Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 148

The moon outside the window slipped behind the clouds, and the once–brilliant stars began to dim. Lying face to face in bed, the two friends‘ conversation drifted from relationships to dreams.

Erica’s lip twitched. “Stella, could that topic change have been any more forced?”

She was a professional freeloader, perfectly happy with her life. Talking to her about ambition was like talking to a brick wall.

Unfazed, Stella’s expression grew more serious. “Erica, I’m not joking. I’m being completely serious with you.”

“Alright, alright,” Erica sighed. What could she do but humor her? “Speaking of dreams, my biggest dream is to just eat, drink, and have fun every day.”

“Nothing else?”

“Just tell me,” Erica said, exasperated. “What do you want my dream to be?”

“What do you think about becoming a celebrity?” Stella asked.

“A celebrity?” Erica was stunned for a second, but her mind quickly caught on. “You think because I’ve gotten some online buzz, I should use it to break into the entertainment industry?”

The Russell family owned an entertainment company, after all.

But since Erica had never considered it, the idea of leveraging her recent online attention to launch a career had never crossed her mind.

Stella nodded, not hiding her intentions. She quickly explained that Cody wanted her to attend the international jewelry exhibition, then laid out her own idea. “Since your father wants you to make a name for yourself in the jewelry world, why not use your own platform to make a name for yourself in entertainment,

too?

“Once you’re truly famous, you can be the face of my jewelry designs.”

Stella’s goal had never changed: to become an internationally renowned jewelry designer,

And she wanted her best friend to be right there with her.

Of course, that was only if Erica wanted it. She would never force her friend into something she didn’t want.

Erica, who would have normally rejected such an idea without a second thought, was uncharacteristically silent.

Stella was flourishing, and while Erica was thrilled for her, she also felt a pang of anxiety about her own lack of purpose.

But the thought of taking over the family business…

18:16 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 148

E55 vouchers

Erica had tried it before, at her father’s insistence. She hadn’t even lasted two days before feeling like she was going to die of boredom.

For years, she had seemed like a freeloader, just playing around. But wasn’t she also exploring different fields, searching for something she was passionate about?

The entertainment industry…

Erica wasn’t sure if she’d like the high–stakes world of fame, but she was willing to try.

“Stella!”

Erica suddenly called out, her tone as firm as if she were taking a solemn oath. “I’ve decided. Tomorrow, I’m going to audition for the old man’s new talent show.”

“Good.” Stella smiled, cheering her on. “I’m sure you’ll be the breakout star.”

“You know it,” Erica said, full of herself. “My reputation as Seabrook’s It Girl isn’t for nothing.”

Stella was shocked. Had she missed something?

“Heh, I gave myself the title.”

Stella was speechless.

‘And she was proud of it,‘ Stella thought.

“By the way, do you want my autograph now? Once I’m famous, my fans won’t be so willing to let you cut the line.”

Stella was at a loss for words.

‘Wow, she wasn’t even famous yet and she was already thinking that far ahead.

“Stella, Stella, do you think I should be a pop star or an award–winning actress? I think…”

Stella closed her eyes, tuning out the world.

V

‘She’ll need me, a future international movie star, to help her, Erica thought.

“Why don’t you take a nap first?” Stella said, worried. I’m honestly afraid you’re going to just drop dead.”

She meant it literally.

In the bathroom, Erica looked up at her reflection in the smooth mirror and almost scared herself.

That disheveled person with dark circles and hollow cheeks…. was that really her?

“Why do I look like a ghost?” Erica muttered.

Stella’s voice came from the side. “You can drop the ‘like‘.”

“It’s fine,” Erica waved her hand. “I’ll just cover it up with a thick layer of foundation and concealer.”

18:16 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 148

A a 46

55 vouchers

Seeing her determination, Stella didn’t argue further. “Alright. If you get tired later, you can sleep in the car.”

“Okay.”

Half an hour later, the two of them, showered and dressed, came downstairs and nearly gave Cody, who was sitting in the living room, a heart attack.

“Whoa!” Cody yelped, clutching his rapidly beating heart. He felt like he couldn’t take another day in this

house.

“Are you trying to scare me to death so you can inherit my money?”

Erica, her face plastered with a ghostly white layer of makeup, shot back without missing a beat. “Sure, old man. You drop dead, I’ll inherit it all.”

色