《Marry My Ex’s Uncle After Rebirth by Agatha Barney》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    ¡°Take yourst breaths, Stephie. Your heart will soon beat for me, a menacing voice sneered.


    In the operating room, Stephanie Hayes was trapped on the table, unable to move. The pain from the car ident was almost unbearable. Above her, the surgical lights cast a harsh glow on her face. In disbelief, she looked at her sister, Florence Hayes, d in a sterile hospital gown.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Stephanie cried out, her voiceced with agony.


    Florence smirked and jabbed her finger in Stephanie¡¯s chest. ¡°Why? Because you¡¯ve been hogging the spotlight for years, and no one asked you to.¡±


    ¡°You really thought I cared about you?¡± Florence sneered with contempt. ¡°I had to sweet-talk you just to get your design drafts, to make you my voice. double. And to get you to trust me enough to drink that s i k e d juice that sent you careening into this mess


    Florence¡¯s revtions continued mercilessly. ¡°Remember the bar fire ten years ago? I orchestrated that. Such a shame the thugs I hired wereplete m o r o n s. They botched the job, and I had to clean up their mess. And that nasty rumor about your abortion? That was my doing. But really, you should be grateful. The skills you picked up after Grandpa sent you abroad? Priceless. Such a pity they were all exploited for my benefit.¡±


    A sinisterugh escaped Florence. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; you¡¯ll get a dignified send-off. Everyone will admire how selfless you were, donating your heart to let me live. It¡¯ll be a tear-jerker for sure.¡±


    Florence pressed cruelly on Stephanie¡¯s shattered leg. Blood mingled with torn flesh as Stephanie¡¯s face turned deathly pale from the excruciating pain. Hatred surged through her heart.


    Stephanie had been an exile for eight long, lonely years. Aside from her grandfather, only Florence had seemed to care, arranging her rtionship with Dous Fletcher and even visiting her in Astoria. Her trust in Florence had been absolute.


    When Florence dreamt of bing a singer, Stephanie became the hidden voice behind her songs. When Florence aimed tounch a fashionbel, Stephanie contributed her designs. In a family devoid of warmth, Florence, alongside Grandpa, had seemed like a beacon of kindness.


    But now, Stephanie saw through the facade of affection. All the care had been a veneer for self-serving maniption.


    Florence pushed down on Stephanie¡¯s broken leg, eliciting an anguished scream from her.


    ¡°Does it hurt? Well, this is how I felt every time you overshadowed me!¡± Florence¡¯s face looked utterly crazy. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, Grandpa¡¯s waiting for you down below. Once we take your heart out, you can keep himpany in the afterlife.¡±


    Stephanie coughed up blood, her spirit waning ¡°Florence, you won¡¯t have my heart!¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see.¡± Florence¡¯s crazedughter filled the room.


    At that moment, the operating room doors flew open, and Dous rushed in with medical staff trailing behind.


    ¡°Dous, call the cops!¡± Stephanie begged her fianc¨¦, her voice barely a whisper.


    To her dismay, Dous merely sneered, peering down at her with naked disdain, ¡°You stole Florence¡¯s designs, destroyed her voice, and had an abortion before. You¡¯d just be better off dead.¡±


    Before Stephanie could respond, Dous stuffed her mouth with gauze, stifling her exnations.


    ¡°Just watch; we¡¯re about to take out your heart,¡± Dous hissed with venom.


    hadn¡¯t nned on killing you, you know,¡± he confessed. ¡°You were useful for pilfering industry secrets. But fate has a way of changing things, especially since your heart fits Flore so perfectly.¡±


    Chapter 1


    Dous delivered the final blow. ¡°Here¡¯s the truth before you go. Flore and I have been an item for ages. And that fire? Vincent saved you, not me


    He spat with fury. ¡°We¡¯ve been trying to off you for months, but Vincent kept meddling, I never got what he saw in you. Well, tonight¡¯s your unlucky night. Vincent got caught in my trap trying to save you, and now he¡¯s gone.¡±


    Shock, anger, and unspeakable pain filled Stephanie¡¯s eyes, tears streaming uncontrobly.


    That exined the confusion on D o u l a s ¡®s face whenever she had called him her savior. After the fire, it was Vincent who had suffered, sent abroad for better treatment. Stephanie¡¯s heart had chosen the wrong man, her blind trust in both her fianc¨¦ and her sister had only served to cause trouble for her grandfather. And she hated herself even more for mistaking her real hero and dragging the innocent Vincent into this ordeal. Sadly, she realized all of this


    far toote.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this! No anesthesia for the donor!¡± Dous barked out his orders,


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes went wide as she saw the surgeon cut right into her chest with a sharp scalpel, and her own heart, still beating away, was ced on a metal tray beside her.


    She felt herself getting lighter, almost see-through, like some sort of ghost. She could see all the messy insides of her body as they poked around her chest. Dous was watching all crazy-like as they got Florence ready for the new heart.


    Then, bam! The doors flew open so hard they nearly fell off their hinges.


    These folks dressed all in ck charged in, and the one leading them was this big guy wearing a ck trench coat.


    He saw Stephanie, all covered in blood and not moving, and one could see the shock hit him. ¡°Did I make it toote?¡± he thought.


    ¡°Stephanie¡­¡± he barely got her name out.


    Vincent was hurting deep down. He kind of stumbled over and said with a shaky voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I waste.¡±


    He took off this amethyst bracelet from his wrist and gently put it on Stephanie.


    Then he grabbed her hand, looking super sad.


    D o u l s ¡®s throat made this weird noise and he croaked, ¡°Uncle Vincent? Thought you were dead. Aren¡¯t your legs busted? Shouldn¡¯t you be in a wheelchair or something?¡±


    Stephanie was just as shocked as she was also kept in the dark the whole time.


    Vincent gave Dous a look that could kill Dous¡¯ legs buckled, and he pretty much fell to his knees.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Uncle Vincent, I¡¯m begging you! Remember, I¡¯m your nephew!¡± Dous was practically in tears.


    Vincent walked over cool as ice, the barrel of his gun pressed right up against D o u g a s¡¯s sweaty forehead. ¡°You took her life, now it¡¯s your turn,¡± he said, stone-cold.


    Stephanie¡¯s spirit hovered above, unable to watch Vincentmit a crime that would cost him his own life too. She tried to stop the gun, but she couldn¡¯t touch anything,


    Then boom, boom, boom! The gunshots were crazy loud, and Vincent didn¡¯t hold back. He took down everyone who had a hand in this inessed-up


    surgery.


    After that, Stephanie watched as Vincent took her body away to the beach. They stayed there till the sun started to peek out. Vincent finally opened his eyes and said, ¡°You always wanted to see the sunrise, didn¡¯t wanna go without being in love. Why¡¯d you have to go so soon?¡±


    Chapter 1


    She remembered those words. She¡¯d said them in that fire years back, yet they were etched on his memory.


    Vincent said, his voice choky, ¡°We watched the sunrise together. Next life, let¡¯s stick together.¡±


    Without thinking twice, he pointed the gun at his own head.


    Stephanie froze, then in sheer panic, lunged forward to grab his hand, but her hands just passed through his arm. ¡°No, please!¡± she begged,


    The gun went off, lost in the sound of the crashing waves, and Vincent¡¯s body just slumped over into the sand. She was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.


    force was pull


    Suddenly, some weird force was pulling and twisting at her.


    ¡°No!¡± she screamed out.


    Then, smack, her eyes flew open.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Bright Lights blinded her for a second. Stephanie was looking in a mirror, all dressed up in business clothes, hair tied back neat. She was in her room back at the Hayes manor.


    The small room was heavily cluttered. It was just renovated not long before she came back from abroad.


    She put her hand on her chest. Her heart was actually beating. ¡°I¡¯m still here?¡¯ she thought to herself.


    Stephie, you ready yet? We¡¯re hitting the bridal shop, Chop chop!¡± Florence yelled from the hall.


    Stephanie felt like she¡¯d been here before, hearing the same words, trying on a simr outfit. ¡®Hold up, the bridal shop? That was supposed to be a done deal two years back, wasn¡¯t it?¡± she mused.


    That was back when Dous hade to her about tying the knot to seal the deal between the Hayes family and the Fletcher family. She¡¯d said yes, thinking Dous was her hero.


    Dous wanted to wait until he had it all before popping the question. But Vincent was the big shot of the Fletcher family. Dous imed that Vincent was destroying his ns to seed, so he was unable to give Stephanie the life she deserved. They decided just to get engaged for now.


    Stephanie was all in to help Dous bring down Vincent.


    Shended the gig as Vincent¡¯s top secretary and, for two years, put her hacking skills to work, swiping secret stuff left and right. Her sneaky moves not only pushed Dous up thedder but also knocked Vincent right off his high horse.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Now she figured out that Vincent knew what was up the whole time but just let it all happen.


    Realizing she had been thrown back two years in time, Stephanie was fuming. Last time around, she got yed, did some dumb stuff, and ended up hurting the one guy who had her back, Vincent. Her grandpa met a sad end, her heart was carved out, and she even set Vincent up for a nasty fall.


    But this time? No way she was letting history repeat itself. She would make that nasty couple pay for everything and repay Vincent for always being on


    her side.


    The big engagement party was going down tomorrow night. Stephanie had to dig up dirt against those two before then.


    ¡°Stephie?¡± The voice came again from outside. Stephanie shivered, remembering all the mean stuff Florence did in her other life.


    Time to flip the script, she yowed, steely-eyed. She swung open the door to find Florence looking like a million bucks, all dressed up and decked out.


    ¡°My tummy¡¯s all messed up. Could you and Dous pick stuff without me?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Florence¡¯s brain ticked. Joy flickered in her eyes briefly. ¡°You need a doctor?¡± Florence threw in some fake concern.


    ¡°Nah, just need some chill time,¡± Stephanie said, ying it cool.


    ¡°Alrighty then.¡± Florence barely hid her grin. ¡°I¡¯ll go with Dous and text you some picster so you can choose what you like.¡±


    ¡°Cool, Stephanie said.


    The minute Florence bailed, the smile wiped off Stephanie¡¯s face. She shut the door and moved to her huge window, watching Florence jump into a slick ck Rolls-Royce. But instead of heading to the bridal shop, they swung hard towards the suburbs.


    Asly smirk crossed Stephanie¡¯s face as she made her way back to her desk and fired up herptop. Fingers dancing over the keys, she got right down to business, Done with hacking, she slipped into her gym clothes, snagged a nifty little something from her luggage, and hit the road.


    1240, Sat, 25 May.


    Chapter 2


    At a fancy house in the suburbs, Dous and Florence were all over each other.


    ¡°Dous, who¡¯s better? Stophie or me?¡± Florence asked, getting up close and personal.


    you, for sure. I wouldn¡¯t touch that other chick with a ten-foot pole,¡± he said.


    The gross noises were enough to make Stephanie¡¯s stomach turn as she eavesdropped from outside.


    Back in her other life, she knew about this ce. Dous said it was for guests.


    Who has guests way out here?¡¯ Stephanie thought. She¡¯d been right to get suspicious.


    Stephanie sneaked around, setting up tiny micro-cameras. Done with that, she took off quick.


    At dinner that night, the Hayes family all sat down together, Florence started handing out wedding party gifts. ¡°Like ¡¯em, Stephie?¡± she asked.


    Stephanie just nodded. ¡°They¡¯re pretty sick.¡±


    Her mom, Matilda Hayes, gave Stephanie the stink eye. ¡°Useless! Can¡¯t even pick your own favors. Check out Flore-big-time designer in Fantasy Boutique and fancy triple threat in Fantasy Entertainment. You got zero going on. I have no clue what Mr. Fletcher sees in you!¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s grandpa, Austin Hayes, shot back, ¡°How can you rip on your own kid like that? Stephie¡¯s got some good points too!¡±


    Matilda snorted, ¡°Yeah? Like what?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s sweet and listens,¡± Austin said.


    ¡°Sweet and listens?¡± Matildaughed. ¡°Remember eight years back? She was 14, smoking and boozing it up at bars, hanging with the wrong crowd. Our rep¡¯s taken so many hits because of her antics!¡±


    Austin got worked up. ¡°Stephie says that¡¯s all bogus, and I believe her. Howe you don¡¯t trust your own daughter?¡±


    Matilda didn¡¯t argue but red daggers at Stephanie.


    Then Horace Hayes, Stephanie¡¯s father, who¡¯d been quiet, chimed in real serious. ¡°Whatever went down back then, you gotta be a top-notch daughter-in-w to the Fletcher family after this engagement bit. We can¡¯t afford more drama.¡±


    Matilda gave Stephanie a chilly look. ¡°Some people never change. Eight years out of sight and who knows what mess she got into. Stephanie, you should be taking notes from Flore on how to rock the social scene.¡±


    Florence yed nice, responding, ¡°Mom, Dad,e on. Those were just rough stories. Stephanie¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just giving her a little heads-up,¡± Matilda scoffed.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Austin mmed his fork down, making the table jump. ¡°She¡¯s about to get engaged and all you do is rag on her. I¡¯m sick of it!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cool. They have a point. I could pick up a few pointers from Florence,¡± Stephanie replied, forcing a small grin.


    Later that night, Stephanie nced at a text from Dous: [Hey Stephie, still not feeling well?]


    After what she¡¯d heard about him, it was tough to stomach his fake concern. She fought back a wave of disgust and replied: [Better now.


    Dous: (d to hear, What¡¯d you think of the party favors?]


    12:40 Sat, 25 May **


    Chapter 2


    She texted back, figuring they were perfect for each other: [They¡¯re awesome. You and Flore have killer taste.


    Dous: [Stoked you¡¯re into them. Can¡¯t wait to call you my fianc¨¦e. Sa lucky!]


    ¡°You got no idea what¡¯sing, Dous, Stephanie thought.


    Stephanie: [Feeling¡¯s mutual. See you at the party.


    $77%


    After sending it off, she remembered how she once bought into their act without thinking. Not happening this time. She wasn¡¯t about to trip up again.


    She quickly sent a message to Florence: [Hey, make sure to bring my ring to the swap at the party, okay?]


    Florence: [Got it. No sweat.]


    In a posh room at the Fletcher residence, Dous tossed his phone aside with augh. ¡°She¡¯spletely head over heels, but little does she know, she¡¯s about to be my golden ticket. Such a fool.¡±


    The engagement was set way back by Kevin Fletcher and Austin Hayes. But after some bar drama, Stephanie¡¯s rep took a nosedive, dragging the Hayes family name down with her. The engagement talk got shelved until Dous decided to move things along with Stephanie.


    To show he was all in, Dous invited celebs from all over Jacaster to their engagement party.


    Now, The Harborview Dome was buzzing with high-profile guests, all schmoozing and mingling.


    In her dressing room, Stephanie flicked a text to Giovanni Irvin: [Hit y on that video when it¡¯s ring time, got it?]


    Giovanni: [All good, Boss. I¡¯m on it.]


    Stephanie smirked and put her phone down. Time for some payback.


    É«

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    After a knock, Florence popped in. ¡°Hey Stephie, they¡¯re kicking off the party. You set?¡±


    Stephanie spotted Florence¡¯s plumped lip and knew she¡¯d been right all along. Before, she would¡¯ve taken D**s¡¯s words at face value, but not anymore. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good,¡± she said with a smile.


    As Stephanie stood, Florence¡¯s eyes darted to her dress change. ¡°Uh, new outfit, Stephie?¡±


    Stephanie was ying it in a whitece dress and shiny silver ts, her hair tumbling in soft waves. With minimal makeup, she was positively glowing ¡°What do you think?¡± she chuckled.


    Florence mumbled, ¡°It looks good on you. Dous will think you look hot, for sure¡± But her balled up hands said she was afraid Stephanie might s**h Dous


    Stephanie gave her a reassuring pat. She certainly wasn¡¯t about to scrap over Dous¡¯ wandering heart.


    The p


    party hall was buzzing, gossip was the main dish.


    ¡°So Stephanie snagged Mr. Dous Fletcher? With her history?¡± onedy whispered.


    ¡°Right? They must be over her past, another added.


    ¡°Vincent Fletcher¡¯s still single though,¡± someone pointed out. ¡°Any takers??


    ¡°Hot guy, bad vibes,¡± one girl snorted. ¡°Marry him and you¡¯re asking for it.


    ¡°But being Mrs. Vincent Fletcher means you¡¯re the topdy,¡± another added. ¡°Talk about boss level upgrade!¡± a woman said.


    ¡°Eh, Vincent¡¯s too frosty for me,¡± someone else shrugged off. ¡°Not into that ice treatment.¡±


    ¡°If he picked me, I¡¯d say ¡®I do¡¯ in a second. That guy¡¯s a total babe,¡± another daydreamed.


    ¡°Psst, Vincent Fletcher just showed up!¡± someone whispered urgently.


    Everyone quieted down as Vincent made his entrance with his assistant, Zane Quin, wheeling him in. Dressed to the nines in a dark suit and crisp white shirt, Vincent was elegance personified, leaning back in his wheelchair, sporting a cool amethyst bracelet. His legs were covered, but you could guess he was fit.


    BA


    The girls were sighing over Vincent¡¯s cool factor, though it was bittersweet to see him in a chair. The guys, on the other hand, were throwing quiet digs, figuring sess didn¡¯t mean much if you couldn¡¯t hit the gym.


    Still, everyone put on a nice face for Vincent.


    Vincent signaled to Zane to stop. Dous rushed over. ¡°What¡¯s up, Uncle Vincent? You¡¯re consing home?¡±


    Vincent just nodded. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t miss your big day.¡±


    Dous caught a sly look in his eye. He knew Vincent had it rough since Vincent¡¯s crush was getting engaged with him. ¡°Appreciate youing, Uncle Vincent. Show¡¯s starting, so I¡¯m gonna hit the stage, Dous said and bounced.


    Dous turned and went up to the stage then the Fletcher family went to Vincent


    Chapter 3


    His grandmother, Ellen Hayes, spoke. ¡°Now that Dous is engaged, when¡¯s your turn, Vincent? When will you start dating?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± chimed in Kevin. ¡°Harold¡¯s second daughter¡¯s lovely. How about a date with her tomorrow?¡±


    The family started buzzing, but Vincent wasn¡¯t having it. ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± he said, and everyone went silent.


    Then, the MC stepped up. With a wave to the side door, the MC announced, ¡°Let¡¯s give a big round for Ms. Hayes!¡±


    Stephanie walked up, looking so good Dous couldn¡¯t look away. The crowd was just staring at her,pletely wowed.


    Meanwhile, Florence was freaking out, her jaw clenched so hard her new veneers might c**k.


    The host tried to keep things rolling. ¡°Stephanie¡¯s stunningly beautiful. Now for the ring exchange. Give it up for her sister, Florence, bringing the sparkle!¡±


    Florence faked a smile, got her cool back, and strutted up with the ring boxes.


    But then the big screen showed super private photos for all to see. The room exploded with chatter.


    The photos caught Dous and Florence on vacation, having fancy dinners, hugging tightly, and even some saucy bedtime snaps. There were selfies and sneaky pics, too. They looked super chummy in every single shot.


    Dous panicked. ¡°Stop that! Turn it off right now!¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Florence went paper white and let the ring box hit the floor with a crash. ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like,¡± she stammered, her eyes popping.


    Backstage, people were trying to cut the video, but the switch wouldn¡¯t budge.


    Then it got worse. A video of Dous and Florence in the middle of a hot h**p yed on the big screen. Every groan echoed through the hall.


    Dous was all over Florence in the video. ¡°Dous, who¡¯s better? Me or Stephie?¡± Florence asked sweetly.


    ¡°You,


    for sure. I wouldn¡¯t go near


    go near her with a ten-foot pole.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you about to be engaged to her? Are you gonna keep away?¡±


    ¡°Nah, I haven¡¯t even touched her. She¡¯s like a nk of wood. But you, you¡¯re something else.¡±


    ¡°Then swear to me.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I swear, you¡¯re the only one I love.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Dous, I love you so much¡­¡±


    The video turned the room into chaos, everyone throwing shade left and right.


    ¡°Thisdy seemed so sweet, but she¡¯s got a wild sidel¡± one person said.


    ¡°No joke, acting all pure but secretly off the h**k!¡± another one agreed.


    ¡°Dude¡¯s double-dipping with his girl¡¯s sister. Talk about drama!¡± someone else snickered.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she famous, like a big deal designer and singer? This is gonna blow up!¡± another guest pointed out.


    ¡°I dropped big bucks for her concert tickets, and now I¡¯m wishing I hadn¡¯t!¡± someone elseined.


    12:40 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 3


    ¡°Her tunes are angelic, but those moans were wild!¡± anothermented.


    Down below, Horace looked like he wished he could vanish.


    Matilda bulldozed her way toward the stage, yelling, ¡°Cut it out! Stop it, now!¡±


    Stephanie put on an act of utter heartbreak, s**g a couple of steps backward.


    Dous tried to smooth things over, but Stephanie wasn¡¯t having it and pped him hard. She trembled all over, eyes brimming with hot tears, ¡°How could you deceive me like this? To be with my own sister, Florencel Locking at those photos, you two have been together for quite a while now! If you liked her, why did you even propose to me?¡±


    Dous had never been pped before, his face now bearing the mark of five fingers. He was about to rage but seeing Stephanie crying so beautifully, he was filled with regret and annoyance. If only he¡¯d known how pretty Stephanie was, he never would have gotten involved with Florence.


    Photos could be exined as fake, but videos were undeniable. Judging from the video¡¯s setting, it was filmed in a suburban vi. ¡°Who could be out to


    get me? Stephanie? She knew the ce! Impossible, Stephanie isn¡¯t c**g enough for such a scheme, is she?¡¯ he mused.


    But he had to get it together. He decided to calm Stephanie first. He went for her hand, ¡°Stephie, just listen¡­¡±


    She knocked his hand away. ¡°Save y


    your breath!¡±


    Florence looked freaked. ¡°Stephie, the photos and video are fake! Someone is trying to frame us, trying to drive a wedge between us! Dous and I are innocent! I¡¯m your sister; you have to believe me!¡±


    Stephanie showed a face full of disappointment, ¡°Flo, just yesterday you said you were jealous that I¡¯d snagged a great guy like Dous. I had no idea you were already together behind my back.¡±


    Florence was crying her eyes out. ¡°Stephie, I didn¡¯t do it. Those pictures are fake!¡±


    Stephanie shot Dous a look that could freezeva. ¡°I¡¯m done talking. We¡¯re through!¡± She ran off the stage and clung to her grandfather¡¯s arm, thoroughly wronged, ¡°Grandpa, I don¡¯t want to be engaged to Dous anymore.¡±


    Austin was ring daggers at Kevin. ¡°Your grandson sure is something-two-timing and bringing a whole world of trouble to another one of our girls!¡±


    Kevin tried to stay cool. ¡°Austin, I¡¯m real sorry about all this. We will give you and Stephanie a proper resolution.¡±


    Stephanie sniffed, holding back more tears. ¡°How¡¯re you gonna do that?¡±


    Kevin nodded. ¡°Just name any demands you have, I will grant it if it¡¯s within my power.¡±


    Stephanie bit her lip, and said, ¡°Well then, how aboutpensates me with another fianc¨¦?¡±

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Kevin looked shocked. ¡°Well, how am I supposed to do that?¡±


    Stephanie nced over at Vincent in his wheelchair. ¡°Well, since that marriage deal didn¡¯t say who I gotta marry, I pick Vincent.¡±


    Everybody was shaking their heads like she lost her mind. Vincent didn¡¯t even dig girls. Was Stephanie setting herself up to look like a joke?


    Despite his power, influence, and noble demeanor, everyone thought Vincent was not¡­ fully functional, Marrying him would mean Stephanie¡¯d be all alone anyway. Everyone thought Stephanie was out of her mind.


    The room got all quiet and creepy. The only noise was Vincent¡¯s fingers tapping on his wheelchair.


    Under the bright chandelier lights, his eyes were shining like amber, almost like they weren¡¯t real


    Suddenly, he paused. Looking towards Stephanie with a quirk of his defined brow, he spoke in a cool voice, ¡°I agree.¡±


    Zane flicked a look of surprise, but it was gone in a sh


    Everyone¡¯s jaw hit the floor.


    ¡®Didn¡¯t he just say he wasn¡¯t into it? What¡¯s up with the quick U-turn?¡¯ Everyone was bugging


    Victory t w i l e d in Stephanie¡¯s eyes. She looked down and bit her lip to hide her grin


    Vincent¡¯s eyes fixed on her, then softly he said, ¡°Come here.¡±


    She walked over to him, all sweet and quiet.


    Vincent peeped her sun-kissed wrist and slid off his amethyst bracelet to put on her. He grabbed her hand and tugged her closer. The bracelet was a personal item, a symbol of Vincent¡¯s status. By giving it to Stephanie, he acknowledged her.


    Back in her previous life, Vincent gave her the bracelet too. But she was pretty much checked out then-couldn¡¯t feel how warm Vincent was. But now, she could feel the warmth of Vincent. His palm was warm and solid, enveloping her small handpletely, giving her a deep sense of security.


    Stephanie¡¯s heart throbbed wildly, and her cheeks instantly flushed with a rosy hue.


    Vincent throw a look at Dous, who was still on stage looking gloomy, and said, ¡°Get over here!¡±


    Dous about choked and stumbled Vincent¡¯s way, mumbling, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Uncle Vincent.¡± Then he turned to Stephanie, ¡°Steph, don¡¯t be mad at me, and don¡¯t make fun of my uncle, okay?¡±


    Stephanie said firmly, ¡°I¡¯m not mad, and I would never make a joke out of Vincent.¡±


    When Stephanie called his name, Vincent cracked a smile. But when he looked at Dous, he went ice-cold. ¡°She¡¯s aunt-inw to you.¡±


    Fianc¨¦e to auntie? Dous thought Stephanie was just making things hard for him on purpose, preferring to marry a disabled man over forgiving him, demoting him to the status of a nephew.


    All his ns were ruined, and there was nothing he could do to salvage the situation now. He just had to brace himself and mumble, ¡°Auntie.¡±


    Vincent gave a satisfied hum, squeezing Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Do you want to say anything else?¡± His voice was deep and gave her the chills-in a good


    way.


    1/4


    Chapfer 4


    How had she been so indifferent to him in her past life? Probably because she was set on her savior, the naturally shut everyone else out, or maybe it was because she was too focused on whichever project she was working on, always plotting how to steal secrets.


    Because, on Vincent¡¯s side, there was a hacker who was a match for her. Even though she always came out on top, it often felt like her opponent had let


    her win.


    Pulling herself together, she told Dous, ¡°What¡¯s done is done. Just take good care of my sister. Tonight¡¯s engagement party should be yours and Florence¡¯s. You guys can exchange rings now.¡±


    Dous and Florence were shook.


    Everyone else was impressed by how cool Stephanie was being.


    She gave Vincent¡¯s hand a soft squeeze and whispered, ¡°That¡¯s all I have to say.¡±


    Vincent felt a tingle go right to his heart. He swallowed. He looked at Austin with respect. ¡°Mr. Hayes, can Stephanie and I leave now? We have something to say.¡±


    Austin snapped out of it. ¡°Uh, sure. Do your thing.¡±


    Kevin let out a chuckle. ¡°Take all night if you need!¡±


    Stephanie had to bite her chook to not c a c k up at the way Kevin and Austin were acting


    Vincent let go of her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Stephanie said, wheeling Vincent toward the exit. She didn¡¯t forget to say to Zane, ¡°Could you please fetch my purse from the makeup room?¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Zane replied.


    As they left, everybody else started buzzing again.


    Ellen shot a puzzled look at Kevin. ¡°Is our granddaughter-inw now our daughter-inw?¡±


    Kevin stroked his beard, wearing a big grin. ¡°Looks like it. You¡¯re stoked, right?¡±


    Ellen was all smiles. ¡°Totally. Got another daughter-inw. But what about Dous and Florence?¡±


    Kevin cut her off. ¡°Call them engaged and leave it. This is too awkward. Let¡¯s dismiss our guests and head back to the Fletcher residence.¡±


    The guests left, but the pictures and videos were already doing the rounds online.


    In the back of a sleek ck Maybach, Vincent motioned to Stephanie, ¡°Come closer,¡±


    Stephanie moved in and sat right on hisp.


    Vincent¡¯s eyebrow went up. ¡°I said closer, not this close.¡±


    Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head with a smile. ¡°You gotta be more specific.¡±


    Vincent narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re the one who leaked those photos and clips?¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t s k i p a beat. ¡°Yep. If they¡¯re bold enough to snap them, I¡¯m game to put them on st. I¡¯m not down with ying scared or letting


    cheaters slide.¡±


    Chapter 4


    ¡®d you pick me, though? Vincent asked.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re the real deal,¡± she said, dead serious.


    Vincent pressed on, ¡°What¡¯s so great about me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it all,¡± she shot back.


    Heughed a little. ¡°Even with my bum legs?¡±


    Stephanie recalled her previous life, her soul had seen that Vincent¡¯s legs had healed. She had never considered healing Vincent, so she never really checked his pulse. But he sure had a talent for hiding it, always sitting in that wheelchair without giving any hint of being okay. She figured if Dous knew she could heal, he¡¯d definitely ask her to harm Vincent, but she wouldn¡¯t ever do that. She learned medicine to save lives, not to take them. That was the line she wouldn¡¯t cross.


    Stephanie wasn¡¯t sure if Vincent had made a fulleback, so she grabbed his hand, feeling for a pulse.


    Vincent¡¯s cirction was good, and his lower limbs should be fine. There must be a reason he¡¯s keeping his recovery a secret.


    She figured if he wanted it secret, she¡¯d y along. But she felt this weird hot and cold vibe in him that could mess him up badter onN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    In her past life, Vincent hadn¡¯t died from this, probably getting it checked out when he felt ill, but now she wouldn¡¯t let anyone hurt him. This time around, she was determined to repay her lifesaver!


    Watching Stephanie deep in thought, Vincent felt Stephanie might be regretting her decision-after all, who¡¯d willingly marry someone disabled? ¡°She must¡¯ve snagged me in a huff, and now she¡¯s thinking twice,¡¯ he figured.


    ¡°People care if their other half can¡¯t walk,¡± Vincent just threw out there.


    Stephanie felt an ache in her heart. Vincent must have lived a hard life, enduring so much ridicule and mockery before his recovery. Tears sprang up as she leaned on him, tuning into the strong rhythm of his heart. ¡°You¡¯re awesome, you know. Even though you are in a wheelchair, you¡¯re top notch. Vincent, you¡¯re my pick.¡±


    Vincent couldn¡¯t help but grin. He looked down at her, innocent as a button, and lifted her chin gently. ¡°You know, it ain¡¯t toote to bail¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sticking to my guns. No regrets,¡± Stephanie said, her gaze firm on Vincent¡¯s.


    Vincent tapped on the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Zane, hit up City Hall¡±


    Zane did a double-take. ¡®That fast?¡±


    ¡°Are we going to get our marriage license?¡± Stephanie¡¯s eyes widened.


    Vincent just hummed, all cool. ¡°I¡¯ll give you onest chance to back out, if you have doubts¡­¡±


    Stephanie pressed her finger to his lips, stopping him. ¡°Vincent, I have no regrets. But before we sign that document, can I stamp something on you?¡±


    Vincent was surprised. ¡°What kind of stamp?¡±


    3/4

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Stephanie scoped out Vincent¡¯s chiseled features, from his brows and eyes down to his straight nose, and those perfectly shaped lips. She pressed her lips against his. Her heart raced uncontrobly¨Cit was her first kiss in two lifetimes.


    Being inexperienced, the kiss was sweet and tentative, her tongue brushed timidly against Vincent¡¯s lips.


    Vincent¡¯s breathing grew heavier, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing. He wanted to guide her with his hand, to hold the back of her head, but he restrained himself, allowing her to have her way with him.


    Zane, in the driver¡¯s seat, caught a glimpse of the scene in the rearview mirror and was utterly shocked. ¡®Our Mr. Fletcher, the lone woll, is getting cory with ady. And she¡¯s all in!¡¯ Zane¡¯s mind raced.


    One icy look from Vincent, and Zane freaked, hitting the button to lift the divider, pronto. Just like that, the car split into two worlds.


    Vincent saw her eyes, all dewy, and gently swiped at her lips. ¡°You¡¯re quite forward, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Stephanie wrapped her arms around Vincent¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m only this bold with my man, and that was my first kiss.¡±


    Her words seemed to please Vincent, as Stephanie noticed a hint of a smile in the depths of his eyes.


    Soon, the car stopped outside the city hall. The staff, already waiting for them, watched as Stephanie pushed Vincent inside.


    The couple took their first photo of their new life together in the photo booth. Stephanie just couldn¡¯t help beaming at Vincent¡¯s dashing look in the photo.


    ¡°Why are you grinning like that?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Because I got myself a hot hubby.¡± Stephanie couldn¡¯t help but boast


    ¡°Guess you dig my look,¡± Vincent shot back, all yful.


    ¡°You¡¯re like a snack, Stephanie said..


    That left Vincent speechless. Thanks to Vincent¡¯s big-shot rep, they snagged a marriage license, even missing some of the usual paperwork.


    The second 5


    Stephanie hopped back in the car, she cracked up at the fancy script on the certificate. It was like some kind of fairy tale.


    She turned to Vincent. ¡°Can I bite your hand to check if I¡¯m dreaming?¡±


    Vincent was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°To see if this is a dream,¡± she exined.


    Vincent Laughed, ¡°How about you take a bite out of yourself instead of me?¡±


    She shed a grin. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m a chicken when ites to pain.¡± Before he could say another word, she nipped at his hand.


