Chapter 491 Pregnant and Still Throwing Hands
Those deep, penetrating eyes carried a suffocating chill.
It was obvious–when Abraham had just said “baby,” he meant it for Derrick to hear.
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And everything Stella had just discussed with her mother in the study made it crystal clear, Derrick still harbored feelings for Stella.
Derrick looked at Abraham, his breath unsteady.
In that moment, his narrowed pupils shot out daggers of ice.
He glared fiercely at Stella before turning to follow Abraham
Inside the room.
Stella set the photo frame down and reached out to support Marie. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
Marie shook her head. “I’m fine. What were you doing just now? Are you out of your mind, provoking him like that?”
The look in Derrick’s eyes as he turned toward Stella just moments ago–so dangerous,
Marie had even suspected that if Stella hadn’t smashed that vase, Derrick might’ve strangled her on the spot.
Stella said, “I saw him hitting you.”
“Hitting me? Please. I’m not pregnant, and I’ve got thick skin, even if I fought him, I wouldn’t come out too bad. But what if you got hurt–what about the baby?”
When Abraham had said Stella was pregnant, Marie had been stunned.
Once she snapped out of it, the fear hit her hard. Thank goodness she’d reacted quickly and managed to grab hold of Derrick
If Stella had gotten injured, then what?
Evelyn stepped up, clearly shaken. “Exactly, Star. That was way too dangerous just now. You’re about to be a mother, and you still jumped into a brawl
Even she had been scared stiff.
She came forward and scolded Stella.
At the words “jumped into a brawl,” Stella’s mouth twitched involuntarily.
Well… technically, when Derrick and Marie were fighting and she jumped in too–yeah, that kind of was a brawl.
Before she could say anything, Evelyn continued, “I get that you’re worried about your sister, but your body can’t handle Derrick’s rage right now.”
“And anyway, when it comes to Marie and Derrick fighting, who knows who’d actually come out worse?”
Marie had been confronting Derrick for days now, and every time she came back without a scratch.
Evelyn knew exactly what her daughter was capable of; and while there’d been resentment between her and Derrick over the years, some of their past affection was still there–Derrick wouldn’t go all out on Marie.
Speaking of Derrick…
Right
now, Evelyn couldn’t help thinking that over the years, the Dawson family had actually wronged him quite a bit.
Especially Abraham–he’d vented all the fury from Stella’s disappearance straight onto Derrick.
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Chapter 491 Pregnant and Still Throwing Hands
The guy had barely even had a chance to explain himself.
Abraham had hunted him down across the globe like a mad dog
Marie climbed off the bed and gave Stella a once–over. “Let me see–are you hurt?”
Things had gotten so chaotic earlier, she hadn’t had time to check
Stella shook her head. “No. I just smashed a vase on him.”
“Wait–you’re hurt!”
Marie spotted a slice on Stella’s palm, where a shard of porcelain had cut through. She gasped.
Evelyn saw the blood too, her breath hitched.
“You were holding the vase, weren’t you? How did you manage to cut yourself?”
Stella looked at the cut in her palm. “I have no idea.”
She’d grabbed the vase on instinct; it had seemed intact. How had she ended up cutting herself?
She hadn’t even felt it at the time.
“Go to the medical wing–quick. You’re pregnant; you can’t just use any meds.”
Marie was already panicking.
Just like that, they hurried Stella off to the medical room.
In the medical wing. Elena burst into laughter when she heard Eddie was headed to the Mambia Desert–she laughed for ten whole minutes…!
Eddie, who had to listen to her for all ten of them, grew darker and darker in the face. “How long do you plan on laughing?”
He was already seething; and this woman just kept laughing.
As if that weren’t enough–she’d kept it going for ten damn minuses, What kind of person did that?
Elena wiped her eyes with a tissue. “So you finally managed to piss off Mr. Abraham. I told you, your mouth…”
Everyone around Abraham knew about Eddie’s mouth. Back then, people had all been wondering how long Abraham could possibly tolerate it.
Eddie rubbed his forehead. “It’s not about my mouth.”
And really–it pained him to say it.
Why hadn’t it occurred to him that Stella might be pregnant? The thought hadn’t even crossed his mind.
It had taken Abraham, of all people–the guy who had no clue–to pick up on it.
No one knew this, but while Eddie was on his way to the Mamibia Desert, fuming with rage, he’d also been mentally slapping himself silly.
He could be this oblivious?
The two of them had already been together, so pregnancy was kind of… expected. He’d seriously overestimated Abraham’s
so–called restraint.
He’ll thought Abraham wouldn’t let Stella get pregnant before marriage.
–
But now it looked like he’d underestimated the man. Stella had been gone for years, and now Abraham was capable of anything
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Chapter 491 Pregnant and Still Throwing Hands.
Even
the baby to tie her down–that was something Abraham would do now.
Elena was laughing so hard her stomach hurt. “Then what was it, huh?”
