Chapter 481 You’re Not Nervous Anymore Are You
Chapter 481 You’re Not Nervous Anymore Are You
She let
tout a small huff and turned her face away.
The car soon
pulled up to the top of the hill. The first thing that came into view was the expansive horse ranch.
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Not far off stood a magnificent castle, from a distance, it looked like it touched the sky. Just looking at it stirred a sense of longing….
That was the Dawson mansion. The Dawson family’s place in Falvaria was just like the position of that castle–commanding. absolute.
As the motorcade approached, the electronic gates slowly opened after scanning the vehicle. A row of security personnel in black uniforms stood at attention, a visual reminder of how difficult it was for anyone to get past this threshold.
The car drove for another five minutes before finally pulling up in front of the castle’s grand entrance.
The butler was already there, flanked by a line of maids, all standing respectfully. When the car stopped, the butler stepped forward and opened the door with a bow.
“Mr. Abraham. Ms. Dawson”
Abraham got out first, then extended his hand into the car.
Stella looked at his broad, steady palm before gently placing her small hand into it.
With a light pull, he helped her out of the car.
The butler, who usually kept his emotions in check, couldn’t help the redness that welled up in his eyes the moment he saw Stella.
“Miss, you’re finally home. These past few years without you… something’s always felt missing.”
Stella greeted him sweetly, “James.”
James, the butler, was already in his fifties.
At her greeting, he gave a soft smile. “Let’s go in. Madam has already returned.”
Stella nodded.
Abraham reached out to adjust her coat, but she said, “I’m not cold.”
Falvaria’s weather was much warmer than Rivermount’s–Rivermount was truly freezing
Abraham took her hand and led her inside.
Along the way, the staff greeted them one after another. Seeing that Stella had really returned, most of them looked genuinely happy.
Back when Stella lived here, she had always treated the staff kindly, so many of them had grown fond of her.
There were a few exceptions–those who looked down on her because she was adopted.
Still, because of the way Abraham and the entire Dawson family treated Stella, even those with complaints dared not speak
Some had even been bribed by other heiresses to try and trip Stella up–but in the end, they were either chased off by Abraham or Evelyn.
They passed the main entrance…
Then walked for several more minutes until they reached the private villa where Evelyn spent most of her time.
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Chapter 481 You’re Not Nervous Anymore Are You
As soon as they stepped inside, the smell of food filled the air, instantly whetting Stella’s appetite.
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Evelyn’s voice rang out, “I don’t even know if Star still likes this stuff. That rascal Abraham said her tastes have changed since living in Rivermount.”
“As long as Madam prepared it, Miss will definitely love it,” Harper said reassuringly. “No matter how much her taste changed out there, nothing beats home.”
Harper was the maid in the Dawson mansion
Evelyn agreed, “Exactly. Home is still the best. And seriously–what kind of people are those in Rivermount? I can’t even stand to let Star suffer the tiniest bit, and they nearly got her killed.”
By the time she said that last part, Evelyn’s voice carried a sharp edge of anger.
“Alright, Madam,” Harper said gently. “Didn’t you and Mr. Abraham already give them what they deserved? Totally wrecked
them.”
“I’m still mad.”
“Yes, Ms. Dawson really went through hell this time.”
Harper’s voice was full of sympathy.
Evelyn added. “Exactly. Thank goodness that little head of hers is smart–didn’t fall for any of those losers out there. At least her taste in men is still top–notch.”
“That’s for sure.” Harper said. “Mr. Abraham has kept Ms. Dawson in the palm of his hand all these years–how could she possibly look at anyone else?”
That finally made Evelyn smile.
“Well then, all those years Abraham spent taking care of her weren’t wasted.”
The two of them continued chatting in Falvarian,
On the way back, Stella had been worrying about how to talk to her mother about her and Abraham
But now, hearing the conversation between Evelyn and Harper, all her concerns vanished.
Abraham looked over at her. “Not nervous anymore?
Steila nodded. “Not at all.”
If Mom’s saying all that, what is there to be nervous about?
All she had to do was admit fault and play sweet–that always worked.
This was the Dawson family. This was what home meant to Stella…
Ever since she was little, no matter what she did wrong, she always believed that as long as she admitted her mistake and softened her tone, things could be resolved.
It wasn’t like the Reed family in Rivermount.
Back there, she had been completely unprepared for all the scheming
Over time, she realized, those people who called themselves family were something else entirely.
Evelyn and Harper were still talking.
“Do you think Star will like this dish? What about that one!”
Chapter 482 Don’t Cry You’re Not a Kid Anymore
It had been years since they’d last seen each other.
