Chapter 221 No Longer Hidden
Abraham glanced at her, then finally let her go and turned to pick up his phone.
It was Abel calling.
At this hour?
Abraham’s expression darkened. He stepped aside to answer, his voice cold. “Speak.”
Seeing him walk out to take the call, Stella’s heart kept pounding wildly.
She had a strong feeling this wasn’t over.
Barely a minute later, Abraham returned from the balcony, still holding the phone, his face cold.
“Weren’t you tired? Why aren’t you sleeping?”
“I am, I am! I’m going right now,” Stella said quickly.
She dove straight into the covers, desperate for him not to ask anything more.
But… what about tomorrow?
Her neck was covered in bruises, and it definitely wouldn’t fade in just a few days.
Seeing her burrow into the blanket, Abraham’s cold expression softened slightly with a touch of helplessness.
He walked over, picked her up, and laid her flat on the bed. “How many times do I have to tell you? Don’t sleep curled up like that it’s bad for your heart.”
Stella stayed silent.
I just want to be an ostrich right now.
Once you leave, I’ll flip over on my own, okay?
Abraham pulled the blanket over her properly. Before getting up, his fingers brushed lightly against the bruises on her neck.
Stella’s nerves instantly tightened.
Abraham said meaningfully, “With bruises like these, it won’t heal in less than a week.”
Stella’s breathing hitched.
Was that really necessary?
Wait
what did he mean by that?
Does he… actually remember everything?
As Abraham straightened up, Stella panicked and grabbed the front of his robe.
In her rush, her nails accidentally scratched across his chest, leaving a mark that perfectly matched the scratches he already had.
Stella’s breath caught.
Feeling the sting, Abraham looked down at his chest. “Stella.”
She froze.
Abraham’s deep voice asked, “This scratch.
you
aid it?”
“I didn’t!” Stella blurted out.
Now I’m really doomed.
She honestly hadn’t scratched him before heaven knows she hadn’t.
But now… how could she explain this?
Abraham’s gaze grew even darker, his eyes glinting with a dangerous heat.
Stella’s breathing grew frantic. “Abraham, is it really unforgivable if someone
Especially if that man is you…
She couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Forget it. Better to just say it outright than die a slow death!
But just as she was about to speak, Abel’s call came through again.
Abraham lowered his gaze, looking at Stella’s hand still gripping his robe. She immediately let go.
“You- you should answer that,” she stammered.
Please, just go already. Stop torturing me!
Seeing her trying to bury herself under the blanket again, Abraham reached out and caught her.
The bruises on her neck vivid and clear- burned into his mind like blooming roses.
He let out a soft chuckle and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Be good. Get some sleep.”
Then he finally left.
Stella’s heart pounded wildly.
–
Her mind was racing so fast it felt like it might explode and suddenly, an overwhelming sense of grievance welled up inside her.
When grievance reached its peak, it turned into reckless courage.
In that moment, Stella’s fear completely evaporated.
Just as Abraham’s hand touched the door handle, Stella blurted out:
“Abraham, last night… you slept with me.”
3/4
She couldn’t see his expression – but right now, she had already thrown. caution to the wind.
She had hidden her feelings for so many years.
In Fleule, she’d been terrified anyone would notice how she felt about Abraham.
–
Every time Abraham’s friends teased him –“Your little sister is so cute,” “She’s so considerate,” “She came to pick you up“– those casual words stabbed into her heart.
They constantly reminded her:
You are his sister.
Even though there was no blood relation, everyone treated her as Abraham’s.
sister.
That deep–rooted belief- could she really overturn it?
And then there were the families.
With Abraham’s position and future, he would inevitably end up with someone of equal status.
In both background and identity.
All of it had always reminded Stella:
Her love was as tiny and fragile as a flickering candle flame.
Faced with her feelings, she had been terrified to show them.
Out of fear, she had kept a distance between them.
Chapter 222 A Love No Longer Hidden
The fragile distance she had worked so hard to maintain last night, it had been completely shattered.
Was she supposed to hide it for the rest of her life?
