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Chapter 247
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 248
Stephen didn’t answer.But when Lilian looked up and met his gaze, she already knew.A satisfied smile spread across her face. "Alright, I’ll set it up for you."That evening.As Stellar left the base, her phone rang. It was Lilian, inviting her to a class gathering.She was about to decline, but Lilian wouldn’t take no for an answer, insisting that this was a one-time thing, their last chance before graduation. After relentless coaxing, Stellar finally agreed.Following the location Lilian sent, she arrived at Sophie Hotel.As she pushed open the private room door, she saw a lively crowd inside.Yet, despite the number of people, her eyes immediately locked onto a familiar figure.She froze for a moment, caught off guard. She hadn’t expected Stephen to attend something like this—a casual social gathering."There you are!" Lilian jumped up to greet her, pulling her over. "Come sit! We’ve been waiting for you.""Wait a second."Stellar hesitated, then offered an apologetic smile. "Li
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Her voice was soft. "I just don’t want others to misunderstand.""Who would misunderstand? I gave you the keys. I don’t want distance between us. I want you to look at me and give me an answer!"Stephen’s grip tightened as he tilted her chin up, refusing to let her avoid his gaze.A wave of grievance swelled in Stellar’s chest. Her eyes burned, turning misty at the edges. She slapped his hand away."You want everything, don’t you? You made promises to Janet, gave her a ring, and now you still want to stay entangled with me. Stephen, what do you take me for?"Stephen froze, confusion flashing across his face. "What promises? What ring?""Don’t play dumb!" Stellar glared at him, frustration bubbling over. "Didn’t you personally say you helped her pick out a gift?""A gift?"Stephen hesitated for a moment, as if piecing something together. Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped box."You thought the gift I was talking about… was this?"He flipped ope
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Stephen lowered his head slightly, his voice carrying an unusual trace of nervousness. "So… Stellar, will you accept my confession?" Stellar snapped out of her thoughts, her mind flashing back to that unexpected kiss. Her cheeks burned instantly. Lowering her head, she fidgeted, lost in thought. After a long pause, she finally looked up, meeting his gaze. Her voice was soft but steady. "Senior, I’m sorry about before. But… I don’t think this is the right time for us." Stephen stiffened. His expression dimmed, disappointment and sorrow flickering in his eyes. But before he could dwell on it, Stellar continued, "That said… I’m willing to give it a try and see where it leads." A spark of hope ignited in Stephen’s gaze. Astonishment, disbelief, and pure joy flickered across his face all at once. "I won’t lie to you," Stellar admitted. "In my last relationship, I saw Percy as my salvation. He was there when I hit rock bottom, so I blindly clung to him. “I thought he wa
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Stephen quickly left the spot and returned to the private room.Just then, a junior student enthusiastically approached Stellar with a drink in hand."Stellar, I’d like to toast to you as well! You’re my idol. I followed in your footsteps to get where I am today!"Faced with such sincerity, Stellar found it hard to refuse.She picked up her glass, just about to take a sip when a hand reached over and effortlessly took it from her."She’s had a bit too much to drink tonight. I’ll take this for her."With that, Stephen stepped in front of her, raised the glass to his lips, and downed the drink in one go.The entire room fell into stunned silence.Stellar, momentarily dazed, suddenly realized that it was her glass.The spot he drank from was exactly where she had just taken a sip…The thought of their earlier kiss flashed through her mind, and a wave of heat surged to her head, making her feel like she was about to combust.As the crowd looked on with gossipy curiosity, Stephen calmly set
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“In this industry, the abundance of poorly written scripts is precisely why so many productions turn out to be subpar. I find it quite unfortunate."Stellar understood. "I know. You truly love acting, which is why you chose this path."Given Suzy's family background, she could have taken a much easier route.The two best friends chatted for a long time before Stellar finally dropped her off safely at home.On her way back, Stellar checked her phone and noticed Julian had sent her a few messages half an hour ago.“Stellar, I'm planning to direct a new film, and the theme is related to aeronautics. Since you're knowledgeable in this field, could you help me take a look?”Attached were the script and character profiles.Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Stellar clicked on the files and began reading them carefully.She lost track of time until the car came to a stop at the villa entrance."Miss, we're home."Snapping out of her thoughts, Stellar quickly got out of the car and went inside.A
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Edwin had clearly absorbed the entire conversation and wasted no time in dismissing Suzy with a long-winded argument. Stellar frowned. She had never wanted to get involved in whatever had happened between him and Suzy. But for him to badmouth her while she wasn’t even here to defend herself? That was too much. Turning to Edwin, her gaze turned cold. His confidence wavered under her stare, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “Did I say anything wrong?” Stellar let out a sharp laugh. “Uncle Edwin, you’re just being biased. You don’t know Suzy at all. You’ve never watched any of her performances, have no idea what she’s capable of, and yet you’re so sure she’s not good enough?“Let me show you exactly what she can do.” Without another word, she pulled up a clip of Suzy’s acting and cast it onto the big screen. Julian leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he studied the performance with a director’s keen eye. However, Edwin sat frozen. The Suzy he knew had
