before snapping back, "What man would want a wife who can’t even handle basic housework? I’m saying this for her own good! Aren’t you worried she won’t be able to get married?""Then she won’t," Martha replied without hesitation."If she stays with us for the rest of her life, so be it. We’re more than capable of taking care of her."Cheryl fumed, feeling like her good intentions had been thrown back in her face."Grandma, I want a drink! And snacks!"The chubby boy came running back, flushed and sweaty after tearing through the house.Cheryl dropped the argument instantly, her focus back on her grandson."Alright, alri
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Martha and Stellar shared a helpless glance before finally giving in with a quiet nod.They drove Cheryl over to the preschool together.All the way there, Cheryl kept bragging nonstop. "This preschool? It’s the top bilingual academy in the area. All the language teachers are brought in from overseas! Tuition alone runs around four or six grand a year. “My son really values his kid’s education, so he’s giving him the absolute best. It’s like pouring money down the drain, but thankfully, he makes enough to support the family. “He even bought a house here and paid four hundred thousand dollars without blinking."The more she talked, the prouder she sounded, completely unaware that the car she was riding in was worth far more than that.Stellar’s ears were practically going numb from the constant boasting. But out of respect for her elder, she held her tongue and didn’t interrupt.When Cheryl finally ran out of things to say and noticed the lack of praise from her audience, she turn