The title of “brother and sister”
she hadn’t wanted to keep that up for a long
time now.
Stella’s eyes turned red as she sniffled, but seeing that Abraham still hadn’t turned around, her voice grew hoarse.
She had already braced herself for any storm that might come.
Finally, Abraham turned.
In the dim light, it was impossible to read his expression. His long legs carried him straight to her bedside.
Feeling the pressure of his presence, Stella instinctively tried to shrink away.
But the next second, his hand slipped under the blanket, grabbed her waist, and pulled her out.
“You–you’re mad, aren’t you? But you were the one who I didn’t seduce you.
-you…”
Her voice was panicked, tripping over her words as she tried to explain.
She hadn’t taken the initiative – but she hadn’t resisted either.
Abraham’s cool lips crashed down on hers.
Stella’s breath caught.
Her mind stalled completely as the kiss deepened, fierce and unrelenting, stealing away any room she had to escape.
Her pupils contracted sharply, her breathing quickened, and her mind spun into chaos.
Time passed.
Only when Abraham’s phone vibrated again did he finally let her go, clear displeasure in his eyes at being interrupted.
Their foreheads pressed together, and his voice was low and hoarse.
“I forced myself on you? Is that what you’re saying?
Stella’s mind was still numb, but she nodded stiffly.
“And what does Stella plan to do about it, hm?”
Her mouth twitched.
Why are you asking me? Isn’t this your responsibility?
What was he implying?
Was he trying to push all the blame onto her?
She could shoulder any burden but not this one!
“This is your responsibility,” she said stubbornly.
“You tell me
what should I do?‘
Her voice broke into a sob, full of panic.
Clearly, she was desperate.
She was terrified that Abraham was angry he would still insist on treating her like a sister.
terrified that even after everything,
If that happened, she wouldn’t be able to bear it.
Hearing her panicked tone, Abraham’s eyes filled with amusement. “So you
“You have to!” she cried. “If you don’t, I’m not letting you go!”
Tears spilled uncontrollably down Stella’s cheeks.
All the burden she had carried for so many years in an instant, she dumped it all onto Abraham.
It had been so long.
No one knew what it had been like for her all these years. Especially after leaving Fleule
that endless separation.
She never knew when she could see him again.
She didn’t know how much influence the Seng family still had over him.
That constant, gnawing worry and longing had tormented her endlessly.
“You have to take responsibility… sob…”
Her tears flowed freely now, a dam that had completely broken.
Abraham gently patted her back. “Alright. I’ll take responsibility. Don’t cry, hm?”
“You were supposed to take responsibility,” she sniffled, rubbing her tears into
his clothes.
Leaving wet, sticky patches behind.
“You little mess,” Abraham teased lightly.
“I’m your mess,” she muttered.
Abraham chuckled and pinched her cheek.
Before he could say anything else, Abel’s call came through again.
Clearly, there was something urgent.
He hung up the call but didn’t linger. “It’s still dark out. Get some sleep.”
He gave a soft “Mm,” pressing a kiss to her forehead before getting up.
Stella suddenly remembered the blood on the scarf – besides hers, there were a few drops that belonged to Abraham too.
As he turned away, she reached out and grabbed his robe.
“Is it dangerous?” she asked.
She knew what kind of business the Luke family was involved in.
She knew what kind of danger Abraham faced on that path.
No matter how strong he was, she still worried. She was still scared.
Abraham turned back, and when he met the worry in her eyes, something inside him softened.
“Don’t worry,” he said simply.
He gently pried her hand away, tucked her back into the covers, and left the
room.
The door closed behind him.
Stella let out a muffled cry and buried herself under the blanket, her heart still pounding wildly.
Abraham said he would take responsibility – but what did that mean?
Would he… marry her?
In her dreams, she had imagined marrying Abraham countless times.
But she had never once believed it could actually happen.
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Chapter 223 Stirring Trouble
But would Abraham marry her?
Could he?
Stella’s thoughts were a tangled mess as she rolled back and forth across the bed, not even knowing how long she tossed and turned.
Eventually, sleep finally pulled her under.
