Chapter 73 Blocked
Jonathan was also there.
Ethan was called away by Madeline with a phone call.
After learning the full story, Patrick’s face darkened.
Susan said. “What does she think of us? Like we’re fools?”
“Alright. Morn, don’t get angry. I think she must have felt that the money we gave her wasn’t enough She could have just told us. We… Lillian paused as she was speaking-
But even without finishing her sentence, everyone in the room had already decided that Stella was being unreasonable. They even assumed that the money she earned was not clean. Now, everyone was thinking about how to shut down her studio.
After leaving Lillian’s hospital room, Patrick instructed his assistant to contact Stella. The assistant had to change phones a few times before finally reaching Stella. Stella was about to play a game when she received the call.
Patrick’s assistant said. “Miss, sir is at the cafe across from Kingston Heights. Please come out for a moment.”
Stella raised an eyebrow. “What if I don’t!”
“Then, ‘m afraid you won’t be able to keep your studio. The assistant’s tone was particularly firm.
Another threat? Stella snorted. “Let him try shutting it down. I’ll see if he can actually do it”
If they were going to make threats, they should stop talking and act. They’d been threatening her for days, freezing her cards, and now this.
She hung up the phone without any courtesy.
On the other end, the assistant was stunned for a moment after hearing the call disconnect, then looked toward Patrick. The waiter had just placed the coffee Patrick ordered and was walking away. Seeing the strange expression on his assistant’s face, Patrick frowned. “What’s wrong?”
The assistant replied, “She said, if you are so capable, then go ahead and shut down her studio. She won’t see you.”
Patrick’s face turned dark as he heard this.
“Ahem! This ingrate. You didn’t tell her I’m here at the cafe?”
“I did, but she won’t come!”
Then go knock on the door and get her out. Patrick was fuming. “Forget it, I’ll go myself.
He hadn’t communicated with Jonathan and didn’t know that Stella no longer lived at Kingston Heights.
So, he marched over angrily to knock on her door, only to knock for over ten minutes with no response.
“Stella, open the door
It was silent. The knocking was so loud that eventually, the neighbors complained, and even the property management had to get involved.
Patrick stormed downstairs, only to look up and see that Stella’s windows were completely dark.
“she not home? What time is it?”
The assistant checked his phone. It’s already past 10
“A young girl, yet not even home by this hour. When she didn’t want to stay at wut then”
at the Reed family. I should have let her move
“I was using the cafe’s phone to call. She’s blocked my number.”
The word “blocked” was enough to make him furious. Now, she was blocking anyone who tried to contact her–even her father. Patrick was livid. When he got back to the hospital, he began scolding Susan. He blamed her for not raising Stella properly all these years, especially when Stella came back.
Susan was also furious. “What do you mean I didn’t raise her properly? With her attitude, who could raise her? You?” Did I not want to take care of her!
These years, Stella had been obsessed with Lillian. Even though Lillian was kicked out of the Reed family, Stella didn’t want to stay there either. She would’ve taken care of things if Stella had given her the chance.
“Dad. Mom, stop arguing.”
When Lillian saw them arguing, she became so agitated that her body started convulsing, clearly in great discomfort. Patrick and Susan were both startled when they saw this.
Susan screamed, “Lillian, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me! Doctor, call the doctor! Hurry!”
At the Keene estate. Madeline saw Ethan with a cast on his arm and frowned “What happened to you again? And your face!”
After two nights of fighting with Abraham, Ethan had a bruise on his face that made him look even more menacing.
His arm was in a cast, clearly from a fight.
Ethan replied. “It’s nothing. Why are you looking for me this late?”
“It’s your father. He’s waiting for you in the study”
Ethan nodded and turned to leave. Madeline looked at his back, her gaze lingering on the cast on his arm, deep in thought.
Chapter 74 Sick Girl
Madeline turned to the butler and said, “Go get Jason for me.”
“Alright”
Upstairs, in the study.
As soon as Ethan walked into the study, he was greeted by the thick smell of smoke. Judson had retired a year ago but still carried an air of authority.
