Chapter 281 It was twins
When it came to Tessa, Stella really thought she had that kind of gossip magnet energy. Wherever she went, she could casually overhear something, and it always turned out to be explosive.
Tessa said, “There are three. One’s about Ethan, one’s about Patrick, and one’s about Susan. Which one do you want to hear?”
So many of them?
Stella said casually, “Whichever. Just pick one.”
Those three were basically the same anyway.
Tessa said, “Mrs. Keene is trying to find a marriage match for Ethan. The news is already out.”
Stella raised her eyebrows. “If Lillian finds out, won’t she be furious?”
Anyone could tell what kind of feelings Lillian had for Ethan. She claimed to love him, yet she had dated several men while abroad. At the same time, she didn’t act like someone who had. moved on, always clinging to him whenever she returned to Rivermount.
Before Tessa could speak, Stella cut in, ‘Everyone knows about the drama between him and Lillian. And now someone actually wants to marry him?”
It wasn’t just Lillian. There was also that whole marriage thing with herself. After how badly that ended, any decent family in Rivermount probably wouldn’t want to marry their daughter to Ethan.
Tessa said, “Well, still, the Keene family’s the most prestigious one in Rivermount. A lot of people are still dying to marry into it.”
Stella fell silent.
She had overlooked the Keene family’s status in Rivermount.
Even though they had suffered heavy losses from the failed deal with Abraham, the Keene family still held more power and influence than most others at their peak.
Besides, the Keene family definitely had other businesses. They were badly hit, but not completely ruined.
And the whole thing about their irreplaceable mineral resource, they were keeping that tightly under wraps. Hardly anyone knew.
At most, outsiders probably just thought the Keene family didn’t want Ethan getting involved with someone like Lillian from the sickly Reed family, and that was why they wanted him to get married quickly.
“I already passed it to Jasmine,” Tessa said with a smirk.
Jasmine was Lillian’s bestie. If Jasmine knew, then Lillian would find out soon too.
The two of them exchanged mischievous looks, both scheming worse than the other.
Stella scoffed, “If Jasmine actually tells her, then that just proves they’re fake friends.”
“She is a fake friend. How much loyalty do you expect from her? Tessa shrugged.
Everyone knew Jasmine was jealous of Lillian. The only one still in the dark was Lillian herself.
Stella nodded. “True enough.”
Tessa leaned in. “About that baby, I looked into it. It’s almost definitely Patrick’s.”
Stella leaned back in surprise. “How do you figure?”
Tessa said, “The woman was the Chief Financial Officer of the Reed Group.”
In such a short time, he had already dug up the woman’s identity.
Stella raised an eyebrow. “Hooking up with someone at work, huh?”
Tessa said, “When she gave birth, Patrick stayed at the hospital with her for a full week.”
With that kind of commitment, there was no way those babies weren’t his.
“Oh, and by the way, it wasn’t one baby. It was twins. A boy and a girl.”
Stella choked. “Athis age? He is quite wild.”
Tessa grinned. “Right? Your dad’s impressive.”
Stella made a face. “Ugh… If Madam Susan finds out, won’t she blow a fuse?”
The woman was the company’s CFO, and she’d had twins–one of them a boy.
A CFO had access to all the company’s finances. Susan had trusted Patrick all these years, thinking Jonathan was his only heir. That was what kept her position in the Reed family rock. solid.
Now this was a bombshell.
Tessa said, “Exactly.”
Stella narrowed her eyes.
“So what about Susan? Did she find out and start a scene?”
Tessa shook his head “None Rebecca just clanned hack at her earlier”
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let Rebecca see Jonathan.”
Stella remained silent.
“Rebecca caused a full–on scene at the hospital. Said Susan’s adopted daughter was trashy, accused her of seducing her biological daughter’s fiancé, even said Susan pushed the adopted. daughter to be with her own son. It was a nasty mess.”
Stella was speechless.
Seducing the biological daughter’s fiance, pushing the adopted daughter to be with her son…
The things Susan had said before were hardly any different from encouraging her to steal him.
And then there was Jonathan. Ever since Lillian got sick, Susan had kept him by her side all the time.
The whole family was orbiting around Lillian.