Outside, heavy snow had begun to fall. Inside, the room was warm and cozy.
She slept straight through to after ten in the morning, when her phone automatically switched off silent mode.
The buzzing of the call barely roused her.
Half–asleep, she answered, “Hello?”
“Stella!” came Tessa’s loud, dramatic voice.
Stella mumbled a sleepy “Mm” in response.
Tessa huffed, “It’s already this late and you’re still not up? Fine, but why do you sound like you’ve been completely ravaged?”
The moment she heard the word ravaged, Stella jolted awake.
Because I was ravaged…
Tessa didn’t seem to notice. “I’ve got some explosive news
Stella blinked, still dazed.
Is there anything more explosive than the fact I slept with Abraham?!
wanna hear it?”
But if Tessa said it was shocking, it was probably really shocking.
“Hold on, let me get closer. You can hear for yourself.”
Stella was puzzled.
Hear what?
There was the sound of footsteps, and then suddenly, through the phone, she could hear crying
and Susan’s hysterical shouting.
Lilian’s
“You’re discharging her in this condition? How can you do this? Are you trying to kill her?”
“Madam Susan, regarding Ms. Lilian’s condition, we really can’t do anything more. We’re sorry.”
“What do you mean, you can’t do anything?! I paid so much money, hired so many expert teams where are they now? Where did they all go?”
“They’ve all left.”
The doctor and Susan’s furious argument crackled over the line.
It only took a few sentences for Stella to piece together what was happening.
The hospital wanted Lilian discharged
forcibly.
“Did you hear that? Isn’t it wild?” Tessa’s voice came back.
“Way too wild,” Stella muttered. “But what exactly happened?”
It sure sounded like the hospital was forcing Lilian out.
Susan and Lilian’s voices faded away as Tessa clearly walked away from the chaos.
At Stella’s question, Tessa chuckled gleefully. “How would I know? Maybe the hospital just realized they couldn’t do anything for her and didn’t want to keep taking their money.”
Stella was speechless.
Tessa clicked her tongue. “Come on, the Reed family and the Keene family are. still backing Lilian. And yet the hospital’s kicking her out like this? I’m telling you, it was brutal
they wouldn’t even let her stay a single extra minute. I’ve
never seen such an upright hospital before!”
Stella: “…”
Tessa snickered again. “And seriously, with a body like hers, what’s the point of wasting more money?”
Stella’s sleepiness had been completely wiped away by Tessa’s gloating.
She rolled over. “I’m getting the feeling you’re not actually upset about the Reed family wasting money.”
“I’m upset about the money, not about the Reed family’s money,” Tessa quipped.
Honestly, that did make a certain kind of sense… but it also sounded completely wron
Before Stella could say anything else, she heard Tessa yelp, “Hey, what are you doing? Give me back my phone! Ethan, give it back!”
Stella was puzzled.
Next thing she knew, Ethan’s cold, furious voice came through the phone. “Stella. Was it you?”
The venom in his tone practically dripped through the call.
Even through the phone, Stella could feel his hatred.
She narrowed her eyes. “What nonsense is this?”
She had no idea what was going on at the hospital.
Yet now Ethan was already accusing her?
This trash… Honestly, someone should just chain him and Lilian together forever. Anyone else who gets near them would end up torn to pieces.
Ethan growled, “Nonsense? Are you really going to pretend you didn’t push this until she had no way out?”
–
“Stella, I know now you grew up with the Luke family. But don’t forget what makes you any different from Lilian?”
“You’re just a foster daughter. If you keep abusing your position, don’t blame them for turning on you. When that happens, what ground will you have left to stand on?”
Every word he spat was sharp and vicious.
Stella’s blood boiled. “Screw you, Ethan! If you’ve got guts, come say that to my face!”
Right now, she seriously wanted to tear Ethan’s head off.
How is it that no matter what happens, it always ends up on me?
This bastard must be cursed or something!
Anger surged in her chest, almost too much to hold back.
Chapter 224 Payback
Ethan hissed, “This is my advice to you: don’t abuse your power.”
Abuse power?
Oh, he was really asking for it now.