Eddie was stunned. What was it?
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The way Elena asked that, the way her eyes sparkled with tears from laughter–it suddenly left him with something weighing
on his chest…
Chapter 492 She’s Not Yours Anymore.
“Ugh, forget it.
If he could just get Elena to come along and keep him company, maybe she’d stop mocking him every chance she got.
Stella was coming to the medical wing for a checkup soon, knowing Elena’s nature, she’d probably get the same “misdiagnosis” as he had in mind.
Right now, hardly anyone in the Dawson family knew that Stella and Abraham were back together.
So there was no way Elena would suspect Stella was pregnant–maybe she’d even misdiagnose her….
The thought made Eddie’s eyes light up.
“Stella should be coming in for a check soon; she hasn’t been feeling too great these past few days.”
“What kind of not great?”
The moment she heard that Stella wasn’t feeling well, Elena got serious.
Eddie said. “Just not much of an appetite. Probably because my brother fed her too much while they were in Rivermount.”
He emphasized the words “fed her too much” like he was trying to drive a point home.
Which he was. He was very deliberately trying to steer Elena’s attention in a different direction.
After all, going to the Mambia Desert alone would be miserable. If he had to go, he needed someone to keep him company.
Elena frowned thoughtfully. That doesn’t sound right. Mr. Abraham’s always been careful about her portions; her stomach can’t handle too much.”
Everyone–both the Dawson family and the Lukas–knew how much Stella loved to eat.
Her stomach was delicate, but her cravings were strong.
It had always been a headache for Abraham.
Now Eddie was saying Abraham had overfed her in Rivermount? Elena eyed him suspiciously. “You’re lying, aren’t you? What are you trying to pull
Eddie’s eyelid twitched hard. Damn, this woman’s too sharp. Star hadn’t been home for years, and Elena still remembered the details of her appetite?
Eddie waved his hand. “Why would I lie? Abraham hadn’t seen Star in years–of course he spoiled her. Once they got to Rivermount, it was whatever Star wanted; Abraham just went along with it.”
Elena went quiet. Was that true?
Eddie pressed on, “Anyway, she’ll definitely be in for a checkup. Make sure you take a good look at her stomach
He stressed “stomach” again, clearly trying to redirect Elena’s focus.
Who wanted to go to Mambia Desert alone? Even if he had to go, he needed someone to suffer with him.
Elena thought about it, then nodded. “Alright.”
Wait a second…
“Then why didn’t Mr. Abraham have you check on her?”
Eddie had been the one who accompanied them to Rivermount, and the medical wing had all the necessary equipment.
Shouldn’t Eddie be the one overseeing Stella’s checkup?
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Chapter 492 She’s Not Yours Anymore
Something felt off.
Eddie said, “I’m busy, okay?”
“Busy with what?”
Eddie ground his teeth. “Busy heading to Mambia Desert. I need to go pack. Star’s all yours.”
He spat the words out, then stormed off, fuming.
Sure, what was waiting in the desert was important–but Eddie just didn’t want to go.
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Especially not to Mambia Desert. The extreme climate and risk of epidemic outbreaks made it the kind of place even top–tier experts avoided.
Let alone him.
Once Eddie left, Elena sank into thought again. Before long. Marie and Evelyn arrived at the medical wing with Stella.
When Elena saw Evelyn, she quickly stood up.
She greeted them respectfully, “Ma’am, Miss.”
-Evelyn guided Stella forward. “Quick–tend to her wound. Oh, and she might be pregnant. See what kind of meds she cant
take”
Elena was stunned. Pregnant? That scumbag Eddie, he’d been setting her up for a fall?
If she’d gone along with his “just check her stomach” plan and handed out a pile of meds, Mr. Abraham would’ve had her shipped to Mambia Desert alongside him..
That little rat. I’ll deal with him later.
Noticing Elena frozen in place. Evelyn asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I’ll tend to her wound first.”
Snapped back to reality, Elena quickly pulled out medication safe for pregnancy and started dressing Stella’s wound.
Her anger toward Eddie was simmering now was unbelievable.
Over in the study.
Abraham sat with a stormy expression, lighting a cigarette before tossing the pack to Derrick.
Derrick caught it one–handed, frustration etched all over his face as he pulled out a cigarette and lit up. His chest still rose and fell with uneven breaths.
“She’s really pregnant? Is it yours?”
Derrick’s voice was cold; danger laced every word, ready to detonate at any moment.
If Abraham so much as said yes, Derrick looked ready to tear him apart.
Abraham shot him a frosty glance and said nothing.
And that silence–lit Derrick’s fuse. “Abraham, she’s my fiancee.”
“That’s something our elders promised us, with their own words. Who the heck do you think you are—”
His rage boiled over mid–sentence; he slammed a clenched fist down on the desk, hard enough to shake everything on it
The two locked eyes.
The cold light flashing between them filled the entire study with a hair–trigger tension.
