Chapter 141 Public Execution
Lillian’s mood sank instantly. “Oh… I see. Then let’s not bother her.”
Susan replied, “He probably won’t be coming by for the next few days”
From the way Madeline talked, that partner seemed incredibly important; she even threatened that if the deal fell through because of Lillian, she’d hold them accountable.
Now that Madeline had said that, Susan didn’t dare go looking for Ethan either.
When Lillian heard Ethan wouldn’t be coming for days, her face went stiff. “He won’t be coming for days?”
She was supposed to be discharged in three days: Ethan had promised her she could recover at Verdant Villa
Now they were saying he wouldn’t be coming to the hospital in the next few days. Could I still be discharged on time!
Susan nodded. “Yeah, he won’t be coming for several days. Don’t call him these next couple of days either,”
Madeline wasn’t joking when she got mad; she was a total banshee.
As soon as she heard Susan say not to contact Ethan, Lillian looked over, eyes instantly welling up.
Susan couldn’t stand seeing her like that. “Don’t cry, okay? It’s just for a few days. That partnership really is important.”
If it weren’t, Madeline wouldn’t have blown up on her like that.
“Then can I still be discharged on time?”
Lillian’s voice trembled as she asked.
Susan went quiet. Discharged?
She thought of Ethan’s promise.
After a moment, Susan said, “Verdant Villa should already be arranged. I’ll make a call tomorrow morning and check. If he doesn’t come, we’re still going to get you discharged.”
Susan knew Lillian wanted out of the hospital.
She hated the smell of disinfectant; she wanted to recover at Verdant Villa instead.
Honestly, the air out there really was nice.
Hearing what Susan said made Lillian feel a little better. “I wonder if the curtains have been changed yet.”
They’d been talking about changing them to sunflowers–symbolizing renewal and health.
She just wanted to get better fast. The hospital smelled so strongly of disinfectant; she didn’t want to stay another minute.
Susan said. “They probably have.
Ethan was so thoughtful when it came to her; he was probably spending these days getting everything ready over there
“Don’t worry. Ethan only has you in his heart. Stop letting yourself get so down; it’s not good for your health.”
Thinking about what the specialists had told her, Susan couldn’t help but feel anxious.
At this point, she wasn’t even sure Lillian would be able to pull through this time.
11:57 AM c
Chapter 141 Public Execution
Before Lillian could finish, Susan cut her off immediately
Sometimes, that kind of instinct was the scariest thing
“The doctors said your condition’s been under control these past couple of days. Stop overth
Lillian looked at her with teary eyes. “Really?”
“Of course.”
Susan nodded firmly. That made Lillian feel a lot better
After finally getting Lillian to sleep. Susan stepped out into the hospital hallway to call Jonathan.
But he didn’t pick up. She tried several times, every call went to voicemail
What she didn’t know was that after Patrick called Jonathan to the office, he’d been stuck in meetings ever since. At three in the morning, he was still in the conference room
Susan glanced at the closed hospital room door, heart heavy she felt like she didn’t have anyone to lean on
The meeting between Jonathan and Patrick didn’t end until after 7 AM
Both looked rough as they left the conference room and returned to the office. That’s when Patrick noticed the bruising on Jonathan’s face.
“What happened to your face!”
Caught off guard by the question, Jonathan’s expression darkened.
He instinctively touched his face; the moment his fingers brushed against it the throbbing pain made him suck in a sharp breath.
“Hit it by accident.”
“On both sides?” Patrick frowned.
That kind of bruising clearly wasn’t from just an accident.
Jonathan went silent. To explain the injury, he’d have to bring up Stella–d that call his mom had made before became into the office yesterday.
When Jonathan didn’t say anything. Patrick couldn’t be bothered to keep asking.
He rubbed his temples, clearly having a headache. “Don’t you think someone’s trying to screw-
Suddenly, a bunch of partners all wanted to terminate their contracts–some even cutting off resources completely
Jonathan frowned at him.
Patrick asked. “Could it be the Keene family?”
“It shouldn’t be the Keene family Ethan wouldn’t allow that,” Jonathan said without hesitation.
Even if the Keenes were unhappy with the Reeds, they wouldn’t make a move right now.
Chapter 142 Scarves Can’t Hide Regret
+8 Pearis
Even if the Keene family made a move, the impact on the Reed family’s company wouldn’t be this severe; this time, it had really left them reeling.
When Patrick heard it wasn’t the Keene family, his expression worsened. “Then who could it be?”
Jonathan was speechless. Who?
The image of the man in Stella’s office flashed through his mind unbidden. Could it be him?
