แชร์

Chapter 279

ผู้เขียน: Warm Cocoa
Stellar hadn’t expected that.

Stephen suddenly turned to her, his gaze deep and unwavering, his voice low and serious.

"What if I said I was?"

Her heart skipped a beat.

A rush of emotions flooded her all at once—nervousness, panic, uncertainty, and warmth.

"I…"

She pressed her lips together, her mind scrambling for words.

Maybe it was the intensity of his gaze, or maybe it was something else entirely, but she found herself speaking, her voice steady.

"You misunderstood. He’s my junior—someone I look out for, like a younger brother. That’s all."

The moment the words left her lips, Stephen’s dark eyes lit up.

They were brighter than the moon hanging in the night sky.

In an instant, all the tension, unease, and frustration he felt earlier vanished.

His voice was rich and unwavering.

"That’s all I needed to hear."

So, it wasn’t just him.

Stellar’s heart pounded against her ribs.

She quickly averted her gaze, trying to compose herself.

But the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her.

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  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 280

    Deep down, she refused to be seen as a delicate flower—someone incapable of standing on her own without a man's protection.But that wasn’t something she could easily explain to anyone.Yet, as if reading her mind, Stephen’s reply came through:"I know you don’t like being treated this way. I’ll talk to your uncles for you."Stellar was taken aback.She assumed that since Stephen was pursuing her, he would seize this opportunity to spend more time with her.Instead, he was turning it down.Stellar: “Why would you…?”Stephen: “I won’t force you into something you don’t want. But whenever you need me, I’ll always be there.”His words struck a chord in her heart.A slow smile spread across her lips.This time, she didn’t bother with polite refusals or empty words.“Okay.”That night, she fell asleep with an inexplicable sense of warmth.The next morning, upon arriving at the base, Stellar received an official notification.Her proposal had been approved.It should have been good news.Aft

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 281

    Stellar had never seen such shamelessness.Not only had Joy stolen her work, but now she was twisting the situation to make herself the victim.Backing down wasn’t an option—not for her."Fine. If that’s the case, I’m out of the final stage of this project!" she declared without hesitation.The room fell into stunned silence.Many were taken aback by her decisiveness, unable to hide their shock.Joy was the first to recover."Miss Rivers, do you really think the team can’t function without you?" she sneered. "This isn’t some playground where you can throw a tantrum. If you quit now, your work will be discarded, and your internship might not even be approved. Are you sure you want to be this reckless?"She spoke as if she were lecturing a child—one who was acting spoiled and irrational.But Stellar merely let out a cold laugh, standing her ground."Yes. If this place can’t even uphold fairness, I see no reason to stay."With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.Joy’s gaze dark

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 282

    Hearing Zayden’s offer, Stellar couldn’t deny that she was tempted."Alright, I’d love to give it a shot!"A satisfied smile spread across Zayden’s face.He reveled in the feeling of having her within his grasp, unwilling to let go."I’ll personally take you there tomorrow.""Then…" Stellar was about to say she needed to head back and prepare.But the moment Zayden sensed she was about to part ways with him, he quickly spoke up."Senior, I didn’t just come here to see you today. There’s someone I want to take you to meet.""Who?""Our old mentor. He’s in town for a while. Would you come with me to visit him?" His gaze was sincere, almost pleading.Stellar hadn’t expected him to be so respectful toward their teacher.Back when they were younger, she assumed Zayden hated their mentor and their fellow classmates—practically everyone except her.Maybe she had misunderstood him.With a warm smile, she nodded."Of course! I haven’t seen him in so long. Let’s stop by a shop and pick up some g

