Keegan was stunned to hear that Stella was drinking vinegar.Stella slid a cup toward him and said, "Try it. The vinegar arrived last night. Go on and see if it has the right kick."Keegan waved it off. "You enjoy."Stella smirked and brought it to her lips, taking a sip.Since her pregnancy, her palate had evolved, steering away from the spiciness she once favored to a penchant for sweet and sour flavors. However, her doctor recommended she cut back on sweet treats to ensure a healthy weight for the baby.Hence, Cordelia had a friend make some homemade fruit vinegar that carried a subtle sweetness and a strong fruity fragrance. Stella tried it for the first time today, and it suits her tastebuds perfectly.As Keegan finished putting on his shoes, Stella called out to him once more, "My brother is returning tomorrow."Keegan halted, asking, "What time is he arriving?""He mentioned catching a flight tonight and reaching tomorrow morning. He said he'd get in touch with me before
Leighton had had another argument with his father, and what made matters worse was that it all happened on his birthday. They didn't even enjoy the cake that day. Leighton just left.Following the disagreement, Leighton not only blocked Daryl on WhatsApp but also on his social media.Left with no choice, Daryl sought information from Stella indirectly.Concerned about the tension between the father and son, Stella reached out to Leighton.She learned he was attending a roadshow for Motives for Murder that day, conveniently near her. Seeing an opportunity to mediate and alleviate the father-son conflict, Stella decided to go there.As Stella headed upstairs, she overheard Aurora conversing on the terrace. She thought about the strawberry pudding from last night that she hadn't given to Aurora.Planning to inform her about it, Stella approached and overheard Aurora saying, "I found an opportunity, too, but I can't make it too obvious. You know how cunning Stella can be. If I'm too
"Stella, I'm about to board the plane now. I should arrive around ten tomorrow morning. I've checked in some luggage, and you'll see the rest when I get back," Trevor's voice fought against the wind, clearly audible through the phone."Alright, have a safe flight. I'll be there to pick you up tomorrow," Stella responded warmly.Trevor hesitated for a moment before calling her name, "Stella...""What is it, Trevor?" Stella sensed there was something he wanted to share. However, after a brief pause, he decided, "Let's talk about it when I'm there. It's not the best moment for it over the phone.""Okay."Stella ended the call and tightened her grip on the steering wheel. She anticipated that Trevor might have uncovered some details from the past, but the extent remained unknown."Oh my God!" Felicity suddenly exclaimed.Stella was startled. "What?!"Felicity hit her forehead and said, "I forgot to block my mom! She just liked my latest tweet.""What did you post that's so scandal
Not long after, Stella finally arrived at the Motives for Murder roadshow. Felicity and Stella sat in the corner of the audience, watching as the host invited the creative team onto the stage one by one.Nicole, the other main actors, and the director came on stage first. After a brief introduction, Leighton made his entrance.Perhaps due to some prior engagement, he arrived looking slightly disheveled, but his popularity was undeniable. The moment he stepped on stage, a wave of excitement swept through the audience, mostly comprised of his fans.Stella and Felicity found themselves amidst the cheers, nearly deafened by the fans' screams.Leighton was dressed in a black suit with a white undershirt. He had broad shoulders and long legs. Standing there, he looked unbelievably handsome.During promotional roadshows, interviews usually revolved around movie-related topics, followed by some fan interactive segments.Leighton's top-tier status as an idol wasn't just about his looks; i
Leighton's eyelid twitched as he ignored Nicole's absurd accusations. The reporter attempted to extract more information from him. However, Leighton remained tight-lipped, only responding to questions related to the movie. The journalist had no choice but to steer the conversation back to the film.After a while, the interview concluded. Leighton walked over to Stella, saying, "Hey, let me head to the restroom, and we can grab a meal together later."Felicity seized the opportunity to get an autograph and gave him a thumbs-up. "You did great, Leighton!"Leighton chuckled and headed to the restroom. Stella and Felicity sat in the lounge, waiting for him.Shortly after, Nicole entered, handing them each an orange. She winked and said, "We're at a movie press conference, yet the lead actor is sitting in the audience?"Stella chuckled and joked, "That's because I don't want to be overshadowed by your radiance on stage."Nicole laughed, "Well, aren't you sweet? Why did you quit The En
"If you're looking for trouble, do it elsewhere. Don't take up the corridor," Leighton declared, releasing his grip.Following that, the woman found herself sitting on the ground. Looking up, she found Leighton's formidable presence and stern countenance daunting, but her words became even more malicious."Are you also this woman's lapdog?" she sneered. "Do you genuinely believe she appreciates you just because you've been intimate with her? Let me assure you, she's fixated on her brother."She avoids kissing men and despises their touch. She just finds you somewhat attractive and is fooling around with you. When she gets tired of you, you will be no different than her exes—""He's my boyfriend," Nicole interrupted coldly.Her words left everyone shocked. Even the woman was taken aback. She forced a laugh and said, "Do you think I'd believe that?"Nicole remained silent. Suddenly, she put her arm around Leighton's neck and kissed him.Leighton stiffened, attempting to push her a
The people present shifted their attention to Nicole. She reached for the band-aid, her gaze lowered. "We can be in a fake relationship. You help me navigate this crisis, and I'll pave the way for you in the industry. Six months down the line, we can release a statement citing irreconcilable differences and part ways amicably. What do you think?"Leighton's expression darkened momentarily. "What makes you think I need your help to get into the industry?"Nicole responded calmly, "Despite your soaring popularity, you've only recently entered the entertainment scene. Those scripts won't fall into your lap without the right connections. Unless, of course, you're willing to seek assistance from your father or cousin."Nicole knew exactly how to rile up Leighton. His family disapproved of his chosen career, and he was adamant about making a name for himself without their support.Leighton gritted his teeth and retorted, "I am where I am today through my own efforts!"Nicole raised her
Nicole pressed on, "Soon, the internet will catch wind of our relationship during the roadshow. If you disagree, how do you plan on setting the record straight? You didn't exactly push me away during that incident."Estelle's expression darkened. "Are you trying to threaten us? Leighton didn't resist your advances because he wanted to help you."Nicole nodded. "And I appreciate that. I believe there's no better solution than I've suggested for our current predicament."She then turned her gaze toward Leighton and said, "If your aim is merely to sustain your current level of popularity, I can release a statement saying that today's incident was a publicity stunt and that I was the one who put you up to it. You can continue being the idol adored by fans."A moment of tension lingered. Estelle sensed the potential trouble. Nicole seemed to have a knack for subtly manipulating situations.Leighton valued his fans but genuinely disliked the burden of being labeled a top star. The conce