Share

Chapter 3

Author: Warm Cocoa
“Well, if it isn’t the Harlow family’s precious ‘heiress,’ Stellar Rivers.”

A mocking laugh rang out as Yvonne, dripping in jewelry and arrogance, crossed her arms and blocked Stellar’s path.

Behind Yvonne stood two bodyguards dressed in all black, their dark sunglasses adding an air of intimidation.

Stellar didn’t want to engage. She stepped to the side to avoid her, but Yvonne grabbed her arm, yanking her back.

“I wasn’t done talking. Who said you could walk away?”

“I have nothing to say to you,” Stellar said, shaking off her grip.

Since Yvonne had been reunited with the Harlow family, Stellar endured nothing but cruelty. To them, she was the villain who stole Yvonne’s life for eighteen years, a parasitic fraud who took what wasn’t hers.

And Yvonne...

What she did to Stellar had ruined her reputation, her innocence, and her entire life. Yet no one believed it was Yvonne’s doing.

Everyone thought Stellar deserved it, calling it karma for taking Yvonne’s place.

But who ever considered that Stellar was just an orphan, equally innocent in all of this?

Stellar tried to leave again, only for Yvonne’s bodyguards to block her path.

Yvonne rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Wow, looks like you’ve grown a backbone. What’s the matter? You are just a piece of trash abandoned by the Harlow family. Do you think you’d still be alive today if Percy hadn’t saved you back then?”

She sneered, giving Stellar a disdainful once-over.

“Too bad, though. At the end of the day, you’re nothing more than a toy to him. No, not even that. Haven’t you heard? Now that I’m back, the families are reviewing my marriage with him, and he’s already agreed to it.”

Yvonne smiled cruelly, her words cutting deep.

“And you,” she added, her voice dripping with mockery. “Surely you didn’t think someone like Percy would ever marry a filthy, used-up tramp like you? I mean, I heard that in all these years you’ve been with him, he hasn’t even touched you. How pathetic.”

Yvonne laughed, her tone filled with smug satisfaction, every word like a dagger aimed at Stellar’s deepest wounds.

Stellar didn’t care about wealth or material things, but the word “toy” hit her like a dagger to the chest. Her face betrayed a flicker of emotion she couldn’t suppress.

Yvonne’s smug grin only deepened as she noticed her reaction.

“People like you should learn to accept their place in life. Stop trying to climb higher with your dirty little tricks. You stole my life. So what? The uncle who raised you for twenty years despises you now, but he adores me.

“He gives me anything I want. He even started an entertainment company just to turn me into a superstar. And today? He’s here at this school investing in my new film to boost its publicity.”

She paused, giving Stellar a mocking once-over.

“And look at you—so pathetic. Abandoned and left with nothing. What are you doing here? Looking for a job? A person without even a diploma. Don’t tell me you’re still dreaming big.”

Every word was meant to pierce Stellar’s heart, and it might have worked before.

In the past, those words would have devastated her. She might have broken down on the spot, crying and giving Yvonne exactly what she wanted.

But now? After everything she had been through, even letting go of Percy, these taunts no longer had the power to destroy her.

Stellar took a deep breath.

“Are you done? If you are, step aside.”

She had more important things to do than waste her time here. As for the grudges from her past, she would deal with them in her own time—one by one.

Yvonne felt as if she’d thrown a punch only to hit a wall of air. She glared at Stellar’s flawless, icy face, grinding her teeth in frustration.

If it hadn’t been for the Harlow family wanting to maintain a relationship with Percy, she would’ve scarred that pretty face long ago, just to see this wretched woman groveling like a beaten dog.

But Percy protected Stellar back then, and he still did.

That didn’t mean Yvonne intended to let her off easy. No, she’d take everything Stellar had, even Percy.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder: What was Stellar doing here?

Stellar ignored the encounter and walked straight into the Aeronautics Research & Development Center.

However, she was told that Victor wasn’t available.

Planning to return later that afternoon, she headed for the exit. But as she stepped outside, she unexpectedly ran into an old classmate, Alex Porter.

Back when Stellar was still known as the Harlow family’s heiress, Alex pursued her relentlessly, only to be turned down.

Later, when her true identity was exposed, Alex was the first to kick her when she was down. He’d even spread vile rumors behind her back, claiming she’d slept with men for one hundred dollars a night.

The moment Stellar saw him, disgust flashed through her eyes. She turned away, trying to avoid him, but Alex blocked her path.

