When Ethan first saw the necklace, he had unconsciously pictured Lillian wearing it. Now, seeing it around Stella’s neck, a strange emotion stirred within him.
“Why are you only getting back now? I told you to pick up Stella, but she came back on her own!”
Ethan glanced at Stella again before shifting his gaze away front the necklace on her neck.
Madeline patted Stella’s hand. “Stella, wait here for a moment. I need to have a word with Ethan.”
Stella nodded slightly, and Madeline shot Ethan a look before leading him upstairs to the study. There was no need to guess —it was about Lillian. Madeline still didn’t trust him and was going to drill it into him once more. The conversation lasted
half an hour.
When mother and son came downstairs, both had regained their composure. Clearly, anything unpleasant had been set aside.
Madeline smiled warmly at Stella. “Stella, I’ll check on things in the kitchen. You and Ethan should talk.”
Before Stella could respond, Madeline had already walked away, taking the butler and maids with her, leaving the two of
them alone.
Stella was s
still playing a game on her phone, the sound of gunfire echoing from the speakers. Ethan immediately recognized it as the most popular mobile game at the moment.
A woman who doesn’t know how to do anything but play games–how could the elders possibly believe she’s fit to be my wife? Ethan thought, irritation creeping in
He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could speak, he saw Stella’s fingers flying over the screen, completely engrossed, as if he didn’t exist.
Her indifference made him even more frustrated.
Just then, his phone rang, it was Susan. Ethan instinctively glanced at Stella. Seeing that she was still deeply engaged in her game, he stepped outside to take the call, completely forgetting Madeline’s earlier warning to minimize contact with the Reed family.
He answered, “Madam Susan.”
Susan’s anxious voice came through. “Ethan, what are we going to do? One of the most important doctors for Lillian’s treatment just left the country.”
Ethan frowned. “Which doctor?”
“A top gynecologist–Rivermount’s genius professor, Rianne.”
Ethan replied, “I’ll find someone else. Don’t worry.”
To him, it was just a doctor. There were plenty of skilled professors and specialists available. Well, maybe not as young as this one, but still, it’s not like they’re irreplaceable.
Susan grew even more frantic. “No, it has to be her! I’ve already looked into the alternatives, and most of them recommend
surgery.
“You know how fragile Lillian’s health is right now. I heard that Dr. Rianne’s expertise is remarkable, and in her care, might be able to recover without needing surgery.”
Her heart needed surgery. Her liver needed surgery. How could her body possibly endure so many major operations?
Lillian
Chapter 17 The Doctor Lillian Needs Is Stella’s Best Friend?
Ethan mulled it over. Rianne… That name sounds familiar. Where had I heard it before!
Susan confirmed, “Yes, she’s a young genius, still quite young
The words still quite young instantly triggered his memory–Rianne was Stella’s best friend.
I’ll handle it,” he said.
“Ethan, please try to secure Dr. Rianne. You know Lillian’s body can’t take much more.”
“I understand.”
Ethan ended the call. The conversation had lasted a full ten minutes.
Finished
When he walked back inside, he saw that Stella’s game had just ended. Judging by her expression, she had won. She glanced toward the dining area–since it was still quiet, dinner probably wasn’t ready yet.
She was about to start another round when Ethan suddenly snatched her phone away.
Stella looked up. What are you doing?”
“Rianne, is she your best friend?”
Stella narrowed her eyes. “So what?”
“Did you have something to do with her leaving the country?
Just last night, Lillian had needed emergency care at the hospital, and during the same visit, they had conducted urgent examinations. The hospital director had even held a late–night meeting to assemble her medical team.
Rianne was definitely on that team, yet now, she had suddenly left the country.
She was Stella’s best friend. If Stella wasn’t involved in this, Ethan wouldn’t believe it for a second.
Chapter 18 Who Do You Think You’re Ordering Around?
Meeting Ethan’s icy gaze, Stella raised an eyebrow. “What exactly did I do?”
Ethan glared at her. “Stella, she’s only back for treatment. Why are you being so petty?”
Hearing this, Stella laughed.
“Petty about what? Are there no hospitals abroad? No doctors? Or is she broke and in desperate need of your presence and your help arranging her medical care?”
