Maya could not utter any more words. She gritted her teeth, got up, and left with reddened eyes.Stella had not returned that night. The next morning, when she came back after buying breakfast, she was bombarded with calls.When she saw that it was Dahlia calling, her eyebrows instantly furrowed. She took a deep breath and tapped her phone to answer.But, before she could speak, Dahlia asked, "Stella, did you ask Keegan to fire Maya?"Stella was confused. "Fire what? What are you talking about, Dahlia?""Keegan fired Maya. Maya came crying to me early in the morning. What did Maya do wrong that you have to fire her?"'Did Keegan fire Maya?' Stella frowned. "Dahlia, I was caring for my mom in the hospital last night. I don't know what happened at home.""You don't know?! Keegan blew up at Maya because of you! He's still recovering from his injury, and yet you ran to the hospital to take care of your mom. She's been bedridden for years. Do you really need to be there for her? Seri
Stella was a little surprised.'Why is dad calling me?' Stella wondered. 'Don't tell me he regrets giving me that bracelet the night before.'In Stella's perception, Albert was very stingy.Rainee said that he was probably afraid of being poor because he grew up in poverty. Even after he had the money, he was still stingy with it. His stinginess was not just toward Rainee and Stella but also himself.Rainee, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She liked to spend money when she made it. Maybe it was because they had different values. They would argue about money all the time.Albert would criticize Rainee for spending money without restraint. Rainee would perceive that Albert's mindset was too narrow and that he was too concerned with making or losing money. When they met big clients, he would not even buy a suit that cost over ten grand and would not book a decent hotel. He was afraid of losing money if the deal fell through.But, to say that Albert was penny-pinching w
"The ones made by a different cook will taste different. I remember you used to love them."Stella pursed her lips and stopped declining. "Thank you, Dad."After a moment of silence, Albert spoke. "To be honest, I haven't been feeling great for the past few days. It's like white truffles. As long as you're part of the family, it doesn't matter who eats them." He sighed, and his voice was filled with remorse. "I regretted it when I got out of the hospital that day. It's hard for me to apologize as a parent, but the bracelet I gave you was my way of saying sorry. If you're not happy with it, please let me know. I won't scold you for it."If he had said that a few years ago, Stella might have felt moved by his words.In the past, before the accident happened, Rainee used to paint a perfect picture of Albert as a father in Stella's mind. So, during those times, Stella still had hope for Albert.However, after the accident, his cold and ruthless actions destroyed the father-daughter re
It was uncertain whether Albert had caught her sarcasm. He spoke gently, "You're my only daughter, so everything from the Jewell family will be yours in the future. If Sophia can have a place in the Vinci Rivera Group, she can help you in your career when I'm no longer around. Everything I do is for your sake."After she hung up the phone, Stella felt that something was wrong. She wondered, 'With Sophia's qualifications, how did she enter the Vinci Rivera Group?'Stella could not help but suspect that Keegan had given Sophia preferential treatment and opened a backdoor for her.'But, that seems out of character for him, given his dislike for my family members. He has always maintained a clear distinction between his work and private affairs. Two years ago, when his company was looking for a project partner, his uncle approached him through Dahlia, wanting to secure the bid. Even though his uncle had repeatedly assured Keegan that he could get the qualification within three months, K
Stella thought, 'Or, did he heal faster after Bella bandaged his wound?'Stella had a lot of questions. But, before she could ask, she heard Keegan's voice from the other end of the phone. "Who told you I want to talk to her? Don't take matters into your own hands!"Stella was at a loss for words.Aldor smiled. "Please don't be upset. Mr. Kane wasn't yelling at you. He wasn't feeling well when he came in this morning. He had a fever. I tried to persuade him to see a doctor in the hospital, but he insisted on waiting until we finished our work. The pain must have gotten to him, making him short-tempered. If you have the time, could you swing by the office? Mr. Kane forgot his medicine.""What nonsense are you talking to her?" Keegan interrupted. As soon as Stella heard Keegan's words, the guilt she felt just moments ago had vanished.Stella forced a smile and said, "Keegan sounds perfectly fine to me. He must be feeling better since he can start working. Besides, he won't let the p
Stella thought that the messages would contain some offensive words she could screenshot and show to Marshall. She figured that it would help with the lawsuit. But, when she opened the conversation tab, she was stunned.The message sender claimed to be Bella's manager, hoping that Dusk Galaxy could participate in the variety show, "The Sound of Film and Television".Stella received this invitation not long after she had turned down the offer. She was impressed by how resourceful Bella was.Stella scrolled down the message to read on. The sender talked about Dusk Galaxy's previous social media post that aimed to clarify the rumors about the voice-acting role in Honor of the Deities. "He" pointed out that the post had caused some misunderstandings, but Bella was willing to let it go, assuming that it was not Dusk Galaxy's intention."He" also emphasized that the success behind Secret Sweetheart was the result of the collaboration between Bella and Dusk Galaxy, which was significant t
Bella seethed internally, 'I tried to extend an olive branch, but you've made your choice.'...Meanwhile, as soon as Stella turned off the Facebook app on her phone, Aldor's call came in.She frowned as she thought, 'It's late. Why are they bothering me now?" She chose not to answer, not because it was Aldor calling, but because the call was likely related to Keegan. And, Stella did not want to deal with him.Despite Stella's refusal to answer, Aldor's calls persisted. So, the phone rang incessantly.Eventually, the caretaker could not stand it anymore and said, "Stella, why don't you answer? What if it's an emergency?""What emergency?" Stella huffed before begrudgingly picking up the phone."Madam, Mr. Kane has a fever of 39 degrees. Do you have any fever-reducing medicine at home?"Stella sat up in surprise. "What's the point of taking medicine at such a high temperature? Take him to the hospital right away!""Mr. Kane refuses to go. I can only get him some medicine to bri
Stella's heart sank as Keegan's words planted the seed that made her begin to lose hope of winning his love.Despite knowing that Keegan had only married her under duress and was in love with another, Stella's youthful confidence led her to believe that since they were already married, it was just sooner or later that she could win him over and have him all by herself.But, it was all a delusion — that other person remained in Keegan's heart. No matter how hard she tried or how well she did, there would never be a place for her in his heart.She recalled that Keegan began to talk nonsense as his temperature rose to 38 degrees at that time.This time, his temperature was very high. Stella doubted that it was lower than last time. Most likely, the fever was caused by wound inflammation. No matter how many grudges Stella held against him, she did not want anything to happen to him. So, after a short thought, she said goodbye to the caretaker and left.After Aldor hung up the phone, h
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