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Chapter 78
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 79
Brian was caught off guard, his face turning ashen as he scurried away like a defeated rat.Once he was gone, Xavier finally lifted his head and looked at Stellar and Suzy."Sorry… and thank you. I didn’t mean to cause trouble for you."In truth, he hadn’t wanted Stellar to see him in such an embarrassing state, covered in coffee. It only made him feel more humiliated.Leaving Percy was a decision he had contemplated for a long time, and it had nothing to do with Stellar. But after hearing about her breakup with Percy, he wanted to help her and even considered pursuing her. He thought they were alike.But now, he heard that Stellar had successfully been admitted to the research institute. She had moved on from Percy and was doing better and better. Meanwhile, he remained nothing more than an ordinary man.The gap between them was insurmountable.He no longer had the courage to confess his feelings.Yet Stellar had no idea what was on his mind. Instead, she spoke candidly."You do
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 80
At that moment, Vivian suddenly spoke up. "If there’s a problem, we should focus on fixing it. Right now, the best course of action is to use a more advanced lab to handle the issue." The group snapped out of their frustration, realizing she had a point. However, something about the situation felt off to Stellar. Still, there was no time to dwell on it. The team quickly made their way to the higher-tier lab, only to be stopped at the entrance once again. "Sorry, but our team has reserved this lab for today," Alex said, arms crossed. Then, as if remembering something, he added with a smirk, "Oh, and just so you know, we submitted the request in advance. No rules are being broken this time, right?" Simon, as the team leader, stepped forward to negotiate. "Alex, could you do us a favor? We urgently need the lab, just for thirty minutes. We’ll make it up to you next time." "Simon, it’s not that I don’t want to help," Alex replied with a feigned look of helplessness. "But
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 81
Vivian's eyes flickered with a hint of triumph. Stellar caught the look, and a suspicion suddenly crossed her mind. But there was no proof. Would someone really go so far as to sabotage the entire team's work just to make her take the fall? Just as she was about to speak, a cool, clear voice rang out from a distance. "I can lend you my lab." Everyone looked up in surprise. Stephen strode over, his long legs covering the distance effortlessly, the crisp, refreshing scent he carried lingering in the air around her. She was momentarily stunned. He was indeed been involved in this project, but he had his own private lab, and all his data was independent from theirs. He had never mixed his work with their team. Besides, he was extremely territorial. Normally, he wouldn’t allow outsiders to step into his space. Yet this time, he was actually offering to lend them his lab? No matter what, this was an unexpected turn of events. "Really, Senior?" Stellar pressed her
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 82
Stephen shut his eyes tightly, but he couldn’t erase the lingering image from his mind. He exhaled deeply, lowering his gaze as he tried to collect himself. It took him a while before he finally reopened the door. When Stellar stepped out in her lab coat, she was surprised to see him still standing there. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he hesitated, then spoke up. “I didn’t know you were inside. I wasn’t trying to intrude… I’m really sorry.” For the first time, his apology was sincere, his gaze avoiding hers as if he were trying to escape something. Stellar had felt a little embarrassed at first, but the feeling faded quickly. It wasn’t as if losing a little modesty would cost her anything. Besides, she was wearing a camisole underneath. She wasn’t the type to make a big deal out of something like this or expect responsibility over a fleeting moment. Still, his reaction was far stronger than she had expected. Was he… embarrassed? She shook off the thoug
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 83
"I'm just excited Think about it—you almost let your talent go to waste! Luckily, you came to your senses. “Don't worry, I’ll personally help you apply for a patent on this research. The world needs to know that this achievement belongs to you." Though the project was a team effort, Stellar was undoubtedly the driving force behind it. She had led the entire process from start to finish. Victor’s enthusiasm was unmistakable—he truly cherished and valued talent. Stellar felt a wave of emotion swell in her chest. "Thank you, Professor. This time, I won’t let you down." This newly developed material was exactly what she promised for Shane’s project enhancement. With the results in hand, the contract negotiations should be finalized soon. …Early the next morning, Stellar called Shane and arranged to meet at the Brighton Group’s office. During the meeting, she provided him with a portion of the material. Though the patent application was still in progress, the feasibility
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 84
Stellar paused for a moment, sensing an unusual warmth in Shane’s demeanor. A strange feeling crept up on her—it almost felt like… a date. But she quickly brushed the thought aside, telling herself she was overthinking it. Lowering her gaze to the menu, she raised a brow in mild surprise. "The dish names are definitely unique. I’ll go with ‘Veiled Blossoms in Mist,’ ‘Crisp Emerald Leaves,’ and this one—‘White Truffle Delight.’ That should be good. You can pick the rest." She passed him the menu. Shane glanced at it briefly before adding, "I’ll include one more—‘A Worthy Pursuit.’ The name has quite the meaning behind it, don’t you think?" As he spoke, his gaze lingered on her, his deep-set eyes carrying a touch of intrigue. Stellar’s mind immediately recalled an old line of poetry: “A true gentleman seeks a worthy match, drawn to beauty and grace.”Her chest tightened slightly. Was she reading too much into this again? "It sounds… fine," she said vaguely, not wanting
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 85
It was the first real setback she had ever encountered in her life. Stellar was still courteous enough to spare his pride. "This dish is actually pretty good, Mr. Howe. You should try it too." Although the price was steep, the taste was undeniably fresher and more flavorful than other restaurants. Shane assumed she was just being nice, but after taking a couple of bites, he had to admit it was indeed delicious. His emotions were a rollercoaster—soaring one moment and sinking the next.Determined to regain his footing, he shifted the conversation back. "We were just talking about relationships. Miss Rivers, do you have anyone special in your life right now?" Stellar’s hand paused for a moment. She knew she wouldn't be able to avoid this. From all the subtle gestures and careful probing earlier, she had already guessed that Shane was interested in her. He wasn’t just treating her as a friend—he wanted something more. She decided to be straightforward. "No, I don't." Sha
As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 86
He looked at the young woman in front of him, the admiration in his eyes deepening."Hmm, I have no doubt in your abilities, Miss Rivers. But there’s no need to be so formal—just call me by my name.""Alright, then you can call me Stellar. I’ll be heading off now."She waved at him and quickly walked away.Shane watched her retreating figure, unable to tear his gaze away for a long moment.A storm of emotions swirled inside him, an unshakable frustration lingering in his chest.Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and called Stephen."Hey, got time tonight? Even if you don’t, make some. Considering I just landed you a major deal, the least you can do is come have a drink with me."There was a rare hint of dejection in his tone.Stephen paused, setting his pen down before teasing, "What’s this? Did you just get your heart broken?"The other end of the line fell into an awkward silence.A few seconds later, Shane huffed, clearly annoyed."Are you coming or not?"Now, Stephen was g
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As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart Chapter 220
"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