    That touch, though, made Vincent¡¯s eyes go dark. He quickly pulled his hand back, discreetly pulling the nket on hisp up as if to cover something.


    ¡°Did that hurt?¡± Stephanie checked in.


    It didn¡¯t really, it was like a small cat scratch, but Vincent feared she might do it again, the teasing igniting a fire within him. He replied huskily, ¡°It did, so you¡¯re not dreaming, it¡¯s already 9:30, I¡¯ll take you back to your ce.¡±


    1/3


    Chapter 5


    Remembering his physical anomaly, Stephanie cleared her throat, ¡°We¡¯re married now. We can live together.¡±


    Stephanie had been forward all night, drawing an amusedugh from Vincent. ¡°You¡¯re quite eager, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Just can¡¯t wait to get handsy with my man,¡± Stephanie tossed back.


    Gazing into her eager peepers, Vincent murmured, ¡°Tonight, you pack. Tomorrow, I¡¯m picking you up.¡±


    ¡°Deall¡± said Stephanie.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    At quarter past ten, they pulled up outside the hourious Hayes manor¡¯s gate.


    ¡°Guess this is goodbye for now,¡± Stephanie said, wishing the moment didn¡¯t have to end.


    Vincent just hummed, ying it cool, but his eyes were all over her.


    As Stephanie swung the car door open, shended a quick smooch on Vincent¡¯s lips. ¡°Catch yater, babe. Don¡¯t forget to call¡± She hopped out, gave a little wave, and bolted for the big house.


    ¡°She called me babe?¡± Vincent kinda zoned out, his fingers brushing his lips where hers had been. With a tiny smirk, he told Zane, ¡°Let¡¯s head to the Fletcher residence.¡±


    Zane frowned, ¡°Mr. Vincent, do you really trust Stephanie? She was brought back by Dous himself.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were deep and mysterious, ¡°So, you think she yed this whole act just to ruin Dous and Florence¡¯s reputation?¡±


    Zane hesitated, ¡°Maybe Stephanie harbors a grudge.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s scowl deepened. ¡°She¡¯s Mrs. Fletcher now,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Zane nodded.


    The second Stephanie stepped into the Hayes manor, a coffee cup came flying at her. She ducked fast, and it missed her hair by an inch, but the coffee Sttered over her white dress.


    ¡°Did it hit you?¡± Austin came hustling up.


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°All good, Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Austin turned toward the visibly angry Matilda, shouting, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Matilda was fuming. ¡°She ruined Florence! She deserves to dic!¡±


    On the sofa, Horace just sat puffing on his smoke, while Florence was sobbing into her hands.


    Austin was about to speak when Stephanie gently held his arm. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Florence be med instead, for messing around with my fianc¨¦?¡±


    Matilda lifted her chin all high and mighty. ¡°You should¡¯ve continued with the engagement and denied all those photos and videos! By calling off the engagement, you turned those fake images into truth, ruining Florence and her career!¡±


    Stephanie was ustomed to her mother¡¯s sarcasm and coldness. She never understood why she was the less loved sibling, even though she was only two minutes older than Florence. While Florence had beautiful dresses and adorable dolls, Stephanie only had a fow clothes to rotate through and could only watch her sister y.


    No matter how hard Stephanie worked, she realized her parents would never acknowledge her. Favoritism had no rhyme or reason.


    2/3


    Chapter 5


    Her grip tightened on her purse as she spelled it out slowly, ¡°The photos can be falsified, but the videos can¡¯t. She had no shame. Why should I be the dummy here, pretending not to see the game? You¡¯re all ¡®Poor Florence, but do you even think about what I want?¡±


    Matilda justughed in herce. ¡°It¡¯s your fault you couldn¡¯t keep a man. How can you me Florence Go issue a statement saying those photos and videos are fake, that you fell for Vincent and staged all this.¡±


    With a bitter smile, Stephanie had to wonder what she was even hoping for. ¡°So you want me to dive into this storm?¡± Stephanie threw back at her.


    Matilda nced ever. ¡°You don¡¯t matter. When it calms down, you¡¯ll be yesterday¡¯s news. But Flore, she¡¯s in the spotlight; can¡¯t let her star get tarnished!¡±


    Then, Stephanie turned to Horace. ¡°Dad, you feel the same?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you¡¯re caught up in this, Stephanie.¡± Horace let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Sorry? She¡¯s probably the one messing with the pics and videos. Envying Flore¡¯s spotlight!¡± Matilda huffed.


    ¡°Envy?¡± Stephanie looked at Florence with a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Florence, you think I¡¯m jealous of your talent?¡±


    Florence gave her this woeful look and whispered, ¡°Stephie, I can¡¯t have my name dragged through the mud.¡±


    With a snort, Stephanie yanked a marriage license out of her bag.


    cheers to Vincent and me. I¡¯m moving out tomorrow.¡±


    Matilda¡¯s jaw dropped. Horace choked on his smoke, coughing up a storm. Florence was so shocked she stopped crying.


    Austin just peered at the marriage license. After an age, he said, ¡°You two make a cute couple.¡±


    Matilda darted over to Stephanie. ¡°Married? What about the wedding gift? How many shares are you snagging from Fletcher Group? How many deals are they giving Hayes Group each year?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking for a dime,¡± Stephanie said, all smiles.


    that? You¡¯re an idiot!¡± Matilda¡¯s face turned red hot, and she looked like she was ready to p Stephanie right then and there.


    3/3

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Stephanie grabbed Matilda¡¯s wrist and eximed coldly, ¡°I won¡¯t make any statements. We¡¯re both disappointed in each other. I will leave the Hayes manor tonight!¡± She shook off Matilda¡¯s hand and went upstairs.


    Matilda stumbled and wanted to chase after Stephanie, but was stopped by Austin. He snapped, ¡°Using your daughter as a bargaining chip, do you even deserve to be called a mother? Stop bothering Stephaniel


    Matilda snorted and stormed upstairs. Horace stubbed out the cigarette and followed suit. Florence looked timidly at Austin, stood up, and left. Stephanie hadn¡¯t brought anything back from abroad. Having not made any purchases in the past half month, she only had a grey suitcase with her. The door wasn¡¯t locked. Florence approached Stephanie and nervously fidgeted with her hands.


    ¡°Stephie, are you leaving? I¡¯m sorry. Can you forgive me?¡± she said.


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows and asked, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Stephie, let¡¯s not argue over a man, okay? Aren¡¯t we s


    sisters?¡± Florence said,


    Stephanie didn¡¯t know what to say. In the beginning, Florence didn¡¯t treat her well. She often fabricated stories about being bullied by Stephanie, destroyed some toys and clothes, and framed Stephanie for doing so. Stephanie would then be severely punished as Florence watched gleefully.


    Stephanie began to reminisce about when Florence finally started to get along with her. It was in middle school when Stephanie consistently ranked top of the ss, and Florence started to sweet talk her into tutoring sessions.


    Rather than harboring grudges for Florence¡¯s actions, Stephanie simply brushed them off as childish pranks, Since she couldn¡¯t gamer love from her parents, Stephanie naturally hoped for a close bond with her sister. Later, the two of them maintained a good rtionship until Stephanie¡¯s death. It wasn¡¯t until then that she realized Florence¡¯s friendliness was fake.


    Florence fabricated sibling love to exploit Stephanie¡¯s talent. A devil in disguise, no matter how angelic the fa?ade, still has a devil¡¯s heart,¡¯ Stephanie mused.


    She cast a long nce at Florence before heading toward the door with her suitcase.


    Florence rushed over and frantically grasped her arm, looking desperate. ¡°Stephie, my concert is tomorrow night. What will I do without you? Please, I¡¯m begging you. Could you help me again?¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll help you onest time. After that, you¡¯re on your own.¡± Stephanie sighed.


    ¡°Thank you, Stephie,¡± Florence said.


    After Stephanie left the room, a sinister smile spread across Florence¡¯s face. I knew it. Just by shedding a few tears, this fool would soften up. Do it a few times, and she¡¯ll be under my thumb for life, Florence thought.


    Stephanie walked toward the stairs with a smile. ¡®Florence, your retribution has just begun!¡¯


    When Stephanie went downstairs, only Austin remained. She stepped forward and hugged Austin tightly. ¡°Grandpa, when the time is right, I¡¯ll get your out of here.¡±


    Austin patted her on the back and asked, ¡°Are you really willing to marry Vincent?¡±


    Stephanie released him and nodded earnestly. Grandpa, I¡¯m willing to marry Vincent. It¡¯s not on a whim.¡±


    1/3


    DAL TO COIT L was anyway.¡±


    Stephanie burst intoughter. ¡°You won¡¯t have the chance to do that. He¡¯ll be nice to me.¡±


    Alter a few reminders from Austin, Stephanie left the Hayes manor.


    Austin was told Vincent picked her up, but she hadn¡¯t actually contacted him. She simply wanted to take a solitary stroll along the street.


    At the same time, i in the Fletcher residence, Dous stood before the Fletcher family.


    Kevin snorted, ¡°You¡¯ve really disgraced our family today!¡±


    Dous said with his head down, ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m sorry. I know I embarrassed the Fletcher family today, but it¡¯s not all my fault. If Uncle Vincent didn¡¯t ept, Stephanie would¡¯ve chosen me.¡± Then he stole a nce at Vincent.


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s like a cake turned into a tu rd. Even a fool won¡¯t eat it.¡±


    Raphael Fletcher, Dous¡¯ father, spoke coldly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you taking marriage too lightly, Vincent? Stephanie was Dous¡¯ fianc¨¦e. Even if they broke off their engagement, you can¡¯t just step in. Later, the news might report that an uncle and nephew were fighting over a woman at the engagement party.¡±


    Vincent raised his eyebrows and said, ¡°They¡¯ll only report that Dous cheated on his fianc¨¦e.¡±


    Hearing that, Lori was struck mute. She couldn¡¯t bear to see Dous on his knees like this. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let Dous get up


    now.¡±


    Vincent raised his eyes and said, ¡°Since you have disgraced the Fletcher family, you should be punished ording to the family rules.¡± He looked at the butler and said, ¡°Go to the study and get the punishment tool.¡±


    The butler nodded and walked quickly to the study.


    Lori looked at the two elders and said, ¡°Kevin, Ellen, it¡¯s all over. Please don¡¯t punish Dous. He knows he¡¯s wrong!¡±


    Kevin firmly said, ¡°Rules are rules. We have to a b i d e by them.¡±


    Lori cast a pleading look at Frederick Fletcher and Edith Fletcher, the second branch of the Fletcher family. However, the two of them looked away. pretending not to see her.


    Soon, the butler came over, holding a rectangr box.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Vincent said, ¡°ording to the 21st family rule, those who break their word will be punished with ten strokes, and those who disgrace the Fletcher family will face twenty additional strokes. That¡¯s a total of thirty strokes. Paul, let¡¯s proceed.¡±


    Paul Mendes pulled out a ck iron-like stick from the box. He gripped the staff behind Dous with both hands. ¡°Mr. Dous Fletcher, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Paul


    said.


    The sticknded hard on Dous¡¯ back. He gritted his teeth and cried out in pain. After thirty blows, Dous knelt on the ground, trembling with cold sweat on his forehead. He looked at Vincent and said, ¡°Uncle Vincent, since you¡¯ve punished me, can I have Stephanie back?¡±


    With a scornful smile, Vincent said in an indifferent voice, ¡°I told you. She is my fianc¨¦e now.¡± With that, he raised his hand slightly, and Zane wheeled him toward the door.


    Dous was unwilling to give up Stephanie. She was his favorite pawn. ¡°Uncle Vincent, she¡¯s just angry with me. She doesn¡¯t like you.¡±


    Zane stopped and stood beside the wheelchair.


    Vincent looked sideways, showing his keen features. His lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯ve obtained the marriage license with Stephanie. It¡¯s time to let


    2/3


    3/3


    Hearing that, Dous sat down dejectedly. ¡°How could this be? All my borate ns have been ruined, Who on earth did this?¡¯ he thought.


    Lori gripped him fiercely, crying, but he couldn¡¯t hear her. All he could think about was uncovering the mastermind who had ruined his ns.


    The ck Maybach was zooning on the road. The soft illumination from the streetmps outside filtered through the window, casting intermingling shadows on the man¡¯s sculpted features¡±


    Out of habit, Vincent reached for the amethyst bracelet on his wrist but found it missing. He suddenly remembered giving Stephanie the bracelet. ¡°Is she asleep now?¡¯ he wondered.


    Vincent took out his phone and saw a WhatsApp message from five minutes ago: [Honey, are you asleep?]


    He clicked on the conversation, ready to reply, but after a moment¡¯s thought, Vincent decided to call her instead. She picked up quickly, sounds of crickets and the whoosh of passing carsing through.


    Vincent asked with a frown, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Stephanie sniffled. ¡°Honey, I no longer have a home.¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    A hall hourter, a bright beam of light shene on Stephanie. She lifted a hand to shield her eyes, but as the light went out, she slowly lowered her hand.


    Zane opened the back door and approached Stephanie to grab the suitcase. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, please get in the car,¡± he said.


    After thanking Zane, she entered the car, smiling warmly at Vincent and saying, ¡°Good to see you again, honey!¡±


    Her innocent smile made him softly chuckle. ¡°I thought you were crying when I heard your voice.¡±


    She blinked her eyes and confessed, ¡°I was. I missed you dearly,¡±


    ¡°You are lying.¡± Despite that, a faint smile graced his face.


    Stephanie drew closer, presenting her face. ¡°Did my nose grow longer?¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t, because I didn¡¯t lie,¡± Stephanie affirmed with a smile.


    Vincent, noticing the delightful scent of pears on her, swallowed subconsciously. ¡°Sit down.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie replied and leaned against his shoulder.


    As Zane joined them in the car, Vincent resumed his serious demeanor and instructed him to drive back to Tranquil Garden.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Zane replied before raising the partition.


    Stephanie was familiar with Tranquil Garden. Nestled on the pricey east outskirts of Jacaster, it was a paradise that money alone couldn¡¯t buy. In her past life as Vincent¡¯s executive secretary, she¡¯d oftene here to get his signature on some papers or to collect documents.


    During those times, she discreetly snapped photos of crucial sections and shared them with Dous. Now reborn, she deemed it as a chance for not just revenge but also redemption for past sins.


    She clung tightly to Vincent¡¯s arm, oblivious to how tense he was. Vincent closed his eyes, though he could still sense her presence. Luckily, they were reaching Tranquil Garden shortly. In a husky voice, he announced, ¡°We¡¯ve arrived¡±


    Stephanie startled, then turned to look out the window. Despite the darkness, every corner of Tranquil Garden was lit with floormps, casting a warm and romantic yellow glow.


    ¡°Do you like it here?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie turned to him and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    *This will be your home from now on,¡± he dered.


    She clenched her fists tightly in response. In her past life, she¡¯d never felt the warmth of family, even in death. This time, Vincent granted her that precious gift. With a smile, she replied softly, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After exiting the car, Stephanie wheeled Vincent toward the mansion. The door swung wide open, and ten housekeepers stood in a row led by Connor Lane, the butler. In unison, they greeted, ¡°Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher!¡±


    Vincent nced sideways and remarked, ¡°They¡¯re waiting for you to say something.¡±


    Chapter 7


    May


    Looking at them, she cleared her throat and said, ¡°Thank you.¡± In response, everyone stood upright.


    Connor, a kind-looking man of about 60, said, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, we await your orders.¡±


    Stephanie paused, then proimed, ¡°expect everyone to adhere to the rule of three don¡¯ts under all circumstances.¡±


    Tension filled the air as everyone heard her deration.


    Meanwhile Connor wiped his forehead, silently noting the newfound assertiveness of the newdy of the house.


    Stephanie tried to suppress herughter while observing the tension, and added, ¡°Don¡¯t stir up trouble, don¡¯t betray others, and don¡¯t hurt others for your own benefit. I expect a strict adherence to these principles.¡±


    A collective sigh of relief swept through the room upon hearing these straightforward rules.


    Vincent, on the other hand, chuckled.


    Lowering her head, Stephanie whispered in his ear, ¡°What do you think about my rules?¡±


    Vincent tensed as he caught a v


    a whiff of her scent. ¡°Well said.¡±


    ¡°Well, just didn¡¯t want to embarrass you,¡± Stephanie replied yfully.


    Vincent nodded and instructed, ¡°Sophia, please prepare the room next to mine for Mrs. Fletcher.¡± Sophia Zeller, the housekeeper, nodded.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t object. She understood that sharing a room with Vincent might be inconvenient due to his pretend disability. B secrets to keep.


    The mansion was equipped with an elevator, for Vincent¡¯s sake.


    Besides, she had her own


    The master bedroom was situated on the third floor. Stephanie wheeled him into the room. The interior design, with ck, grey, and white tones, radiated simplicity and luxury through its furnishings and amenities. The walls were fitted with handrails, and the furniture was free of sharp edges to avoid injury.


    Vincent looked at her and said, ¡°We don¡¯t have any women¡¯s items at home. Make do for tonight, I¡¯ll have everything you need tomorrow. I had to rush our marriage license because of personal reasons, and it needs to stay private for now. I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience.¡±


    Stephanie pondered briefly and suggested, ¡°Since you¡¯re putting me through this, I expect to bepensated.¡±


    Vincent raised his eyebrows. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    With a broad smile, she said, ¡°Kiss me.¡±


    Vincent gazed into her beautiful, clear eyes, which captured the symmetry of her nose and the plumpness of her lips. She seemed unreal, and his heart s k p p e d a beat. He reached out, holding the back of her head, and kissed her. He awkwardly pecked her, and their teeth knocked against each other, elicitingughter from her.


    ¡°It seems you don¡¯t know how to kiss. Is that why you didn¡¯t kiss me in the car? I understand now. You were worried Mr. Quin wouldugh at you,¡± shemented yfully,


    ¡°Stopughing.¡± said Vincent h o r y.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t as she noticed they resembled greenhorns, which she found amusing. Vincent deepened the kiss, swiftly transitioning from hesitant to domineering, leaving Stephanie breathless.


    Chapter 7


    Sat, 25 May


    A knock was heard. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, your room is ready,¡± someone said.


    Their lips parted, and with fluttering eyshes, she couldn¡¯t help but wrap her arms around his neck. She felt something hard beneath her.


    Vincent¡¯s eyes filled with desire as he gently patted her back, his voice low and seductive, saying, ¡°Go back and rest.¡±


    Aware he might not want her to realize the effect of the kiss, she promptly stood up, pursed her lips, and said, ¡°Okay. Good night.¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Good night.¡±


    Hearing the door close, he stood up, walked to it, locked it, and entered the bathroom. Turning on the tap, cold water burst out from the showerhead. Images of Stephanie¡¯s lovely face, those innocent yet enticing eyes, and captivating lips filled his mind. Just one kiss had been enough to make him want to crush her in his embrace.


    Feeling a surge of lust, he looked upward and unbuckled his pants, granting himself release.


    In the next room, Stephanie soaked in the bath and heard a notification from her phone. Drying her hands, she picked it up, and her eyes narrowed.


    It was Fantasy Entertainment¡¯s official announcement, stating: [Mr. Dous Fletcher is engaged to Florence Hayes, a rising star.]

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Stephanie sneered and texted Giovanni: [Expose them.]


    A video and high-quality images from the engagement party, capturingpromising moments between Dous and Florence, flooded the inte, breaking free from the confines of upper-ss society circles.


    The official Fantasy Entertainment website crashed under a barrage of insults and criticalments.


    Ament appeared: [So, this is their damage control after getting caught red-handed? This engagement is a shami]


    Another biting remark said: [Florence ys the innocent card while she¡¯s backstabbing her sister. She¡¯s pure evil!]


    Someone expressed: [Looks like Florence¡¯s innocent facade has crumbled now!


    Ament dered: (The CEO of Fantasy Entertainment is a two-timing s**li


    Another said: [I hope these two stay together and spare the rest of us their dramal]


    Onemented: [I want to return my concert ticket.]


    Simrments kept surfacing.


    Stephanie responded to the concert ticket remark: [We should be in the audience, witnessing firsthand how this pretentious wench pretends to be innocent.]


    Thementer agreed: [You¡¯re right! We need to see her true colors for ourselves.]


    Onemented: 1 second that!]


    Anothermented: [Me too!]


    Meanwhile, at the Hayes manor, Florence, after seeing the online storm, cleared her dresser of all cosmetics with a sweeping motion, sending them crashing to the floor, and let out a scream.


    Matilda burst into the room, rmed. ¡°Flore, what happened?¡±


    Tears streaming, Florence shared, ¡°Mom, Dous assured me everything would smooth over with our engagement announcement. I never imagined someone would leak photos and videos from the party. It¡¯s a nightmare online.¡±


    Matilda frowned. ¡°Is Dous handling it?¡±


    Florence, drying her tears, confessed, ¡°He¡¯s tried everything-hackers, hispany¡¯s IT department-but nothing¡¯s stopped the spread. With the concert tomorrow, and no ticket returns, I¡¯m at a loss.¡±


    Matilda, trying to find a silver lining, said, ¡°But this could be good, Flore. If no one¡¯s returning their tickets, it means they still support you.¡±


    Florence, pointing out a nastyment, said, ¡°Mom, look at this. Thismenter, Summer, is calling for people toe to the concert just to ridicule


    me.


    Matilda reassured her, ¡°Flore, don¡¯t let it scare you. Your voice is beautiful. You¡¯ll win them over.¡±


    Florence¡¯s face paled. Left with no other choice, she pinned her hopes on Stephanie¡¯s voice to salvage her reputation. She sent a message to Stephanie on WhatsApp: [Stephie, the bacsh is unbearable. I need you to dazzle them at the concert tomorrow.]


    12:41 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 8


    Stephanie¡¯s reply was prompt: [No worries.] With a c u n n n g smile, Stephanie thought, ¡®Time to take back the spotlight you borrowed, Florence


    77%


    The next morning, the sun filtered in through the narrow c r a ck of the curtain, and dust danced in the air.


    Stephanie awoke, feeling momentarily dazed. Quickly lifting the nket, she leaped out of bed and dashed out of the room, coincidentally crossing paths with Sophia.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake, Mrs. Fletcher,¡± said Sophia.


    ¡°Is Vincent awake?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Sophia replied, ¡°Mr. Fletcher left shortly after dawn. He seemed in a hurry.¡±


    Disappointment crept onto Stephanie¡¯s face. ¡°I see.¡±


    Sophia then added, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, breakfast is ready. You can have them downstairs.¡±


    Stephanie nodded and returned to her roo


    room.


    She then sent a message to Vincent: [Why did you leave so early?]


    Vincent replied: [Something¡¯s wrong with the project in Gerton. I¡¯ll be back in two days.]


    Stephanie replied: [I¡¯ll be waiting for you.]


    He replied: [Okay!


    Stephanie recalled Vincent¡¯s departure from Jacaster after their engagement party in her previous life. She wasn¡¯t his chief secretary then.


    As nothing significant happened at that time, she felt relieved.


    ¡°This is perfect. With Vincent gone, I don¡¯t need excuses to leave for Florence¡¯s concert, she thought.


    After breakfast, she returned to her room. She received a call from Julianna Saunders, her best friend. Julianna¡¯s voice burst through with excitement. ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re finally taking charge!¡±


    Raising her eyebrows, Stephanie inquired, ¡°So you¡¯ve finally decided to speak to me again?¡±


    Julianna rebuked, ¡°It¡¯s because of your engagement to that jerk. That¡¯s why I blocked you and impulsively came to Irethiel, I only found out about the gossip from my peers today. How did youe to your senses?¡±


    Stephanie briefed her on the events of the previous night.


    Initially excited, Julianna fell silent when she learned that Stephanie had married Vincent. After a long pause, she eximed, ¡°Are you crazy? Why marry a c r i p p l e? Why jump into another trouble after leaving one?¡±


    Despite moving the phone away, Stephanie could still hear Julianna¡¯s trade.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Stephanie? People make bad decisions, but yours is the worst! Vincent, though powerful in the business industry, is not suitable to be a husband. You¡¯re going to live a life of abstinencel¡± Julianna chided.


    Understanding Julianna meant well, Stephanie Stayed silent until the former was done venting her anger. ¡°Vincent¡¯s the one who saved me from the fire. He¡¯s c r i pl e d because of me,¡± Stephanie rified,


    Chapter 8


    ¡°I wish you a happy but sexless life, Stephie,¡± Julianna replied.


    Stephanieughed. ¡°Come back, Julia, My designs will be exclusive to Starlight Design Studio. I¡¯ll lead Style Jazz Couture to greater sess.¡±


    ¡°Okay, wait for me,¡± said Julianna with a smile.


    The two chatted for a while before hanging up.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    In her previous life, Stephanie had sacrificed too much for Florence, handing over all her creative designs which led to Fantasy Boutique¡¯s worldwide fame and positioned Florence as a top designer. This generosity caused Starlight Design Studio, which she co-founded with Julianna, to face a critical shortage of designs, ultimately leading to its downfall after their designers were lured away by Fantasy Boutique.


    Julianna had always been critical of Stephanie¡¯s naivety towards Dous¡± true character and his affair with Florence. When Stephanie and Dous armounced their engagement, it was the final straw for Julianna, prompting her to take a break.


    This time around, Stephanie was determined to rectify her previous mistakes, ensuring that neither Julianna would remain upset with her for long nor would Starlight Design Studio meet the same unfortunate end.


    After dedicating an entire day to her designs, she asked Connor to drive her to Jacaster Stadium for Florence¡¯s concert.


    The roads were jam-packed, leading Stephanie to suggest, ¡°Connor, you can head back. I¡¯ll catch a taxi from here.¡±


    But Connor, hesitant to leave Stephanie alone, decided to inform Vincent. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Fletcher is attending the concert.¡±


    Vincent, amidst a meeting, responded with a hint of amusement, ¡°Is that so?¡±

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Vincent, having seen the news, assumed that Stephanie, like many others, attended the concert for drama. He chuckled and ordered, ¡°Wait for her there.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Fletcher,¡± came Connor¡¯s response.¡±


    Following the call, Vincent texted Stephanie, ensuring her safe return: [Connor will wait for you till the concert¡¯s over. Text me once you¡¯re back in the car.]


    Unbeknownst to Vincent, Stephanie had already made her way backstage, her phone lost in the cacophony of the concert. Florence, spotting Stephanie, was relieved and grateful. ¡°Stephie, you made it!¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    ¡°I promised, didn¡¯t 17¡± Stephanie replied, her presence reassuring Florence who was decked out in her performance attire.


    Handing the earphones and in-ears to Stephanie, Florence grasped Stephanie¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Thank you, Stephie. I¡¯m sorry for what I did. I¡¯ll make it up to you in the future.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the stage now,¡± Florence added.


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Stephanie.


    As Florence made her way to the lift tform, Stephanie¡¯s grip on the microphone tightened, her expression turning icy. The music¡¯s volume increased as the tform began its slow ascent


    Florence caught a glimpse of Stephanie¡¯s smile, a flicker of unease passing through her. Upon a closer look, she saw Stephanie waving goodbye with a serene face as if to say the preceding moments were nothing but a fleeting shadow.


    As the tform reached its peak, the warmth in Stephanie¡¯s smile vanished. Positioned at the heart of the stage, she surveyed the four LED screens broadcasting the concert with a chilly stare.


    Stephanie had taken on the role of Florence¡¯s vocal double.


    While Florence shone in her dance performances, her vocal prowess didn¡¯t match Stephanie¡¯s natural rity and power.


    It was by a stroke of luck that Florence discovered a sample recording of Stephanie¡¯s singing and, seizing the moment, passed it off as her own to the


    executives.


    Captivated by the vocal talent, Fantasy Entertainment aimed to transform Florence into a star of unmatched versatility.


    Aware the truth would out sooner thanter, Florence tearfully confessed to Stephanie, imploring her to be her secret singing voice. Valuing their sisterly bond, Stephanie forgave Florence and agreed to help.


    With an abundance of skills at her disposal, Stephanie didn¡¯t mind lending Florence a helping hand.


    This secret coborationsted eighteen months, propelling Florence to celebrity status and winning multiple awards while Stephanie remained content In the background, her contributions unseen.


    With the weight of the past on her mind, Stephanie sneered at Florence. ¡°Savor this final performance that will crown your achievements,¡± she said, her


    voliceced with frost


    The stage, a marvel of contemporary design and technology, pulsed with vibrant lights that danced to the rhythm, captivating the audience.


    12:41 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 9


    As Florence and her dancers executed their routine, the space came alive with energy.


    77%1


    Despite the bacsh from the engagement scandal, reducing her fanbase to three million, Florence was holstered by a core of devoted followers who


    celebrated her every move.


    As the night sky lit up with fireworks, marking the start of a musical extravaganza, Florence took the mic. ¡°Good evening, everyone!¡±


    +6


    The vast stadium, filled to its fifty thousand capacity, glowed under the collective radiance of fluorescent sticks, their light blending with the chorus of cheers and support from the crowd.


    With emotion coloring her voice, Florence confessed. ¡°I know the turmoil the recent online events have caused. I want to set the record straight-the engagement party¡¯s photos and videos were released by Dous and me.¡±


    The crowd buzzed with reactions.


    Choking back tears, Florence continued. ¡°But there¡¯s more to this story. Dous and I share a true love, respecting the boundaries we¡¯ve set. My sister¡¯s engagement to Dous¡¯ uncle was not a rash decision but one agreed upon by our families. We embarked on this path to honor my sister¡¯s wishes. I¡¯m willing to bear the brunt of public opinion if it means securing her happiness. Thank you all for standing with me tonight and for your continued support!¡±


    Backstage, Stephanie absorbed Florence¡¯s carefully crafted exnation. Through her speech, Florence-not only maintained her image of innocence but also spun a tale that hinted at a long-standing romance between Stephanie and Vincent.


    The controversy from the engagement party was cleverly reinterpreted to suggest that Stephanie and Vincent shared a deep love, and it was Florence who, out of sisterly love, stepped in to dissolve Dous¡¯ engagement, portraying Stephanie as hesitant to engage with him.


    ¡°What a kind sister!¡¯ Stephanie mused, not fooled by the act.


    As anticipated, this revtion shifted the fans¡¯ perspective.


    ¡°Poor Flore! What a sister she has!¡± oneined


    ¡°Florence is remarkable for willingly shouldering such infamy! Reputation is important, especially for gir


    ¡°I feel so bad for her!¡± anothermented.


    another person eximed.


    However, someone said, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. How can the video be fake? You all are idiots for believing in her lies!¡±


    Another chimed in, ¡°Florence is bad at acting but good at lying!¡±


    One said, ¡°This is ridiculous!¡±


    Though some negative remarks persisted, they were significantly less intense than before.


    Florence, with tears still on her face, pleaded for continued support with a tone that bordered on insincerity, ¡°I¡¯ll be back with a new look and some amazing music for you all!¡±


    After a quick costume change, Florence reached out to Stephanie, ¡°Stephie, you heard my announcement, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Stephanie replied with a smile.


    ¡°Are you upset with me?¡± Florence inquired, seemingly concerned.


    ¡°Why would I be? After all, we¡¯re sisters,¡± Stephahle reassured her.


    Chapter 9


    Florence, relieved, thanked Stephanie, ¡°I really appreciate you doing this for me tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s perfect, Stephanie promised.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Florence said, knowing well that Stephanie would follow through as she always sought the familial connection Florence offered.


    When Florence took the stage again, the melody turned somber.


    She began. ¡°in the dead of night, I sketched you into my palm, believing in a secret that turned out to be a facade¡­¡±


    The stadium, illuminated by blue glow sticks, resembled a tranquil sea, and the earlier whispers of discontent faded away, mesmerized by the hauntingly beautiful performance.


    Unexpectedly, the music shifted into an operatic piece, leaving Florence bewildered and frozen. ¡°Stephie, what¡¯s happening?¡± Florence¡¯s voice quivered with confusion.


    The opera continued, with no response from Stephanie.


    The audience, initially puzzled, stood up as murmurs spread.


    Then, someone used loudly, ¡°Florence is lip-syncing!¡±


    The screens showed Florence¡¯s unmoving lips against the backdrop of the soaring opera, revealing the deceit.


    As the opera piece ended and the original song picked back up, Florence had no choice but to carry on, visibly shaken.


    Trying to salvage the situation, Florence, drenched in sweat and nervous, attempted to y it off, ¡°That was just a little surprise. I¡¯ve been practicing ventriloquism. Did you like it?¡±


    The fans then believed that their idol was just ying a prank on them. Such an urrence had never taken ce in Florence¡¯s concerts before, leaving her fans to ept the incident as a quirky, unprecedented stunt, injecting a fresh sense of excitement,


    Florence cast a quick look at her manager, Lilian Brown, who understood the impending fallout and went in search of Stephanie, poised to issue a stern Warning


    Lin alone knew the truth about Florence¡¯s secret vocal double.


    Despite recognizing Stephanie¡¯s immense talent, Lilian knew the former had always preferred to remain out of the spotlight. And now, with Florence having been propelled to stardom by Fantasy Entertainment, Liliar felt obligated to keep Stephanie¡¯s contributions a secret.


    Florence engaged with her fans while Lilian approached Stephanie, who was seated on a barstool backstage. ¡°Stephie, was this your doing? This could destroy Flore!¡± she eximed.