For the past year, Ethan had taken control of the entire Keene family business, with Judson rarely involving himself in company matters.
And now.. Judson’s gaze was firm as he looked at Ethan. The heir of the Luke family from Falvaria has arrived in Rivermount. You’re aware of this, right?”
“Yes.” Ethan nodded.
Judson said, “Have you met him?”
“Not yet,” Ethan replied.
Jason had been trying to set up a meeting with the heir’s assistant, but there had been no response.
Judson added, “Tve met Louis.”
“What?”
“At his grandfather’s birthday banquet.” Judson’s tone held a trace of displeasure as he spoke. “Has Lillian been holding you back?”
Stella’s public announcement of the broken engagement had made Lillian’s return no longer a secret.
At the mention of Lillian, Ethan’s face stiffened. He quickly said, “This has nothing to do with her. I’m already handling things. with Mr. Luke.”
“Handling? I heard the man has been in town for three days, and you still haven’t met him. Ethan, do you know he’s holding things that a lot of people are eager to cooperate with?”
Ethan answered, “I know,”
“If you really like Lillian, you can just keep her around as a toy. But if she’s interfering with you, then…”
Then what?
Judson didn’t continue his sentence. He took a slow drag from his cigarette. His gaze on Ethan grew sharper, and even without words, Ethan understood the meaning. It was just like two years ago.
Stella had caused quite a stir, and the entire Keene family had issued a dire warning to Lillian.
Ethan nodded. “Understood. His tone wasn’t harsh, but it wasn’t defiant either.
Judson waved his hand. “Go ahead.
Each word in this brief exchange had an undeniable force, and it made Ethan feel the weight of the situation.
After leaving the study, Ethan made his way downstairs. He saw Madeline glaring collly at Jason, who stood there with a guilty, anxious look on his face.
Upon hearing the footsteps, Madeline glanced up and shot a cold look at Ethan. “You’ve really disappointed me. Lillian’s. holding you back, and Stella’s made you lose control, fighting with people.
Just as they reached the door, Madeline’s voice rang out. “As for Lillian, don’t let her come out and cause trouble”
Now, Rivermount was buzzing with rumors. There was talk of Ethan buying a property in Seaflars Cove for Lillian’s recovery
What kind of place was Seaflats Cove?
She had even considered buying it herself before, thinking about retiring there. He doesn’t care much about his own family, yet now he had feelings for a sick girl
She had looked into it. The news had come from Lillian herself.
What is this? Making it public, Ethan would be embarrassed if he didn’t buy it for her?
“She’s sick 110W. Do you really think she can cause any trouble?” Ethan’s tone turned irritated. He didn’t like anyone targeting Lillian, especially not the prejudice from his own family.
Madeline noticed the protectiveness in his voice, and her expression darkened further. “Yes, she’s sick, but she’s still showing
off.
“Mom!” Ethan’s tone sharpened. He turned back to face Madeline.
Madeline’s
‘s eyes were filled with bitterness. “Lillian isn’t as simple as you think. Don’t underestimate her.”
“Did Stella say something to you?”
“Does she need to? Do you think I can’t see through people?”
Ethan was speechless.
“It’s really become a habit, hanging out with someone like Lillian. You blame others for everything, even the smallest things. “You… Faced with his mother’s sharp words, Ethan couldn’t find anything to say, He simply turned and walked out. Watching Ethan storm off, Madeline narrowed her eyes slightly. “Does Stella really have a man?”
“Yes, I checked. The injury on the Mr. Keene’s face was from being beaten at Kingston Heights. His wrist was injured during a social gathering, inside an elevator”
Send Gifts
108
Chapter 75 Loving the Adopted Daughter
Madeline’s anger was boiling over. “If he doesn’t like Stella, then why is he f
What is this? And now, Stella has a man-
fighting with her man?”
Madeline was so furious she immediately grabbed the phone and dialed Susan. As soon as Susan answered. Madeline launched into a tirade. “You say Stella is your biological daughter and you can’t raise her right, and the adopted daughter? You
haven’t handled her well either!