Stella snapped, fully awake and ready to fight: “Says the guy who never abused power for Lilian, huh? Ethan, did you forget how you tried to crush me for her? You tried to shut down my studio, cut off my living expenses, and leave me with nowhere to go. So it’s fine when you’re abusing power to destroy me, but the second I push back, you suddenly want to give me advice? You think I want your advice? Who the hell do you think you are? You should find a mirror and take a good look at yourself you really think you’re qualified?”
He had the nerve to lecture her. To say people would end up hating her, that she’d be left with nothing.
He was clearly hoping she would crash and burn.
“Scumbag. Brain must’ve grown in your ass.”
Stella kept going without a break.
Ethan’s breathing turned rough with rage. “Stop with the nonsense, Stella! Just tell me what do you want? What will it take for you to leave Lilian alone?”
Silence crackled through the phone.
Hearing the sharp breathing on the other end, Stella let out a light laugh. “You never thought about letting me go back then. Why should I think about letting you go now?”
“You
Ethan was seething. “The Reed family and the Keene family have suffered huge. losses because of you. Isn’t that enough?”
Stella’s smile faded.
–
Lilian’s situation probably had something to do with Abraham.
Wait. Abraham had looked pretty grim when he heard about the car accident.
“You’ve got guts, Ethan. I’m impressed.”
He knew full well everything pointed to her, yet he still dared to use this tone
with her.
——
e my
Stella snorted. “Let me remind you. two years ago, Lilian almost cost me life. And I’ve got one huge flaw: if someone owes me, I need to collect interest
otherwise, I just can’t sleep at night.”
www
What right did he have to act so high and mighty?
When they tried to crush her, they thought it was just business as usual but now that she was fighting back, suddenly it was immoral?
Stella gave a cold chuckle and added, “Half a life times two
me.”
sounds fair to
Ethan finally exploded. “Stella!”
He roared into the phone.
But before he could say another word, Stella hung up on him.
It must’ve been Abraham.
Even if it wasn’t, Lilian deserved everything coming her way.
Originally, Rianne had said Lilian really was sick bothered to deal with her.
But if Abraham had gotten involved…
and Stella hadn’t even
Thinking about how Abraham had always protected her from childhood until now, her heart warmed uncontrollably.
She wondered where all of this would lead them.
Stella felt drained, her whole body weak.
She touched her forehead it was burning.
She pushed herself up, intending to get some water.
But the moment her feet hit the floor, her legs gave out and she collapsed heavily onto the ground.
So soft… and painful.
The soreness between her legs made it nearly impossible to even stand.
The door opened – and Abraham stepped inside, catching sight of Stella sitting helplessly on the floor.
Hearing the door, Stella turned her head.
Seeing Abraham, she froze for a moment, then her eyes turned pitiful. “Abraham…”
Abraham was still wearing his trench coat, with a few snowflakes clinging to his shoulders and hair.
Clearly, he had just returned from outside.
He strode over in a few quick steps and scooped Stella off the ground. “What happened? Hm?”
Stella burst into tears. “It hurts… I don’t have any strength left…”
She had never felt this way before aching, weak, utterly helpless.
As soon as Abraham picked her up, he felt the heat radiating off her body.
He carried her to the bed and laid her down, his hand pressing against her forehead.
Sure enough burning hot.
Ten minutes later, Eddie was called over.
As he took Stella’s temperature, the number flashed: 39 degrees Celsius.
“How did you get such a high fever? Did you get hurt?”
Stella went stiff.
Her face flushed bright red.
Hurt… is an understatement.
And it wasn’t exactly a convenient place to explain.
Seeing her not answering, Eddie frowned. “I’m asking you if you’re hurt.”
There was an unmistakable edge to his voice now.
Especially since Eddie was looking at her like he already knew she’d done something “bad” to Abraham.
Chapter 225 An Unseen War
Stella swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah… but I’m not really sure.”
It felt like she was hurt. It hurt so badly down there.
Eddie was speechless.
Abraham was speechless.
Hearing her say she wasn’t sure, both men turned to stare at her.
