Keegan understood what Carter meant and said, "I'll call you back later."After the call ended, Lena looked at Carter and asked, "What is it about?""Nothing much. He just wants to have a drink with me because it's been a while since we met.""Go ahead then. I'll get something to eat around here and get a cab back myself," Lena said."No way." Carter immediately rejected her suggestion. "I'll stay with you for a while first."Lena felt helpless. There was nothing she could do to change how clingy Carter was, but she kind of liked it too.Carter leaned in and kissed her on the lips. "Lena, why don't you switch to another less demanding position? You've been working overtime so frequently; it isn't good for your health. Look, you've lost weight again."Lena lowered her gaze and said, "This is my field of expertise. What else can I do other than this?""You could work in the management department. It's less tiring."In that way, not only that Lena would not have to put herself in
Carter kept quiet for a while before he said without holding back, "That looks cheap."Keegan got upset as he said, "Gold maintains its value. It represents how I'll always have a place in her heart."Carter continued to mock him. "How valuable can a gold ring be? She's so stingy that she doesn't even buy you a diamond ring. What's there to brag about?"Keegan frowned. "If you bought a diamond ring for a million, can you resell it for a million?"Carter was speechless. "Why would I sell something that I bought? Are you that desperate for money? One hundred grams of gold costs only around five thousand dollars, even if it can maintain its value. Will you ever dress up in gold when you attend some important social events? Even if you wear twenty pounds of gold, it will only cost you around four hundred thousand dollars. On the other hand, a platinum ring alone that I have cost tens of millions. Who do you think would be the laughingstock?"Keegan kept quiet.Carter continued, "She
"Aldor suggested, "Why don't you call and ask Mrs. Kane about it."He dared not to say anything rashly.So, Keegan confidently dialed his girlfriend's number.Motives for Murder had officially resumed shooting today. Stella made her way to the set very early in the morning.The lead character, Lexi, who was supposed to be played by Bella, had found a replacement actress.Stuart acted mysterious and did not want to reveal the identity of the new actress in the group chat. Stella got very curious, especially after being out of work for so long. That was why she arrived at the set exceptionally early today.The entire cast and crew got along better with each other after Bella left.Stella had gained significant fame after playing the empress in The Palace. After she returned to the set of Motives for Murder, the production team members would politely address her as "Coach Jewell."That made her feel very awkward as she did not think she deserved such a title. Hearing that also rem
Seeing that no one responded to Stella's knock, Leighton's fans could not help but chuckle, "Hah. Looks like someone is facing rejection.""We all know Leighton is dedicated to his career. He doesn't engage in these publicity stunts.""Why don't some people have self-awareness?"While the fans were taking pleasure in Stella being turned away, the dressing room door swung open unexpectedly, leaving everyone in a state of shock.Leighton was the one who opened the door. Though Stella was now his cousin, his feelings for her had not faded. He was initially drawn to Stella's versatile voice, and now that he knew about their family connection, he felt even closer to her."Hey, Stella. What's up?" Leighton asked.Stella waved the script in her hand and said, "Do you mind if we run through some scenes together?"Leighton shook his head and held the door wide open. "Not at all. Come on in."Leighton's fans were stunned by how he had graciously invited Stella into his dressing room. Aft
Stella could not help but laugh when she heard what Estelle had said. 'No wonder they call her Tiger. It seems like she's ready to bite at any moment,' she thought.Although Stella had failed to uncover the identity of the female lead, she decided to stay and rehearse lines with Leighton.Despite not attending acting school, Leighton's talent and genuine passion for the art shone through. He would throw himself into his roles every time he performed his scenes.Stella would offer him a few pointers even though she felt somewhat unqualified to be an acting coach. At the same time, Leighton was a fast learner. He would listen to Stella's suggestions and implement them into his performance.Estelle was left in awe after watching them rehearse one of the scenes. "With a bit more effort, you might even snag an award this year," she said as she saw Leighton's potential in acting.He had risen to fame through an idol talent show. Considering the current state of the entertainment industr
Leighton's face darkened as he stared at Nicole. "I didn't quit because I can't handle the role. I quit because I don't want to act with you as my partner.""You said the same thing last time, yet you couldn't even nail a simple kissing scene. You kept bumping into my teeth. It's been two years since then. Have you finally figured out how to handle kissing scenes?" Nicole asked with a smile.Stella was shocked to hear that she said that in front of everyone. Leighton seemed to take Nicole's words to heart, and his expression grew even more unpleasant.Leighton was a top-tier idol, and Nicole was the youngest three-time award-winning actress. Both of them had high national recognition. No one dared to intervene in their conversation. Rather, they were glad to not be involved in the drama.Estelle was terrified when she noticed that Leighton was on the verge of exploding. Stella gently tugged at his arm and whispered, "Don't be rash. You've portrayed this role brilliantly. Are you su
"Well, maybe you should leave it at home then," Stella suggested, referring to the engagement ring."No! You gave me this engagement ring! I'm not going to just leave it at home," said Keegan.Stella paused and said, "So, what do you suggest?"After considering Carter's advice, Keegan cleared his throat and proposed, "Since diamond rings are more durable, shall we consider getting a pair of diamond rings?""But diamonds are expensive, and they don't hold value," said Stella.Keegan was a little annoyed. "It's not like I'm planning to sell them.""But what if you don't get ahold of Vinci Rivera and go bankrupt?" Stella countered.Keegan's lips twitched upon hearing that, "Can't you have more faith in me?""I'm just being practical. Sure, we can get a pair of diamond rings if you want. But my income is limited right now, and I can't afford to buy you the best one," Stella chuckled.Aldor, who was listening to the conversation, had expected Stella to reject the idea wholeheartedl
Hylda froze when she heard the housekeeper's words. "Wh-What did you just say?" she asked anxiously.The housekeeper, who did not reside in Hylda's place, had to return home late at night. She was concerned about the killer on the loose since the area where the suitcase murder had occurred happened to be very close to her residence. Though she pretended to be brave, her fears were genuine.Over the past few days, the housekeeper had been closely following various sources for updates on the case. She hoped more than anyone that the police would apprehend the killer soon so she could feel safe during her daily commutes.Early that morning, the housekeeper read a message in one of her group chats about how the police had sealed off a section of Cornelia Avenue. It seemed they had found crucial evidence related to the suitcase murder case. Some rumors suggested it was the victim's phone, while others claimed it was the murder weapon.Hylda's face turned even paler when she heard the me
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