Tessa added. “If you ask me, it’s obvious Jonathan’s barely visited Rebecca or the baby lately. And. now, after what happened to Lillian, he’s even more distant.And now Rebecca’s even mad at his mom. She totally exploded.”
Chapter 283 A Fraud
Stella looked at Eddie like this, casting a conflicted glance at Abraham. “Why did he run?”
“For his own good.”
Stella was taken aback, her disbelief evident. Why does this sound so unconvincing to met
Just then, Stella’s phone rang. It was still Tessa calling.
Ilgo
She glanced at Abraham and said. “It’s Tess. I’ll go answer it.”
“Okay.” Abraham released the hand that had been resting on her waist.
Stella picked up the phone and headed out the door. Eddie, seeing her about to leave, called out urgently, “Star, you can’t just stand by and watch.”
Abraham won’t let you die.”
Hopefully, this time, Eddic learns something from it.
Stella walked out, phone in hand.
Abraham took the cigar that Abel handed him and added. “Add five more laps.”
Eddie shouted, “Abraham, you’re really something else. Who do you think I’m doing this for?”
Abel sighed inwardly, Does Mr. Eddie really want to just collapse here and be done with it?
Tess.
Stella picked up Tessa’s call. Tess.”
Tessa’s voice came through, full of urgency. “Star, it’s happening! It’s really happening. You’ve got to listen!”
A loud slap echoed through the phone, followed by Sharon’s furious roar. “Who the hell are you calling a mistress? I’ll tear you apart today!”
“I’m talking about you!” Rebecca’s voice was seething. Jonathan has kids already! Do you want to be a stepmom now?”
Susan’s voice interrupted, calm but firm. “Shut up, everyone, Rebecca, keep quiet.”
“Shut up?” Rebecca’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “No wonder you, old witch, kept stopping me from marrying Jonathan. You didn’t even want your own grandchild, so you were waiting for something better, huh?”
Susan’s silence spoke volumes.
Rebecca continued with a sneer. “The Parker family’s precious daughter, huh? Are you blind? Or do you just love married
Sharon’s anger flared. “Dmn it! I’ll tear you apart!”
Even though it was just through the phone, Stella could already feel the chaos on the other end. Tessa’s voice came through. delighting in the chaos. “Star, did you hear that? Is it clear enough? If not, I’ll get closer.”
Stella’s lips twitched in annoyance. “You said you didn’t go to the hospital, how come you’re there now?”
Tessa chuckled. “I’m just here for the drama, you know? I couldn’t miss such a big scene.”
Stella’s eyelid twitched again. “You went to the hospital just for the drama?”
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Stella sighed, Truly, wherever Tessa goes, there is always gossip to be had.
But since Tessa saw it, it was like Stella saw it too. Tessa clicked her tongue on the phone. ‘Ouch, they’re fighting badly. I’m filming it for you.”
“Alright,” Stella replied, resigned.
The video Tessa had sent earlier hadn’t been opened yet. She hung up and opened the video. It looked like it was filmed in the corridor outside Jonathan’s hospital room
Susan was blocking Rebecca from entering. The two of them went back and forth, arguing.
Rebecca’s voice rang out, sharp and sarcastic. “The Reed family is cursed for marrying a woman like you! You can’t tell the difference between family and outsiders Favoring your adopted daughter is one thing, but encouraging her to steal your own daughter’s fiance? What, now you want to match your biological son with your adopted daughter?”
Susan, enraged, tried to slap Rebecca. “You’re out of line, Rebeccal” she yelled.
Rebecca wasn’t easy to deal with either. She grabbed Susan’s wrist and pushed her down, her voice mocking. “How’s the ground. Madam Susan?” Susan couldn’t get up..
Tessa sent another video.
Stella opened it and saw a chaotic scene. Rebecca and Sharon were fighting.
Susan tried to help Sharon but was thrown to the ground by Rebecca, unable to get back up.
Tessa’s call came again. “Did you see it?”
Stella replied dryly, “Saw it.”
At the moment, the Reed family was in complete turmoil.
Tessa’s voice came with a knowing tone. “After today, the Parker family will tear Jonathan apart too. This is straight–up marriage fraud”
Stella’s voice was grim. With kids that big, it’s definitely a fraud.”
