Jaylene seemed to be in a good mood as she greeted Stella when she saw her.Stella greeted her back indifferently. When she was about to walk away, Jaylene called out to her, "Stella."Stella turned around. Jaylene smiled and said in a gentle tone, "Stella, would you pick my outfit for me?"Stella was confused.Jaylene continued, "You have a great sense of fashion, so I thought I'd ask you for some advice on what to wear tomorrow."Stella did not know what she was up to but agreed to help anyway.Wenham's relationship with Darcie was not exactly bad, so she did not want to have bad blood with Jaylene and put her father in a difficult position.So, she did not turn her down.Jaylene then led Stella to her dressing room.The dressing room that Jaylene had was the biggest one in the house.Before Stella returned to the Saun family, Jaylene was spoiled by everyone in the family and had the best of everything.For example, the room with the best lighting and the largest balcony b
However, Stella figured that she could not just brush Jaylene off after she asked for her help openly. So, she glanced at Jaylene's clothes and picked a simple, light green dress."What about this? It's not too formal or too casual."Jaylene took it and said, "You have great taste. Trevor gave this to me for my birthday last year because he knew I'm a fan of this designer's clothes. He secretly noted my measurements and had it custom-made without me knowing. I haven't worn it much since I got it."Stella pursed her lips. She did not like hearing about what happened between Jaylene and Trevor or Wenham back then.It would make her think that if she had not been taken away all those years ago, she would be the one spending the past twenty-plus years with her father and brother.Whenever Wenham looked at her childhood photos, he would sigh, wishing he could hug the young, adorable her.Stella knew that Wenham still loved her as much as he did now. He just regretted not being there d
Vermont turned to the scriptwriter, Devin Booker, and said, "She's just talking nonsense. Please don't mind her."Devin knew that Vermont was trying to smooth things over for Felicity after her inappropriate question, so he smiled and said, "Your girlfriend is pretty interesting."Vermont patted Felicity's head and said lovingly, "She's also really strong. She can fight three guys without any trouble."This surprised Devin.Felicity didn't get the answer she wanted and pushed, "Mr. Booker, do you really need to film those sensual scenes? Can a movie win awards without them?"Devin had no idea how to answer Felicity's question. After thinking for a bit, he said, "Some stories need physical actions to show how feelings change."Felicity, who had had a bit too much to drink, found that funny. "Who watches those scenes for emotions? People just stare at the woman's breasts or the man's butt.""Pfft—"Devin spurted out the water he was drinking.Vermont was left utterly speechless.
Vermont let out a sigh. "If I did that and they turned into hits, she wouldn't believe it's because of her great scripts. She'd think it's just my connections. She might appear to be a tough person, but she actually lacks confidence in her work."Devin quipped, "Why do you treat your girlfriend like she's your daughter?""Hah!" Vermont couldn't help but boast, "When you find someone as compliant and gentle as her, you can't help but spoil them."Devin grinned and displayed a phone number on his phone. "Here's my associate's number. You can send her scripts to him. He's working on some light web dramas. It's a good chance to see how things go."Vermont saved the number, cautioning, "Make sure to give him a heads-up. We won't accept low offers."Devin laughed. "What a money-minded guy you are!"After dinner, Vermont carried Felicity's small backpack and escorted her out of the restaurant. "Time to head home, Your Highness."As Felicity stumbled, she asked, "Where's Devin? I need t
Vermont took Felicity's hand and put it on his shoulder, grinning. "Right here. I'll do it without asking for money. It's all about art."Felicity's eyes sparkled when she heard that Vermont would do it for free. She grabbed his hand and asked eagerly, "When can we start?"Vermont put his arm around her waist and whispered, "Right now."Saying that, he bent down and lifted her up.Felicity put her arm around his neck, her face red. She asked nervously, "Are you really doing this for free?""Yep," Vermont said, rubbing his nose against hers. "Just let me give you a kiss."Felicity blushed even more, partly from shyness and partly from the alcohol. She stuttered, "I-If I let you kiss me more, can I keep studying you?""Absolutely," Vermont chuckled, feeling generous. He whispered in her ear, "You can study me all night."Felicity couldn't wait any longer. "Let's head back now.""As you command." Vermont chuckled.Vermont had only teased her, but Felicity took his words seriousl
Vermont tensed, shooting a stern glare at Felicity, a clear warning for her to abandon her idea.However, Felicity, in her drunken state, couldn't grasp the significance of his expression. She gazed at Vermont's belt for a while before impulsively reaching out.In a rush of panic, Vermont leaped from the couch and dashed to the bedroom, hindered by his bound hands.Despite his efforts, Vermont couldn't move swiftly. Felicity caught up and once again toppled him to the ground.Vermont cursed inwardly.He had fantasized scenarios like this before, but this was nothing like what he had imagined!Felicity sat astride him, staring down at him, somewhat bewildered.Something new struck her as she observed Vermont tied up and unable to move beneath her. She felt a twinge of empathy, seeing Vermont's helpless gaze fixed upon her.Suddenly, she started grasping a bit about the dynamics of an intense scene."Relax," Felicity reassured Vermont, her tone soothing. "I'm just looking, that'
Leighton: [Fool! Keegan is the one who should be calling you that!]Trevor: [I'm going to talk to that scum now. @Dad, say something!]Five minutes passed.Wenham: [Could you all type a bit slower?]Another five minutes later.Wenham: [When did you become pregnant?!]Trevor was speechless.Trevor: [How about we have a video call instead?]So, everyone initiated a group video call.The once agitated group turned concerned.Trevor was the first to speak. "Stella, when did you find out? Have you been to the hospital for a checkup? Is the baby okay?"Wenham followed, "Stella, having a baby is a big deal. Why are we only hearing about this now? You've seemed thinner lately. Is morning sickness affecting your appetite?"Trevor added, "Maybe that scumbag upset her too much! The baby will have our family's last name. Keegan won't have a say!"Leighton chimed in, "Stella, you were in ice water for a while before. Will it affect the baby?"Katherine said, "Stella, come back to Roya
Wenham's expression soured abruptly as he spoke with a trembling voice, "Never. I won't allow such a thing to happen again!"A heavy silence fell over everyone. Freesia's death had left an indelible mark on both families, and it remained a haunting memory for everyone on the call.Daryl intervened, "Let's respect Stella's wishes. In any case, it doesn't involve Darcie and Jaylene."Daryl's words were direct. Wenham appeared to want to respond, but he remained silent.Then, Daryl asked Leighton, who had just rejoined the call, to support Stella whenever possible.Stella found it amusing.Then, she thought to herself. 'Leighton is a superstar now. I'm worried his fans might track me down and confront me if they find out he has run errands for me.'Later that day, Trevor hurried back home and stayed there.As bedtime approached, he knocked on Stella's door.She was packing, though there wasn't much to pack. Despite moving back to the Saun residence, most of her belongings remaine
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