Back before they came to Rivermount, none of those people had been able to lay a finger on her. Note that they were so close, how could he let anything happen to her under his watch?
With that thought, Abel stopped speaking.
Stella was silent.
Susan’s cries pierced through the phone. “It’s all my fault. Please don’t hate your sister. I wanted to teach you well, but you’re so stubborn, I… I just…”
Susan stuttered, unsure how to continue as she struggled to find the right words.
Stella spoke up, her voice cold. Tm the one with a bad temper? Stubborn?”
“Stella, L” Susan could not finish. She clearly did not know what to say next, given that what she truly cared about was getting Rianne and Eddie to help Lilian.
After everything, it was still for Lilian, and she had swallowed all her pride just for that
Stella’s voice was sharp: “Madam Susan, ever since you found me, I’ve been at the hospital for two months, and I’ve barely spent a month at the Reed mansion. Within that month when I was there, you and Mr. Patrick were almost always out socializing. So, how did you know I had a bad temper and was so stubborn?”
Each word was like a blade cutting through her. Susan was left speechless.
Stella pressed further. “Do you remember the first time you came after me?”
Susan faltered. “What… what do you mean?”
“It was because Lilian had a cut on her wrist. Do you remember what she said to you?” Stella said in a calm voice.
Susan fell silent.
Stella continued, “She said, ‘It’s not Stella’s fault; don’t blame her. And then you lashed out at
The details matched perfectly, yet hearing it from Stella’s mouth, something felt off. And then, a suffocating feeling crept in.
Stella’s words hit harder. “Do you remember how many times Lilian said. It’s not Stella’s fault it’s: did she say that?”
Susan’s breathing grew heavier.
Stella’s voice remained cold. You re not even sure yourself, are you? But remember this. Every time she said that, what did you do to me?”
Her words were quiet, but they weighed heavily on Susan’s heart. What did she do? She had yelled at Stella, blamed her again and again, saying that she was unable to accept Lilian
“Can we stop talking about this now? Stella, she’s in so much pain. You didn’t see her throw up after she came out of the emergency room today. She couldn’t even drink water.” Susan begged, her voice trembling
Stella remained silent.
“Please, just help treat her. How much do I owe you? I’ll repay you okay Every word out of Susan’s mouth dripped with a desperate plea
She wasn’t even pretending anymore. First, she wanted me to treat Lilian, and then only well talk about the debt she owed
Stella’s voice was biting: “Madam Susan, have you forgotten? My life is yours; how could you possibly owe me anything?
These were the words Susan had said to her before. Back then, Susan had been so forceful, using both soft and hard tactics just for Lilian.
A cold smile curled on Stella’s lips. “And now, you know you can’t block my path anymore, even if you cut off my financial support and make sure no company hires me. So now, you’re begging me?”
The phone went silent, only the sound of Susan’s increasingly desperate breathing filling the space.
At that moment, standing at the far end of the hospital corridor, Susan felt her blood surge violently in reverse the instant she heard Stella’s words. It was an unstoppable rush that left her breathless
Chapter 86 Desperation Has No Leverage
On the other end of the line. Stella laughed coldly when Susan did not reply. You want to make up for what you did? If Lilian really gets better. then that’s when you’ll come to settle the score with me, right?”
She knew these people all too well. After all, it was not the first time they had tried to make her responsible for everything concerning Lilian
Lilian certainly had some skills. Even while abroad, these people would still come after her because of Lilian
It always came back to the same phrase. It’s not Stella’s fault: it’s my fault” What did she mean by it’s not Stella’s fault? As if it was just her fault.
But as long as she said it, these people would always assume it was Stella who could not accept Lilian, and they would come
after her.
Susan became frantic. “No, no, I’m truly apologizing now.”
Stella’s voice was cutting: “What do you mean? What you did for Lilian was always sincere, right?”
Susan froze. When she heard Stella’s words, she became even more anxious.
She had completely forgotten about the manipulative remarks Stella had made carlier. All she remembered now was that- Stella still refused to agree.
She refused to let Rianne and Eddie treat Lilian.
Then what do you want?” Susan’s voice began to break, a sense of panic creeping in.
Stella’s voice was emotionless: “She died her own death, and I live my life. What can I do to her?”
