Stella was taken aback for a moment. "I didn't—"Keegan interrupted her, eyes red. "You don't have to say it, I can feel it.""Feel what, exactly?" Stella slapped him in exasperation. "You think I don't want to boss you around? I'm worried about you being so overwhelmed fighting with your second uncle! Have you slept more than six hours a day recently, except for the night of the press conference? Look at your dark circles. Last time we had dinner, my brother secretly asked me if you were sick because you looked like you'd been drained of all your energy. You're more exhausted than me, and I'm the one who's pregnant! Don't you feel it, Keegan?"Keegan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "You care about me?"Stella rolled her eyes at him. "No, I don't! I'd love for you to be welded to your work 24/7, earning money for the three of us!"Keegan was happy but also a bit confused and said softly, "Don't you like money? I thought if I earned more, you'd feel more secure."
Shea cradled Bo and dozed off in the recliner. When Paul turned over, the movement startled Shea awake. She whispered, "Mr. Morant, what's wrong? Do you need some water?"Paul shook his head and said, "You should go home."Shea replied, "Let's wait until morning. Someone needs to monitor the IV overnight; otherwise, we won't know when it's finished."Paul glanced at the child in her arms and, after a moment of silence, said, "Then put the child on my bed. If you can't rest, at least he should."Paul's room was a single, and the bed, at 1.2 meters wide, was big enough for both a grown-up and a child.Shea didn't hesitate much before placing the child on the bed. She then got up to pour Paul a glass of water.A nurse came in to deliver her medication and reminded her to take it. Suddenly, Paul said, "That's wrong."The nurse was startled. "What?"Paul said calmly, "You have the wrong medication."The nurse frowned and looked down, breaking out in a cold sweat upon realizing she
The result, however, was disappointing.Kaia had also passed away, and it had been eight years since her death.Aldor Hart said, "This woman named Kaia and Dillon both worked at the same hospital back then. They were college friends and started working together. Colleagues from that time recalled that they had a particularly close relationship, always helping each other out. After Dillon resigned, Kaia continued working at the hospital until she passed away."The cause of death was a myocardial infarction. It was quite sudden. She had a heart attack at home, and by the time her daughter was discharged from the hospital, Kaia's body had already stiffened."Aldor paused and then added, "One more thing, Kaia was once a donor to the Eastern Alley Welfare Center."Stella and Keegan exchanged glances, and Keegan asked, "Are you sure?"Aldor nodded. "Kaia wasn't originally from Rivera and didn't have many relatives there. Her daughter had congenital heart disease, which put a lot of fin
Aldor suddenly spoke up, "Mr. Kane, there's one more thing I discovered while investigating this matter."Keegan looked up, "What is it?"Aldor pulled a photo from a pile of documents. It was taken at a funeral home, showing a wreath with a tribute to Kaia. Beside it stood a young girl, clenching her fists, staring intensely at the portrait of the deceased.Keegan's pupils contracted, "Willow?"Stella was taken aback and examined the girl in the photo closely. She had never met Willow, but the girl's face was strikingly familiar. It resembled the makeup she had worn when Marshall Moore had her pose as his girlfriend.No wonder Keegan had been so upset that day. It wasn’t just because she had helped Marshall; it was also because Marshall had made her look like someone who had passed away, pretending not to know the significance.Stella clenched her hand, thinking about Marshall. What kind of heart lay beneath his gentle exterior?Seeing Stella’s distressed expression, Keegan knew
For Marshall, Keegan felt he had done more than enough. Whether it was helping with his mother's treatment, hiding the truth about Willow, or later taking care of Willow’s affairs, he did everything he could. In the end, he only received inexplicable resentment in return.Marshall still refused to admit he remembered Willow. The trust between them had long vanished. Since that was the case, let Marshall investigate Willow's matter himself. Only by uncovering the truth on his own might he resolve his inner conflict.Stella asked, "Don’t you want to know who you took the blame for, causing him to hate you?"Keegan looked down. "At first, I did. But later, I didn't. Regardless of the reason, there's no going back for us."After more than twenty years of friendship, reaching this point, even if misunderstandings were cleared, the hurt caused along the way made it difficult to go back. Keegan was somewhat avoiding the situation.He didn't know how to handle the relationship, so the sim
Stella answered the phone, hearing Darcie's gentle voice, "Stella, it's me. How are you feeling? Have you been resting well?""I'm good," Stella lied, as usual. "I haven't been to the office these past few days, so I'm behind on work. Sorry for the trouble, Darcie.""You always speak so politely," Darcie paused for a moment. "A friend gave me some top-quality bird's nest. I asked Jaylene to bring some to you. It's very good for your health if you drink it regularly.""Thank you, Darcie, but it's not necessary. I already have some at home. You should keep it for yourself.""This bird's nest is of excellent quality, not something you can easily buy. Even your father loves it. He always tells me to save some for you if I get more. If you don't take it, he might think I'm being unfair," Darcie paused again, then continued, "Jaylene is already on her way and should be there soon. Just try it, and if you like it, I can send more later."Stella cursed silently but replied politely, "Alri
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
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,
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