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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. Yvonneâs 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. âJasper, werenât you just saying you wanted to meet the investor who would invest one hundred million dollars into my project? Well, here he is!â His expression was indignant as he patted Claude on the shoulder. âAnd if a mere two million dollars can bar Stellar from returning to this school, then surely one hundred million dollars can ensure people like thisâĶâ His disdainful gaze flicked to Yvonne, and he enunciated slowly, ââĶare banned from ever setting foot on this campus again.âFor 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. âLetâs all calm down. This is just a misunderstanding.âBefore 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. âThe one hundred million dollars Iâve invested now comes with an additional conditionâthere will be no collaboration with this Miss Harlow or her family. I wouldnât want to jeopardize the projectâs success.âThe implication was clear: she was bad luck.Yvonne nearly exploded with rage. She opened her mouth to retort, but the cold glint in Claudeâs eyes made her bite her tongue. Instead, she turned to Jonathan, her voice dripping with grievance. âUncle.âJonathan snapped back to attention, ready to defend her, but before he could say anything, Claudeâs gaze swept over him dismissively, his tone laced with indifference. âAh, I almost forgot. The Harlow family, wa
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 19
Jasper quickly turned his attention to Stellar, bowing his head in apology. "Iâm 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, Stellarâs 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.âThe 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
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 20
When Stellar returned home, Claude suddenly informed her, "Stellar, Iâm entrusting the Riverside and Brighton project to you. Iâll be leaving for a while to handle some matters. Make sure to take care of yourself while Iâm away."Stellar immediately understood. The Rivers familyâs foundation was rooted in Southport, and with Claude managing countless responsibilities, he couldnât stay here indefinitely. She nodded with understanding. "Uncle, donât worry. Focus on your work. Iâll take good care of myself and ensure the project is completed successfully."Her thoughtfulness only made Claude more concerned. After a momentâs hesitation, he pulled out a sleek black card from his pocket and firmly placed it in her hand. "Take this card. Itâs got a little money on it. Use it as you need, and donât even think about refusing. If you try, Iâll just convert it all into gifts and send them your way."He left no room for argument. Stellar couldnât 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 roomâs ambiance instantly became more elegant and refined.Mary watched her efforts with satisfaction, silently appreciating Stellarâs graceful movements. When Stellar wasnât looking, Mary took out her phone, recorded a short video, and sent it to a private account.âĶHundreds 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.âLook at her! Doesnât she look just like our daughter? Her eyes, her noseâĶ our precious granddaughter is such a beauty!â 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 sheâd been reduced toâcleaning 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. Hasnât 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
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 23
Percyâs 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 didnât even glance his way, choosing instead to walk off in another direction.Percy frowned and quickly stepped forward to block her path.âStellar, whatâs this about? Still pretending?âTo him, her display of feigned strength was utterly ridiculous.Stellar found his words laughable.âMr. Moore, it seems youâve forgotten. You still havenât issued the apology statement from last time, have you?âHer single remark left Percyâs face alternating between red and pale. However, remembering that her life after leaving him wasnât going particularly well, he felt a bit smug.He smirked. âWhatâs this? Still putting on an act? Reduced to working as a cleaner here, and youâre still pretending? Let me tell you, if you apologize for all the foolish things youâve 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 didnât 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, Claudeâs black card came with a minimum spending limit. If she didnât spend enough, heâd take it upon himself to send over more clothes, so sheâd 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 outâelegant 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 220
"You don't have to be so formal with me," Stephen said, his gaze warm and unwavering.But Stellar didnât look up at him. Instead, she simply replied, polite as ever, "Itâs just basic courtesy between friends."With that, she turned and walked into the lounge.Stephen felt a pang of disappointment but knew better than to rush things.Just then, Joy approached from the distance."Stephen, there are still some details about the aircraft incident I need to go over with you. Can we talk in the office?"Since it was work-related, Stephen gave a nod and followed her.Meanwhile, after a sleepless night, Percy spent hours going over every moment he had shared with Stellar.Finally, he had put together what he wanted to sayâhow he could convince her to help him.But when he searched the maintenance area, she was nowhere to be found.Just as confusion settled in, he turned back only to see Stellar stepping out of a room marked with Stephen Wardâs name.Her face was slightly flushed, steam still
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 219
With a sharp slam, Stephen set his glass down on the table, his gaze turning icy as he shot a look at Shane. "Is that funny to you?""Ahem..."Shane cleared his throat, realizing that pushing any further would only get him into trouble. He quickly straightened his expression."Alright, alright, letâs get serious. I know youâre frustrated, but listen, I've got to say, I think youâve always liked Stellar. That little girl from the past? That was just an obsession, maybe even a sense of duty."Don't confuse the two, or youâll regret it someday.""I know."Stephenâs voice was steady, sharper than Shane expected. "Thatâs not the problem. I just donât know how to pursue her without being too abrupt. If I donât act soon, Iâm afraid sheâll slip further away from me."From the way Stellar treated him today, he could feel the distance growing between them, and that alone sent a wave of unease through him."Hah! So even the great Mr. Ward can struggle when chasing a girl," Shane teased, barely ho
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 218
