Stella laughed recklessly but soon understood that her attitude was inappropriate. She quickly restrained herself and nodded. She said, "That's right, you're returning home."I noticed a deepening mockery on Celine's face. I met her gaze unabashedly and asked, "Oh... by the way, shouldn't you reintroduce this Miss Stella to me, Celine?"I passed the ball to Celine, who was standing beside Atlas.When I saw Celine stifle a laugh, I said, "You’ve always treated her as your adopted daughter, and she even introduced herself as Stella, Rory’s daughter. I’ve been meaning to ask you, Celine, if she’s Stella, then... who am I? I didn’t know my father had two daughters."As soon as I said that, everyone turned to look at Celine.Atlas's hand had been around my waist all this time. When he saw me questioning Celine, he looked at her with apparent interest as he waited for her response.My question may have been too sudden. I had slapped Celine in the face with that question, and no one in
Celine’s face was filled with sorrow and distress."As the only surviving bloodline of the Pierce family, I had to shoulder the responsibility. Rory's wife passed away suddenly from grief, leaving two children in the mansion. As their aunt, I took over the care of the children and temporarily stayed in this mansion."I seized on the loophole in her words and asked, "Temporary?"She glanced at me, not responding directly, and continued, "It was chaotic at that time."Celine calmly recounted the events, and if I didn't know the whole story, I might have been moved by her kindness.Suppressing my inner anger, I maintained a faint smile, watching her continue performing.Meanwhile, everyone in the hall nodded and sighed intermittently, their eyes filled with admiration for her."Little did we know, that night, someone took Rory's daughter away during the chaos. It wasn't until morning that she was discovered missing, and the Pierce family immediately sent people to track her down. M
"Aunt Celine, your storytelling skills are truly amazing. You know the details so well, and everything is logically sound. Why do I feel like you are the mastermind behind this whole thing?" Her eyes swiftly locked onto mine before quickly returning to normal.She remained composed as ever. "Do you think we gave up investigating over these years? It's no coincidence. Later, our people found Clark's body, which finally put an end to any leads regarding Rory.”I smiled. This twist eliminated Clark, leaving me wondering how she'd react if faced with him again."Not long ago, there was news that Rory was still alive. Stella rushed to the scene to bring him back but was ambushed by ill-intentioned people, resulting in her getting serious injuries. Her leg still hasn't fully recovered."Her words were succinct yet captivating, completely changing the facts. Not only did she frame my father as the one who betrayed Louis, but she also portrayed me as an imposter.In her narrative, the r
The VIPs in the hall whispered and murmured, discussing the matter among themselves. Celine had successfully stoked their resentment, uniting them against me and even targeting Atlas because of my presence.Suddenly, someone voiced dissent, and a familiar voice rang out, "Are you Stella?"It was that impostor again. I knew she was about to add more drama to the scene.She limped forward and turned to Atlas, saying, "Atlas, how did Ms. Chloe become Stella? This is impossible."Her questioning immediately piqued everyone's curiosity once again. They were all eager to understand what was happening."Do you know her well, Ms. Stella?”"What's going on? Can you explain?""Speak up. Who is this woman? Is she really Rory's daughter?""Doesn't she know where Rory is?"Everyone urged the fake Stella, fearing she might conceal the truth out of embarrassment.She said, "I've investigated her background. She was born in a small town in the northern part of Foswood. Her father was an ordi
"What a compassionate soul."I glanced at Atlas beside me, feeling somewhat uneasy about him being subjected to ridicule alongside me. It was the last thing I wanted.Those 'elderly' figures who seemed rather dignified were particularly disdainful. They confronted Atlas, criticizing him for getting involved with a woman of unknown background and bringing her to such an occasion, thereby inviting shame upon himself.One of them even stated, "A woman of uncertain identity has no place here!”"Yes, they shouldn't allow such despicable individuals to enter this premise. She should be kicked out immediately.""Even if she truly is Rory's daughter, so what? Until the truth of the past events is uncovered, she shouldn't set foot in the Pierce family’s residence because they are sworn enemies."Once this mood was set, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.Atlas remained silent, but his hand on my waist continued to guide me. Earlier, when he pressured me to admit I was Stella, he was
The proposal immediately garnered everyone's support, and they all chimed in, "Then let Ms. Stella grace us with a piece."I glanced at the impostor, her innocent expression masking her malicious delight.Even Celine joined in, "That's a splendid idea."Of course, I knew the impostor was aware of my memory loss. How could I possibly play the piano?The crowd quickly cleared a path to the piano. As I gazed at it, it seemed exactly like the one from my recurring dreams.Everyone seemed to be waiting for me.Atlas's hand on my waist tightened. I looked up at him, and he gazed back, saying, "Don't worry, I'll play for you. It's been a while since I played for you."He must have wanted to shield me. He probably feared I couldn't do it.The piano used to be Stella's forte. Atlas once told me they won a piano competition together."Atlas!” the impostor cooed, wrapping her arms around Atlas's. “I'd like to learn from Stella’s piano skills. Don't ruin this for me, okay? It's been my dr
Atlas extended his hand, and we rose together. He embraced me emotionally, kissed my forehead, and tenderly said, "My Stella, you're finally back."I could only say it was instinctive.Actually, I never formally learned to play the piano after regaining my memory. Pianos were rare luxuries in the small town where I grew up.During the holiday after my junior high exams, when I could laze around at home before starting college, I would often hear the piano being played when I was at home doing nothing.The principal of the nearby school lived next door, and his daughter played the piano. I felt strangely excited whenever I heard her practicing in the corridor. I always listened intently and wanted to watch her play.Finally, one day, I got a chance to do just that.Her mother forgot her keys when she left the house that day. Since she needed the keys in the office, she wanted to ask her daughter to bring them over.But she couldn’t reach her daughter's phone, so she called my mom
They all looked at Atlas with apprehension, unsettled by his sudden change in expression. Celine quickly caught on, maintaining her peacemaker persona.With a rare smile, she preemptively spoke before Atlas could. "Atlas. It's been years since you last visited. Naturally, things are a bit unfamiliar to you now. “I just invited everyone here to reunite us all. Over the years, everyone has been busy with business, not to mention the upheavals in the Pierce family..."Her voice trailed off, sounding melancholic."The upheavals in the Pierce family?" Atlas's tone carried a hint of mockery, his already cold gaze turning even colder. "Indeed, the upheavals in the Pierce family were quite significant. Even those who are here have become traitors."Celine hurriedly interjected, "Don’t be rude. Everyone who’s here today are all dear friends of the Pierce family, and they all...""I don't see any friends here," Atlas snorted, cutting off Celine. "Every word they said to criticize us earli