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Chapter 227
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 228
Before Keith could even get a word in, another striking woman with an air of elegance strolled over. "You ladies really have no self-awareness. If Keith hasnโt reached out to you, that means heโs done with you. Whatโs the point of clinging like this? Heโs my man." Keith actually recognized this woman. But what was she doing here? His eyelid twitched furiously. This whole scene was completely unexpected. It felt orchestratedโlike someone had planned it. Then, the sound of slow, deliberate applause echoed through the air. Stephen, who left earlier, casually walked back, looking thoroughly entertained. "Impressive, Keith. Truly a ladies' man. Youโve got so many women wrapped around your finger and still have the nerve to break more hearts. Quite the talent." Stellar raised an eyebrow. Hadnโt Stephen just left with Janet? Why was he back? "Stephen Ward!" Keith shot to his feet, finally piecing everything together. "This was your doing, wasnโt it? You set this up to ruin m
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 229
She thought that since Stephen took the initiative to come over, it seemed he did have some feelings for her. Maybe she could give him a chance. But what if he denied it? Stephen froze for a moment. So, this was what she was upset about. But he never intended to keep it a secret. Now was the perfect moment. "Yes, Iโฆ" For once, he felt a little nervous. Just as he was about to take out the gift he had prepared for his confession, Stellar's expression turned ice-cold. The hint of anticipation in her eyes vanished. She pushed his hand away, opened the car door, and got in, driving off without hesitation. Stephen stood there, stunned. A flicker of confusion and disbelief crossed his face. Why was she angry? Was she upset because Janet had found out about the gift in advance? Or was it because he hadn't told her earlier that he knew Janet? With that thought, he pulled out his phone, intending to explain things to Stellar. Just then, Janetโs call came through.
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 230
A flicker of surprise crossed Stellarโs face. Hadn't Stephen already agreed to let her observe in the lab? Just then, Stephen approached. Noticing the tools she was carrying, he immediately understood. "Stellar, you're here to continue the second phase of the experiment? Come use my lab. The equipment there is more advancedโit'll be easier." He offered the invitation first, but Stellarโs tone remained indifferent. "No need." "Why?" Stephen looked puzzled. Stellar didnโt hide anything. She lifted her gaze to meet his and spoke directly. "Since you've already given Janet access to your lab, it wouldnโt be appropriate for me to go there as well." Stephen froze for a moment before suddenly laughing. So, this was why she was upset with him. "You misunderstood. Janet did ask to observe in the lab, but I rejected her. I wouldnโt give her special treatment. What kind of person do you take me for?" Stellar was slightly surprised. Her expression softened a little. Step
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 231
Janet felt like she was choking on her own words, nearly spitting blood in frustration. Her face burned with humiliation, especially when she met Stellarโs calm, indifferent gazeโit was a silent mockery. Clenching her fists tightly, she lifted her chin, forcing herself to maintain an air of arrogance. "Even if he wonโt bend the rules for me professionally, Iโm still the most important woman in his life. โYou probably donโt know this but let me tell you a little secretโhe owes me his life. I once saved him, and because of that, he promised to marry me. โYou know what kind of man he isโresponsible and honorable. He wonโt go back on his word." Her lips curled into a smug smile again. "An exceptional man like him belongs to me. Too bad, Stellarโyouโll never win against me when it comes to stealing a man." The thought of gaining the upper hand over Stellar filled her with satisfaction. She had expected Stellar to explode with jealousy, maybe even lash out at her. If she di
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 232
For a moment, the teamโs admiration for Joy soared to an all-time high. However, Stellar wasnโt so easily convinced. She had researched this equipment model before and knew that only one company in the country had the authorization to distribute it. She planned to look into that companyโs background later. Since she was now officially part of the baseโs engineering team, she wanted to do her part to help. โฆAfter work in the evening, Stellar received a call from Edwin. "Uncle Edwin?" A warm, clear voice came through the line. "Stellar, Mary told me youโre at the base. I just so happen to be outside right now." Surprised, Stellar quickly ended the call and headed out. The moment she stepped outside, her eyes landed on a sleek black Bentley. Standing beside it was a tall, refined man with strikingly handsome features. His deep-set eyes carried a hint of indulgence and warmth when they landed on her, instantly making him seem approachable and charming. But, why did
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 233
"This is your welcome gift from me," Edwin said matter-of-factly. "But didnโt you already give me the equipment as compensation?" "Thatโs different. One thing has nothing to do with the other," he replied smoothly. "Besides, not everything here is from me. Your other uncles, along with your grandparents, also picked out gifts for you. They asked me to bring them all over." Stellar could already picture her family buying anything they thought would suit her, letting the gifts pile up until they finally decided to send them all at once. She pressed a hand to her forehead, already dreading the endless unwrapping ahead. "Uncle Edwinโฆ" She was about to say more, but Edwin glanced at his watch. "Stellar, I have plans tonight, so I wonโt be staying." "Is it a date?" she teased, unexpectedly curious. It was meant as a passing remark, but to her surprise, Edwin flashed a knowing smile. "A female friend." Stellar was speechless.She didnโt know much about this uncle, but f