A string of sharp questions shut Ethan down, his anger caught in his throat, nearly choking him. He gritted his teeth. “Rianne’s treatment plan is crucial for her. You must know that by now, She’s seriously ill, there are multiple issues with her health
“Oh? That’s quite rare. How does someone so young end up with a body completely falling apart like that?”
Her words carried a sting of sarcasm, layered with something deeper. Ethan couldn’t stand her mocking tone. Stella smirked. “Is it an unhealthy lifestyle? Or is it just fate catching up?”
So young, yet riddled with illness–it really was unusual. Her last comment hit Ethan like a slap, His nerves snapped. attitude, Stella. Call Rianne. Tell her to come back.”
Ethan didn’t want to argue anymore. He just gave a cold command.
Stella arched a brow. “Who do you think you’re ordering around?”
This man–does he still not get it? After everything? He still thinks he can just boss me around?
The moment she said it, Ethan’s expression darkened even further. His jaw clenched. “Let me be clear, Stella, Lillian’s recovery determines when our wedding happens. If you think you can keep delaying things and still handle the consequences, then go ahead. Keep playing games.
“Cut
the
Frustrated beyond reason, Ethan’s temper flared, his tone rigid and aggressive. He was certain that if the Reed family found out Stella had meddled with Rianne’s departure, they wouldn’t go easy on her.
When that happened, let’s see how long she could endure it.
“Oh, I can handle it. But can she?”
Still trying to threaten her? Ridiculous. Stella rolled her eyes at him.
Ethan’s fury only burned hotter. “If anything happens to her, don’t think you’ll get away with it.”
“Who won’t get away with what?”
Madeline’s voice rang out from nearby, instantly cutting through the tension between them. She stormed over, anger written all over her face. She pulled Stella to her side and fixed Ethan with a sharp glare.
“Who exactly were you threatening just now?”
Ethan’s irritation spiked. This isn’t-
“Did you already forget everything I told you in the study earlier?”
Madeline’s voice was cold, laced with warning.
Ethan froze.
Chapter 18 Who Do You Think You’re Ordering Around?
“You stop right there!”
Finished
Ethan hesitated for a moment but didn’t turn back. He stood still for a second, then, deciding it wasn’t worth it, strode straight toward the door.
Madeline watched him go, her frustration rising
With Ethan gone, only she and Stella remained. Stella pulled her hand free, reached for the diamond necklace around her neck, and placed it back in Madeline’s hand.
Madeline blinked in surprise. “This…”
Stella cut her off. “Madam Madeline, you saw Ethan’s attitude when it comes to handling personal matters.
She had been debating how to make it clear to Madeline that there was no future for her and Ethan. After all, the Keene family elders had treated her well over the past two years.
But now?
She no longer needed to worry about offending them. Ethan had already paved the way for her.
Madeline’s face filled with concern. “Yes, Ethan was out of line, I’ll discipline him. That foolish boy…”
Since it was her son’s fault, Madeline couldn’t argue against Stella’s stance.
“Stella, he’s just being an idiot. Can you give him another chance? I promise I’ll make sure he learns his lesson.”
Stella lowered her gaze. “I’ve been giving him chances for the past two years. I tolerated him flying abroad to see Lillian all the time, but this situation is different”
What chance? There was never any chance. But let’s put all the blame on Ethan, as he rightfully deserves,
Hearing this, Madeline’s expression shifted in shock. “He’s been flying abroad frequently to see Lillian?”
“Last month, on my birthday, he was overseas.
There was no need to elaborate further. She and Lillian shared the same birthday. As her fiancé, Ethan had been out of the country on that day. The Keene family had assumed he was on a business trip.
Now, hearing Stella spell it out, Madeline’s lips twitched in fury.
“That foolish boy!”
At this moment, she felt like strangling Ethan herself.
And as for Lillian—two years ago, hadn’t I made myself clear enough? Absolutely shameless. Madeline was furious.
Chapter 19 Cutting Ties Cleanly
Finished
Madeline held onto Stella’s hand, as if she wanted to say more. But Stella’s stance was firm. “Madam Madeline, I’m sorry, Ethan is not someone I can entrust my life to.”
Madeline fell silent..