    Stephanie offered a sly smile in response. ¡°I¡¯m aware. But I¡¯m not here to destroy her, I¡¯m here to take back the recognition that rightfully belongs to me.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°But Stephie, you were the one who provided that sample to Florence and agreed to help her by being her vocal double. You can¡¯t just go back on that now.¡±


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow, countering. ¡°The sample was taken by Florence without my permission. I agreed to help because we were family. But if she sees me as a fool, why should continue to treat her like family? Lilian, have you forgotten how you felt when your friend stole your boyfriend?¡±


    This struck a chord with Lilian, her face clouding over, yet she insisted, ¡°But family and friendships aren¡¯t the same. You¡¯re bound by blood.¡±


    Stephanie retorted with a knowing smile, ¡°Yet of the concert¡¯s start, Florence ced all the me on me. Is that how family acts? I¡¯d rather be without such ¡®family¡¯ And about that video that helped you-do you know who sent it?¡±


    3/4


    12:41 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 9


    Lilian had previously received a video that revealed her boyfriend¡¯s betrayal with her best friend, leading her to end the rtionship.


    Only someone directly involved would have known about this.


    ¡°It was you?¡± Lilian gasped in realization.


    ¡°I happened to catch them in the room and decided to help you, it¡¯s time you returned the favor, Stephanie said with a smile.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Lilian, after returning to the stage area, signaled reassuringly to Florence, who then confidently announced, ¡°Next, I¡¯ll be singing the song ¡®Perfect


    Match.¡±


    As the music began, Florence lifted the microphone with confidence, ready to perform.


    However, as Florence prepared to sing, the music for ¡°Separation¡± yed instead, followed by ¡°Blues,¡± confusing the band and halting their performance.


    Despite being unable to follow up with the songs, Florence bravely bit the bullet and continued lip-syncing. As she was unaware of the uing songs, each shift on the ylist revealed Florence¡¯s embarrassed expression on the big screen.


    A hush foll over the entire stadium as the unexpected transition left the audience in silence. The clear vocals resonated through the night sky, now unapanied by the band, while Florence continued her performance.


    Suddenly, the music cut off, and Florence was too slow to hide her shocked look. The whole ce saw her moving lips-no sound. Realizing she was busted, she mmed up.


    As she turned on her microphone to exin, Stephanie¡¯s voice filled the stadium, ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Florence¡¯s vocal double. I apologize for deceiving you with my voice while staying hidden. Singing brings me joy, and initially stayed behind the scenes for Florence¡¯s sake. However, discovering her true colors has led me to reconsider. The engagement party scandal is true, and Florence¡¯s attempts to manipte the story are uneptable. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask her to sing without music, though she¡¯ll likely use feeling unwell as an excuse and leave the singing industry soon after.¡±


    Stephanie continued. ¡°Though we¡¯ve not met, I know you¡¯ve appreciated my voice, I hope we can truly connect someday.¡±


    She then left the microphone and in-ears on thewn and exited swiftly.


    The revtion ignited fury among the fans, who used Florence of lying ¡°Florence, you¡¯re a liar!¡±


    Overwhelmed with fear, Florence copsed to the ground, watching as the glow sticks from the audience surged toward the stage. Unable to stand, she dragged herself backstage.


    Lilian, concerned for her safety, quickly directed the staff to help Florence escape the growing unrest.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    The scene was charged with tension from the fifty thousand fans in attendance, the fallout of which was hard to predict.


    The public rtions manager from Fantasy Entertainment stepped forward, attempting to calm the storm by suggesting Florence was the victim of a defamation campaign..


    Yet, the crowd wasn¡¯t swayed. The evidence was too clear-Florence¡¯s lip-syncing had been exposed to thousands, and her subsequent breakdown seemed to confirm her guilt in the eyes of the audience.


    Caught off-guard by the magnitude of the crisis, especially so soon after dealing with a scandal involving leaked photos, the public rtions manager felt a growing resentment toward Florence.


    In an attempt to quell the uproar, thepany offered double refunds for the concert tickets.


    This pacified some, but others demanded a direct exnation from Florence herself.


    The scandal, following closely on the heels of the leaked photos debacle, catapulted Florence into the center of controversy, bing a hot topic online. Despite thepany¡¯s efforts to suppress the discussions, they couldn¡¯t stem the tide of public opinion.


    Dous, watching the concert unfold on his screen, felt a surge of anger. The simrity between the vocal double¡¯s voice and Stephanie¡¯s was unmistakable, raising questions about Florence¡¯s reliance on Stephanie¡¯s talents. Suspicion gnawing at him, he repeatedly dialed Florence¡¯s number


    1/3


    Chapter 10


    until he finally reached her.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening? Those weren¡¯t your vocals, were they? Was Stephanie the one singing?¡± he pressed.


    Florence, tearful, responded, ¡°Dous, I¡¯m devastated. It was my voice on the sample, and thepany backed me because they liked it. But after drank coffee Stephanie made, my vocal cord was damaged, and I couldn¡¯t sing anymore. She offered to help as my vocal double out of guilt. Now, I think it was all part of her n to undermine me at my peak.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Dous questioned, his skepticism evident.


    Florence, sensing Dous doubt, doubled down on her story. ¡°It¡¯s the truth. Remember, Stephanie had an abortion at fourteen, which speaks volumes about her character. Despite her past, I weed her back, hoping she had changed. Yet, she betrayed me.¡±


    Dous, recalling past encounters with Stephanie at a bar, concluded that someone of her reputed background could indeed be capable of such deceit. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Florence. I¡¯ll support you. Maybe it¡¯s time to shift your focus to film and television. I¡¯ll ensure you be the best actress,¡± he offered.


    Florence, momentarily uplifted, asked, ¡°Dous, I miss you. How are you? How¡¯s your injury?¡±


    As Dous shifted, a sharp pain shot through his back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s Stephanie and Vincent who should be worried.¡±


    Meanwhile, Stephanie was enjoying a moment of satisfaction, reveling in the thought of Florence¡¯s predicament. The unfolding events brought her a sense of vindication, amused at the chaos Florence now faced.


    Outside the stadium, the parking lot was bustling with cars. Stephanie meandered down the pedestrian path, reaching for her phone only to discover its battery had died.


    Opting to walk a bit more before catching a taxi back to Tranquil Garden, she pressed on.


    Connor, having waited patiently in the car, noticed the throng of concertgoers spilling out into the streets and decided to step outside.


    He scanned the dispersing crowd for Stephanie but found no trace of her. In a state of rm, he dialed Vincent.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, the concert¡¯s over, and I¡¯ve lost sight of Mrs. Fletcher,¡± he conveyed with urgency.


    Vincent tried calling Stephanie, only to be met with the void of an unreachable phone.


    He then turned to hisptop, fingers flying over the keys in a rapid dance.


    The conference room quieted down as the executives watched, both impressed and intrigued by his swift actions.


    However, Stephanie¡¯s phone being off presented a hurdle, her device¡¯s encryption adding anotheryer ofplexity to the task at hand.


    Vincent shut hisptop with a decisive snap, addressing the room, ¡°After going through the rest of our agenda, I¡¯ve pinpointed ten areas needing attention. I¡¯ve highlighted these for review, and Zane will coordinate the adjustments. That¡¯ll be all for today.¡±


    Zane then swiftly wheeled Vincent out of the room, leaving the executives in a state of muted astonishment at how quickly he had managed to work through the extensive proposal before them. ¡®No wonder he¡¯s a business genius!¡¯ they thought.


    The executives were taken aback to see Vincent, a figure of unwavering calm amidst billion-dor deals, visibly unsettled. Their curiosity piqued, they spected on what could possibly ruffle the feathers of a man known for his stoic and detached demeanor.


    Rumors that Vincent had a fianc¨¦e spread rapidly, igniting whispers and spection among the executives. They couldn¡¯t resist pondering whether his infamous fianc¨¦e had cheated on him, suggesting a reason behind his unusual state of distress.


    On the two-hour drive from Gerton to Jacaster, Vincent sat in the backseat, his expression etched with worry. He urged Zane, ¡°Drive faster.¡±


    Tes virimipiesus wash over nim.


    Zane cast a nce at the speedometer, noting they were already pushing 111 miles per hour, and felt a wave of helplessness wash over him.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Stephanie arrived at the caf¨¦ and rented a portable charger. Upon turning on her phone, she noticed Vincent¡¯s message, informing her that Connor was waiting at the spot where he had left her.


    She replied: [My phone was out of power. I¡¯m charging it now and just switched it on. Later¡­]


    However, before she could finish typing her message, Vincent¡¯s call came through.


    She answered and heard his slightly anxious voice. He asked, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, my phone ran out of power, I rented a portable charger at a caf¨¦ to recharge it. I¡¯ve juste across your message and am now typing a response,¡±


    she replied.


    ¡°Send me your location. I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±


    up,¡± he said.


    Surprised, she asked, ¡°Are you back?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Send me your location,¡± he asserted.


    She replied, ¡°Okay.¡± She then sent him her location without hanging up.


    ¡°Why are you back?¡± she asked.


    Vincent paused for a moment and responded, ¡°The issue has been resolved. I found it difficult to sleep in the hotel.¡±


    Zane was rendered speechless by his boss¡¯ obstinacy.


    Stephanie replied, ¡°Oh. I thought you miss me.¡±


    Vincent remained silent.


    ¡°Did you miss me even just a little?¡± Stephanie asked, wearing a smile.


    He hummed softly in response.


    ¡°Vincent,¡± Stephanie called out with a grin.


    ¡°Yes?¡± His seductive voice slightly raised, leaving her feeling weak and numb.


    In her past life, she refrained from flirting with him and only witnessed his serious demeanor.


    In this life, she yearned to discover the passion hidden beneath his cold facade.


    Sheughed sweetly. ¡°Vincent, I miss you.¡± Her words hit his soft spot, causing him to tighten his grip around his phone, though he merely hummed in


    response.


    Stephanie looked at the screen above him and asked, ¡°What do you like to drink? Coffee or juice?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Order what you want,¡± he replied.


    She said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    He then heard her order hot chocte with marshmallows, eliciting a smile to grace his face.


    242: Sat, 26 May M 27


    Chapter 11


    Her favorite has never changed over the years, he thought.


    Seated by the floor-to-ceiling window, Stephanie conversed with Vincent while savoring her drink. She posed questions about his preferences and jotted them down. In this life, she aspired to be an exemry wife.


    ¡°Come out. I¡¯m here,¡± he said.


    Taking thest sip of the drink, she ran out of the caf¨¦.


    Zane opened the door for her.


    She thanked him with a smile before getting into the back seat.


    ¡°Vincent!¡± She held the man¡¯s arm and smiled happily.


    Vincent¡¯s tiredness disappeared immediately. He asked with a smile, ¡°You are Florence¡¯s vocal double?¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Why did you agree to be her voice double willingly?¡± he asked.


    Resting her head on his shoulder, she exined, ¡°In the Hayes family, aside from Grandpa, she¡¯s the only one who treats me well I yearn for familial affection, so I fulfill all her requests. However, Iter discovered that her kindness is merely a ploy to gain benefits from me.¡±


    The scene of her dying in her previous life shed through her mind again. She couldn¡¯t help but hold his arm tighter. She muttered, ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s not toote. I won¡¯t be foolish anymore.¡± Then, she added silently, ¡°Luckily, I can change things in time, and you¡¯re still around.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Vincent looked at her gently and said, ¡°Fletcher Group has an entertainmentpany as well, I can help you if you like singing,¡±


    Shaking her head, she said, ¡°I will only sing for you. You¡¯re the only audience I need.¡± She looked up at him, and her eyes curved from the smiles. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Sounds great,¡± said Vincent while fixing his gaze on her eyes.


    ¡°Did you have dinner?¡± Stephanie asked with a smile.


    Before Vincent could say anything, Zane, seated in the driver¡¯s seat, interjected, ¡°Mr. Fletcher ato very little during dinner. He had intended to have a midnight snack after the meeting, but when Connor mentioned he didn¡¯t pick you up, Mr. Fletcher promptly concluded the meeting and returned.¡±¡±


    Vincent red at Zane. ¡°Shut up¡±


    Zane smiled. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you must let Mrs. Fletcher know you care about her.¡±


    Stephanie was delighted to hear that. ¡°So, your return isn¡¯t just because you couldn¡¯t sleep at the hotel but because you were worried about me? Honey,


    you¡¯re so sweet to me.¡±


    Vincent cleared his throat and said, ¡°It¡¯s my duty as a husband.¡±


    ?Honey, do you want to have a taste of hot chocte?¡± she asked.


    No, he replied.


    Yes you do, she refuted. Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Her lips still carried the taste of hot chocte, the most addictive vor in the world for Vincent. He had sampled hot chocte before, and it didn¡¯t quite measure up to its delightful sterow.


    12:42 Sat, 25 May Mj


    Chapter 11


    Zane was speechless by their disy of affection.


    77%8


    When they arrived home, Stephanie led Vincent upstairs and suggested, ¡°You go ahead and take a shower first. I¡¯ll cook some food for you. How about


    pesto pasta?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.


    Vincent smiled watching her leave, before getting up and heading to the bathroom. He only took a quick shower, worried Stephanie woulde in at


    any time.


    As expected, not long after he left the bathroom, Stephanie returned.


    ¡°Food is ready. I¡¯ll take you to the dining room,¡± she said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.


    Stephanie led him to the dining room and sat in front of him. There were two tes of pesto pasta before them.


    The pasta, with the vibrant hue of the sauce and cheese, looked delicious.


    This was the first time Stephanie cooked for Vincent. She looked at him intensely as he ate it. She bit her lip, feeling a little nervous. She wasn¡¯t sure if he


    would like it.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± she asked.


    Vincent ate with elegance, showing his inherent grace. He replied, ¡°Yes. When did you learn to cook?¡±


    Stephanie smiled, ¡°In my eight years aboard, I rented a room near the campus and always cooked. If you like it, I¡¯ll make some for you when I have time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.


    We have the housekeepers for that,¡± he replied.


    ¡°But I prefer to cook for you.¡± Stephanie looked at him eagerly


    ¡°If you want to,¡± he replied.


    Stephanie nodded solemnly, ¡°Yes, I want to.¡±


    After their meal, Lydia Hart, a housekeeper, brought him his medicine. ¡°Here¡¯s your medicine, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Recalling checking Vincent¡¯s pulse the night before, Stephanie noticed something unusual in him that could harm his long-term health.


    Hence, she stopped him when he epted the medicine. ¡°Wait.¡±


    Vincent looked at her in confusion.


    Stephanie took it, checked, but found nothing wrong, leaving her puzzled about the origin of the cold-natured vibe in him.


    ¡®Somebody must have tampered with his medicine or food, she thought.


    She resolved not to react to it to discreetly discover the person responsible for drugging Vincent


    Frowning, she said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t smell nice. How can you take it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m used to it¡± Vincent took the medicine from her and swallowed it.


    12:42 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 11


    M


    After finding nothing strange about Lydia, Stephanie pushed Vincent to his room.


    ¡°You should rest soon,¡± he said,


    ¡°Can I stay with you tonight?¡± she asked.

 Chapter 12

    <b>Chapter </b><b>12</b>


    Stephanie wanted to reveal to Vincent that she was the <b>Miracle </b>Doctor Summer and discuss his current health situation. She nned to offer him detox acupuncture and check the medication he had been taking


    Before Vincent could respond, his phone vibrated with an iing call. He picked up and said, ¡°Miracle Doctor Summer has been spotted in Jacaster, The exact <b>location </b>hasn¡¯t <b>been </b>revealed yet. We can¡¯t let them leave Jacaster again. My mom¡¯s <b>brain </b>tumor needs <b>a </b>mix of old<b>¨C</b>school and modern medicine. They¡¯ve turned us down before, but this time we find them <b>we¡¯ve </b>got to do whatever it takes, even if it means breaking their legs to bring them


    hore.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless. In her previous life, she <b>knew </b>that Vincent had been looking <b>for </b><b>the </b>renowned Miracle Doctor Summer, but she had always assumed he was doing it for his own sake¨Cto treat his legs¨Cbecause of Dous¡¯s influence. She hadn¡¯t wanted to treat Vincent back then, she had no idea it <b>was </b>all for his mother¡¯s illness.


    With Vincent¡¯s severe leg condition, she wondered who could have treated it sessfully. Looking at Vincent¡¯s stern features, Stephanie no longer dared to admit that she was Miracle Doctor Summer.


    After he hung up, Vincent turned to her. ¡°<b>What </b>were you saying?¡±


    A bit on edge, Stephanie blurted out, ¡°Can I stay over tonight?¡±


    Vincent seemed taken aback for a moment.


    Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Stephanie rushed to further her request, ¡°Just for tonight, okay?¡±


    Vincent softened at her hopeful look and relented. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She practically bounced on her toes, ¡°Great, I¡¯ll just grab a shower and be right back!¡± Then she zipped out of the room.


    Back in the adjacent room, she found a dresser <b>packed </b>with top¨Cshelf beauty products, some fancy pajamas, and nightgowns <bid </b>out on the bed. She couldn¡¯t help but smile as she picked up the silk nightgown and headed for the bathroom.


    Alter the shower, she had dried her hair and put on the nightdress, her skin also lightly scented with a pleasant smelling body lotion. However, when she went to Vincent¡¯s bedroom<b>, </b>he wasn¡¯t there.


    That was when her phone buzzed with a message. Vincent: [Go ahead and sleep. I¡¯m in the study for a video conference.]


    Stephanie: <b>[</b>Okay.]


    She then searched for Vincent¡¯s usual medication. She discovered two small white bottles in the medicine box, tipping one out and sniffing it¨Cthere was <b>a </b>faint bitterness. To know the exact ingredients, she would need to analyze it with proper equipment. Because there were many pills in each bottle, she took one from each bottle for testing and put the small bottles back as they were.


    She took the sampled pills back to her own room, then draped on a knit cardigan and grabbed a small ck device before heading downstairs.


    Everything was set up, and she returned to Vincent¡¯s bedroom.


    Stephanie waited untilte at night, but Vincent still hadn¡¯te back. Gradually, her eyelids began fighting to stay open, and soon <b>her </b>eyes shut. About an hourter, the door opened quietly, and Vincent returned to the room in his wheelchair, closing the door gently behind him.


    The soft glow of a bedsidemp filled the room as Vincent drew near, observing Stephanie under the covers. Her hair spread out on the pillow<b>, </b>encircling her small face and highlighting her tranquil beauty. Her long and thickshes and slightly parted lips added to her serene <b>allure</b>.


    <b>As </b>Vincent¡¯s gaze trailed downward, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard <b>Dressed </b>in a pearl¨Cwhite nightgown, Stephanie¡¯s tanned skin<b>, </b>delicate corbone, and the hint of her cleavage were strikingly evident. Vincent turned away<b>, </b>feeling an unexpected heat surge through his <b>body</b>. He <b>took </b>a despN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Chapter <b>12</b>


    <b>breath</b>, feeling tormented by her staying the night.


    In a daze<b>, </b>Stephanie opened her eyes to see Vincent by the bed<b>. </b><b>She </b>propped herself up, saying, ¡°You¡¯re back:e sleep.¡±


    <b>He </b><b>nodded</b>, unable to take his eyes off her as her nightgown straps slipped down slightly, revealing more of her alluring figure.


    ¡°Your strap¡­¡± he started.


    Quickly looking down, Stephanie adjusted them and asked, ¡°Need a hand getting into bed?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got this,¡± Vincent replied, <b>declining </b>her offer. Perched on the edge of the bed, he braced himself with his hands, methodically lifting his legs onto


    the bed one <b>at </b>a time.


    Stephanie bit back a chuckle, thinking, ¡®He¡¯s perfectly fine, yet he¡¯s acting like he¡¯s hurt. Watching Vincent carefully lie down, she snuggled up next to him, drawing the nket over them both.


    ¡°Goodnight, Honey,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Good night,¡± came Vincent¡¯s reply, as he reached out to flick off the wallmp.


    Darkness enveloped the room, sharpening their other senses. Their breathing became the only sound, setting a charged atmosphere. Every now and then, Stephanie could hear Vincent swallow deeply, sending her heart into a flutter, She reached out to touch his arm.


    Vincent paused before speaking. ¡°This isn¡¯t something I¡¯m used to.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll just sleep over there,¡± Stephanie suggested, her voice tinged with disappointment.


    ¡°No, stay. It¡¯s fine,¡± Vincent quickly assured her..


    Stephanie made a move to turn away, hesitated, then faced him again, keeping a respectful distance. ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯m a sound sleeper.¡±


    ¡°Just sleep,¡± Vincent said softly.


    ¡°<b>Okay</b>.¡± Stephanie smiled,forted by Vincent¡¯s familiar, crisp scent.


    Eventually, sleep imed her.


    Vincenty awake, watching her. In the darkness, Stephanie¡¯s scent was even more intoxicating. He turned toward her, gently brushing her hair, when unexpectedly, he felt a weight on his waist.


    As he reached out, he brushed against her leg, and his heart skipped a beat. ¡®Is this her idea of being a ¡°sound sleeper¡°?¡± he wondered.


    Then, Stephanie snuggled closer<b>, </b>resting her head against his chest. Vincent inhaled deeply, unsettled yet soothed by her nearness. Her warmth enveloped him as she found a snug position in his arms.


    Vincent closed his <b>eyes</b><b>, </b>breathing in deeply, finding himself drawn to Stephanie¡¯s subtle provocations.


    Throughout the night, he reminded himself, ¡°Stay calm. Sex is trivial¡±


    The next morning. Vincent was already gone when Stephanie awoke. She checked her phone to see it was eight in the morning.


    A ck card and a note awaited har on the bedside table.


    The note read: [I¡¯ve arranged for some essential Feel free to buy whatever clothes or essories you like. Have the butler take you <b>shopping</b>]


    12:42 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 12


    Stephanie smiled, for she was nning to head out anyway.


    She texted Vincent: [Good morning, Honey.


    Vincent replied: [The card has no limit. Use it freely.]


    Stephanie sent back: [Thanks, honey!] along with a kiss emoji.


    77


    In his meeting room, Vincent¡¯s sudden smile <b>puzzled </b>his colleagues, a rare break from his usual stern <b>demeanor</b>. Yet, just as quickly<b>, </b>he was back to his serious sell, leaving them to wonder if they¡¯d imagined his brief amusement.


    After getting ready, Stephanie went for breakfast, and then left with the butler.


    Watching the car drive away. Lydia quickly hid herself and texted, [Mrs. Fletcher stayed the night with Mr. Fletcher.]


    In the car, Stephanie saw Lydia¡¯s sneaky move on her phone <b>and </b>eyed it suspiciously.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    The car pulled to a halt in front of Instate za. The butler Connor spun around, informing Stephanie, ¡°This is Jacaster¡¯s top shopping center, Mrs.


    Fletcher


    ¡°Thank you, Connor. Why don¡¯t you take a break and explore a bit? I¡¯ll be fine on my own,¡± Stephanie suggested, offering a friendly smile.


    ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, it¡¯s my duty to assist with your purchases and ensure your safety, especially after the incident at the concert. I couldn¡¯t forgive myself if anything were to happen to you,¡± Connor insisted with a grave tone.


    Seeing the sincerity in Connor¡¯s eyes, Stephanie hesitantly agreed to let him stay by her side,


    She made her way to the third floor¡¯s women¡¯s section and stepped into Style Jazz Couture, preferring to shop from her own line.


    A sales associate greeted her with a professional smile. ¡°Wee to Style Jazz Couture! How can I assist you today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to look around a bit first.¡± Stephanie replied, her simile just as measured.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m here if you need any help,¡± the associate offered.


    As she browsed through the selections, Stephanie texted: [I¡¯m at Style Jazz Couture. You here yet?


    A swift reply came: I¡¯m on my way!]


    The next second, a woman d in a striking red gown sauntered in, her curly hair cascading down to her waist, sunsses perched on her nose, and a silk scarf tied elegantly around her neck, radiating allure.


    The sales associate moved to greet her, but the ¡°woman,¡± with a raspy voice, declined, ¡°I prefer to look around by myself, thank you.¡± She made a beeline


    for Stephanie


    Trying


    g to hide her amusement, Stephanie continued perusing the dresses as the ¡°woman¡± leaned in and whispered, ¡°Boss, do I look pretty today?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the belle of the mall, though your feet might give you away,¡± Stephanie teased.


    Giovanni cleared his throat,ining.¡±


    ¡°You always find something to tease me about. By the way, the Fletchers have put up a 100 million-dor bounty on your head.¡±


    ¡°I see. Go ahead and take the orders. We¡¯ll do it on Saturday,¡± Stephanie said nonchntly.


    Giovanni agreed, ¡°Alright. But boss, this whole marriage bet with Vincent really caught me off guard.¡±


    Stephanie looked at him, saying, ¡°It¡¯s not a bet. You¡¯ll understand.¡± She handed him a clear bag with white pills, instructing, ¡°Get these tested. I need to know what they¡¯re made of as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll head out then,¡± Giovanni announced, before pointing to a cream-colored dress, ¡°That one looks like it was made for you.¡±¡±


    Stephanie watched him depart, and then turned her attention to the dress he¡¯d rmended. ¡°He¡¯s got an eye. It¡¯s definitely one of Julianna¡¯s designs.¡±


    As she reached for it, another hand s**d the dress first. It was Lucianna Sutton, a former schoolmate and underling of Florence, grabbing the dress.


    Lucianna, who had risen from humble beginnings/was extremely obedient toward Florence,


    Over the years, she had be a D-list actress under Florence¡¯s wing and now worked for Fantasy Entertainment.


    12:42 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 13


    Stephanie remembered that in her previous life, Lucianna was diagnosed with AIDS and had infected multiple men.


    76%


    Behind Lucianna stood Liam Sawyer, the CEO of Construction Depot, known to Stephanie as one of the men impacted by Lucianna¡¯s future diagnosis.


    Lucianna sneered, ¡°Look who it is, if it isn¡¯t Stephanie. I heard about your struggles abroad. And now you show up here, acting all wealthy. How could someone like you step into?¡± She turned to the sales associate, questioning, ¡°Has Style Jazz Couture dropped its standards? Letting just anyone in now? I¡¯ll take this dress. Charge it to my card¡±


    Liam, eager to impress, offered his card to the associate, his nce at Stephanie smug. ¡°Lucia, pick whatever you like. It¡¯s on me.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Covering her mouth with a giggle, Lucianna responded, ¡°You always treat me so well. This is all I want.¡±


    As the associate took the card, poised to process the payment, Stephanie interjected, ¡°Wait¡±


    The associate, judging Stephanie¡¯s more modest sportswear against Lucianna¡¯s ostentation, haughtily remarked, ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve been browsing since you entered. If you¡¯re not nning to buy anything, please don¡¯t waste our time. This is Style Jazz Couture, the pinnacle of luxury fashion. Ms. Sutton here is


    one of our VIP clients!¡±


    ¡°I want to talk to your manager,¡± Stephanie directed firmly to the nearby sales associate.


    The associate, sensing the situation might worsen, quickly fetched the manager, who approached with a clear understanding of the issue.


    Aher acknowledging Lucianna with a nod and bow, she addressed Stephanie, ¡°I apologize, but our VIP clients do get precedence, so the dress will be given to Ms. Sutton,¡±


    ¡°Since when does being a VIP mean you can take items from another customer?¡± Stephanie challenged.


    r scoffed, ¡°You clearly don¡¯t understand how things work among the wealthy. The manager has the discretion to make these decisions. Are


    The managers wo clear?


    Connor, standing close, whispered, ¡°Do you want me to contact Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Stephanie dismissed the suggestion with a shake of her head. ¡°No.¡±


    In the manager¡¯s presence, Stephanie made a call and concisely exined the situation. After hanging up, she confidently stated, ¡°This will be sorted out in two minutes¡±


    The manager¡¯s smile was condescending, ¡°Why put yourself through this? You shouldn¡¯t beyond your depth. This isn¡¯t some minor expense, after all. The dress is 122 thousand dors, not 122 dors.¡±


    Promptly, the mall¡¯s manager arrived, clearly distressed, and asked, ¡°Which one of you is Ms. Hayes?¡±


    ¡°That would be me,¡± Stephanie identified herself


    He apologized profusely to Stephanie, and then turned to chastise the shop manager, ¡°The head of Style Jazz Couture insists this dress is for Ms. Hayes.¡±


    The shop manager was shocked. ¡°What? But-


    ¡°Enough! Prepare the dress for Ms. Hayes immediately!¡± the mall manager interrupted.


    Realizing Stephanie¡¯s potential influence, the shop manager reluctantly directed the associate to package the dress.


    As Stephanie was handed the bag, Lucianna¡¯s look was one of bitterness. Lucianna approached, sneering, ¡°You¡¯re just relying on your fianc¨¦. You act tough now, but I doubt he¡¯s even capable in bed,¡±


    5 May


    Áã75%•þ


    Chapter 13


    The retort was met with a sharp p from Stephanie, leaving Lucianna in shock, her makeup smeared. ¡°You hit me?¡±


    Stephanie held her head high. ¡°Sounds like someone¡¯s got loose screws


    Lucianna frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Only someone with a screw loose would spout such nonsense,¡± Stephanie shot back.


    b**h!


    Furious, Lucianna yelled, ¡°You b**h!¡±


    Grasping Lucianna¡¯s wrist tightly, Stephanie delivered another p across her face. ¡°I was wrong. You¡¯re not crazy, just brainless.¡±


    With a forceful push, Lucianna stumbled into Liam, her cheeks marked by the impact. She turned to Liam, ying the victim. ¡°It hurts! You must avenge


    me!


    Stephanie taunted, ¡°Running to your daddy because you can¡¯tpete?¡±


    Lucianna corrected angrily, ¡°He¡¯s my man, not my daddy!¡± She then turned to Liam, stating, ¡°Honey, you need to teach her a lesson for insulting both of


    ust


    Despite being the CEO of apany, Liam was not part of the wealthy circle, nor did he have the privilege to attend the engagement party.


    Liam, out of his depth and unaware that Stephanie was from the Hayes family, thought her influence came from a connection with Style Jazz Couture.


    He pondered, ¡®If it¡¯s someone Lucianna dares to offend, she probablycks a notable background!


    With that in mind, Liam proposed indecently, believing it would settle the matter, ¡°You¡¯re pretty but a bit too feisty. Apologize, spend a night with me, and we¡¯ll forget this happened. Otherwise, I won¡¯t let you off the h**k for this.¡±


    Connor stepped up, asserting, ¡°Sir, your daughter was the one who took the dress and spewed some disrespectful remarks.¡±


    Liam bristled at Connor¡¯s audacity. ¡°Who do you think you are? How dare you talk to me like that?¡±


    Lucianna shot Stephanie a disdainful nce andmented, ¡°Were you that lonely to the extent that you had to get with an old man?¡±


    Connor sternly admonished her, ¡°How dare you disrespect Mrs. Fletcher?¡±


    Confused, Liam echoed, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher?¡±

 Chapter 14

    <b>Chapter </b><b>14</b>


    The scene had attracted a crowd, all eyes riveted on the unfolding drama.


    Liam, sensing trouble, pressed again, ¡°Mrs, Fletcher? Which Mrs. Fletcher7¡±


    Connor¡¯s retort was swift. ¡°You¡¯ve just insulted the wife of Mr. Vincent Fletcher.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Vincent Fletcher?¡± At the mention of Vincent, Lian¡¯s demeanor changed drastically. He whirled around and pped Lucianna, sending her sprawling on the floor.


    With a kick to her chest, he berated her, ¡°You pushed me into insulting Mr. Fletcher! What are you trying to do, ruin me?¡±


    <b>Luciana</b>, in agony, attempted to <b>plead</b><b>, </b>¡°Hancy, I didn¡¯t mean to


    Another kicknded on her shoulder <b>as </b>Liam dismissed her, ¡°Honey? Who the heck is your honey? Get away from me!¡± He then turned to Stephanie, his smile forced. ¡°My deepest apologies, Mrs. Fletcher. Thad no <b>idea</b>. Lucianna is to me.¡±


    Stephanie, unfazed, simply stated, ¡°I don¡¯t feel right about this.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Liam¡¯s mouth twitched as he pondered, ¡®Vincent is a living terror in the business industry. Offending him could cost me my future!¡®


    Eager to make amends, he offered, ¡°Tell me how to make it right. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes!¡±


    Stephanie remembered Liam owned an office building in the Eternal District. Though secluded and not highly valued, a developer wouldter take an interest in it and demolish it for the construction of a high¨Crise building, Consequently, the building¡¯s value plummeted by 60 million dors.


    ¡°You own that office building in the Eternal District, correct?¡± she asked quietly.


    Liam, catching on, cautiously inquired, ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°Sell it to me for 400 thousand dors,¡± Stephanie proposed<b>.</b>


    Liam balked at the amount. ¡°W¨CWhat? 400 thousand dors? But I put 2 million dors into that building!¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± said Stephanie, her lips curling into a grin. ¡°I <b>guess </b>I¡¯ll have a chat with Vincent about the day¡¯s events.¡±


    Panicked, Liam capitted, ¡°No! Fine, I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll have the contract ready¡­


    ¡°All right. Bring the contract to Fletcher Group by 11 o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll ensure the funds are transferred to yourpany¡¯s ount,¡± Stephanie instructed, then signaled to Connor, ¡°Let¡¯s <b>leave</b>.¡±


    As they made their way to the exit, the crowd parted for them, giving Stephanie and Connor clear passage.


    Stephanie couldn¡¯t resist throwing <b>a </b>smug look back at Lucianna before moving on.


    Lucianna, unnerved by Stephanie¡¯s confident smirk, tried totch onto Liam, pleadingly calling him ¡°Honey¡­


    Liam, ncing at his watch and realizing it was already 9:50 a.m., brushed off Lucianna¡¯s attempt to hold him. ¡°Stay away from me<b>, </b>or it¡¯ll be the end of you!¡± he threatened.


