Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck
When Stella brought up Sterling Global, her face lit up with pride.
She still had no clue who the person behind it really was, but in her mind, they had to be a total saint–giving her that many projects and paying so well for each one.
“My studio would’ve been lucky to clear a million last year,” she said, “but thanks to Sterling Global, we made over seven
million.”
With them as a client, she felt like she could finally stand tall.
She spoke excitedly, not noticing the fleeting warmth in Abraham’s eyes when she mentioned the name.
He watched her little smug expression and chuckled. “That impressive?”
“Well, Sterling Global’s boss clearly has taste. Took a chance on a little nobody like me.”
Without them, a small, unknown design studio like hers wouldn’t have made it anywhere near that kind of money.
She looked up at him. “Wait–so why would Judson think sending Lillian to you was a good idea?”
It was hilarious.
Abraham snorted. “Maybe he’s getting senile.”
What?”
Judson? Senile? He didn’t even seem old.
And it was true–Ethan’s dad, Judson, was ridiculously handsome. He carried himself well, didn’t fool around, and had at spotless reputation.
So how the hell did he end up with a son like that? Judging by everything that had happened recently, Judson was probably coughing blood by now.
And sure enough-
When news got back to Judson, he almost lost it completely.
“He says it’s got nothing to do with Lillian? This is nothing to do with her?” He slammed his hand on the table. “They said Ethan’s not even allowed to see her!”
Madeline’s face was just as dark.
Judson turned to her. “You’re going to the hospital yourself tomorrow.”
What about the Luke heir? The contract meeting with his chosen partner is tomorrow.”
Judson didn’t answer.
His face just got darker. He looked like he wanted to strangle Ethan
Madeline wasn’t far behind him in that sentiment,
Meanwhile, Ethan had just left the Keene estate and was hounding Jason to track the Luke heir’s current location.
4:41 PM
Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck
Ethan’s brow furrowed. “This has nothing to do with her.”
He was firm. Absolutely sure.
Finished
Madeline snapped, “Their reply was that you’re not to see Lillian ever again, and you still think this has nothing to do with
her?”
_What?”
“Ethan, Lillian’s poison. No one even knows what kind of life she was living overseas. She came back with half a body. You think she’s some innocent victim?”
Her tone was sharp and laced with implication.
Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Don’t talk about her like that.”
“You explain to me then–how does someone even get uterine cancer? That’s not a disease you catch from drinking the wrong water. You think she’s spotless?”
He hated this.
He’d been hearing people whisper nasty things about Lillian’s condition for weeks. He could tune out strangers–but his own
mother?
He couldn’t take it.
“Mom. You know what kind of person Lillian is.”
“I’ve always thought she was dangerous.
Madeline had never liked her.
Even back when Stella was still in a hospital bed, Lillian had been circling Ethan like a hawk.
To Madeline, she was manipulative. She’d always had that vibe.
Someone like that could never bring peace to a family–only chaos
And they hadn’t even married her yet, and already the Keene family was in trouble.
What would happen if she actually got through the door?
Ethan’s breath caught.
Madeline didn’t stop..
“Remember, you are not to see her–not until we’ve secured the deal with the Luke family. You understand how important. that is, right?”
After that, Madeline didn’t care what he did.
But right now–if Ethan dared defy her, she’d destroy Lillian herself.
Her words were cold enough to freeze bone. Ethan got the message loud and clear.
“Did you hear me?”
When he didn’t respond, her tone dropped another degree:
“I heard you.” Ethan finally said.
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Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck
He couldn’t see her–but that didn’t mean he couldn’t call
Ethan dialed Lillian’s number.
She answered right away, clearly thrilled to hear from him.
Chapter 172 A Promise Turned to Ashi
“Ethan. I’ve already packed everything”
Her voice was faint and weak, but there was a rare hint of excitement in it. Lillian sounded genuinely happy.
Finished
Even with Judson’s men still posted at the door, she wasn’t worried. She didn’t believe Judson would really go against his own
But when Ethan heard that she was already packed, his brow furrowed, and a dull ache pounded behind his temples.
“Ethun? Ethan?”
Lillian called his name twice more, confused by
by his silence.
The truth was, Ethan didn’t know how to answer her.
|Just a week ago, he’d sworn up and down that she’d be able to move into Verdant Villa to recover,
But now, he couldn’t even make that happen.
From the time he was a child, anything he wanted, he got.