Evelyn asked Harper about everything, worried that these things might not suit her taste.
But before Harper could even respond, Stella’s voice rang out, “I like it–I like all of it.
Evelyn had her back to the door.
At the sound of Stella’s voice, her body visibly stiffened.
Just when Stella thought she would immediately turn around–and she herself was already bracing to run up and hug her-
The warmth and enthusiasm she had anticipated. never came.
Evelyn didn’t turn around; she stood there, rigid, her back to her. Stella’s heart tightened all over again.
Juntil she saw Evelyn’s shoulders trembling ever so slightly
Stella felt a sharp ache in her chest and stepped forward slowly. “Mom.”
Still, Evelyn didn’t turn around.
As she got closer, Stella could see more clearly–Evelyn’s shoulders were trembling harder now.
This time, Stella didn’t hesitate. She walked up quickly and wrapped her arms around Evelyn from behind
“Mom, I’m home.”
Her voice was soft–so soft it could break your heart.
At that, Evelyn finally turned around and pulled her into a tight embrace. “You little brat Only come home when someone goes out to get you? Forgot the way on your own?”
Her torie was full of scolding.
Evelyn was tall by nature, and Abraham had clearly inherited the good genes from her.
So compared to Abraham, Stella was small–and standing in front of Evelyn, she was still a tiny ball of softness.
It was slightly better than with Abraham, though–at least she came up to Evelyn’s neck this time.
Hearing Evelyn’s scolding, Stella nuzzled into her neck. “Don’t be mad anymore, okay? I am wrong…”
“Hmph, if you don’t give me a full explanation today, I’m absolutely not forgiving you
Stella was stunned.
Evelyn continued, “And you–did you call someone else ‘mom“?”
The corner of Stella’s mouth twitched; she went quiet.
Someone else? Suran?
“I swear, I didn’t”
Dol seem like that kind of person? Someone who’d call just anyone ‘mom‘ for a piece of candy? Though truthfully, Susan never really
tried to coax her.
Ever since she arrived at River
at Rivermount-
Lillian had been acting completely erratic, always causing trouble in one way or another.
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Chapter 482 Don’t Cry You’re Not a Rid Anymore
Even during those two months in the hospital, Susan only came sporadically.
Each tune, she’d stay ten, maybe fifteen minutes–like a candle being lit and then immediately snuffed out…
Susan’s way of being a mother stood in stark contrast to Evelyn’s
From the very beginning. Stella hadn’t accepted her in her heart. And later on, that was even less likely.
Stella nuzzled into Evelyn’s arms again. “I would never.”
Hearing that. Evelyn finally felt a little better.
She held Stella tightly, pleased. “Good, that’s what I wanted to hear. Hmph.”
Her tone was full of prideful affection.
If Stella had really called someone else “mom, Evelyn wouldn’t have let it go. If she already called someone else mom, and the Reed family still treated her that way-
Then Evelyn definitely wouldn’t have let those people off the hook. She’d keep going after them.
Stella held Evelyn tightly. “Mom, I missed you so much.”
“If you missed me, why didn’t you come home! You little brat…”
When it came to the subject of coming home, Evelyn’s tone suddenly turned heavy.
Not just
for Stella–even at her age, Evelyn had never experienced anything as chaotic as that.
She still hadn’t recovered from the upheaval three years ago.
She had lost her husband, the Dawson family had been thrown into turmoil.
She and Marie had been kidnapped together, and in the end, Stella had vanished without a trace.
“It’s good you’re back… it’s good you’re back.”
Ali the scolding she had prepared ended up becoming just that shagle line.
No
matter what, after everything they’d been through, having the family together again was more important than anything
They stayed in each other’s arms for ten full minutes before Abrahamn finally couldn’t take it anymore and stepped in. “Alright, that’s enough hugging.”
“You liule brat.”
Evelyn shot Abraham a glare of disapproval. What did he mean enough hugging? She still wanted more.
Abraham pulled Stella out of her arms. “Star’s hungry.”
Stella was stunned.
The moment Evelyn heard that, she let out a surprised yelp: “Ah! So you do know what hunger feels like? I heard you haven’t been eating well lately.”
As she spoke, Evelyn’s gaze drifted downward and landed on Stella’s still–flat belly.
At that moment, her eyes grew even more tender.
Even her smile softened with maternal warmth. “It’s good you know when you’re hungry. If you didn’t, that’d really be miserable.”
“Not just for you–what’s inside your belly would suffer, too.”
Chapter 483 Marie Has Zero Chill
Stella went quiet.
When she heard Evelyn mention “what’s in your belly,” her chest gave a little jolt.