    Fuming with <b>anger</b>, Lucianna mmed her foot down hard. Catching sight of someone snapping pictures, she quickly slipped on her <b>sunsses </b>and made her exit.


    <b>12:43 </b>Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 14


    The mall manager, looking stem, turned to the shop manager and the associate, ¡°You two, out now! You¡¯ve nearly been the end of me!¡±


    Regret washed over the shop manager and assistant. They hadn¡¯t expected to cross paths with someone of such importance.


    76%


    Over at Fletcher Group, just after Vincent wrapped up a meeting and made his way back to his office, Zane came in to report.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Sawyer from Construction Depot is here to see you,¡± he sai


    said.


    Vincent arched an eyebrow. ¡°As far as I know, we¡¯re not working on anything with Construction Depot at the moment.¡±


    That¡¯s correct, Zane confirmed.


    ¡°Then see no reason to meet with him,¡± Vincent dered firmly.


    Zane countered, ¡°But <b>he </b>imed Mrs. Fletcher sent him regarding a contract signing¡±


    Vincent issued <b>a </b>stern warning, his gaze sharp, ¡°Next time you omit the most important detail, it¡¯ll cost you 20,000 dors.¡±


    ¡°My apologies. I¡¯ll have hime in now,¡± Zane <b>conceded</b>.


    Shortly after, Liam <b>was </b>ushered into the office.


    Standing stiffly before the solid wooden desk, he handed over the contract to <b>Zane</b>, who then <b>passed </b>it to Vincent.


    Vincent¡¯s gaze briefly lingered on the words ¡°transfer contract on the cover before he started to review the document.


    He thought, ¡°How did she manage to secure this building for merely 400 thousand dors?¡± Vincent knew from insider information that thend was ted for demolitione the new year, with its value expected to skyrocket. The modest investment of 400 thousand <b>dors </b>was poised to balloon to


    at least 4 billion dors.


    Vincent couldn¡¯t help but smile, impressed. ¡®She¡¯s quite the strategist. How did she convince Liam to let go of it for such a steal?¡±


    Resting his hands on the wheelchair, he tapped the armrest thoughtfully. ¡°How did she purchase this building?¡±


    Liam, visibly sweating, exined, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize who Mrs. Fletcher was. During a shopping trip, linadvertently offended her. <b>As </b><b>a </b>gesture of apology, I agreed to sell this building to her for 400 thousand dors.¡±


    His voice trailed off as he noticed Vincent¡¯s expression grow increasingly stern.


    Just then, Vincent¡¯s phone pinged with a message from Stephanie: [Honey, <b>have </b>you seen my wedding gift to you? It might not look like much now, but I believe it¡¯s going to be worth a fortune soon!!


    A brief smile softened Vincent¡¯s features. He texted back: [Yes<b>, </b><b>I¡¯ve </b>seen it. It¡¯s perfect. Thank you.]


    Stephanie¡¯s immediate response came through: [You¡¯re wee! What would <b>you </b>like for dinner? I¡¯m happy to make whatever you¡¯re in the mood <b>for</b>.]


    Vincent replied: [l have whatever you cook.)


    Liam, observing Vincent¡¯s <b>pleased </b>smile, mistakenly thought the contract had been well¨Creceived. He ventured, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, if you¡¯re satisfied with the contract, we could proceed with the signing.¡±


    Vincent gave Liam a frosty look. ¡°Mr. <b>Sawyer</b>, next time you cross paths with my wife, choose a different direction.¡±


    12.43 <b>Sat</b>, 25 May


    Chapter <b>14</b>


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll steer clear,¡± Liam hurriedly assured.


    With that, Vincent signed the contract.


    After Liam was escorted out, Zane returned to the office.


    76%


    Vincent, standing by the expansive window, exuded a powerful presence. His tall stature, even more imposing outside of the wheelchair, demanded


    respect.


    Zane, maintaining a respectful distance, announced, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Liam <b>has </b><b>left</b>.¡±


    Vincent, half¨Cturning, ordered, ¡°Bring up the mall¡¯s surveince footage.¡±


    ¡°Right away.¡± Zane responded, adding, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s foresight is impressive. Snagging that building for just 400 thousand dors¨Cit¡¯s going to be


    worth so much more in the future.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s smile returned. ¡°Indeed, she¡¯s got <b>a </b>keen eye.¡± Zane couldn¡¯t help but feel that Vincent was somehowplimenting himself.


    Soon, the surveince footage was ying on Vincent¡¯sputer.


    Seeing Stephanie¡¯s fury over Lucianna¡¯s disrespect toward him filled him with a <b>sense </b>of warmth.


    The protective instinct she showed wasforting


    Vincent remembered a young girl¡¯s soothing voice. Despite her obvious fear, she had held him close and promised<b>, </b>¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll protect you!¡±


    A smile flickered across Vincent¡¯s lips, then vanished.


    He pressed the inte button and instructed, ¡°Send details on the woman who antagonized Mrs. Fletcher to Liam¡¯s wife and make sure she¡¯s


    exposed.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Zane responded promptly<b>.</b>


    Ãâ

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Back at Tranquil Garden, Stephanie spent her afternoon inmersed in sketching in her bedroom. Pleased with her work, she quickly emailed the sketches


    to Julianna.


    Stretching, she caught a glimpse of the time on her phone. It was already live in the afternoon.


    Her screen shed with several sensational news headlines, ¡°Lucianna, a D-list actress from Fantasy Entertainment, caught chasing a taken man¡± and ¡°Fantasy Entertainment¡¯s own D-list star, Lucianna, faces the wrath of a legitimate wife for ying the other woman¡±.


    Seeing the effects of the altercation on Lucianna¡¯s face, Stephanie couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°So much for her nose job. It¡¯s so out of shape, she¡¯s unrecognizable,¡±


    Just then, a WhatsApp notification appeared. Vincent messaged: [Do you like the gift I sent you?


    Stephanie replied instantly: [Love it. When are youing home?


    Vincent texted back: [I¡¯ll bete tonight, got a thing with some buddies. I¡¯ll bring you along next time. Don¡¯t wait up for me, okay?


    Stephanie wanted to tell him she¡¯d wait, but knowing that might hold him back from enjoying his time, she erased her first message and settled with: [Okay.]


    Suddenly, a knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, dinner¡¯s ready,¡± announced Sophia.


    ??????????


    ¡°T¡¯ll be right down.¡± Stephanie answered, deciding to leave the distressing images of Lucianna¡¯s battered face behind, fearing they might ruin her


    appetite. Getting to her feet, she headed downstairs to the dining room


    Meanwhile, Lucianna was stretched out on an operating table in a cosmetic surgery clinic, clutching her phone. ¡°Flore, I¡¯ve been outed. It¡¯s got to be Stephanie¡¯s doing. How else would Liam¡¯s wife catch me right after our spat?¡± shemented.


    ister¡¯s always been cutthroat,¡± Florence agreed.


    ¡°My sister


    Lucianna, puzzled, asked, ¡°Flore, that geezer mentioned Stephanie is Mrs. Fletcher. is she really married to Vincent?¡±


    Florence, clearly exasperated, couldn¡¯t admit the truth about Stephanie and Vincent¡¯s marriage. She skeptically responded, ¡°You think someone like Vincent would make such an impulsive decision? Who knows who that old man was?¡±


    Questioning further, Lucianna wondered, ¡°You think he was lying?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, he¡¯s just trying to intimidate,¡± Florence assured with a wicked glint in her eye. She then added, ¡°Lucia, don¡¯t let Stephanie intimidate you. She¡¯s probably just exploiting Vincent¡¯s name. No respectable man would want his name used in such petty squabbles. They might im to be engaged, but without a formal ceremony, it¡¯s all talk. Maybe Vincent will eventually dismiss it. They don¡¯t share a real connection. Vincent hardly knows her. We just need to reveal her for who she really is, and he¡¯ll abandon her. She¡¯s been nothing but ungrateful. In contrast, you and I, we¡¯re like sisters.¡±


    Touched, Lucianna asked, ¡°But how do we show Vincent her true colors?¡±


    Florence smirked with a n in mind. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s birthday is this weekend. You could¡­¡±


    Meanwhile, at the club, Vincent entered the private room where his friends, Joseph Cole and Graham Whitlock, were already waiting.¡±


    Chapter 15


    Zane gave a nod and stationed himself by the door.


    Vincent made his way over to the couch and sat down, his brown hair softly framing his face, looking particrly striking under the soft lighting.


    Joseph handed him a ss of red wine, which Vincent epted and swirled thoughtfully.


    ¡°Your fianc¨¦e was back for Dous at that time. You must have been aware,¡± Joseph remarked.


    Vincent, peering into his wine ss, replied softly, ¡°So, I made her mine.¡±


    Joseph, mid-drink, nearly choked. Coughing, he blurted out, ¡°Hold up, Vincent, are you saying you¡¯ve¡­ you know, been with her?¡±


    Graham cut in, ¡°Idiot. They probably got married.¡±


    Joseph looked to Vincent for confirmation, who simply smiled, reminiscing the moment Stephanie kissed him before heading to City Hall.


    Joseph, bewildered, joked, ¡°No way, Vincent. Did she put a spell on you? Weren¡¯t you searching for that young girl?¡±


    Vincent fixed Joseph with a steady look, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve found her.¡±


    As Joseph processed the news, Graham rified, ¡°Stephanie is that girl.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Joseph was taken aback, thinking to himself, ¡°What a plot twist! Or has this been orchestrated from the start?¡±


    ¡°Did the secret spill?¡± Joseph asked.


    Vincent, twirling the ss, replied, ¡°No.¡±


    Joseph, pushing his luck, teased, ¡°So does that mean Stephanie thinks you¡¯re, you know, not able to


    Astern nce from Vincent instantly shut him down.


    Graham Jested, ¡°Seriously, man, some people just can¡¯t keep their mouths shut?


    With a knowing grin, Vincent tasted the wine and inquired, ¡°Is this selection from Chardonn¡¯s Vineyard?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the owner of Chardonn¡¯s Vineyard is quite the easygoing character, with the ce running smoothly thanks to her right hand, Isabelle Wright. Ever thought aboutunching a Fletcher Group vineyard? Chardonn¡¯s Vineyard could serve as a great model. I bet with your influence, enticing the owner wouldn¡¯t be too hard,¡± Joseph pitched.


    Vincent, with a smirk, replied, ¡°I¡¯m married, man. You¡¯re the one who should go.¡±


    Joseph found himself at a loss for words.


    Graham chimed in with caution, ¡°There¡¯s someone snooping around Jacaster for you. Stay sharp while you¡¯re out.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s gaze grew stern. ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡±


    At precisely 8:30p.m., Zane made his way into the room,


    Vincent positioned himself back in his wheelchair and announced, ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with you guyster.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see you at the birthday party,¡± Joseph and Graham echoed.


    As Zane pushed Vincent through the club¡¯s exit, the rain started to pour. Instead of getting an umbre from the car and leaving Vincent alone, Zane


    2.43


    Sat, 25 May


    M


    Chapter 15


    asked the valet for one.


    Œ‘76%+


    With the ck umbre now open, Zane escorted Vincent to the vehicle, helped him inside, stowed the umbre away, and then drove off into the night.


    A shadowy figure in a baseball cap, phone in hand, muttered, ¡°They¡¯re slick. I couldn¡¯t get close to Vincent, no chance to check if he¡¯s really disabled.¡±


    ¡°The priority is that he doesn¡¯t slip away,¡± the voice on the phone insisted.


    The figure, exuding determination, affirmed, ¡°Got it.¡±


    As the Maybach made its way toward Tranquil Garden, Zane nced in the rearview mirror and reported, ¡°We¡¯ve got four cars on our tail, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Vincent, unfazed, suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s take the mountain road.¡±


    ¡°Roger that, Zane agreed, steering the car toward the winding mountain paths.


    The car, thanks to its modifications, sped impressively.


    The followers initially maintained a cautious distance but soon threw caution to the wind, tailing them more openly.


    As they ascended, the pursuing vehicles hesitated to match their speed too closely.


    Theckey in the driver¡¯s seat frowned. ¡°Does it seem like they¡¯re baiting us up the mountain on purpose?¡±


    The man in the baseball cap scoffed, ¡°They think we¡¯ll be done for on these risky mountain roads in this storm. They¡¯re underestimating us. Tonight, they¡¯re the ones who won¡¯t make it¡±


    Theckey queried, ¡°Is Vincent the one they¡¯re seeking?¡±


    120


    The man in the baseball cap fixed a fierce look and stated, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s him or not, he¡¯s not making it through the night!¡±

 Chapter 16

    <b>Chapter </b><b>16</b>


    Four <b>cars </b>arrived at the mountaintop, surrounding the ck Maybach. When all the car windows rolled down, gun muzzles were revealed, shooting wildly at the Maybach. Even with bulletproof reinforcements, the Maybach couldn¡¯t withstand the relentless assault and was riddled with bullet <b>holes</b>.


    With the rain getting heavier, a group of people got out of the cars and raised their guns, walking toward the Maybach.


    The man in the baseball cap opened the Maybach¡¯s door and immediately widened his eyes, shouting ¡°There¡¯s no one in it! Watch out for ambush(¡±


    Just then, cars¡® headlights shot at the men from all directions, blinding their eyes. The lights lit up the night, with the rain pouring heavily.


    Looking around, the men noticed they were surrounded by a group of mercenaries with heavy weapons.


    The leader in the baseball cap clenched his teeth, understanding that he would end up like the Maybach if he acted rashly at this moment.


    Vincent¡¯s tall figure emerged from the light, with Zane by his side, holding up a big umbre for him, Vincent squinted at the men in contempt, and the light reflected his resolute and dignified silhouette. He took out a cigarette box from his suit pocket and ced a cigarette between his lips while flicking a silver lighter open and ying with it. The ignited orange¨Cblue me brightened his eyes, seemingly desiring to devour life.


    Vincent took a drag, and the white smoke released from his nose. With a soft voice yet full of deterrence, he asked, ¡°Who sent <b>you</b>?¡±


    The man in the baseball cap suddenly raised his gun, but with a bang echoing, his shoulder was shot instead, his arm dropping down.


    Then, another two shots were fired<b>, </b>and the man knelt on the ground, releasing a painful groan. Looking up at Vincent, he <b>didn¡¯t </b>expect the <btter¡¯s </b>movement to be swift, so fast that he didn¡¯t <b>notice </b>it at all,


    The rest of the men could only drop their weapons and surrender after noticing they were besieged.


    The mercenaries instantly pressed them to the ground.


    Vincent snuffed out his cigarette and walked forward slowly. He stood before the man in the baseball cap with a dangerous smile and stated, ¡°It¡¯s fine if <b>you </b>don¡¯t spill anything now. You¡¯ll admit everything soon.¡±


    The man stared at Vincent and suddenly drew a knife, stabbing forward.


    Vincent didn¡¯t budge, while Zane kicked the knife away with his umbre still firmly held. Vincent ordered in a deep voice, ¡°Take these men back for


    interrogation.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the mercenaries shouted in unison.


    It was nearly midnight when Vincent returned to Tranquil Garden, and the floormp in the living room was still on, with the warm yellow light looking very <b>tranquil</b>.


    With his gaze on the figure curling in a ball on the couch, Vincent looked at Stephanie for a long time, feeling his heart soften. He thought, ¡®She had agreed not to wait for me, and yet¡­¡±


    <b>Vincent </b>moved his wheelchair closer to the couch and leaned forward, gently touching Stephanie¡¯s hair on her face.


    When sleeping soundly, Stephanie was particrly sensitive to smells, detecting a <b>man¡¯s </b>cool and musky fragrance mixed with <b>blood</b>.


    She instantly opened her eyes and saw Vincent¡¯s hand tucking her hair, slowly sitting up and asking, ¡°When did youe back?¡°.


    Vincent replied smilingly, ¡°Just a little while <b>ago</b>


    12 43 Sot, 25 May


    Chapter 15


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t <b>you </b>wake me up?¡± questioned Stephanie.


    Vincent replied, ¡°You were sleeping soundly.¡±


    <b>76</b>%²¿


    Despite not getting soaked by the rain, his body was damp. <b>Stephanie </b>suspected Vincent must have spent a long time outside, noticing a red spot tainted his shirt. Thus, Stephanie asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡®¡±


    Vincent was stunned and followed her gaze to the blood stains on him.


    Not wanting Stephanie to learn his ruthless side, he replied, ¡°Might be the blood from a nosebleed


    With a nod, Stephanie asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    ¡°Not really.¡± With that said, Vincent¡¯s stomach rumbled, and he<b>, </b><b>usually </bposed, frowned <b>slightly</b>.


    Stephanie burst outughing and said, ¡°Your stomach said otherwise. I¡¯m hungry too, so let me make you something. What would you like?¡±


    Feeling slightly embarrassed for the first time, Vincent replied, ¡°Pesto pasta, then.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± said Stephanie, putting on her slippers and moving behind Vincent¡¯s wheelchair. ¡°Let me bring you to a shower first. When the pasta is ready, I¡¯ll bring it upstairs to you.¡±


    Vincent said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯lle downstairs.¡±


    Stephanie uttered, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After sending Vincent to his bedroom, she went to the kitchen to cook. Her brows furrowed with concentration. In her previous life, she only knew Vincent in a professional sense, with no clue about his other sides. She regretted deeply that she couldn¡¯t be of any help tonight, as something serious had evidently happened.


    At the bathroom upstairs, Vincent washed away the dampness and bloody smell on his body and changed into loungewear, going downstairs in his wheelchair afterward. He stayed at the kitchen entrance and watched Stephanie <b>quietly</b>.


    Stephanie wore a formal nightgown long to the ankles, with her soft hair hung at her waist, like a fairy descended to earth, which made Vincent think he was having a tranquil life.


    Suddenly, Stephanie screamed. When Vincent was about to stand up, he immediately restrained himself after some thought, sitting back in the


    wheelchair.


    He moved forward and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Seeing Stephanie turn around with a knife <b>and </b>a bloody fingertip, Vincent said with a frown, ¡°Let me have a look.¡± After Stephanie showed her finger, Vincent uttered, ¡°Stop cooking. Let me bandage up your wound.¡±


    Seeing Vincent¡¯s nervous look, Stephanie chuckled inwardly and thought, ¡®It¡¯s just a cut. The wound will heal in a moment. However, she couldn¡¯t help acting like a spoiled child.


    She put down the knife and sat directly on Vincent¡¯sp, saying aggrievedly, ¡°It¡¯s bleeding, and it hurts.¡±


    Vincent responded, ¡°Let¡¯s <b>go </b>bind it up. It won¡¯t hurt soon.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°it hurts now. Help me blow away the pain.¡±


    Vincent asked, <b>¡°</b>Blow away?<b>¡±</b>


    12:43 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 16


    ¡°It will ease the pain,¡± said Stephanie, pouting her lips. <b>¡°</b>Just blow it like this.¡±


    Feeling a gentle blow, Vincent felt his heart skip a beat. Looking at Stephanile¡¯s well¨Cshaped lips, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard. He cursed himself for behaving like an animal and thought, ¡®How could I have such thoughts now?¡±


    ¡°Let me bandage it up,¡± said Vincent. However, Stephanie responded with blinking eyos, ¡°Blow my wound first. Please?¡±


    Vincent puckered his lips, and a breeze with a minty scent fell on Stephanie¡¯s fingertip.


    Stephanie moved her finger away and tilted her head to kiss Vincent, uttering. ¡°Here¡¯s your reward for easing my pain.¡±


    Vincent wanted to kiss her deeply, but at the thought of her injury, he knew he should prioritize the bandaging.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs,¡± said Vincent


    Waving her fingers before him, Stephanie said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous. The wound has clotted, so there¡¯s no need for bandages<b>.¡±</b>


    Vincent sighed in relief when he saw the small wound on Stephanie¡¯s finger had indeed been stabbed, pondering, ¡°Since we skip the bandaging, I can continue the kiss, right?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    While Vincent was hesitating, Stephanie jumped off hisp and continued to slice the chicken meat. She cooked chicken alfredo pasta, which needed more time thanmon pasta¡­


    They sat across from each other at a table in the kitchen and ate.


    ¡°How is it?¡± Stephanie asked expectantly.


    ¡°It¡¯s good,¡± answered Vincent.


    Propping her chin while eating pasta, Stephanie stared at Vincent, who looked noble and gentle.


    ¡°He¡¯s so handsome!¡® she mused, feeling the same way in her previous life, but she only had her eyes on Dous at that time, so even if Dous looked ugly, she would still think he was handsome since he was her life savior.


    Vincent met Stephanie¡¯s gaze and asked, ¡°Is there something on my face?¡±


    Stephanie nodded.


    Vincent didn¡¯t want to appear improper before her, so he touched the corner of his mouth subconsciously.


    With a broad smile, Stephanie held Vincent¡¯s wrist and <b>said</b>, ¡°You have the face I love most.¡±


    Feeling his heart beat faster by the flirt, Vincent grabbed Stephanie¡¯s hand, wanting <b>to </b>ask whether she had said the same thing to Dous, but he


    <b>hesitated </b>in the end.


    Noticing that Vincent paused, she stood up and walked to him, sitting on hisp naturally and uttering, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯ve never said such words to anyone. You¡¯re <b>the </b>first andst one to hear that.¡±


    Stephanie saw the <b>surging </b>emotions in <b>Vincent¡¯s </b>eyes and rubbed their noses together, saying in a captivating voice, ¡°Vincent, do you want to kiss me?¡±


    1249 Sat 25 May MMS

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Immediately after, Vincent kissed Stephanic. His kissing skill, refined through several encounters, was now better. Stephanie¡¯s lips were inconceivably soft with a sweetness that tasted like the fragrance of roses, jasmines, and pear blossoms.


    Vincent¡¯s tongue swept into Stephanie¡¯s mouth, with his palm cradling the back of her head as they kissed deeply and tenderly.


    Stephanie weakly wrapped her arms around Vincent¡¯s neck, letting him do what he wanted.


    With a shortened breath, Vincent slid his warm palm upward along Stephanie¡¯s leg but pulled away from the kiss the next second and said h o a r e l y, ¡°You


    can get off.¡±


    Getting the meaning, Stephanie quickly stood up and couldn¡¯t help but nce at Vincent¡¯s c r o t c h.


    Vincent pulled up the nket to cover hisp and faced her, uttering, ¡°Get some sleep.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Stephanie, pushing him upstairs.


    Vincent cleared his throat and said, ¡°You should go back to y


    b your


    bedroom tonight.¡±


    Stephanie nodded dejectedly and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to Fantasy Boutique tomorrow. I need to finalize my resignation since I was officially working there before.¡±


    After pondering, Vincent replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have someone to take you there tomorrow.¡±


    Stephanie knew Vincent was worried about her safety as she might m


    t meet Dous and Florence there. With a nod, she agreed, ¡°I¡¯m going¡±


    Vincent hummed as a yes, watching Stephanie walk to her bedroom.


    Holding the doorknob, Stephanie pushed the door, opening a c r c k as she suddenly looked at Vincent and uttered, ¡°Stephie.¡± With Vincent turning stunned, Stephanie added smilingly, ¡°You can call me Stephie.¡±


    Vincent replied with clenched, fists, ¡°Okay, Stephie.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Vincent,¡± said Stephanie. Vincent then replied, ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    Even after Stephanie entered her room for quite some time, Vincent remained staring at the door and muttered, ¡°Stephie¡­ Stephie¡­¡± He repeated the


    nickname several times with a grin


    Suddenly, the bedroom door opened just when Vincent said the nickname.


    Stephanie peeked out and blinked naughtily, asking. ¡°You called me?¡±


    Vincent cleared his throat and answered solemnly, ¡°Goodnight, Stephie.¡±


    Holding back herughter, Stephanie replied, ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    After closing the door, she rolled on the bed and screamed, ¡°What am I going to do? Vincent¡¯s just too adorable!¡±


    Meanwhile, Vincent was taking a cold shower in the bathroom next door after getting turned on moments ago. He realized that his self-control, which he was proud of, would copse whenever he was infimate with Stephanie.


    Stephanie wanted to live with him, but Vincent was afraid to because he was afraid that he couldn¡¯t restrain himself from doing something he shouldn¡¯t,


    12:43 Sat, 25 May M&


    Chapter 17


    76%


    Whey Vincent came out after a 40-minute cold shower, it was already half past one. The vibrating phone on his nightstand showed Zane¡¯s name on the caller ID ¡°Speak,¡± he answered..


    Cane reported, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, those men only confessed that someone hired them to check if you¡¯re truly disabled. If yes, you can stay alive. But if you¡¯re not, they can proceed to kill you. When the hirer got worried about unforeseen circumstances, they ordered you to be killed. But the men didn¡¯t know the information about the hirer. Since the number they used formunication is awork virtual phone, we can only wait for the next contact to track


    Looking into the night, Vincent squinted and said, ¡°The hirer won¡¯t contact again.¡±


    ¡°What should we do with those men?¡± asked Zane.


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Leave them to Joseph.¡±


    ¡°Rogy that,¡± replied Zane.


    After ending the call, Vincent pursed his mouth, thinking that the culprit behind this had suspected him of faking disability, thus beginning to make their moves. With disdain in his eyes, he mused. ¡®But they¡¯ll eventually get caught red-handed.¡±


    The next morning, Stephanie was awoken by her phone¡¯s vibration and opened her eyes, realizing the call was from Giovanni.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Gio?¡± she asked.


    Giovanni said. ¡°The drug analysis result is out. It¡¯s just amon medicine for insomnia.


    With a frown, Stephanie questioned, ¡°Any cooling ingredients in it?¡±


    ¡°No. Boss, you¡¯re being too suspicious, aren¡¯t you?¡± asked Giovanni.


    Stephanie replied. ¡°Forget what I asked.¡±


    Giovanni wanted to say more, but Stephanie hung up the call.


    Neither the traditional medicine nor investigated medicine contain cooling ingredients, so Stephanie suspected the ingredients could only be mixed in


    the diet.


    After checking that the time was half past six, she quickly washed up and changed into sportswear before going to the kitchen.


    Lydia was making breakfast and nodded slightly after noticing Stephanie, greeting, ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Fletcher,¡±


    With a smile, Stephanie greeted back, ¡°Good morning, Lydia. I¡¯ll prepare Vincent¡¯s meals from now on.¡±


    Stunned, Lydia asked, ¡°You will?¡±


    Stephanie nodded, replying, ¡°I want to be a qualified wife, so I¡¯ll start by focusing on Vincent¡¯s diet. The way to a man¡¯s heart is through his stomach. With Vincent being so outstanding, what if he is seduced out there?¡±


    Lydia agreed with a nod, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, you sure care about Mr. Fletcher. I¡¯ll assist you on the side then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Stephanie with a smile. ¡°I appreciate your help.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. It¡¯s my job, after all,¡± said Lydi.


    Chapter 17


    20 May


    Stephanie peeked at Lydia during the cooking, and with thetter acting cautious without doing anything suspicious, she knew Lydia was testing her.


    Stephanie prepared a sumptuous breakfast, including sushi, sandwiches, sds, and banana split oatmeal.


    When Vincent entered the dining room, he saw Stephanie setting the table while humming a tune.


    Showing a smile, Stephanie ran to Vincent and uttered, ¡°I made breakfast. Have a taste.¡±


    Vincent looked at her and replied, ¡°I went to look for you just now, but you weren¡¯t in your bedroom.¡±


    Helping Vincent sit at the table, Stephanie said, ¡°When we sleep in the same room, you won¡¯t have to go looking for me.¡±


    Vincent was silent for a moment; he felt like h


    he was digging a hole for himself.


    Stephanie¡¯s cooking skills were splendid, so Vincent praised her without hesitation after eating a lot as he said, ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re a good cook.¡±


    ¡°Am 17¡± asked Stephanie.


    Vincent replied, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Do you want more?¡±


    ¡°I want¡­¡± Vincent uttered but felt something amiss with his words.


    Looking at him, Stephanie couldn¡¯t helpughing and said, ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    Vincent took a deep breath and checked the time, stating, ¡°Zane is waiting for me outside.¡±¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Stephanie.


    your bodyguard from


    When Vincent reached the dining room entrance, he said, ¡°Someone named Willow Cole will being to pick you up. She¡¯ll be you


    now on.¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Stephanie responded, ¡°Got it. See you tonight.¡±


    ¡°See you tonight,¡± replied Vincent.


    Not long after Vincent left, Willow camp. With a high ponytail, the girl wore a ck T-shirt, green army uniform pants, and Dr. Martens boots, looking very b a d a s s. Seeing Stephanie, Willow raised her eyebrows and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be responsible for your safety from now on. You seem weak, so just hide behind me whenever you face danger.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie answered with a nod


    When they arrived at Fantasy Boutique, the senior executives were having a meeting in the conference room.


    Stephanie pushed the door open, and everyone¡¯s gazes shot at her, especially Dous, who was sitting in the main seat. With his eyes turned cold and ferocious, he asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ncing at Florence sitting beside Dous, Stephanie stated smilingly, ¡°I¡¯m here to resign.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    It had only been a month since Stephanie joined Fantasy Boutique as a C-ss designer.


    Back then, everyone thought she entered thepany due to Florence¡¯s favor as she graduated from majoring in mechanical engineering at Scorger University in Astoria, which had nothing to do with fashion design.


    With regret in her eyes, Florence asked, ¡°Stephie, are you really going to leave?¡±


    Raising her eyebrows, Stephanie asked, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? Should I keep giving my designs away for someone else¡¯s glory?¡±


    Pursing her lips, Florence understood the statement and figured out that Stephanie had no intention of making sketches for her anymore.


    Some employees couldn¡¯t helpughing. Alicia Jekins, the design director, said sneeringly, ¡°Ms. Stephanie Hayes, you¡¯ve only been here for a month, but it seems you haven¡¯t evenpleted a decent sketch, have you? How arrogant of you to say such things.¡±


    ncing at Florence, Stephanie asked, ¡°Florence, tell them. Am I being arrogant?¡±


    ? ? ?


    Florence pierced her red painted nails into her palm and thought, ¡®No way I¡¯ll admit that Stephanie is talented. Forcing a smile, she replied, ¡°Stephie, although you majored in mechanical engineering, your dedication is admirable. It¡¯s indeed a tough journey to be in a field you¡¯re not familiar with. I¡¯ve always noticed your hard work.¡±


    Dous snorted and said, ¡°Flore, you¡¯re so kind to speak up for her.¡±


    ¡®Speak up for me?¡¯ Stephanie thought it was hrious. Florence¡¯s words sounded like she was speaking up for Stephanie, but in fact, she was belittling


    her.


    ¡°All right, enough for the toadying and bullying. It¡¯s meaningless,¡± said Stephanie, taking out her resignation letter and throwing it on the table before Dous, ¡°Sign it now. I¡¯ll leave right away.¡±


    Dous quickly signed with a darkened face and looked at the HR Director, asking, ¡°What are you waiting for? Go through the formalities and terminate


    her contract¡±


    With teary eyes, Florence said, ¡°Stephie, Fantasy Boutique has a promising future. Don¡¯t be irresponsible to yourself because of some unpleasant


    matters.


    Dous said sneeringly, ¡°Flore cares about you. If you leave Fantasy Boutique, you¡¯ll never be able to find another design studio to take you in!¡±


    Just then, a clear female voice interrupted, ¡°Who said so?¡±


    Everyone looked at a woman walking into the meeting room, followed by her assistant with ck-frame sses. She was dressed in a white suit and three-inch white high-heels, appearing aloof with a hime haircut.


    Everyone knew she was Julianna, a big shot in the design industry, the founder of Style Jazz Couture, and also one of the owners of Starlight Design Studio.


    Standing beside Stephanie, Julianna reached out and stated, ¡°On behalf of Starlight Design Studio, I¡¯ll hire Ms. Stephanie Hayes to be our designer. I hope she can lead Style Jazz Couture to a higher achievement.¡±


    Everyone was shocked at the announcement as Style Jazz Couture was one of the top luxury brands in the world, whereas Fantasy Boutique was only a famous domestic brand only. The mention of Stephanie bing an S-ss designer left everyone speechless,


    In the design industry, designers were divided into four sses, which were C, B, A, and S.


    S-ss was the highest-ss designer¡¯s symbol. Only the top three designers who had-won the internationalpetition were qualified to be S-ssN?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Chapter 18


    designers.


    Sat, 25 May


    Dous saidughingly, ¡°Stephanie, Uncle Vincent invited her here to support you, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    With a cold nce at Dous, Julianna said, ¡°Some people sure are blind, treating an untalented employee as a treasure but ignoring the real talent. hired Ms. Stephanie Hayes obviously because she¡¯s qualified. Unlike someone who likes tobel others¡¯ works as theirs.¡±


    Florence pursed her lips, thinking that Julianna was alluding to her and believing that Stephanie must have said bad things about her to Julianna.


    After receiving a look from Julianna, the assistant immediately took out a contract and read out the terms of hiring, When Stephanie¡¯s annual sry of 40 million dors with a 10 percent annual salesmission was announced, everyone was astonished.


    Alicia muttered, ¡°It¡¯s almost as much as Ms. Star¡¯s annual sry, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Stephanie¡¯s worth it,¡± said Julianna with a smile.


    Alicia rolled her eyes and kept quiet.


    Stephanie thought Julianna was here to support her, so she naturally showed respect and signed the contract.