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 283

    Percy looked utterly defeated, his voice hoarse. "Mom, we can't win against her. The one who locked us up was Zayden Moore!"Margaret's face was filled with disbelief. "What?! He…how could he…""Stellar got involved with Zayden behind my back. He’s only helping her to humiliate and torment us."Percy's eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on the back of his clenched hand. His heart burned with resentment and shame."That shameless vixen! I always knew she was trouble, but to go behind your back and seduce your cousin…"Margaret was completely enraged now, abandoning all pretense of composure, cursing viciously without restraint.But no amount of insults could change reality."No, we can't just let this go! I’ll make her pay!"Percy's eyelid twitched, sensing something. "Mom, what are you planning?"A sinister glint flashed across Margaret’s face. "Since she’s so ruthless to us, we’ll destroy her!""Mom, you’re not thinking…""If she loves throwing herself at men, then we’ll help her do

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 284

    That made sense—Joy would never let something like that spread. Stellar remained silent for a moment, considering that Stephen was still a senior engineer at SA Aerospace. She decided not to speak ill of the place. "Let’s just say it wasn’t a good fit for me." Stephen frowned slightly, suspecting she had encountered something unpleasant. "What’s next? Do you have any plans?" On this, Stellar had nothing to hide. In fact, she spoke with a hint of excitement. "My junior mentioned an opportunity at Starlight Aerospace. I’d like to give it a shot." She had meant to share her good news with him. But as soon as she said it, Stephen’s frown deepened. "So, you'd rather accept his help than mine?"Stellar was caught off guard. "What?" Stephen’s voice grew heavier. "Do you really think he’s just helping you out of kindness? He’s making sure you owe him…" Who knew what else he was planning behind the scenes? "That’s your bias talking." Stellar emphasized, displeased. "He’s

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 285

    "You’re welcome."A glint of something unreadable flashed in the waitress’ eyes as she supported Stellar into the elevator.By the time they reached the top floor, Stellar had already lost consciousness, slumped against her shoulder.The waitress scanned the hallway before stopping at a slightly ajar suite door.Without hesitation, she carried Stellar inside, placed her on the bed, and quietly slipped away.Not long after, the door creaked open again and someone stepped inside.…Downstairs, inside a hotel room.Percy sat on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, waiting anxiously. Finally, a message popped up on his screen:“Mission completed.”But instead of feeling the thrill of revenge, unease twisted in his chest.Moments later, he shot to his feet, ready to leave.Before he could take a step, Margaret grabbed his arm. "Where do you think you’re going?""Mom, I… I think we went too far…"Margaret let out a cold laugh. "It’s too late for regrets. If you walk out now, you’ll only expo

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 286

    Stephen draped his coat over her shoulders, his voice gentle yet firm. "Be good, just hold on. I’ll take you to the hospital." With that, he scooped her up effortlessly and strode out of the room. Nestled against his familiar embrace, Stellar felt a deep sense of security. Her tense body gradually relaxed, and before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep. When she woke again, daylight was streaming through the windows. She was lying on a hospital bed. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Stephen, seated at her bedside, his gaze locked on her. "You’re awake." There was unmistakable relief in his voice. Her hazy mind slowly cleared, memories flooding back in an instant. Clutching his neck, clinging to him, kissing him deeply—fragments of those intimate moments flashed through her mind, making her cheeks burn. Had she really thrown herself at Stephen like that? But before she could dwell on the embarrassment, a realization struck her, and her expressi

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 287

    Meanwhile, at the hospital. Stellar snapped back to reality, a thought suddenly crossing her mind. "Wait, what about my uncles?" "I haven’t had the chance to notify them yet." Seeing how much pain she was in, Stephen had been too shaken to think about anything else. Stellar let out a small breath of relief. "Then don’t tell them. Otherwise, they’ll worry, and they might even alarm my grandparents." The elderly couple was already up in age, and her grandfather’s health wasn’t great. If they rushed over in concern, she would feel guilty. Stephen understood her concerns. "Alright. Just send them a message saying you’re out of town with friends for a few days." He had even thought of a cover story for her. Warmth spread through Stellar’s chest. "Thank you." But Stephen only tightened his grip on her hand, his voice low and hoarse. "I’m sorry." "For what?" "I shouldn’t have argued with you. If I had been with you last night, maybe none of this would’ve happened." His