Just after Abraham had pulled her out of Evelyn’s arms, she dove right back into them.
“Mom.”
Her voice caught with a sob.
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She really didn’t blame me… All the worries she’ll carried back in Rivermount had completely vanished in that moment.
“Why are you crying again? Don’t cry, don’t cry–you’re not a child anymore.”
Crying was for kids.
J–1 thought you’d be mad at me,” Stella said.
She had gotten together with Abraham just like that–she had truly been afraid Evelyn wouldn’t take it well.
And it was precisely because Evelyn had been so good to her all these years that she had kept her feelings for Abraham tucked away so carefully,
Especially during her time in Rivermount–she’d seen enough.
Susan had doted on Lillian so
much.
But even then, she had never once thought about Lillian and Jonathan being a thing…
So in Stella’s heart, she had come to believe that this kind of relationship simply wasn’t one people would accept.
“Why would I be mad at you? Isn’t this a good thing? Back then, I worried about you all the time.”
At this, Evelyn let out a long sigh
“You were so delicate. If you grew up and married into some other family and got bullied, then what?”
Granted, Stella’s temperament had been well–shaped by the Dawson family.
But still, Evelyn had worried.
Compared to Marie, Stella was much more likely to get picked on.
And sure enough, things had turned out exactly the way Evelyn had predicted–those people in Rivermount had bullied her.
Stella was even more touched. “Mom.”
“No I
to more crying, okay? Be good. After you eat, have the med team give you a full checkup”
Evelyn comforted her patiently.
She even shot Abraham a fierce glare, blaming him for not explaining things to Stella properly earlier.
Look how worried she got.
Sure enough, being away for so long had changed things; even Stella had worried about how she’d take the news. What was there to worry about? I raised her myself. No one knows her temperament better than I do.
Stella nodded obediently. “Okay.”
After a few more soothing words, Evelyn led her over to the dining table.
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Chapter 483 Marie Has Zero Chill
The housekeepers had already set the table–it was completely covered with food.
All of Stella’s favorite dishes from when she used to live in Falvaria.
Evelyn kept piling food onto her plate. “Star, I made this one myself today.”
“Mhm.”
Stella nodded sweetly.
She used her fork to pick up a piece of flatbread and took a bite. “Mom, your cooking is still amazing”
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Who would’ve guessed that Evelyn–the tough, commanding woman out in the world, the only daughter of the Luke family -would also know her way around the kitchen?
And not just that–what she made was seriously delicious.
Stella loved the way her mom’s cooking tasted.
“I heard that after you went to Rivermount, you especially liked eating broth. I thought maybe you didn’t like these anymore,” Evelyn said.
“I do. I do I love all of it”
It was just that, over in Rivermount, those plain dishes hadn’t been very tasty.
The only things she really liked over there were the broth and the barbecue. People naturally gravitate toward what they enjoy eating
But no matter how much tastes might change, the flavors from home were never truly gone from her heart.
get tired of them if you eat them too often, but go without for too long, and you’d start craving them.
You might get
And Stella had clearly been craving them.
“This soup is amazing, she said.
After one sip of the soup Evelyn had made herself, Stella’s whole face lit up with satisfaction. It really was that good.
Evelyn laughed…
For anyone who cooked, the greatest comfort was having someone enjoy it.
“If it’s good, drink up. You haven’t been eating properly lately, so you have to eat more today.”
As Stella sipped her soup, she asked, “Mom, how do you know everything? Did you know what I’ve been up to all these years in Rivermount too?”
If she even knew about her poor eating habits, then she must’ve grown eyes on her or something.
Evelyn’s expression froze for a moment at the question.
“Your mom’s not that magical. You sneaky girl really knew how to hide. Picked that kind of place to disappear to. Getting bullied and still didn’t think to come home.”
Any time Rivermount came up, it always circled back to how the Reed family had treated Stella.
Back then, Evelyn really hadn’t known that Stella had gone to Rivermount–there were so many places to go abroad Who would’ve guessed she’d end up somewhere with a completely different language?
But she had seriously underestimated Stella’s ability to learn. In just two or three years, Stella had mastered the local language there.
Even though her husband had originally come from that region. he’d only taught her a few words back then
Chapter 484 Who’s Gonna Want Me Anyway
“I know I was wrong.”
- c. Stella said.
“Hmph…”
Evelyn let out a proud little huff, though she clearly hadn’t meant to scold Stella at all.
After all, these past years, they’d been busy dealing with all the lingering mess left behind.
Otherwise, they would’ve gone to bring Stella back long ago–no way would they have let her be bullied by the Reed family.
Because compared to those real dangers, the Reed family’s tricks barely counted for anything.
