"Well, we can't just stand by and watch as Jaylene tries to put herself between our best friends, can we? Sure, Keegan loves Stella and wouldn't fall for her, but why should we give that annoying little thing a chance to try? I have to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't cause any trouble. It would be best to teach her a little lesson and let her know she can't just come into other people's territory!"Vermont's heart turned cold when he heard that. Though he and Felicity were in a relationship, it seemed she did not care much for her boyfriend compared to her best friend.'My ex-girlfriends were always very protective of me. Although I'm not one to cheat, plenty of women are interested in me because I'm so attractive.' Vermont's exes loved to pick a fight with him whenever he was friendly with a member of the opposite sex.'It seems like I've chosen poorly this time. Felicity is completely indifferent to women who approach me. She would even be kind enough to step aside...
The crowd turned their heads to see a stylish man standing beside Jaylene, gently reminding her that one of her earrings was loose.The man was none other than Jaylene's makeup artist, Michael Caleb. Jaylene tried to adjust her jewelry, but Michael intercepted her and said, "I'll take care of it."He fixed Jaylene's earrings and tucked in a few of her loose hairs. "I'll be right here, Ms. Saun. Just give me a call if you need anything."Jaylene nodded in response. Once Michael stepped away, her circle of friends began to chat."Is that Michael Caleb, the top-tier makeup artist in the industry?""I was wondering why Jaylene's makeup looked so different today. Turns out Mr. Caleb had a hand in it. His skills are extraordinary.""It's incredibly tough to book him. My friend couldn't even get an appointment for her birthday.""Jaylene, your makeup looks exquisite. The Sauns' long-lost daughter is going to be overshadowed when she stands next to you later.""If Jaylene can hire such
Felicity was at a loss for words because of her best friend's self-confidence.Meanwhile, Wenham was welcoming his guests and beaming with delight. He was extremely pleased to hear people congratulate him. Since his wife's passing over twenty years ago, today was the happiest day he had ever experienced. As he shook everyone's hands, he suddenly spotted a blond, blue-eyed man conversing with Keegan not far away.Wenham hesitated for a moment, then hurried over and said, "Mr. Winston?"The man turned around, and his deep-set eyes met Wenham's. He politely smiled and greeted him with a Yostrainian accent. Wenham extended his arm and shook the man's hand. His name was Danny Winston.Danny Winston was a client Wenham had dealt with recently in North Yostrain. The deal did not go through because Danny was not inclined to do business in Hustuabourg. He was not even willing to look at the proposals, let alone discuss them further.Trevor had been traveling abroad often recently, all in p
Dahlia was standing very far back in the crowd. It took her quite a bit of effort to squeeze her way to the front row. When she finally spotted the woman Trevor was leading, she felt a sense of familiarity.As she began furrowing her brows, the woman lifted her head. Dahlia was shocked to see who the true heiress of the Saun family was. She could not help but yell out, "Stella?!"The scream was incredibly abrupt in the otherwise quiet atmosphere. Stella paused for a moment, casting a faint glance toward the audience.When she met Stella's indifferent gaze, Dahlia instantly felt a chill down her spine. 'What in the world... How could the Sauns' long-lost daughter be her?! How is this possible?!' She thought.Dahlia had gone to great lengths to separate Keegan and Stella. And now, the heiress she wanted him to marry was none other than the ex-daughter-in-law she had driven away.'This is absolutely absurd!'Dahlia's face turned pale. Aurora was also shocked by the realization but d
Stella spoke at a calm and steady pace. Her speech was devoid of any exaggerated recounting of her past twenty-plus years. There was no overwhelming excitement about being recognized by the Saun family. Instead, she shared her journey from the moment she learned about her true heritage and the love and care she received from the Saun family. Her words were sincere and filled with gratitude toward her family and friends.Edith and Wilfred were in the audience and had tears in their eyes. Despite Stella's excellent upbringing, it was inevitable that they felt heartbroken after over two decades of separation.Darcie watched as Stella spoke on stage, carefully observing her features. 'They'd be identical if she just has a mole on her nose,' she thought."Mom, it's time for the group photo," Jaylene interrupted.She returned to reality and realized that Stella had already finished her speech. The elderly couple and Daryl were already on stage, taking photos.Darcie pursed her lips and
'Why are they giving me another present? What was that money pouch they gave me last time?' thought Stella as Wilfred handed her a box.She was about to decline when Trevor intervened, saying, "It's a heartfelt gesture from your grandparents. You should accept it."Upon hearing that, Stella found it hard to refuse. She took the present and said, "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma."Following that, Daryl also handed her a gift box. "Stella, this is a gift from me and your aunt. We hope you like it."This left Stella stunned. Soon, everyone in the family was giving her gifts. Even Leighton's younger brother, Noah, who was 12 years old, prepared one for her. Before she knew it, Stella held a pile of presents from her relatives.Trevor helped her carry some of them and said, "Let me keep these for you. We'll go through the gift receipts together after the party."Stella's heart skipped a beat. "Gift receipts?"Trevor chuckled. "Yeah. Did you think everyone's here just to see you?"Wen
Danny observed Stella and noticed this was the first time since he rose to his current position that someone had taken the lead in a conversation in their language with him. He found it rather intriguing."You make a valid point," he remarked. "Did you ask me to speak Hustuabourgian because you're not proficient in Yostrainian?"Others turned their attention to Stella upon hearing that. Being bad at Yostrainian was not a big deal, but the fact that she asked Danny made it seem like she was ignorant. With Jaylene, who was fluent in Yostrainian, standing nearby, it inevitably made people think less of Stella. They realized that they not only had different upbringings but also varying education levels and views as well.Wenham was about to speak up for his daughter, but Stella admitted, "My speaking is average, but I have no problem understanding you."People learn language when they can practice it in an environment where it is often used. Stella had long set Yostrainian aside after
Danny tried to confront his business partner at the time, only to be swiftly shown the way out. He could not accept the outcome and fell into a depressive state. He wasted two years doing nothing at home. Eventually, his wife divorced him, taking their daughter with her. Meanwhile, his former business partner soared to success on the back of their joint efforts.When they crossed paths again at a class reunion, the person not only lacked remorse but also taunted him with harsh words. He denied Danny's contribution to their shared success and belittled him to the point of worthlessness.This incident then ignited his spirit to get himself together. He began to pick up the pieces and start anew. The process was tough, but the thought of being betrayed and abandoned spurred him on.His current girlfriend, whom he met during his second venture, stood by him during the most grueling moments. She provided him with much encouragement and help. However, Danny still held a deep mistrust for
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