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Chapter 52
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 53
The compliment felt even more genuine this time.Stellar, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise, quickly stood up and looped her arm through Mary’s."Alright, Mary, let’s go eat."The two of them walked downstairs, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere warm and lighthearted.The next day.Stellar headed to the university library to study.She needed to fully immerse herself in the research materials Victor gave her. Tomorrow, she would officially join the project team at the institute.But as she stepped into the library, she unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure by the window.Even in a room full of people, Stephen was impossible to miss.Sitting with perfect posture, he had an undeniable presence—calm, distant, and completely unapproachable.An aura that warned others to stay away.But Stellar, unaffected, walked straight toward him.Sensing movement, Stephen instinctively looked up, his gaze meeting hers.A second later, a small, elegantly wrapped box landed on the table in f
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 54
Claude seemed to anticipate her hesitation. His warm, reassuring voice came through the phone again."Stellar, you’re living on your own now, and taking taxis all the time isn’t safe. I’d never feel at ease knowing that. Having your own car will make things much more convenient.“Besides, you’re the little princess of the Rivers family—you deserve to be spoiled. You don’t need to feel burdened by it."A wave of warmth flooded Stellar’s chest, a mix of happiness and bittersweet emotion swelling inside her."Thank you, Uncle Claude. I really love the gift."In the end, she didn’t refuse his kindness.Still, it would take some time for the car to be delivered, so the next morning, she set out on foot as usual.She had barely stepped outside the gates when she unexpectedly crossed paths with a familiar figure.Stephen.He had just exited the villa across the street.His car was already waiting by the entrance, and his assistant stood beside it, holding the door open for him.So… he lived
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 55
In just half an hour, the group had settled into an easy dynamic."You’ve probably got a solid understanding of the project by now," Simon said, his tone calm and authoritative, carrying the natural leadership of a senior team member. "The first set of data needs to be processed soon. Let’s head to the lab and get started."Everyone stood up in agreement."Let’s go."Stellar followed them toward the lab.But as soon as they reached the entrance, they ran into a familiar face."Well, well, Stellar. Looks like you really did step in some luck. You actually made it into the institute," Alex sneered, though his eyes flashed with frustration.He had been waiting for the moment Stellar would be kicked out of school, hoping to pressure her into giving up her dignity and submitting to him.But now, that plan completely fell apart.Before Stellar could respond, Lilian shot back without hesitation."Sounds like you’re the one who got lucky. I still can’t figure out how you got chosen to stay at
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Her eyes gleamed with mockery and disdain, yet there was no surprise in them as if she always knew he was nothing but a fraud. Lilian and the others felt equally satisfied, their expressions filled with undisguised contempt as they looked at Alex. For a moment, his face burned red, as if he had just been slapped in public. Fury boiled inside him. Humiliated and enraged, he clenched his fists, ready to lunge forward and put Stellar in her place. But just then, a crisp, cool voice cut through the tension. "What’s all the commotion about?" Stephen strode over with unhurried steps, his tall frame casting an imposing presence. His sharp, sculpted features remained as cold as ever, his piercing gaze flicking over Alex with effortless indifference, as if he weren’t even worth acknowledging.Despite saying little, the sheer weight of his presence made Alex involuntarily shiver. The others exchanged glances, surprised. Some recognized him immediately, while others, knowing hi
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There was something undeniably condescending about her tone. Lilian, ever the optimist, might not have picked up on it. But Stellar’s smile faded as she finally looked Vivian in the eye. "Even without someone backing me up, I wouldn’t stand by and let anyone insult my mentor without doing something about it." She wasn’t one to stir up trouble. But that didn’t mean she was afraid of it. Vivian’s expression darkened. It was a direct jab—calling her out for standing on the sidelines and making snide remarks instead of taking action. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, Simon stepped in before things escalated. "Alright, that’s enough. Since Alex is out of the way, let’s get back to work. We need to run the data." With that, Nathan, who had been silent the entire time, turned and entered the lab without another word. Lilian quickly grabbed Stellar’s arm and followed. Despite her irritation, Vivian had no choice but to do the same. Simon was the last to enter, c
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 58
Simon was always serious when it came to academics, and when he saw true talent, he never hesitated to give credit where it was due.Even Nathan, usually unreadable, had a flicker of admiration in his otherwise indifferent gaze.Vivian widened her eyes as she stepped forward, scanning the data carefully.It was flawless.No matter how hard she tried to find a flaw, there wasn’t a single mistake to nitpick.She was so confident just moments ago, insisting on switching tasks. And now, this data—so precise, so irrefutable—felt like the biggest slap in the face.Her expression twisted with discomfort."Well, no wonder. Geniuses really are built different," Lilian gushed, practically in awe, looking more and more like Stellar’s biggest fan.Vivian clenched her jaw, unable to stand the praise."To be fair, it’s probably thanks to Senior Ward’s teaching."It was a thinly veiled jab, implying Stellar’s skills weren’t her own but merely the product of someone else’s guidance.But this time, St