At Verdant Villa, Stella stared at the bruises all over her neck, her heart clenching tight. She’d been hiding in her room, too scared to come out, ears perked up listening for the sound of a car outside.
She waited all the way until 9 AM, but still hadn’t heard Abraham leave.
Instead, it was Abraham who came to knock on her door. “Star, time to get up.”
“Ah, I’m a little tired. I want to sleep a bit longer.”
The bruises covered too wide an area–her lips were injured too. If she went out and he saw them, she wouldn’t even know how to explain. What a disaster,
Abraham stood at the door.
When he heard Stella say she was tired, a trace of a smile flickered in his deep–set eyes–barely noticeable.
He glanced at the time on his wristwatch. “It’s already nine, sleepyhead.”
“I’m really tired. I just want to sleep a little longer.”
“I’m coming in.”
Stella was speechless. Wait–why is he coming in?
She spoke in a rush, “Don’t! I’m getting up now!”
The moment she heard Abraham say he was coming in, her voice turned frantic. She quickly pulled her collar higher to cover her neck.
“Come on, breakfast has already been reheated several times.
“Got it
Inside the room, Stella felt like crying.
She rummaged through her closet for a silk scarf, but it didn’t cover enough, so she grabbed a neck warmer and wrapped it tightly.
When she came downstairs, she saw Abraham sitting on the sofa with his laptop on his lap, working.
Hearing her footsteps, Abraham turned to look at her; sure enough, the dark circles under his eyes were obvious.
“Didn’t sleep well?”
Stella let out a muffled sound of acknowledgment. Her heart had been racing all night. How could I have slept
She glanced at Abraham. Judging from his expression, it seemed like he’d completely forgotten everything that happened after he drank.
11:57 AM
Chapter 142 Scarves Can’t Hide Regret
Abraham noticed the scarf around her neck. “Are you cold?
“No,” Stella answered instinctively
The second the words left her mouth, she regretted it
Sure enough, Abraham asked. “If you’re not cold, then why are you wearing such a thick scarf?”
The indoor temperature was always kept steady, there was no need for extra layers
Hearing that, Stella pouted and didn’t know how to answer. Why? Because of what you did obviously!
The housekeeper saw Stella come downstairs and told the staff to bring out the reheated breakfast,
L
+8 Pearls
Stella ignored Abraham’s question and headed straight to the dining room. She took a sip of pondge and glanced toward the living room. “Aren’t you going out today?”
“A bit later.”
“Oh
No wonder he hadn’t left yet.
Abraham put down his laptop and walked over to the dining room. He was tall–probably around six–foot–three.
Just looking at those long legs was enough to get anyone’s blood pumping.
Over the years. Stella had seen just how much girls liked Abraham
But he always gave off this icy aura that kept most people away,
Of course, some had tried drugging him.
But who knew what happened to those people–none of them ever showed up again.
Abraham sat down across from her, his gaze dark as he looked at her.
Stella’s heart skipped a beat. “Why.. why are you staring at me like that?”
“Why are your lips so swollen?”
Stella’s mind buzzed: her blood started racing again
He really didn’t remember anything.
He was actually asking why her lips were swollen!
Stella had a headache “Do you even remember how you got home last night?”
“Hm?”
Stella fell silent, Great, he really doesn’t remember.
just thinking about it made her want to pull her hair out.
Before she could say anything else. Abraham suddenly reached over and pulled off the scarf around her neck.
Stella felt a chill rush over her neck as her heart stopped for a second.
Chapter 143 Don’t Ask About My Neck Please
The air froze in that instant. The butler and the maids tensed up within a second they caught
ght on and made a swin est
Everyone bere knew Abraham and Stella
relased by blood of
(down thes
out of
See something they shouldn’t, and they might t
Only Stella and Abraham were l
Stella blinked up at him bear sipping a bear. She
get up f
But the next second. Abraham held her in place. “M’s oing on with your edit
That deep, magnetic voice carrier
Stella’s heart scpped in for so good re
She stammered, Wh. I got bimen by
If he could me a question
She thought back to bow forcefull
the co
before. If she hadn’t
able
free, there was no way bee peak
Abraham raised an eyebro
Stella nodded furiously “Yep Bocain
else could I blame on Inter
Sure, he’d been gentle–really gende–bur also had the bine strength of a dog
er lips were still sort and chapped this murning from book hard bed groe
Abraham’s warn fingers brushed over her swollen tips. “That by more did
Stella checks fushed bright red
She nodded again eling utterly defeated Tesh real pression Wouldng no matt
Abraham’s grip on her slim waist ghtened sightly “You cried no fight in ”
Yeah,” Stella said seriously
Totally straight–faced.
