Raymond was momentarily surprised."Sir, your headaches are back? But you haven’t had a single episode since Miss Rivers made that custom aromatherapy blend for you. How is that possible…?"Percy froze. "Stellar made an aromatherapy blend? What are you talking about?"Raymond hesitated for a moment before answering. "The scent she used to infuse into your clothes every day. “Oh, and there was also some in your car—it was hidden inside the charm that came with the lucky cat figurine she gave you. “Miss Rivers blended the fragrance herself, and none of us knew the exact formula."Percy’s head snapped up.Since Stellar left, the household staff had been handling his clothes. The familiar scent had disappeared, replaced by something different.And his car…His gaze flicked to the dashboard. The spot where the small good luck charm had once sat was now occupied by a tacky golden saint statue—something Yvonne insisted on replacing it with after throwing the original one away.Raymond kept
For years, he hadn’t experienced pain like this. Now, it felt as if something was relentlessly hammering against his skull.The medication was out of the question, and even after Raymond spent a long time massaging his temples, the agony refused to subside.His vision started to blur, splitting into double images.With no other option, Percy reluctantly called Stellar, hoping to get the formula from her."Sorry, the number you have dialed…"His expression darkened.Right. He was blocked.Grinding his teeth, he ended the call and turned to Raymond, holding out his hand."Give me your phone."Feeling the heavy pressure radiating from Percy’s cold demeanor, Raymond didn’t dare ask questions. He quickly handed his phone over.Percy punched in a number he knew by heart and called again.This time, the line rang for a few seconds before being answered."Hello, who is this?"Stellar’s cool, clear voice came through, crisp as a mountain spring, instantly easing some of the tension in his che
That afternoon, as Stellar stepped out of the library, a slender figure suddenly emerged from the bustling crowd, blocking her path. "You’re Stellar Rivers, right?" The woman in front of her had wavy, styled hair and a designer handbag slung over her shoulder. Arms crossed, her expression was haughty and condescending. She looked to be in her early twenties, clearly a student, and somewhat familiar. "And you are?" "I’m Camille Dawson, a graduate student under Professor Stone." Camille sized her up, her gaze dripping with disdain. "I heard you graduated two years ago, yet now you’re back, acting like you belong here, taking the same exam as us to get into Professor Stone’s latest research team. I can’t help but wonder—what kind of strings did you pull? You must be really talented." Her tone was laced with sarcasm. But Stellar remained unfazed, her expression calm as she countered, "Is there a rule that says alumni can’t return for further studies?" Camille let out a
The memories replayed in her mind, each scene striking at her heart like a sharp blade.But now, she was no longer the person she used to be.She had the courage to face this head-on. She would never be the weak, helpless girl who let others trample over her. Giving in would only allow the schemers to win and give them more reason to gloat.She paused briefly, then spoke, her voice calm and unwavering."Do you really think a single photo is enough to spread rumors and condemn me?"Her clear, steady voice carried through the air like a gentle stream, silencing the murmuring crowd.Camille was caught off guard for a moment, but quickly lifted the photograph again, her expression smug."This picture alone is proof that your relationship with him isn’t ordinary. What else is there to argue?""I don’t need to argue. I just need to point out one fact."Stellar raised an eyebrow, then asked coolly,"The day you took this picture, why didn’t you mention that Professor Stone was there too? Th
The day of the exam arrived quickly.Stellar woke up early, dressed in a crisp white button-up and jeans, and tied her hair into a sleek ponytail with a headband. She looked every bit the perfect, diligent student.After twirling in front of the mirror with satisfaction, she headed downstairs.At the dining table, Mary had prepared a special breakfast—a double-yolk egg with ham—her face full of warmth."Miss, good luck! You’re going to ace this exam."The familiar gesture, a tradition she had seen countless times, stirred an unexpected wave of emotion in Stellar.It reminded her of the days when she was still in the Harlow family. Back then, before they knew her true identity, her adoptive mother had cared for her just as sincerely. She had also prepared eggs and ham before important exams, wishing her success.But those days were long gone.Pushing aside the memories, Stellar wrapped Mary in a tight hug."Thank you, Mary. I’ll take all the luck I can get."This feeling—being cared
"Correct answer."A flicker of shock crossed Camille’s eyes.Stellar actually got it right?It must have been a lucky guess.Didn’t Yvonne say she had spent the last two years doing nothing but chasing after men? How could she possibly still be keeping up?The instructor quickly moved on to the second and third questions.And every single time, before anyone else had a chance to fully process the problem, Stellar had already pressed the buzzer, delivering the correct answer without hesitation.Camille’s expression finally shifted.Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. There was no way Stellar was guessing all of them right.By the fourth question, Camille straightened in her seat, sharpening her focus."Regarding the structural components of a mechanical system, which principle must be applied…"This one was noticeably harder than the previous ones.Even after carefully analyzing it, ten full seconds passed, and Camille still couldn’t figure out the answer.