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 234
Joyโs words were carefully chosenโshe never actually denied that she was the one who had secured the equipment."Thatโs our Ms. Shaw..."The engineers were even more in awe of her now."Unlike a certain intern who still has the nerve to stand here embarrassing herselfโ""Had enough?"Stellar finally lost her patience, her brows furrowing as she cut them off.They were using something she had provided while insulting her? Did they really think she was an easy target?And Joy... something about her was off. This wasnโt the first time.She never corrected the praise when people assumed things, only brushing it off vaguely later."Whatโs the matter? We werenโt even talking about you. Feeling guilty?" Guy taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.Stellar let out a cool laugh, then calmly dropped the truth."This equipment? I donated it to the base. So, before you start running your mouths, maybe get your facts straight."There was silence.A stunned hush fell over the entire room.For a few
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 235
Stephen strode into the office area, his tall figure commanding attention as he made his way straight to Stellarโs side. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd, ice-cold and intimidating."This equipment was purchased from Harper Group by Stellar and donated to the base. It has nothing to do with me."He held up a receipt. "Hereโs the delivery confirmationโsigned by Stellar herself."He had already noticed the lab key she left behind and planned to ask her about it. But before he could, he had overheard people wrongly accusing her.Without hesitation, he went straight to security to retrieve the signed paperwork.Every shipment to the base required an official recipient, and the name written on the delivery form was Stellar.The moment he presented the proof, it was as if the entire room had been slapped across the face.There was silence.A collective wave of disbelief and awkwardness washed over the crowd.Even Joyโs expression flickered with shock.No one had expected Stellar to have
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 398
Stellar found the whole thing baffling. She didnโt even know why the other party hated her so much.Still, after this incident, she realized she'd been far too nice to Joy.After retrieving the blueprint, she knocked on the team leaderโs office door.Lucien wasnโt surprised to see her and even invited her to sit.But Stellar stood straight and got straight to the point. "Mr. Song, I want to report Joy."She stole my blueprint and, along with Christopher Sung, forcibly occupied Lab 1. They refused to let me in to use the equipment, which seriously disrupted my research. I hope you'll look into this."Lucien raised an eyebrow as he listened. The light in his blue eyes flickered, and he spoke lazily, "Oh? And why would you think Iโd offend Mr. Shawโs granddaughter and his favorite student just for you?""Because to me, this is a place for research. Everyone came here with a dream, hoping to contribute to the country. Who someone is doesnโt matter."Stellar's tone was calm and firm. "If y
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 397
Joy was quietly reveling in her triumph.With the tide so clearly turned in her favor, Stellarโs team was seething with frustration.But Stellar simply let out a soft laugh, then spoke with calm poise. "I may not have signed my name on the blueprint, but unfortunately for you, Miss Joy, while I was drawing it, my fountain pen accidentally left a blot of ink on the back."She flipped the original blueprint over. Sure enough, there was a dark ink stain on the back.A flicker of panic flashed across Joyโs face, but she quickly recovered and snapped, "That blot came from my pen. You probably saw it earlier and decided to claim it as yours."That seemed plausible enough, and the crowd began to murmur in agreement.But Stellar let out a sharp chuckle. "Ah, I forgot to mention that this isnโt just any ink. The one I used has a distinct scent of lavender. Youโre welcome to smell it yourselves."A few people stepped closer out of curiosity, leaned in, and took a sniff."It really does smell
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 396
Did she have no idea just how powerful his background was?Or maybe she knew and still didnโt care.The thought only piqued Evanโs interest. He leaned in, smirking, and kept pushing. "And what makes you so sure I took your blueprint? Got any proof?"Stellarโs expression darkened.Just then, Joy walked over, arms full of documents. "Stellar, can you stop making a scene? You couldnโt come up with a proper design, so now you're blaming others? Arenโt you embarrassed?"Having been outshone by Stellar time and again, Joy had been quietly stewing in resentment. Now that the tables seemed to turn, she seized the chance to mock her, eager to see her humiliated in front of everyone.Sure enough, the commotion drew a small crowd from the institute, curious to watch the drama unfold.But those sneering and skeptical glances didnโt faze Stellar one bit.She turned to Joy with a cold stare.Then something on the back of the blueprint Joy was holding caught her eye. Her gaze sharpened instantl
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 395