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  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 288

    "I moved out of my family home years ago and have been living independently ever since. Of course, I have experience."Stephen’s response was confident.Zayden was momentarily speechless, his expression darkening as a cold glint flashed through his eyes.At the critical moment, Stellar intervened. "Alright, enough. Stop arguing. I’ve already requested a caregiver to take care of me. Right now, I need rest. If you two want to keep bickering, please take it outside. Thank you."Stephen and Zayden were speechless.With nothing more to say, the two men had no choice but to leave reluctantly.Once they walked a distance from the hospital room, Zayden dropped the act. His gaze turned cold and menacing as he looked at the man across from him."Stephen, there’s something you should know—I grew up with Stellar. We have a bond that outsiders can’t come between."Stephen’s expression remained indifferent.Zayden spoke each word with warning. "If you know what’s best for you, stay away from her.

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 287

    Meanwhile, at the hospital. Stellar snapped back to reality, a thought suddenly crossing her mind. "Wait, what about my uncles?" "I haven’t had the chance to notify them yet." Seeing how much pain she was in, Stephen had been too shaken to think about anything else. Stellar let out a small breath of relief. "Then don’t tell them. Otherwise, they’ll worry, and they might even alarm my grandparents." The elderly couple was already up in age, and her grandfather’s health wasn’t great. If they rushed over in concern, she would feel guilty. Stephen understood her concerns. "Alright. Just send them a message saying you’re out of town with friends for a few days." He had even thought of a cover story for her. Warmth spread through Stellar’s chest. "Thank you." But Stephen only tightened his grip on her hand, his voice low and hoarse. "I’m sorry." "For what?" "I shouldn’t have argued with you. If I had been with you last night, maybe none of this would’ve happened." His

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 286

    Stephen draped his coat over her shoulders, his voice gentle yet firm. "Be good, just hold on. I’ll take you to the hospital." With that, he scooped her up effortlessly and strode out of the room. Nestled against his familiar embrace, Stellar felt a deep sense of security. Her tense body gradually relaxed, and before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep. When she woke again, daylight was streaming through the windows. She was lying on a hospital bed. The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Stephen, seated at her bedside, his gaze locked on her. "You’re awake." There was unmistakable relief in his voice. Her hazy mind slowly cleared, memories flooding back in an instant. Clutching his neck, clinging to him, kissing him deeply—fragments of those intimate moments flashed through her mind, making her cheeks burn. Had she really thrown herself at Stephen like that? But before she could dwell on the embarrassment, a realization struck her, and her expressi

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 285

    "You’re welcome."A glint of something unreadable flashed in the waitress’ eyes as she supported Stellar into the elevator.By the time they reached the top floor, Stellar had already lost consciousness, slumped against her shoulder.The waitress scanned the hallway before stopping at a slightly ajar suite door.Without hesitation, she carried Stellar inside, placed her on the bed, and quietly slipped away.Not long after, the door creaked open again and someone stepped inside.…Downstairs, inside a hotel room.Percy sat on the edge of the bed, phone in hand, waiting anxiously. Finally, a message popped up on his screen:“Mission completed.”But instead of feeling the thrill of revenge, unease twisted in his chest.Moments later, he shot to his feet, ready to leave.Before he could take a step, Margaret grabbed his arm. "Where do you think you’re going?""Mom, I… I think we went too far…"Margaret let out a cold laugh. "It’s too late for regrets. If you walk out now, you’ll only expo