Under their stares, Stella felt numb all over.
Especially Abraham
his gaze was so sharp it was like he had X–ray vision,
seeing right through her.
Abraham turned back to Eddie and said, “Get out.”
“Huh?” Eddie blinked, stunned.
What for? He was a doctor what could there possibly be that he wasn’t allowed to know?
But faced with Abraham’s look, Eddie decided not to argue for once.
Without asking anything more, he quietly stepped out of the room.
Now only Stella and Abraham were left.
Abraham sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for the blanket. “Let me
take a look.”
Stella was confused.
Look? Look at what? What is he trying to do?!
Meanwhile, at the hospital…
Ethan’s face was dark with rage, his entire body practically radiating cold air. He
Stella could block anyone, but she would never block Tessa.
Tessa, furious, kicked at Ethan. “You’re out of your damn mind. Give me back my phone!”
Back then, her mother had warned her not to stir up trouble with the Keene family but right now, Tessa really couldn’t hold it in anymore.
What the hell is he doing, hijacking her phone? Is this a robbery?!
Ethan dodged, but her foot still grazed his shin, leaving a searing pain.
“You damn woman…” Ethan gritted his teeth.
No wonder she’s Stella’s friend same crazy energy.
Tessa’s head was practically steaming with anger. “Ethan, give it up! She heard your voice through my number – you really think she’s going to answer?”
Ethan stiffened.
In that instant, the furious energy around him froze cold.
Tessa seized the chance to snatch her phone back. “You deserve it. Honestly, your taste in women is pathetic.”
Everyone in the social circles knew Lilian was trash the worst of the worst.
And yet Ethan had somehow convinced himself she was the embodiment of goodness.
Tessa turned and walked away.
From the hospital room, Susan’s shrill voice could still be heard: “We’re not leaving! Don’t even think about it!”
“In that case, we’ll have to arrange to transport Madam Susan and Ms. Lilian home,” the head nurse said coldly.
Susan snapped, “Get your hospital director out here! I want to speak to him
personally!”
“Madam Susan, it won’t make any difference. Not even the director can change this.”
When Ethan approached the door to the hospital room, the first thing he saw was the complete mess inside.
It looked like a hurricane had passed through.
Lilian sat on the bed, looking pitiful and helpless amid the chaos.
Ethan’s heart ached at the sight.
When Lilian spotted him, she choked out, “Ethan…”
He strode forward and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. I’ll handle it.”
Turning a cold glare on the head nurse, Ethan snapped, “Get out.”
“Sir, there’s no need to make this difficult,” the head nurse said with visible strain. “This is-”
“Get out!” Ethan roared.
The head nurse gave Lilian a long, cold glance, then turned and left without another word.
But her retreating figure made it clear this was far from over.
Jason had just stepped into the room when he heard Ethan bark, “Go fix it.”
Jason’s heart sank.
Even with the Keene family holding shares in this hospital, they couldn’t keep Lilian
here…
The force behind this is terrifying.
Send Gifts
The moment Ethan thought about Stella and Mr. Abraham of the Luke family, his brows knitted together tightly.
Lilian didn’t notice the shift in Ethan’s mood.
She continued, choking back tears, “Mom, she’s your biological daughter. I don’t want to see her ruin herself because of me 1
Lilian sobbed uncontrollably. “I always treated her like a sister. I never wanted her to end up like this.”
His temples were pounding.
Lilian and Susan both turned to look at him, confused by his sudden harsh tone.
What do you mean she grew up in the Luke family!
Lilian blinked, confused. “Yeah, Ethan, what are you talking about?”
Fleule’s Luke family? The one everyone fears?
Stella… is the sister of the legendary Mr. Abraham?!
Lilian lifted her head and said hoarsely, “Ethan… are you sure?”
Inside, Lilian’s heart was a storm of turmoil, roiling with jealousy.
She didn’t want to believe it- she refused to believe Stella had grown up in the Luke family!
Ethan’s breath grew colder.
When Ethan first heard the news, his mind had exploded with a loud clang.
She remembered feeling sorry for that lost little girl.