    Releasing a sneer, Dous said, ¡°Ms. Saunders, no matter how rich Starlight Design Studio is, you should spend the money properly. I feel sorry for you. to waste it in vain.¡±


    Julianna nced at Florence and replied, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you¡¯d better worry about yourpany instead. I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be having high-quality sketches anymore after today!¡± She then looked at Stephanie and asked, ¡°Ms. Stephanie Hayes, is there anything else you need to clean up from your office?¡±


    ¡°I still have some discarded sketches,¡± replied Stephanie.


    Julianna said smilingly, ¡°Take them with you. Even though they¡¯re discarded ones, those mediocre people couldn¡¯t replicate them even after studying for centuries.¡±


    With everyone turning speechless, Stephanie and Julianna left with the assistant and Willow following behind.


    Florence immediately stood up and ran out. Stephanie had yed her cards too welltely, putting Florence on the defensive. And now this resignation- the sketches Stephanie prepared for the summer collection hadn¡¯t yet been examined by Florence, and Stephanie was going to take them all. Florence wouldn¡¯t let that happen.


    Seeing Florence¡¯s reaction, Dous followed along, with everyone also rushing out with curiosity.


    The moment Stephanie opened her office door, Florence blocked her way, spreading her arms and stating, ¡°You¡¯ve resigned, so all the drafts you drew before belong to thepany! You can¡¯t take them away!¡±


    ¡°Move aside,¡± said Stephanie coldly.


    With her height shorter than Stephanie, Florence looked up and said, ¡°Stephie, it¡¯s just some discarded sketches. Why do you care so much about them?¡±


    With a mocking smile, Stephanie answered, ¡°Yeah, why do you care too? Can¡¯t you even draw some yourself?¡±


    Noticing Dous, Florence said seriously, ¡°Stephie, even if it¡¯s some discarded sketches, you drew them after learning designs in Fantasy Boutique. It¡¯s rted to thepany¡¯s confidential information, so you can¡¯t take them away!¡±


    After Stephanie gave Willow a look, thetter immediately grabbed Florence by the neck, flinging her into Dous¡¯ arms.


    Florenceined tearfully, ¡°Dous, I¡¯m considering for ourpany. You should know that it¡¯ll cause us incalcble losses if our design concept is


    44 581, 25 May


    Chapter 18


    stolen by other design studios.¡±


    Dous uttered lowly, ¡°Stephanie, you can¡¯t take any sketches away from this office, or else, don¡¯t over think of leaving¡±


    With cold eyes, Willow shouted, ¡°I¡¯d like to see who would darey a finger on us!¡±


    Stephanie patted her on the shoulder and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad. It¡¯s fine.¡± She looked at Dou g l a s s and stated, ¡°Rest assured. I won¡¯t take away any


    sketches¡±


    Entering her office, Stephanie opened a cab and pulled out a stack of drafts. She fished a lighter from her bag and set them aze in front of everyone. Draft by draft turned to ash.


    Surprised, Florence muttered, ¡°Y-You burnt them?¡±


    With a faint smile, Stephanie tapped her head and replied, ¡°My drafts are all up here, and nobody can take that.¡±

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Once Stephanie finished, Florence¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    Dous found it uneptable and argued, ¡°Stop ying tricks. It¡¯s just a bunch of discarded sketches. Even if you draw 100,000 copies, you still can¡¯t


    beat Flore!¡±


    you¡¯ll think the same way in the future.¡±


    Stephanie nedded and replied, ¡°I hope you¡¯ll think the same way in the future.¡±


    Dous said confidently, ¡°Of course.¡±


    Suddenly, something urred to Stephanie as she uttered, ¡°Oh, right. I hope you can deal with the photos and videos that caused a stir sooner, as well as the scandal of Florence using a vocal double. We don¡¯t want to get med on these two reasons if Fantasy Boutique can¡¯tpete with Style Jazz Couture in the future.¡±


    Dous¡¯ face darkened as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother worrying about Fantasy Boutique. It¡¯s so bold of Starlight Design Studio to hire you as an 5-ss designer. I bet they¡¯ll have a bad achievement after this. If the top designer, Ms. Star, were to know that your treatment is as well as or even better than


    hers, it would be a humiliation to her.¡±


    With a scornful and sarcastic smile, Julianna retorted, ¡°Star appreciates Stephanie very much, so you don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± Turning to Stephanie, Julianna asked, ¡°Anything else you need to take?¡±


    Shaking her head, Stephanie replied, ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then!¡± said Julianna with a smile.


    The onlookers instantly made way for them, watching them leave.


    ring furiously at Stephanie¡¯s retreating figure, Florence knew Stephanie mentioned the photos, videos, and the vocal double on purpose, even burning the discarded sketches without leaving her a way to survive her job.


    Recalling Lucianna said Stephanie waived her bill at Style Jazz Couture, Florence realized it was not because she relied on Vincent¡¯s power but the fact that she knew Julianna Florence felt angry that Stephanie never mentioned knowing Julianna to her.


    Florence cursed inwardly, ¡°Despite her sweet talking, she still kept a trick up her sleeves in the end.¡± Florence bit her lower lip, tasting blood in her mouth.


    Dous asked, ¡°Flore, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    On the verge of tears, Florenceined, ¡°Dous, I feel sorry for you after thinking of Stephie using your uncle¡¯s power to humiliate you.¡±


    Dous said with a snort, ¡°It won¡¯t be long before she can¡¯t anymore!¡±


    Florence replied sniffingly, ¡°I suspect Stephie had nned everything and already knew our rtionship.¡±


    -Dous turned furious as he said sneeringly, ¡°Stephanie has been targeting us in the past few days, so she probably knew about us and nned everything. I underestimated her before, but it doesn¡¯t matter since she couldn¡¯t trick us anymore. Flore, the new productunch is around the corner. You must show her some colors¡±


    Guilt shed through Florence¡¯s eyes, but she nodded and said, ¡°I will. Don¡¯t worry, Dous.¡± Her mind was racing with ns on how to snag Stephanie¡¯s designs for the productunch.


    Meanwhile, when Stephanie and Julianna left the building, a rush of footsteps sounded behind.


    Willow turned around and unexpectedly saw Alicia, who had criticized Stephanie in the conference room. She stood before Alicia and asked, ¡°What do you want?!


    12:45 Sat, 25 May M @


    Chapter 19


    Alicia wouldn¡¯t dare to confront Willow head-on after witnessing the other¡¯s physical strength, so she forced a smile and stated, ¡°I just want to talk to Ms.


    Saunders.


    Willow stepped aside after seeing Julianna approaching them.


    Alicia smiled tteringly and said, ¡°Ms. Saunders, Ms. Hayes is unfamiliar with your design studio and doesn¡¯t have a good partner. I¡¯ve worked with her for a month, so I¡¯m quite familiar with her. Can I be Ms. Hayes¡¯ partner and work in Starlight Design Studio?¡±


    Julianna stared coldly at Alicia and asked smilingly, ¡°You¡¯re a design director?¡±


    Alicia nodded and replied, ¡°I am.¡±


    Julianna retorted snortingly, ¡°Star is Stephanie¡¯s partner. Do you think you¡¯re qualified?¡±


    With Nicia rendered speechless, Stephanie added, ¡°With my arrogance and inability to produce a sketch in a month, Ms. Jekins, it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t degrade yourself to be my partner.¡±


    Feeling at a loss for words, Alicia stamped her feet angrily while seeing them leave.


    Stephanie sat in Julianna¡¯s car while Julianna¡¯s assistant sat in Willow¡¯s.


    Gripping the steering wheel, Julianna said, ¡°I don¡¯t think Florence will let this matter go.¡±


    Stephanie smiled faintly and replied, ¡°I was worried she wouldn¡¯t make a move. How else can I teach her a lesson?¡± ¨C


    Juliannaughed, uttering, ¡°I truly want to see that jerk Dous kneel before you and beg for forgiveness with tears. I think your disabled husband can even send him flying after getting agitated.¡±


    Stephanie turned speechless at that.


    Starlight Design Studio was a five-floor office building located on Jacaster¡¯s busy road section, in which the first floor was the staff cafeteria, the marketing department on the second floor, the design department on the third, and the production department on the fourth. Lastly, the fifth floor was the high executives¡¯ office.¡±


    Julianna informed all the staff to the conference room and officially introduced Stephanie. Everyone was surprised at the sudden recruitment of an S- ss designer, as Starlight Design Studio had only one S-ss designer, with Stephanie being the second one.


    Some staff were in awe of Stephanie, while others thought she was recruited by relying on connections. Regardless of their thoughts, everyone warmly. weed her.


    ¡°Stephie, I had prepared this for you,¡± said Julianna as she took Stephanie to a bright office on the third floor.


    In Stephanie¡¯s previous life, Julianna also prepared the same office for her, but Stephanie had never been there. Hence, she swore she would never let her friend down again in this life.


    Hugging Julianna, Stephanie uttered, ¡°Thank you, Julian. I¡¯ll put all my effort into working for you.¡±


    Julianna patted Stephanie with a smile, replying, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Meanwhile, in Fletcher Group¡¯s CEO¡¯s office, Vincent ordered after hearing Zane¡¯s report, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the base myself. Contact the airport now.


    Zane nodded and replied, ¡°Understood. Mr. Fletcher, something happened on Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s side.¡±


    12:


    Chapter 19


    25 May


    After Zane reported everything Willow had mentioned, Vincent narrowed his eyes, pondering smilingly, ¡®So, Stephie got something free at Style Jazz Couture the other day because she knew Julianna. Looks like she has hidden connections for knowing such a big shot.¡±


    Zane cleared his throat and said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Willow sent me a photo,¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°Forward it to me.¡±


    Soon, he received the photo but froze his smile when he saw Stephanie and Julianna hugging each other tightly with sweet smiles in the picture. He frowned slightly and wondered, ¡°Aren¡¯t they hugging too tightly?¡±


    ¡°When¡¯s the photo taken?¡± asked Vincent.


    Zane replied confusedly, ¡°Should have been just a moment ago.¡±


    ¡°You can go now,¡± said Vincent.


    Zane replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    When Zane left and was about to close the door, he saw a gentle smile on Vincent¡¯s face, with his boss whispering Stephanie¡¯s name. He quickly closed the door when Vincent¡¯s cold gaze was suddenly at him.


    Vincent video-chatted with Stephanie and asked, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m at Starlight Design Studio. I¡¯ll be a designer here from m now on. Let me show you my office,¡± Stephanie said, blinking her eyes.


    ¡°Sure,¡± replied Vincent.


    Stephanie showed him every corner of her office, even the cactus on the table.


    ¡°Why a barrel cactus?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie answered, ¡°Because I¡¯m toozy, and I don¡¯t need to water the cactus all the time. But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t bezy to feed you.¡±


    Vincent said satisfyingly, ¡°The office environment is nice, and the decoration style suits you.¡±


    With a nod, Stephanie said, ¡°Julia prepared everything. I¡¯m talking about Julianna Saunders, the CEO of Starlight Design Studio. We¡¯re besties.¡±


    Vincent asked with pursed lips, ¡°Have you known each other for a long time?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s been many years,¡± said Stephanie. Noticing the man getting upset, Stephanie asked smilingly, ¡°Feeling jealous?¡±


    Vincent responded affirmatively, ¡°Of course not. I won¡¯t get jealous of a woman.¡±


    Stephanie smiled widely and said, ¡°All right. I¡¯ll pretend you¡¯re not.¡±


    Staring at Stephanie, Vincent uttered, ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m going on a business trip for three days and will be back on Saturday.¡±


    ¡°When will you leave? I¡¯ll help you prepare your luggage,¡± offered Stephanie.


    Vincent said, ¡°I have it in my office. Zane will do the preparation. I¡¯m leaving soon.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t expect to get separated from Vincent for a few days soon after getting together and suggested, ¡°Can I go with you?¡±


    Vincent wanted to be with her, but the base was too dangerous to stay, so he replied smilingly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll return soon.¡±


    12:45 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 19


    Stephanie hummed as a yes and heard Zane¡¯s voice inforining Vincent that the ne was ready.


    Vincent looked at her longingly and said, ¡°Stephie, hang up the call.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you,¡± said Stephanie with a smile.


    76%


    Knowing Vincent wouldn¡¯t hang up if she didn¡¯t, she ended the video call after staring deeply at Vincent, as she didn¡¯t want to waste his time. Despite feeling slightly disappointed, she thought she could meet Vincent again in a few days, pondering, ¡®We can still make phone and video calls regrly


    anyway.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one who thought so. Vincent felt the same as he looked at the phone screenshot of Stephanie¡¯s smiling face with a gentle smile.


    Zane reminded, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯ll excuse myself to pack your things.¡±


    With the smile on him disappearing. Vincent replied coldly, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Zane¡¯s mouth twitched as he thought, ¡®Mrs. Fletcher is truly something else for making an indifferent man infatuated with her. But Mr. Fletcher treats me so differently from her!¡±


    12:45 Sat, 25 May : M-

 Chapter 20

    <b>Chapter </b><b>20</b>


    They had kept in touch while Vincent was away, but Stephanie still felt like something was missing.


    Her work at Starlight Design Studio kept her upied during the day. Only at night, when nothing was holding her attention, did the feelings emerge. She knew she missed Vincent.


    At night, unable to fall asleep, she went into Vincent¡¯s bedroom.


    tying her head on his pillow, she could smell his woody fragrance, which put her at ease. Soon, she drifted off into sleep.


    At the break of dawn, the bedroom door was gently pushed open.


    Vincent came toward the bed in his wheelchair.


    Lights filtered into the room through the curtains. He could see a lump in bed beneath the nket. He knew it was Stephanie.


    Earlier when he passed by her bedroom, he was itching to enter and see her, but he eventually fought down that desire and came back to his room. To his surprise, the one he <b>had </b>been missing so much was right on his bed.


    He changed into pajamas, slipped under the nket, and stared at Stephanie. The room was dim, but her face was clear in his mind.


    ¡°Vincent.


    she mumbled.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± murmured Vincent, his maic voice seductive.


    Suddenly, she smiled and subconsciously <b>nestled </b>against his chest.


    Vincent held her tight into his arms, and her fragrance drifted into his nose. Sure, they used the same soap, but she smelled way better.


    <b>He </b>preferred her not applying anything so he could smell her fresh, fruity fragrance.


    Vincent swallowed hard, restrained himself, and kissed her hair gently.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    *Dous¡­¡± she mumbled.


    Vincent stiffened as he tightened his hold around her. He pursed his lips and waited for her to continue.


    But she didn¡¯t say anything else. The room got brighter as the morning light grew. Vincent just stared at her, feeling a ton of things


    ¡°Lying on my bed but calling <b>another </b>man¡¯s name<b>¡­ </b>Vincent <b>thought</b><b>, </b>shutting his eyes tight. Zang mentioned once that since Dous was the one who rescued her, Stephanie couldn¡¯t possibly fall in love with Vincent so soon.


    Vincent had been sure about her feelings for him, but not anymore now. Annoyed, he left the room.


    It was bright when Stephanie stretched and sat up. ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn Vincent was here¡­ Did I just imagine him? I must really miss him,¡® she thought.


    When she left the bedroom, she coincidently bumped into Sophia.


    Sophia <b>nodded </b>and greeted, ¡°Good morning, Mrs. Fletcher.¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Sophia,¡± responded Stephanie smilingly.


    <b>Sophia </b>wanted to say something but seemed to be hesitant. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Sophia?¡± asked Stephanie.


    12:45 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter <b>20</b>


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    Sophia sighed. ¡°Ever since you came here, Mr. Fletcher¡¯s been happler. He likes you, and he was d to marry you. If you two are at odds with each other, you better talk it out, otherwise it¡¯ll get in the way of your rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Hold on, I don¡¯t get it,¡± interjected Stephanie.


    Sophia asked in confusion, ¡°Mr. Fletcher left not long after he came back this early morning. I thought you two fought.¡±


    ¡°He was home?¡± questioned Stephanie, stunned..


    ¡°Yeah, around three in the morning. I¡¯m a light sleeper, so the car woke me up. Mr. Fletcher seemed happy when I saw him, but he left looking all down. I didn¡¯t dare to ask,¡± Sophia said with a little sigh.


    Stephanie furrowed her brow as she thought, ¡®Did I mess up by crashing in his room while he was gone? Maybe he felt like I was invading his space?¡±


    She bit her lip, went back to her room, and called Vincent. Just as she was about to hang up, thinking he wouldn¡¯t answer, his voice came through. He sounded beat as he answered, ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I heard from Sophia you came home but left. What¡¯s wrong?¡± questioned Stephanie.


    Vincent, chilling on his office couch and covering his eyes from the dazzling sunlight piercing through the drawn curtains, responded with a tired voice, ¡°Got some big deal to handle at work.¡±


    Stephanie wasn¡¯t buying it. Three in the morning? Yeah right. He¡¯s hiding something, she thought. ¡°Did I wake <b>you </b>up?¡± she asked, feeling a bit down.


    Vincent replied, ¡°Mm¨Chmm, I¡¯m still kinda sleepy.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t tell if he <b>was </b>genuinely tired or just trying to brush her off. ¡°Want me to bring you something to eatter?¡± she offered.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. Gotta go to the Fletcher residenceter,¡± he said.


    ¡°That¡¯s a no. He must be ticked about me being in his room. I knew it¡® Stephanic instantly thought. ¡°How about I cook <b>for </b>you tonight?¡± She tried again.


    ¡°There¡¯s a social gathering tonight. Don¡¯t wait up for me and sleep early, responded Vincent.


    ¡°Okay, bye¡± Stephanie pouted


    ¡°All right,¡± replied Vincent.


    Stephanie scratched her head with a long sigh. Vincent¡¯s acting like a king of the jungle marking <b>his </b>turf. So petty! And making up excuses about going to the Fletcher residence and his parties¡­ <b>Wait</b>! He is going to the Fletcher residence?¡±


    It suddenly urred to her that today was Saturday, and she had asked Giovanni to make an appointment with Vincent to visit Ellen<b>. </b>She sprang into action, changed into casual clothes¨Ca white T¨Cshirt, jeans<b>, </b>sneakers¨Cand went downstairs with her gear.


    Sophia stated, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, breakfast is ready.¡±


    ¡°Did you prepare it?¡± asked Stephanie,


    Sophia nodded.


    ¡°Where <b>is </b>Lydia?¡± questioned Stephanie.


    ww


    Sophia <b>replied</b><b>, </b><b>¡°</b>She went to the rose garden to water the flowers<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Stephanie found that Lydia <b>was </b>the one to cook when Vincent was at home, otherwise it was Sophia.


    <b>2/3</b>


    Chapter 20


    May


    75%


    Stephanie grabbed some food and left with Vincent¡¯s Porsche, the car that drew the least attention. After parking she slipped out from the back door of the Starlight Design Studio and got changed in an alley. Now donning a dress and a hat with a face mask to stay incognito, she sat in another Porsche.


    Giovanni, now in the driver¡¯s seat, grinned. Ms. Hayes, how about this ride? It¡¯s pretty low¨Cprofile, right?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there any cars that cost, like, ten grand?¡± she scoffed.


    Giovanni chuckled. ¡°Not really. This is the cheapest car in our g


    garage.¡±


    Stephanie tried not to roll her eyes at him. ¡°The guy¡¯s a total ahead. Why not get a beater? She gave up arguing and said, ¡°To the Fletcher ce.¡±


    At the moment, Giovanni felt like a private driver to her.


    Meanwhile, grumpy Vincent was in his car, nursing a headache. Zane checked <b>on </b>him from the mirror. ¡°Are you okay, Mr. Fletcher?¡± Zane asked.


    Vincent answered tly, ¡°Only three of those pills left. Did you get hold ofn?¡±


    ¡°No luck. That stash won¡¯tst more than a month,¡±


    th¡± said Z


    Zone.


    Vincent¡¯s face went all serious. ¡°Make it happen within the month,¡± hemanded.


    ¡°Understood,¡± replied Zane.


    When Vincent¡¯s sleek Maybach rolled up to the fancy Fletcher gates, Giovanni¡¯s Porsche was already there. It was <b>a </b>tight spot since outsiders weren¡¯t allowed in, but Giovanni was smooth¨Ctalking Zane. Giovanni rolled down the window halfway and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m Dr. Summer¡¯s assistant<b>.</b>¡±


    Zane nodded and instructed, ¡°Follow behind my car.¡±


    Two cars stopped in front of the Fletcher residence, one behind the other.


    Seeing that Giovanni was about to step out of the car, Stephanie quickly said, ¡°Just wait in the car. Don¡¯t go in with me.¡±


    Giovanni¡¯s mouth twitched as he asked, ¡°Why can¡¯t Ie?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>You talk too much,


    h, so you might blurt out something. I don¡¯t want Vincent to recognize me,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Always getting the cold shoulder, he thought.


    As soon as she exited the car, she saw Zane push Vincent <b>toward </b>her. Vincent sat in the wheelchair gloomily. The second he saw her, his expression became impassive again.


    ¡°Who made him angry? wondered Stephanie.


    É«

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Stephanie¡¯s brain was racing. Her cover as Summer was super important. She couldn¡¯t let it slip. She fiddled with her hat and face mask, making sure no


    one could see her face.


    She adjusted her voice and greeted the approaching Vincent, ¡°Hello, Mr. Fletcher. I¡¯m Dr. Summer.¡±


    Vincent nodded slightly and replied, ¡°Hello, Dr. Summer. Getting you here was no piece of cake.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I was off the grid, you know, studying medicine and stuff, I wasn¡¯t seeing any patients,¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent smiled and responded, ¡°As long as you can cure my mother, I can add 40 million dors more on top of the 100 million dors promised.¡±


    *40 million dors? No way I¡¯m saying no to that, even from my own husband, mused Stephanie.


    ¡°All right,¡± agreed Stephanie smilingly.


    When they got into the Fletcher ce, a housekeeper came running, all freaked out, ¡°M-Mr. Fletcher, your mom passed out!¡±


    ¡°Take me to her,¡± instructed Stephanie, stepping forward.


    The housekeeper was confused and looked over at Vincent, who told her, ¡°This is Dr. Summer. She¡¯s here to help.¡± The housekeeper got it and went upstairs with Stephanie.


    Watching Summer rush off, Vincent got this weird d¨¦j¨¤ vu feeling Zane wheeled Vincent into the elevator, hit the button for the third floor, and asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Dr. Summer is seriously young. She might be faking it, right?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s look got icy, ¡°if she¡¯s a fake, she won¡¯t walk out of here alive.¡±


    While they chatted, they made it to the third floor. Zane pushed Vincent toward Ellen¡¯s room. They could hear Kevin yelling from inside, ¡°She¡¯s coughing up blood!¡±


    Dous was super


    super stressed, ¡°Can you actually cure her, or a


    r, or are you just a scammer?¡±


    Vincent rolled in just in time to see Dous reaching for Summer¡¯s face mask. But before Vincent could do a thing. Dous was hollering. ¡°Ouch! Did you just stab me with a needle?¡±


    Stephanie looked at him like he was gross, ¡°Zip it! Disturb me again, and I¡¯ll make you lose your voice!¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Dous was about to argue, but Stephanie threw another needle and he mmed up, pointing at his throat, super mad.


    Raphael and Lori seemed like they wanted a word, but Stephanie pointed her needle their way and asked, ¡°You want some of this?¡± They backed off pretty quick.


    Frederick and Edith looked at each other smilingly, their eyes full of hope.


    Stephanie nced at Dous, disgusted, ¡°I¡¯ll fix those needle spots after I check Mrs. Ellen Fletcher. Now move!¡±


    Kevin moved fast, dragging Dous out of her way. Dous couldn¡¯t speak a word.


    Vincent watched her work on Dous. She was pretty slick with those needles. If Stephanie could see Dous like this, she¡¯d be pumped.


    Vincent¡¯s mind wandered to Stephanie and Dous, and he pouted a little.


    12:45 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 21


    Stephanie cleaned up Ellen, exining as she went, ¡°That blood she coughed up? It means there was a clot blocking her lungs. Made her faint because she wasn¡¯t getting enough air. Gonna handle it with some needles and medicine.¡± She took out her needle kit and started working on Ellen, slipping a pill under her tongue.


    Ten minutester, Ellen spat out another mouthful of blood. Then Stephanie worked on Ellen¡¯s head with the needles. Standing up, she said to Vincent. ¡°I¡¯ve looked over her files. That tumor in her head? No surgery needed. She¡¯ll get better with just meds and some more of this needle work.¡±


    ¡°How long will it take?¡± inquired Vincent.


    ¡°One pill a day, needles once a month, she¡¯ll be good in three months,¡± Stephanie answered.


    Vincent nodded slightly and said, ¡°Noted.¡±


    Fifteen minutester, Stephanie pulled out thest needle, and Ellen¡¯s eyes fluttered open. Ellen was confused, ¡°What happened to me?¡±


    Kevin was holding her hand, super excited, ¡°You fainted! But Dr. Summer here fixed you up!¡± Ellen mumbled a sleepy thanks and dozed off again.


    Stephanie said, ¡°That¡¯s normal. Let her wake up on her own time.¡± She reached into her backpack, pulled out a white bottle, and passed it to Kevin. ¡°Pop one of these under her tongue every day. Mrs. Ellen Fletcher will be up and at them in an hour. Don¡¯t sweat it.¡±


    She walked up to Vincent and said, ¡°See you in a month, Mr. Vincent Fletcher.¡±


    Vincent nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±


    Raphael blurted out, ¡°Wait up! Vincent¡¯s been dealing with a messed-up back for ages. Dr. Summer, can you give him a once-over? Maybe there¡¯s still a chance for him. We went through a lot to bring you here.¡±


    Zane piped up, ¡°Yeah, Vincent got hurt eight years back. We¡¯ve been told it¡¯s hopeless.¡±


    Stephanie caught the hint. She nodded and said, ¡°Since Mr. Vincent Fletcher has spent 140 million dors on his mother¡¯s treatment, I will do a pulse diagnosis on him for free.¡±


    Vincent unbuttoned his cuff link leisurely, revealing his wiry arm, and said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Stephanie felt Vincent¡¯s steady and strong heartbeat through the fingers she ced on his wrist.


    When she realized Vincent was staring at her fingers, she covered them with her wide sleeve with a guilty conscience.


    After a minute, she exhaled. ¡°This injury¡¯s old, and your system¡¯s all clogged up. It¡¯s beyond me. I¡¯m real sorry, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Alter some thought, Raphael insisted, ¡°You worked wonders on my mom with those needles. How about ast try for Vincent?¡±


    Vincent nced coldly at him and mocked, ¡°How thoughtful of you, Raphael.¡±


    Raphael smiled and said, ¡°You are my brother. Why give up when there is still hope? Let me help you with your pants.¡±


    Stephanie kneeled opposite Vincent¡¯s legs and said, ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. Allow me, please.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s leg muscles were sinewy. No matter how well someone maintained their disabled legs, one couldn¡¯t prevent them from atrophying. His secret. would be exposed if the pants were folded up.


    Stephanie took a new needle pouch and thrust a needle into Vincent¡¯s thigh.


    An imperceptible surprise shed through Vincent¡¯s eyes before they turned impassive.


    12:45 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 21


    75%1


    Vincent¡¯s legs didn¡¯t respond, no matter how many needles Stephanie used. She sighed and said, ¡°It¡¯s a pity. If Mr. Vincent Fletcher had been examined by me earlier, he would be standing now.¡±


    Raphael and Dous exchanged nces.


    Stephanie put the needle pouch into her bag and said, ¡°I have a prior engagement, so I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±


    Right then, Dous rushed over. Stephanie was caught unaware and fell into Vincent¡¯sp.


    A familiar fragrance wafted into Vincent¡¯s nose. Vincent was stunned. He frowned and thought, ¡°What the hell?¡±


    He looked at Stephanie¡¯s back


    ¡®Am I gonna blow my cover now?¡± Stephanie worried.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Stephanie scrambled up. ¡°Sorry about that. You okay?¡± she asked Vincent.


    Vincent was still trying to wrap his head around what just happened, but he pushed those thoughts aside, reassured the group, ¡°It¡¯s all good.¡±


    Stephanie took a breath of relief, d her secret was safe for now. She gave Dous a sharp look. ¡°Seriously? Watch it next time!¡± Dous gestured to his throat, silently pleading for her to let him talk.


    She hoped he remained mute for the rest of his life so his words would stop disgusting her.


    She took out more needles and stabbed him a few times. ¡°Done. You can talk now,¡± she stated.


    Dous croaked and finally got out a question, ¡°Why did you use that many needles just to fix my voice?¡±


    Stephanie chuckled inwardly. That¡¯s because you annoy mel


    ¡°It¡¯splicated, acupoints and all that. Trust me, you wouldn¡¯t get it even if I told you,¡± she said, then eyed him a bit closer, ¡°You don¡¯t look good, though. I bet you have some problems.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Summer, can you make a pulse diagnosis for Dous?¡± asked Lori, panicking.


    Stephanie rubbed her fingers together, showing it was gonna cost.


    Lorl¡¯s not happy about it but grinds out, ¡°2 million dors.¡±


    ¡°Fine, for Vincent¡¯s sake, I¡¯ll do it,¡±


    Stephanie caved. When Dous held out his arm, she took a handkerchief from her bag andid it down first.


    ¡°Why the handkerchief now? You didn¡¯t use one with Uncle Vincent or Grandina. What gives? You think I¡¯m dirty or something?¡± Dous was ticked off.


    Stephanie sighed. ¡°I use it for guys who can¡¯t keep their pants on.¡±


    Dous lost it and snapped back, ¡°Cut the c a p!¡±


    She pulled her hand back and shot him a look. ¡°You know if I¡¯m lying.¡± After being reborn, Stephanie investigated Dous and knew his dirty secrets. Dous was a yer and had his fun left and right.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dr. Summer. Please, just check him,¡± Lori pleaded.


    ¡°Guess I have no choice,¡± she sighed. With her fingertips resting on his wrist, she scoffed, ¡°You need to chill with the party lifestyle. You¡¯re burning out, and you¡¯re already halfway down the drain.¡±


    ¡°Then what should we do?¡± asked Lori fearfully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got just the thing.¡± Stephanie chimed in. She whipped out a small red bottle. ¡°Here are some vitality pills-pricey stuff, though. Each is 100 grand, and you need all 40. That¡¯s 4 mil, plus the 2 for the check-up, so 6 million total.¡±


    Dous frowned and protested, ¡°I feel like you are swindling me.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯m not selling it,¡± Stephanie threw in his face. ¡°But hey, if youe crawling back, it¡¯s 20 million next time.¡±


    Before Lori could say anything more, Dous, stopped her and said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m very healthy. Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense.¡±


    ¡°Remember, if youe begging, it will be 20 million dors.¡± Stephanie couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    1/4


    Chapter 22


    Dous snorted. ¡°You are a quack!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s expression darkened as he threatened, ¡°Dous, do you want to be punished ording to the family rules?¡±


    Dous shut his mouth.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie and said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She nodded.


    Walking out of the Fletcher residence, Vincent whispered his thanks.


    ¡°No sweat,¡± Stephanie quipped back. ¡°I mean, they say dead men tell no tales, but let¡¯s hope Mr. Fletcher isn¡¯t getting any ideas.¡±


    Vincent chuckled, ¡°I trust you.¡±


    When Stephanie was about to enter the car, Frederick and Edith ran toward her.


    ¡°Can I help you with something?¡± asked Stephanie.


    ¡°My daughter has been in aa since she fell down the stairs three ye


    years ago.


    o. Can you examine her? Name your price,¡± said Frederick.


    She nced at Vincent and thought, This petty guy doesn¡¯t seem to want to talk to me today. I might as well take a look since I have nothing else on.


    ¡°Lead the way. I will follow in my car,¡± agreed Stephanie.


    Frederick nodded repeatedly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    When she got into the car, Giovanni asked, ¡°Boss, you¡¯re good at making money. I can hear the sound of money rolling in from afar.


    ncing at him, Stephanie urged, ¡°What are you waiting for? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Vincent watched the cars leave through the fancy gates and then turned away, lost in thought. Was that Stephanie I felt when shended on me just now? Nah, that¡¯s crazy.¡± He dismissed the thought right away.


    Zane asked, ¡°Are we sticking around?¡±


    Vincent nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go back to thepany after Mom wakes up!¡±


    Zane raised an eyebrow, thinking, ¡®Vincent barely slept a wink on that trip just to see his wife sooner. Why did he drag me back right after dropping him offst night? Why¡¯s he working instead of hanging with his wife now?¡¯


    Vincent looked sideways at Zane and asked, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± stammered Zane.


    you


    ¡°Then why are you still standing here? Enjoying the scenery?¡± scoffed Vincent.


    Zane just thought, ¡®Dude¡¯s definitely craving something!¡¯


    Stephanie walked into Frederick and Edith¡¯s huge house and found Christina Fletcher, their daughter, out cold. The girl looked super pale, like a strong breeze could knock her over.


    µÚ75%1


    Chapter 22


    Edith sobbed. ¡°Christle has been in aa since she fell down the stairs three years ago. The experts who examined her couldn¡¯t tell us what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    Stephanie sat, put her fingertips on Christina¡¯s pulse, and frowned. ¡°Sorry, I got nothing.¡± Stephanie admitted.


    Edith wiped her tears, despairing. ¡°Even Dr. Summer¡¯s stumped. Christie might never wake up.¡±


    Frederick was also disappointed as he said, ¡°Thank you, Dr. Summer, How much for the treatment?¡±


    ¡°Just walk me to my car,¡± replied Stephanie smilingly.


    They were stunned, realizing Stephanie was implying something.