This was the first time–not even money could fix it.
“I need to ask you something.” he said, voice low and tense.
Instead of responding to what she’d just said, he changed the subject.
“What is it?” Lillian asked.
“Do you know the heir to the Luke family?”
“The Luke family? You mean the one in Fleule?”
“Yeah
No. I don’t. Why?
The Luke heir How could she possibly know him? She would’ve liked to, back in Fleule.
But she never got the chance.
“You really don’t know him?”
“Nope. Never met him.”
“Are you sure?
“Of course I’m sure. Ethan, what’s going on? Why are you suddenly asking me that?”
If only she wished she knew the Luke heir
That family was a powerhouse in Fleule. Every major family wanted to marry into them–but they never got the opportunity,
Ethan said. “The Kerne family is working on a major deal with the Lake family”
“Oh: Sorry, I can’t help you with that
Chapter 172 A Promise Turned to Ash
right
She wanted Ethan to come in person.
Judson’s men were still guarding her room. She was worried they might block her.
Ethan felt a cold weight settle in his chest.
When Lillian brought it up again, he hesitated–and she sensed it immediately.
“What’s wrong?”
Usually, Ethan responded to her right away. Why was he acting so strange now?
“Lillian,” he said quietly, “you probably won’t be discharged tomorrow.”
“What?”
Her face froze. Her breathing tightened.
Not discharged? What the hell did that mean?
Was it the Reed family? Or was it Stella again?
The second she heard Ethan say it, panic set in.
“No–you said I’d be discharged tomorrow! You promised!”
Finished
They’d agreed She’d even made a bet with Stella- -a million bucks. All she had to do was move into Seaflats Cove tomor and that money was hers.
And now!
“I’m sorry,” Eluan said. “Seaflats Cove isn’t ready yet.”
“What do you mean it’s not ready?”
“The owner refused to sell-
Lillian froze.
Reficed to setit
“So, you never actually bought Verdant Villa, did you?”
Everything he’d said about her going there to recover–it was all just empty words)
Her langs felt like they were caving in
Erhan didn’t know what to say
She whispered. “Then can I still be discharged?”
Ethan didn’t answer.
Could Tally you. Bat-
“You can Maybe the Reed family has a place that’s suitable”
4:41 PM
Chapter 172 A Promise Turned to Ash
Finished
She was stunned. He’d promised her–he’d said it himself–she’d be out tomorrow. Now, not only was she stuck, but if she did leave, she’d have to stay somewhere owned by the Reed family?
“Lillian let’s not see each other for the next few days. That’s all for now.”
With that. Ethan hung up.
It didn’t sound like a decision–it sounded like he was running away
Lillian sat frozen.
Cold.Numb.
Her whole body felt like ice.
By the time Susan returned to the room, she found her sitting there, eyes vacant.
“Lillian? What’s wrong? Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Send Gifts
Chapter 173 What Did You Think I Was Gonna Do?
It was already late.
Lillian stared at Susan, almost dazed. “Mom. Ethan just said… we shouldn’t see each other for the next few days.”
Susan’s face froze.
Then she quickly tried to explain it away. “Didn’t I tell you? The Keene family has a big deal in the works right now. He’s probably just busy.
“No… it’s not just that. He never bought Verdant Villa either.”
A whole week had passed.
And in that entire week… he hadn’t done anything?
Susan’s face stiffened. “He didn’t buy it? But didn’t he say he did? Didn’t he say he was even changing the curtains to the kind you like
Lillian didn’t respond.
Yeah, he had said that. Said the curtains would be exactly the kind she liked.
So what the hell was he talking about earlier?
After a night of chaos
While the Keene and Reed families were scrambling. Stella slept like a baby.
She got up early, originally planning to head to her studio.
But Abraham brought her to the hospital instead.
Stella looked confused. “Why does Madam Alice want to see me?”
Madam Alice.
She was the elegant older woman who’d come to the hospital before to help Abraham. Last night, she’d called and said she really wanted to see Stella.
So this morning. Abraham had brought her over
“Probably because she likes you” Abraham said.
“Huh! But we’ve only niet twice. Don’t tell me she has a grandson?”
That was usually the reason older ladies wanted to see a girl again.
Abraham fucked
He reached over and gently pinched her cheek. “If that were the case, you think I’d bring you here?”
