๋ก๊ทธ์ธ๊ณต์
Chapter 231
๊ด๋ จ ์ฑํฐ
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
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 236
Stellar hurried forward. "Suzy, what are you doing here?""Get in the car first, Iโll explain."Once they were both seated, Suzy immediately pulled off her sunglasses and mask, letting out a deep breath."Letโs go out tonightโdrinks, dancing, the whole deal. Weโre going to have a night."Her excitement was almost palpable.Stellar frowned slightly. "What happened?""You have no idea. Iโve finally met my match in the dating game. This guyโabsolute premium-grade trouble. Looks good, sure, but heโs even more of a player than I am. โHeโs been running the whole push-and-pull act on me, and I swear, itโs driving me insane. If I donโt let loose tonight, Iโm going to lose it."Suzy huffed in frustration.Stellar raised a brow, genuinely surprised. It was the first time sheโd ever seen Suzy struggle when it came to men."Didnโt you always say you could walk through a garden of roses without a single petal sticking to you?""Thatโs different. This is about the challenge, you know? The harder th
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 237
Suzy immediately stepped back from Edwin, whipping her head toward Stellar with a guilty expression.Shit. Busted.As Stellarโs self-proclaimed love guru, the last thing she wanted was for her best friend to find out that the jerk she had been ranting about was none other than her uncle.This is a disaster.Butโฆ there was no escaping it now.With a quick flash of cunning in her eyes, she suddenly let out a light laugh."Well, there you have it. This is the jerk I told you about."Then, without hesitation, she turned to Edwin and snapped, "Since youโre only looking to fool around, I wonโt waste my time. Letโs be honest, youโve got nothing going for you besides that face."She finished with a playful wink at Stellar. If she was going to be caught, she might as well use the situation to her advantage.Stellar stiffened. It took her a second to process the absurdity of it all, but then she realized that Suzy was totally putting on a show and expecting her to play along.She was still ree
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 238
Edwin stood and walked out without looking back.The moment he was gone, Suzy turned to Stellar with a triumphant grin, slapping her palm against hers."Good job, bestie. Iโll give you all the details later, but for now, just go with it. Tonight, I refuse to lose."Stellar was speechless and thought, โThis? This is how she plans to win him over?โSuzy, however, was dead serious. "You donโt get it. This is called playing hard to get."Stellar fell silent.She wasnโt sure what was worseโwatching Suzy dig herself deeper into this mess or the fact that she actually looked a little invested this time.Just as she was about to say something, Suzyโs confidence wavered for a moment. Her shoulders dropped slightly, and a trace of frustration crossed her face."If he wasnโt your uncle, Iโd have made a move already. But I have to be careful. Do you know how rare it is for me to actually be into someone? And of course, the one time I am, he turns out to be worse than me.โHmph. Maybe I canโt have
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apartย ย ย Chapter 239
That night, Suzy ended up crashing in Stellarโs bed, drunk and completely knocked out. Edwin never returned to the villa. Surprisingly, when Stellar woke up the next morning, Suzy was already gone. She had left breakfast for her along with a message saying her agent had called her in for something urgent. In the afternoon, Stellar headed to the aerospace base for her internship. She needed to push forward with the aircraft modifications, perform well, and secure her position as a full-time engineer. Over the years, the countryโs aerospace industry had been advancing rapidly, but many critical technologies remained under foreign restrictions. It was one of the biggest obstacles holding them back. She had always dreamed of helping break through those barriersโof pushing the countryโs aerospace program forward in a way that would shatter limitations and allow them to take a major leap. That was why she had returned to school. And once she secured her position, she would fi
์ต์ ์ฑํฐ
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