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Abraham let out a cold laugh. “Their own words? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what kind of situation they were in when they made that promise.”
Chapter 493 I’m Doing This Just to Ruin You
“What the heck is going on?”
Derrick ground his teeth.
Even though he knew he couldn’t win against Abraham, his clenched fists still itched to punch that face in
July forward.
Abraham laced his fingers together and rested them on the desk, his body leaning slightly
“They were drunk out of their minds. And you, a sober adult, actually took their drunken ramblings seriously?”
Derrick went silent.
His breath hitched again.
Flashes of that night surfaced in his mind–and he had to admit, Abraham had a point.
Those words had been said when his father and Abraham were completely wasted.
“So what? Just because they were drunk doesn’t mean they weren’t elders.”
Derrick snapped.
Whether or not Abraham took the engagement seriously, he did. He, Derrick, had always taken it seriously.
Abraham chuckled coldly. “Your father–does he even count as an elder anymore?”
Derrick was stunned.
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In that moment, every emotion on his face shattered completely. That old scumbag, what kind of elder was he even qualified to be?
Abraham scoffed. “If I’m not mistaken, didn’t you sever lies with Mr. Sebastian two years ago?”
“You’ve been going around telling everyone you’re not part of the Tom family.”
Derrick spat back, “I’m not part of the Tom family, but I am Derrick. Stella is my fiancee.”
“And what exactly are you trying to prove with that declaration?
Derrick froze
Abraham narrowed his eyes. “Nothing. You’ll get nothing.”
Those words hit hard. Derrick’s anger snapped his last thread of reason. “I don’t care. She’s mine–you have to give her back.”
That “give her back” sounded like pure fury, but if one listened closely, there was something else there too–something almost like wounded pride.
Ever since that night between the elders, he’d believed Stella belonged to him. And now this unreasonable man shows up and tries to steal her away?
When logic failed, Derrick resorted to pure, stubborn denial. Truthfully, he’d always been like this.
That brar Stella–three years ago, she’d misunderstood everything, and now she had the nerve to blame him too.
le’d sent her that text from a second phone–as if she was too blind to notice it.
Abraham’s gaze grew colder; he lifted his eyelids slightly. “Give her back?”
Derrick said, “Yes. She’s mine. You’re going to give her back to me–whatever it takes.”
When it came to Stella. Derrick was now completely inflexible; nothing anyone said could sway him.
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Chapter 493 I’m Doing This Just to Ruin You:
Abraham let t out a cold laugh and crushed his cigarette into the ashtray.
“Just now, I noticed–your hands seemed to be on Marie’s chest, weren’t they?”
Derrick’s mouth twitched “What are you getting at?”
Just now?
What had happened earlier–had he seen that wrong? With the way things were going, it wasn’t even like that, was it?
Abraham said, “Aren’t you going to take responsibility”
Derrick froze. Take responsibility? What the heck was he even talking about? Was he serious?
Facing Abraham’s dead–serious expression, Derrick’s eyelid gave a violent twitch. “Hey–do you even know why I went to find Marie today? She stole something from me.”
“Abraham, I’m warning you. Don’t be shameless. Pulling tricks like this? Have you no pride?”
He was here to get his stuff back from Marie–and to get Star back from Abraham.
And now Abraham was hitting him with this crap.
Dan was out of the picture now, so he was just going to force Marie onto him, Derrick acting like that was perfectly normal
Abraham lit another cigarette. “But you really did touch her. Marie is still a girl; a girl’s reputation matters…
The way he called her Marie made it sound like she was some fragile little thing.
Derrick exploded. “A girl? Abraham, you’re saying Marie’s a woman? You dare say that with a straight face?”
Abraham brought a hand to his chest. “Said it right here.”
Derrick was stunned. What the heck, did I desecrate the Dawson family’s ancestors in a past life or something?Now he was going to double down and take this seriously too?
“You’re doing this for revenge? You want her to torture me?”
Derrick was officially losing it.
He could see it clearly how–Abraham was trying to shove Marie onto him for Stella’s sake
His chest hurt from the rage. “You want her to poison me in my sleep or something?”
This wasn’t some woman being handed to him—
He knew what kind of person his sister was. She wasn’t a woman; she was a walking death sentence.
“Cut the crap already.”
Derrick was furious, practically shouting.
Abraham chuckled. “My sister isn’t someone just anyone can mess with.”
Derrick’s lips twitched. What the heck, he’s serious?
“Marie, that tomboy–her one and only experience with love was falling for Dan. And he’s still living in her heart.”
“She’s not someone people can mess with? Dan practically crushed her.”
She’d gone to him, only to find out he was about to marry another woman.
It was like someone had slapped Marie across the face–loud and clear.
Chapter 494 Guess Who’s Trapped Now?
Abraham said, “How do you know Dan is actually living a good life right now?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Derrick snapped, gritting his teeth.
What was that supposed to mean? Was Dan not doing well? No way….