Lilian had been the one to tell her about it at the time.
Now, the two women exchanged another stunned glance.
If Stella had truly grown up with the Luke family… then this time, they were facing serious trouble.
Meanwhile, back at Pluchville Hill
Then, without a word, he scooped her up–blanket and all–and settled her on his lap.
What met his eyes was Stella’s flushed little face, red from holding her breath for so long.
Abraham’s expression was serious.
Abraham chuckled softly, reached out, and pulled the blanket off her head again.
Just as Abraham was about to pull away, Stella grabbed his robe in a panic.
Abraham raised an eyebrow. “What? Still not enough?”
She stared into his deep eyes, her toes curling up, and stammered, “You–you’re sober right now, aren’t you? Do you realize what you’re doing?”
The distance between them had completely crossed any boundaries siblings should have.
If so… then what were they now?
Abraham rubbed her soft hair affectionately. “What’s wrong? Scared?”
1/3
She popped out of the blanket and threw her arms around his neck. You scared me to death!”
Terrified everyone would find out what had happened between her and Abraham during that snowstorm.
Hearing Abraham repeatedly confirm everything settled the wildly rocking waves in her heart.
Meanwhile, downstairs.
When he saw Abraham coming down, he stubbed out his cigarette and said, “She got hurt? Seriously? She’s at your side and Mill managed to get hurt? Did someone find their way here?”
At the mention of “those people,” Abraham’s gaze immediately darkened, a sharp, cold light flashing in his eyes.
“You think that’s even possible?” he said coldly.
Abraham replied calmly, “Bring fever medicine. And something for injuries.
Suddenly, a memory flashed in Eddie’s mind–Stella earlier, bundled up in that ridiculously thick scarf.
So during those two years of their engagement, they probably hadn’t even held hands.
And it finally explained why, back in Fleule, Stella had been so closely guarded buzz too close.
Because Abraham had long since decided no one else could take his little girl away.
Abraham’s cold gaze swept across Eddie. “If you say one more word, I don’t mind giving you some practice with surgical
Over the years, whenever anyone dared say a single extra word about Stella, Abraham’s attitude was exactly the same.
No wonder Abraham had always looked annoyed whenever he or Victor called Stella Tittle sister.”
Turns out even words were too much
From the very beginning, she had been for Abraham alone.
13
“All these years, she’s treated Stella like a daughter. And Marie too if she finds our you turned her beloved little sister into your wife, she’ll go ballistic. She might even hide Stella away where you’ll never find her again.
This was way
foo
Abraham, you—
insane.
“After all these years, I can’t believe I didn’t notice you were hiding feelings for Stella all along. You’re a damn sly fox.
The more Eddie thought about it, the more worked up he got.
Everyone in Fleule knew Abraham treasured the little girl he picked up.
As a sister—a sister!
“Medicine,” Abraham said flatly, cutting him off.
(One word, ice–cold.
He clearly had no intention of arguing.
Eddie’s face twitched.
He numbly pulled out fever medicine from the medical kit but as for the ointment Abraham wanted, he didn’t have any
He had never expected Stella would be hurt like that.
And honestly, given that Abraham had never been around any women all these years, he hadn’t thought the medicine would ever be needed.
Now, needing it urgently where was he supposed to find it?
Eddie shoved the fever meds and some anti–inflammatory medicine into Abraham’s hands. “I’ll have someone buy the ointment. You’re a damn animal.”
Farting her, even…
All those years of pretending to be so good to her it had all been part of the plan.
Abraham kicked Eddie once before heading back upstairs.
Eddie sucked in a sharp breath from the pain. “You do something that shameless and you can’t even take being scolded!”
Damn it. That’s gonna leave a bruize.
He already gave me two last night. Now it’s three
Abraham headed back into the room with the medicine.
Stella had already fallen asleep from her fever.
Her breathing was shallow and uneven she must have caught a cold too.
When Abraham picked her up to feed her the medicine, she muttered in her sleep, “Bitter”
“Be good. Take the medicine, Abraham coaxed gently.