“Well, well, don’t run off just yet. Isn’t this our once-high-and-mighty Miss Harlow? Oh, wait, you’re not a Harlow anymore, are you? You’re Stellar Rivers now!

“What brings you here today? Couldn’t cut it out there and came crawling back? Let me tell you, I’m a faculty member here now. If you beg me, I might just help you out. Of course, that depends on how much you’re willing to…”

His eyes roamed over Stellar, lingering in a way that made her stomach turn.

Before he could finish his sentence—

Slap!

The sharp sound of her palm meeting his cheek echoed in the air.

Alex stood there, stunned.

After all, Stellar had always been a giant when it came to academics but a pushover in real life.

Despite her achievements in school and her wealthy background, she was the target of endless bullying, pranks, and schemes. Back then, her only response was tears, and never once had she stood up for herself, let alone fought back.

“You…”

“What about me?” Stellar’s sharp, crystalline gaze locked onto him, a wild determination in her eyes that made him falter.

For a moment, he didn’t dare say another word.

Seizing the opportunity, Stellar turned and walked away.

Unbeknownst to her, a tall, strikingly handsome man stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the upper floor of the research institute, watching everything unfold.

His posture was straight and commanding, exuding an undeniable air of authority. The tailored black suit he wore, with its custom buttons and perfectly matched tie clip and cufflinks, spoke of refined luxury and sophistication.

As he observed the scene below, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Turning to Victor, he let out a low chuckle. "If you’ve already decided to take her on, why go to the trouble of telling her you weren’t here, making her jump through all these hoops?"

Victor shook his head, focused on sorting his papers. Without looking up, he said, "You don’t get it. Rough talent needs refining. She needs a little tough love."

The man returned to the leather sofa and sat down, his fingers drumming leisurely against his knee. His deep, piercing gaze fixed on the professor.

“You talk about tough love, yet you’ve gone out of your way to prepare all this material specifically for her. Professor Stone, research demands absolute focus and precision. I can’t agree with your approach here.”

His tone was blunt, cold, and utterly devoid of sentiment.

Victor huffed in exasperation, his mustache twitching with indignation.

“She’s Stellar Rivers—do you even realize how rare someone like her is? When I showed you her results years ago, you called her a prodigy. Have you forgotten?”

“You said it yourself that it was years ago,” the man retorted, tossing a stack of documents onto the table. “She gave up her education to be some man’s trophy, dropped out of society for over two years. And now you expect her to achieve anything?”

“Let’s make a bet!” Victor shot back, raising an eyebrow with a determined glint in his eyes. “For the first phase of your project, she will be the only one who can deliver the result you want. If she fails, I’ll personally show her the door. But if she succeeds…”

“We’ll talk when she succeeds.”

The man’s cold voice cut him off. His sharp gaze swept across the documents until it landed on a small, two-inch photograph clipped to the top.

The girl in the picture had bright, shining eyes and a radiant smile that seemed to hold the whole world within them.

What a waste...

Stellar stepped out of the school gates, her emotions a swirling mix she couldn’t quite name.

Still, she made up her mind to return to her old path. Compared to everything she’d been through, this setback was nothing.

Just as she was about to head back, her phone rang.

It was Claude.

She answered, and his slightly anxious voice came through on the other end.

“Stellar, I’m tied up with something back in Southport right now and can’t get away. Could you do me a favor…?”
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 4

    At 8 p.m., the entrance to the Revere Hotel was lined with luxury cars.This level of business gala enforced a strict guest list, with numerous journalists stationed outside, snapping photos of the arrivals.Stellar stepped out of the car, a vision of bold elegance, a stark contrast to her usual understated style. Her fiery red gown clung perfectly to her curves, while her porcelain skin seemed to shimmer under the shifting lights, radiant as polished marble.A gemstone necklace and a red clutch completed the look—simple yet exuding an understated elegance that made it impossible to discern the brand but left an impression of quiet luxury.The moment she exited the car, she drew more than a few admiring glances.Stellar’s long lashes lowered slightly, her meticulously crafted, icy makeup concealing any trace of unease. However, she sighed softly.Claude had arranged the dress and jewelry for her tonight, but the choices were far too extravagant for her taste. This was already the simpl

