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Chapter 296
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 297
Rendell continued explaining, "A large group of investors will be attending, and they’ll be deciding their investments based on our performance. “We’ll be sending a few senior engineers to participate, but if anyone has recommendations, now’s the time to speak up."The moment he finished, a hand shot up."I nominate Stellar Rivers."Stellar was caught off guard. "I’m still new. I don’t think I qualify for something like this.""But your skills speak for themselves! We need to show SA Base what they lost out on when they let you go—that’s their loss, not ours.""Exactly! I second that!"More voices joined in, hands raising in support.Seeing the overwhelming agreement, Rendell nodded. "Alright, we’ll have Stellar join us. No pressure, just do your best."Stellar felt a wave of gratitude. Since she was going, she was determined to prepare well.…At 3:00 PM, Stellar arrived at the event venue and immediately noticed Joy on stage, confidently holding a microphone as she spoke about the
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There was a biting sarcasm hidden in her words. Stellar's expression cooled. So now that Joy had gotten rid of Stellar, she no longer bothered to pretend, letting her hostility show outright."But…" Joy's tone suddenly shifted, her lips curling in amusement. "Starlight Aerospace made the worst mistake by sending a rookie like you to give a speech. “That unrealistic research of yours must have scared off so many potential investors! I bet they’re regretting it now." The glee on her face was unmistakable. Stellar arched a brow and shot back, "I can’t say for sure if Starlight will regret it, but having someone like you, who steals others' achievements, as part of SA Base? Now that is truly disgraceful." Joy’s expression darkened instantly, her jaw clenching. "Stellar, I’d think twice before speaking if I were you." "Did I say anything untrue?" Stellar let out a soft chuckle before adding, "Then again, it makes sense. With your limited abilities, you couldn’t solve the prob
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On the other end—After persuading the investors, Joy had just returned to the base when someone came running over excitedly to tell her that Christopher had arrived.She lit up at the news and walked into the office area, where she immediately spotted the elite-looking man surrounded by people. She smiled and walked up to him. “Chris, you’re finally here.”Everyone quickly stepped aside to make way for her.Christopher greeted her with a warm smile. “Joy, it’s been a while. You’re getting prettier every time I see you. I heard from our mentor that you’ve hit a bit of a roadblock?”“It’s just some trouble with the aircraft modification,” Joy replied with a smile. “But with someone like you, a world-class talent, any technical problem is nothing.”Her string of compliments filled Christopher with confidence. He patted his chest and said, “So it’s a technical issue? I should be able to fix it. Come on, show me what we’ve got!”The engineers watching were instantly thrilled, their faces
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"Thank you, Professor."The meeting ended smoothly, and as Stellar stepped out of the research institute, several students spotted her and lit up with excitement."Whoa, it's Stellar! My idol actually came back to campus!""I can't believe I get to see her again. I’m so lucky.""She's a legend in our field."A group of admiring students couldn’t hold back their amazement."A legend? You mean the one who got kicked out of SA Aerospace Base?" a cold, mocking voice cut through the chatter.The crowd instantly fell silent.Stellar heard the comment too. Her gaze followed the voice, and she froze for a second when she saw who it was— Vivian, of all people.Stellar hadn’t seen her since she exposed Vivian’s scheme and forced her out of the research group. She had nearly forgotten this woman even existed."What? You guys seriously don’t know?" Vivian crossed her arms and stepped forward, her voice dripping with spite. "That amazing, untouchable Stellar you’re all gushing over? She was fire
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“She’s asking for the moon!”“I know who Miss Shaw is—she’s the daughter of the institute director and a senior engineer at SA! Expecting her to follow instructions from someone just starting out? How ridiculous.”More and more people began to speak up on Joy’s behalf.“Stellar’s getting way too full of herself. There’s no way Miss Shaw’s going to agree to that.”Vivian quickly caught on, lifting her chin with a smug look, clearly waiting to watch Stellar embarrass herself.But to everyone’s shock, after a long silence, Joy gritted her teeth and said, “Fine. I agree to all your terms.”She had to swallow every ounce of her pride to say it.The room was stunned.Stellar, on the other hand, smiled in satisfaction.She could feel just how unwilling Joy was.Even now, she still didn’t understand where Joy’s hostility came from, but it didn’t matter anymore.“In that case, let’s go, Miss Shaw.” Folding her arms, Stellar turned and walked out first.Joy quickly followed, leading her back to
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A glint of calculated coldness flashed through her eyes.…In the days that followed, after witnessing Stellar’s capabilities firsthand, the team began to fall in line, each person quietly carrying out their assigned tasks under her lead.Everything progressed smoothly.During that time, Stellar received a call from Lilian.“Stellar, you really went back to SA Base to help Joy Shaw fix that aircraft? That woman is clearly up to no good—you better watch your back!”It was obvious she’d heard about the incident at school earlier that day, and her tone was thick with concern.“I’ve been involved in this aircraft modification from the beginning,” Stellar replied. “I’ve already poured over a month of work into it. I don’t want to see it go to waste. Let’s just say I’m doing it for the good of the aerospace program.”At first, her voice was generous and noble. But a glimmer of mischief flickered in her eyes, and her tone shifted into something more layered. “Besides, it’s still too early t
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Stellar didn’t make it home until seven that evening.She stepped out of the car, heading toward the villa, when a shadowy figure in the distance made her stop in her tracks."Percy?"Her expression instantly turned guarded.Even though he was no longer the man he once was—his high status gone, broke and desperate, and no match for her in any sense—she couldn’t forget everything he’d done. She stayed on alert."Stellar…"Percy looked worn down, his face haggard, his voice low and pleading. "I just wanted to see you. That hundred dollars you gave me... it helped me find a place to stay. I’ve started working again, trying to get back on my feet. If you could just give me a little more time… maybe I can prove myself, maybe I can…""That’s enough."Stellar cut him off before he could say another word. Her voice was calm, but firm. "I thought I made it clear last time. There’s nothing between us anymore.”She had long walked out of the shadow he’d cast over her past. He couldn’t touch h
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He looked a little surprised. “No one else home tonight?”Stellar explained, “Mary had to head back to Southport for something, and my uncles are tied up too…”“You haven’t had dinner yet, have you?” Stephen asked, his voice laced with concern.She nodded, just about to say she could whip something up herself.But Stephen cleared his throat and, almost casually, said, “How about I cook for you tonight?”“Sure! Let’s go to my place. I’ve got food ready in the fridge.”A smile tugged deeper at his lips.The two of them walked inside, shoulder to shoulder.Once in the kitchen, Stellar started to roll up her sleeves to help, but Stephen stopped her.“Leave it to me tonight. You just focus on eating.”His tone left no room for argument.Stellar couldn’t help but laugh, then a playful glint flickered in her eyes as an idea came to her.“Hang on.”She darted out of the room, and a moment later returned, hands tucked behind her back.“Since you're cooking in the kitchen, and it can get a littl
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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
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"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