Soon after, Eddie’s people delivered the ointment
When Eddie handed it over, he couldn’t help warning:
2/3
I’m serious,” Eddie said quickly. “And no hot springs either. Pluchville Hill’s too cold right now. You should take her back to Verdant Villa.”
Originally, they came here because Stella’s leg needed the hot springs. Now she was injured…
Chapter 229 A Debt They Cannot Repay
The only choice left was to take Stella back and start treatments with acupuncture. In this snowy weather, the mountain was far too cold.
Abraham said coolly, “Got it.”
“Make sure you apply that ointment for her too,” Eddie reminded.
“Oh, and by the way.” Eddie added, Patrick came by again this morning”
Abraham’s gaze turned sharp. “Didn’t he leave last night?”
“He did. But he came back first thing, been pestering Abel nonstop trying to see you.”
JAbraham’s eyes narrowed dangerously
The fact that Abel hadn’t even bothered relaying the message told him everything – Abel knew he wouldn’t want to see
Patrick.
Eddie clicked his tongue. “Parents, huh? Guess the Reed family’s got lard for brains. That Lilian – when she was in Fleule, she dated four or five boyfriends in just two years. And Ethan still thought she was some treasure.”
Abraham shot him a cold look
“You enjoy gossiping?” he said flatly.
Eddie quickly backed down. “Nah, just making sure you know the full picture.”
Fine, Eddie thought. Other women’s business, Abraham couldn’t care less. But this still kinda involved Stella
Not wanting to waste another second on Eddie, Abraham turned and walked upstairs, the chill around him thickening.
Eddie watched him go and couldn’t help clicking his tongue again..
Finally got a taste of the forbidden fruit and immediately put under house arrest… yeah, he’s gotta be thrilled.
Meanwhile, Patrick had returned to the company at dawn, only to discover the situation had gotten even worse overnight.
Panic completely overtook him..
Without wasting a second, he rushed back to Pluchville Hill.
Abel’s voice was icy as he said, “Mr. Patrick, your persistence is meaningless.”
Patrick was desperate.
He had managed to figure out which building Stella and Abraham were staying in only to find it surrounded by bodyguards
He tried calling Stella’s number, but she had already blocked him.
Patrick, who once would have scoffed at the idea that Stella could shake the mighty Reed Group, was now feeling the cold.
truth settle in.
“Sir, please I’m begging you, just this once,” he pleaded.
Π
last another week.
Abel looked down at the envelope in his hand, his expression darkening.
“Do you know what Mr. Abraham hates most, Mr. Patrick?” he said coldly.
“W–what?” Patrick stammered, completely missing the warning in Abel’s tone.
Abel sneered, “He hates bribery. He despises anyone trying to use back doors.”
If you blocked the main road yourself, don’t expect there to be a side path left.
Patrick paled. T–this-”
Before he could fumble for an excuse. his phone rang.
Susan’s name flashed on the screen.
Seeing her name only deepened Patrick’s fury, especially with Abel glaring at him.
He almost hung up immediately, but Abel had already turned and walked away.
Gritting his teeth, Patrick answered the call. “What do you want?!
At this point, he had no patience left for Susan.
Susan’s voice came frantically through the phone: “Stella… Stella grew up with the Luke family.”
Patrick froze. “What?”
“She’s Abraham’s sister,” Susan insisted. “Just like Lilian and Jonathan.”
Patrick was speechless.
Silence fell on the line..
Patrick’s mind exploded with a deafening crash.
“You–you’re saying… Stella grew up with the Luke family?” His voice shook,
Susan’s voice crackled back urgently. “Yes! We’re finished, Patrick. Completely finished. If Stella doesn’t explain things to Mr. Abraham and clear up the misunderstanding, the Reed Group is dead. And Lilian- the hospital forced her to leave, they even stopped her medication. Stella wants us all dead!”
Her voice was frantic..
No wonder no one who crossed her recently got away unscathed.
No wonder
And she hadn’t even said a word about it.
Susan’s rage boiled over just thinking about it.
Patrick gasped for air, his chest heaving
Even breathing had become difficult.
