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Chapter 197

Author: Warm Cocoa
As they left the café, Lilian was still fuming on Stellar’s behalf.

"What is wrong with the Moore family? The son’s a cheating scumbag, knocking someone up before even getting married.

“And his awful mother—how dare she said you’re infertile and unmarriageable? Please! Anyone who marries into that family is the real unlucky one!"

She ranted with such righteous indignation that her cheeks flushed red, making her look both feisty and adorable.

Stellar’s heart warmed at her friend’s unwavering support.

Feeling amused, she reassured her, "Alright, it’s over now. The Moore family has nothing to do with me anymore."

Hearing that, Lilian breathed a sigh of relief for her.

"Good riddance. A wonderful woman like you should never step into an ill-fated home. Your future is only going to get better from here."

Stellar smiled and nodded.

She couldn’t agree more.

Thank God she had escaped that nightmare.

Never again would she allow herself to be trapped in a relationship like th
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    Stellar gave a brief rundown of the events, making sure to emphasize how Stephen had inspired her during the competition. His guidance helped her stay calm under pressure and successfully reconstruct the model on-site. Mary’s emotions shifted as she listened, her expression softening ever so slightly. While she still had her reservations about Stephen, she couldn't deny that Stellar was the most impressive one of all.After all, it was her own talent that had secured the victory. "But it wasn’t just that," Stellar continued. "Earlier at school, when our project hit a dead end, it was Senior who let us use his lab and helped us through it. “Then, he took me to an exclusive symposium, giving me the opportunity to showcase my work. “And when my ex wouldn’t stop harassing me, it was Senior who stepped in and got rid of him…" There was more. When the media tried to smear her, he was the first to stand up for her. At Percy and Yvonne’s engagement party, it was Stephen who pres

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    Stellar tapped on her phone screen, typing and deleting, over and over. She had been staring at the chat window for ages, struggling to figure out how to start the conversation.Before she could make up her mind, a message popped up from Stephen.“What’s wrong?”She froze.A second message followed immediately.“You’ve been typing for a while. Were you trying to say something?”Her face heated up in embarrassment.She was caught red-handed.Well, since she’d already been exposed, she decided to get straight to the point.“Sorry, Senior. Please don’t take what Mary said to heart. She didn’t mean any harm.”After sending the message, she bit her lip, feeling a bit nervous. What if he was actually offended?But within seconds, his reply came through.“I know. Since she suggested I should train more, how about you join me at the gym and give me a few pointers?”She blinked in surprise.“How did you know I work out?”“I saw you practicing with Mrs. Warren on the terrace before.”Stellar w

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    Five minutes later, Stellar arrived at the Howe Grand Hotel, where Suzy was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing her approach, Suzy grinned and hooked her arm through Stellar’s. “You’re finally here! You have to help me win that consecrated rosary bracelet today. It belonged to my all-time favorite triple-award-winning actress. “They say she was completely unknown before, but after wearing that bracelet, her career skyrocketed—she kept landing roles and winning awards non-stop. “I want to be just as successful as she was.” Stellar couldn't help but laugh. “I didn’t know you were this superstitious.” “You don’t get it. This isn’t superstition—it’s just how the entertainment industry works. “Some people struggle for over a decade without making a name for themselves, while others become overnight sensations after just one drama. “I’ve seen it happen so many times. Sometimes, you really have to believe in luck.” Suzy spoke with conviction, and Stellar had to admit there w

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    Percy didn’t raise the bid again. As expected, but Stellar didn’t care much. With the bracelet in hand, Suzy was overjoyed. Seeing her friend happy, Stellar felt satisfied as well. Now that they had achieved their goal, the two planned to leave early. Just then, however, the next auction item caught her attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on our sixth auction item—the Regency Emerald Pendant—a three-hundred-year-old antique, crafted with the finest techniques of its era..." The auctioneer’s voice brimmed with enthusiasm, but Stellar was utterly stunned. How was that emerald pendant on stage?It was hers. She had always kept it safe. Was the one being auctioned… a fake? The auctioneer continued, “This heirloom has been passed down through generations of a distinguished family, making it truly one of a kind! “However, due to financial difficulties, the owner has been forced to part with it. Don’t miss out on this rare treasure! The bidding starts at two

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    Stephen let out a quiet sigh and turned, ready to leave.“Do you like Stellar?” A sweet voice chimed in beside him.Xavier turned in surprise, puzzled as he looked at the young woman. “You are…?”“I’m Stellar’s friend, Lilian Yates.”She was supposed to be in the gallery that day, but a last-minute delay with her project caused her to arrive just in time to catch the end of the scene.And what she saw in Xavier’s eyes that were filled with admiration, reluctance, and a trace of sorrow, she knew Xavier had feelings for Stellar.“I…” Xavier was caught off guard, unsure how to respond.Lilian cut him off with a grin. “You’re the legendary attorney she always talks about, right? Perfect. I was wondering if I can ask you for a favor?”“What kind of favor?” he asked, instinctively curious.She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, her voice barely audible. When she pulled back, she added softly, “But you have to promise to keep it between us.”Xavier paused, considered it, then nod

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