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 5

    What puzzled Percy was that Shane made no move to shake his hand. Instead, Shane simply stared at him with an odd expression.Percy hesitated in confusion before awkwardly pulling his hand back."Mr. Howe, is there an issue?" He just saw Stellar talking to Shane, and judging by their interaction, it looked like they’d reached some kind of agreement.Could it be… the deal hadn’t gone through?Before he could dwell further, Stellar spoke up.“Mr. Moore, I’m sorry, but I don’t have a contract for Moore Enterprises. I’m not here on behalf of your company.”Her words made Percy freeze. It took him a moment to process what she’d said, and when he did, he lowered his voice sharply.“You’d better think about where we are before causing a scene.”In a setting like this, his image was everything. He could dismiss her publicly if necessary, but she, as a woman, should know better than to stir trouble in front of an audience.In the past, Stellar, always keen on reading the room, would have imme

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 6

    “Mr. Howe.” Percy stepped in front of him, blocking his path with an abruptness that bordered on rudeness, drawing the attention of those nearby.Shane smiled faintly, sizing him up. “Mr. Moore, is there something else you need?” Percy felt an unprecedented sense of humiliation. He, the esteemed president of Moore Enterprises, had never been in a position where he had to practically grovel for a partnership. But this project was critical to Moore Enterprises' performance next quarter. He couldn’t afford to let it go. Hiding his frustration behind a practiced smile, Percy said, “Stellar has never worked at Moore Enterprises. She didn’t even finish college. Whatever skills she has, she picked up from being around me. Mr. Howe, I strongly encourage you to reconsider this partnership.”Shane, a veteran in this industry, had always avoided working with Moore Enterprises, mainly because he disliked Percy as a person. The moment he heard Percy’s words, Shane’s lips curled slightly.“Are

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 7

    Although Claude was always gentle and warm in front of Stellar, he was, after all, the current CEO of Riverside Corporation. His commanding presence was unmatched, and now, tinged with anger, it was downright intimidating. The sheer force of his aura made Percy’s heart skip a beat, but he stubbornly refused to back down as he stared at Stellar. “Sir, there’s clearly been a misunderstanding. Miss Rivers belongs to me.”He even considered saying that Stellar was no more than a pet he raised, convinced that no matter who this man was, no one would treasure something discarded as worthless. But before the words could leave his mouth, the man in front of him let out a cold laugh. “You? You’re not even worthy.” The single, cutting sentence shattered what little composure Percy had left. His face turned an ugly shade of red and purple. Stellar, who hadn’t eaten and already had a few drinks, felt her stomach twist even more at the thought of Percy and the cloying scent of perfume t

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 8

    At the same time, in the top-floor office of Brighton Group, a man stood before the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the bustling city traffic below. The sunlight poured over his sharp, chiseled features, casting a warm golden hue that softened his otherwise cold demeanor. He stood like a figure carved from marble—aloof, otherworldly, and indifferent as if surveying the world from above. Behind him, a table held the proposal and contract sent over by Riverside Corporation. Shane, unable to contain his excitement, was effusively praising their latest acquisition to Stephen Ward. “Stephen, that Miss Rivers is truly something else—stunning and incredibly capable. The technical support she’s provided is nothing short of brilliant. I’ve got a strong feeling this partnership will last. It looks like the Rivers family has struck gold with her. With her leading Riverside, that new company of theirs has limitless potential.” Shane wasn’t just an employee or subordinate; he

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 9

    Stealing confidential information was a cardinal sin in their industry. If the accusation stuck, Stellar would face legal consequences, potentially even prison time. Brighton Group would also risk being implicated. At the banquet that night, Shane hadn’t believed Percy’s claims. But now, with Percy barging into Brighton Group with apparent preparation, Shane couldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely. Turning his attention to the proposal, Shane flipped through the pages. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes before he looked at Stellar. “What does Miss Rivers want to do?” Before Stellar could respond, Percy cut in, his voice laced with smugness and indifference, as though he was savoring the moment she would plead for forgiveness. “Do you even have a choice? I’ve given you countless chances, but you insisted over and over that you weren’t representing Moore Enterprises. Stellar, without Moore Enterprises backing you, do you really think you’re qualified to negotiate with Brighto

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 10

    Stellar’s eyes flickered subtly.She had expected this outcome.But with business opportunities knocking on her door, there was no reason to turn them away. She offered a graceful smile.“No problem, but I have some matters to handle right now. Let’s discuss this later.”Nicholas didn’t press further, nodding with satisfaction before cheerfully walking away. As he left, he threw a parting remark at Percy.“Mr. Moore, since the contract has expired, we’ll have to see if there’s another chance to collaborate in the future.”The implication was clear: there would be no renewal.Percy was so furious he could barely contain himself.He hadn’t anticipated that Stellar truly had the capability to pull this off—humiliating him at Brighton Group and even stealing away one of Moore Enterprises’ key partners.Staying any longer would only worsen the embarrassment, so he reluctantly signaled to his team.“We’re leaving.”But before he could take another step, Shane chuckled lightly.“Mr. Moore, do