Stella, now thoroughly frustrated, was about to leave the room when a knock came at the door. “Come in.”
Meanwhile, in the hospital corridor, Susan was still seething with anger, barely recovering after several minutes.
She was about to head back to the ward when she bumped into Ethan.
Seeing him, Susan’s heart sank. “Ethan, Lilian’s in so much pain.” she said, her voice full of worry.
Susan’s worry did not subside. “We need to get Eddie and Rianne to treat her. I’m really worried she won’t make it through.”
She was terrified that Lilian would not survive the pain.
Ethan replied, “If they join, their treatments would likely be similar.”
He did not see why Lilian should be free of all pain at this point. The reality was that her condition was already critical.
Susan shook her head. “No, they’re more skilled; their reputations are excellent. They’ll ease her pain for sure. Ethan, please, you have to find a way. Stella’s heartless. No matter what I say, she won’t agree.”
“Ethan? Ethan?” Realizing something was off, Susan looked at him and saw him lost in thought.
Ethan was called several times before he finally snapped out of his daze,
“We’ll still need to find a way to bring Rianne and Eddie back. You know it too. Lilian’s body can’t handle the current treatment plan. It’s just too painful. She can’t bear it!” The moment Susan mentioned Lilian’s suffering, her voice trembled, choked with tears.
Ethan could only nod. “I understand. I’ll go check on Lilian first.”
“Alright, go ahead.” Susan nodded as well, her brows furrowed with irrepressible worry.
At the same time, inside the room. Lilian lay weak and pale. Her eyes landed on her phone screen, where an unfamiliar number was flashing.
“It’s me.” A deep, masculine voice came through the phone. It was mature and familiar.
Now, hearing his voice again made Lilian’s heart clench violently.
What happened between them had ended years ago. Cleanly, with money exchanged and no strings left behind.
Sure enough, the man’s next words confirmed her worst fears. “I need money.
“What do you mean? We agreed back then. I gave you 700,000 dollars. You were supposed to leave the country and never come back!”
“What?” Her voice spiked. “You’re back?!”
He was back and contacting her. Only a fool would not realize what that meant.
Lilian’s already pale face lost the last trace of color. “What do you want?”
That man explained, “My mother just passed away. My daughter’s seriously ill. We can’t afford life abroad anymore. It’s too expensive?
And now his daughter was sick too. The message was obvious. He wanted money.
If he went to Stella, that meant exposing the evidence of the car accident. And once that happened, both the Reed family and Ethan would learn the truth about her.
Yes, indeed. He was threatening her. Not only that. He had clearly come prepared. He knew what she cared about and who
money she had once had from the Reed
The last two years, her own expenses abroad had drained her savings. Most of the m family was gone.
Now, with the Reed family covering her treatment, she was not spending much, so they had stopped giving her extra funds. “You say you’re out of options, but why come to me? What do you want from me? I don’t owe you anything!” Lilian shouted furiously.
e was going to lose it. She wanted to rip him apart.
Her fingers tightened around the phone until her knuckles turned white. “You’re blackmailing me.”
I just need the money. No need to make this sound so ugly, Ms, Lilian. The man said.
She closed her eyes, barely restraining the violence rising in her.
Suddenly remembering something. Susan said, “Oh, just now Lilian said she wanted soup from Maison du Crabe. Ethan, you go in first. I’ll have someone feich it.
As he reached out and cracked the door open, he heard a shout from inside.
Ethan’s expression darkened instantly. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The moment the door turned, Lilian felt it. She looked back, and Ethan was standing right there. Their eyes met.
Lilian’s breath caught. “Ah.. so you heard.”
That incident from back then must never be exposed. Not to Ethan and not to the Reed family. If they find out I’m finished.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. “Nothing.”
But in the moment she could not see his eyes flash with something deep and dark,
Their phones had special filters. Scam calls were not supposed to get through…
“Ethan, when can I be discharged? Lilian wrapped her arms around his slim waist, her voice filled with longing.
She truly wanted to leave the hospital.
10.09 AM
“Soon,” he replied. He gently removed her hands from around him.
She did not notice his change.
Nothing. No room for negotiation.
“Also. I want to see Stella” Lilian said softly.
Ethan frowned. “Why?”