In reality, no way she’d dared fight back. She had too much strength–uné slip and he would’ve woken uptly
Then it would’ve turned into a whole mesa she couldn’t possibly explain. In the end, she had had the courage to do it
Abrahanchuckled, “Have the butler disinfect your room property”
Definitely should. And hey, can you not drink anymiter when you go out
His stomach was already sensitive.
Brewerkend of person sh kim kumbling himself id
11:57 AM
Chapter 143 Don’t Ask About My Neck Please
Noticing his fingers wrapped around her hair, she angrily pulled it away and tried to wiggle out of his arms
But the grip around her waist didn’t loosen in the slightest–she couldn’t break free
Stella whimpered. Abraham, let me go?
You still haven’t told me what’s the connection?
There isn’t one.” Stella replied.
-8 Pearis
The connection was that he’d gotten drunk and forgotten everything At this rate. if he slept with herand ten months later she had a kid. he’d probably ask who the father was
The thought made Stella glare at Abraham with barely concealed resentment. Just don’t drink again. okay?”
Looking at her sulky little face. Abraham reached out and gently pinched her cheek clearly amused.
Before either of them could say more. Abel walked in
The moment she saw him. Stella instinctively tried to squirm out of Abraham’s ans
This time. Abraham didn’t tease her
He let go, even adding, “Ear up, okay!”
His voice wi warm and soft–like coaxing a child
Abel’s expression didn’t change, he seemed completely used to the scene in front of him.
Abraham stood and walked toward the living room Abel followed behind. “Mr. Abraham, Judson wants to see you.”
Judson was Ethan’s father. Since Ethan hadn’t been able to get ahold of Abraham, Judson had started to grow impatient.
The Reed family’s mines had run dry; securing a new supply was critical to the Keene family right now.
So it wasn’t surprising that Judson was getting personally invol
heiring room
Abraham checked the time on his watch, then glanced over at the dining room
He saw Stella quietly eating, and a softness passed through his eyes. “Ethan still bury with the Verdant Villa matter
Ethan had been trying to buy Verdant Villa to help that adopted daughter of the Reed family recover. Judson had been a hard–nosed man in his youth.
Taking someones for outside his world–it must’ve been a bitter pill to mallet
Abel nodded Yo
Abraham said. “Call Judson back and tell him—
He stopped mid–sentence–because he saw Stella spit out the bun she’d just put in her mouth
Send Gifts
118
[11]
Chapter 144 You Did What to the Reed Family
L
+8 Pearls
It felt like she’d bitten into something dirty–Stella spat several times, then grabbed her water and rinsed her mouth.
Abraham’s gaze dimmed.
His tone also dropped. “Tell him it’s about his son; that takes priority.”
Abel went quiet. His son takes priority?
If Judson heard that, he’d probably want to beat Ethan to death. As if Ethan had anything better to do right now.
He was all wrapped up with Lillian, and the only urgent thing on his plate was this Verdant Villa situation.
Speaking of Ethan, Abel couldn’t help but sigh. “How did Mr. Keene end up with a son like that? If he’s gonna be a playboy, at least pick someone decent. He’s basically trying to wipe out the Keene bloodline.”
And Lillian’s character–based on what they’d dug up, the kind of woman Ethan fell for was honestly beyond words.
Abraham let out a quiet laugh. “Which is exactly why Mr. Keene should be focusing on his son right now.”
Abel caught Abraham’s meaning instantly. Scheming, as always.
Those people–Abraham might’ve looked indifferent on the surface, but after how they’d treated Stella all these years, there was no way he’d let it slide.
Abel nodded. Tll go respond to him right away.”
Abel left.
Abraham beckoned to the butler lurking in the shadows. The butler stepped forward respectfully. “Mr. Abraham.”
“Fire everyone in the kitchen today.”
The butler stiffened at those words.
“Understood.”
Abraham walked toward the dining room. Stella had nearly finished eating: Abraham glanced down at the wad of tissue with what she’d spat out.
“Didn’t like it?”
There were pebbles in it.”
The butler, who’d followed Abraham in, felt his heart seize. At that moment, he figured the kitchen staff totally deserved to be fired.
Everyone knew Abraham had incredibly high standards for food–especially when it came to what Stella ate. Stella, of course, had no idea that her casual honesty just doomed an entire kitchen staff.
“You heading out?” she asked.
Abraham nodded. “The Reed family’s probably in chaos by
Most likely, they’d been in meetings all night.
now.
Of course, if they were smart enough to figure out what was really going on, they’d come looking for Stella.
