Trevor kept quiet.The way that Keegan called him "Bro" sounded too darn natural, and that gave him goosebumps.He stared at Keegan sternly for a few seconds before squinting. He said, "How come I've never realized you can be so shameless?"Keegan replied calmly. "That's because you went abroad too soon, and we didn't get to spend much time together. It's not too late for us to get to know each other better now."Trevor gazed at him and sneered. "Do you think everything is good now just because Stella accepted you?""Of course not. I still need your approval, brother. Stella cares very much about your opinion," Keegan responded humbly.His response left Trevor speechless."You're pretty confident about yourself. What if I don't think that you're good enough for her?"Keegan lifted his gaze and replied, "Then I'll have no other choice."Trevor was puzzled. Then, Keegan took his phone out and video-called someone.After a few seconds, someone answered the call, and a woman appe
Keegan swept his gaze across the rear-view mirror and felt very satisfied.'This is more like it. Couples should sit together, and the single one should just sit at the side.'Keegan accidentally brushed his hand against Stella's exposed knee as he was shifting gears. Trevor's eyelid immediately twitched before Stella could even feel it."Are you blind? Watch where you put your hand! Are you trying to take advantage of her?"Felicity could not help but let out a chuckle. What Trevor said was supposed to be something serious, but her laughter made it sound odd.She bit her lip, cleared her throat, and said softly, "Mr. Saun, they have been married for so many years. I can't even imagine how many times Keegan has taken advantage of her. It was just a little touch. Come on."Trevor kept quiet. Stella had no idea how to react to what her best friend said.Vermont struggled to suppress his laughter as he quickly pulled Felicity closer and whispered, "You know too much."Everyone was
Vermont threw his bag on the bed and grumbled at Keegan."Seriously, what's wrong with you? Why would you even think that your brother-in-law was your rival in love back then? And you kept picking on him too! Look at the situation you put us in now. I can't believe that you are making me suffer the consequences of your actions with you!"Keegan was very annoyed that he could not stay with his girlfriend too. So, he glared at Vermont and retorted, "You're not paying anything for this trip. What consequences are you suffering exactly?"Vermont glowered back at him. "My large bedroom is gone!"Keegan responded, "So what if you could have that room? I'm sure Ms. Thompson will make your lie come true immediately once you perform some medical miracles. You're only being treated like a national treasure because you're 'impaired.' Do you really think that you're her real boyfriend?"Vermont kept quiet.'What an asshole! He's just venting his anger on me at this point!'Vermont sprawled
Stella took out a piece of cloth to wipe it before wearing it on her left hand. "He got superstitious after the divorce and told me to wear this more often because it can ward off evil."Felicity pulled her hand over and took a closer look at the bracelet before saying enviously, "Keegan's taste is pretty good."Stella had fair skin, and the red bracelet looked exceptionally vibrant on her hand.She purposely tied her hair up with a silver hairpin to match her traditional Hustuabourgian-style dress, and the bracelet complimented her outfit extremely well.Stella had plenty of other hand accessories to wear, but they were all very expensive. She would feel bad if she scratched or damaged them in any way through daily wear.However, the Red Agate bracelet was relatively cheaper and more durable than her other bracelets. It would not be as heart-wrenching even if it did break. Besides, Keegan gifted it. He loved seeing her wear the things he gave her.At six-thirty, Trevor came knoc
Keegan lightly traced his fingers across Stella's palm. She looked at him and saw his nonchalant face. Then, he gently pinched her fingers.Stella lowered her gaze and smiled.Trevor patted Jaylene lightly. "We've been here for a while. The journey was long, so I took everyone upstairs to rest before coming down."Jaylene looked at them and said politely, "Mr. Snyder, Ms. Thompson, thank you for attending my birthday celebration today."She noticeably paused when her gaze fell on Keegan. Then, she continued softly, "Keegan, thank you for coming."Keegan could clearly sense a piercing gaze from his girlfriend on him as soon as Jaylene thanked him.He could not figure out why Jaylene had to thank him separately. Then, he replied flatly, "Don't mention it. I didn't bring any expensive gift today anyway."He felt the need to clarify things before his girlfriend misunderstood anything. So, he purposely emphasized the word "expensive."Jaylene smiled. "It's the thought that counts."
