Larry hesitated for a moment before quickly greeting, "Ms. Hall, what brings you to the hospital?"Stella and Trevor emerged from the elevator one after the other. "I'm here to visit a patient," Stella said, noticing the fruit basket and flowers in Larry's hands. She asked, "Are you here to visit a patient too?"Larry nodded, "Yes, a friend underwent surgery, so I came to visit."Trevor sized up the casually dressed middle-aged man in front of him and asked Stella, "Who's this, Stella?""Trevor, this is Larry Bard, the driver I mentioned," Stella replied, then introduced him to Larry, "Larry, this is my brother Trevor."Larry politely nodded to Trevor. "Mr. Saun, hello." He slightly hunched his back, making his slender frame appear even more stooped.Trevor's gaze ran up and down Larry before he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Larry."Larry bent down to shake Trevor's hand, then quickly let go. Trevor chuckled and teased Stella, "Do I look intimidating? Your chauffeur does
Stella retorted, "Just cut Keegan some slack. You're not just his uncle; you're also his good friend. After you punched him last night, Keegan was upset all night and couldn't sleep. The next day, he went to work with two black eyes."As for dealing with Dad, she had other tricks up her sleeve.Trevor wasn't entirely convinced. "Do I really have that much influence on him?""Of course! You've grown up together. If you don't trust him, imagine how he feels." Trevor fell silent for a moment. Just when Stella thought she had him, Trevor smirked and said, "Let him suffer then. If he thinks he can fool me, he needs a few more years of practice."Stella was rendered speechless.No wonder Keegan always called his brother a fox; his schemes were deep!With just one phone call from Darcie, Jaylene decided she didn't want to pursue the issue with Dahlia any longer. It was easy to imagine how angry Darcie must be. The mother and daughter started arguing in the ward.Darcie's face turned gr
Stella paused, taking in Keegan's expression, a mix of upset and annoyance, and couldn't help but let out a laugh.Initially just angry, Keegan's fury escalated upon hearing her laughter, sensing a hint of teasing behind it.Was his refusal really that amusing? Why was she finding it so funny?To Stella, Keegan's outburst seemed utterly endearing.In the past, whenever he was displeased with something she did, he'd keep it to himself, leaving her to guess. But she wasn't a mind reader; how was she supposed to know?Since she pointed out this flaw in Keegan, he had changed his approach.Now, when he was upset, he didn't sulk in silence like before; instead, he waited for her response after expressing his feelings directly.Keegan's expression tightened. "What's so funny? You gave the good one to your brother and kept the inferior one for me. I don't mind coming after your dad, the twins and even money. But why should I come after Trevor? He punched me, and you're trying to appeas
Keegan couldn't stomach such sweet words, so he stood his ground. "Are you saying this just to calm me down?"A hint of hurt flickered in Stella's eyes as she lowered her hand and said softly, "If you don't believe me, I'll take you to the fruit vendor, and let her tell you which one is sweeter. Let's see if I'm lying to you."Immediately, Keegan grabbed her hand, feeding her a piece of the orange and murmuring, "I didn't say I didn't believe you."Stella hadn't misled him; it was indeed very sweet, almost like honey, warming his heart.This knack for being easily appeased was one of Keegan's major strengths.As for whether the big one tasted better or the small one, Stella actually didn't know. Fruit vendors would surely claim they were all delicious. But with her persuasive skills, no matter who got the big one or the small one today, she could smooth things over.As for Keegan calling her words sweet talk, she didn't quite agree. She preferred to call it "the art of conversati
As Keegan picked at the fishbone, he remarked, "Didn't we step in? Didn't Stella give her money?"Vermont's eyelid twitched. Wasn't that money coughed up by Blake Crosby because of the scheme he and Stella concocted? And they called that giving money?From the get-go, Stella never intended to simply hand over the money. He couldn't believe Keegan couldn't see that. They caught him red-handed, and he thought Keegan was going to argue with Stella, but unexpectedly, nothing happened.It seemed the incident at Mrs. Chapman's daughter's engagement banquet really stung Keegan. He really didn't want to meddle in the Crosby family's affairs anymore."If you don't care, can Aurora not care? What if she starts caring then? How will you deal with your wife?" Stella, who was originally talking to Felicity, suddenly chimed in, "Stop trying to sow discord over there."Weren't they discussing the script? How could she hear him when his voice was so low?Vermont turned to Keegan, who smiled and
The copyright fee for short drama scripts wasn't actually worth much; twenty to thirty thousand was the standard price. Unless it was the kind with a blockbuster record, which could fetch over a hundred thousand. If one encountered a somewhat conscientious company, they might even throw in a little extra if the drama made money, but the heartless ones would typically only cough up two or three thousand as a buyout price.Vermont chuckled, "Would you believe that with this copyright fee of yours, I can make a hundred times back?""But it still has to follow the market rate," Felicity believed it, but she kept her public and private matters separate. "Stella and Keegan trust us so much, investing so much money at once. We can't just pocket it. I want a hundred thousand. If I take more, I won't be able to face Stella. Hurry up and change the contract for me."Vermont found her upright stance adorable and teased, "That's how I've been tricking Keegan."Felicity glared at him. "So if he
Felicity blushed, her hand poised to strike, but Vermont grabbed it and pulled her into his embrace. "You know, when you dashed off after that fib the other day and Corbin Steven asked me about you, I instantly knew you were pulling a fast one. I didn't even recognize you. But back then, I just figured it was another ploy from some wannabe celebrity trying to grab my attention. With my looks and wealth, I attract quite the crowd."Felicity made a face of disgust. "Such a narcissist!"Vermont chuckled. "I've seen all sorts of tactics, but you're the first to greet me with a hug as if we've known each other for ages. I thought maybe it was because you were not exactly a heartthrob, so you had to resort to some unique methods to catch my eye."Felicity bristled slightly at the "not exactly a heartthrob" remark but was intrigued by Vermont's initial impression of her. Her curiosity piqued."I was intrigued, though. I thought, 'Let's see what else she's got up her sleeve to win me over.
She was livid, so in the dead of night, she fed all those delicious treats to the family dog, Cooper. Her grandma, angry, pointed at her and accused her of being malicious, saying she wasn't acting like a proper girl and would struggle to find a husband when she grew up.During every meal, her cousin would dig through the dishes with his chopsticks before the adults arrived. Her grandparents never uttered a word. But one time, she reached for a chicken leg from the plate and got caught by her grandma, who promptly dragged her in front of her father, accusing her of being a "starving ghost reincarnate."Her father glanced at her, frowned, and said, "Where are your manners? Who told you to touch the dishes before the elders? Why can't you wait? Always thinking about food, what kind of future will you have? I shouldn't have allowed your mother to raise you!"That was the first time she found her father so distasteful.She had intended to offer him that chicken leg. If she hadn't taken
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