Just as Camille was basking in her silent triumph, Stellar finally lifted her head, her bright eyes curving with an easy confidence."I was just considering how to phrase my response accurately," she said calmly. "Because, in reality, this question has two possible answers, meaning there are two correct solutions."A ripple of shock spread through the room.Even the professor’s expression shifted, his interest visibly piqued."Miss Rivers, can you explain what the two solutions are?" he asked, leaning forward.Without hesitation, Stellar articulated both possibilities with perfect clarity.The professor glanced down at the answer key, then nodded in satisfaction.The room fell into stunned silence.Even Camille stood frozen, her face paling in disbelief.How was this happening?!Behind the observation monitors, Victor burst into laughter, his face beaming with pride."Did you see that?" he said, still grinning. "That’s my student. She never fails to exceed expectations!"Beside him, S
"But with so many fools doubting her, even if we believe in her, it won’t be enough to convince everyone," Victor said, his expression clouded with frustration."That’s easy," Stephen replied, raising an eyebrow. "Activate Plan B."…Back in the exam hall, the instructor was caught in the middle of a growing crisis, unsure of how to handle the situation.Just then, someone entered from the doorway, handing him a fresh exam paper along with a whispered message.The instructor let out a quiet sigh of relief, nodded, and turned back to the class."Everyone, quiet down," he announced as he stepped onto the podium, placing the paper on the desk with a firm slap."Since so many of you are questioning whether Miss Rivers cheated, but lack any real proof, we’ll settle this with another test. “This new set of five advanced questions has been created just now by Victor Stone and Stephen Ward. If she can answer them, that should be enough proof for everyone. What do you say?"The room fell into
Stellar could hear the malice dripping from the reporter’s words.She took a deep breath.This incident hadn’t been a secret back then.But after all these years, for someone to bring it up now—so deliberately, so calculated—it was obvious this wasn’t just a casual question.Someone planned this.But they seemed to have forgotten one thing—she was no longer the same Stellar Rivers from back then.Her therapist had told her once that running from the past would never free her from it. The only way to take back control was to face it head-on.She refused to let this moment break her.She had rebuilt her life from the ground up.She was not that helpless girl anymore.And yet, the weight of the stares and the judgment seeping into the air had pulled her straight back into the nightmares of her past.She tried to speak, tried to force out a response.But no sound came.The memories clawed at her, her stomach twisting violently, her body betraying her despite every ounce of resolve she had.
"Our company intends to use this land to build a luxury resort. It will attract international travelers and serve as a hub for cultural exchange, creating a bridge between domestic and global tourism…"Mark listened carefully, nodding subtly in approval.It was a solid proposal.Then, it was Brighton Group’s turn.Stephen glanced at Stellar, silently signaling for her to take the lead.She raised a brow, momentarily surprised by his level of trust.But since he was giving her the stage, she wasn’t going to shy away from it."Our plan is to develop this land for the advancement of aerospace technology. It will serve as a research and development facility, contributing to the nation’s space exploration efforts and scientific innovation."Mark sat back, absorbing her words.Her explanation was articulate and her vision was ambitious.There was something remarkable about a young woman with a mind set on shaping the futureAt that moment, she wasn’t just presenting a project; she was illumi
But after the initial shock, jealousy hit her like a wave.Why?Why did Stellar, a woman she saw as nothing more than discarded leftovers, always have powerful men standing by her side?What did she have that Yvonne didn’t?Her gaze instinctively shifted to Percy.No matter how she measured it—looks, intelligence, presence—Percy was leagues below the man standing in front of them now.Even fate seemed to favor Stellar.Percy, meanwhile, stood frozen in disbelief.He had never imagined that this man before him was Brighton Group’s CEO, the industry’s most sought-after visionary.However, Stephen paid them no mind. Instead, he arched a brow, his voice carrying an effortless, almost lazy confidence."If Stellar were really trying to latch onto someone, she wouldn’t need to look elsewhere—I’m right here. She doesn’t even spare me a glance, so why would she be interested in him?"His remark left Yvonne, Percy, and Stellar speechless.The murmurs in the crowd only grew."He’s got a point. W
Stellar almost laughed.The sheer audacity.How could Percy possibly think he was better than Stephen?How shameless did he have to be to say something like that with a straight face?Just as she was about to respond, a sharp voice interrupted."Percy?"Percy turned, only to see Yvonne approaching.She was clutching a wine glass tightly, though her expression remained composed on the surface.Inside, she was seething.The heiress of the Seaton family, one of the owners of this very land, was part of her social circle. That was how she had gotten an invitation to tonight’s event.But the last thing she expected was to find Percy here—and worse, standing so close to Stellar, locked in a heated exchange.They appeared to be laughing and chatting.Had he deliberately turned down her invitation just so he could come here for Stellar?Had he lied about his business meeting?Fury burned through her veins, but she swallowed it down, composing herself as she made her way over."Percy?" she cal