Chapter 285 He Can Protect You Forever
Owen Hale, who was in charge of Seaflats Cove’s security system, hurried over, alarmed, and stopped in front of Abraham. “Mr. Abraham,” he greeted.
Abraham kicked him square in the chest. “Didn’t you notice anything strange?”
Owen had been by his side in Falvaria for years, and his skills had always earned Abraham’s trust.
But tonight, he’d let Derrick slip in without a trace.
Even Abel was shocked. He hadn’t expected Derrick to show up in Rivermount, let alone catch them completely off guard.
Abraham hadn’t held back with that kick. Owen nearly couldn’t get back on his feet.
He opened his mouth to explain, but Abel shot him a sharp look.
Stella had been taken by Derrick. Saying anything now was as good as digging his own grave.
Abraham closed his eyes, dangerously calm. “Why are you still standing here?”
Abel nodded. “On it.”
He left. Owen quickly followed, hoping to make up for his failure.
The fight raged on. The men Derrick brought were all death soldiers, fiercely locking down Seaflats Cove’s security.
Roughly ten minutes later, it finally quieted down.
Abel returned. “Mr. Abraham, it’s done. Derrick’s people were all wiped out. Not one left.”
Without another word. Abraham went after Derrick.
Stella couldn’t stay in that man’s hands. The thought of all those years Derrick had eyed her with twisted desire made something cold and dangerous flash in Abraham’s eyes.
Stella was woken by the sound of whirring engines. She blinked groggily and realized she was inside a helicopter.
She’d been dumped carelessly on the floor. Derrick sat not far away.
He lounged there like a spoiled prince, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of red wine in hand. A doctor beside him was dressing the wound on his shoulder blade.
The stark white bandages were soaked in shocking red,
Seeing Stella awake, the man gave her a wicked grin. “Not bad. You wake up in just half an hour,” he said casually.
Stella winced at the buzzing rotors overhead. Her head ached, but when she turned to look at Derrick, fury slowly filled her
eyes.
“Where are you taking me?” she demanded.
Derrick smirked. “Take a guess, my fiancée”
I’m not your d*mm fiancée!” Stella snapped.
The word “fiancee set her off completely. The helicopter wasn’t big
Stella scrambled to her feet and charged him in a few quick steps, aiming a kick right at Derrick.
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But with her slim arms and legs, she was no match for the bodyguard’s thick muscles.
Derrick watched her thrash helplessly and let out a low laugh. “So Marie took you for a month, and this is all you’ve got to
show for it?”
Stella glared but said nothing.
He handed his wineglass to the doctor, who had just finished wrapping his wound.
Then, taking his time, he slipped on a black shirt. With his nearly styled hair, he almost looked like the nice boy next door.
But only Stella knew just how rotten he was inside.
Derrick came over and sat beside her. “Or do you think Abraham really values you that much? That he can protect you
forever?”
Stella didn’t answer. She just rolled her eyes at him, hard.
He was her curse. Years ago, it was because of his sister that she was forced to leave Abraham. And now, here he was again dragging her away.
Derrick saw the look on her face and smiled even more smugly. “Star, you haven’t grown up after all these years.”
“Don’t call me that with your disgusting mouth,” Stella said with pure disgust.
The Tom family and the Dawson family used to be close. But when her father died, the Tom family had kicked them while they were down.
Stella hadn’t always hated Derrick, but now she couldn’t stand the sight of him.
Derrick stood, crouching next to her again.
Suddenly, the helicopter jolted. Derrick lost his balance and nearly fell onto her.
Luckily, Stella moved out of the way just in time.
He caught himself with his injured arm and let out a grunt of pain.
“What the hell’s going on?” he snapped coldly,
From the cockpit, the pilot–bodyguard called back, “Mr. Derrick, Mr. Abraham caught up.”
Derrick’s lips curled into a smile as he looked at Stella. “Tell me, isn’t he twisted? Falling for the little girl he raised himself?”
The guard had already let go of Stella by then
That word ‘twisted” snapped something in her.
She got up and slapped Derrick hard across the face. “What the hell does it matter to you? Mind your own damn business!”
Derrick’s face darkened. He grabbed her delicate wrist. “With wrists this thin,” he said in a low voice. “I bet they break real
easy.”
Send Gifts
Chapter 286 My Little Fiancée
Stella had been running away for years, and her temper had only grown stronger.