    Once outside, she whispered, ¡°Christina¡¯s out because her nervous system¡¯s shot. I think someone¡¯s been feeding her downers after she hurt her head.¡±


    Frederick frowned and responded, ¡°That¡¯s impossible! The test results didn¡¯t show anything¡±


    ¡°Test results can be falsified. Your house has been installed with surveince cameras, including Christina¡¯s bedroom, Who did you offend?¡± asked Stephanie.


    The news made Frederick and Edith¡¯s skin crawl. They had no idea they were being watched.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll send some meds through Mr. Vincent Fletcher, Get ¡¯em from him. Keep this quiet. And move Christina out of here as fast as you can,¡± Stephanie advised.


    Hope sparked in Edith. ¡°Dr. Summer, what¡¯s the bill for your help and the meds? We¡¯ll pay¡±


    Stephanie waved it off. ¡°No charge, thanks to Mr. Vincent Fletcher. I¡¯ll see you around,¡± she said, leaving


    As the car left the mansion, Giovanni teased, ¡°You¡¯re a real sweetheart, Ms. Hayes!¡±


    ¡°The Fletcher family matter isplicated. It¡¯s good if I can help Vincent get an ally,¡± exined Stephanie.


    Giovanni¡¯s mouth twitched as he asked, ¡°Are you paving a path for him?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Stephanie snorted. ¡°A single guy like you wouldn¡¯t get it.¡±


    Giovanni was speechless.


    Frederick and Edith were torn, worried about a rat in their house.


    ¡°Where should we take Christie?¡± Edith asked.


    After thinking briefly, Frederick said, ¡°Send her to Tranquil Garden. It¡¯s the safest ce.¡±


    e are on Vincent¡¯s side?¡±


    Edith frowned and questioned, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean we are dering to everyone that we


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s Vincent or Raphael And Vincent¡¯s the boss right now. Plus, without him, we wouldn¡¯t have Dr. Summer, and Christie would be gone,¡± Frederick reminded her.


    Edith agreed. ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll chat with Oli when she¡¯s back tomorrow.¡±


    Frederick dered, ¡°No need for discussion. I¡¯ll inform Vincent and send Christie over.¡±


    Vincent happily agreed after receiving the call. Ellen was up and back to herself, so Vincent directed, ¡°Head back to Tranquil Garden.¡±


    12:46 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 22


    Zane smiled and said, ¡°You must miss Mrs. Fletcher.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Vincent quickly said, ¡°Christie¡¯s moving in. I¡¯m visiting her, not Stephanie,¡±


    Zane thought, ¡®Man, you¡¯re just looking for an excuse to rush home to yourdy!¡±


    75%


    +5


    Vincent got to Tranquil Garden and hung around until ten at night, but Stephanie was nowhere. ¡°Where¡¯s Stephanie?¡± he asked with a frosty look in his

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Stephanie left the Fletchers and hit up Starlight Design Studio. Since Vincent wasn¡¯t at Tranquil Garden, she just camped out at the studio doodling designs.


    Julianna found out Stephanie was workingte and was super touched. She figured Stephanie was all about friendship, choosing it over her romance, so she promised to buy Stephanie lunch and dinner.


    Stephanie felt a twinge of guilt. She really wanted to choose love over friendship, but Vincent wasn¡¯t giving her any chances


    Coming back to Tranquil Garden all tired, Sophia rushed over and asked if she wanted some food.


    Stephanie nced at her full belly and passed. ¡°Vincent back!¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Mr. Fletcher¡¯s been home since the afternoon, Christina Fletcher¡¯s been moved here too.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless. Frederick and Edith didn¡¯t waste any time moving Christina in. ¡®Vincent¡¯s home early? Isn¡¯t he swamped at work? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be at some social thing tonight?¡¯ she wondered.


    ¡°Did hee home for Christina?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Sophia shook her head. ¡°No clue what Mr. Fletcher¡¯s thinking. He asked about you, I told him you were at the studio. Then he s i p e d dinner and just holed up in his office. When I brought him coffee, he looked totally down.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sophia,¡± Stephanie said and then headed to spruce up before putting on a cute nightie. She knocked on Vincent¡¯s study door. ¡°Vincent, it¡¯s me. Can Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Come in,¡± Vincent responded in a deep voice. He sounded really upset.


    Pursing her lips, Stephanie entered the study. She saw him in a dark blue silk pajama, with a pair of gold-rimmed sses on his high nose. He was speaking to the other party on theputer screen, exuding aloofness and coldness.


    She guessed that he was having a video conference, so she stood aside.


    Suddenly, Vincent paused his meeting. He looked at Stephanie and asked icily, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Stephanie stood by his wheelchair and held his finger. ¡°You¡¯ve been cold all day. Did I upset you by staying in your space? If you are unhappy, I won¡¯t stay there anymore.¡±


    Vincent cracked a smile. ¡°Think I¡¯m upset over that?¡±


    Her eyes grew big. ¡°Isn¡¯t that it?¡± She sat on hisp and naturally wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Then why?¡±


    Heughed, irked that she had no clue why he was mad all day.


    Stephanie thought the two of them must talk it out to avoid misunderstandings. She nudged, ¡°Spill it. How else will I know?¡±


    Getting closer, she breathed on his lips-a very kissable monent-but instead, he told her, ¡°You were sleep-talking some other guy¡¯s name this morning.¡±


    Stephanie


    e was stunned. No wonder he was angry. ¡°Whose name was that?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Dous,¡± Vincent uttered the name through his gritted teeth.


    She burst intoughter. She cupped his face and looked him in the eye. She grinned. ¡°So you¡¯re jealous?¡±


    1/3


    Chapter 23


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± He tried to deny it.


    ¡°Really?¡± She doubted him.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Vincent wanted to turn his head away, but Stephanie halted his action.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything else?¡± she asked smilingly.


    ¡°No,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Then I must have cursed him in my dream!¡± she chirped.


    ¡°For what?¡± he asked curiously..


    ¡°You hnally stop saying not¡± she yelled.


    Seeing Stephanie¡¯s cheeky smile, Vincent couldn¡¯t help asking. ¡°What did you curse him?¡±


    Raising her eyebrows, she asked. ¡°You want to know?¡±


    ¡°Tell me,¡± he urged.


    ¡°Then, tell me first. Do you miss me?¡± she pleaded.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie¡¯s clear and bright eyes. He wanted to hold her waist tightly, but he restrained his impulse. ¡°A little,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°Just a little?¡± She caressed the stubble on his chin and kissed him passionately. She moved closer to his ear. He could hear her shallow breath. ¡°Vincent, I¡¯ve been missing you like crazy.¡±


    Vincent couldn¡¯t resist Stephanie at all. He wrapped her into his embrace. He hugged her tightly as if trying to melt her into his body. He lowered his head and kissed her, sucking the tip of her tongue until it turned numb.


    They


    hey kissed until they were both breathless. She felt like his touch could light her up, and her knees went weak


    When she felt him react, he carefully moved her off hisp. His voice was rough, ¡°So what did you call that guy?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°I called him a jerk!¡± Stephanieughed.


    ¡°You are so naughty.¡± He chuckled.


    She had that sparkle in her eyes, making Vincent wish they could be closer. But he had to hold back for now.


    ¡°You ignored me all day over this?¡± she pouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he apologized.


    She couldn¡¯t believe the high and mighty Vincent was apologizing to her. She slipped her hands into his pajamas, teasing over his abs. ¡°How¡¯re you gonna make it right?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s heart raced, he looked deep into her eyes, and gripped her hands gently, ¡°You decide.¡±


    ¡°Can you cuddle me tonight?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Vincent. Then, he cleared his throat. ¡°But I could really go for some pasta,¡±


    12:46 Sat, 25 May)¡±.


    Chapter 23


    ¡°Coming right up,¡± Stephanie nodded, thinking he needed a cold shower right about now.


    As expected, he said, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower¡±


    She tried to hold back herughter. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go cook for you now.¡± She jumped down and ran out of the study.


    Breathing out. Vincent felt a weight lift. He peeked under the nket, then flicked off his conference call.


    He trudged back to his room for that long, cold shower. Weirdly enough, Stephanie didn¡¯te looking for him. He squinted, thinking hard. ¡®Did she catch on to my act? But I yed it cool.¡±


    After cleaning up, he rolled into the kitchen. There she was, whipping up a snack, and there went his worries. He breathed a sigh of relief.


    Stephanie¡¯s hair cascaded down her back, giving her this soft vibe.


    As Vincent stroked his chin, he couldn¡¯t help but admire her in action. All the stress from the past few days was gone.


    Feeling eyes on her, Stephanie spun around and met his grin, ¡°Almost ready,¡± she said.


    She could really cook. He cleaned his te.


    Before going to bed, Vincent brushed his teeth again. ¡°Why, hoping for a kiss?¡± Stephanie teased.


    Hearing this, Vincent frowned deeply. She was staring at him and heard him utter indifferently, ¡°No, it¡¯s just a habit.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is it?¡± She arched an eyebrow, stepping closer. The moonlight danced off her legs. She leaned in close, whispering. ¡°Time for a new

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Vincent watched Stephanie, her sun-kissed face just perfect, and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    She quickly kissed him. ¡°That¡¯s your goodnight kiss,¡± she whispered.


    ¡®Oh man, he thought, she¡¯s gonna be the death of me


    After a long time, she fell asleep with satisfaction. Vincent covered his eyes with his hand. He felt that Stephanie had deliberately tortured him.


    Momentster, he turned to look at her, who was sound asleep. She had a delicate face. She looked so p


    pure and beautiful


    Nheless, she somehow managed to take over the whole bed, with her pajama top riding up, showing her beautiful legs and plump bottom. For a second, Vincent¡¯s throat felt dry seeing her like that. His mind was racing, and he struggled to chill out.


    He tucked the nket around her, turned, and clicked off themp.


    Soon, Vincent felt Stephanie wrap her legs around his waist. He took a deep breath. He would make sure she slept in her own bedroom tomorrow.


    Early in the moming, when Stephanie woke up, she found that Vincent was still sound asleep. Shey there grinning at his face, reaching out to gently touch his cheek


    ¡°Are you up?¡± Vincent opened his eyes and looked at her tenderly, Withdrawing her hand, she said in an embarrassed manner, ¡°Have you woken up a long time ago?¡±


    He thought about telling her he¡¯d barely slept, but she¡¯d want the whole story, ¡°Yeah,¡± he yed it cool.


    ¡°Then


    you can sleep a little longer. I¡¯ll prepare breakfast.¡± Then, she jumped off and returned to her bedroom. She changed into her loungewear and went to the kitchen.


    Vincent smiled softly. He was no longer sleepy. After washing up, he went to the kitchen too. He watched as Stephanie stirred the oatmeal and then cut the fruit. She was a bit busy but still organized.


    Lydia appeared and greeted Vincent respectfully. Then, she walked to the kitchen counter. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, please wheel Mr. Fletcher to the dining room I¡¯ll bring the fruit and oatmeal.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°That¡¯d be awesome, thanks!¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Lydia replied.


    Stephanic then pushed Vincent to the dining room and whispered, ¡°Be ready for a good show.¡±


    Momentster, Lydia put the food on the dining table. She carefully set the utensils and put the oatmeal into two small tes.


    Stephanie held Vincent¡¯s arm while pointing at the phone screen smilingly. ¡°Check this out! How could she not know she¡¯d get busted? What do think her boss is gonna do when they find out?¡± she asked.


    He raised his eyebrows slightly. ¡°What would you do if it were up to you?¡±.


    ¡°I¡¯d cut off her hands and feet! Too much?¡± Stephaniemented.


    ¡°No way. She totally deserves it,¡± Vincont replied/ying along.


    you


    Lydia felt kinda awkward overhearing them joking about punishments. She went to put Vincent¡¯s te down and caught a glimpse of her own picture on


    ¦¥¦°


    12:46 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 24


    the phone screen. The te slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor, sending oatmeal flying everywhere.


    Connor and Sophia rushed in, wondering what happened, and were shocked at the mess.


    Vincent instructed indifferently, ¡°Just wait outside. We¡¯ve got this,¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± they said and left.


    Lydia was freaking out. She dropped to the floor, ¡°M-Mr. Fletcher, I am so sorry!¡±


    He nced at her casually. ¡°Why the kneeling?¡±


    Lowering her head, Lydia begged, ¡°Please, let it slide this time.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were as cold as ice. He tapped the armrest of the wheelchair. ¡°When did you start doing this? Tell me the truth. Or maybe I will ept Stephanie¡¯s brilliant suggestion.¡± Vincent¡¯s voice was soft but icy. Lydia could feel a chill down her spine.


    She was weeping bitter tears. ¡°Look, three months ago, I got this scary call. They said they¡¯d hurt my son if I didn¡¯t do what they said. They told me to pick up this little bag at the beef stall in the market. Then I was supposed to sneak something into your food and watch you. I tested it on a stray dog first and saw it wasn¡¯t deadly, so I did it. I swear, I had no choice-my son is all I have!¡±


    ??????????? ????


    Stephanie gave her a hard look. ¡°So, your kid is important, but you don¡¯t care about harming others?¡±


    Lydia choked, ¡°But it was only sometimes! In the past three months, I didn¡¯t do it every day, and it didn¡¯t seem to make you sick¡­¡±


    Stephanie walked up to Lydia. ¡°You know Vincent¡¯s been drinking this herbal medicine that¡¯s supposed to be good for him, right? That was warm- natured, but what you added was cold-natured. If this turns serious, it¡¯ll lead to physical disorder. Lucky for you, he¡¯s strong and it didn¡¯t do much. But that¡¯s no excuse. If you¡¯re in trouble, you shoulde to us first, not go hurting people!¡±


    Vincent looked over at Stephanie, who was totally steamed. She reminded him of a cartoon character, all huffy and adorable in her anger. He just wanted to tap her on the nose to cheer her up.


    ¡°Hey, hey, Chill out,¡± he said, trying to calm her down.


    ¡°But what if something had happened to you?¡± Stephanie had tears in her eyes, and Vincent knew she was really worried about him.


    Vincent felt that Stephanie usually looked at him with a trace of sadness. ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m all good,¡± he reassured her.


    Lydia chimed in, ¡°Yeah, Mr. Fletcher¡¯s doing great¡­


    Stephanie cut her a look. ¡°Pipe down, please. I¡¯m gonna ask you some questions. If you¡¯re messing with us, there will be consequences. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Got it! I won¡¯t lie.¡± Lydia nodded her head repeatedly.


    ¡°Okay then, how do you get in touch with those bad guys?¡± Stephanie was pretty smart and had already snuck a peek at Lydia¡¯s old phone. Now she wanted to see if Lydia would fess up. Plus, Vincent hadn¡¯t heard the whole story yet


    Lydia spilled the beans, ¡°They called me up a while back and scared me, using one of those weird voice things. They¡¯d text me from different numbers, and I just texted back, I tried calling once, but it was a dead end.¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Vincent ordered, ¡°Give me your phone.¡±


    Lydia handed over her phone shakily, and he found their messages. They were pressing Lydia to add more stuff to his food and kept asking about Vincent¡¯s schedule. One of them even inquired about whether Vincent and Stephanie had sex.


    Chapter 24


    75%


    Lydia replied: I didn¡¯t hear anything in the bedroom at night.).


    Vincent mused, ¡®If I really did it with Stephanie, it would prove that I was not sexually impotent. Then, my fake disability would be exposed. This person doesn¡¯t want me to recover, they want me dead. Maybe they are behind that car chase, too!


    ying with the phone, Vincerit looked down at Lydia, who was trembling. ¡°What am I gonna do with you?¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    In the big dining room, Lydia was still kneeling and begging repeatedly. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you gotta believe me. I¡¯ve been here in Tranquil Garden for so long. Please, my kid is still with them!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s voice was indifferent. ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal to be punished if you make a mistake? Connor


    Connor appeared. ¡°Yes, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    ¡°Take her to the secret room and deal with her ording to the family rules,¡± Vincent ordered.


    Lydia looked up abruptly and begged, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, please forgive me!¡±


    He smiled, ¡°It seems that you finally remember what kind of person tam.¡±


    Connor kind of knew what Lydia had done wrong and already had two guys ready just in case. They were only waiting for Vincent¡¯s order.


    When Lydia was dragged out, she kept begging for mercy. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I don¡¯t want to go to Snake Forest¡­¡±


    Sophia scrambled to clean up the spilled stuff on the floor and cleared the messed-up breakfast from the table.


    Vincent wasn¡¯t happy to see Stephanie¡¯s cooking in the trash. Sitting on hisp, Stephanie gave him a hug. ¡°No biggie. I¡¯ll whip up something else for


    you.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s gaze became softer. ¡°How did you find out?¡±


    Stephanie was ready with her answer. ¡°Well, I know a bit about traditional medicine. I checked your pulse the night we got our marriage license and something seemed off. Then I saw you had traditional medicine every day, which is warm-natured. And it made me think: maybe something you¡¯re eating¡¯s messing with you,


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°I lost two sleeping pills.¡±


    She stuck out her tongue, feeling a bit embarrassed. ¡°I took the pills and asked my friend to test those. I didn¡¯t expect you to check the amount.¡±


    ¡°The bottle had a special sticker that glows at night when touched,¡± he exined.


    ¡°Were you worried I was up to no good?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No.¡± His gaze was determined. ¡°Stephie, when you feel my pulse, can you find out any other problems? Did you find out if my legs might get better?¡±


    Stephanie almost said she was the famous Miracle Doctor Summer, but waited. She was afraid that it might be toote to reveal her identity now. And Vincent hadn¡¯t let on that his legs were fine all along. It was better for her to y dumb, so she shook her head.


    ¡°Is that it then? No hope for my leg?¡± Vincent raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°No,¡± Stephanie exined, ¡°I mean, I can only do basic pulse diagnosis. That¡¯s out of my league.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, you¡¯re awesome, Stephie. You caught the sneak. You know, Miracle Doctor Summer checked my mom¡¯s pulse today. If I had known that you have some medical skills, I would¡¯ve introduced you.¡±


    Stephanie thought, ¡°Sure, like I can be in two ces at once¡­¡±


    Vincent then said, ¡°Next time Dr. Summer drops by the house, you¡¯reing with me.¡±


    1/3


    12:46 Sat, 25 May M


    Chapter 25


    It¡¯s totally unnecessary!¡± she yelled inwardly. Contrary to her heart, she smiled, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°When did you install the surveince camera? Vincent asked.


    575%


    ¡°Just a couple days back.¡± She hopped off hisp and headed for the doorway. Standing on her toes, she reached for something high. Her shirt lifted a bit, and Vincent caught a glimpse of her back, which made him swallow hard.


    She took down a tiny micro camera, Stephanie resumed sitting on hisp naturally and showed him the camera. ¡°This is a new model. It¡¯s hard to be noticed and very useful.¡±


    Vincent took a look at the camera. ¡°It¡¯s manufactured by Xosa Base. You know the good brands.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°The technology products made by Xosa Base are the best. Although they are expensive, they are worth it. Besides, Xosa Base has detailed research on artificial intelligence. They have a bright future ahead. I¡¯m kinda into the brainy guy running thepany too.


    ¡°You¡¯re interested?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s an interesting man. He won¡¯t sell to someone he doesn¡¯t like, even for a boatload of cash, but if he likes you, he might give you a deal,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Vincent pinched her chin, ¡°Hey, saying another guy¡¯s name in my bed is one thing, but digging another dude while you¡¯re in my arms?¡±


    ¡°Are you jealous?¡± she asked smilingly.


    They answered in unison, ¡°No.¡±


    Vincent looked at Stephanie gently and chuckled. ¡°You are cheeky. Don¡¯t mention other men in front of me from now on, okay?¡±


    Raising her chin, she challenged. ¡°What if I did? Are you going to punish me?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Severe punishment,¡± he teased.


    ¡°Are you going to throw me to Snake Forest too?¡± she retorted.


    Vincent yed with her bracelet. ¡°Of course not!¡±


    ¡°But what kind of ce is Snake Forest?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°You won¡¯t want to know,¡± said Vincent. Then, he continued, ¡°After breakfast, I have to go to Fletcher Group for a meeting. I¡¯ll fetch you to the styling studio in the afternoon for my mom¡¯s birthday party tonight.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, that sounds like a drag, I¡¯ll just roll with you to the office. I¡¯ll doodle or something while you¡¯re busy,¡± Stephanie suggested.


    ¡°You sure you won¡¯t get bored?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Never, I


    soon!


    I just want to stay with you,¡± she said with a smile that melted Vincent. Stephania hopped off hisp. ¡°Wait for me. Your breakfast will be ready


    After breakfast, they visited Christina, who lived on the second floor.


    At 7:30 am., Zane came to pick Vincent.


    up


    At 7:30, Zane arrived to fetch Vincent. Seeing Stephaniee along, he looked surprised but just rolled up the divider in the car, not eager to catch any more of their cutesy stuff.


    12:46 Sat, 25 May


    Chapter 25


    75%


    At the office, while Vincent hit the conference room, Stephanie made herself cozy by the couch on the carpet. She spread out some drawing paper on the


    coffee table.


    After a while, someone knocked on the door and entered.


    The second secretary, Chloe Wells, came in with a bag. She brought various types of cakes, cookies, and hot chocte. Everything took up almost half of the coffee table. ¡°Mr. Fletcher wanted you to have this. Enjoy!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Stephanie packed up part of the goodies. ¡°Let¡¯s share these with everyone.¡±


    Chloe¡¯s heart s i p p e d a beat, She nodded. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Hayes.¡± She hurried out of the office with the bag, her heart beating rapidly.


    The other assistants crowded around her when she got back to her desk.


    ¡°How¡¯s Stephanie in real life? As stunning as her pics?¡± one of them asked, leaning in.


    ¡°Is she really as stuck-up as the gossip says?¡± added another.


    ¡°Come on, Chloe, spill it!¡± urged a third.


    Chloe shushed them with a grin. ¡°Look, Ms. Hayes just gave us a bunch of treats, okay? She¡¯s super nice and, yeah, she¡¯s really pretty. So cut the trash talk


    she¡¯s gonna be the boss¡¯s wife. Here, everyone grab one, and let¡¯s get back to work.¡±


    After finishing up three drawings, Stephanie snapped some pics and texted them over to Julianna. [You¡¯re on fire!] came back Julianna¡¯s reply, with an


    emoji for extra cheer.


    Stretching. Stephanie couldn¡¯t resist digging into a slice of cake.


    When Vincent got back around lunchtime, he found Stephanie crashed on the couch, a little smudge of frosting on her face. He chuckled to himself and reached out to clean it off when suddenly she stuck out her tongue, surprising him.


    ¡°Stephie, do you know what you are doing?¡± He gently touched the corner of her mouth. She stuck her tongue again and licked away the cream on his finger.


    It turned out that she wanted to eat cake.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    He looked at her dotingly and intended to withdraw his finger. But the next second, she grabbed his hand tightly and mumbled unconsciously,


    Vincent¡­


    Vincent couldn¡¯t restrain himself anymore.

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    Chapter 26


    Just as Vincent was leaning in, maybe for a quick peck on the lips, the door burst open.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher-oh!¡± Zane stopped mid-sentence, staring at Vincent looking affectionately at Stephanie and slowly leaning forward to kiss her. ¡°Is the ever- aloof Mr. Fletcher trying to kiss Stephanie while she¡¯s asleep?¡¯ Zane wondered.


    Vincent cast a cold nce at Zane and thetter disappeared immediately.


    Then, Vincent turned back to look at Stephanie¡¯s sleeping face. Her face was tanned and delicate, and her lips were slightly open. Her sweet scent filled his nose. Just as he leaned in again, he paused, like he was checking for more interruptionsN?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Sure nobody else was going to barge in, he moved closer once more, but then Stephanie¡¯s eyes fluttered open.


    Vincent did not expect that Stephanie would wake up. He wanted to get up, but she grabbed his dark blue tie. With a smile, she wrapped the tie around her finger and asked, ¡°What were you doing?¡±


    ¡°I saw an eysh on your face and wanted to blow it off, Vincent answered indifferently.


    ¡°You are a terrible liar, Mr. Fletcher.¡± Stephanie raised her head slightly. ¡°Did you want to kiss me?


    ¡°No.¡± Then, Vincent added, ¡°You misunderstood me.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked while blinking.


    He hummed in response.


    ¡°Okay, I must be overthinking.¡± Stephanie pouted.


    Looking at her disappointed expression, Vincent felt funny. He felt sorry for her even though he knew she was merely pretending. He decided to give in. ¡°Alright, I was lying.¡±


    He pinched her chin and was about to kiss her.


    He was just about to lean in closer when the door flew open, again,


    ¡°Zane, you¡¯re seriously-¡°Vincent began, but cut off when he saw who it was.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Uncle Vincent.¡± Oliver, wearing a Chanel suit, came in. When she saw them, her smile froze but she quickly recovered. She beamed at them. Stephanie was slightly embarrassed and pushed Vincent away. Vincent sat up, his face turning serious. ¡°When¡¯d you get back?¡±


    ¡°I just got


    off the ne and came straight here!¡± Olivia chirped. ¡°I wanna go to Grandma¡¯s birthday thing with you. And she is?¡± She looked at Stephanie.


    Vincent looked at her briefly. Without answering Olivia, he turned toward Stephanie. ¡°Stephie, this is Frederick¡¯s eldest daughter, Olivia.¡±


    With a faint smile, Stephanie greeted, ¡°Nice to meet you, Olivia,¡±


    ¡°This is my wife, Stephanie,¡± said Vincent.


    As Olivia and the film crew were in the mountains rushing to finish shooting, she did not attend the engagement party. However, she had heard what happened from Edith. She thought that Vincent¡¯s marriage was just an act. After all, he had always been serious and indifferent to all Nevertheless, the previous scenepletely overturned her perception of Vincent. Vincent smiled and tried to kiss Stephanie.


    Looking at the bracelet on Stephanie¡¯s wrist, Olivia subconsciously clenched her handbag. She hid her surprise and unwillingness well ¡°Hello,


    1/4


    2:23 Mon, 27 May


    Chapter 26


    Stephanie.¡±


    ¡°Hello,¡± replied Stephanie. She knew that Olivia was Frederick¡¯s adopted daughter.


    87%1


    Olivia had a rough story. Her dad was a close friend of Frederick¡¯s, once his driver. He had saved Frederick¡¯s life in a crash but didn¡¯t make it himself. With hisst breath, he asked Frederick to take care of Olivia.


    Moreover, Frederick knew that his friend had a hard life. Thetter was an orphan. His wife, also an orphan, died during an obstructedbor. They only had Olivia. So, Frederick brought four-year-old Olivia into his home, gave her a newst name, and raised her alongside Christina.


    But then, three years back, Christina had a bad fall and ended up in aa. Slowly, Olivia became the one everyone thought of as the only Fletcher


    daughter


    Olivia had star quality. She went to college for acting and even scored a deal with Joseph¡¯s big moviepany before she tossed her graduation cap Although she was the adopted daughter, she was from the Fletcher family, so Joseph made sure she got plenty ofmercials and lead roles in TV shows. Not just any lead roles, Olivia was nalling parts that made her the youngest actress to ever snag a ¡°Best Actress¡± award.


    Dous, who started Fantasy Entertainment, was dying to have her work for him. He figured she¡¯d say yes because they were kind of rted. But Olivia wasn¡¯t having it, she stuck with Quality Pictures.


    Back when Stephanie was Vincent¡¯s secretary in her previous life, Olivia would pop by to catch up with him if she wasn¡¯t on set somewhere. Then, outta nowhere, Olivia went overseas and basically vanished.


    Snapping back to now, Olivia nced at Vincent. ¡°Have you eaten yet, Uncle Vincent?¡±


    Vincent didn¡¯t say anything. Stephanie shook her head. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Me neither. Let¡¯s grab something to eat,¡± Olivia suggested.


    They were all headed to Ellen¡¯s birthday party anyway.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie again and hinted at her to decline, but she ignored him and agreed. They


    Zane booked a table at a high-end restaurant and drove the three of them there.


    Olivia tried to chat with Vincent from the front seat, but she frowned when a divider went up


    er went up out of the blue. ¡°What¡¯s the deal, Mr. Quin?¡± she asked.


    Zane smiled and said, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher can¡¯t seem to keep their hands to themselves. It¡¯s a torture for singletons like us.¡±


    Olivia¡¯s eyshes fluttered and her nails dug into her handbag. The divider made two s


    separate worlds in the car.


    In the back, Stephanie was holding o


    zonto


    Vincent¡¯s arm. ¡°What do you think they¡¯re imagining we¡¯re up to?¡±


    Vincent raised his eyebrow and said, ¡°We¡¯re already married. Whatever we¡¯re doing is nobody¡¯s business.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s heart s** a beat and her long eyshes fluttered. Looking at her blushing, Vincent raised her chin with his fingertips and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡± replied Stephanie, pursing her lips.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you ignore-my look earlier?¡± He wasn¡¯t mad, just curious.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. I gotta be nice, right?¡± Stephanie smiled as she added, ¡°And hey, as your wife, we¡¯re going to spend the rest of our lives together. That means sharing a meal with your family, too.¡±


    Her soft voice stirred his heart. ¡°The rest of our lives, he repeated to himself. He remembered some nasty gossip and looked at her, searching. ¡°So what do you say about those rumors that I¡¯m¡­ well, impotent.¡±


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    Chapter 26


    Shaking her head, Stephanie answered, ¡°I chose you. We¡¯ll handle whateveres. Plus, there¡¯s something sweet about a love that¡¯s just¡­ love.¡±


    Vincent studied her face-no lies there. Just pure honesty. Vincent swallowed and said seriously, ¡°Remember what you said, Stephie.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t forget,¡± she promised.


    The car stopped at the entrance of the restaurant. Zane got out of the car, opened the door, and brought out a wheelchair. Vincent moved to the wheelchair and Stephanie wheeled him. Olivia watched them and noticed Stephanie¡¯s smeared lipstick. It was obvious that they were kissing.


    Olivia¡¯s expression darkened instantly.


    After they entered the restaurant, the three of them sat by the floor-to-ceiling window.


    Stephanie received a photo sent by Julianna when she went to the restroom.


    Julianna: [Your husband is on a date with a woman. Do you know that? There¡¯s a photo as proof!]


    Stephanie: [How do you know?]


    Julianna: I¡¯m on the second floor. The sexually impotent s**g still flirts with other women!]


    With a smile, Stephanie walked out of the restroom and returned to the table. She sat next to Vincent and winked at Julianna on the second floor.


    Julianna: [So you¡¯re here too! But after you left, that woman has been chatting with your husband. Although your husband doesn¡¯t even look at her, you should be careful. The way she looks at your husband is unusuall]


    Stephanie: [Got it.]


    When she was in Vincent¡¯s office just now, she noticed the surprised and unwilling expression on Olivia¡¯s face when thetter looked at her bracelet. Although the expression disappeared quickly, her intuition told her that Olivia¡¯s feelings for Vincent might not just be as simple as treating him as her


    uncle.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Vincent put his arm around her waist.


    With a smile, Stephanie switched off her phone. ¡°Nothing, I saw some interesting news.¡±


    ¡°Tell me,¡± he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re not interested in the show biz¡± Stephanie made an excuse,


    Vincent did not ask more after noticing she did not want to talk about it.


    A waiter served their order.


    Vincent and Stephanie began to cut the steak. They smiled after they handed the steak to each other.


    Olivia, picking up on the vibe, tried to jump in. ¡°Steph, can I tag along to the salonter?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie smiled faintly.


    Vincent¡¯s gaze was filled with impatience upon noticing that Stephanie had her attention on Olivia again. Stephanie saw it and held his hand tofort him. Then, she joked, ¡°You should¡¯ve said something. I could¡¯ve had the styliste to our ce. Christie¡¯s there and she¡¯d probably love to m up for the party¡±.


    ¡°Christie?¡± Ovia was stunned. ¡°Stephanie, you¡¯re saying?¡±

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    Chapter 27


    livia¡¯s gasp was heard in the huge restaurant.


    Many people looked at her. She was a public figure, so she quickly covered her face.


    ¡®incent gave her a meaningful look. ¡°Why are you so nervous?¡±


    inally, Olivia calmed down. ¡°I¡¯m just curious why Christie lives with you.¡±


    Someone is spying on Frederick¡¯s Rouse. He suspects that it¡¯s done by a rivalpany. He sent Christie to Tranquil Garden because he¡¯s afraid someone would do something bad to her,¡± Vincent replied.


    Stephanie nced at him and noticed that he had concealed the fact that Christina was drugged.


    Olivia seemed relieved. She smiled and said, ¡°Christie has moved into Tranquil Garden. Can I stay there as well, Uncle Vincent?¡±


    Vincent raised his eyes. ¡°No.¡±


    He refused herpletely, which made Olivia embarrassed. ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°As Christie can¡¯t move, she won¡¯t affect my and Stephie¡¯s lives. But you will.¡±


    Disappointment and nervousness shed through Olivia¡¯s eyes, but she still smiled and said, ¡°I was just kidding, Uncle Vincent.¡±


    After their meal, Zane drove them to Coco Styling Studio. Zane had informed Coco, the owner of the styling studio, in advance, so she waited at the entrance when it was nearly time.


    When the car arrived, Zane invited Vincent out, Stephanie pushed his wheelchair toward Coco, and Olivia walked beside him, Coco did not expect that Vincent woulde in person. It was obvious that Stephanie was very important to him.


    Then, Coco greeted the three and invited them in..


    After parking the car, Zane entered and waited with Vincent. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Olivia were invited to separate makeup rooms.


