So, Arthur said in a gentle tone, "Would you buy a pack of Doral then?"Marshall had never heard of that cigarette brand, but he agreed anyway, "Sure."He grabbed his jacket, turned to Stella, and asked, "Stella, do you want anything?"Stella shook her head, "No, thank you."Her tone sounded polite but somewhat distant. There was a clear hint of disappointment in Marshall's eyes as he spoke softly, "All right. I'll be back in a minute.""Mhm," Stella responded.After Marshall left, Arthur said to Stella, "Stella, stop working and come sit with me for a while."Stella wiped her hands and walked over, feeling somewhat nervous. Arthur patted the doorstep and said, "Come, sit here."Then, Stella sat down next to Arthur."What happened to that kid from the Kane family? Did you guys get into a fight?"Stella initially thought Arthur would ask her about Albert. But to her surprise, he asked about Keegan instead.After coming down from the mountain, Stella had been trying hard to hi
Arthur did not know how to write and could not compose a letter. Hence, he lost touch with Evelyn after three years.He had initially assumed that she would have already wed upon his return. To his surprise, the person he had longed for was still waiting for him at home.Although they hadn't seen each other in years, their reunion was natural, as if they had never been apart. They quickly confirmed their relationship after that.Arthur hired a matchmaker to formalize their union, and they soon set a date for the wedding.The couple were engrossed in the preparations for their new life together, eagerly anticipating their future. Little did they know, tragedy was on the horizon.A series of gruesome murders began plaguing the town. The perpetrator targeted young women, committing heinous acts before taking their lives.In just six months, four lives were brutally taken, causing the people to panic. Women were afraid to venture out alone.At the time, Evelyn was employed at a text
Evelyn's story did not end there. Instead of earning respect for identifying the assailant, she found herself subjected to further humiliation when details of the incident leaked among the community.Many believed that she survived not due to luck but rather because she was compliant with the perpetrator's wishes compared to the previous victims who met their end. Some of her co-workers even commented that her preference for stylish attire may have made her a target as it seemed too flashy.In an era where a woman's chastity was valued above all else, people often resorted to victim blaming.Even the Thornfields claimed that she was an embarrassment to the family. Despite increasing the dowry in the beginning, they ultimately proposed lowering it, perhaps out of fear that Arthur might feel repulsed by Evelyn.Evelyn was filled with a strong sense of Injustice and could not endure any longer. In a fit of anger, she attempted to take her own life.Thankfully, someone noticed this an
Arthur grew fond of Stella because she had a knack for tending to people's emotions from a young age. His affection for her had nothing to do with her being his family. That was why he did not care if she was Albert's daughter or not. However, Arthur respected Keegan's decision to tell him about Stella's parentage.Stella's eyes welled up with emotion. She remained quiet, her gaze fixed downward for an extended period. Keegan had never shared any of this with her. She could not believe he had silently paved the way for her while she was worried about facing Arthur.After a while, Arthur looked up to the night sky above. He spoke in a low voice, "Everything will turn out fine."Marshall leaned against the wall as he eavesdropped on their conversation. Upon hearing Arthur's words, he, too, glanced at the sky. It was enveloped in darkness, and no stars were visible.Marshall and Stella woke up early the following day to prepare for departure. There was not much to pack, as both had tr
After several hours, Marshall and Stella finally arrived in Rivera. As they stepped out of the train station, Stella immediately spotted Trevor. He wore a black overcoat, his brows furrowed with a cold expression. It only softened when he saw Stella.Striding over, Trevor reached out and pulled Stella into a tight embrace. He held her gaze for a long moment and said in a husky voice, "It's good to have you back."Stella reciprocated the embrace, her eyes reddening. She murmured softly, "Trevor, I'm sorry."Trevor did not respond verbally. Instead, he gently caressed the back of her head. It took a while before he finally spoke, "Let's head home."He turned to Marshall, his face serious, "Thanks for everything, Marshall. I owe you one."Marshall nodded, "Stella hasn't had a good night's sleep these past few days. Take her home to rest as soon as possible." He handed over the items Arthur had given them to Trevor and continued, "Take good care of her, and don't hesitate to reach out
"She would've told us if she's seeing someone. One of her classmates from when she studied abroad is in town for a visit. She met up with them to show them around," said Darcie.Wenham furrowed his brows, "Why don't I recall her mentioning it?""She brought it up a while ago. Stella was still unconscious then, so you might not have noticed."Wenham sensed a hint of disapproval in Darcie's words.After Stella reunited with the Saun family, Wenham had been emotionally neglectful toward Jaylene. Even though he treated them equally on the surface by giving Jaylene whatever he gave Stella, aside from Caline's shares, he was evidently biased.Wenham knew he was in the wrong and suggested, "How about we invite her classmate over for dinner? It's not often they visit. Let's be hospitable and make them feel welcome.""There's no need for that. Just let them enjoy themselves. Besides, Stella hasn't been in a good mood lately. It's better not to put her in social situations she might not wa
Stella hesitated momentarily, then asked in a low voice, "Where are you?"Aldor quickly arranged a meeting spot.After freshening up a bit, Stella headed out. Concerned for her well-being, Wenham insisted that their driver accompany her.The place Aldor had chosen for their meeting was a cafe. It was 3:00 p.m. on a weekday, so the place was not crowded.Stella provided a room number to the owner, and they escorted her to the entrance of a private room where Aldor was waiting.Upon pushing the door open, she found Aldor sitting inside, accompanied by Ted.Stella was momentarily stunned and closed the door behind her."Mrs. Kane." Aldor sounded like he had a cold, his voice somewhat hoarse. He also looked a little tired. However, upon seeing Stella, he maintained his usual courtesy and warmth. He rose from his seat and pulled out the chair opposite him, "Please, have a seat."Stella set her bag down and sat across from him.Stella's condition was better than Aldor had imagined.
Stella did not say anything as she took the pen and signed the document. Aldor heaved a sigh of relief and said in a serious tone, "Thank you, Mrs. Kane.""Where's the phone?" Stella asked.Aldor then took Keegan's phone from his bag and handed it to Stella, "The police checked it. Apart from the cracked screen, everything inside still works fine."Stella thanked him and took the phone."Do you know how Mrs. Kane Sr. is doing now?"Aldor shook his head, "I can't get in touch with Mrs. Kane Sr. after Mr. Kane got into the accident. Mr. Chandler Kane said that her old illness has recurred, and her condition isn't very good now. She had been lying in bed, and the doctor said she needed rest and should not be disturbed. So, no one is allowed to visit her."'She's sick, yet she's at home instead of the hospital?' Stella thought that it sounded like an excuse."Okay." Stella stood up. "I'm leaving now. I'll be in touch."After Stella left, Ted said, "Keegan is such a lucky man. Wheth
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