In Fleude, when she was fifteen or sixteen, families were practically lining up outside the Dawson house hoping to lock in an engagement with her
Chapter 173 What Did You Think 1 Was Gonna Do?
Well, she usar back then But now?
The thought made her glance over at him.
The car pulled to a stop
Abiel will go with you, Abraham said.
Finished
She’d already noticed an extra driver in the car this morning. She figured Abel had something else on his schedule Didn’t expect it was to escort
Abel got out and politely opencil her door.
Stella looked at Abraham. “I’m going
She had just turned to step out when he called her back, his voice low and deep, with a hint of… something unspoken.
Stella turned “What is it?”
Abraham pulled her gently back in.
Her back pressed against the car door, and his hand came toward her chest.
The sudden motion made every muscle in her body tighten up.
Her face flushed red on the spot.
Her voice trembled. She wanted to say something, but nothing came out.
Her heart was practically leaping out of her throat.
Then she felt him tug at the fabric over her chest.
She looked down–and saw his hand, slow and steady, fastening the undone button on her shirt.
He even double–checked it after, muttering. “The buttonhole’s too loose. Don’t wear this againTM
Her face turned even redder
Then he pulled off the scarf from his neck and wrapped it around hers. The ends draped down perfectly, covering the area.
When he led up again, her face was completely flushed.
Abraham fruze. “Why’s your face red?
7-1
Damin at That sudden movement of his–he thought he was about to
#Finished
441 PM
Chapter 173 What Did You Think I Was Gonna Do?
She turned to get out of the car.
But the moment she did, he caught her wrist.
With a gentle pull, she tumbled straight into his arms.
“Abraham-” she started.
But he just chuckled low above her.
“You really have grown up, he murmured near her ear. “You even know how to get shy now”
“Stop it
He punched her cheek, not letting her go. “Come on, tell me what exactly did you think I was going to do?”
Send Gifts
Chapter 174 She’s Still Just a Fool to Me
“I don’t know. Don’t ask me.”
That split–second thought she’d had earlier–ton embarrassing to say out loud.
If Abraham hadn’t meant anything by it, she’d be stuck with that humiliation forever.
The line between getting teased and things actually falling into place…
Stella wasn’t willing to risk it.
“I’ll just go see Madam Alice on my own,” she muttered. “You let Abel stay with you.”
She didn’t want to see any familiar faces right now.
She wriggled out of Abraham’s arms and practically leapt out of the car like she was running for her life.
Abraham watched her bounce away and couldn’t help but smile wider.
Abel glanced in her direction too. “She really gets it now.”
“She gets nothing.” Abraham said lazily. “Still just a little fool,”
The tone was pure indulgence.
Abel gave him a look like he wanted to say,
Keep teasing her like this and she’s going to snap one day. But in the end, he kept it to himself. If Abraham was happy, that was enough
“Go with her,” Abraham said. “Don’t let the Reed family get near her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Abel nodded and followed.
Like the Reed family could actually lay a finger on Stella,
he thought
If anything, she was the one tearing them apart.
Just look at what the did to Ethan–that one kick probably earned him another hospital bill.
At this point, Ethan didn’t have a single spot on him that wasn’t bruised. Broken arm, leg injury, bruised face. God knows what internal damage he’d taken–he was probably banged up inside and out,
Stella didn’t want to come to the hospital
Especially not siner she had to pass Ilian’s room to get to Matam Alice’s
She still didn’t understand what that old lady liked about her so much
The elevator doors opened-
And before she could step out, she heard the screaming.
Chapter 174 She’s Still Just a Fool to Me
Finished
Oh great
First thing in the morning and it was already this kind of mess.
Stella instinctively wanted to turn back.
Lillian was shrieking. Susan was yelling. The whole hallway was chaos.
From a distance, Stella saw at least four men in suits posted outside the room.
Judging by Lillian and Susan’s reaction, they clearly weren’t Patrick’s guys.
So Keene family, then
It made sense. The Keene elders had always disapproved of Lillian. Now Ethan’s parents and even the grandparents were probably ready to explode.
Ethan kept hovering around her anyway–no wonder they’d snapped,
Just then, another elevator opened nearby and Abel stepped out.
“Miss, this way
Stella nodded. “Mm.”
She walked forward without even p
glancing at Susan or Lillian.
To her, the Reed family didn’t exist anymore. Their relationship was over. And she’d made sure the whole world knew it.
Susan saw her and froze.