“Mrs. Keene, that’s too much. Such a blunt accusation made Susan snap in anger. What does she mean by this?
Was Madeline blaming her for both the adopted daughter and the biological daughter being unmanageable? According to her, if the families fell apart, it would all be Susan’s fault?
“Too much? Am I wrong? Ethan and Lillian broke ties two years ago, and now you’re constantly going after him because of Lillian. What does that mean?” Madeline’s tone became sharper the more she spoke.
Susan, feeling guilty, couldn’t deny it. Wasn’t she seeking Ethan out because of Lillian? “Mrs. Keene, Lillian grew up und your care, and now she’s seriously ill
“I know, uterine cancer! Who knows how she ended up with that. Have you even asked her how she’s been living abroad?”
“What do you mean by that?” Susan was completely enraged.
Madeline continued, “I’m just telling you, this illness is suspicious. And you want me to sympathize with her? Are you out of your mind?”
Madeline didn’t hold back. She’d never liked Lillian. She knew what Susan meant by those words earlier as she wasn’t a fool.
Madeline let go of any pretense with Susan. I’ve already looked into it. Not only is Lillian constantly bothering Ethan, but you’re always calling him about her problems, Madam Susan, you’re Stella’s biological mother, but you really are opening my
eyes
They say that a mother can’t form true bonds with anyone other than her own children. But Susan? She is fine with it.
Not only was she unwilling to let go of her adopted daughter, but she also stole a man right from under her biological daughter. This was truly incomprehensible.
“The
e Reed family is falling apart. Don’t force us to make it worse for you!”
The message was clear. If Susan kept pushing Ethan because of Lillian, Madeline wouldn’t hold back.
With that, Madeline hung up.
On the other end, Susan was absolutely furious after the call. Jonathan was there with her. They were outside Lillian’s hospital
“Did you hear that? The Keene family is getting so arrogant now! Do they really think our family is weak?” Susan was fuming.
Jonathan frowned, thinking back to what his father had said a month ago about the progress of their mine.
Susan tried to calm herself. “Don’t let Lillian know about this.”
“Got it.” Jonathan nodded.
They couldn’t let Lillian know about this right now. With her health in such a bad state, Ethan was the only thing keeping her
going
Susan closed her eyes. “We still need to figure out how to get Dr. Rianne and Dr. Eddie on board.”
The doctors had discussed Lillian’s surgery plan today. Just hearing it made her feel like she was on the verge of a breakdown How could one person bear all of that?
“Not there? Then when
susan had Late N
idea. Her heada
only got worse. She knew Stella’s circle of friends, she couldn’t imagine her staying out
i think that Stella wasn’t living at Kingston Heights
I don’t know. You go check quietly
“Mom.” Lillian’s voice came from the
Susan motioned for Jonathan to be quiet
pam again?”
Jonathan nodded.
Stella running a studio meant so
her up. They needed to figure out who that person wa
Stella’s phone kept lighting up and dimming, likely from all the disturbances over the past few nights. She’d become more cautious, simply setting her phone to silent mode.
The next moment, he entered the room, shut the door behind him, and took off his long around his neck. He was undeniably good–looking, and honestly, everything he did seemed effortless. Stella snapped fully
As she spoke, he took long strides toward her. Stella sensed something was wrong, but he gave her no chance to react. In the blink of an eye, she found herself pulled into his embrace… Then, she felt a cool kiss, with the faint scent of red wine on his lips.
Because of her lack of response, to him, it seemed like she wasn’t resisting. The kiss grew more aggressive, overpowering her with intensity. After awhile, Stella finally reacted. Instinctively, she pushed her hands against his chest, trying to fight back But in the next moment, her delicate wrist was caught by him and twisted behind her back.
Especially when, as a child, Abraham would often introduce her as his little sister to others. She always felt that Abraham’s feelings for her were just the kind a brother has for his sister. He spoiled and cherished her like a sister.