Marie had just gone to Frapucu, honestly, a lot of things were still unclear.
And now Abraham was already making moves–anyone who knew what was going on would say he was just being protective.
But people who didn’t, they’d accuse him of being completely unreasonable.
Though to be fair, he wasn’t exactly someone who cared about being reasonable. Just look at the crap he was saying now.
“I just accidentally touched her! And now you want me to marry Marie? Has Marie even agreed to this?”
Derrick sprang up, seething.
Before Abraham could answer, a voice came from the study doorway–Marie’s voice, “I agree
Abraham went quiet. Derrick was stunned.
He turned, eyes locking on Marie standing in the doorway–he had no idea when she’d even gotten there. His mouth. twitched uncontrollably.
“What the heck do you mean by that?”
Is this real life anymore?
“What do you mean you agree Agree to what?”
Marie stepped into the room, arms crossed over her chest. “Marrying you, of course. That way you can stop all nonsense. After all, Star would never marry a divorced man. I’m going to make sure you have zero chance.”
Derrick was silent.
your
His mind went completely blank. His pupils shrank as he stared at Marie, unable to believe what he was hearing.
What did she just say? That she was going to make sure I have no chance with Stellaever?
“You’d sacrifice your own happiness just to take away my shot?”
Marie shrugged, arms still folded. “Yeah. So what?”
man was Marie?
Derrick’s breath grew ragged and uneven. She’s insane. She’s totally insane. What kind of woman was
“What about Dan? You think he’d be okay with a divorced woman?”
Derrick was growing frantic; he threw out Dan’s name like it was his trump card–that man who had lived rent–free in Marie’s heart for
years.
The truth was, Derrick was already reeling
He’d come here to call Marie out–for stealing his file and handing it to Dan.
Now he felt like he was the one getting trapped, like he was being forced into something he couldn’t escape…
Marie didn’t care. “Him? He’s marrying someone else now. Doesn’t matter–we can both be divorced.”
Derrick jumped to his feet. “Who the heck wants to be divorced with you? Knock it off already!”
“I’m telling you, I will never love you.”
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Chapter 494 Guess Who’s Trapped Now?
The angrier he got, the harsher his words became.
Marie raised a brow. “We can get the marriage license tomorrow, and the divorce papers the day after. Or we can stay married forever–1 don’t care. Love isn’t necessary.”
Derrick was silent. So this whole thing was just to make me divorced?
She wanted to cut off any possibility he had left with Stella–like she was determined to end it for good.
Their back–and–forth was heating up. Abraham gave Marie a long, thoughtful look.
The whole situation was spiraling out of control.
Marie turned to Derrick. “You shameless scumbag. Star’s already pregnant–with my brother’s child. And you’re still trying to worm your way in?”
“You think Star would actually marry someone like you? You’re a joke. She doesn’t even want you, and here you are clinging on like a leech. You’re disgusting”
She’d been holding back, but now she let Derrick have it.
Back in the day. Derrick had known–everyone in the Dawson family had sharp tongues, especially Stella. She looked soft and sweet, but the girl could hold her own.
With a Dawson upbringing, even her mouth became a deadly weapon.
The i past few days, Marie had only been fighting him physically–not verbally.
But now that she was unleashing her verbal arsenal, she was like a firecracker…
“You done yet? Marie, I’m telling you–stop confusing people and give me back my stuff!”
If they thought all this craziness would distract him from why he was here, they had seriously miscalculated.
The moment she heard that. Marie’s temper flared again.
Even though she couldn’t exactly explain the situation clearly-
She genuinely hadn’t taken the damn file.
“What stuff? I didn’t take anything”
This guy–she really couldn’t talk sense with him.
Seeing her shrug it off like that, Derrick’s anger reignited. “You came back from Dan’s place and then came straight to beat
me up.
“And here I was thinking you were mad on Stella’s behalf–but clearly you had some other motive all along. And now that the file’s in Dan’s hands, you expect me to believe you didn’t take it?”
Marie went quiet. Could this guy’s brain twist things any hardert
After everything that had just gone down, he still found a way to spin it around. At this point, Marie wished she could just pass out and be done with it. Looks like if I want to handle this idior, I’m gonna have to get serious.
Meanwhile, the Dawson family, they’d expected Derrick to stir things up over Stella now that she was back.
But no one saw this coming–Dan’s file had ignited the fire under Derrick first.
Now everything was in total chaos; and Marie? She was already neck–deep in it, no way
out.
Chapter 495 Ashen Pact Sounds Like a Cult Right
Hack at the villa, Stella had already been gone for two hours. Tessa, meanwhile, was completely dumbfounded.
She stared at Victor in disbelief after he revealed her mother’s current whereabouts.
“Ashen Pact?”
Ashen Part? Seriously? Who names their organization something like Ashen Pact, for that matter? What kind of decent people come up with a name like that?
There was no way her mother could be involved with something like that.
