Stella was speechless."Are the standards for hiring entertainment reporters this low now? Can even the blind get the job?"Joe was speechless.Was his idol really this sarcastic in private?Felicity, who had been listening on the phone for a while, finally couldn't help but speak up, "Aren't those pictures of you and Leighton?"Stella replied, exasperated, "That's me and my brother.""But these photos really do look like Leighton, and isn't your brother driving Leighton's car?"Stella hadn't noticed what car Trevor was driving. If it was indeed Leighton's car. It was no wonder the paparazzi got it wrong.She reinstalled Facebook and checked the trending topics, feeling numb.The top entertainment headlines were all about Leighton's "affair."Things like #NewStarInvolvedInLeightonHallLoveLife#, #LeightonHallLoveLifeInCrisisOnAndOffScreenLoveTriangle#, #LeightonIsEatingWell#, #LoveAndIndifferenceAreSoObvious#...All sorts of absurd tags.Stella opened her Facebook, seeing 99
"Both actresses are so talented, how could they be blind enough to fall for him?""That's not fair. Leighton is quite handsome. It's just shocking he's this kind of person.""Aren't they all in the same production? Didn't Stella know Leighton and Nicole were dating? This makes her the third wheel, right?""Oh no! I really liked her, especially after the Sunlight Kindergarten incident. Her performance as the queen in 'The Palace' was outstanding. How could she become the other woman? Is there any celebrity left who isn't a disappointment?""Two gorgeous people; Leighton is living the dream. What did he do to deserve this?""Leighton only got close to Nicole for her resources. He's trying to break his contract with his agency, which has abandoned him. Without Nicole, how could he land roles with big directors? He's really just living off her."The comments only got worse, with most of them being outright insults.When Leighton and Nicole made their relationship public, fans on bot
Estelle paused before speaking, then finally said, "There's been some unpleasantness regarding the contract termination, and the company doesn't want Leighton to leave without consequences."It was evident that Estelle wasn't being entirely truthful with her. Estelle was smart and cautious. The chances of him confiding in Stella were slim as Leighton was still drunk.Stella pondered for a moment before saying, "I'll post a clarification on Facebook later. You can reach out to Nicole and have her explain the messy news online too. I'll handle the lawyer coordination from my end. The sooner we address this, the easier it will be to clear things up."The "affair" scandal surrounding Leighton was fabricated. However, what was true was dragging Leighton into the mud with allegations of "sexual harassment."Stella felt it wasn't solely the work of Leighton's agency.If she were Leighton's boss, a top-tier talent she had nurtured, she believed that even if he terminated his contract, his
Stella replied with a quick "yeah," then just before ending the call, she couldn't help but ask, "Hey, how did your chat with Ms. Cadman go?"Trevor hesitated for a moment, narrowing his eyes, "Is Keegan there with you?"Stella paused, glancing over at Keegan who was listening intently beside her, then cleared her throat lightly, "Nah, he's in the shower."Trevor, seeming unfazed, remarked, "Well, if he keeps running his mouth like that, tell him I might have to sew it shut for him next time."Keegan was speechless.Stella chuckled awkwardly, "He didn't have much to say, really..."Trevor didn't add anything more, simply advising her to get some rest before hanging up.After Trevor's unblurred photo surfaced, the rumors about Leighton's "affair" naturally fizzled out, leading people to believe that Stella and Leighton were indeed cousins. However, the "sexual harassment" allegations were still brewing.The girl accusing Leighton of harassment on Facebook went by the handle "Lit
When Nicole's request to join the stream came through, "Little Sweet Potato" hesitated for a moment, glancing instinctively to the side before quickly averting her gaze.Most people didn't pick up on this detail, but Stella did.It appeared that "Little Sweet Potato" wasn't alone in the livestream; someone seemed to be coaching her from the sidelines.Onlookers and fans eager to uncover the truth flooded the chat with messages."What a coward! Who hides behind their girlfriend when things get tough? I regret ever being his fan!""A person who can't handle a little heat—Leighton Hall is trash. What does Nicole see in him? Accept the request, let's hear her side of the story.""Sis, bring out the evidence and expose him! This guy doesn't deserve to be called an idol!""As long as we don't see that official statement in black and white, I'll always stand by him!""Being a fan has completely eroded any sense of morality."-Encouraged by the crowd, @Little Sweet Potato finally co
With a narrowed gaze, Nicole uttered, "None of you know about my mental illness, do you?"At those words, a collective shiver ran down everyone's spine.There had been rumors circulating before about Nicole. During the filming of a particular drama, she supposedly leaped from a six or seven-meter-high platform without any safety measures, resulting in multiple fractures, as if she were possessed.When questioned about why she jumped, she claimed to have heard someone calling her from below.While there was no video evidence to support these claims, they lingered as hearsay, easily dismissed. However, now that Nicole herself mentioned her mental illness, everyone immediately recalled this incident, sending chills down their spines.It was a clear warning, almost as if she were saying, "I have a mental illness, and even if I were to splash sulfuric acid on you, I'd walk away unscathed. Don't think I'm joking."Nicole's entrance into the call elevated the livestream to a whole new l
Leighton's brief feeling of gratitude disappeared in an instant.After finishing the police report and stepping outside, they were greeted by a throng of reporters and fans. The police presence at the station helped keep things orderly, maintaining a relatively stable situation.As Leighton guided Nicole to the car, someone suddenly called out his name, "Leighton!"Leighton glanced up.An egg-sized stone came hurtling toward him, catching him off guard. But before he could react, a figure leapt in front of him, shielding him from the blow—it was Nicole.The stone struck the back of her head, causing her to wince in pain as she stumbled forward. Instinctively, Leighton reached out to steady her.Nicole furrowed her brow, reaching up to touch the spot where she'd been hit. Her hand came away warm and wet, stained with blood.Leighton's hand trembled as he held hers, his face drained of color, looking ghastly.The assailant shouted angrily, "You mongrel! We worked hard to make you
Estelle was teetering on the edge; here he was, already swamped with online rumors, and now these two troublemakers had landed them in the police station!Dealing with Leighton's rebellious dog-like temper alone was challenging enough, and now there's another one. Damn it, making money had become increasingly tough!Despite his frustration, seeing Nicole and Leighton unconscious and covered in blood filled Estelle with immense worry."How is she?""She's not dead."Leighton rubbed the sore spot on his lower back and shot a glare at the woman pretending to be unconscious. "Haven't you had enough of acting?!"Nicole leisurely opened her eyes and chuckled, "So, how was my performance? Realistic enough?"Leighton snorted and couldn't resist glancing at the back of her head. Her thick hair provided excellent coverage, making it difficult to assess the extent of her injury. When that stone came flying at them earlier, it packed quite a punch; he could even hear the dull thud as it hit
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