Ethan had only gotten dragged into this because of her. Stellar curled her lips into a cold smile and spoke, her voice steady and sharp. "Since when did asking questions become something to be ashamed of? Or are you telling me you all know everything?" The moment she finished speaking, the ones who had mocked Ethan stiffened, caught off guard. They clearly hadnât expected an intern to have the guts to challenge them so directly. "Being willing to ask, learn, and seek answers is a sign of humility and dedication. But instead of encouraging it as senior professionals, you ridicule it? What kind of logic is that? Or is this just how your team operates? Are questions not allowed?" A flush crept onto their faces. As seniors, they had planned to put the intern in his place. Yet instead, they had been publicly called out and humiliated by someone younger. Their pride took a heavy hit. One of the leaders, a man named Guy Wellson, scowled, his temper flaring. "Stellar, donât
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 217
The call was from Dawn, her voice laced with cautious humility. "Percy, I just had a prenatal checkup at the hospital. The doctor said my health is a bit weakâĶ Can you transfer me some money for nutrition expenses?" Percy didnât hesitate. "Alright, how much do you need?" Since she was carrying his childâand the situation benefited his return to the Moore familyâhe naturally intended to take responsibility. "Can you send me forty thousand? Iâve also run into some other issuesâĶ Donât worry, consider it a loan. Iâll pay you back once Iâve sorted things out." Percy pressed his lips together. He wasnât entirely pleased with her sudden high demand, but in the end, he softened. "Thereâs no need to talk about paying me back. Iâll send it right now." After hanging up, he transferred the money. On the other end, Dawn received the funds without a flicker of emotion. She immediately wired the amount into another account. "There, are you satisfied now?" She raised her gaze cold
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 216
A strange sense of unease crept up on Stephen.âStellar, you donât have to be so formal with me. ActuallyâĶâ He hesitated, as if struggling to put his thoughts into words.âHm?â Stellar blinked, her expression curious.She looked just like the little girl from his memoriesâbright eyes, delicate features, lips like soft peach petals. The resemblance was uncanny.And yet, the shocking truth wasâĶ that little girl wasnât Stellar.It was someone else entirely.When he first uncovered the truth, he had found it absurd.But now, looking at the woman before him, her radiant smile pulling him in, his thoughts became clear.He knew now, without a doubt, the one he liked, the one who made his heart race, was Stellar.Summoning his courage, he finally spoke. âYouâve always been someone very important to meâĶâStellar paused for two seconds before responding with a relaxed smile. âAnd youâre an important friend to me too.âStephenâs brows furrowed.That wasnât what he wanted to hear.Why was she sud
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 215
As Stellar and Stephen stepped out, they happened to catch the last part of the conversation. Stellar raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing an inexplicable hostility from Joy. But that was strangeâthey had only just met, hadnât they? Stephen, however, didnât hesitate to correct her. âMs. Shaw, you got one thing wrong. It wasnât me. It was Stellar who directed the landing. âShe handled the controls with precision, ensuring the aircraft landed safely. Sheâs the real hero of this operation.â Joy paused for two seconds before quickly recovering, her tone easygoing. âMy bad, Stephen. I can be pretty blunt sometimesânot as sensitive as most women. Maybe I didnât phrase it well just now. âWhat I meant was, you two worked flawlessly together to resolve this crisis. You both deserve recognition for your efforts. âIâll be reporting this to the higher-ups, and theyâll be awarding you both with honors.â Stellar finally spoke. âI only did what I could. I donât need any awards.â âNo,
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 214
He stepped up beside Stellar. Knowing her well, he didnât try to dissuade her. Instead, his expression was firm. âIâll support you.âStellar felt a wave of emotion surge in her chest. She gave a solemn nod.Percy stood frozen in place, utterly stunned. They were all insane!Wasnât Stephen her boyfriend? How could he just stand there and watch her risk imprisonment? He was supposed to be the one who cared about Stellar the most. Yet, at this critical moment, he had completely lost his voice.In the end, Stephen and Stellar personally headed to the control tower to direct the landing."Stay calm. This is no time to panic," Stellarâs voice came through the cockpit radio.Under her steady reassurance, the captain, who had been on edge, visibly relaxed.She began directing his every move with precision while Stephen worked on the ground, coordinating preparations for the emergency landing.Finally, when the moment was right, Stellar made a swift decision and commanded the forced depl
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 213
Joyâs expression flickered for a moment before she finally spoke with composure. "My apologies. I made an error in judgment by assuming it was an engine failure from the start, which nearly led to an incorrect conclusion." She admitted her mistake openly and without hesitation. No one criticized her for it. In fact, their admiration for her only grew. Before long, the investigation report was submitted. But just as the tension had eased, another piece of shocking news arrivedâ "This is bad! The commercial airline under the research institute has another aircraft, AT1083, with the same issue. It took off not long ago! Unlike the A16, this isnât a test flightâitâs already in service!"The air traffic control tower just reported that the plane has already flown over a thousand kilometers. âIts landing gear wonât deploy, and other systems are malfunctioning. Itâs currently circling above the airport, and if this continues, it could face the same fateâanother crash!"The highe
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 212
Percy thought Stellar had become arrogant and complacent ever since reclaiming her status as the Rivers family heiress. She was completely out of touch with reality. It was necessary to bring her back down to earth. This wasnât a place for her to act recklessly. Even Joy felt a little embarrassed by his words. Sensing the growing tension, she stepped in to smooth things over. "Mr. Moore, I donât think Miss Rivers meant any harm. Sheâs just a newcomer without much experience. Thereâs no need to be so harsh." "Ms. Shaw, youâre being too lenient with her. A professional investigation like this is not something an intern should be involved in." Percy genuinely believed he was doing Stellar a favor. If she knew what was best for her, she would step aside. Otherwise, sheâd only make a fool of herself in front of seasoned professionals. Stellar almost laughed in disbelief. An outsider was standing here lecturing her about aerospace engineering? It was beyond absurd. S
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