Victor set down his water glass and gave a short “Mm.” “Based on the current leads, your mother was indeed taken by people from Ashen Pact.”
“What kind of place is Ashen Pact?”
Tessa had heard of it before. She knew it wasn’t exactly a clean organization–they were infamous for their criminal activity.
But the details, she had no idea what they actually did.
Victor glanced at her. “Arson, murder, looting–ring a bell?”
Tessa’s mouth twitched.
That kind of place?
This was…
“No way. My mom is a legitimate businesswoman. There’s no chance she’d get mixed up with a place like that. She’s especially careful about manners and social decorum.
From what Tessa knew, her mother had made good money over the years, but she had never been arrogant about it.
Not like Stella’s biological mom. Susan, who’d act like she was worth nearly thirty million dollars when she only had about three hundred thousand in her account,
Tessa’s mother had always been low–key, warm and polite to everyone.
Even when dealing with business rivals, she never made enemies.
Victor said, “Whether she’s actually in Ashen Pact–we still have to confirm that.”
“Then… I’ll call Stella, Tessa blurted out.
Now that she had a lead on her mother’s whereabouts, her first instinct was to tell Stella.
Earlier, when Stella left, it was only because Victor had refused to reveal anything about her mom.
But now that they had something–Tessa immediately wanted to reach out.
At the mention of calling Stella, Victor’s face darkened,
Just as she raised her phone, he snatched it right out of her hand.
Startled. Tessa looked at him. “What are you doing?”
Victor’s eyes lifted coldly as he stared at her. “Trying to burn the bridge after crossing it, Tessa?”
Her lips twitched What? Tessa? ¡Pait…
“No, that’s not what I meant. I just didn’t want to trouble you any more, that’s all.”
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Chapter 495 Ashen Pact Sounds Like a Cult Right
The more she tried to explain, the darker Victor’s face became; her voice grew smaller and smaller
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God—why did this man always look like he was about to devour someone? Was this really burning bridges? Maybe… kind of? Wait
If she’d left with Stella earlier, Stella would’ve helped her search for her mom too.
And if Abraham had asked Victor, Victor would’ve told him.
Tessa went quiet. Where the heck was my brain just now?
Victor tossed her phone across the bed. “Too late to say it’s not a bother. You’ve already caused enough trouble.”
Tessa had no comeback to that.
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean for that to happen last night.”
Victor replied, “Until we get to the bottom of it, you’re not leaving. Don’t even think about it.”
Tessa was stunned.
Victor added, “Even if Abraham comes in person–it won’t matter.”
At that, Tessa’s face fell completely
She got it now. Even Abraham showing up wouldn’t help.
In Falvaria, she was nobody.
Victor, on the other hand, was one of Abraham’s key people.
Which meant this time–even Stella wouldn’t be able to talk her way out.
Tessa gave Victor a long, resentful look. “Then how long is it going to take your people to figure it out?”
“I’m telling you right now–I’m not doing a damn thing.”
She was never good at caregiving. But they’d still forced her to do it; and when something went wrong, they shoved a crime on her that wasn’t even real.
Tessa huffed, puffing her cheeks in frustration.
Just thinking about last night made her angry. She felt so wronged. Seriously, what even was that whole thing?
Stella was right—survival came first. From now on, she wasn’t lifting a finger for anyone
Hearing the aggrieved tone in her voice, Victor looked down; a faint, amused smirk curled at his lips.
“Then don’t”
Tessa glared. “What–you’re just gonna keep a freeloader around?”
“Suspect,” Victor corrected.
Tessa was stunned. Okay, fine–suspect.
And honestly, Victor had almost gotten seriously hurt last night.
Now that she thought about it–thank god nothing actually happened. If he had gotten injured… she probably wouldn’t be alive right now either.
Then tell your people to hurry up.”
She swore–once this whole mess was cleared up, she’d fly straight to Stella’s side and never see Victor again.
After spending these past few days with him, ‘Tessa–who used to scoff at the idea of fate–was starting to think Victor wasdirg
Chapter 495 Ashen Pact Sounds Like a Cult Right
personal curse
Just look at how much had happened since she met him.
She still wanted to live a few more years, thank you very
“What if your people get it wrong?” she asked suddenly Something clicked in her head; she looked at Victor cautiously.
After all, it was his people doing the investigating…
What if they actually pinned a real charge on me in the end–that’d be it for me. They were already itching to kill me when I was just a spect. If something real came up, they’d probably shoot me on the spot without thinking twice. That thought completely shattered Tessa’s composure.
Victor glanced at her; she said nothing.
There was no way she could stake her life on a mistake from his people.
She looked over at Victor and met his dangerous gaze, Swallowing hard, she said nothing in the end.
Tessa was starting to unravel. She trudged downstairs, head drooping, with no energy left in her at all.
The chef handed her a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. “This is for Sir; could you please take it up to his room!”
The moment the chef asked her to bring the juice to Victor, Tessa’s mind flashed with every bit of trouble she’d stirred up around him over the past few days.