11:57 AM ₫
Chapter 144 You Did What to the Reed Family
Stella was speechless. Sweet fruits….
Right—she remembered now. Abraham had said he was going to shut but since he was leaving, she didn’t bother pressing the usud.
Jas Abraham expected, the Reed family really was a bunch of idio
The will hadn’t figured out what happened.
+8 Fear!
best the entire Reed family. She didn’t care much abou
Abracum had barely left when Stella got a call from Kimmy–Louis had shown ag an the office looking for her.
The moment she heard Louis‘ name, she already knew what it was about–thin sling-
Tell him I be there in an hour”
‘Gar I‘
Thun would give her just enough time.
After lunging tip. Stella went upstairs to change.
Just as she was about no head out, she got a message from an unknown number. The carrains an Verdur Villa are probably already wed
From the DE
www.clearly from Lillian Stella didn’t get it. Where did she
still find the chargram deur Dank she on death 3 doorstep
Honestly, if Lillian been hit with three terminal diagnoses, Stella might’ve had to make a move herself.
she didnt know was that Liilian could only find comfort by messaging her now.
Because that morning, sheld woken up and seen a huge clump of hair on her pillow; her heart was already on the verge of collapse.
Stella replied without much ren- Didn’t you say “probably? So you’re not even sure?”
So Ethan was
was still stringing Edlen along?
And Lillian herself wasn’t even sure she’d actually be moving into Verdant Villa
Lillian replied: “Whether I’m wart or not, it has nothing to do with you and Ethan anymore.”
Oh? Someone was fouling build Sheila doUŽL
Stella replied: “You’re not scared I’ll show chis message to Ethan?”
Lillian replied: “Go ahead!”
That phone number wasn’t even her. When it came down to it, just be Ethan choosing whether to believe her or Stella.
Stella texted: “Wanna bet 140,000 dollars you won’t move into Verdant Villa.”
If Lillian wanted to show off so badly, then – Salu would play along What fun is there in flaunting something without a muger!
On the other end of the call, Lillian saw Setla’s massage and immedinely shopped breathing for a second.
A flash of malice passed through her eyes…
Lallian texted: “140,000 dollars! You’ve got some demse
Chapter 145 The Gamble
What did shame have to do with any of this. Pride didn’t pay the bills–money was the only thing that counted
Lillian stared at Stella’s arrogant words. She gritted her teeth. “Fine. Let’s bet!”
It was just 140.000 dollars. She trusted Ethan wouldn’t let her lose. If Stella lost, she’d have to pay her the full 140,000 dollars.
She thought of that man who’d been threatening her constantly.
And lately, with her being stuck in the hospital and the Reed family assuming she wasn’t spending ruch, she barely had any money left to deal with that man
If she could get 140.000 dollars out of Stella, it’d be perfect.
She remembered Stella’s studio had made 980.000 dollars last year: giving her 140.000 dollars wasn’t unreasonable.
With that thought, Lillian sent another message to Stella: “Don’t forget–you made the bet. If you lose, you pay.”
Stella replied: Yeah, I made the bet. Let’s hope you can face the music when it’s time.”
Stella’s words struck a nerve deep in Lillian’s system.
Stella added: “Don’t you dare whine later and say I bullied you. Don’t start crying about how you don’t have 140,000 dollars. If you say crap like that, I swear I’ll teach you a damn lesson.”
Seeing that message nearly made Lillian pass out from rage,
She furiously deleted all the texts and handed the phone back to the nurse.
When Stella didn’t get a reply from Lillian, she figured she’d shut her up successfully.
She liked to get things straight from the start. God, every time I see her act, I seriously want to rip her mouth apart.
She arrived at the studio right on the hour.
Louis stood up when he saw her. “Stella, finally. I’ve been waiting a while.
That tone–way too familiar. Anyone listening would’ve thought Louis and Stella had some sort of special relationship.
Especially when Louis tried to hook his arm around her neck–Stella instinctively dodged. Guess the lesson Abraham gave him still wasn’t enough
Stella cut straight to the point. “Mr. Louis, just say what you need to say.”
No need for this fake warmth; it made her skin crawl
She casually tossed her bag on the couch. Seeing her smooth, confident movements, something flickered in Louis‘ eyes.
A handmade designer bag, treated like that.