Percy instantly recognized the man standing beside Stellar—it was the same guy he had seen with her at the private dining restaurant that night.So, they did know each other.Was she here with him?That thought alone sent a deep sense of unease surging through him, an almost suffocating sense of urgency.His fists clenched tightly at his sides.Not long ago, she was always the one by his side, helping him secure project after project.But now?Now, she stood beside someone else, acting as if he were a stranger.They were once so close, yet at this moment, they had never felt farther apart.A desperate urge clawed at Percy, compelling him to reach for something—anything—before it slipped away completely.He stepped forward, about to say something to Stellar—But before he could, the host of the event, Mark Seaton, made his way toward the crowd.Percy swallowed back his impulse and forced himself to stay put."Welcome, esteemed guests. I know you’ve all gathered here for the same reason—
Stellar flinched, startled, and quickly turned around, only to find Stephen standing beside her. She had no idea when he even got there. "Senior…" She blinked at him suspiciously. "You heard everything just now?" "Hmm. I happened to be in the restroom." Stephen’s tone was casual as if it were just a coincidence. Stellar’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint. "Well, I guess you saw through me." She let out a small chuckle. "I was bluffing to see how she’d react. Turns out, she folded instantly. If I actually had proof, I wouldn’t have let her off so easily." Someone who couldn’t focus on their research and instead schemed to sabotage others’ work wasn’t worth any sympathy. Just having her step down from the project while still keeping her spot as a graduate student was already giving her more mercy than she deserved. "Senior, do you think I was too harsh?" Her eyes shimmered with mischief, not at all apologetic. Instead of coming across as cunning, it made he
Vivian’s palms were slick with nervous sweat, but she kept up her bravado, voice sharp despite the tremor beneath it."You have no right to accuse me! I didn’t tamper with the data. You're making baseless accusations!"Stellar arched a brow, her gaze sharp enough to cut through any pretense."Oh? So, you’d rather go public with this? Let me lay out the evidence for everyone to see?"Her voice was calm, almost amused, but the weight behind it was undeniable."You really think I’d confront you without proof? You really think your plan was flawless?"Or do you honestly believe someone like Alex Porter wouldn’t throw you under the bus the second things got tough?"Three pointed questions—each one hitting harder than the last.Vivian’s confidence crumbled as cold sweat trickled down her back.She had been so sure her plan was airtight, convinced she had covered her tracks.But Stellar had unraveled it all so effortlessly.And Alex? That idiot would sell her out in an instant if someone pres
"What’s that supposed to mean? Why are you talking like that?" Lilian frowned, clearly puzzled. "I’m just stating the facts. Is there a problem with that?" Vivian shrugged innocently, but her tone carried the same irritating smugness. Lilian couldn’t stand that attitude. Simon, ever the peacemaker, sighed and stepped in. "Alright, both of you, let’s just drop it and keep working." "We’ve been at this for hours. If it’s not working, maybe we should just cut our losses," Vivian said flatly, dousing any lingering hope."If this approach isn’t yielding results, we should consider switching to another—" Before she could finish, Stellar suddenly spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "Hold on. I’m about to get the answer." Vivian’s brows furrowed slightly. Then she let out a soft, condescending scoff. "We’ve all been working on this for hours with no solution, but now, suddenly, after sitting there mumbling to yourself, you think you can solve it?" "You—!" Lilian’s tempe
As if the endless demands weren’t frustrating enough, they were also draining his finances.The moment Percy so much as suggested a compromise, Yvonne would throw a tantrum, playing the spoiled heiress to perfection."If you can’t meet my expectations, I’ll tell my uncle and the others that you can’t even afford this. Let’s see how he deals with you then."Percy knew all too well how much the Harlow and Jonathan’s family doted on her. They would bend over backward to satisfy her every unreasonable demand, and somehow, he would still end up being the villain in the story.If word of this reached his father, he’d be in for a lecture, and if it caused any trouble for the engagement, it could even hurt the company.His past missteps had already cost Moore Enterprises several partnerships, leaving the business on shaky ground.At this point, he couldn’t afford any more turbulence.And Yvonne, of course, had figured that out. That was why she was pushing her limits, knowing full well he ha