She shook her head quickly. “No, no, I’m not doing anything right now.”
She was absolutely determined to steer clear of anything that had to do with Victor.
“But Mr. Silas said I’m not allowed in sir’s room or the study… and he told me not to go upstairs,” the chef said.
“Mr. Silas said I shouldn’t even go upstairs,” the chef hesitated, “He said if I touched something I wasn’t supposed to. I might not make it back down alive.”
She remembered now–Silas had said the same thing to her before. Some things were off–limits..
The chef was stunned again.
The directness of the question made Tessa freeze for a second. “None at all–why would you ask that?”
Her mother was a proper, law–abiding businesswoman. What connection could she possibly have with an organization like Ashen
There was no way they were connected.
As for why they’d target a proper businesswoman like her mother… Tessa had no idea.
Stella sounded puzzled “You’re sure?”
“What’s strange? Tessa’s heart jumped to her throat the moment she heard that tone.
“I just overheard someone say that the former leader of Ashen Pact was a woman… and her name was Diana
Stella had overheard it while getting a checkup–Tessa’s mother had been on the phone, and the voice on the other end said the former female head of Ashen Pact had returned to the organization.
Diana–Tessa’s mother’s name was Diana.
Before Stella could respond, Tessa added, “There are plenty of people with the same name in this world.”
True, Stella said in agreement.
Especially with Tessa’s mother currently missing–if she were safe and sound in Rivermount, this could’ve just been a case of
In a place so deeply rooted in power, it was only natural for hidden forces to surge beneath the surface.
Stella asked “Victor told you this?”
Tessa was clearly shaken.
Her mother was named Diana; Ashen Pact’s former female leader was also named Diana. And now, her mother had been taken by Ashen Pact.
Even though, in Tessa’s mind, the two had absolutely nothing to do with each other…
It was exactly this kind of coincidence that wove the two Dianas into one person.
“Is that why you didn’t leave with me earlier?” Stella asked.
Something must’ve happened with Victor. Did he use Diana to negotiate with Tessa?
But deep down, Tessa relied on her mother–constantly trying to make her presence known, trying to be seen.
Her tendency to cry said it all–Tessa wasn’t some heartless person.
Tessa sucked in a sharp breath. “Why else?”
Stella asked, “Should I come get you now?”
Just thinking about what Victor had said to her, Tessa figured that even if Stella came and took her away..
Right now, all she could think about was her mother. If she left with Stella and Victor still came after her, that would drive her up the wall.
Tessa replied. “Victor’s still harping on that whole medicine mix–up. He keeps saying I’m a mole, and he won’t let it go until he gets answers.”
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That was how she saw it.
He couldn’t tell whether Tessa was mole material?
When Tessa heard that, she said, “He’s messing with me?”
Stella said bluntly, “Because you’re easy to mess with? He’s trying to get in your pants.”
Marie’s voice suddenly came through on Stella’s end of the call, “Start I’m not letting that scumbag Derrick off the hook!”
And with that, she hung up.
She was lucky if he even spared her a glance–seduction, as if that was ever an option.
Meanwhile, on Stella’s end. Earlier, while she was getting a checkup in the medical room, Marie had suddenly thought of something and stormed off to find Abraham and Derrick.
Evelyn had stayed behind to keep Stella company during the exam.
Pregnancy confirmed. Evelyn was over the moon. “Oh my, you’re about to have a child of your own!”
She barely had a second to celebrate.
Just as she got close to Stella, Evelyn quickly pulled her behind her protectively.
“You can be mad at Derrick all you want, but don’t scare Star Evelyn said firmly
“No just about it,” Evelyn cut her off. “From now on, if you’re going to be near Star, you better keep it down. Don’t scare little
Of course Derrick had resentment toward the Dawson family. Now Marie wanted to pull a stunt like this? They’d end up at each other’s throats daily–fighting one day, clashing the next.
Marie said. “I’m doing this to get back at that scumbag Derrick.”
This wasn’t revenge–it was self–sabotage.
Marie just scoffed and didn’t reply.
The moment she nodded, Evelyn slapped the back of her head. “You little brat–trying to get yourself killed?”
Evelyn had always felt she’d done a good job raising Marie and Stella.
the other wanted to use marriage as a weapon? It was enough to make her explode.
She nodded with determination.
She was making it clear–she could take care of the baby peacefully as long as Marie didn’t pull this stunt.
If Marie went through with it and she had to listen to them fighting every day…
Then she really wouldn’t be able to relax.
Marie started to speak again, “You-”
“Shut your mouth.”
Evelyn’s face turned green with fury. She had barely gotten a moment of joy before Marie stirred up more chaos,
Raising kids was just exhausting
Marie was stunned.
She pouted, but before she could open her mouth again. Evelyn’s phone rang
Holding in her anger, she stepped aside to answer. No one could hear what was said on the other end….