And this time… though things still weren’t fully resolved,
The moment Stella used the black card Abraham had given her, they stopped feeling at ease altogether.
Even if not all the problems had been cleaned up yet, they were afraid something might happen to Stella in Rivermount.
“Right or wrong–eat first, talk later. Come on, eat up.”
Evelyn placed a piece of beef into Stella’s bowl.
That red wine braised beef had always been one of Stella’s favorite dishes. But after she’d gone to Rivermount, the flavor hadn’t quite been the same over there, so she’d stopped eating it.
Now, Evelyn’s attitude completely set her heart at ease.
She was just starting to eat when-
Marie barged in from outside, cursing under her breath. “That damn Keene family! I swear I’m gonna get every bit of it back someday! Evie and Eddie are absolute garbage, total lowlifes! And Derrick–that snake–I won’t let him off either. Sooner or later. I’ll destroy him.”
Stella and Abraham both went quiet.
When Evelyn heard Marie’s loud, fiery cursing, the corner of her mouth twitched. Her own daughter… honestly, what a sight.
Listen to that mouth…
She’d told her so many times. If you’re gonna curse someone out, at least do it without being vulgar
But no, every time she flew off the handle, it was straight to “destroy this” and “kill that. Honestly, who had she inherited that personality from!
When she turned around and saw Marie coming in from the foyer, she snapped, “Alright, enough with the cursing already. Do you
have
any sense of what a lady should be like?”
When it came to this daughter, Evelyn really was helpless.
She’d raised Stella and Marie herself from the time they were little–same parenting style, same everything,
But she never could figure out why Marie had always turned out more like a boy.
All those pretty dresses she bought for her, she refused to wear. Designer heels, custom jewelry, handbags–brand–new, untouched
Stella, on the other hand, was just perfect…
Little girls were meant to be dressed like princesses, all soft and pink and adorable.
Marie saw they were already eating.
Sull furning, she walked over to the dining table and sat down.
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Chapter 1851 Robbed Them With Style and Taste
Chapter 485 I Robbed Them With Style and Taste
With Stella ard, Evelynster ided not to bring up anything about Marie
Marichimed in, “And don’t start on me later either–Em still going after Derrick. Three years ago, he dared to take Star, you
She repeated over and over, Abraham shot her a disapproving glance, but Marie showed no intention of holding back.
When Evelyn heard she still planned to go after Derrick, her expression turned particularly complicated.
Mentioning Derrick gave Evelyn a headache too. She thought back to what he’d told her just two days ago.
For a moment, she’d been stunned to learn that Derrick had carried such a heavy burden hark then.
in
At the time, everyone said Derrick was ungrateful–that he’d kicked his best brother when he was down.
But no one knew if he hadn’t betrayed them in such an unorthodox way back then, the damage to the Dawson family
After dinner, Marie brought Stella to her room, while Abraham followed Evelyn into the study.
Marie yanked open the wardrobe, spread her arms wide, and scooped out an entire row of clothing, tossing it all onto the bed in one big heap
Then she turned and opened a row of drawers, taking out each delicate box inside one by one–fancy gift boxes and clothes were now all jumbled together.
A mountain formed on the bed
Stella went quiet.
Marie opened the boxes–inside were all kinds of jewelry, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings a huge collection.
“My new creations.”
The dazzling display male Stella’s eyes widen in shock. “You made all of these too?”
When did she learn to make jewelry! She’d only known Marie had learned to sew clothes because of Dan. But jewelry too? Did Dan have a thing for accessories or something?
If that were true, then Marie had changed for for him.
Marie said, “It was on the way to look for you two years ago. I came across a mine. The stones inside were gorgeous, so I took them all. Their were too many, so I ended up designing and making all of this. It’s all for you.”
Stella
stunned. She came across me? You go out to find someone and casually stumble across a mine? How lucky can one person bet Honestly, you could say she was Mested by the gods and no one would argue
Stella examined the clarity and texture of the stones. She couldn’t tell exactly what kind of mineral they were–but they were. definitely beautiful.
“You’re sure you took these from the mine yourself?”
ven though Stella didn’t know much about gemstones,
She could still tell from the texture in her hand–they were top–quality.
Marie replied, “I stole them”
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Chapter 485 I Robbed Them With Style and Taste
Stole them? Has the serious? Stella was completely speechless
Marie explained, “It was from one of those shady groups. I tried to lay from them, but they scammed me–tried to extort more money. Totally shameless.”
Anyway, getting her hands on those stones had taken quite a bit of ellort
If they hadn’t been so pretty, she wouldn’t have even given them a second glance, But those guys had the nerve to try and
Thinking about that whole ordeal still made Marie mad.