At the moment, facing Derrick, she looked like a fighting rooster. Because of the Tom family, she and Abraham had been separated for years.
All the frustration and rage bottled up in her chest peaked the moment she saw Derrick.
At that moment, faced with Derrick’s threat, not only did she not feel scared, she immediately bit down on the back of his
hand.
She sank her teeth in hard, viciously. Within seconds, her mouth was filled with the nauseating taste of rusted iron
“Hiss.” Derrick let out a muffled groan from the pain.
With his other hand, he grabbed Stella’s jawbone–rough and heavy–handed,
He had to be. He could see it in her. She looked like she wanted to tear off a chunk of flesh from the back of his hand.
Stella let
from the pain. As their eyes locked, her eyes welled up with tears, shimmering like an angry kitten. Her gaze was sharp and full of hatred.
Derrick sneered, “You bit me and made me bleed, and now you’re the one crying?”
As soon as he finished, Stella spat the blood from her mouth right onto Derrick’s face. “Disgusting. You can have it back.”
Derrick’s teeth ground together in fury.
Before he could speak, the pilot up front said again, “Mr. Derrick, they’re getting closer.”
“Lose them, Derrick ordered, then flung Stella aside.
Tell that b’stard Abraham that if he keeps chasing after us. I’ll jump out of the plane with Stella and let us both fall to our
deaths.
Stella was speechless.
The bodyguards on board were also speechless.
Is Mr. Derrick insane? Is this really the kind of shameless threat he’s making?
Derrick looked at Stella and grinned. “Star, do you want to die together?”
Stella snapped, “Go to hell yourself!
Derrick clicked his tongue. “Well, well, quite the temper. I liked you better back in Falvaria. What kind of trash talk have you learned these past years? Your mouth’s turned foul”
He bent down, rubbing her pale lips with his thumb. But the next second. Stella bit down hard on that thumb–so hard it was like she wanted to chew it off.
The bodyguards watched Stella, shocked. In such a short time, she had bitten Derrick’s hand, then his finger. This wasn’t a hostage–they had clearly captured a little demon.
And
yet Derrick hadn’t snapped her neck already.
Instead, Derrick gently rubbed the top of her soft hair. “Star, let go. Be good.”
Hearing his tone, Stella bit even harder.
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Besides, that scheming Kelly had even acted like her best friend.
Even though Stella had been stuck in Rivermount all these years, she had dreamed of biting Derrick to death. Now, she finally got the chance.
When she still didn’t let go, Derrick’s voice turned colder. “Star, I said let go.”
When she refused again, Derrick grabbed her jaw again. This time, the pain made her open her mouth.
“Send me back,” she said through gritted teeth.
Derrick raised an eyebrow. “I risked my life to steal you away. Do you think that’s possible, my little fiancée.”
Right after he spoke, Stella spat another mouthful of blood at his face.
Derrick wiped his face with his hand. “You’ve grown up, sure. But how’d you grow into such a spitfire?
Back in Falvaria, she had been so obedient. Always following Abraham, calling his name with such a sweet, wavy tone. Now, she was a completely different person.
Elsewhere, Abel reported the message from the other side to Abraham. “Mr. Abraham, Derrick said if you keep chasing, hell jump out of the plane with Ms. Dawson and die with her.“.
Abraham narrowed his eyes. A chill radiated from him. “Ask him what the hell he wants.”
Abel nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Tessa had been on the phone with Stella when she suddenly heard strange sounds.
Then came choking and coughing. Ignoring the pain in her backside, she rushed to Seaflats Cove.
She didn’t dare call the police. After all, she could tell that the people around Stella weren’t ordinary.
She was afraid the police would only make things worse for Stella.
But she couldn’t sit still. No matter what, she had to check on her. And then, she saw Victor’s brutal side.
Smoke still drified from the dark barrel of the gun in the man’s hand.
Even Eddie had dropped his usual lazy attitude. He put away the cold object in his hand and said, “Abel’s been contacted. They’ve brought enough people. We don’t need to go!
Chapter 287 She Has a Fiancé
Victor packed up his things. Hearing a noise, he turned around and locked eyes with Tessa, who had just gotten out of the car.
