As Wenham contemplated silently, he couldn't help but wonder, 'Have I ever expressed any of those sentiments to her?'Since Stella had returned to the family, they hadn't really discussed his relationship with Darcie. He feared that Stella might distance herself from him because he had married another woman.Admittedly, Darcie had taken excellent care of the household since their marriage. However, hearing Stella express gratitude felt somewhat awkward to Wenham.He believed there were many other ways to thank Darcie. 'Why does it have to involve a trip?' he pondered.Subtly, Wenham tugged at Stella's sleeve, but she simply moved away in silence, leaving him speechless.After the initial surprise, Darcie quickly regained her composure.She spoke gently, "We're family, Stella. There's no need for you to thank me. Taking care of this family is my responsibility as your dad's wife."As for you, you've spent so many years apart from us, and your dad feels deeply saddened whenever he
Wenham didn't particularly want to go either, but he couldn't bear to disappoint Stella. "Darcie, ask your assistant to reschedule your work. Stella has put a lot of effort into this, so let's take it as an opportunity to relax," he suggested.Darcie clenched her fist and glanced at Stella before forcing a warm smile. "Since you put it that way, there's no reason for me to refuse," she said.Stella inwardly clicked her tongue, thinking, 'Darcie is incredibly patient and composed. Apart from the day we met, the only time she lost her cool was when Leighton exposed Jaylene's fake illness by throwing Noah onto her.'Even then, Darcie regained her composure within minutes. However, it revealed a vulnerability that Stella could exploit.If Darcie didn't have a clumsy daughter like Jaylene dragging her down, she would have been a much more formidable opponent to deal with.The impression Darcie had crafted in front of Wenham was impeccable—gentle, considerate, always siding with his bio
Stella was taken aback. She had always viewed this matter from her and Trevor's perspective, neglecting to consider it from Wenham's viewpoint.She had to acknowledge that Wenham marrying her late mother's best friend had stirred a sense of discomfort within her.However, Stella hadn't been present to witness the events that unfolded back then, nor did she understand the circumstances surrounding Wenham's marriage to Darcie.There were six years between Stella's mom dying and Wenham getting married again. Only Wenham knew how hard those years were.Wenham had been a widower with a kid and a sick mom back then. Darcie helped them a lot. Wenham's mom worried about him being alone after she died, so she wanted him to marry Darcie, who was nice and could help with the household.Stella thought maybe Wenham meant there were things he couldn't change. Perhaps he didn't want to upset his sick mom and couldn't bring himself to leave a woman who had helped him so much, even risking her lif
Aurora was not someone who would do someone's chores for some new clothes. "I'll pass," she snorted and spoke.Stella looked at Keegan. "Did you give her a raise? She sounds cocky."Keegan said, "Nope, her salary is still seventeen thousand.""This is not adding up. She lives in our house, which is a bungalow, and you're not deducting the rent from her salary? Five thousand a month sounds fair, right?"Aurora's eyelid twitched. She sensed that something bad was coming her way.After a brief thought, Keegan said, "It seems too cheap. Not only that her room have an independent bathroom, but the house also has a swimming pool, a sunroom, and a massage chair. Aldor used to rent an apartment near the office for seven thousand a month, and we're talking about a villa here.""She's your sister, after all. It's only right for us to give her a discount."Keegan nodded. "Fine. Let's settle with five thousand then. I'll have the finance department transfer it to your account directly."St
Stella piled the clothes up and looked up, asking, "Do you know who gave me these clothes?"Keegan shook his head, but as he saw Stella's expression, he took a guess. "Jaylene?""Good guess."Keegan frowned. "Even if you weren't pregnant, these clothes wouldn't fit you, right? Why would she give you clothes that don't fit?"'To mess with me, obviously. She's mad because she had to apologize, so she's giving me these,' Stella thought to herself.But she said something else, "To show off that she's skinnier than me. Her legs are like twigs, so slim and straight. They're much prettier than mine, don't you think?""I haven't really noticed."Keegan wasn't about to get caught in Stella's trap. It wasn't because he saw through it, but because he simply hadn't paid attention to Jaylene's legs. To Keegan, there were only two types of women: Stella and everyone else.He never really cared whether other women were conventionally attractive or had a great figure. The only thing about Jayl
Keegan shook his head. "You always carry yourself in a sophisticated manner, and wearing a cheap watch might draw attention. Aldor said this piece suits you perfectly.Even if it's stolen, it won't be easy to sell because of its high value. I can definitely track it before the thief finds a buyer, but I hope that day never comes."Stella felt offended by the phrase "suits you perfectly." Then, she said through clenched teeth, "What do you mean by 'suits me perfectly'? You think I have a flashy attitude?"Keegan paused, hugged her with a smile, and kissed her hair. "Actually, I'm really attracted to your practical approach to money."Stella glanced at him. "Well, your tastes are certainly unique.""That's because I have a lot of money," he whispered.Stella was left speechless, realizing that Keegan had only said that to show off his wealth.Early the next day, Xavier arrived to pick up Stella. Before heading to Caline, they first dropped off Wenham and Darcie at the airport.Xa
Aubrey took the lead in clapping, and others followed suit. However, their applause seemed somewhat insincere as they glanced at Stella with disdain.Stella thought to herself, 'Well, I wouldn't feel great either if someone who knows nothing about perfumery became my general manager.'She had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and assumed such a prominent role in the company. Moreover, she was the reason everyone had to pause their work just to welcome her, despite not having proven herself to the company yet. It was understandable that people weren't pleased with her.With Darcie absent, Aubrey didn't make things any easier for Stella.Stella raised her hand, signaling for everyone to stop clapping.When the applause gradually subsided, she asked, "Aubrey, when Jaylene joined the company, did you also organize such a grand welcome for her?"Aubrey responded with a smile, "Jaylene is just a team leader in the fragrance department, like everyone else who joins us. But you're differ
After the crowd dispersed, Aubrey led Stella upstairs to her office.Reflecting on her situation, Stella considered, 'Darcie is sneakier than Jaylene. Darcie would plant traps in unexpected places but wouldn't openly make things hard for her target. Like this office, it rivals Keegan's office in quality. It's spacious and brightly lit.'"Ms. Hall, this is your office. We've prepared an office for your assistant and the secretarial team next door. If you need anything, they're just a call away," Aubrey explained.Surveying the space, Stella inquired, "And where is Darcie's office?""It's one floor up from here," Aubrey answered.Stella dismissed Aubrey with a wave. "Okay, you may leave now. I'll explore the area myself."After Aubrey had left, Stella turned to Xavier and requested, "Xavier, could you get me a boba tea? Choose any flavor, just ask for less sugar."Xavier nodded and left the office.Once alone, Stella swiftly locked the door and retrieved a bug-detecting device fr
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