Then, almost on instinct, she let go of hand and walked over, cutting Stella off.
“I have something to ask you.”
Stella raised an eyebrow. “Ma’am, do I know you?”
Suvan blinked
Ma’am?
That’s what she was now?
And after Stella had blown the whole family drama into a public circus- The scandal was still trending. Patrick had called her three times since last night, demanding she fix it.
He said it was hurting the company
The Keene family’s sudden freeze–out must’ve been connected to it too
Stella said, “I already told you I just didn’t want you all sucking me dry”
Susan’s breath caught
The same excuse she gave over the phone Now again in person
How many times would she say it?
Susan’s voice trembled. “You you.”
Chapter 174 She’s Still Just a Fool to Me
Lillian stepped in front of her too. “Stella, what did you say to the Keene family? Why are they treating me like this?”
Stella didn’t answer.
Abel stepped forward slightly, just in case
Finished
Susan’s gaze tumed razor–sharp. “Yeah. What exactly did you tell them? Why would they send this many people here?”
Those men weren’t here to protect Lillian.
Chapter 175 I’m Not the One You Should Be Afraid Of
Stella glanced at the men posted at the door, then looked straight at Lillian.
“You think too highly of yourself”
I said something to the Keene family? Please
“You seriously believe I’d care about Ethan or the Keene family just because you do?”
“You-
Lillian’s breath caught.
Meeting Stella’s eyes, she bit down and snapped, “If it wasn’t you, then who?”
Susan’s expression darkened with fury
Sure, the Keene family had already started distancing themselves from Lillian. But now these men–these were Judson’s people. Judson, who rarely interfered in the affairs of the younger generation.
If he’d stepped in like this, it could only mean Stella had stirred everything up behind the scenes.
And after she’d turned the disownment into a full–blown scandal, Rivermount had been laughing at them nonstop. Susan could barely breathe thinking about it.
She stared at Stella, her voice trembling. “What did you tell the Keene family? Are you still not over Ethan?”
Stella didn’t reply.
Abel didn’t either.
Both of them just looked at her like she’d lost her mind.
Especially Abel–he looked at Susan and Lillian as if they were completely brain–dead.
Miss Stella, still hung up on Ethant You’ve got to be kidding.
Where were these people even getting this stuff?
Lillian stepped forward and tugged at Stella’s sleeve. “I know you blame me. You think I ruined things between you and
Ethan, but-
“Get your hand off me”
Before she could finish, Stella shook her off, expression filled with disgust.
She looked down at the part of her sleeve Lillian had touched, like it was contaminated.
Lallan lost her balaner and but the floor with a painful yelp.
Susan sucked “Ah–r
she rushed to help her up. The doctor had warned them–no falls. Lillian’s body couldn’t take it
face had gone ghost white
Chapter 175 I’m Not the One You Should Be Afraid Of
Finished
If hat the hell as this mout
Lillian didn’t still care about Ethan? Or the Reed family!
Then what was she performing for?
They were done. The engagement was over. The family ties were cut. What more did she want?
Arms crossed, Stella looked down at her. “Unless you want me to slap you, I’d cut the act,”
Susan looked up at her, face twisted with rage. “Get out. Get out of Rivermount!“.
There had never been a moment she regretted more than the one where she’d brought Stella back into their lives.
She grabbed her phone and called Jonathan.
He picked up quickly, his voice exhausted. “Mom?”
-1
I don’t care how you do it. I want Stella gone. Out of Rivermount. I don’t ever want to see her again.”“
Stella stood still
So that’s what this isð
That whole scene Lillian just pulled–was to get her kicked out of the city?
She thought back to the ten thousand Dollars she’d asked Abel to trace. It had to be tied to this. The plan to drive her out of Rivermount clearly had layers
Jonathan sighed. “What now?”
The company was already a mess. They’d pulled an all–nighter in meetings. Just hearing Stella’s name made his head hurt.
Susan’s voice went sharp. “If she stays in Rivermount, Lillian’s going to die. She’ll kill her!”
Jonathan rubbed his temples
Right now, Susan only wanted Stella gone. No contact. No connection. Nothing.
He remembered how badly the last attempt to shut down Stella’s studio had gone. He wasn’t about to poke that hornet’s nest
That was all he could manage to say.
Susan glared at Stella. “Just wait.”
A small smile tugged at Stella’s lips. “Abel.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Her eyes snapped up to meet Stella’s, and a flicker of sheer panic passed through them. Her entire body jerked in shock.