But her voice was ice when she replied, “Don‘ spare them.”
Her tone in that moment was sharp and lethal–just like Abraham’s.
Only seconds ago, she’d been a worried mother fussing over her daughters….
Now she was a lioness at the top of the food chain, exuding nothing but cold, commanding dominance.
She ended the call and turned back to glance at Stella and Maric. “I’m heading out. Marie, take Star back to her room,”
“Oli okay.”
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Chapter 498 Evelyn Is This Close to Losing It
Faced with her mother’s sudden shift to full–on steel, Marie gulped and nodded immediately like a scolded child
As soon as Evelyn left…
Derrick showed up.
He stared at Stella with a dangerous glint in his eye; his lips parted, as if he was about to speak.
But Marie quickly stepped in front of Stella, shielding her like a wall. “What? You wanna fight again?”
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Chapter 499 That Be Good Hit Too Hard
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Derrick’s eyes were filled with icy menace. “If you don’t want Dan to die a second time, that document needs to be back in my hands within three days.”
Marie was stunned. Three days?
The danger in Derrick’s voice was unmistakable; Marie understood it clearly–if the document wasn’t returned within that time, the consequences would be severe.
Still, she snapped, “Why are you telling me this?”
This was a man about to marry someone else he had nothing to do with her anymore.
Just thinking about their time in Frapucu sent a sharp ache slicing through her chest.
“I’m just notifying you. Derrick said coldly..
It was a notification–nothing more. Anything else, Marie had to figure out on her own.
But now that she knew, she would definitely inform Dan.
“Well, this has nothing to do with me. If you don’t believe me, I’ll call him right now.”
Just as Derrick turned away, Marie gritted her teeth and spoke.
Derrick acting like this had everything to do with her–it was driving her nuts.
So right in front of him, she called Dan. Some things just had to be cleared up to put your mind at ease.
Marie had never been accused so unfairly in her life. And now Derrick wore that expression like I was guilty?
She couldn’t let it go. Unless this was settled today, she wouldn’t be able to breathe easy.
After two rings, the call connected. “Hello.”
A man’s voice answered.
Hearing that familiar voice, a flicker of pain flashed through Marie’s eyes.
This voice had once told her a thousand things, again and again–how had it come to this?
Marie sniffed, forcing down her emotions. “Did you steal something from Derrick?”
Dan went silent
“You shameless scumbag.” Marie spat. “You wanna steal, fine–but leave me out of it. Tell him the truth, now,”
Stella was stunned.
That was harsh
Derrick said nothing. This woman–when she got vicious, she didn’t even spare her true love.
And she didn’t hold back–at all.
No wonder Dan didn’t want her anymore. With that tomboy energy, she and Evie were practically a perfect match.
Marie switched the call to speaker.
When Dan still didn’t speak, she snapped, “Say something!”
This scumbag–stealing and then trying to drag her down with him.
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He might live in her heart, but she would never let him drag her into this.
“Don’t be mad. I’ll come find you once this is over. Be good,” Dan said.
Marie went quiet.
Derrick and Stella were both stunned.
That last word-“Be good“-hit Marie like a brick. Her fury froze solid in an instant.
Stella heard that word and her mouth twitched uncontrollably.
That tone… was that affection?
Derrick’s face went pitch black. He glared at Marie like he wanted to devour her alive.
Marie’s brain went clang: she snapped out of it quickly and started screaming into the phone, “Dan, you scumbag!”
Beep–beep–beep…
The call had already ended.
Marie, turned toward Derrick and met his stormy, murderous eyes. In that moment, she completely fell apart inside.
She wanted nothing more than to fly to Dan and tear that scumbag to pieces. What the heck was that?
He didn’t say anything… and yet somehow, he said everything.
Just like that, without explanation, he dumped the accusation of theft squarely on her shoulders.
Marie swallowed hard. “Hey, listen to me
She forced her voice to stay calm. Facing Derrick like this, she knew she couldn’t walk away without clearing things up.
A moment ago, she didn’t GIN to explain.
But now, with Dan’s sudden line, it looked like the blame had landed squarely on her.
Derrick’s obsidian–like eyes glinted with cold mockery. He sneered, “Has nothing to do with you?”
Marie’s heart thumped wildly. “Really, it doesn’t!”
How the heck could this have anything to do with me? Wait… that indulgent tone Dan had used–was he really talking to me? That damn man, he was clearly setting me up, right in front of Derrick!
Now Marie really didn’t know how to explain herself.
She took a deep breath. “Hey, let’s get Star out of here first.”
She could feel the danger radiating off Derrick; any second now, things could explode.
Elena, who had stayed silent this whole time, quickly grabbed Stella’s hand at those words.
“Miss, let’s go,” she urged.
But Stella didn’t want to leave,
Marie gave her a look. “Go. Find my brother.”
At that, Stella understood–the situation was spiraling. It was no longer under control.
Any other day, Derrick would’ve come for Stella, clearly.