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The next day, Stellar handed the revised script to Julian."Uncle Julian, you can send it to the editor for review. If they feel anything is off or don’t like some of the changes, just let me know."Julian was amazed by her efficiency. He went through the new script from start to finish, growing more and more impressed as he read.If the original script had been at 70% completion in his eyes, this version was now a solid 100%.And it wasn’t just because he was biased toward his niece—viewing it purely from a director’s perspective, the changes she had made would undoubtedly become some of the film’s defining moments on the big screen.Wasting no time, he sent the revised script to his old friend.While waiting for a response, Julian showered her with praise."Stellar, you’re an absolute genius."He always knew his niece was talented, but this completely changed how he saw her.Just as he was about to compliment her further, his phone rang.It was his friend, Hugh Mann.Julian put the
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Stellar frowned. The voice was unfamiliar, but it was clearly directed at Suzy. "It’s none of your business." Suzy’s voice was cold as she dismissed the comment, then stepped aside to pick up her phone. "Stellar, what’s wrong?" "Where are you? Are you in trouble?" Stellar asked, concern evident in her tone. "I’m at the set for an audition. It’s nothing, don’t worry…" Suzy tried to brush it off. "Send me the address." "Stellar…" Stellar’s voice hardened. "If you really see me as your best friend, send me the address." Suzy had always stood up for her whenever she needed it. There was no way she would turn a blind eye now. Left with no choice, Suzy hung up and sent her location. Fifteen minutes later, Stellar pulled up to the film set. She arrived just in time to see Suzy walking out of the studio, looking visibly dejected. "What happened, Suzy?" Stellar rushed over. Suzy gave a small, bitter smile. "Remember the script I told you about yesterday? After thinking
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 350
Stephen stepped into the room, his expression as composed as ever, completely free of flattery or pretense."See, Grandma? Even he says so," Stellar chimed in playfully. "He wouldn’t lie to you, would he?""Really?" Martha asked, raising a curious brow."Absolutely," Stephen replied, holding up a professional-looking camera that he'd clearly brought with intent. "In fact, I was hoping to take a photo—something to remember this by, if you don’t mind.""I’ll join her!" Stellar grinned, slipping behind her grandmother and wrapping her arms around her neck, resting her head on her shoulder.Martha couldn’t help but smile, the joy on her face soft and genuine.Stephen captured the moment—warmth, love, and laughter frozen perfectly in frame.He wasn’t the smooth-talking type, nor was he known for charming people easily. He usually kept his distance with that cool, reserved demeanor.But somehow, in the span of just one afternoon, he’d managed to win Martha over completely. She looked at h
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“I’m here to see a friend and didn’t expect to run into you two,” Stephen said as he strode over, greeting Martha with a polite nod. Then he turned to Stellar, curiosity in his eyes. “I overheard something about wanting to try on costumes?”“That was the plan,” she replied.“Well, that’s perfect. A friend of mine owns a costume shop just around the corner. Why don’t I take you there?”Stellar’s eyes lit up as she looked at her grandmother. “Sounds like fate, Grandma. The costumes are right there. Why don’t you come with me? I’d love to see you dressed up too!”Martha hesitated, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “Alright then.”Stephen quickly sent a message to his friend. “All set. Let’s go.”The three of them stepped into the shop, and it felt like walking into a vibrant world of drama and color.Gowns adorned with intricate embroidery swayed gently on their racks, chiffon sleeves fluttering like mist. Gold and silver threads wove through rich velvet and satin, forming elega
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 348
"You’re really turning down this kind of exposure? I get it that you’re holding out for payment, right? Fine. If you do the scene properly, I’ll give you one thousand."Anthony said it like he was doing her a favor. In his mind, anyone else would’ve been falling over themselves with gratitude.But Stellar had already run out of patience."You could offer me one million, and I still wouldn’t do it."Her words landed like a slap across his face.His expression darkened instantly. In all his years in the industry, he had never encountered a woman so ungrateful.Most women groveled for roles, buttered him up with flattery, and even agreed to unspoken terms just to get into his productions.But this woman? She looked at him like he was beneath her. Who did she think she was?Rage surged through him, stripping away whatever civility he had left."You think you’re somebody? Just because you’ve got a pretty face, you think you can play hard to get? Look at you, like some cheap little tease