Let’s act, then. But let’s make it interesting.
Lillian’s face drained even more of color. That hundred thousand–was she talking about the money she gave
How does she know about that money?
What was she talking about?
And why was Lillian suddenly trembling?
She looked down. Lillian’s face was bloodless, her body visibly shaking. Seeing Susan look at her, she tried to pull herself together.
Stella’s smile widened. “What hundred thousand? Why don’t we let Miss Liang explain that one?”
Her already ghost–white face turned even paler, like she’d been drained of blood.
She does know. Stella actually knows But how?
Lillian saw Susan watching her and tried to stay calm. “What? Oh, that. I told you–it was a scam. A scammer.”
Stella had brought it up so suddenly. It was all happening too fast–Lillian couldn’t think straight.
Susan turned toward Stella. “You hear that? She said it was a scammer.”
At that word–murderer–Lillian choked on a breath.
“Yes. An A–level fugitive,” Abel replied.
Stella clicked her tongue. “A–level fugitive, huh? And you gave him a hundred thousand. Why? Some kind of deal?”
“Yeah, Lillian.” Stella’s tone was light, almost playful. “Why did you pay an A–level fugitive?”
She turned toward Stella, heart hammering wildly–and then it all went black.
Given how Lillian looked just now, what Rianne said about her being seriously ill clearly wasn’t an act.
If Lillian were healthy, Stella would’ve taken her down herself by now. But looking at her now? Her hair was practically gone. The heavens had done her job already.
“You scared her good back there.” he said..
That bit of joy was oddly contagious. Abel finally understood why Abraham doted on her the way he did.
She was easy to be around. Her energy had a way of bringing life to people–even those stuck in darkness.
It was Abraham.
Stella answered, “Abraham?”
Abel looked straight ahead, avoiding eye contact like a trained soldier.
Stella turned to Abel. “Did you record the part where I was the scariest and send it to him?”
“You better not record me behind his back again unless it’s when I’m getting bullied
The thing was, she never got bullied when Abel was around. Not once.
And if he ever did send Abraham a video of her being bullied, Rivermount would probably turn into a bloodbath.
Back in the hospital. Susan was a nervous wreck watching the doctors crowd around Lillian.
“Ethan-” she barely got the name out before the phone was yanked from her hand.
Susan’s face went stiff.
Madeline gave her a cold look and tossed the phone back. Susan fumbled and dropped it to the floor.
“She’s nothing. So why is everything always about Ethan?”
Susan felt something in her chest go cold.
“Madeline. Before Stella came back, Lillian was always close with Ethan. She was welcome at your house all the time. You were like family. How could you say something so heartless?”
She gave a cold laugh. “Heartless? Susan, are you really that blind to the kind of person you raised?”
She’d always had a bad feeling about her. This time, she checked. And what she found wasn’t pretty.
Susan heard the implication loud and clear. Her hands clenched. “Are you seriously trying to smear Lillian’s name right
Madeline’s voice was cool. “She’s filthy enough. I don’t need to add anything”
Tell me have you ever asked your precious Lillian how many boyfriends she had while she was abroad? Or how many men she’s slept with?”
That one word–how many–had struck a nerve. Susan exploded.
Stella returned from playing a round of chess with Madam Alice, only to catch Susan and Madeline in the middle of a full- blown shouting match..
“She was probably passed around by the Luke family before she showed up here pretending to be some innocent little flower! And you–you raised her so well, huh? Raised her to steal your real daughter’s fiancé? Impressive. Really opened my eyes.”
“Clean?” Madeline cut her off sharply. “Should I remind you why she left Rivermount two years ago? Because she almost killed Stella, and you had to get her out before it got out.”
Susan’s chest tightened again.
Madeline glared at her. “Your adopted daughter nearly murdered your real one, and you still took her side, Susan, Stella must’ve been cursed to be stuck with a mom like you. No wonder she cut ties. If she hadn’t, I’d seriously question her sanity.”
Susan turned her head, and spotted Stella.
“You picked a worthless stone and thought it was a gem. Meanwhile, the real jewel. you can’t even begin to imagine how valuable she is. Remember this–if you so much as try to use Lillian to contact Ethan again, I’ll make sure Lillian doesn’t live to regret it.”
Every word was laced with deadly calm.
Susan flinched, her face pale. She couldn’t say a single word.
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