Stella continued. “I never expected his undivided loyalty, but he hasn’t even given me the bare minimum of respect,”
Madeline sighed. “This…”
but
She couldn’t deny it. Ethan hadn’t shown Stella even the most basic respect. Even as his mother, she couldn’t blindly defend
him.
“But what will you do? Without Ethan, your life in the Reed family will be even harder.”
Madeline reminded Stella of her standing in the Reed family. Even though everyone now despised Lillian, they still had to Jacknowledge that she held a significant position within the family.
Stella lowered her gaze without responding.
Madeline pressed on, “You don’t need to answer me now. I’ll talk to Ethan, and Lillian v
will be sent away as
as soon as possible.”
She was beyond furious. What hold does Lillian have over Ethan to make him so utterly bewitched?
The thought of Stella and Ethan completely breaking things off, leaving Ethan free to be even more reckless with Lillian. made her blood boil.
“The Reed family favors Lillian. If you keep pushing back against Ethan, things won’t be easy for you.”
She was advising Stella to endure it. As her future mother–in–law, Madeline was making it clear–she would always be on Stella’s side.
Everyone assumed there was no place for Stella in the Reed family and that the Keene family was her only refuge.
Stella glanced at Madeline. I’ve gotten through tough times before, haven’t I? Madam, this is the end for Ethan and me.”
Things had already come this far–there was no turning back. Stella’s tone was resolute and final.
She had no intention of leaving even a shred of hope for anyone. Simply put, she hated unnecessary trouble. She wanted to cut things clean and move on.
Madeline saw her unwavering attitude and felt slightly embarrassed. “You child…”
She had humbled herself and said everything she could, yet Stella was still this stubborn?
Her tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction
now.
Stella didn’t want to waste any more time. “I’m leaving.”
With that, she shoved the necklace firmly into Madeline’s hands and turned to leave.
Madeline had more to say, but seeing Stella’s determined posture and then looking at the necklace in her hand, she could only stomp her foot in frustration.
The butler appeared behind her. “Madam Madeline. What is she being so proud about? Who else would take her if not
Ethan?”
She was engaged to Ethan. Who else in Rivermount’s elite circle would be foolish enough to marry her on short notice? And as for the Reed family..
172
Chapter 19 Cutting Ties Cleanly
The butler glanced in the direction Stella had left. “She’s young. She can’t swallow this humiliation.”
To him, Stella’s reaction was purely driven by the injustice she felt over Lillian..
Madeline thought the same.
Finished
She scoffed. “If she wants to make a scene, she should at least pick the right place. She can fight with the Reed family all she wants, but acting self–righteous in front of me?”
If not for Nicole insisting Ethan had to marry Stella–claiming Stella’s birth chart was exceptionally auspicious–Madeline wouldn’t have even considered accepting a daughter–in–law from the Reed family.
Her frustration only grew. She was furious at Ethan for being tangled up with Lillian, but she was even angrier that Stella had been the one to call off the engagement.
Now the Keene family had lost all face–both publicly and privately.
And to make things worse, Nicole had given her a strict order–which was to get Stella back.
But with the way Stella carried herself, fearless, untouchable, how am I supposed to do that? Madeline’s expression darkened with
anger.
“This is infuriating! Where is Lillian hospitalized?”
The butler replied, “Rivermount International Medical Center.”
Stella walked out of Keene Estate.
Just as she reached her car, a horn honked from nearby. Looking up, she saw Ethan’s Rolls–Royce Phantom parked not far away.
He’s still here?
Ethan stepped out, a cigarette between his fingers.
His tall, lean figure exuded natural dominance, an aura of authority that kept others at a distance.
Truth be told, he was undeniably handsome.
In just a year, he had doubled Keene Group’s market value, and he was also lial and respectful toward his elders.
Everything about him was impressive–except for his taste in women. Absolutely Mind.
When Stella met his gaze, she showed no kindness.
Ethan was the first to speak. “Give your car keys to Jason. He’ll drive it back to Kingston Heights. You’re coming with me.”
“I can drive.”
Stella scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Those three words were a declaration of independence. I would never be the one left behind.
Stella scoffed. There’s nothing for us to talk about.”
Ignoring her protest, Ethan dragged her toward his car, smatching her car keys from her hand and tossing them to Jason.