Stella’s eyelid twitched hard. “So you just stole them?”
Marie shrugged. “C’mon, I paid for them.”
Well, she paid the actual value of the stones–there was no way she’d pay the extra they tried to scam out of her.
“Alright, come on, come on, let’s put this on you. I handpicked every material in this necklace. Isn’t it pretty?”
Marie said with feal feeling
All these years without hearing Stella called her as a sister, she hadn’t gotten used to it at all.
Even though they were grown now,
Stella still had that baby–faced roundness; she hadn’t changed much since she was little. Marie couldn’t help but see the child
version of her.
Looking at that adorable little face, Marie’s heart softened again.
Back in school, no matter how mad she was–one look at that face and she’d calm right down.
Now that she was older, those eyes were still just as sweet.
“The raw gemstones were cut by a professional. And I matched all the accessories myself.”
Stella nodded. “Yeah, it’s beautiful-
The necklace’s design really was unique–especially those stones.
“What kind of stone is this?” she asked.
Marie shrugged “No idea. Just looked pretty, so I stole–wait, no–bought it.”
“Don’t worry, it’s been tested. Totally harmless.”
As she spoke, she started rummaging through the pile on the bed, grabbing a dress and holding it up alongside the necklace, measuring everything against Stella’s frame. “Look at my taste–it’s amazing, right?”
Stella went quiet.
She glanced at the necklace in Marie’s hand. Yeah… the taste really was amazing
Chapter 486 I Recognize That Man Even as Ashes
Stella pondered for a moment, her eyes drifting to the color of the dress.
She pursed her lips. “Dan…. is he into mature women now?”
Marie was stunned.
At the sudden mention of Dan, her expression stiffened uncontrollably.
She turned around and laid the dress down on the bed.
With her back to Stella, the sadness radiated off her. Stella stepped forward and gently took hold of her cold hand.
“Marie.”
She called softly, her voice light and sweet-
Yet in that moment it gave Marie endless strength
Marie shut her eyes. “He has a fiancée now. He’s getting married, Star–he’s actually getting married.”
“What?” Stella said.
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“How is that possible?”
Back then. Dan had clearly liked Marie–Stella had seen it with her own eyes. He had treated Marie so well.
He had even hidden his identity just to stay by her side.
Thinking back to those days, that was the happiest Stella had ever seen Marie.
Dan had taught her how to be a girl.
They had loved each other so deeply…
Marie drew in a sharp breath. “He forgot about me. He doesn’t even remember who I am.”
‘Amnesia?” Stella asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore, and I don’t want to. He didn’t recognize me.”
That single phrase-“didn’t recognize–held an ocean of pain in Marie’s voice.
Hearing her say that, Stella found herself speechless.
She stepped up behind Marie and silently wrapped her arms around her.
Marie’s body trembled slightly. “How could he not recognize me? How…”
Stella could feel the pain radiating from her.
She didn’t know what to say–this kind of hurt wasn’t something that could be eased with a few words.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sure it was really Dan?”
If it was Dan, how could he treat her that way? And how could someone just forget everything like that?
If he didn’t recognize her, maybe… he wasn’t the same person at all.
She thought
back to that phone call Abraham had with Marie–the one that revealed Abraham had already known that man was in Frapeu
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Chapter 486 I Recognize That Man Even as Ashes
He’d known how important that man was to Marie, and yet he’d never told her a word:
Could it really
that it was just someone who looked like Dan? But if it were just a lookalike, he wouldn’t have told Marie at all would Art Stella couldn’t make sense of it.
But then Marie gritted her teeth, her voice suddenly harsh. “I’m sure. Even if he turned to ashes, I’d still recognize him. It was him. There’s no way I’d be wrong
Someone who had never been forgotten–someone buried deep in her heart–how could she possibly mistake him?
At those words, Stella fell silent.
So it was Dan. And yet in Frapucu, he had a fiancee now.
Stella held Marie, resting her chin on her shoulder. “So… what are you planning to do?”
What worried Stella the most now was that Marie might lose control and do something reckless.
JMarie went quiet.
When asked about her next move, she froze too.
Her body stiffened.
She closed her eyes, trying hard to hold back the emotion threatening to break through. “I don’t know.”
She had carried this person–who was supposed to be gone–like a treasure in her heart.
And now suddenly, someone had told her he was still alive… living a whole new life.
Marie suddenly took Stella’s arms off her, and when she turned around, she was all smiles again
Stella stood there, completely stunned.
Marie picked up the dress again from the bed, then selected a sparkling necklace from the pile of jewelry. “This one’s gorgeous too.”