Felicity scoffed. "Fine, I'll listen to you this time."After looking at her obedient demeanor, Vermont could not help but lean in to give her a peck on the cheek.Felicity was startled. She was about to cover her face, but Vermont grabbed her hand. "My childhood friends are looking at us from over there. Don't overreact, or we're going to raise suspicion."She reluctantly withdrew her hand from her face and glared at him, "Can you at least give me a heads-up next time if you're going to do that? You scared me!"Naturally, Vermont interpreted that as Felicity was okay with him kissing her.So, he responded swiftly, "Sure."Felicity stopped dwelling on it after seeing how sincere he was. However, she felt a burning sensation on her cheek where Vermont kissed her, which was odd.As for the birthday girl, Jaylene was still very popular among the guests.As soon as Keegan and Trevor arrived, the other gentlemen pulled them over for a chat. Stella stood in place, wondering if she wo
That person got so angry that she laughed. "Oh, you're acting superior now just because you're in a play, huh? Is money all you care about?"Stella laughed too. "I can't believe one can be so entitled while asking for free stuff. I'm impressed. Ms. Dunphy, does your family have problems affording a ticket? Are you always trying to watch free plays wherever you go? Is your family... bankrupt?"Indeed, Ms. Dunphy's family was facing some financial issues, and Stella's words struck a nerve in Ms. Dunphy's heart, regardless of whether Stella said that intentionally or not. She got so angry that her face immediately turned red.Jaylene quickly chimed in, "Stella, Ms. Dunphy is just a straightforward person. She means no harm."Stella smiled. "That's why I was just joking as well. Why isn't anyone laughing?"Everyone kept quiet.Molly swept her gaze across Stella and said, "A joke is only funny when the person being joked about finds it funny. Otherwise, it's simply impolite."Stella
However, Stella's real identity was not publicly announced yet. Jaylene's father and brother repeatedly reminded her to keep it a secret, so she could not reveal the relationship between Stella and Trevor.That was why she had no choice but to endure Molly's resentment toward her without telling her the truth.Jaylene looked at Stella and realized how nonchalant she looked, as if she did not just deliberately put her in such a difficult position. So, Jaylene could only swallow the bitter pill.She suppressed her unpleasant feelings and said lowly, "Stella is my guest, and I'm glad she could make time and attend my party today. I apologize to everyone here if her presence made any of you unhappy. It's my birthday today, and I hope all of you can accept my apology."So, the ladies stopped talking.Stella gazed at Jaylene.Jaylene was very smart with her words. She did not explicitly say that she was apologizing on Stella's behalf, yet she mentioned her name and subtly shifted the b
Keegan moved from initial resistance to reluctantly listening, and eventually to questioning."Why do these novels portray men as so stupid and brainless, yelling at the female lead as if they have intermittent explosive disorder?""Is the male lead sick? Forcing the female lead to donate a kidney, is he out of his mind?""How many years would they get for calling the police in their world?""Why is he so dumb? The supporting actress claims the female lead pushed her into the water and he believes it? Is checking surveillance footage illegal?""Stella, are you making fun of me?""I can't learn this. It all feels so neurotic. What does the female lead see in him?"Stella retorted, "Who cares if it's neurotic? Just mimic that stupidity, that's how these innocent women like men who protect them like that."Keegan was very reluctant, but his brain was more compliant than his body. Without needing to study deliberately, everything he heard stuck in his mind.So when Keegan mentione
Keegan's expression darkened with anger. "You're being completely unreasonable!"Stella crossed her arms, wearing an expression that seemed challenging. "You let her take it. Let's see if I dare."Jaylene hadn't actually wanted those junk items in the first place; she was deliberately trying to stir up discord between them. Now that her goal was achieved, she put on a sympathetic look."Keegan, I don't want it anymore. Don't be angry. Your health is more important. Didn't the doctor say to keep your emotions stable?"Turning her head, she reproached Stella. "Stella, are you here to help Keegan recover his memory or just to provoke him?""Shut up, you brat! Do you even have a say here?"Acting under the guise of a drama, playing the role of someone lacking in manners, was incredibly satisfying.She’d wanted to curse this brat for a long time!Jaylene's lips twitched, but she held back, tearfully saying, "Stella, if you don't like me, I'll leave. There's no need to humiliate me l
Jaylene understood the situation perfectly. Even though she didn't particularly like these cold, mechanical devices, she put on a pretense of surprise, saying, "Really, Keegan?"Keegan nodded. "Choose one you like.""Keegan!" Before Stella could finish her sentence, she couldn't hold back her sharp voice, "With your pile of junk that I can't even touch normally, she takes a look and now you want to give it to her? What's the meaning of this?!"Keegan frowned, apparently not comprehending her current anger at all. "Jaylene gave me a gift, and I'm giving her one in return. What's the problem?""What problem?" Stella's eyes started to redden. "I can't touch them, so why should she be able to? Have you forgotten, or do you have inappropriate feelings for her?"Keegan's expression darkened. "This makes no sense!"Jaylene secretly delighted in this, hypocritically trying to calm things down, "Forget it, Keegan. Since Stella minds so much, I don't want it anymore. You've strained your r