Whenever Lilian mentioned Stella, it reminded him of how he and Jason had run into her there
What was she doing at Verdant Villa? Could she be connected to the owner
“She’s been making a fuss because of me. She even hit Jonathan. I want to explain things clearly… otherwise, none of you will have peace.
Ethan rejected. “Don’t see her.”
“No, I must. Lilian was firm. “Mom won’t let me either, but I know she’s making life hard for all of you, And it’s all because of me. Ethan. can you bring her here? I want to talk to her properly. And that studio of hers. I’m worried she’s using improper means to land her deals.
“She’s Mom’s real daughter. Her life has been ruined because of me. I don’t want to watch her spiral downward,” Every word was filled with guilt and sincerity.
Ethan sighed. “You care about her.. But she won’t talk to you nicely
Chapter 89 Play Along, Crush Later.
Lilian said. “No matter if she’ll talk to me nicely or not, I still want to try. Can’t I at least do that?”
Ethan fell silent
Seeing Lilian like this, all the rejections he had prepared were swallowed back down.
Fine.”
Even if he stopped Lilian, she would never give it up anyway.
But Stella. With the way she was now, cold, unreachable, and utterly resistant, what was the point of seeing her?
+8 Pearls.
Stella had not planned to go into the studio that afternoon. But one call from Kimmy, and she was there.
After holding an emergency meeting, it was nearly 6 p.m. by the time they wrapped up. She remembered that Abraham had said he would be home for dinner tonight. She did not want to keep him waiting
She instructed Kimmy, “Keep an eye on things here. If they work late, order food for everyone. Get something from Maison du Crabe.
“W–Where?” Kimmy blinked, thinking she had misheard.
“Maison du Crabe, Stella repeated.
Kimmy panicked. “There are a lot of people here, boss, It’s going to be expensive. There’s no need to go all out, I…”
“Tell the restaurant to put it on my tab. Then, Stella rushed off.
Kimmy’s mouth twitched. “Thank you, boss?”
Maison du Crabe. She loved their buns, but they were so expensive.
Since the boss said so, tonight she was getting two baskets.
As soon as Stella stepped into the elevator, Kimmy turned to the office floorand yelled, “Guys! Let’s push hard tonight. Boss is ordering Maison du Crabe for dinner!”
The second ‘Maison du ú Crabe came out of her mouth, and everyone’s eyes lit up,
That famous luxurious restaurant? Almost no one could afford it usually.
First expensive staff benefits, now dinner from Maison du Crabe?
Everyone suddenly found a burst of energy and threw themselves into work.
Just as Stella came downstairs and stepped our of the elevator, she ran right into Ethan
She froze for a second, then walked past him like he was invisible.
Ethan’s anger shot up to his scalp when she did not even spare him a word. He reached out and grabbed her slim wrist..
Again with the wrist grabbing
Disgust flickered plainly in Stella’s eyes. Without a word, she kicked him. Clean and fast.
10:09 AM
Chapter 89 Play Along, Crush Later
“Still not letting go!” Stella’s voice was cold.
You are you even a woman?” Ethan spat.
+8 Pearls
Damn it. With her temperament, how could Rianne and that man from Kingston Heights possibly like her? All the gentle, soft women in the world, and they choose her? How strange. But why did it bother me so much that she had other men around hert
Stella
gave a
a mocking laugh. “Whether I’m a woman or not, you won’t get the chance to find out anyway, so why worry?”
“You.” Ethan choked.
The words rang in Ethan’s head like a slap.
This woman!
He did not even know what to say anymore. His pride was bruised beyond repair.
He stood straight with effort. “Come with me to the hospital.”
His knee ached. This damn woman, how could she kick that hard? It felt cracked.
“What for?” Stella asked, eyes narrowing.
“Lilian wants to see you,” he re
replied.
“She wants to see me? Stella mised her brows.
Ethan nodded. “She said it’s something important.”
Without another word, Stella kicked him again. Harder this time.
Ethan gave a low groan, nearly buckling
Important, my ass. What could I and Lilian possibly have to talk about? Clearly, that woman hadn’t learned her lesson from those three cancers. Maybe heaven hadn’t panished her enough. But if the wanted to start something? Fine. I’ll play along
With that thought, Stella decided to play along to see what Lilian was up to. “Wait I need to make a call.”