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"Everyone was talking about you two back then."All the way up to graduation, when you abruptly gave up further studies and followed him straight into Moore Enterprises. Everyone thought you were finally getting what you wanted—to become Mrs. Moore."A faint tension settled over the group.The way she framed it made it sound as if Stellar had abandoned her academic career just to chase after a wealthy man.Vivian paused for a couple of seconds before adding, as if just remembering something,"Oh, but I did hear recently that the Moore family's heir is engaged to the Harlow family’s heiress. Stellar, you wouldn’t happen to be…"She trailed off deliberately, then widened her eyes with feigned regret."Oh no, did I just say something I shouldn’t have?"Her expression was one of mock remorse, but the flicker of triumph in her lowered gaze gave her away.Everyone present already picked up on the unspoken implication.She was suggesting that Stellar only returned to school because Percy dump
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 60
By the time dinner wrapped up, it was nearing 8 p.m. As Stellar and the others stepped out of the restaurant, they were met with a steady downpour. Most of them took a cab to get there. Since they all lived on campus, they planned to head back together, except for Stellar, who didn’t stay in the dorms. "You guys go ahead," she said quickly. "My place isn’t on the way. I’ll just call a ride on my own." Lilian hesitated, clearly worried. "Are you sure? I can wait with you—" "I’m feeling a little dizzy after drinking," Vivian cut in impatiently, rolling her eyes. "Can we just go? She’s a grown woman. I think she can manage calling a cab by herself." She bit down on the words “grown woman” with deliberate emphasis, her meaning clear. Stellar pressed her lips together, understanding the jab but choosing to ignore it. "But—" Lilian started, still reluctant. Stellar gave her a reassuring smile. "It’s fine. I’ll text you once I’m home." Only then did Lilian let out a smal
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"You don't have to be so formal with me," Stephen said, his gaze warm and unwavering.But Stellar didn’t look up at him. Instead, she simply replied, polite as ever, "It’s just basic courtesy between friends."With that, she turned and walked into the lounge.Stephen felt a pang of disappointment but knew better than to rush things.Just then, Joy approached from the distance."Stephen, there are still some details about the aircraft incident I need to go over with you. Can we talk in the office?"Since it was work-related, Stephen gave a nod and followed her.Meanwhile, after a sleepless night, Percy spent hours going over every moment he had shared with Stellar.Finally, he had put together what he wanted to say—how he could convince her to help him.But when he searched the maintenance area, she was nowhere to be found.Just as confusion settled in, he turned back only to see Stellar stepping out of a room marked with Stephen Ward’s name.Her face was slightly flushed, steam still
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With a sharp slam, Stephen set his glass down on the table, his gaze turning icy as he shot a look at Shane. "Is that funny to you?""Ahem..."Shane cleared his throat, realizing that pushing any further would only get him into trouble. He quickly straightened his expression."Alright, alright, let’s get serious. I know you’re frustrated, but listen, I've got to say, I think you’ve always liked Stellar. That little girl from the past? That was just an obsession, maybe even a sense of duty."Don't confuse the two, or you’ll regret it someday.""I know."Stephen’s voice was steady, sharper than Shane expected. "That’s not the problem. I just don’t know how to pursue her without being too abrupt. If I don’t act soon, I’m afraid she’ll slip further away from me."From the way Stellar treated him today, he could feel the distance growing between them, and that alone sent a wave of unease through him."Hah! So even the great Mr. Ward can struggle when chasing a girl," Shane teased, barely ho
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 218
Ethan had only gotten dragged into this because of her. Stellar curled her lips into a cold smile and spoke, her voice steady and sharp. "Since when did asking questions become something to be ashamed of? Or are you telling me you all know everything?" The moment she finished speaking, the ones who had mocked Ethan stiffened, caught off guard. They clearly hadn’t expected an intern to have the guts to challenge them so directly. "Being willing to ask, learn, and seek answers is a sign of humility and dedication. But instead of encouraging it as senior professionals, you ridicule it? What kind of logic is that? Or is this just how your team operates? Are questions not allowed?" A flush crept onto their faces. As seniors, they had planned to put the intern in his place. Yet instead, they had been publicly called out and humiliated by someone younger. Their pride took a heavy hit. One of the leaders, a man named Guy Wellson, scowled, his temper flaring. "Stellar, don’t