    Coco asked her assistant to wash Stephanie¡¯s hair while she went to Olivia¡¯s makeup room. She closed the door. ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s the woman¡¯s rtionship with Vincent?¡±


    Olivia concealed the fact that Vincent was married and merely snorted, ¡°Sho¡¯s just his fianc¨¦e.¡±


    ¡°Is she the notorious daughter of the Hayes family? Coco asked.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Olivia touched her beautiful and round nails.


    Meanwhile, Coco lutted. ¡°The photos and videos of Dous and Florence during the engagement party have spread around and can¡¯t be removed anymore. But Stephanie¡¯s face was censored Vincent must be the one who did it. He truly protects her, but she has a bad reputation, How could shepare with you?¡±


    Olivia sighed, ¡°Uncle Vincent agreed to get engaged to her for the sake o family, so Uncle Vincent has no choice.¡±


    of the Fletcher family, In this situation, the Fletcher family has wronged the Hayes


    They are engaged, not married. If you like Vincent, take him away. Once he can stand up, you will be the most enviable woman in Jacaster Coco said.


    Olivia narrowed her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right. The medical field is so advanced nowadays, What if Vincent can stand up?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    12:23 Mon, 27 May MU


    Chapter 27


    Coco looked around. ¡°Wait a minute. I can do something to humiliate Stephanie.¡±


    ¡°Will they find out?¡± Olivia blinked.


    ¡°Of course not. Even if they find out, they will me it on the supplier of the gown. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Coco replied.


    87%


    When Coco returned to Stephanie¡¯s makeup room, her assistant had dried Stephanie¡¯s hair. Her soft hair hung at her waist, making her face even more


    appealing.


    Stephanie because she thought thetter


    Looking at her in the mirror, Coco had to admit that Stephanie was very beautiful. However, she did not like St was taking over Olivia¡¯s rightful ce.


    Thus, Coco wanted to humiliate Stephanie, but thetter was beautiful even without makeup, so she only needed a simple touch-up. ¡°Let me get your gown, Ms. Hayes.¡±


    Stephanie did not correct her. After all, Vincent had said that their marriage was to be kept secret for the time being. Only the Fletcher family and the Hayes family knew that they were married, but the two families were embarrassed and did not discuss it. She just smiled and nodded.


    Coco brought a nude off-the-shoulder form-fitting dress with pearl earrings and a ne.


    The back of the gown was well designed, with a small V-neck, and used a back zipper. If Stephanie¡¯s hair was coiled up, part of her back would be exposed, and she would not look dull.


    ¡°Our styling studio has been cooperating with internationally famous brands like Fantasy Boutique, Style Jazz Couture, and Dazzling Resplendence. This gown was sent herest night. I think it suits you very well, Ms. Hayes. Would you like to try it?¡±


    Stephanie nced at it. It was designed by Julianna.


    She happily agreed. After trying it on, it fitted her well.


    ¡°Let me help you put your hair up,¡± Coco said.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m used to wearing my hair down.¡± Stephanie refused.


    Coco smiled. She thought that it would not stop Stephanie from being humiliated, even if thetter wore her hair down.


    As Stephanie came out of the makeup room, she walked up to Vincent. ¡°How do I look?¡±


    Vincent looked up


    with a


    a gleam


    of amazement in his eyes. ¡°The nude color suits you very well, making your skin look even more shining¡±


    At this time, Olivia also appeared. She twirled once in front of Vincent and asked, ¡°How is it, Uncle Vincent?¡±


    ¡°Looks good.¡± Vincent nodded slightly.


    The perfunctoryment made Olivia grit her teeth. After all, she was the best actress with millions of fans. She shouldn¡¯t be defeated by a s**t. Thus, she tried her best to keep a smile and said, ¡°You have good taste, Uncle Vincent. It must be good.¡±


    Coco chimed in, ¡°You¡¯re beautiful even in a sack, Olivia.¡±


    Olivia smiled, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    At the same time, several assistants came over to ask for her signature and take photos with her Olivia nodded in agreement.


    Just as she was gloating Stephanie had already pushed Vincent out of the room.


    Chapter 27


    Zane looked at Olivia. ¡°Mr. Fletcher needs to get the birthday present. If you want toe with us, please hurry up, Ms. Fletcher.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right there,¡± Olivia said as she pursed her lips. She quickly followed Zane and sat in the passenger seat.


    As soon as she turned around, she saw the divider gradually rise. She red at Zane and clenched her fists.


    Ellen¡¯s birthday party was held in Millennium Hotel, and the guests were all big shots from various fields. The red carpet at the entrance of the hotel extended for over 100 yards, and reporters were lining up at two sides, Luxury cars were parked at the entrance, Highly-esteemed men stepped out on the red carpet hand in hand with their femalepanions, as grand as celebrities walking on the red carpet.¡±


    At this time, a ck Rolls-Royce phantom stopped at the entrance. The door was opened and Dous got out of the car with Florence.


    The camera shes lit up continuously.


    One reporter said, ¡°When will you hold your wedding ceremony with Ms. Hayes, Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Another asked, ¡°Did you really steal your sister¡¯s fianc¨¦, Ms. Hayes?¡±


    Someone else asked, ¡°Will you exin the photos and videos at the engagement party?¡±


    Öæ

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Facing all kinds of doubts, Florence still kept a smile on her face.


    She looked at Dous affectionately. ¡°We have already exined the photos and videos. They are all sheer fiction. As for the truth, I can¡¯t tell you more, because Dous and I have people that we want to protect.¡± Florence¡¯s words were vague.


    At this time, a man¡¯s voice was heard.


    ¡°Sheer fiction? How dare you say that. The photos and videos are real. You s a t h e d away another person¡¯s fianc¨¦ and even shamelessly hinted that the person you want to protect has fallen in love with the other guy. You¡¯re merely pretending to be a good person after doing immoral things.¡± Giovanni, who was wearing sunsses and had unruly silver hair, spoke ruthlessly. His words made Florence¡¯s expression darkened.


    The reporters started to ask questions again.


    Meanwhile, Dous tried to mediate the situation. ¡°I¡¯m already engaged to Flore, and we¡¯ll hold our wedding ceremony one day. The Fletcher and the Hayes families approve of our rtionship. I hope that you stop asking about it.¡±


    However, Giovanni sneered and raised his chin, ¡°You¡¯re letting it go so quickly. Don¡¯t you need to give the public an exnation for Florence¡¯s lip syncing?¡±


    Dous realized that Giovanni was there to stir up trouble. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll take this opportunity to exin Flore¡¯s lip-syncing Dous answered.


    For a moment, everyone was silent. After all, it was big news that Fantasy Entertainment had never given an official response to.


    Dous cleared his throat. ¡°Initially, Flore¡¯s sample was epted. But after drinking the coffee brewed by Stephanie, her vocal cords were damaged, and she couldn¡¯t sing anymore. Topensate Flore, Stephanie took the initiative to be her vocal double. It can be seen from the concert that Stephanie deliberately hurt Flore to be thetter¡¯s vocal double. Stephanie¡¯s goal is to ruin Flore when Flore is at the peak of her career.¡±


    His words causedmotion around.


    Florence was stunned. She did not expect that Dous would tell them her excuse. If Stephanie were to know about it, she might take revenge on Florence. Thus, Florence clenched in silence.


    One asked, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Stephanie your fianc¨¦e, Mr. Fletcher? Why is she Mr. Vincent Fletcher¡¯s fianc¨¦e now?¡±


    Another asked, ¡°Stephanie is Florence¡¯s sister. How could she do such a thing?¡±


    Someone else chimed in, ¡°How long has it been nned? She¡¯s so c** g¡±


    Another said, ¡°I heard that Stephanie is a troublemaker. Who knew that she¡¯s such a scheming b**h!¡±


    Someone else said, ¡°Florence is so unlucky to have such a sister.¡±


    The whole public opinion turned in favor of Florence and ndered Stephanie.


    Giovanni gritted his teeth in anger and shouted, ¡°Calm down, everyone! Are you sure it¡¯s Stephanie¡¯s fault just from Dous¡¯ words? We shouldn¡¯t cover up the truth. Stephanie wille today. How about waiting here for the truth?¡±


    Everyone agreed and wanted to wait for the truth.


    Looking at Florence¡¯s pursed lips, Dous patted her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Flore. We¡¯ll take this opportunity to rity and expose Stephanie¡¯s schemes to the public,¡±


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    Chapter 28


    86%


    Just then, a ck Maybach appeared at the entrance. Sitting in the passenger seat, Olivia got out of the car. She was used to walking on the red carpet.


    Thus, she warmly greeted the reporters, instantly attracting everyone¡¯s attention.


    Meanwhile, Zane got out of the car and got the wheelchair ready. He opened the door and helped Vincent sit on it. Then, Stephanie got out of the car and pushed Vincent¡¯s wheelchair forward.


    One said, ¡°Wow, she¡¯s so beautiful!¡±


    Anothermented, ¡°Yes, she has a


    a good figure as well. Just look at her long hair.¡±


    The praises were heard and Olivia raised her head. ¡°Thank you, everyone.¡±


    One said, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her before. She is Mr. Vincent Fletcher¡¯s fianc¨¦e, right?¡±


    Anothermented, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her to be so beautiful, like a fairy.¡±


    Someone else chimed in, ¡°She looks like a famous celebrity and


    and even more beautiful than the best actress.¡±


    The corners of Olivia¡¯s mouth twitched. It turned out that thosepliments were for Stephanie. Olivia tried hard to maintain the smile on her face as she watched the cameras aimed at the spot behind her.


    Meanwhile, Vincent did not like to be photographed, so he looked grim. Noticing the situation, Stephanie tried to walk faster. However, enemies often crossed paths, and they met Dous and Florence.


    Dous stopped the two and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to bother you, Uncle Vincent, but I want to ask Stephanie for some rification.¡±


    Vincent looked at him. ¡°If you know you¡¯re bothering me, why do you still do it? Get out of the way.¡± His voice wasn¡¯t loud, but his tone was


    unquestionable,


    His instruction made Dous feel embarrassed, Moreover, Dous already confirmed that Stephanie would exin about the vocal double, so he had toContent bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    bite the bullet and insist on it.


    ¡°I just want to ask Stephanie to rify Flore¡¯s vocal double, Uncle Vincent,¡± Dous said.


    ¡®Vocal double?¡¯ Vincent wondered. Then, Vincent looked at Stephanie. ¡°What do you think!¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll exin.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Vincent nodded.


    With a smile, Stephanie said, ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Stephanie, who used to be Florence¡¯s vocal double. It was me who revealed her lip-syncing at the concert. Florence used my sample and handed it over to Fantasy Entertainment under her name. Then, she was chosen by Fantasy Entertainment and became a popr celebrity, Knowing that the secret would be exposed sooner orter, she admitted her mistake and hoped that I could be her vocal double. I thought that she treated me sincerely, so I forgave her and agreed to be her vocal double.¡±


    Someone retorted, ¡°What Mr. Dous Fletcher said is exactly the opposite. He said that Florence¡¯s sample passed thepany¡¯s various tests. But her throat was damaged and her vocal cords were injured after drinking coffee from you. You became Florence¡¯s vocal double topensate her. Moreover, you want her to suffer a crushing defeat so you revealed the secret about the vocal double.¡±


    Turning to look at Florence, Stephanie said, ¡°Was it your sample that passed thepany¡¯s tests? Are your vocal cords injured after drinking the coffee? But how could you speak so well?¡±


    Florence knew that she had been caught in a difficult situation. Thus, she had to go along with the n. Moreover, she had deleted the sample, and there was no backup in thepany.


    12:24 Mon, 27 May MG


    Chapter 28


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    ¡°Of course, it was my sample. But there¡¯s no backup in thepany.¡± Florence pursed her lips and added, ¡°As for the coffee, you and I know about it. I can talk, but I can¡¯t sing anymore.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you sing?¡± Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°Have everyone watched the video during the engagement party? Your voice that time was louder than your singing voice, right?¡±


    With eyes brimming with tears, Florence said, ¡°How can you nder me, Stephie?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth, and you¡¯re the one ndering me.¡± Stephanie looked at Glovanni before adding, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you want evidence? Show them the sample back then, Giovanni,¡±


    speaker from his backpack and connected it to the Bluetooth.


    Giovanni took out a speaker


    A sad melody sounded, and Stephanie¡¯s voice was heard.


    It was the first song released by Florence back then. She not only won Song of the Year using the song but also established her presence in the music industry. The sample was only the first draft, and there were some noises in it.


    A subtle wave of emotions shed across Florence¡¯s eyes. ¡°It doesn¡¯t prove anything! You could be doing something for the post-production.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Indeed. Did you bring yourptop, Giovanni?¡±


    Giovanni took out hisptop and put it in front of Stephanie.


    Then, Stephanie clicked on a video from an email. ¡°Everyone, please watch this.¡±


    08

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Everyone held their breath, afraid that they would miss any important evidence. Their phones and video cameras were aimed at theptop screen. The video was recorded using a webcam.


    Stephanie recorded herself ying the guitar and singing the song.


    At this time. Florence came in. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful song, Stephie. What¡¯s the title?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called ¡®Separation, Stephanie replied.


    Sitting next to her, Florence asked, ¡°Can you teach me how to sing it?¡±


    ¡°Surek


    Stephanie said with a smile.


    Then, she started to sing and Florence repeated.


    Although Florence was not out of tune, her voice was not distinctive. An entertainmentpany would not be interested in her with this kind of


    standard.


    The video stopped. Stephanie looked at Florence and said, ¡°So, did Fantasy Entertainment choose you because of the video? In all fairness, do I need to poison you with your having this kind of voice?¡±


    Florence¡¯s face was pale and her eyshes fluttered. ¡°You just want to destroy me when I¡¯m at the peak of my career,¡±


    Then, Stephanie replied slowly. ¡°If I wanted to do so, I would¡¯ve already revealed this evidence. Why do I need to wait until you nder me?¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You just want to see me humiliated. If you treat me as your sister, why do you deliberately wait here to embarrass me in public?¡± Florence choked with


    Jobs


    Giovanni tutted. ¡°I¡¯ve long wanted to expose your shameless behavior, so I¡¯m always ready.¡±


    Stephanie sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t start it. You seduced my fianc¨¦ and asked me to be your vocal double. Also, I


    Afraid that she would say something about the rough sketch, Florence interrupted her by saying, ¡°We are sisters, Stephie. Do you have to be so heartless?¡±


    Nevertheless, Stephanie looked at her indifferently. ¡°So it¡¯s perfectly justified for you to hurt me, but i¡¯m heartless if I fight back. Have you ever thought about us when you did those loathsome things?¡±


    She looked at the crowd and said, ¡°That¡¯s what happened with the vocal double. Florence stole my sample and was chosen after using it during the audition in Fantasy Entertainment. Then, she asked me to be her vocal double. I happily agreed because we¡¯re sisters. Every time she attended a fan party, a music festival, or a concert, I would sing in her ce under the stage. I love the music and every cheer from the fansel also love the support and encouragement from everyone, even though the praises weren¡¯t for me. I apologize for keeping it a secret from you. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±


    After saying that, she nodded solemnly. At this point, everything was clear.


    One asked, ¡°Will you sing again, Stephanie?¡±


    Another said, ¡°That¡¯s right. Release an album and hold a concert in your own name!¡±


    Someone else chimed in, ¡°We all love your voice,


    Another said, ¡°We will all go to your concerts.¡±


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    Chapter 29


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    Then, someone else said, ¡°You¡¯re such a liar, Florence. How dare you say that you were set up by Stephanie? You¡¯re such a shameless person! You¡¯re even


    worse than an amateur singer¡±


    Another chimed in, ¡°You¡¯re a pretentious b**h, Florence, Get out of the entertainment industry!¡±


    Someone else added, ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    Another said, ¡°Change the singer from Florence to Stephanie.¡±


    With eyes brimming with tears, Florence looked at Dous. ¡°Dous.¡±


    Dous did not expect that Florence was lying and that she would be exposed so soon. At this moment, his face was grim.


    Then, he said in a low voice, ¡°You¡¯ve humiliated me! I¡¯ll settle the score after we go back.¡±


    When he was about to take her into the hotel, Vincent said, ¡°Why are you leaving? Shouldn¡¯t you apologize after ndering Stephanie? Shouldn¡¯t you apologize after deceiving the public?¡±


    One said, ¡°Apologize!¡±


    Another chimed in, ¡°Yes, apologize!¡±


    Dous pursed his lips and pushed Florence in front of the reporters. only found out about the vocal double now. Although Florence did it on her own, as the CEO of Fantasy Entertainment, I¡¯m also responsible for it. I failed to verify the truth of ourpany¡¯s celebrity and disappointed all the fans. I apologize sincerely to you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Meanwhile, Florence sobbed. ¡°I apologize to my fans. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±


    Giovanni sneered, ¡°Who knows? It might be that you just let it happen. After all, the two of you had an affair long ago.¡±


    A o o n as he finished speaking,motion began again.


    Dous¡¯ and Florence¡¯s expressions darkened.


    At this time, Horace and Matilda walked over quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Stephanie!¡± Matilda eximed,


    After saying that, Matilda raised her hand wanting to p Stephanie


    Vincent was about to stand up when he saw Stephanie grab Matilda¡¯s wrist. Stephanie said, ¡°I¡¯m the one enough with you all! You¡¯ve been favoring Florence since we were young. I was always the wrong one. But she deserves what happened today. She even wanted to nder me after using me!¡±


    Matilda was about to retaliate when Stephanie reminded her, ¡°Tonight is Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s birthday party. Do you want to give her such a huge gift?¡± ¨C Matilda¡¯s expression changed and she said in a voice that could only be heard by the two, ¡°Just wait for it, **h!¡±


    Instead of getting angry, Stephanieughed. ¡°Look! This is my mother. A mother who says such harsh words to her child¡¯ she eximed inwardly. After that, she raised her eyebrows and asked, ¡°Am I your biological daughter?¡±


    Matilda¡¯s eyshes fluttered. ¡°I really should have strangled you back then, you ungrateful child!¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Stephanie shook off her wrist and said, ¡°I regret being born into a family like yours.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Matilda gritted her teeth


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    12:24 Mon, 27 May UG


    Chapter 29


    86%


    Stephanie was no longer in the mood to talk to Matilda further, so the former turned around and walked behind Vincent. With a faint smile, she looked at the crowd and said, ¡°Life is full of surprises, right? Maybe you¡¯ll get to hear my songs again someday.¡± With that, she wheeled Vincent into the lobby.


    Meanwhile, Florence trotted toward the hotel with Dous, lowering her head to reduce her presence.


    Horace and Matilda followed them, looking embarrassed.


    Dous took Florence to the lounge. He red at her and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your exnation?¡±


    Florence cried bitterly. ¡°I love you. Dous. I had no choice because I wanted to get close to you, I thought as long as I entered Fantasy Entertainment, I would be closer to you.¡±


    Nevertheless, Dous shook her hand away. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m an idiot? I was humiliated today!¡±


    Florence hugged him. ¡°Dous, it¡¯s Stephie¡¯s mess too. She said yes first, then backed out. And I¡¯ve still got my acting and designs!¡±


    At the thought of Florence still being useful to him, Dous felt less resentful. ¡°Be well prepared for the productunch. Make Stephanie green with


    envy!¡±


    ¡°I will¡± Florence nodded.


    Then, Dous patted her on the shoulder. ¡°Go fix your makeup, and thene to the banquet hall to see me.¡±


    Florence hummed in response. After seeing Dous leave, the smile on her face disappeared. She called Lucianna. ¡°There¡¯s no room for failure this time,


    Lucia!¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    The banquet hall was splendid, as crystal chandeliers emitted dazzling radiance. Melodious music rang, apanied by theughter of men and women and the clinking of sses.


    The guests today were all esteemed figures. Attending the birthday party was one thing, but the real deal was rubbing elbows with the hotshots of the nation. Everyone was itching to get a word with Vincent, the big boss of the Fletcher family. The guy was a ghost, so catching a moment with him was a big deal.


    Ellen was seated at the ce of honor, nked by her two daughters-inw, Lori and Edith. They were tasked with receiving the congrattory gifts bestowed upon them by the guests


    Beside them, Kevin remarked, ¡°If you feel tired, you can retire to the guest rooms upstairs.¡±


    Ellen waved her hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m feeling particrly spirited now, all thanks to Dr. Summer. Her medical skills are truly remarkable. Previously, f often had breathing difficulties, but since taking her medicine, I feel revitalized.¡±


    Lori pursed her lips, skeptical of Ellen¡¯s praise for the physician.


    She thought, Just two days of medication, and it purportedly had such profound effects? She said Dous is seriously ill. If there were three stages for his disease, he would be in the second stage now, Besides, she said it would cost 6 million dors for the medication cost and pulse diagnosis fee and 20 million dors for treatment. That¡¯s nonsense! I¡¯m not going to believe that chatan. Only these idiots would fall for such schemes.¡±


    When a guest presented a birthday present, Lori forced a smile and graciously epted it.


    Suddenly, Ellen¡¯s eyes lit up as she pointed toward the banquet hall entrance, eximing, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Stephanie?¡±


    Lori¡¯s eyes followed Ellen¡¯s point, and she caught sight of Stephanie wheeling Vincent into the room. Lori wasn¡¯t exactly Stephanie¡¯s biggest fan. She thought Stephanie was pretty clueless. Stephanie didn¡¯t say those embarrassing photos and videos of Dous were fake, making things worse for him. Lori pressed her lips together, none too pleased as they got closer.


    ¡°Have you prepared a gift?¡± Stephanie asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve prepared one. It¡¯s an emerald ne I got from an auction. It¡¯s with Zane, Vincent replied.


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Emerald?¡±


    ¡°Yes, is there a problem?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± said Stephanie as she thought, ¡°Our tastes are surprisingly simr


    g and handed it to Vincent.


    As they approached Ellen, Zane also arrived. Zane took a long dark green velvet box out of an exquisite bag a


    Vincent then passed it to Ellen, saying, ¡°Take a look; do you like it?¡±


    Ellen opened it and grinned from ear to ear, seeing the emerald ne. ¡°You know me well, Vincent. I love it! Thanks. But what I¡¯m most delighted about is you getting a wife.¡±


    Then, she extended her hand and smiled, ¡°Stephie,e here.¡±


    Stephanie nodded and walked up to her. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher.¡±


    Ellen held her h


    hand, panth


    gently rubbing it. ¡°Such a smooth hand, Vincent is a lucky man,¡± Stephanie was rendered speechless by her remark.


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    12:24 Mon, 27 May MG ¡¤


    Chapter 30


    ¡°Come on, call me ¡°Ellen¡± instead of ¡®Mrs. Fletcher, Ellen said.


    Stephanie stifled herughter, finding Ellen¡¯s demeanor endearing


    ¡°Vincent¡¯s acting all mysterious. He isn¡¯t announcing it publicly. Whisper it to me secretly,¡± Ellen said.


    Stephanie bent over and obliged, softly uttering, ¡°Ellen.¡±


    86%•þ


    With those words, she felt something added to her wrist. She nced and saw the emerald bracelet Ellen had always worn. The emerald bracelet was radiantly hued, indicating its considerable value. ¡°This was passed down to me by my mother-inw. Today, I pass it on to you,¡± Ellen exined.


    Stephanie observed the amethyst celet on her left wrist and the emerald bracelet on her right, abination of elegance and tradition


    She nced at Vincent, who nodded in silent approval.


    ¡°Thank you, Ellen,¡± said Stephanie.


    Edith interjected, ¡°With Stephie joining the Fletcher family, she brings fortune to herself and Vincent,¡±


    Brimming with jealousy, Lori couldn¡¯t ignore the symbolism behind the emerald bracelet, which signified the status of thedy of the family. As the first daughter-inw of the Fletcher family, she hadn¡¯t received such an honor. Yet, it was bestowed upon this seemingly undeserving woman, fueling


    Lori¡¯s resentment.


    ¡°Stephanie is so lucky. Even before officially entering the family, she has already gained Ellen¡¯s favor,¡± Lori remarked bitterly.


    Vincent shot her a cold nce. ¡°Didn¡¯t I rify Stephie¡¯s status when Dous was disciplined ording to family rules? Has your memory deteriorated,


    Lori?¡±


    Upon hearing that, Lori forced a smile, ¡°Oh, my bad.¡±


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Are you jealous since you didn¡¯t get to wear the emerald bracelet, Lori!¡±


    Lori¡¯s heart bristled with resentment as her thoughts wereid bare. Nevertheless, she smiled, ¡°How could that be? After all, you¡¯re the head of the Fletcher family. This emerald bracelet is only fit for thedy of the family.¡±


    ¡°Good that you know, Lori,¡± Vincent responded nonchntly,Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Lori went silent.


    Just then, Dous and Florence approached, followed by Horace and Matilda. They presented a birthday present.


    Florence smiled, ¡°Happy birthday, Mrs. Ellen Fletcher.¡±


    Ellen harbored disdain for them due to the engagement party incident, so she handed the gift to Lori without looking at it.


    Dous le


    felt embarrassed. ¡°Grandma, we picked this for you. Have a look.¡±


    Lori immediately opened the box from Dous, revealing a calligraphy pen.


    Ellen had a penchant for calligraphy and painting, making the calligraphy pen a fitting choice.


    Lori then opened the delicate jewelry box offered by Florence, finding a unique brooch inside ¡°This brooch is exquisite, Ellen. Look, itplements yourplexion perfectly.¡±


    Ellen nced at it, acknowledging its fine craftsmanship.


    12:24 Mon, 27 May


    Chapter 301


    Lori exchanged a nce with Florence.


    Íê86%Ö¹


    Florence seized the opportunity. ¡°Mrs. Ellen Fletcher, this is a brooch I designed. It¡¯s crafted from rubies with diamond splints. Redplements you well, I wish you good health and happiness in lide.¡±


    Having seen much in her life, Ellen admired the brooch¡¯s designs. She nodded. ¡°Thanks,¡±


    Lori finally felt a sense of satisfaction. Having not seen Stephanie¡¯s gift beforehand, she swiftly redirected the conversation. ¡°Stephie, have you prepared a gift as well?¡±


    Stephanie replied with a smile, ¡°Yes, I have.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Lori prompted eagerly, ¡°bring it out quickly. I¡¯m certain Ellen will adore it.¡±


    Stephanie nced at Vincent, who nodded in approval. She took a small light blue velvet box from her handbag and said, ¡°This is the brooch I designed.¡±


    Ellen received it, opening it to reveal a purple brooch identical to Florence¡¯s


    Initially taken aback, Ellen then attempted to close it. However, Lori preemptively grabbed it, eximing, ¡°Oh my, why is this design the same as Flore¡¯s? I remember now, Stephanie is also a designer at the Fantasy Boutique, so it¡¯s inevitable for their work to ovep.¡±


    A knowing smile yed on Stephanie¡¯s lips. ¡°Is that what you¡¯re insinuating, Lori? That I¡¯ve giarized Florence¡¯s design?¡±


    ¡°How can you giarize, Stephanie? This is disgraceful. Take back your gift and apologize to Mrs. Fletcher,¡± Matilda said.


    0

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    Chapter 31


    Matilda¡¯s voice rang out loudly, drawing the attention of many in the room.


    Subsequently, Stephanie turned to Ellen and expressed solemnly, ¡°I did not giarize. This is my design.¡±


    ºÅ.86%±¸


    Matilda sneered, ¡°With the same style, who would believe you didn¡¯t giarize? You must understand that Flore is a designer of Fantasy Boutique. You¡¯ve only been working there for a month. What could you possibly design? Stephanie, you should apologize to Mrs. Fletcher. She¡¯s generous and will surely forgive you.¡±


    Stephanie remainedposed. ¡°You have never trusted me, not in the past nor now. I did not giarize. This is my original work.¡±


    Matilda stared at her. ¡°If you didn¡¯t giarize, does it mean Flore did?¡±


    ¡°You have quite the judgment, don¡¯t you?¡± Stephanie turned to Florence. ¡°Florence, think carefully before you speak. Did I giarize your work?¡±


    Florence bit her lip and nced at Ellen. ¡°Mrs. Ellen Fletcher, this truly is my creation. I don¡¯t know why Stephie¡¯s design ended up being the same as mine.¡± She forced a smile. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s a case of twin telepathy.¡±


    Lori chuckled. ¡°How could that be possible? The details are identical. Who would believe it¡¯s just twin telepathy?¡±


    Vincent held Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°I trust Stephie. If she says it¡¯s her work, I believe her. After all, for an S-ss designer from Starlight Design Studio to giarize a designer of Fantasy Boutique is simply imusible.¡±


    Lori was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±


    Vincent sneered, ¡®Is your hearing failing you, Lori?¡±


    Lori was in disbelief. ¡°Isn¡¯t Stephanie a designer at Fantasy Boutique? How did she end up at Starlight Design Studio? And¡­ and an S-ss designer? How is that possible? Dous, is this true?¡±


    Dous nodded unwillingly.


    Loriughed awkwardly. ¡°Vincent must have helped a lot.¡±


    ¡°This has nothing to do with Mr. Fletcher,¡± a crisp voice interjected.


    Everyone turned to see Julianna, dressed in a form-fitting dress, approaching Ellen. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, I¡¯m Julianna Saunders, Darius Saunders¡¯ youngest daughter. I wish you a happy birthday.¡±


    Ellon nodded. ¡°Thanks, Julia.¡±


    Julianna smiled. ¡°You may not know, but Starlight Design Studio hired Stephanie.


    25


    a** designer with an annual sry of 40 million dors, plus a


    ten percentmission on annual sales.¡±


    Gasps rippled through the crowd at her words.


    Someone eximed, ¡°Isn¡¯t Starlight Design Studio¡¯s Ms. Star given the same treatment?¡±


    Julianna nodded. ¡°Indeed. So how could such an exceptional designer as Stephanie possibly giarize an ordinary designer?¡±


    Matilda immediately defended her precious daughter and retorted, ¡°Who knows if you only hired Stephanie because of Mr. Fletcher¡¯s influence?¡± Julianna scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a mother like you. You have twin daughters, yet you treat them so differently. Florence stole Stephanie¡¯s sample,


    12:25 Mon, 27 May


    Chapter 31


    passed it off as her own, and got into an entertainmentpany, leaving Stephanie to suffer for so long. Instead of criticizing her, you protect her. Now that Stephanie has achieved something, you fail to take pride in her and question her abilities. I don¡¯t understand. How can you overlook such a talented daughter?¡±


    Matilda faltered. ¡°I was just stating the facts. As far as I know, Stephanie didn¡¯t produce quality rough sketches while at Fantasy Boutique.¡±


    Stephanie turned to Florence. ¡°So, where did my high-quality rough sketch go?¡±


    Florence¡¯s eyes darted around nervously. She was scared about Stephanie publicly revealing that all her rough sketches were not her work. Having recently endured the ordeal of a vocal double, she didn¡¯t want the matter of the rough sketches toe to light, as it would ruin her reputation. ¡°They say twins have a telepathic connection, so perhaps it was just a coincidence that Stephie and I had the same idea.¡± Florence forced another smile.


    The rough sketch was drawn


    wn by S


    Stephanie and hadn¡¯t been sent to Florence. The day before the engagement party, Florence saw the sketch in Stephanie¡¯s office and kept it in mind. Hence, they had identical designs.


    Since Stephanie had burned the original draft, it wouldn¡¯t benefit her to confront Florence. She smiled. ¡°Florence, the truth alwayses out in the end


    Florence smiled in return. ¡°Indeed, Stephie.¡±


    Stephanie turned to Ellen. ¡°This brooch features a simple and elegant design, perfect for the elderly, symbolizing health and good fortune. However, the brooch isn¡¯t meant to be red but purple, as purple has always been a color of elegance and nobility. The gemstone is tanzanite, with top-notch saturation, purity, and cutting quality. This color of tanzanite represents only one percent of global production.¡±


    Florence gritted her teeth, seething with hatred for Stephanie..


    Although Stephanie didn¡¯t directly expose her giarism, her analysis was convincing.


    Ellen nodded repeatedly. ¡°Stephie is right. This brooch is indeed more suited to purple. I love it.¡± This indirect affirmation of Stephanie meant that no one would believe usations of her giarism.


    Kevin, who had been watching themotion, chuckled. ¡°The notion of twin telepathy, I wonder if it¡¯ll happen again in the future. If it does, it¡¯ll be quite interesting.¡±


    ¡°The chances seem slim now. After all, they¡¯re so far apart¡± Juliannaughed.


    This statement had a double meaning. Everyone present was astute enough to understand, and it was best to leave the matter birthday, and nobody wanted to make a scene.


    The crowd then dispersed. Vincent went off to attend to his duties while Stephanie and Julianna headed to the dessert area.


    ¡°Florence has no shame, just copying your Julianna said, snagging some dessert.


    there. This was still Ellen¡¯s


    stuff and acting all innocent. I¡¯m dying to see what a mess Fantasy Boutique turns into with her in charge,¡±


    Stephanie pondered for a moment. ¡°It will probably be mediocre. Florence doesn¡¯t have much talent in this regard.¡±


    Julianna chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s nuts how you and Florence are nothing alike. You knock everything


    are you two even twins? You sure you didn¡¯t get mixed


    up as babies?¡±


    ¡°Nope, that¡¯s a long shot,¡± Stephanie replied with a giggle.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    g out of the park, and she¡¯s all about the easy way out. How


    Julianna clicked her tongue. ¡°Your mom sounds like she¡¯s straight out of a fairy tale the evil stepmom type.¡±


    ¨C


    ¡°Maybe I did something wrong to her without knowing, so she doesn¡¯t like me.¡± Stephanie sighed.


