After the attendant left, Stella took out her phone and tapped away. Keegan glanced at her phone and noticed she was on the calculator application.He asked in bewilderment, "What're you calculating?"Stella did not lift her head and continued tapping away at her screen, "I'm calculating how much a bar like this can earn per month."Keegan was taken aback. 'Nowadays, I get increasingly confused about the things in this woman's head,' he thought."Do bars have peak and off-peak seasons?" Stella asked."Yes," Keegan pursed his lips before he continued, "Springtime is the off-peak season; many return to their hometowns before and after spring, so the people flow is significantly lesser. Summertime is the peak season; there's an increase in everyone's nightlife. Besides, bars are considered recreational summer retreats due to the hot weather. During wintertime, the customer volume is less than in the summertime. However, the income is still decent due to the many festivities."Stella
The girl said, "I'm a regular at this place. There's a dance floor over there and a card room. I'll bring you over to take a look."Keegan was silent for a moment before he answered, "If you please."Stella's heart clenched abruptly.When she lifted her head, Keegan and the girl had already disappeared into the group.'That girl is gorgeous, and her features resemble Bella's a little. She's Keegan's type, so he has no reason to reject her,' Stella thought.Suddenly, Stella felt a little suffocated.'Keegan and I will divorce soon, so he'll eventually be with other women. Haven't I come to this realization long ago? Why do I feel so upset seeing him not reject other women? The saying that one should meet gains or losses with composure is easier said than done. I know best how hard it is to leave a relationship. Vermont and the girl beside him also seem to have hit it off and are having a good chat. He probably doesn't need any of my help,' she thought.Stella lowered her head and
When the voice traveled into Stella's ear, it sounded as if it came from a distance; it was indistinct and surreal.Stella forced out a thank you and reached out to grab her phone. Just as she stepped forward, her knees gave out. She could no longer stand.Someone grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into their arms.Stella heard the warning bells in her head blared, enveloped in a person's unfamiliar scent. She struggled with all her might, but her limbs had gone weak; her movements seemed feeble as if she were playing around.Stella was dragged out in the person's arms. One of the attendants noticed something amiss and asked if they needed help.Just as Stella was about to call out for help, the hand on her shoulder promptly tightened on her neck. In an instant, she felt a suffocating feeling and could not make a sound."It's alright; she's my girlfriend. She had too much to drink and is upset with me," one of them explained.Then, another person said, "I'm so done with you
When Stella regained her senses, she was already in the hospital.Meanwhile, Felicity had dozed off in front of her.Just as Stella was about to move, she noticed an IV needle in her arm. There was an IV drip above her head, slowly dripping the contents downward and flowing into her body."Felicity..."When Stella opened her mouth, she realized her throat was dry and in pain. She could not help but cough a few times.The sounds of her cough startled Felicity, and she immediately woke up."You're finally awake, Stella! You scared me to death. What happened to you? Why'd you suddenly faint?" she asked in a panic.Clearly, Felicity still did not know about last night's events. However, Stella could not explain things right now. She quickly asked, "Where's Keegan?""I didn't see Keegan. Last night, a man named 'Snyder' called me. He told me to hurry to the hospital because you had fainted."'Vermont made the call? What about Keegan?' thought Stella.She closed her eyes. She had a
Felicity understood who the "him" was referring to.Single people, like Felicity, obviously could not understand the thoughts of someone deeply in love like Stella. However, she was still happy seeing her best friend regain her confidence and positivity.The car arrived at the destination shortly. When Stella went inside, she thought she had gotten the wrong address. The so-called studio did not even have a storefront and only had a glass sliding door.On the door was the word "Wood" with a missing letter.Felicity whispered to Stella, "Did Daniel get scammed by the company? Why does his studio look so lousy?"Truth be told, it was not that lousy. However, for someone as reputable as Daniel, the studio seemed a little too plain.The two entered, and there was no receptionist by the door. While the studio was relatively spacious, there seemed to be few people there.Stella approached one of the people and asked, "Excuse me. Is director Daniel Wood around?"The person was holding
That woman lied through her teeth!Stella pulled Felicity back just as she was about to speak up."Director Wood, I thought you forgot about today's audition since this lady over here said you weren't coming just now."The woman's heart stopped and hurriedly wove an excuse for herself. "When did you come, Director Woods? I asked Cad, and he said you weren't in."Daniel's gaze took in the three of them, and he said faintly, "Come with me." Daniel took them to a larger office and asked the woman who had quarreled with them to step outside with him.Once the two got out, Felicity immediately took out her phone. Stella saw her checking her social media and murmured, "What are you finding?"Felicity replied, "The woman just now looks familiar, but I can't remember where I've seen her. Let me check their group photos."She found the picture and exclaimed, "So, it was her!""Who?""Kelly Harper."Stella narrowed her brows. "This name sounds familiar.""She directed that brainless d
The Queen was one of the most brilliant characters in this drama. She bore disgrace and a heavy burden. On one hand, she had to endure the pain of sharing her husband with other women. On the other hand, she had to be generous as the mother of a nation. She could not bring shame to the palace even though she was in bereavement.She would have to always keep in mind her position, reminding herself that the King could not love people to numb herself. She kept her feelings at bay until she discovered that the King had fallen in love with the female lead. The belief the Queen had hung on to for many years collapsed, and the hatred from betrayal rushed in. She loved him but could not get him. Love to hate was the most significant charm of this character.Stella took a deep breath and got into character. Once she started talking, the people playing with their phones stopped and watched her. Stella was completely immersed in the role. With her every move, even without any props, everyone co
Stella was shocked. 'There were rumors that Bella was cast as the female lead of this drama. Or was that not confirmed?'Felicity was confused too. She heard the rumor from a group chat when a few people shared it. 'Some said Bella was going to act in Daniel's drama. Yet it was nothing after such a big fuss! Come to think of it, she was probably hyping it on her own and setting off the atmosphere. If she's not selected in the end, her fans will blame the production crew. And she'll gain another wave of popularity. What a great tactic!'Daniel pursed his lips after hearing who Kelly had recommended. "I've seen her work before."Kelly was delighted. "What do you think of her? If you think she's alright, I could contact her to come over immediately."Daniel replied coolly, "It's all techniques."Kelly thought Daniel was complimenting Bella until she heard him speak again. "She has no emotions. Her eyes were not even red after her tears were flowing."No matter how dense Kelly was, s
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