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The summit concluded smoothly.“Stellar, that was incredible! Even Dean Shaw was so impressed he offered you that opportunity. You absolutely can’t miss it!”“And when did you even publish that paper? None of us had a clue!”Back at the base, everyone buzzed with excitement, firing off questions one after another.Stellar pressed her lips together, then cast a slightly sheepish glance at Stephen beside her. “Honestly, it was thanks to him. He helped me find the fastest way to get it published.”“Ohh…” The group immediately exchanged knowing looks, teasing smiles spreading across their faces.They didn’t press further—just gave her the kind of look that said that they understood.“Stellar, I’ve got something else to handle, but we’ll definitely throw you a celebration soon!”“Same here! Got a bit of work piling up. You two take your time.”One by one, her colleagues slipped away.Before she could even say anything to stop them, Stephen chuckled softly beside her. “Your coworkers
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Joy leaned in, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Who is it?”Dean smiled and spoke slowly, “He used to be one of our senior engineers at the base—young, brilliant, and incredibly promising. His name is Stephen Ward.”Joy’s eyes widened in realization. “It’s him?”The crowd erupted with murmurs of admiration.“Ah, of course—it’s Mr. Ward. No wonder!”“I’m not even surprised. Men do tend to have the edge when it comes to technical work.”But just then, a calm voice rang out from behind them, slicing clean through the chatter.“It’s not me.”The entire room fell silent.Everyone turned to watch as Stephen walked through the crowd and stopped beside Stellar. His tone was steady as he looked toward Dean.“I’m not the author of that paper.”Dean blinked in surprise. “But… didn’t you call me before and ask to have it approved for publication? If it’s not yours, then whose is it?”“I only helped submit it,” Stephen said, his gaze landing on Stellar with clear admiration. “The true author is s
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But as the doubtful stares around the room gathered on her, Stellar slowly curved her lips into a calm smile and said offhandedly, “Miss Shaw. Do you really believe this is a flaw?”“Isn’t it?” Joy narrowed her eyes, eager to see how she’d try to spin her way out.“That issue might’ve been considered a flaw in the past,” Stellar replied casually. “But not anymore. Not with what I’ve developed.”Joy let out a sharp laugh. “Oh please, now you’re just making things up to save yourself from getting humiliated. If you’re really that capable, why don’t you show us the solution?”The crowd seemed to agree—skepticism flashed across several faces, a few even looking at Stellar with thinly veiled contempt.But the next moment, she calmly reached into her bag and pulled out a folder, opening it with practiced ease. Her voice was steady.“I’ve already broken through this technical barrier. With the data in this set, the issue resolves itself. That’s why I said it’s not a problem at all.”All tho
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“Miss Rivers, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet. Your proposal was recently featured in a national journal. I had the privilege of reading it. It was truly impressive…”It was clear that they were here for her reputation.Some looked at her with admiration, while others came with questions, subtly probing as if trying to see whether the stories about her brilliance were true or just hype.Thankfully, Stellar was well-prepared. She responded with ease, and the overall atmosphere remained warm and respectful until a sharp female voice suddenly cut through the hum of conversation.“Miss Rivers, I admire you as well. When you left SA and chose the more prestigious Starlight base, I was genuinely disappointed. It’s a shame we never got to be colleagues. That was my loss.”Joy stepped out from the crowd, all smiles.On the surface, it sounded like a compliment. But her words suggested Stellar had turned her back on SA in pursuit of fame, casting her decision in
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After finding out she’d be attending the summit the next day, Stellar threw herself even deeper into her research.But she remained stuck on a key point and couldn’t crack it.While her colleagues gradually clocked out for the day, she stayed behind in the lab. After sending a quick message home to let her family know she was safe, she returned to her work.She kept at it until nearly midnight with no breakthrough. Just as she was starting to feel completely lost, her phone rang.She glanced at the screen and saw the call was from Stephen.She picked up his call in surprise.His deep, velvety voice came through the line. "Are you still at the base?"Stellar guessed he must’ve heard from her grandparents, so she didn’t hide it. "Yeah, I’m burning the midnight oil on a major project.""Then I’ll just borrow a few minutes. Can you come downstairs?"Caught off guard, she quickly made her way down and pushed open the main door.There, by the curb, stood Stephen—tall and steady like a
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Now Stellar had gotten a taste of just how overbearing Stephen’s mother could be. If Grace was that tough on her own son, there was no way she’d dare face her in person.Seeing her resistance, Stephen’s expression dimmed slightly, but he didn’t push her. "Alright, I’ll take you home."He had enough patience to slowly win over the girl he liked.This time, Stellar didn’t turn him down.After getting home and taking a shower, she still felt a lingering sense of unease.Thankfully, the meeting didn’t happen. Who knows how awkward it could’ve been!Pushing those thoughts aside, she returned to the base the next day to continue working on her project.Because of her efforts, several investors had been brought in, and Stellar’s position at the base rose quickly.That morning, Rendell called her into his office to inform her of a new assignment."Stellar, there’s an important aerospace summit coming up. You’ve been working on that new project recently, right? Perfect timing. You’ll represe