Ethan asked, instinctively, “To whom?”
“To my darling, of course, I need to let him know my schedule. What, is that a problem?”
Ethan nearly choked on his own blood. “You..!”
She shook him off and walked to the side to call Abraham
He picked up almost instantly. His warm voice came through. “Done with work?”
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Chapter 90 Jealous? Not Even Close
Stella’s voice laced with playfulness, “I have to stop by the hospital. Should be back in about half an hour. Are you home yet?”
Abraham answered gently. “Not yet.”
Stella immediately said. “Okay, then I’ll head over first.”
“You going to see someone from the Reed family? Are you really that bored?” Abraham chuckled.
Stella muttered, “Well, I’m leaving for Falvaria soon. Gotta make sure I wrap things up nice and bloody.”
Then she hung up.
She had to deal with the Reed family one way or another, especially Lilian
Best case? The woman drops dead from her illness before Stella leaves. If not? She would personally throw her into prison.
Just as she turned around, her phone rang again. It was Tessa
Stella answered. “Tess”
Tessa sounded excited. “I found a piece of jade I like. Sending you a pic. Take a look for me?”
“Not right now. Send it over, and I’ll check in a bit. Stella too, voice laced with excitement.
Sensing something off, Tessa asked, “What are you up to?”
Stella explained. “Lilian is up to her tricks again.”
Tessa was speechless. “Three kinds of cancer and still scheming? What a tenacious little lotus.”
Stella scoffed. Tell me about it. I’m going to see if she’s really sick.”
Tessa warned, “You better. Don’t let her fake an illness and trap you with some emotional blackmail”
“Got it” She hung up.
in the distance, Ethan was limping toward her, clearly impatient. He looked pitiful. Honestly, she could have kicked harder.
“Finished your call?” His voice was sharp.
Stella tucked her phone away. “Let’s go.”
She figured half an hour was enough. What she did not expect was how far the hospital was. It took forty minutes just to get there.
In the hospital room, Stella sat with her legs crossed, casually filing her nails. She had broken one while hitting Sharon and had not had time to fix it.
Lilian stared at her, hatred boiling under her calm surface.
How could she sit there looking so indifferent?
She turned to Ethan. “Ethan, could you step outside? I need a moment with Stella.”
Ethan hesitated. With Stella’s history, like the time she attacked Lilian in front of the Keene Group’s building, he was not confident about leaving.
But Lilian insisted. “It’s okay. I’ll be careful.”
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Chapter 90 Jealous? Not Even Close
+8 Pearls
If Lilian was asking for it, cancer or not, s
or not, she would serve it up.
The word ‘tolerance‘ had long been erased from her dictionary.
She had suffered enough under the Tom family’s threats back in Falvaria.
Now that the Reed family could not touch Abraham? Why should she put up with anything?
“You…!” Ethan was seething.
Lilian gently cut in, “It’s fine, Ethan. Don’t judge Stella so harshly. I’ll be careful.”
Even as she spoke, her voice sweet, she was reveling in his concern.
Ethan gave one last reluctant nod and stepped out but did not go far. He stood just outside the door, ready to rush in at any
sound.
Once it was just the two of them, Stella did not even glance at Lilian.
Seeing her so dismissive only made Lilian angrier.
Lilian purposely brought up. “Ethan’s buying Verdant Villa for me. You know that, don’t you?”
“We’ve already talked about this on the phone,” Stella replied lazily. “I told you, you won’t get to live there.”
Lilian’s voice was laced with hope and flex. “But Ethan said it’s already bought. Just waiting to finalize things. Soon, I’ll be moving in to recover.”
Stella raised a brow. That’s what he told you?”
Bought it? Ha. Ethan was clearly just trying to pacify her.
Lilian nodded smugly. Jealous?”
Stella rolled her eyes. “Wow, congratulations. Let me know when you’re moving in. Throw a party, yeah? Don’t forget to invite
- me.
“Oh, you’ll be invited, Lilian said with a sweet smile. “Within half a month, I’ll be living there.”
Verdant Villa
A prime piece of real estate every wealthy family in the city had tried to buy for years.
And now? They were all scrambling to find out who the mysterious owner was, hoping to marry their daughters into that
power.
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