But if she put her deepest feelings on display and he didn’t feel the same way, their sibling bond would shatter completely. She didn’t want that She didn’t want to break what they had,
When she saw the man not respond, a flash of disappointment crossed her eyes. “Don’t you know who I am?” Her voice
Abraham still didn’t respond, but he cupped her face in return and was about to kiss her again.
Stella turned her face away. “Can you wake up
If Abraham were sober at this moment, whatever happened next… So be it. But he wasn’t sober. She was afraid that when he
pamena oben went out for social events, and Abraham wond housekeepers would malte umgewer up but they never really wanted to drink it.
Abraham was aireade asteen on the antiam ber room. Stella went over, pin her arms around his neck, and gently from the couch. Though he was hemos im biela. 11 was a piece of cake.
The Dawson family’s pubic busines we
The greatest merchant walking in the dark night, facing what he must deal with, was completely different.
Since Stella was kidnapped when she was thirteen, Abraham had been constantly worried about her. Marie couldn’t bear to watch anymore, so she took Stella and trained her for three months. Yes, three months….
It was already 2 a.m., and most of the servants in the villa had gone to bed.
With no other choice, Stella let him sleep on the sofa in her room. She covered him with a thick blanket before heading to her own bed to sleep. It had been a long day, and Stella was exhausted. As soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into a deep sleep.
His chest tightened as he instinctively glanced at Stella, still fast asleep in bed. She must have been really tired yesterday, so. she hadn’t woken up yet.
His phone buzzed, and when he checked, it was a call from Abel.
Meet him? Heh! Abraham gazed fondly at the small form of Stella curled up on the bed. “He still wants to buy Verdant Villa?”
Abel said, “Yes.”
Abraham chuckled. “He’s really obsessed with his first love. Just tell him we’re not considering working with him.”
While they were busy mocking the Reed family, the Keene family wasn’t doing any better. They were all in the same boat. after all. Who could escape? If Abraham sent the message that they wouldn’t cooperate, the Keene family would be thrown into complete chaos.
The Reed family was already in disarray. So, it was only natural that the Keene family couldn’t stay calm either.
When Stella woke up, Abraham was no longer in the room. As she brushed her teeth in the bathroom, she suddenly realized
Once she had everything ready, Stella went downstairs and saw Abraham in the dining room. When he saw her coming down wearing a mask, he frowned. “Why are you wearing that thing at home?”
She wanted to cry but turned around and softly called, “Abraham.”
Not hungry? Who isn’t hungry? No one is immune to hunger, Stella didn’t want to go. To eat, she would have to take off the mask, and then Abraham would see her lips!
Since she was a child, if she even got a mosquito bite, he would ask the servants what happened. Now, what would she say when he asked about her swollen lips? Seeing that she didn’t move, Abraham raised an eyebrow. “What? Should I come over and carry you?”
Stella hadn’t even processed her thoughts when he was already standing right in front of her. He swept her off her feet and carried her toward the dining room.
Stella let out a small “Ah!” and blushed beneath her mask.
“Oh my! Put me down, I can walk on my own.”
Well, after leaving home all those years ago, Abraham and even her mother probably thought she was being rebellious,
Abraham simply carried her and sat her down at the dining table. “Take off the mask.”
“What happened to your mouth?” As soon as he said this, both their minds flashed back to the events of last night. The look in Abraham’s eyes grew deeper, and Stella’s lips twitched!
Stella clicked her tongue nervously. “I really don’t know, maybe I was bitten by a bug.” The mention of a “bug” instantly created an awkward silence in the dining room. Stella didn’t dare look at Abraham’s face.
Abraham looked at her with a knowing, meaningful expression and asked again. That bug, was it annoying?”
“Y–yes, it was annoying! Stella stammered as she answered, then hurriedly grabbed the porridge in front of her and started eating.
Stelia finished her breakfast in agony and then hurriedly left. She looked like she was running away.
When Eddie walked in from outside, he ran into Stella, naturally noticing her red face. He looked at Abraham. “What did you say to her this early in the morning to make her face so red?”
“Do you really want to know?” Abraham gave Eddie a deep, knowing look.
Eddie felt a tightness in his chest under that gaze… “No, no thanks,”
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