Jason caught them smoothly, immediately jumping into Stella’s car and driving off
Watching this, Stella grew even angrier. “You”
car
Ethan was already in his car, the engine humming to life. He glanced at her. “Are you getting in or not?”
With no other choice, she finally climbed into the backseat.
Stella remained unimpressed. “Suit yourself?”
She wasn’t the type of woman to sit in just any man’s passenger seat–especially not Ethan’s.
Stella gazed out the window, arms crossed. “Take me to Oriental Grand Tower.”
Chapter 20 Bribing Her with a Black Card?
One hand gripping the wheel, the other holding his cigarette, Ethan took a deep drag. “Tell Rianne to come back, and I won’t see her again”
She glanced at the man in the front seat, but before she could speak, Ethan pulled out his wallet and handed her a black card.
Ethan pushed the card closer to her. “The Reed family is too busy dealing with Lillian’s condition to worry about your finances right now. Take this.”
Stella instinctively reached out. Free money? Why not take it?
But just as her fingers were about to grasp the card, Ethan suddenly withdrew it, flipping it back into his hand.
Ethan’s voice was firm. “The wedding will proceed as scheduled.”
The moment he said that, she immediately retracted her hand. Compensation money? Sure, I’d take it. But marriage? Keep dreaming
Ethan reiterated, “Bring Rianne back to her treatment team, and I won’t see her again.”
Stella rolled her eyes. Again with this? Wedding, Rianne… This man is truly greedy.
“So basically, all of this is just about securing benefits for Lillian.”
Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Seeing that she still wouldn’t soften, Ethan’s expression darkened. “What benefits? I’m already giving you everything you want.”
Stella shot back sharply. As if it’s that easy….
If it were up to her, she’d never have to see Lillian again. But could she really leave that quickly?
Seeing Ethan’s face darken, Stella pressed on. “And besides, you expect me to believe that just because you say you won’t see her, you actually won’t?”
This woman! Is she trying to get herself killed with that sharp tongue? Ethan felt his anger surge so intensely that even his teeth ached from clenching them.
Hanging up, Stella marched straight into the luxury mall. For the next two hours, she went on a shopping spree–buying from the biggest brands, picking out the most expensive items, and swiping her card for everything extravagant.
Meanwhile, Ethan had just arrived at the hospital when his phone started buzzing–once, twice, and then again. Each time, it
was a transaction alert.
Scoffing, he let out a sarcastic laugh. “And she says she doesn’t care? Yeah, right
As Ethan continued walking toward Lillian’s hospital room, a thought crossed his mind, and he gave Jason a command. “She’s looking for a job. Inform all companies–she’s not to be hired.
Jason hesitated for a moment, stunned. Is he really forbidding Ms. Dawson from getting employed?
“Ms. Dawson still refuses to go through with the wedding?” Jason asked.
Jason’s words made Ethan’s expression darken even further. He didn’t want to admit it, but Stella had already taken the initiative to have Tessa announce the wedding cancellation yesterday. Technically… that means I got dumped.
The thought of her arrogance made his teeth ache even more. With a cold snort, he spat out, “She’ll change her mind.”
One week. That was all it would take for her to face reality. Without the Reed family or him, Stella wouldn’t survive in Rivermount.
When Ethan entered Lillian’s hospital room, Susan was sitting beside her. Seeing him, she immediately stepped forward with concern in her eyes. “Ethan, is Dr. Rianne coming back?”
Ethan took a deep breath. “I’m working on it. Don’t worry.”
Susan’s breathing grew unsteady. Then… then Dr. Rianne leaving must be Stella’s doing! There’s no other explanation! How could she be so cruel?”
Her voice trembled as she said, “So she still believes I was behind that incident. Otherwise, why would she treat me like this?”
The mention of that incident darkened both Ethan and Susan’s expressions instantly. Just as Ethan was about to respond, his phone buzzed twice more in his hand.
The sales associate took one look at the shopping bags surrounding her–all from the most expensive brands in the entire mall. Recognizing a big spender, their attitude became downright servile.
Stella waved a hand dismissively. “Just wrap it up.”
In just two hours, Stella had spent a staggering 2 million and 800 thousand dollars–all on jewelry and luxury skincare products. She only stopped when the card was finally declined.