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 11

    William Moore’s scolding hit Percy like a bucket of cold water, sobering him up almost instantly.“You know how much the Harlow family treasures Yvonne. They wouldn’t even dream of scolding her. And you had the nerve to tell her to leave? Tomorrow, you’re taking a gift to apologize and make things right. “The business scene in Riverdale is volatile right now, and there are competitors trying to seize market share. The Moore family needs the Harlow family’s support. Do you understand me?”Percy didn’t particularly care about the idea of a business alliance through marriage, but with the collaboration with Brighton Group now out of reach, cutting ties with the Harlow family wasn’t an option either.“Fine,” he muttered after a long silence, hanging up the phone and sinking back into the sofa, his expression blank as he sat there in silence.Xavier cast him a glance, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smirk.“I’ve got other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. As for help

Latest chapter

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 374

    Over the years, you changed your identity and deliberately cut ties with them to avoid being found out, living a glamorous life on your own. “If the truth gets out and everyone finds out about your background and what kind of person you really are, do you think you'll still have a place in this circle? “When that happens, my grandfather will be the first to kick you out of the family!”With those biting words, Christopher’s expression darkened, and he was left speechless.“So I suggest you know your place. Do as you’re told and stay out of things that don’t concern you. Otherwise…” Joy’s tone was sharp, thick with threat.Under pressure, Christopher finally kept quiet. Even though he was deeply unhappy with how Joy handled things, he had no choice but to turn around and leave silently.Just as he walked out, a slow round of applause came from the doorway.Joy looked up and saw a laid-back man strolling in.“Joy, you’re really getting good at this. Taming Christopher like that is like

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 373

    After a round of brief introductions, everyone quickly dove into the project work.With hardly anyone dragging their feet, progress was smooth. For Stellar, things moved along efficiently. After completing the initial stage of her research, she quickly identified a direction for the next phase and decided to use a critical piece of lab equipment for the upcoming experiment.She headed to the relevant department to file a request.“Sorry, Miss Rivers, that high-grade instrument has already been reserved. We only have one available,” the staff member informed her.It didn’t come as a complete surprise.After all, it was a top-tier device, rare even on the international level. It was the world-class equipment and elite talent that drew her to this institute in the first place.“No worries,” she replied. “I’ll go check in with the lab and see if I can borrow it for a bit.”With that, she made her way to the lab and knocked on the door.“Well, well, look who it is. Isn’t this the one and

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 372

    "If you dare bother us again, I’ll take you to court, and have you thrown in jail."Her words made the man freeze. He looked ready to fall to his knees. "Yes, yes—thank you, Miss Rivers! Thank you! We promise, we won’t cause any more trouble."In the end, the IOU was signed, and Cheryl, reluctantly parting with her precious savings, handed over twenty thousand dollars. Her son matched it with another twenty thousand, and only then did the family leave, utterly humiliated.Once the door shut behind them, Martha turned to her granddaughter with a heartbroken look."Stellar, I’m so sorry. This was all my fault. I never should’ve invited them over. You spent months working on that data, and now it’s gone... You let them off lightly, didn’t you? For my sake?"But Stellar just grinned, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "Grandma, you’re giving me too much credit. That file? It’s all in my head."As she spoke, she sat down, opened her laptop, and her fingers flew over the keyboard. Less than f

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 371

    As soon as Stellar finished speaking, Cheryl’s legs gave out beneath her, and with a loud thud, she dropped to her knees.Only then did the weight of the situation truly hit her.She scrambled forward on hands and knees until she reached Stellar, clutching desperately at her sleeve, tears streaming down her face. "Miss Rivers, I was wrong. I swear I know I was wrong! My grandson didn’t mean to do it, he really didn’t. Please, have mercy. Don’t hold this against us!"I’m old, and there’s no way we can afford four million! I’m begging you, for the sake of my friendship with your grandmother, please let us off just this once!"Stellar’s eyes were icy, unmoved.She was about to turn to her grandmother for guidance when Martha stormed over and slapped Cheryl’s hands away."Don’t you dare touch my granddaughter with your filthy hands! How laughable. You finally realize how serious the matter is when you need to pay the four million dollars? “My granddaughter worked for months on that data,