Tessa didn’t care about the awkwardness anymore. She was too scared to speak.
The scene was drenched in blood.
Beneath the falling snowflakes, the sight was especially chilling.
Tessa moved her trembling lips, wanting to say something, but at that moment, not a single word came out..
She looked at Victor in horror.
Eddie, seeing Tessa had arrived, stepped forward with long strides. “What are you doing here? Didn’t get it off the first time, so you want to try again?”
The ten–plus laps just now had nearly drained the life out of him. He might as well hand over his life if they made him run with weights.
Victor coldly looked at Tessa. “What are you here for?”
“I came to find Star. She…
“What?”
Tessa was puzzled. Fiance! Wait, didn’t Star like the brother who raised her? How did a fiancé come into the picture? And did her fiance cause Sraflats Cove to end up like this? This is so confusing.
Victor took out a cigarette and lit it. “Can you go back?”
She has a fiance? What about Ethan? It turns out Stella has more than just Mr. Abraham backing her up. Whoever is behind this, to have thened Seaflats Cove into what it is, is no ordinary person. Is it dangerous?
Victor thought for a moment, took a puff of his cigarette. There shouldn’t be any danger, at most, she’ll suffer a bit.”
Derrick was such a scoundrel.
The wall between Stella and Abraham was solved, and they had no clue what Derrick might do next if he discovered it.
Derrick was just a shameless guy. It was just a word from the elders, and he took it seriously, even going around Falvaria, declaring Stella as his fiancee.
These past two years, whenever he looked for Stella, it was under the pretense of finding his fiancée.
It was like he was going head–to–head with Abraham, and didn’t care about the Tom family or Kelly.
No matter what threat was used, it didn’t work.
Tessa added, “But Star and Mr. Abraham already…
It was clear he wanted to settle the score with Eddie first.
When Derrick told the people on the other side that he was going to get what Abraham wanted, Stella, furious, was about to kick him again. “Derrick you b’stard! I’m going to destroy you!”
At the same time, a wicked smile curved at his lips. “Star, are you throwing yourself into my arms? Is that how you threw yourself at Ethan back in Rivermount? He doesn’t seem to fall for your tricks.
“You’re a backstabber, I wish I could tear you apart.”
Stella still vividly remembered how Derrick had stabbed Abraham in the back all those years ago.
Derrick let out a snort of laughter. Take a guess. How much do you think you mean to Abraham! Think he’d hand that thing over to me just because of you?”
Stella wasn’t just sharp–tongued. She bit down hard on the artery in his neck. The pain twisted Derrick’s face.
“You crazy woman!”
The doctor rushed forward to treat him.
Back when she called him “Derrick, her voice had sounded so sweet. Now all he saw were fangs bared at him.
Stella hissed. “You were born rotten. Every breath you take makes the world worse.”
He pulled out a gun and aimed it right at her. “Do you really think I won’t shoot you right now?”
“Do it, come on! Do it right here! Do you think I’m scared of you?” Stella snapped.
Derrick was speechless. Since when did this girl get guts? She used to flinch if I raised my voice. Now she’s out here picking fights?
He had nearly lost his life trying to shake off Abraham’s men. Used up every last bit of power he had left.
It took a whole day just to get back to Pagena, South Valley.
Derrick tossed the coat in his hands at her. “Put it on.”
Blinded by darkness, Derrick yanked it off in a fury.
“D“mn it! With a temper like yours, no wa
Most people would know how to bend when they couldn’t win.
But Stella was so unreasonable. Even when it wasn’t her fault, she’d still end up paying for it, just to teach her a lesson.
Stella snapped, “Who cares if I suffered or not? Give me back my phone.”
“If I’d been a second slower, Abraham would’ve killed me right there, and you wanted me to stop and grab your phone? Stella what the hell is going on in your head? Did Abraham spoil you so much you turned into a full–blown princess?”
Stella snorted. “Yeah, I’m a princess. If I annoy you so much, send me back.
He had spent five whole days sneaking around to get Stella out. Barely slept more than an hour a day.
Now that he was finally back in Pagena, he just wanted one good night of sleep.
After a long hot shower, he finally lay down–only to hear a loud boom echo through the whole villa
The place shook
Derrick’s instincts kicked in. The very next second, he jumped straight out the window.
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