Ethan’s phone rang almost immediately. The number was unfamiliar, but the voice on the other end was unmistakable.
Ethan clenched his teeth. If I didn’t, how long would she keep spending?
“Do you even know how much you’ve spent?”
Hearing her say she “didn’t buy much” made Ethan feel like he was about to explode.
Stella continued, “Wow, Ethan, your compensation really lacks sincerity.”
“Isn’t it? After everything we’ve been through, I thought you finally grew a conscience and decided to compensate me.”
Ethan felt like he was going to pass out from sheer frustration. What did she mean, compensate her after everything we’d been throughly anything, she had been the one making a scene all along!
“Someone like you? Why would 1 compensate you? I gave you that card so you’d reconsider the wedding.”
Ethan fired back, “If it’s impossible, then why are you spending my money?”
Stella’s tone remained unfazed. “I was your fiancee for two years. This is the first time I’ve actually spent your money. Of course, I had to make up for it”
She was not the type to be self–sacrificing and detached from worldly desires. Two years without touching a cent? That was long enough.
She didn’t ask for money, but if it was handed to her, she wasn’t about to hold back. She’d spend as much as she could.
Seeing Ethan so furious that he could barely speak, Stella casually asked, “So… are you unfreezing the card or not?”
Ethan remained silent, his chest felt like it was going to burst!
She had burned through two million eight hundred thousand dollars in just two hours, and she still expected him to unfreeze the cond?
Ethan sneered, “Like you’ve ever lived a luxurious life before.”
“You got what you wanted. Now it’s time to think seriously about us–and Ryan”
With that, Ethan hung up abruptly. She got a taste of luxury today–she’d definitely cave just to get the card unfrozen,
Thinking about it, Ethan figured all he had to do now was wait
Kimmy’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Boss, did you win the lottery today?”
Stella casually pushed one of the carts full of luxury skincare products toward her. “Company perks. Distribute them among the team.”
“Thank you, boss!” someone shouted.
But Stella’s expression remained indifferent, as if the amount spent didn’t faze her in the slightest.
Her breath hitched, and for several seconds, she couldn’t steady herself.
The voice on the other end was familiar. Stella’s face stiffened, her emotions suddenly spiraling out of control.
She struggled to force out two words. “It’s me.”
“Mr. Abraham is arriving in Rivermount on an 8 PM flight. He hopes you will meet him at the airport personally.”
Stella’s breath caught in her throat.
The person calling her right now was none other than his assistant–Abel.
Despite his respectful tone over the phone, Abel was a name that sent shivers down the spines of many in Falvaria.
Even just an assistant under that man was enough to terrify people–let alone the man himself.
Abraham. The man who had taken her in and raised her….
The man the Reed family had always been desperate to uncover–the one who raised her. The man who ruled both the legal and illegal worlds of Falvaria. There, he was the emperor of the underworld.
At six o’clock, as she stepped out of the Oriental Grand Tower, her phone buzzed relentlessly.
As for her? She hadn’t even grown up with them, yet their expectations for her were endless. No matter what she did, it was always wrong in Susan’s eyes–always met with stern criticism.
Hearing Stella’s icy tone, Susan’s rage escalated to the point where her head throbbed. “You–you–let me ask you, Rianne is your best friend, isn’t she? Was it you who sent her abroad?”
Susan was livid.
So, what did that make the Reed family in her heart?
Susan had planned on interrogating her, but Stella had thrown her completely off guard by admitting it so openly,
Hearing how blunt Stella was, Susan nearly fainted from anger.
“What?” Stella cut in smoothly. “Madam Susan, are you trying to get me to bring Rianne back to treat her?”
It suddenly dawned on her–since Stella had returned to the Reed family, she had never once called her “M
But she had never called her “Madam Susan” either… And now, hearing it for the first time, Susan found that she couldn’t quite bear it.
Mrs. Reed. Not Madam Susan anymore. And arguing over something meaningless? Susan felt like she had a lump in her throat and a ton of bricks pressing down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
Taking several deep breaths, she finally said, “Bring Dr. Rianne back, and I’ll unfreeze your card.”
But listen carefully–only if Rianne came back to treat Lillian would she get her card unfrozen.
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