Nicole felt a soft touch on her lips and was shocked. Then, she pushed Leighton away and slapped him in the face.The look on her face was unpleasant. She gritted her teeth and said, "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"Leighton rubbed his sore cheek where she had slapped him and then suddenly flipped over, pinning Nicole beneath him as he held her wrists down on both sides.He lowered his gaze as his eyes curved in a cold arc. "You've been teasing me for so long. Isn't it because you're interested in me and purposely doing that to get my attention? What's wrong? Was the kiss not good enough? Or were you expecting me to do something more?"Nicole could not help but laugh disdainfully after hearing how confident Leighton was."Yeah, I'm interested in you. With so many dogs I own, you're the only kind I haven't gotten my hands on. I just can't stop thinking about you."Although she was pinned beneath Leighton, she still appeared to be undaunted.She smirked and continued unkindl
Nicole heard the sound and glanced at Lindy through the mirror. She pursed her lips and said flatly, "What's with the stupid look on your face?"Lindy's mouth twitched. "Why did you mess with Leighton?"Nicole put on an innocent look and said, "I didn't. He was the one who came looking for me first."Lindy frowned. "Don't you hate men? Why do you always tease him whenever you see him?"Nicole lifted her finger to wipe away the excessive lipstick on the edge of her mouth and said with a smile, "I hate men, but I don't hate little boys like him. Don't you think it's fun when he gets angry?"Lindy remained expressionless as she thought to herself. 'I wonder if you'd still find it fun if things go wrong.'Just as she was still in her thoughts, she heard Nicole saying, "Give a call to Mia and tell her to help the little pit bull out."Lindy's eyelid twitched. "Did you manage to get a taste of him just now? Why are you being so generous to him?"Nicole was a very selfish person who w
"There's nothing to worry about." Keegan consoled Stella. "It doesn't matter how cunning or evil she may be. She can never hurt you as long as I'm here."Stella smiled and snuggled into his arms. "I'm not worried about her hurting me if she does it to my face. I'm just afraid that she might secretly set me up while I still see her as a considerate and thoughtful person, catching me off guard."Keegan thought for a moment before he said, "Darcie managed to get together with Uncle Sean back then, despite being a divorced single mother, before taking control of Enchanted. I'm sure that she's more than just an ordinary woman."He figured that they should be more cautious when dealing with Darcie in the future.Stella thought about what Trevor told her and suddenly said, "The banquet is tomorrow, yet my brother hasn't contacted me all day.""He went to Salcator," Keegan said."What?"Keegan hugged her tighter. "The Hall family is rooted in Salcator, and their relatives and friends ar
Trevor would not just turn a blind eye to others criticizing and insulting Jaylene, no matter what.Vermont smiled and said, "It's nothing, just a little incident. The makeup artist that Keegan asked me to find for Stella was booked by Ms. Saun."Felicity bit his hand. Vermont could not bear the pain and let go of her. Then, she said, "She didn't book the makeup artist before us; she cut us off!"Trevor frowned. "Are you saying Jaylene took the makeup artist from Stella?"Vermont said, "Well, technically not. After all, I haven't paid Michael the deposit, and we only made a verbal agreement. Ms. Saun made the payment first. So naturally, she has priority over us.""Are you sure that Jaylene really did that?"Felicity immediately got unhappy after hearing that question from Trevor. "Why would we accuse her? The makeup artist's assistant made it clear over the phone that they had accepted Ms. Saun's booking and could not turn her down. That's why we had to look for someone else."
Edith did not look very pleased too. "Wenham is not this careless. Let's go inside and see what this is about."Wilfred scoffed. "It still wouldn't change the fact that he's foolish!"Daryl chimed in, "Dad, the venue is already booked anyway. Let's go inside first."Katherine added, "Dad, it's a joyous day today. Let's not find fault among our own family."Wilfred only reluctantly let go of his frustration after his children soothed him. Then, they headed toward the hotel.Wenham and Darcie had also arrived.Wenham was also very dissatisfied with the venue chosen and questioned Darcie, "Why did you book this one?"Darcie explained, "I wanted to pick a better one, but Stella insisted on this hotel. I know this banquet was organized for her, so I respect her choices and follow her decisions."Wenham's brows were furrowed. Then, he kept quiet after knowing that it was Stella's decision.Indeed, it was important to respect Stella's choices. But the hotel was simply not up to Wenha
Wilfred and Edith's mood immediately brightened up as soon as they saw their beloved granddaughter. They finally smiled. They warmly greeted Stella and asked about how she had been.Stella introduced her friends to them, too. After chatting, Trevor said, "Grandpa, Grandma, I'll take Stella upstairs. It's going to take some time for her to get her makeup ready.""Sure, go ahead." Edith let go of Stella's hand. "Make sure you look gorgeous so we can show you off later.""Sure," Stella replied with a smile.As she turned around, she saw Darcie standing behind her. She nodded at her before going to the lounge upstairs.Darcie pursed her lips and pondered the meaning behind Stella's gaze.After Stella left, Oliva started hosting the guests as the hotel's owner. "Mr. and Mrs. Hall Sr., let me take you to get some rest and have something to replenish your energy. The banquet will only start in the evening, and it will be very tiring for you if you don't eat something now."The elderly
"Could she be a bumpkin who can't fit into high society? Is that why they did not want to reveal her identity right after finding her back? Look at this hotel. Would they choose to organize the banquet here if they really care about her?""Well, although this is just a normal hotel, the decorations here are decent. Perhaps they have other considerations.""An ugly duckling transforming into the daughter of the richest man in town. How cliché.""You're wrong. The ugly duckling was always a white swan from the beginning.""Do you think the return of this real heiress will threaten Jaylene's status?""It's hard to say. I heard that the Saun family favors daughters over sons. Jaylene is treated better than Trevor in their family, even though she was adopted. Can you imagine how they'd treat their real daughter?""But Jaylene has been in the family for more than twenty years. You can develop feelings even for a pet in such a long time, let alone a child raised as their own. I doubt th
Dahlia reminded herself of when she was kicked out of the Kane family when Aurora mentioned Cordelia, fueling her resentment.She said coldly, "I don't think your grandmother would want to see me, so I won't bother her." Then, she asked, "Have you met this new heiress of the Saun family before?"Aurora shook her head and said, "No, but Keegan has."Dahlia was surprised. "What? Are you sure? What did he say?"Everyone was curious about the new heiress of the Saun family, and Aurora was no exception. She overheard Trevor and Keegan talking about the banquet on the phone the other day. Aurora was curious as to why Keegan would be so interested in the new heiress of the Saun family, so she asked him about it out of curiosity.She was not expecting a response from him, but he answered anyway, "Ms. Saun is a melody of grace in a world of noise, with eyes holding stars and a heart's gentle poise. You'll get it when you see her."Dahlia was shocked. "Did your brother really say that?"A
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