“What do you mean ‘Dan likes jewelry? What’s it got to do with him? The things I made for you have nothing to do with him.”
As she spoke, she started pulling at Stella’s clothes.
“Do what yourself?” Marie huffed. “Hurry up, I need to see how all these look on you. I’ve seen every part of you before- what are you so shy abour? Hands off”
Chapter 487 This Ain’t Rough Living
She snapped back, annoyed. “I’m not short.”
Back in Rivermount, when she stood next to other girls, she was usually the taller one.
Back
Marie scoffed, “Not short? You’re the shortest one in the Dawson family. All those years being fed the best stuff, and you still didn’t grow any taller.”
That line shut her right up.
And they looked amazing on Stella.
Marie scoffed. “Over the top? I think they’re perfect. You haven’t worn anything one–of–a–kind in years, have you?”
Custom fashion… Honestly, Stella didn’t know the first thing about it.
Usually it was Abraham, Evelyn, and Marie…
So after leaving that life, she just bought whatever looked good to her.
Stella was stunned. Rough
Back in the Dawson family, every meal and every outfit was pre–arranged
You could only choose from a limited set of options, the best ones, sure, but still limited. But once she left that world, the good and the bad were all laid out in front of her.
Food, clothes… There were so many choices.
In the Dawson family, there were rules for everything–even how to dress. But out here, comfort was king.
“Sounds like you’re pretty into life outside,” Marie muttered. “No wonder you don’t remember how to come home.”
Stella replied. “It’s not like that”
Especially the Reed family…
The Reed family had been ruthless, sure, but Stella hadn’t let them off easy either.
At the time, Derrick had seemed locked in a life–or–death feud with Abraham, and Stella hadn’t dared take any chances.
That woman had always had a thing for Abraham. But seriously, it’s not like she ever took a good look in the mirror–raised by that stepmother of hers, no less.
With her attitude and background, she thought she could marry into the Dawson family? Dream on.
“Didn’t I say I bought them? Bought. Do you understand the word or not?” Marie huffed.
But the phone rang again the next second.
Marie, clearly annoyed, picked up. “What?”
“Marie, you’ve gotta run–my brother’s on his way to find you.”
Stella was stunned.
Marie’s mouth twitched; she instinctively glanced at Stella sitting beside her. “Shouldn’t he be coming after Star? Why’s he after me? Shouldn’t you be telling Star to run?”
From what she gathered, it seemed like Derrick wasn’t planning to give up the engagement with Stella.
Marie was stunned. Mér
“What’d I do to him? Because I beat him up? He deserved that, didn’t he? What, did I injure him or something?”
Clearly, Marie didn’t get what Sebastian meant. I’m not that strong, right?
With Derrick’s skills, she hadn’t even gotten the upper hand when they fought.
Sebastian said, “No, it’s that a document went missing… Ah, he’s totally losing it right now and he’s coming for you. You need to hide, fast!”
She had gone to see him a few times these past few days.
Sebastian replied, “Time–wise, it should’ve been four days ago—your first day back”
Marie shot back. “Then it wasn’t me. I definitely didn’t take it.”
And she’d been in Frapucu just days ago….
Which meant–right after she left Dan’s side, she’d gone to confront Derrick, and then Derrick lost the document?
And now that document was in Dan’s hands? Marie’s mind was spinning.
Given how all the timing lined up… she had no way to explain herself now, even if she was innocent. Damn that useless Dan- why the heck would he go after something Derrick had?
Marie said, “I didn’t take it.”
And more importantly, even if she had done something, she’d be open and direct about it. She would never stoop to stealing
Just as Stella and Marie were about to say something else, a knock came at the door. The butler’s voice came f
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Chapter 488 He’s Coming With Weapons
ing around
Since Derrick had explained what really happened three years ago, her mother hadn’t forbidden him from coming
anymore.
After all, the two families had been close for generations.
And back then, Derrick had actually intended to help the Dawson family–things had just spiraled out of control by accident.
If anything, he was still owed a debt of gratitude from the Dawson family…
aa
Chapter 489 Derrick Just Kicked the Damn Door In
Marie said instinctively, “I’m not seeing him.”
Marie pondered. How the heck am I supposed to explain this?
But just as the words left her mouth, Derrick’s furious roar erupted from outside the door, “Marie, get the heck out here! I swear I’ll kill you today! Do you even know what you stole? You’ve got the guts to steal that?”
Stella and Marie went quiet.
Derrick had often come and gone from the Dawson mansion–usually alongside Abraham.
So he knew both the Dawson mansion and the Luke residence like the back of his hand.