The standoff lasted for over twenty minutes before Keegan grabbed a book and knocked the beetle off Jaylene's neck. The beetle fluttered twice and suddenly flew up, landing on Jaylene's face.Jaylene screamed, rolled her eyes, and fainted.As she collapsed, the bug flew off again."Jaylene?"Keegan called out to her.He looked up at Stella and said, "You go start the car, I'll carry her to the hospital."As he spoke, he signaled to Stella.She understood and coldly grunted, "So troublesome."Walking over to Jaylene, she squatted down beside her and slapped her face twice.Jaylene immediately opened her eyes and reached out to push her away. "What are you doing!"Stella was prepared and had already moved back before she could be pushed.She shook her tingling hand and innocently said, "Jaylene, you fainted because of the bug. I was just saving you. Don't believe me? Ask Keegan."Jaylene nearly ground her teeth. Did she think she hadn't heard? She was intentionally exposing h
Her fingertips trembled with a mix of horror and excitement. Just as the teapot was about to slip from her grasp, Keegan suddenly said, "Jaylene, don't move."Jaylene froze, instinctively thinking Keegan had regained his memory. She had barely twitched when Keegan loudly stopped her again, "Don't move, absolutely don't move."Jaylene wanted to say something, but then felt an itching sensation on her neck, as if something was crawling slowly. Goosebumps erupted all over her body.By now, Stella had turned around and saw Jaylene standing stiffly with the teapot in hand. Her eyes quickly assessed the situation and then she noticed the beetle crawling on Jaylene's neck.It was an unknown species, not overly tentacled but as long as a little finger, its mouthparts slightly twitching, genuinely alarming in appearance.Stella murmured, "It's so big."Jaylene couldn't see what was on her neck, unsure if it would bite or if it was venomous. She stood frozen in place, her voice trembling,
Seeing him, Stella even lowered her eyes and softly praised, "Mr. Kane, you acted very well."Keegan glared at her, his voice low and intense. "If you keep watching like this, Coco will cut ties with me tomorrow."Stella replied confidently, "No, she won't. After accepting the red envelope, she can tolerate you a little longer."Keegan asked sharply, "Did you teach her to ask for red envelopes like this?""Don't falsely accuse me; I didn't teach her.""You may not have taught her directly, but you set an example. Have you forgotten how you always make me buy things for you?"Stella was speechless. Whenever she wanted Keegan to buy her something, she would often say, "Gifts are only surprises when given voluntarily. If reminded, it shows they don’t like me that much."It had to be said, Coco had learned the essence of it.Stella also felt a bit awkward, thinking that in the future, she needed to avoid such flirtatious conversations between spouses in front of the children. They
Could she figure all this out?Keegan frowned, casting a disappointed look at Coco. "Are you not listening to me now?"Coco raised her gaze defiantly and stated, "Aunt Stella taught me that if I don't want something someone gives me, I can say no. I don't want this hairpin.""Didn't she teach you that even if you don't like something, you should still say thank you?"Coco fell silent for a moment, then reluctantly said to Jaylene, "Thank you, Aunt Jaylene, but I don't want it."Jaylene hesitated with her hand extended, unsure whether to retract it or leave it there, managing a strained smile. "Then what do you like? Next time, I will get you something you do like."Coco asked, "Do you want me to do something for you?"Jaylene was taken aback. "What?"Coco replied seriously, "Aunt Stella says offering help without reason is either deceitful or thieving. Since you don't like me, why else would you give me something? You want me to do something for you, right?"Jaylene forced a s
Leighton's incident did indeed revive their suspicions.Jaylene was gullible, but Darcie might see through this scheme. "Keegan, why didn't you go to work today?" Jaylene chose to ask directly at first.Keegan remained composed. "I've been busy with the press conference lately and haven't had much rest. Now that things have slowed down, I thought I'd take a break and relax."Jaylene spoke gently, "You should rest well. Since you came back, you've been busy, and you've been postponing Dr. Stone's follow-up appointments. Keegan, I'm really worried about your health. Since you're resting these days, I'll arrange for Dr. Stone to give you another check-up. Stella has been living here to assist your recovery for so long. We need the doctor to give a clear assessment of whether there's been any improvement. Otherwise, it's not good for Stella's reputation to stay here so long, unmarried and under one roof."Keegan nodded. "Okay, please arrange it. Thank you."His response was decisive,
Stella had just descended the stairs when she heard that remark, causing her eyelids to twitch as she thought to herself, “Damn it! He really knows how to come up with excuses!”Upon hearing this, Jaylene's eyes briefly flashed with disdain, but she ultimately accepted the shoe covers Keegan handed her. As Keegan led Jaylene into the house, her eyes continued to scrutinize every corner.There were a couple of pillows on the sofa, couple mugs on the table, wedding photos of Keegan and Stella on the walls, and even headbands and hair ties scattered on the table. The house exuded an unmistakable feminine touch.Jaylene's expression darkened, but when Keegan turned to ask if she preferred tea or coffee, she adopted a gentle, harmless demeanor. "Tea would be perfect."Keegan invited her to take a seat and called for Maria to prepare tea. Jaylene spoke softly, "Keegan, I heard from Stella that you brew Dragon Well tea better than anyone else. Is there a special technique?"Stella paused