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 370

    The little brat joined right in with his grandmother, hurling insults. "You filthy woman! Seductress! You’re a liar! Dream on!"Stellar didn’t waste another word. She pulled out her phone and spoke calmly into it. "Hello, is this the police? I’d like to report a case of intentional property damage. Please send officers over immediately."With that, she hung up.Cheryl’s eyes bulged, her face flushing red with rage. "You’ve lost your mind! Calling the cops over something like this? You’re insane. We’re leaving!"She grabbed her grandson’s hand and turned to storm off only to be blocked at the door by several bodyguards."No one’s going anywhere," Stellar said coldly. "Not until the police arrive, assess the damage, and calculate the compensation. Then you can leave."A shiver ran down Cheryl’s spine.The chubby boy burst into loud sobs. "Grandma! I’m scared!"Cheryl, flustered but trying to keep her composure, cooed, "Don’t be scared, baby. They’re keeping us here against our will. Jus

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 369

    "Who let him into my room?!"Stellar's voice was cold and sharp, carrying a force that made the air around her feel heavy. Even Cheryl flinched instinctively."What happened?" Martha quickly stepped in, alarmed.Only then did Cheryl snap back to herself and immediately launched into complaint. "Martha, you really need to teach your granddaughter some manners. Arguing with a child? Honestly, she’s completely out of line—no patience, no grace whatsoever..."Before she could finish, Stellar cut in, her voice like ice. "Grandma, her grandson went into my room, tore up my bed and desk, broke several pieces of my makeup, and worst of all, he corrupted an important document on my laptop.""What?" Martha’s face darkened at once. "Cheryl, how could you let this happen?"Realizing her grandson was indeed at fault, Cheryl forced a shameless smile. "Oh, come on, it’s just some makeup. He’s just a kid. He didn’t mean it. It’s not like he knew what he was doing. Can't you just let it go, for old t

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 368

    So, she teased him on purpose. "Then maybe you should consider joining us at Starlight.""Are you trying to poach me?""Yep. Will you let me?"Stephen seemed to think it over for a moment, then shook his head. "Better not."Stellar knew switching bases wasn't something anyone would do on a whim—she’d only been joking. Still, hearing his firm refusal made her feel a tiny twinge of disappointment."Aren’t you going to ask why?""Hmm?" She looked up, puzzled. "Why?""Because…" Stephen looked down at her, eyes warm with amusement. "As far as I know, Starlight doesn’t allow workplace relationships. And that’s something I just can’t give up."Stellar’s heart gave a hard thump. In that moment, she finally understood what it meant to feel butterflies.This man had a way of tugging at her heartstrings with just a simple line."Ahem..." She couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips and quickly turned her head. "Well then, I guess it really is out of the question."They let the subject pass

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 367

    Earlier, Martha had let Cheryl's endless bragging slide without a word.But this time, her expression turned cold in an instant."My granddaughter doesn’t need to do chores. She’s the pride of our family—born to be loved and cherished. Whatever she wants, we can give her. No one has the right to order her around."Cheryl was taken aback, stunned into silence for a moment before snapping back, "What man would want a wife who can’t even handle basic housework? I’m saying this for her own good! Aren’t you worried she won’t be able to get married?""Then she won’t," Martha replied without hesitation."If she stays with us for the rest of her life, so be it. We’re more than capable of taking care of her."Cheryl fumed, feeling like her good intentions had been thrown back in her face."Grandma, I want a drink! And snacks!"The chubby boy came running back, flushed and sweaty after tearing through the house.Cheryl dropped the argument instantly, her focus back on her grandson."Alright, alri

  • As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart   Chapter 366

    Martha and Stellar shared a helpless glance before finally giving in with a quiet nod.They drove Cheryl over to the preschool together.All the way there, Cheryl kept bragging nonstop. "This preschool? It’s the top bilingual academy in the area. All the language teachers are brought in from overseas! Tuition alone runs around four or six grand a year. “My son really values his kid’s education, so he’s giving him the absolute best. It’s like pouring money down the drain, but thankfully, he makes enough to support the family. “He even bought a house here and paid four hundred thousand dollars without blinking."The more she talked, the prouder she sounded, completely unaware that the car she was riding in was worth far more than that.Stellar’s ears were practically going numb from the constant boasting. But out of respect for her elder, she held her tongue and didn’t interrupt.When Cheryl finally ran out of things to say and noticed the lack of praise from her audience, she turn

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status