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The call was from Dawn, her voice laced with cautious humility. "Percy, I just had a prenatal checkup at the hospital. The doctor said my health is a bit weak… Can you transfer me some money for nutrition expenses?" Percy didn’t hesitate. "Alright, how much do you need?" Since she was carrying his child—and the situation benefited his return to the Moore family—he naturally intended to take responsibility. "Can you send me forty thousand? I’ve also run into some other issues… Don’t worry, consider it a loan. I’ll pay you back once I’ve sorted things out." Percy pressed his lips together. He wasn’t entirely pleased with her sudden high demand, but in the end, he softened. "There’s no need to talk about paying me back. I’ll send it right now." After hanging up, he transferred the money. On the other end, Dawn received the funds without a flicker of emotion. She immediately wired the amount into another account. "There, are you satisfied now?" She raised her gaze cold
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 216
A strange sense of unease crept up on Stephen.“Stellar, you don’t have to be so formal with me. Actually…” He hesitated, as if struggling to put his thoughts into words.“Hm?” Stellar blinked, her expression curious.She looked just like the little girl from his memories—bright eyes, delicate features, lips like soft peach petals. The resemblance was uncanny.And yet, the shocking truth was… that little girl wasn’t Stellar.It was someone else entirely.When he first uncovered the truth, he had found it absurd.But now, looking at the woman before him, her radiant smile pulling him in, his thoughts became clear.He knew now, without a doubt, the one he liked, the one who made his heart race, was Stellar.Summoning his courage, he finally spoke. “You’ve always been someone very important to me…”Stellar paused for two seconds before responding with a relaxed smile. “And you’re an important friend to me too.”Stephen’s brows furrowed.That wasn’t what he wanted to hear.Why was she sud
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 215
As Stellar and Stephen stepped out, they happened to catch the last part of the conversation. Stellar raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing an inexplicable hostility from Joy. But that was strange—they had only just met, hadn’t they? Stephen, however, didn’t hesitate to correct her. “Ms. Shaw, you got one thing wrong. It wasn’t me. It was Stellar who directed the landing. “She handled the controls with precision, ensuring the aircraft landed safely. She’s the real hero of this operation.” Joy paused for two seconds before quickly recovering, her tone easygoing. “My bad, Stephen. I can be pretty blunt sometimes—not as sensitive as most women. Maybe I didn’t phrase it well just now. “What I meant was, you two worked flawlessly together to resolve this crisis. You both deserve recognition for your efforts. “I’ll be reporting this to the higher-ups, and they’ll be awarding you both with honors.” Stellar finally spoke. “I only did what I could. I don’t need any awards.” “No,
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He stepped up beside Stellar. Knowing her well, he didn’t try to dissuade her. Instead, his expression was firm. “I’ll support you.”Stellar felt a wave of emotion surge in her chest. She gave a solemn nod.Percy stood frozen in place, utterly stunned. They were all insane!Wasn’t Stephen her boyfriend? How could he just stand there and watch her risk imprisonment? He was supposed to be the one who cared about Stellar the most. Yet, at this critical moment, he had completely lost his voice.In the end, Stephen and Stellar personally headed to the control tower to direct the landing."Stay calm. This is no time to panic," Stellar’s voice came through the cockpit radio.Under her steady reassurance, the captain, who had been on edge, visibly relaxed.She began directing his every move with precision while Stephen worked on the ground, coordinating preparations for the emergency landing.Finally, when the moment was right, Stellar made a swift decision and commanded the forced depl
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 213
Joy’s expression flickered for a moment before she finally spoke with composure. "My apologies. I made an error in judgment by assuming it was an engine failure from the start, which nearly led to an incorrect conclusion." She admitted her mistake openly and without hesitation. No one criticized her for it. In fact, their admiration for her only grew. Before long, the investigation report was submitted. But just as the tension had eased, another piece of shocking news arrived— "This is bad! The commercial airline under the research institute has another aircraft, AT1083, with the same issue. It took off not long ago! Unlike the A16, this isn’t a test flight—it’s already in service!"The air traffic control tower just reported that the plane has already flown over a thousand kilometers. “Its landing gear won’t deploy, and other systems are malfunctioning. It’s currently circling above the airport, and if this continues, it could face the same fate—another crash!"The highe
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 212
Percy thought Stellar had become arrogant and complacent ever since reclaiming her status as the Rivers family heiress. She was completely out of touch with reality. It was necessary to bring her back down to earth. This wasn’t a place for her to act recklessly. Even Joy felt a little embarrassed by his words. Sensing the growing tension, she stepped in to smooth things over. "Mr. Moore, I don’t think Miss Rivers meant any harm. She’s just a newcomer without much experience. There’s no need to be so harsh." "Ms. Shaw, you’re being too lenient with her. A professional investigation like this is not something an intern should be involved in." Percy genuinely believed he was doing Stellar a favor. If she knew what was best for her, she would step aside. Otherwise, she’d only make a fool of herself in front of seasoned professionals. Stellar almost laughed in disbelief. An outsider was standing here lecturing her about aerospace engineering? It was beyond absurd. S