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 284

    That made sense—Joy would never let something like that spread. Stellar remained silent for a moment, considering that Stephen was still a senior engineer at SA Aerospace. She decided not to speak ill of the place. "Let’s just say it wasn’t a good fit for me." Stephen frowned slightly, suspecting she had encountered something unpleasant. "What’s next? Do you have any plans?" On this, Stellar had nothing to hide. In fact, she spoke with a hint of excitement. "My junior mentioned an opportunity at Starlight Aerospace. I’d like to give it a shot." She had meant to share her good news with him. But as soon as she said it, Stephen’s frown deepened. "So, you'd rather accept his help than mine?"Stellar was caught off guard. "What?" Stephen’s voice grew heavier. "Do you really think he’s just helping you out of kindness? He’s making sure you owe him…" Who knew what else he was planning behind the scenes? "That’s your bias talking." Stellar emphasized, displeased. "He’s

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 283

    Percy looked utterly defeated, his voice hoarse. "Mom, we can't win against her. The one who locked us up was Zayden Moore!"Margaret's face was filled with disbelief. "What?! He…how could he…""Stellar got involved with Zayden behind my back. He’s only helping her to humiliate and torment us."Percy's eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on the back of his clenched hand. His heart burned with resentment and shame."That shameless vixen! I always knew she was trouble, but to go behind your back and seduce your cousin…"Margaret was completely enraged now, abandoning all pretense of composure, cursing viciously without restraint.But no amount of insults could change reality."No, we can't just let this go! I’ll make her pay!"Percy's eyelid twitched, sensing something. "Mom, what are you planning?"A sinister glint flashed across Margaret’s face. "Since she’s so ruthless to us, we’ll destroy her!""Mom, you’re not thinking…""If she loves throwing herself at men, then we’ll help her do

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 282

    Hearing Zayden’s offer, Stellar couldn’t deny that she was tempted."Alright, I’d love to give it a shot!"A satisfied smile spread across Zayden’s face.He reveled in the feeling of having her within his grasp, unwilling to let go."I’ll personally take you there tomorrow.""Then…" Stellar was about to say she needed to head back and prepare.But the moment Zayden sensed she was about to part ways with him, he quickly spoke up."Senior, I didn’t just come here to see you today. There’s someone I want to take you to meet.""Who?""Our old mentor. He’s in town for a while. Would you come with me to visit him?" His gaze was sincere, almost pleading.Stellar hadn’t expected him to be so respectful toward their teacher.Back when they were younger, she assumed Zayden hated their mentor and their fellow classmates—practically everyone except her.Maybe she had misunderstood him.With a warm smile, she nodded."Of course! I haven’t seen him in so long. Let’s stop by a shop and pick up some g

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 281

    Stellar had never seen such shamelessness.Not only had Joy stolen her work, but now she was twisting the situation to make herself the victim.Backing down wasn’t an option—not for her."Fine. If that’s the case, I’m out of the final stage of this project!" she declared without hesitation.The room fell into stunned silence.Many were taken aback by her decisiveness, unable to hide their shock.Joy was the first to recover."Miss Rivers, do you really think the team can’t function without you?" she sneered. "This isn’t some playground where you can throw a tantrum. If you quit now, your work will be discarded, and your internship might not even be approved. Are you sure you want to be this reckless?"She spoke as if she were lecturing a child—one who was acting spoiled and irrational.But Stellar merely let out a cold laugh, standing her ground."Yes. If this place can’t even uphold fairness, I see no reason to stay."With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.Joy’s gaze dark

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 280

    Deep down, she refused to be seen as a delicate flower—someone incapable of standing on her own without a man's protection.But that wasn’t something she could easily explain to anyone.Yet, as if reading her mind, Stephen’s reply came through:"I know you don’t like being treated this way. I’ll talk to your uncles for you."Stellar was taken aback.She assumed that since Stephen was pursuing her, he would seize this opportunity to spend more time with her.Instead, he was turning it down.Stellar: “Why would you…?”Stephen: “I won’t force you into something you don’t want. But whenever you need me, I’ll always be there.”His words struck a chord in her heart.A slow smile spread across her lips.This time, she didn’t bother with polite refusals or empty words.“Okay.”That night, she fell asleep with an inexplicable sense of warmth.The next morning, upon arriving at the base, Stellar received an official notification.Her proposal had been approved.It should have been good news.Aft

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