The very next secondโฆโPfftโฆโSomeone couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing.A ripple of muffled chuckles spread through the room.Stellar froze, bewildered, and turned to look at the projector screen, only to see an enormous turtle displayed across it.She stood there, stunned."Miss Rivers, if you're having trouble with the design, no oneโs going to mock you," Joy seized the moment to attack. "But whatโs with the turtle? Are you trying to be funny, or do you just not take the project seriously?"Stellar quickly snapped out of it and responded, "This isnโt my drawing."Joy arched a brow, sarcasm dripping from her tone. "Oh? Then what? Did I draw it?""Yeah, Miss Rivers, are we supposed to believe youโre playing some elaborate prank on all of us?""Is this what genius arrogance looks like?"Just when people had finally begun warming up to her, it all crumbled in an instant. Voices chimed in one after another, mocking and skeptical.Stellarโs expression darkened. She knew someone
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 394
She denied it three times, but Stellar still looked suspicious. That man's voice on the phone sounded oddly familiar.But seeing she clearly didnโt want to talk about it, Stellar didnโt pry. She wasnโt the type to dig into other peopleโs business. "Alright then, I wonโt ask about yours, so you better not ask about mine."Lilian quickly nodded. A mutual understanding was reached.That afternoon, they resumed work on the new project, which involved the latest aerospace technology design and development.After two solid hours of work, Stellar finally took a short break and headed to the break room with the team for some water.They had just stepped out when a figure entered from outside.Evan walked in, his expression dark, clearly in a foul mood.These days, heโd finally managed to be in the same research institute as Joy. Heโd gone out of his way to shower her with kindness, offering her everything he thought was good. But she didnโt appreciate it at all.In fact, she told him to
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 393
There was still no reply from the other side, so Stellar set her phone aside and headed to the bathroom to wash up. When she came back, she watched a movie for a while.Only then did she pick up her phone again and unlock the screen.But there was still no reply from Stephen.A faint sense of disappointment crept in. She turned off the light, lay down, and placed her phone on the nightstand, ready to sleep.Just then, the screen lit up.A flicker of joy surged in her chest. She quickly grabbed the phone and tapped to check it, only to find it was a spam advertisement.Stellarโs forehead twitched. She nearly swore out loud. "They keep sending me this junk. I'm filing a complaint tomorrow!"The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. But just then, another message popped up.โI just finished work. Still up?โโI just got back my phone. Sorry, Iโll keep it on me next time.โโDid you eat, rest, and take care of yourself properly?โStephenโs message came like rain in a drought.I
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 392
It took Stellar a moment before she finally spoke, disbelief lacing her voice. โWait, doesnโt that mean she basically admitted to covering up crimes? Isnโt that illegal too?โโExactly, but I guess sheโs not the sharpest tool in the shed. She kept insisting it was all Toriโs doingโthat she and her son were innocent.โSuzy let out a snort. โIโve never seen anyone exposing their own sonโs crimes on camera and dragging themselves down with him. โNo wonder Eddie turned out the way he did. With a mom like that cheering him on, itโs no surprise he grew up thinking he could do whatever he wanted. โThe apple really doesnโt fall far from the tree.โStellar felt a wave of complicated emotion. The woman she remembered to be gentle, kind, and full of warmth suddenly appeared like a total stranger.Had it all been an act?She let out a soft sigh.Suzy must have picked up on her silence, because her voice turned more soothing. โStellar, donโt let this weigh on you. That mother and son duo were hid
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 391
โI just came back to grab a file,โ Claude said, his tone laced with suspicion. โI thought I heard you talking to someone just now?โโNope!โ Stellar answered quickly, not daring to admit the truth.Claude studied her for a moment, then his expression eased. โStellar, Iโm not against you dating, Just remember, men are mostly just entertainment. Don't get too serious. If it starts going south, cut your losses and move on. The Rivers family will always have your back.โStellar twitched at the corner of her mouth and thought, โUncle Claude, are you seriously telling me to be a heartbreaker?โโThat doesnโt sound like a good idea,โ she said hesitantly.โWhy not? Your happiness is what matters most. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, kick them to the curb. Simple as that. โOf course, weโll also keep an eye on things and make sure no one messes with you.โThere was a sharp glint of calculation in Claudeโs eyes.Stellar could only offer a wry smile.She hadnโt even started dating yet, and even
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 390
Stephen let out a quiet sigh and turned, ready to leave.โDo you like Stellar?โ A sweet voice chimed in beside him.Xavier turned in surprise, puzzled as he looked at the young woman. โYou areโฆ?โโIโm Stellarโs friend, Lilian Yates.โShe 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 Xavierโs eyes that were filled with admiration, reluctance, and a trace of sorrow, she knew Xavier had feelings for Stellar.โIโฆโ Xavier was caught off guard, unsure how to respond.Lilian cut him off with a grin. โYouโre the legendary attorney she always talks about, right? Perfect. I was wondering if I can ask you for a favor?โโWhat kind of favor?โ he asked, instinctively curious.She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, her voice barely audible. When she pulled back, she added softly, โBut you have to promise to keep it between us.โXavier paused, considered it, then nod