And clearly, he’d predicted Marie wouldn’t see him face–to–face, so he’d just come straight to her door.
Hearing Derrick’s fury, Stella quickly pulled out her phone to call Abraham.
The Dawson magnion was huge. There was a chance Abraham didn’t even know Derrick was here yet.
Marie started to panic. “I didn’t take anything! Don’t start accusing me out of nowhere!”
Judging by Derrick’s mood, if she opened that door, he might actually try to kill her.
Derrick barked, “Come out.”
While Stella was dialing, she said to Marie, “If you didn’t take it, shouldn’t you try explaining it to him?”
Marie shot back, “You really think I can explain anything to him right now, looking at how he’s acting!”
Stella went quiet. Yeah… maybe not.
“Didn’t you hear Sebastian on the phone earlier? He said Derrick brought weapons to come after me.”
Stella was stunned;
He brought weapons–just how unhinged was Derrick right now?
Like Marie said, there was no reasoning with someone in that state.
“Then maybe you should bring weapons too?” Stella suggested.
Derrick looked ready to kill Maric, and Sebastian had said he was armed.
So it only made sense for Marie to arm herself too.
Marie was stunned; Fight Derrick here? In this house! If they tore the place up, wouldn’t it be my house getting wrecked? No way–that was a terrible deal.
And then she remembered about Stella.
Marie’s gaze instinctively dropped to Stella’s stomach,
No. She couldn’t act impulsively.
“all your brother. Now.”
If they were going to fight, it couldn’t be here.
“I’m already calling him,” Stella replied.
The call connected.
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Chapter 489 Derrick Just Kicked the Damn Door In
Abraham’s voice came through. “Head to the medical wing. I’m on my way.”
He’d already mentioned at lunch that Stella should get a check–up.
“Abraham,” Stella said quickly, “Derrick’s here. He’s right outside my sister’s door, and he looks like he’s ready to kill
someone.”
She had to be brief.
Because Derrick had already started pounding on the door–clearly out of his mind.
“I’m coming. Don’t open the door,” Abraham said.
“Okay.”
She hung up just as Derrick’s voice roared from outside again, “Marie, you crazy wench, get the heck out here!”
a went quiet.
Stella
Marie’s mouth twitched.
Even though she’d gone to fight Derrick for Stella’s sake, seeing him in this state had genuinely shaken her.
Who wouldn’t be scared of someone who looked ready to kill you?
Marie was completely stunned..
-You’re go
gonna kill me? The thing’s not even mine! I’m telling you, get lost-”
The door slammed into the wall with a deafening crack.
Stella went quiet.
Derrick stood in the doorway, eyes blazing with rage.
One kick. That was all it took for him to break down the door–that was how far gone he was.
Back when Marie had gone looking for a fight with him, she hadn’t been afraid
But seeing Derrick like this now, even she couldn’t help jumping.
She swallowed instinctively. “What the heckl are you doing? I’m warning you…
Even as she spoke, she stepped in front of Stella, shielding her behind her back.
Derrick lifted his eyes, cold and sharp, giving Marie a single, icy glare.
Marie–who normally feared nothing and no one, who picked fights like she breathed–actually choked on her words at the sheer danger in that look.
Just like that, everything she was about to say died in her throat.
Derrick slowly walked to the couch and sat down.
He crossed–one leg over the other. His posture screamed arrogance;
But that cocky attitude only made the danger rolling off him feel even more intense….
He reached down, pulled something from his waistband, and slammed it onto the coffee table with a loud bang.
The threat in the air was suffocating.
“How,” he asked, each word like a knife through clenched teeth, “are you planning to get that thing back for me?”
Stella and Marie both flinched at the sight of what he’d pulled out.
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Chapter 489 Derrick Just Kicked the Damn Door In
Marie swallowed hard. “Believe it or not, I didn’t take
She really hadn’t.
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Derrick sneered. “Oh yeah? Then tell me this–how the heck did it end up in Dan’s hands? You just came back from being
with him.”
And there it was–that one connection that made everything impossible to explain.
Before Marie could say anything,
covering
Derrick shot another venomous barb at her, full of contempt, “He’s about to marry another woman, and you’re still for him? Marie, how did I never realize before that you were the kind of woman who throws herself at men who don’t want you?
Chapter 490 Fistfight First Feelings Later
Chapter 490 Fistfight First Feelings Later
Marie was stunned,
Stella went quiet, Holy crap, this man’s mouth… This is seriously getting out of hand,
When Derrick had stormed in with that much aggression, Marie hadn’t even fully processed it.