Louis pondered Were the people in the Reed family blend? What made them think Stella had been naised in some backwater? What kind of country bumpkin carried herself with the kind of stratagemor
He thought back to what Sharon had sad. Jonathan’s sister came from the countryside. She doesn’t know anything, and she mbarrases the Reed family
lack then, he’d believed it. But now? Looked like the Reed family had no idea what they were talking about
11:57 AM
145 TWA GIADE
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But turns out he won’t erary held juan müesse
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Stella still held a grudge against Louis. Yesterday had nearly scared her to death. With the look Abraham had on his face back then, if she’d made one wrong move, she would’ve ended up shredded into pieces with nothing left behind.
And now, hearing that Abraham had actually gotten upset over it again made Louis‘ chest tighten. So let’s call yesterday really was about that ring?
Louis looked at Stella, his expression twisted with conflicted restraint. “And you didn’t tell him I might’ve grabbed the wrong
All she’d been focused on at the time was saving her own life. As for what would happen to Louis, that was way beyond her control
Back when Abraham threw it in the trash. Stella had instinctively wanted to pick it up and return it to Louis.
There was no way she’d dared fish through the trash with him still there. It wasn’t like she had a death wish or anything.
Louis sucked in a sharp breath. “You didn’t pick it back up?”
“Who changed the trash?”
That thing was worth close to 1.3 million, and it just got tossed like that? Sure, it wasn’t a huge deal for him, but still–he didn’t exactly have cash to throw around. And that ring had belonged to Alex.
“I’ll ask around,” Stella said.
you
“Nope. Just paper.”
Stella looked over at Louis and said nothing. They were screwed. The trash had already been taken out yesterday–what now? Head down to the garbage depot and go hunting?
Louis turned to Kimmy. “You didn’t see a box? It was pretty big
Stella glanced at him. “It wasn’t that big”
only rang twice before the other end picked up. “Star”
The moment Stella opened her mouth, Louis felt his scalp go numb. And the worst part was he couldn’t even get mad, he didn’t dare to
Just as Louis was anxiously waiting for Abraham’s response-
Stella, bless her soul, added, “He brought a bracelet to exchange for it.”
She’d already opened the box and, seeing it was a bracelet, said it without thinking
The moment Louis heard the word bracelet, he knew this was about to go south.
questioned his life choices more than he did in that moment.
Louis looked at her, lips parting like he wanted to say something, but he was too mad to even get the words out. Is she really trying to help me? She doesn’t even explain anything properly–let alone speak on my behalf. She can’t even get the story straight. And now the’s acting like she’s done me a favor.
Louis took several deep breaths, forcing down the weight in his chest. In the end, all he managed to say was a bitter. “Thanks.”
Thanks a lot, Goddess. With those awful people skills–no wonder she turned out like this, spoiled rotten by Abraham.
Louis couldn’t stand to be in that office for another second. Siella really was a menace. Truly.
Just as he opened the door, Stella stepped up behind him and grabbed his sleeve. “Here, Mr. Louis, take this back.”
Abraham hau viritted into lice–deadline waurculiowed to accept anything from cima
dizzy. Abraham, haud remedizzy tolu Loun to get lost
Charition Scelle–mans komadething Tharphone call Scelle made to Abraham had made thing wore Now Iniul coure out way to explain things.com Wear mid–i ditin chaves me to deal with Stella 109.
Kimmy came in. “Ms. Dawson did Mr. Dour love something in toppi comething on you?
had been open topover a year and a half now, andansversammlernantonity dropped by
Sandraxteen came yeaterday, and now Louis was daming dicotomethingire Rimmycould help but
Kimmy said, “I really think he’s trying to scam you, Ms. Dawson. You can’t be that naive about people
Stella replied, “And you shouldn’t assume the worst about everyone either. Keep that up and you’ll never get a boyfriend.”
Whether or not he was trying to scam her didn’t really matter; the key thing was, no one could actually scam her. She was doing pretty well just not scamming anyone herself.
Last night, Abraham had gotten drunk and made a mess of her. She was still a little dazed.
She picked up. “Abraham”
If he hadn’t left, what was he going to do–show up and skin him alive like some kind of
“And the bracelet?”
Thank god she had. With Abraham’s tone right now, if she hadn’t returned it, she would’ve been completely screwed.
“What have I always told you?” Abraham asked.
She added the last part in a soft, slightly wronged voice.
Feeling his serious tone, she quickly tacked on, “I really didn’t.”
“So I can never accept gifts from men? I’m an adult now.”
There was a hint of testing in her voice. Sure, Abraham didn’t have other women around, but she wasn’t a child anymore.
And after what happened last night – Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush.
Even if Abraham didn’t remember anything. Stella still wanted to feel things out–figure out exactly what she was to him.
But after she spoke, the phone went silent..
All these years at Rivermount, she had never accepted a single gift from a man
“I’ve never given you anything?” Abrahamn asked.
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