The Luke family…
And Stella was Mr. Abraham’s sister
“You idiot, Patrick exploded. “What the hell have you done to her all these years?”
Susan’s voice snapped back: “What do you mean, what have I done? She never even told me she was with the Luke family!”
Send Gifts
Chapter 230 A Sly Fox Revealed
They had always believed Stella was just a girl raised in the countryside.
They had even thought that after they trained her properly, they could slowly bring her out into society who would have thought she’d be so impossible to control?
Thinking back to Stella’s stubborn attitude, Susan grew even angrier.
Patrick pressed a hand against his forehead. “You–you–you…”
He was so furious he couldn’t even get the words out.
But one thing was clear to both of them:
As long as Stella refused to back down, the Reed Group was doomed in Abraham’s hands.
“You’re already at Pluchville Hill, right? Go see her. Tell her everything clearly, Susan urged without thinking
With how things stood now, she would never be able to see Stella herself–let alone explain anything.
Patrick gritted his teeth. “You think she even wants to see me?”
Just thinking about it made his lungs ache.
He hung up on Susan in fury and immediately rushed toward the building where Stella and Abraham were staying.
Meanwhile.
After taking the medicine, Stella’s fever began to subside, Feeling the strange sensation on her body, she slowly opened her
eves.
She saw Abraham applying ointment on her.
Stella jolted upright and grabbed Abraham’s wrist. “What are you doing?!”
Where exactly is he touching?!
She
had h
been weak and drowsy from the fever, but now she was wide awake.
Abraham looked at her calmly. “Eddie said if the injury doesn’t get treated properly, it’ll get worse. You’ll get another fever.”
‘Eddie knows too?!
Wait, what
Abraham frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Her reaction was so dramatic it made him unhappy.
Stella could hear the displeasure in his tone. She swallowed nervously. “L
–
Her brain was mush she couldn’t think straight.
Abraham gently removed her hand. “Be good. Don’t move.”
Stella froze.
She wanted to resist.
Seeing her surrender, Abraham’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Good girl”
“Relax. It’s just applying ointment.”
If he hadn’t said anything, it might have been fine- but hearing that made Stella’s breathing turn uneven again.
Seriously, after everything, what else could he possibly want to dof
Flustered. Stella pulled the blanket over her head to hide.
Out of sight, out of mind
out of embarrassment.
Seeing her act like this. Abraham chuckled lowly. “Is Stella getting shy?”
“Please stop talking. Stella muttered.
Especially saying things like that she really couldn’t handle it right now.
Abraham said. With your injuries, you definitely can’t soak in the hot spring. We’ll head straight back to Verdant Villa”
This little lodge was too cramped anyway, and the mountain air was too cold.
Stella gave a small “Mm” of agreement.
Even without him saying it, she knew there was no way she could manage the hot springs now.
After finishing with the ointment, Abraham coaxed her into drinking a bowl of soup.
Once he confirmed her temperature had stabilized, he bundled her up thickly, preparing to take her back to Verdant Villa.
At first, Stella didn’t feel too much pain.
But the moment she tried to stand, her legs gave out.
Seeing her struggle to even walk, Abraham frowned. “It hurts that much?”
Tears welled up in Stella’s eyes.
She looked at him, eyes glistening, and nodded pitifully.
A flash of guilt crossed Abraham’s gaze.
He scooped her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking clearly at the time.”
“You… you remember?” Stella stammered.
Wait… he remembers?!
He said he wasn’t totally clear–headed- but he remembered exactly what he’d done?
Stella stared at him, her temples pounding.
Abraham’s smiling eyes said everything without a word.
Stella’s brain completely short–circuited. “You- you were lying to me before?”
He had obviously remembered everything- and yet he still asked her about her injuries like he didn’t know!
Stella’s heart exploded.
You kept bullying me, you-
201
Abrahan laughed quietly, catching her chin with a gentle squ
squeeze. “Alright, alright.”
“You even pretended not to remember!” Stella fumed. “You–you-
Abraham said, “That’s because you’re too gullible.”
Stella was speechless.
So now it’s my fault!!
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