Honestly, the way he blew in out of nowhere–Marie had actually felt a little panicked, maybe even intimidated for a second,
But now, with Derrick pulling a stunt like this, the entire scene had spiraled out of control. And it lit Marie’s fuse.
“You scumbag. Derrick!”
If he hadn’t mentioned Dan getting engaged to another woman, Marie might’ve held it together.
But who in Falvaria didn’t know that Marie had nearly lost her mind back then when Dan “suddenly died”
Now he was marrying someone else.
Even today, that was a live wire in Marie’s brain–anything could trigger it.
And Derrick just yanked it.
“Wanna go all out? Fine. I’m game.”
A minute ago, she’d still been holding back–for Stella’s sake.
Now, one trigger flipped her switch. All her reason snapped. Marie stormed to her bedside drawer, yanked it open, and pulled out the thing she always kept stashed there…
Pointing it straight at Derrick like a woman possessed. “You wanna die here? Fine. I’ll help you out myself.”
Derrick’s face went pale
“Marie, you crazy psycho!”
He dodged fast-
But the back of the sofa now had a hole in it, and the loud blast had already triggered the estate’s security system
Stella hadn’t even had time to react.
Before she knew it, Derrick and Marie were in a full–blown brawl.
Derrick lunged forward and kicked the weapon out of Marie’s hand. Marie didn’t back down–she dove at him, and they went at it hand–to–hand.
Stella was stunned.
Both Derrick and Marie, had firecracker tempers. Now that they were in it, it was chaos–pure thunder and lightning. Blows flying, furniture smashing
The room was wrecked in minutes.
When Derrick flung Marie aside with brute force, Stella snapped. She grabbed a nearby vase and launched it straight at him.
The vase shattered across Derrick’s head with a loud crack.
He froze mid–step.
Then slowly turned his head, eyes blazing with danger as he stared at Stella. Gritting his teeth, he hissed. “Stella, you ungrateful, backstabbing wench.”
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Chapter 490 Fistfight First Feelings Later
Getting hit by her only pushed him further over the edge.
He hadn’t even settled the score with her and Abraham yet–and now she had the nerve to hit him too,
Derrick reached out, ready to grab her-
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But Marie was already back on her feet. She lunged and locked her arms around Derrick’s waist. “Try touching Star one more time, I dare you, you scumbag! We still haven’t settled what happened three years ago!”
“Marie, let go of me!” Derrick shouted.
Stella picked up a photo frame and was about to smash it into Derrick’s skull.
This time, Derrick dodged just in time.
He grabbed Marie’s arms where they were clinging to his waist, and with a quick twist, they both went tumbling onto the bed.
And just like that-
Marie found herself pinned underneath him.
“Ah!”
Marie let out a furious scream.
Seeing Derrick on top of her only sent her rage skyrocketing. “Damn it, you’re heavy! You trying to crush me? Get the heckl
That was the scene Abraham and Evelyn walked into the total destruction.
Security guards had already rushed in.
Stella stood by the bed, still gripping the photo frame. One guard was shielding her protectively.
And Derrick.. was on top of Marie.
Marie’s gaze dropped. Her breathing turned sharp. Her fury exploded. “Where the heck do you think your hands are, Derrick, you scumbag! Move them!”
That furious shout drew every single pair of eyes in the room straight to Derrick’s hands.
And the moment they saw where his hands were-
A collective glint flickered in everyone’s eyes.
Abraham’s narrowed.
He stepped forward and yanked Derrick off the bed.
Derrick shoved back hard. “Get offf Don’t touch me!”
Since the misunderstandings had been cleared up in front of Evelyn,
Derrick had gotten–holder around the Dawson family
Especially in front of Abraham–the resentment in his eyes couldn’t have been clearer.
Abraham’s expression darkened.
His voice turned low and cold. “Come with me.”
Derrick shot Marie a sharp glare as she still lay on the bed.
He wanted to spit out a defiant “I’m not going“-but when the words reached his throat, he swallowed them down.
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Chapter 490 Fistfight First Feelings Later
With a bitter snort, he followed Abraham toward the door.
But just as they reached it, Abraham paused. He turned back.
Derrick scowled. “What?”
But Abraham didn’t even
even glance at him.
He looked right past Derrick, straight at Stella. “Head to the medical wing. I’ll meet you and the baby there in a bit.”
Stella nodded sweetly. “Okay.”
Derrick was stunned.
Before he could even ask-
Abraham had already turned and walked off.
And in that moment, Derrick felt like every drop of blood in his body had frozen solid.
Baby! His eyes darted to Stella’s flat stomach. “You’re pregnant? Whose is it?”
“You coming or not?”
Abraham stopped, turning back to him with eyes full of danger.
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