But right now, that missing document was a ticking bomb–big enough to make him forget everything else.
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So as Elena led Stella past him, Derrick didn’t stop them.
Once they y were gone….
Marie finally looked at Derrick. “So… does getting the document back even matter anymore?”
Chapter 500 He Just Walked Away Like That
Derrick blinked
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y now–everything’s
Marie said, “It’s already been days since that file was stolen. That scumbag Dan has definitely read it by r probably been leaked already, right?”
At her words, Derrick’s eyes darkened like a brewing storm.
Even Marie, who usually wasn’t afraid of him, was startled by the danger in his eyes. She instinctively swallowed. “I’m just stating facts.
The file had been missing for days. What was the point of getting it back now?
Whatever was supposed to leak had already leaked.
To Marie, there was no longer any use in obsessing over whether they retrieved the file or not.
Derrick
Derrick gave a cold chuckle. “Technically, you’re right, but…
He trailed off.
In his mind. he suddenly recalled overhearing a conversation between Dan and someone else on the cruise ship, near one of the cabins. So Dan had the guts to steal from him? Fine…
He wasn’t about to let Dan walk away without returning the favor–in full.
Lifting his gaze, Derrick shot Marie a sidelong glance and smirked, wicked and amused. “Wanna marry me? Fine. Bring your ID and meet me at the county clerk’s office tomorrow morning,
Marie froze. “Huh?”
That was one hell of a reversal. Just moments ago, they’d been at each other’s throats.
Marie stared at Derrick.
His skin tone looked normal… he didn’t look like he had a fever or anything.
So this Derrick… “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Marie was a little dazed,
The corners of Derrick’s mouth curled higher, the charm in his smile growing darker. “Weren’t you planning to tie me down. with marriage? Go ahead. Tie me down.”
He emphasized the words “tie me down” like a threat.
Marie, who’d been fuming just moments ago, felt a chill run down her spine. Had he gone completely nuts? This kind of sudden shiji… he’d been losing it a moment ago, and now he was this calmn!
Marie’s gut screamed something’s off–there was definitely a trap.
Derrick took a step forward and grabbed her chin. “What’s wrong? Regretting it now?”
“No, I just…
This wasn’t about regret.
It was the sudden shift in Derrick’s demeanor that had thrown her off completely.
Derrick let go with a flick of his hand. “As long as it’s not regret.
Then he patted her cheek. “Remember–10 am. tomorrow. If you’re not there…”
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Chapter 500 He Just Walked Away Like That
He paused. The smile on his lips turned cold and razor–sharp.
He didn’t finish his sentence, but Marie knew exactly what he meant.
He was serious–dead serious about burning everything down.
Derrick left.
Alone again, Marie kept replaying Derrick’s sudden mood swing in her mind. What the heck was that shift about
Meanwhile, Stella was rushing off to find Abraham–but Derrick’s long legs had already caught up with her.
She was walking with Elena.
Seeing him approach. Elena instinctively pulled Stella behind her. “Mr. Derrick.”
She greeted him respectfully.
Derrick gave a mocking laugh. “This is the Dawson mansion, what the heck am I gonna do to her here? Do you really need to shield her like that?”
Clearly, here on Dawson turf, Stella was safe; no one dared lay a hand on her.
Even if Derrick was seething over her and Abraham, he wouldn’t dare drag her off here. Elena lowered her head politely and didn’t speak again.
Derrick looked directly at Stella. “Stella, I really underestimated you.”
No wonder all those years, whenever someone proposed a marriage alliance with her, she wouldn’t even respond. Turned out, she’d already been hopelessly in love with Abraham.
Stella turned her face away, refusing to respond.
Derrick scoffed and walked off…
Watching his back, Stella glanced at Elena beside her. “He just left like that?”
Elena nodded. “Yeah… he really just left.”
That tension earlier–it had felt like a full–on brawl was coming
No wonder Stella had been so desperate to find Abraham. Her phone had died, Elena’s phone had been left in the medical. room–so they’d set out to find him in person.
But they hadn’t even reached him before Derrick caught up.
And that life–or–death intensity from earlier–it had just… vanished.
The change was more than unexpected.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from behind.
Stella turned and saw Maric approaching with a stormy face.
She stepped up. “Marie, did he do anything to you?”
Marie waved her off. “Relax–he didn’t hit me this time.
That tone though, and the way she said it… something about it sounded off. To someone who didn’t know better, it’d sound like Derrick had been abusive.
Yeah it definitely had that vibe…
“So what did you two talk about?”
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Chapter 500 He Just Walked Away Like That
Stella was curious now. Marie always had a way with things.
For all the drama just a few minutes ago–how had things defused so fast?
Marie said, “He said he wants to marry me. Told me to go to the Civil Affairs Department with him tomorrow.”
Stella blinked. “What?”
Her face froze instantly.
Clearly, she couldn’t believe the sudden twist either.
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