Stella grinned, took a sip from her thermos, and remarked, "This is the last time. Keegan's got big dreams, and I won't let Dahlia mess them up."After passing through Blake's hands, ten million came up two million short. There was only one explanation: this guy was still hitting the tables.Stella's hunch was spot-on; Blake had indeed returned to his old gambling habits.Blake was already a regular at the casino, despite being banned before. But in this world, rules and boundaries hardly mattered. If you had the cash, doors swung wide open.Getting into an underground casino wasn't easy; usually, you needed an introduction from someone in the know and had to go through a few hoops blindfolded. But with Vermont leading the way, Stella, a newcomer, got in without a hitch.Vermont was bold, ambitious, and loved a good gamble. In his younger days, he rubbed shoulders with all kinds of people and was introduced to the world of gambling by his pals.There were no guaranteed winners in
Stella furrowed her brow, "Weren't you boasting about your dice-rolling skills?"Vermont replied, "Yeah, but they don't let you roll your own dice at the casino."Stella was speechless."It's all mind games, plus..." Vermont lowered his voice, "a bit of cheating. You just have to play the part. Even a gambling pro would have problems if they depend on just gambling skills."He paused, then whispered, "Here he comes."Following his gaze, Stella spotted a man of average build with his hands behind his back, surveying each gambling table.Vermont gestured for her to stay quiet and led her straight to the high-stakes game.To lure Blake over, Vermont splurged. After losing three consecutive rounds, his one million chips quickly disappeared, drawing more onlookers. Eventually, Blake approached.Stella felt a bit nervous, but Vermont remained composed. He adjusted his cufflinks, chuckled, and said, "Luck's not on my side today."One of the onlookers chuckled, "Is this your first tim
When you think you're about to hit the jackpot at the casino, that's when you've already lost.You might aim to profit, but there's always someone else aiming to profit off you.Blake, a fixture at the casino for decades, had long been seduced by the promises of wealth and luxury. Yet, anyone with a sense to call it quits wouldn't still be gambling after so many years, ending up nothing but a gambler deep in debt.In the end, he squandered all the money he had, owing the house over ten million, even resorting to mortgaging his sole villa to them.With eyes burning red, Blake lunged forward, demanding Vermont to be held accountable, saying that he had set him up and cheated him off his money.But claiming that Vermont had cheated would raise doubts about the casino's management, something they couldn't allow. So, with a sack over his head, they knocked him out and dumped him onto the street.Stella and Vermont, an odd pair of unrelated siblings, swiftly split the ill-gotten gains
Didn’t they agree to have a little fun if they stumbled upon something interesting?The revolution hadn't even succeeded, and they were already turning traitors midway! She couldn’t count on these two!Stella whispered, "Would you believe me if I said I wanted to take your son and daughter out to see the world?"Keegan, his expression cold, just responded with a grunt.Stella was speechless.Felicity chimed in, "Honesty is the best policy. Stella, just spill it."Vermont added, "Stella, remember our deal before we came here? We stick together through thick and thin. You can't throw us under the bus now."Stella shot a glare at the two traitors, then turned to meet Keegan's intense gaze, immediately feeling flustered."Well, actually, I was helping your uncle quit gambling."Keegan replied icily, "How much money did you transfer to her?"Pretending to be confused, Stella asked, "Who? I transferred money to someone?"Keegan took out his phone without a word. "If you won't tell
The voice on the other end of the line wasn't Blake's; it belonged to a stranger.Dahlia furrowed her brow. "Who are you? Why do you have my brother's phone? Where is he?""Him?" the stranger chuckled. "He's currently here learning how to swim."With that, the phone was passed to someone nearby, who called out, "Hey Crosby! Your sister wants to talk to you!"Sounds of splashing water filled the receiver, followed by Blake's panicked voice, "Dahlia! Please, you have to save me, they're going to kill me, Dahlia—uh—"Before he could finish his sentence, there was a sound of something being pushed into the water, accompanied by gurgling noises.Dahlia's face turned pale. "What are you doing? Are you trying to kill him?"The man took the phone back, smiling. "Kill him? Mam, we are law-abiding citizens, not involved in any illegal activities. But your brother owes our boss over ten million. If the boss doesn't get his money back, he won't pay us our wages. We're all waiting on this bi
This woman was despicable! Dahlia went to Caline to find Stella, but Stella avoided her. Dahlia, despite her prestigious background, couldn't bring herself to cause a scene in front of others, even though she'd fallen on hard times. Since Stella wouldn't see her, she waited outside.Stella didn't show up, but instead, Dahlia encountered Jaylene Saun and Darcie Arnold.Seeing Dahlia again, Darcie showed no warmth as before; she just greeted her casually.On the other hand, Jaylene warmly spoke to her, "Aunt Dahlia, what brings you here? Are you here to look at perfumes?"Dahlia forced a smile and said, "I need to talk to Stella about something. Jaylene, can you take me up to see her?"Just as Jaylene was about to speak, the receptionist nearby intervened, "Ms. Saun, Ms. Hall said she won't be receiving any visitors today."It was clear: Stella knew Dahlia was downstairs but deliberately chose not to see her.Dahlia's expression soured, but she swallowed her anger and appealed t
Dahlia didn't bring up Blake's gambling issues at all. She simply mentioned problems with the company's production line, orders on hold, and a cash flow problem.Keegan was swayed by Stella and wasn't willing to lend a hand. With no other options left, she had to turn to Stella for help.Dahlia understood Jaylene's deep affection for Keegan. Unable to reach Stella, Jaylene was her last hope. That was why she was adamant about not telling Jaylene about Stella's pregnancy. If Jaylene found out, she'd likely lose hope in her relationship with Keegan, so why would she want to offer assistance?She grabbed Jaylene, tears brimming in her eyes. "You've always been the daughter-in-law I favored. You and Keegan grew up together. If it weren't for you going abroad for treatment, Stella wouldn't even be in the picture. I strongly opposed Keegan marrying her. She's held a grudge against me for years, and now that she's become the golden child, she's constantly at odds with me. At my age, I coul
With teary eyes, Dahlia clasped Jaylene's hand. "Jaylene, you're such a gem. I truly appreciate your help, thank you so much. I promise, once the funds from the orders come through, I'll repay you the twenty million."Jaylene waved it off, feeling a tad embarrassed. "Aunt Dahlia, please don't mention it. I genuinely regard you and Keegan as family. How could I sit idle when you're in trouble? I'll contact the bank right away to transfer the money, and you can proceed to save Uncle."Dahlia poured out her gratitude, lavishing Jaylene with compliments.However, Jaylene didn't have that much liquid capital at hand. Normally, she would have turned to Trevor for a loan, but this situation involved Dahlia. Trevor still harbored resentment toward her for her treatment of Stella back in the Kane household. If he knew this money was for Dahlia, he definitely wouldn't lend it.Asking Darcie was out of the question. Darcie wished for nothing more than to sever all ties between her and Keegan.
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