    Just then, an attendant brought a tray of orange juice and red wine. Stephanie and Julianna each took a ss of orange juice.


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    12:25 Mon, 27 May


    Chapter 31


    They went to the lounge area, settling onto the couch and nibbling on desserts while sipping their drinks.


    Before long Julianna began to feel weak. ¡°Stephie, why do I feet so weak all of a sudden? Who s p i k d our drinks?¡±


    Stephanie, having drunk less, didn¡¯t feel the effects strongly but still experienced symptoms


    She immediately retrieved two small white pills from her handbag, swallowing one herself and slipping the other into Julianna¡¯s mouth.


    As she supported Julianna, she whispered, ¡°y along¡±

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    At that moment, Stephanie nced in Vincent¡¯s direction. A group of big shots were surrounding him. She felt the timing was just right. If Vincent discovered something was amiss, the ones behind the scenes would not dare to act rashly and reveal themselves.


    With Julianna in tow, she rose from her seat, their steps slightly unsteady as they made their way to the restroom.


    Julianna felt a surge of energy returning to her body, and the heat seemed to have dissipated.


    In a voice only audible to them, she whispered, ¡°Stephie, how¡¯s my drunk walking?¡±


    Stephanie chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s convincing enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a little excited. When do you think we¡¯ll be caught?¡± Julianna asked.


    Before she could reply, four men came up from behind. They grabbed their arms, pulled them into the lounge, and locked the door.


    The four men threw Stephanie and Julianna on the sofa, and stood in front of the couch, undoing their belts and uttering lewd remarks.


    Stephanie sniffed the air. The room was filled with essential oil, heavilyced with aphrodisiacs. The mastermind behind this had taken extra precautions, fearing she would not fall for their trap.


    Stephanie saw a video camera not far from the couch. She narrowed her eyes, quickly stood up, and ran to the side.


    Two of the men ran after her. With a swift motion, Stephanie incapacitated them with a flick, causing them to copse before they could reach her.


    The other two men rushed forward, but they fell to the ground before reaching Stephanie.


    Stephanie signaled to Julianna, who s a g g e e d and moved out of the video camera¡¯s range.


    ¡°What now?¡± asked Julianna, mouthing.


    Stephanie turned off the video camera and stood by the door, leaving it slightly ajar. ¡°Let¡¯sy a trap.¡±


    In the neighboring lounge, Lucianna watched as the two women on the screen disappeared, and the room fell silent. Frowning, she stood up.


    ¡°These idiots can¡¯t even handle such a simple task. What else are they capable of?¡± Lucianna muttered. ¡°Anyway, those two b**s are unconscious now, so they won¡¯t recognize me.¡±


    Lucianna exited the lounge and looked around. She quickly walked to the next door a


    the door?¡±


    and frowned at the c a c k of the door. ¡°Idiots! Why didn¡¯t they close


    As she pushed the door open, she was suddenly blinded by a powdery substance. Before she could react, a sharp blow struck her neck, and she crumpled to the ground.


    Julianna asked, ¡°What¡¯s that powder?¡±


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Itching powder. An eye for an eye. If someone crosses me, I¡¯ll retaliate.


    ¡°Do you have a history with her?¡± asked Julianna.


    Stephanie nodded, briefly recounting the incident at the mall and the subsequent beating of Lucianna by the man¡¯s wife.


    ¡°This woman is despicable,¡± Julianna remarked.


    12:25 Mon, 27 May G


    Chapter 32


    Stephanie looked coldly at the woman on the ground. ¡°Indeed she is, but the ones behind her are even worse


    Julianna nced at her. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that Florence instructed her.¡±


    86%


    Who else? How else could Lucianna have infiltrated this event?¡± Stephanie replied, dragging Lucianna to the couch and tossing her onto it. She then removed the silver needles from the necks of the unconscious men.


    After that, she gave Julianna a meaningful look. ¡°They¡¯ll wake up soon. The show is about to begin.¡±


    Before leaving, Stephanie turned on the video camera,


    She gave Giovanni a call. ¡°Handle the situation in the lounge for us. Cover our tracks.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    ¡°No problem,¡± replied Giovanni.


    At the banquet hall, Florence saw Stephanie and Julianna s t a g g e r i n g toward the restroom. A malicious gleam flickered in her eyes. She thought. That d a m n b** h humiliated me. Tonight, I¡¯m ruining her.¡±


    Setting down her highball ss, she walked over to Lori¡¯s side. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, I saw Stephie and M. Saunders heading toward the restroom. Then, it seemed like four men followed therm. It¡¯s been quite a while now, and I¡¯m worried about their safety¡±


    Upon seeing the shrewdness in Florence¡¯s eyes, Lori immediately understood


    She suddenly pped her hands and said to the other noblewomen with rried lock, ¡°I saw four men following Stephanie and Julianna just now. I¡¯m worried about them. Let¡¯s go and have a look¡±


    After exchanging nces, the noblewomen agreed. Their families would prosper if they could rescue Vincent¡¯s fianc¨¦e and Saunders Group¡¯s heiress


    The group of six hurriedly made their way, attracting the attention of many


    Vincent looked over, then toward the dessert section where Stephanie was


    Zane nodded and immediately pushed Vincent to follow them


    Labsent. He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Zane, puth me over there.¡±


    Lori and Florence led the group to a lounge. As they approached, they heard moans of pleasureing from inside.


    Florence grabbed Loretai¡¯s arm, looking terrified. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, I think I heard Stephw¡¯s voice


    Frowning, Lori said, ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s Stephanie¡¯s voice?!


    As the words fell, the noblewomen¡¯s faces changed. scared Vincent would obliterate them.


    Sunds of enjoyment, not coercion.


    this was consensual, and they discovered such a scandal involving the Fletcher family, they were


    After exchanging nces, they were about to leave when Zane pushed Vincent over.


    Zane asked, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    Florence pursed her lips, acting like she was in a dilemma. ¡°Stephie¡­ Stephie seems to be inside.¡±


    Just then, the woman in the lounge moaned, ¡°Oh! That feels so good.¡±


    Florence looked at Vincent, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Vincent, it might not be Stephie after all.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed. ¡°If you¡¯re not sure, why mention Stephie?¡±


    Chapter 32


    ¡°L.. I thought it sounded like her,¡± Florence bit her lip.


    In Vincent¡¯s narrow eyes gleamed a piercing coldness, ¡°What if it¡¯s not her?¡±


    Tears welled up in Florence¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡­ I came here because I was worried about Stephie¡¯s safety.¡±


    A cold snort escaped Vincent¡¯s nostrils. ¡°If it¡¯s not Stephie, you¡¯ll kneel and apologize to her three times.¡±


    Lori was not necessarily defending Florence, but since Florence was engaged to Dous, she would be indirectly humiliated if Florence was humiliated. She saw the look in Florence¡¯s eyes just before and knew she was confident. ¡°Right now, our priority is to rescue Stephie. We cannot let this matter leak out. Mr. Quin, please help open the door,¡± she said.


    Zane looked at Vincent, who nodded and then walked over to press the door handle, pushing it open.


    Lori and Florence rushed to take a look. Inside, they saw a naked woman clutching her face like a bloated gourd, straddling a man.


    The other three men stood by, caressing the woman¡¯s body.


    Florence couldn¡¯t discem who the woman was and thought it was Stephanie. Tearfully, she looked at Vincent. ¡°Someone must have done this to Stephie, Vincent. Please don¡¯t me her¡­¡±


    At that moment, someone patted Florence on the shoulder. ¡°Then tell me, who did this to me?¡±


    Florence turned around and widened her eyes in horror. ¡°Stephie! How¡­¡±


    ears welled up in Florence¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡­ I came here because I was worried about Stephie¡¯s safety.¡±


    A cold snort escaped Vincent¡¯s nostrils. ¡°If it¡¯s not Stephie, you¡¯ll kneel and apologize to her three times.¡±


    <b>Lori </b><b>was </b>not necessarily defending Florence, but since Florence was engaged to Dous, she would be indirectly humiliated if Florence was humiliated. She saw the look in Florence¡¯s <b>eyes </b>just before and knew she was confident. ¡°Right now, our priority is to rescue Stephie. We cannot let this matter leak out. Mr. <b>Quin</b><b>, </b>please help open the door,¡± she said.


    Zane <b>looked </b>at


    oked at Vincent, who nodded and then walked over to press the door handle, pushing it open.


    Lori and Florence rushed to take a look. Inside, they saw a naked woman clutching her face like a bloated gourd, straddling a man.


    The other three men stood by, caressing the woman¡¯s body.


    Florence couldn¡¯t discem who the woman was and thought it was Stephanie. Tearfully, she looked at Vincent. ¡°Someone must have done this to Stephie, Vincent. Please don¡¯t me her¡­¡±


    At that moment, someone patted Florence on the shoulder. ¡°Then tell me, who did this to me?¡±


    Florence turned around and widened her eyes in horror. ¡°Stephie!

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Stephanie looked at Florence¡¯s astonished expression, her eyebrows slightly raised. ¡°What? I shouldn¡¯t be here but there, right?¡±


    Florence¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°No¡­I thought¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think that woman is me?¡± Stephanie tightened her grip on Florence¡¯s shoulder, applying force. ¡°Where did youe up with all these assumptions?¡±


    Florence winced in pain. ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re hurting me.¡±


    Lori reprimanded Stephanie, ¡°Let go of Flore. She came here to find you because she was worried about you.¡±


    Instead of releasing Florence, Stephanie¡¯s grip tightened even more. ¡°You¡¯re worried about me, yet you bring so many people here to witness this spectacle. Is this your way of protecting me or tarnishing my reputation?¡±


    Florence, in agony, gasped, ¡°Stephie, I truly was worried about you!¡±


    ¡°You were worried about me? Then why didn¡¯t you immediately find Vincent to rescue me? What makes you think you could save me? Huh?¡± Stephanie didn¡¯t attend Ellen¡¯s birthday party in her previous life, as Dous had sent her to study design in Astoria. Dous said it was to help her progress, but in reality, it was to keep her away, making room for him and Florence¡¯s affair.


    Florence cried out in pain, her forehead beading with sweat. ¡°Stephie, I didn¡¯t want Vincent to misunderstand you.¡±


    ¡°You were at the banquet hall, yet you knew exactly what was happening in this lounge and assumed Vincent would misunderstand? Florence, do you have irvoyance?¡± Stephanie said.


    It was not until then that Florence realized Stephanie was leading her into a trap. As Florence attempted to exin, Stephanie ruthlessly dislocated her arm. Florence cried out in agony. ¡°Stephie, how could you?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s gaze turned cold. ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t you recognize that woman?¡±


    Florence shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t


    Then, Stephanie noticed four bodyguards running toward them behind Vincent.


    ¡°Mr. Quin, please bring that woman here,¡± Stephanie said.


    Zane signaled to the bodyguards behind him. They entered the lounge, and an obscene smell hit them. Zane held the woman¡¯s hair and dragged her over while the others restrained the four men..


    The woman¡¯s face was covered in blood, her body tinged with faint pink and red finger marks visible. She tried to grasp Zane¡¯s leg, but he kicked her to the ground.


    -The pain sobered her up a little, and when she saw so many people in front of her, especially with Stephanie standing before her, unharmed and contemptuous, while she was naked, she felt utterly crushed. ¡°How did this happen? Stephanie, it should have been you. Why me?¡±


    ¡°So, why should it be me?¡± Stephanie asked with a smile.


    The woman avoided answering, her face itching terribly as she scratched it. ¡°It¡¯s itchy! What did you do to me?¡±


    Stephane shrugged. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s really itchy. Your cheekbones are showing. This must be disfigurement. And I have no idea what you¡¯re talking a b o -I¡¯ve never been here.¡±


    12-26 Mon, 27 May


    Chapter 33


    When the woman heard that her face was disfigured, she shouted in horror, ¡°It¡¯s impossible! It¡¯s impossible! I saw you and Juliannae in with my own eyes! Later, you went into the blind spot of the video camera, and when I came in to find you, I was sshed with powder, and then I knew nothing. Yes, that¡¯s it! You must have done something to me! Give me the antidote!¡±


    Stephanie clicked her tongue. ¡°You seem to know this lounge very well. It seems you wanted to set me up.¡± She looked at Florence. ¡°I¡¯ve already recognized her. Haven¡¯t you? Didn¡¯t you bring her here?¡±


    Florence gritted her teeth in pain. ¡°Who is she? I really can¡¯t recognize her. Stephie, trust me.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Of course I trust you. After all, you¡¯re my sister. Thanks to your great idea, I caught the one who wanted to harm me, causing her disfigurement. It¡¯s truly killing two birds with one stone. You¡¯re really my dear sister.¡±


    Upon hearing this, the woman grabbed Florence¡¯s dress abruptly. ¡°Florence, you b**h! it was your idea, and now you¡¯ve betrayed me! You even disfigured me! You¡¯re truly shameless!¡± She reached out and tore at Florence¡¯s skirt, leaving blood marks on thetter¡¯s legs with her nails.


    Florence kicked her away. ¡°Get away from me! I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! Go away!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Lucianna! Everything I did was at Florence¡¯s behest! She wanted to ruin Stephanie¡¯s reputation!¡± Lucianna looked at Vincent. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, this is all


    Florence¡¯s n¡±


    Vincent turned away. ¡°Get rid of this filthy thing.¡±


    Zane nodded, ¡°Got it.¡± He dragged Lucianna into the lounge.


    Vincent looked at Florence. ¡°You intended to harm Stephie.¡±


    Florence shook her head in denial. ¡°I never expected that woman to be Lucianna. I didn¡¯t even recognize her just now. Stephanie is my sister. Why would I harm her? Lucianna¡¯s usations are just an attempt to drive a wedge between me and Stephie. She called me,ining that Stephie scolded her, and I advised her kindly. She admitted her mistake. Before the birthday party, she found me and said she wanted to apologize to Stephie, so I brought her in. But I never expected her to do something like this.¡± She looked at Stephanie. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault. I was so careless that I almost


    hurt you. Can you forgive me?¡±


    Stephanie knew that Florence only gave Lucianna somemands, and the rest was Lucianna¡¯s doing, so she was only instigating without any other


    evidence.


    ¡°Okay, I forgive you. After all, you are my sister,¡± Stephanie said.


    She supported Florence¡¯s shoulder with one hand and realigned her dislocated arm with the other.


    Florence timidly asked, ¡°Stephie, what about Lucianna¡¯s face?¡±


    ¡°People with malicious intentions always receive punishment,¡± Stephanie smirked.


    Florence looked at Stephanie¡¯s familiar face but felt incredibly estranged. She felt that Stephanie had changed these days, no longer under her control


    and dominance.


    At that moment, several police officers arrived.


    Lucas, the team leader, said, ¡°We received a report of suspected prostitution here.¡±


    Zane said, ¡°They are here and have recorded a video, possibly for distribution on illegal websites. These individuals are witnesses.¡± He pointed at Lori, Florence, and the four noblewomen.


    The policeman nodded. ¡°Pleasee to the police station to assist with the investigation.¡±


    Lori red at Florence: ¡°idiot! You¡¯re adding to the embarrassment!¡±


    12:26 Mon, 27 May M.


    Chapter 33Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Florence harbored a deep hatred for Stephanie but dared not show it, only silently gritting her teeth.


    85%


    When Dous heard the news and rushed over, he was annoyed to see Florence crying. Before, he was into Florence¡¯s soft demeanor, but now he found weeping women troublesome andcking character.


    On the contrary. Stephanie became bold and assertive, a side of her he had never seen before, which was quite attractive to him.


    Upon seeing Dous gaze toward Stephanie, Florence h**d his arm. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Lucianna to be such a person, Dous. Let¡¯s go to the police


    station and give our statements.¡±


    Dous nodded and walked out with Florence.


    The others followed to the police station.


    Finally, this farce came to an end.


    Thanks to Lori and Florence¡¯s loud voices, this incident spread. Many people thought that Stephanie was in trouble, but when they saw her wheeling Vincent back into the banquet hall, the rumors were dispelled.


    Ellen and Kevin returned to the Fletcher residence. Vincent stayed to entertain the guests while Stephanie and Julianna sat on the couch.


    Julianna clicked her tongue. ¡°Stephie, your sister is quite a piece of work. Next time, don¡¯t go easy on her.¡±


    Stephanie picked up a ss of red wine and gently swirled it. ¡°Of course not. The evidence was insufficient this time, but if it weren¡¯t, I would have sent her on a seven-day trip to the detention center¡±


    Then, Julianna picked up a ss of red wine and clinked it with hers. ¡°But you did a great job tonight!¡±


    Upon hearing that, Stephanie smiled and emptied her ss in one gulp.


    ¡°But I noticed that s**g, Dous, looking at you strangely. Be careful,¡± Julianna warned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± said Stephanie with a smile. ¡°That s**g will offer me 20 million dors with both hands in a few days.¡±


    The dinner party was not over when Julianna found


    and Vincent and informed him that Stephanie was drunk..


    Vincent delegated the task of seeing off the guests to Frederick before he took Stephanie into his car.


    As soon as Zane got into the car, he raised the partition.


    Stephanie chuckled when she saw this. She leaned over to Vincent. ¡°Did you peek at Lucianna earlier? She was naked!¡±

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Vincent stared at her flushed cheeks and hazy eyes and tilted her chin upward with his finger. ¡°I didn¡¯t look at her,¡± he said.


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows and said, ¡°Which one of us is more beautiful?¡±


    Vincent chuckled and replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t look at her, so how could I know her appearance?¡±


    Stephanie thought Vincent was very crafty. He would not fall for her trick question.


    She squinted at him and asked. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m pretty?¡±


    They had a proximity where their breaths intermingled. Her stent, mixed with the mellow taste of red wine, wafted into Vincent¡¯s nose.


    Vincent swallowed and answered h o a r s e l y, ¡°Yes.¡±


    With her fingertips h o o k e d around the buttons of his shirt, she could kiss him by just moving a little closer.


    ¡°Who is Giovanni?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Giovanni is my subordinate who runs errands for me,¡± she replied.


    Vincent was finally relieved. He said, ¡°Stephie, can you tell me if you have any problems in the future?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes narrowed when she heard the man¡¯s solemn voice. ¡°Are you upset?¡± she asked.


    Vincent bit his lower lip and said, ¡°I¡¯m d you can protect yourself, but I feel useless if you¡¯re so independent. You can rely on me, Stephie.¡±


    Knowing what he meant, she blinked her eyes and promised solemnly, ¡°Whenever you¡¯re present, I will put all the me for my crimes on you!¡±


    Vincent felt nonplussed from her solemn speech. ¡°What crimes have youmitted?¡± he said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone!¡± Stephanie said to him.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he agreed.


    ¡°I sprinkled itching powder on Lucianna¡¯s face. The powder is mixed with all kinds of ingredients that will cause itchiness. Without my antidote, she will keep feeling the itch,¡± Stephanie exined. Then, she slipped her bands into his shirt from the gap between the buttons. ¡°Is it not a crime?¡± she continued.


    ¡°No, she deserves it,¡± Vincent said. He stiffened and then wondered, ¡°What¡¯s with the antidote?¡±


    Then, Stephanie recalled something and fumbled for her handbag. She fished out her phone and called Florence. She said, ¡°I saw you get scratched by Lucianna just now. Just a reminder that she has AIDS. You should go to the hospital and get Post-Exposure Prophxis.¡±


    ¡°Are you scaring me?¡± Florence replied coldly.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you,¡± Stephanie replied. She hung up and looked at Vincent with a sly smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to sin tonight,¡± she said to Vincent.


    ¡°How so?¡± he asked.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Stephanie kissed his lips closing her eyes. Vincent reached out to hold her waist, but before he could tighten his grip, the zipper on the back of her dress opened without warning The off-the-shoulder dress dropped,


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    Ma


    Chapter 34


    85%Á¿


    Her tanned and supple skin entered his sight, Vincent was a healthy man, and he was fond of Stephanie. His breath immediately becamebored, and his lower abdomen clenched with an uncontroble burning desire, threatening to overflow.


    He raked his fingers through her hair and pulled her closer to himself.


    She put her hand on his waist and felt his tight and perfect abdominal muscles. Then she went lower to Apollo¡¯s belt


    Vincent moaned lowly and bit her lips.


    Stephanie frowned and asked with moist eyes, ¡°How can you bite me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me,¡± he said. Vincent¡¯s voice was h o a r s e and deep, evident that he was burning with desire.


    Stephanie pouted, ¡°it¡¯s just your abdominal muscles. Why are you so mean? I have checked and verified seven packs in total. Shouldn¡¯t they be a pair? Why is there an extra lump?¡± she asked. As she spoke, she did not notice her exposed body for uninterrupted viewing


    He said, ¡°Stephanie¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she replied.


    ¡°Your dress,¡± he said,


    Stephanie hummed and looked down. ¡°Huh? How did my dress fall? Oh dear, my boobs are exposed,¡± she said.


    Vincent¡¯s heart softened as he saw her pout. He took off his suit jacket and covered her while smiling. He said, ¡°There you go.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the best. Vincent,¡± Stephanie said and smiled. She suddenlyy down and rested her head on hisp. ¡°I¡¯m so sleepy. I want to sleep for a while,¡± she said


    Vincent tensed up and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    At first, Stephanie was lying t, then she turned to her side, breathing warm air onto Vincent¡¯s clothes. Vincent could not help but clench his fists. He took a deep breath and gently moved her face the other way.


    Half an hourter, the car stopped in front of Tranquil Garden,


    Vincent looked down and said, ¡°Hey, Stephie, we¡¯re here. Time to get up.¡±


    h.¡± Stephanie mumbled. She tried pushing herself up, but felt super weak and flopped back onto Vincent.


    ¡°Oh,¡±


    Just then, the car door swung open. Zane caught Stephanie all sprawled out on Vincent¡¯sp and his eyes went wide. ¡°Uh-oh, what did I just walk into?¡± he wondered to himself before stammering, ¡°My bad, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Vincent gave him a look. ¡°Rx, you¡¯ve got it all wrong¡±


    Zane was speechless.


    Vincent lifted Stephanie, sliding under her to help her up, then scooped her onto hisp in the wheelchair. Zane wheeled them inside to


    o their room.


    ¡°You¡¯re good to go, Vincent told him, basically saying he could leave.


    Zane hesitated, ¡°You sure you can handle this alope?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She is asleep,¡± Vincent answered.


    Chapter 34


    Zane nodded and left.


    Vincent rolled over to the bed, carefully picking Stephanie up, cradling her neck and legs, and gentlyid her down.


    Stephanie half-opened her eyes. ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re standing,¡± she murmured,


    Vincent froze until she closed her eyes again, worried she almost figured something out. He took a long breath, feeling like he just dodged a bullet.


    On the other side, Florence and Dous were about to head back to the mansion in the suburb after they finished giving their statement. But Florence looked shell-shocked as she hung up with Stephanie.


    Dous asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Tears welled up in Florence¡¯s eyes. ¡°Dous, Stephanie said that Lucianna fias AIDS. Lucianna scratched me just now,¡± she exined.


    Subconsciously, Dous moved away from her and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the hospital for a checkup¡±


    He made Florence sit shotgun to keep a safe distance between them. He started driving.


    At the hospital, after the doc checked her out, he exined that getting a scratch doesn¡¯t really spread AIDS, but he¡¯d run some tests to make her foel better.


    Dous looked disgusted. ¡°Get whatever treatments you need.¡±


    Florence was still worried about the result. She reached out and tried to seekfort from him, but Dous kept his distance. ¡°Listen, Flore, I¡¯ll drop you at the Hayes ce after this.¡±


    Florence resented Dous, but she did not dare to show it. After all, she could only rely on Dous. If she left him, she would have nothing left, so she just nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Dous sent Florence back to the Hayes manor and drove away without getting out of the car. As she watched the car leave, Florence stomped her feet in anger.


    Coincidentally, Horace and Matilda also arrived home. The two of them kept asking questions. Florence answered in irritation. Then she chased them out of the car and drove to follow Dous.


    She tailed Dous to the Paradise Club. There, she saw him get out of his car and smooch some woman all dolled up in shy clothes at the entrance. Florence knew Dous was always chasing skirts; he didn¡¯t have eyes just for her.


    A nasty thought popped into her head, ¡®If I¡¯ve got AIDS, I¡¯ll make sure he gets it tool¡±


    18N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Florence stormed back to her ce. Digging through her purse, she found her emergency meds and let out a yell.


    Matilda pushed the door open and saw Florence shoving all the cosmetics on the dressing table to the floor. ¡°Flore, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    In tears, with her makeup smeared, Florence looked a wreck, ¡°Mom, how could Stephie do this? I went to her out of worry, and she just blow me off. Then she made Lucianna think I was bad news, and Lucianna with her AIDS scratched me. Now I gotta take meds so I don¡¯t catch it!¡±


    Matilda was shocked. ¡°That b**h! I should have killed her!¡± Matilda held Florence¡¯s hand andforted her, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Flore. If you get sick, I¡¯ll make her pay! Now calm down. You¡¯ve got heart trouble. What if you got worse?¡±


    ed her tears. ¡°Mom, the doctor said that my heart is showing signs of failure. Will I die?¡±


    Florence wiped her


    Matilda¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Of course not. I won¡¯t let you die.¡±


    In Paradise Club, within a private room shrouded in smoke, men and women were having group sex.


    A woman sat on Dousp, feeding him alcohol with her mouth, and then kissed him passionately. The woman kissed down to his neck and unbuttoned his belt. What shed through Dous¡¯ mind was Stephanie¡¯s pretty face, He grabbed the woman¡¯s hair.


    But after a long time, his lower body had no response.


    The woman looked up at him with doubt and contempt.


    Dous also noticed his abnormality. He pushed the woman away and said, ¡°Get lost! You can¡¯t even do your job right!¡± He stood up angrily, zipped his pants, and left the room.


    The others were confused and asked the woman, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    The woman merely said Dous might be in a bad mood. However, she sneered internally. Not my fault if you can¡¯t get a b o n e r!


    Dous sat in the car and smoked while wondering, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? This is too humiliating!¡±


    Suddenly, he remembered Summer said he had problems with sex, and his illness had reached the second stage. He wondered, ¡®Is there really something wrong with me? No. She must¡¯ve done something with acupuncture!¡±


    Thinking of this, Dous gaze became more malicious. He took out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°I want to find Dr. Summer.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I want to help, but she¡¯s off the radar unless she opts to show up herself,¡± the receiver said.


    Dous asked, ¡°You can¡¯t find her with your skill?¡±


    The receiver said, ¡°No. They have a strong firewall. I¡¯m guessing Hacker Yern or Hacker sh made it,¡±


    Dous frowned, ¡°Then find these two hackers. I must find Dr. Summer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try but no promises,¡± that person replied.


    Dous wore a sullen expression. ¡°Money doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Dous spoke through gritted teeth. ¡°I will kill her after she finishes treating me!¡±


    1/3


    Chapter 35


    The next morning, Stephanie rolled over and rubbed her eyes. She slept in Vincent¡¯s bedroom, but he was not beside her.


    Then, she sat up and looked down, only to find that she had changed into a nightgown.


    When she spotted her handbag on the couch, she got out of bed and grabbed her phone. Vincent had sent her a message saying he had gone to the


    company


    She smiled and texted him: [Did you change me into the nightgown?]


    Vincent replied quickly: [No.]


    Stephanie: [Oh, I thought you changed it for me. Have you had breakfast?]


    Vincent: [Yes. Why don¡¯t you sleep a little longer?


    Stephanie nced at the ruined gown on the couch and asked: [When did my gown fall apart?)


    Vincent pursed his lips and recalled the naked view. He typed: [Probably when the housekeeper changed your clothes.]


    Stephanie finally felt relieved, knowing that she had not made a fool of herself in front of Vincent. She replied: I¡¯ll go to Coco Styling Studio to deal with the gownter]


    Vincent: [¡®ll go with you.]


    Stephanie did not want to bother Vincent with such a trivial matter, so she typed: [Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take Willow with me. By the way, did I say or do anythingst night?]


    ????????????????


    Looking at the message, Vincent swallowed unconsciously. Last night, when he changed her nightgown, his hands wandered all over her. Her skin was tanned and delicate. He still remembered the sensation.


    Stephanie also clung to him like an octopus and ran her hands all over him. ¡°Vincent, your abdominal muscles are so smooth! I have them too. Here, touch them!¡± Then she said, ¡°Oh, you touched my boobs. You are so annoying! You touched the wrong ce!¡±


    Safe to say, Vincent was aroused throughout the night.


    He replied: No, you were quiet.


    Hearing this, Stephanie ruffled her hair. Julianna remarked that she was a clingy drunk.


    Therefore, Vincent must have meant she had been very restlessst night.


    light. She took a deep breath and decided to y dumb.


    After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Stephanie went to check on Christina. It would not be long before Christina woke up.


    While having breakfast, Stephanie called Willow.


    HalfN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    an hourter, the duo arrived at a styling studio.


    Meanwhile, Coco and Olivia sat on a couch in the styling studio. Coco asked, ¡°How wasst night? Did that woman make a fool of herself?¡±


    Olivia shook her head. ¡°She didn¡¯t embarrass herself and even stood out positively.¡±


    Then she ryed all that happened the night before.


    12:27 Mon, 27 May MW


    Chapter 35


    Coco was surprised. ¡°She exposed and humiliated Florence? She¡¯s a tough nut. Olivia, you¡¯re in trouble!¡±


    Olivia narrowed her eyes. ¡°Indeed, but I didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to be a designer at Starlight Design Studio. She is as famous as Star. What happenedst night might get you into trouble.¡±


    Coco was stunned. ¡°What? She is a designer at Starlight Design Studio?¡±


    Olivia nodded.


    Coco was in a panic, If Stephanie discovered the w, she would certainlye to settle the score.


    Noticing Coco¡¯s gloomy expression, Oliviaforted her, ¡°Nothing happened at the party, so I don¡¯t think she noticed.¡±


    Coco nodded uneasily. ¡°I hope so.¡±


    As soon as she spoke, her assistant ran over and reported, ¡°Coco, the woman who came for styling yesterday is here.¡±


    Coco was nervous. Olivia patted her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll go


    with you.


    su. Maybe she¡¯ll do me a favor¡±


    When they moved to the lobby, they saw Stephanie and Willow on the couch,


    Coco stepped forward and smiled. ¡°Wee, Ms. Hayes.¡±


    Stephanie took the gown out of the bag and threw it to Coco. ¡°What happened to the zipper?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the zipper?¡± Coco asked.


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t found it in time yesterday, my gown would have fallen in public. Shouldn¡¯t you exin?¡±.


    0

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    Chapter 36


    When Stephanie put on her gown yesterday, she thought it was a little loose, but she did not delve further.


    After all, Style Jazz Couture would not make any wed pieces, and a famous styling studio like this one would not make such an amateur mistake either.


    While having dessert with Julianna on the couch, Stephanie noticed something wrong.


    Later, when they led Lucianna into the lounge, Stephanie¡¯s gown nearly fell apart. Luckily, she managed to pin it together with a silver needle.


    Later, Vincent said that the gown was ruined when the housekeeper changed her clothes.


    However, she did not find the silver needle. The housekeeper could have picked it up, so Stephanie had not probed. After all, she was too drunk and felt a


    little embarrassed.


    Stephanie¡¯s arrival to get an exnation made the guilty Coco deny it, saying, ¡°My styling studio won¡¯t make such mistakes.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows as she asked, ¡°So you mean it¡¯s the brand¡¯s fault? Do you know who is the person in charge of designing this gown?¡±


    Coco said, ¡°Is it Star?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Saunders from Starlight Design Studio. Therefore, you were saying Ms. Saunders made a s t u d mistake,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Coco looked embarrassed and stammered, ¡°II¡­


    Olivia interjected, ¡°Nothing happened at the birthday partyst night, and you got through a daunting experience without mishap. Stephanie, why not drop this matter? From now on, you can have Coco style you for free whenever youe to the styling studio.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows


    Olivia was adamant about not recognizing Stephanie as a family member previously. However, she changed how she addressed Stephanie, obviously cottoning up to thetter and wanting her to leave the matter unresolved.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    However, Coco had made a big mistake. If Coco had honestly admitted her fault directly, Stephanie would have forgiven her once her mood recovered


    Ultimately, Coco med it on Julianna. Stephanie would not permit that to happen because Julianna was her best friend.


    Moreover, if a brand were rumored to have made a mistake, that would be a matter of their professional conduct. It would have a bad impact on the brand in the future.


    Stephanie shed a half smile and asked, ¡°Dol seem poor?¡±


    Olivia¡¯s mouth twitched. She said, ¡°What? Stephanie


    Stephanie raised her hand to stop Olivia from continuing. She slowly stood up and said, ¡°Any tailor could see this is a man-made mistake. It¡¯s Irresponsible for Coco to shift the responsibility to the brand. On behalf of Style Jazz Couture, I¡¯ll cancel the cooperation with Coco Styling Studio. I¡¯ll make a statement on the official websiteter.¡±


    Coco clenched her fists as she said, ¡°Although you are a designer at Starlight Design Studio, you have no right to cancel the cooperation with my studio on behalf of the brand!¡±


    Stephanie shrugged, replying, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. Your s


    Coco sneered, ¡°So be it. I have other partners.¡±


    styling studio will pay a heavy price for your words and deeds.¡±


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    Chapter 36


    Stephanie nodded, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see. Also, you and I weren¡¯t enemies. Why did you set me up? Or who did you do it for?¡±¡±


    Coco gritted her teeth and said, ¡°It was just an ident.¡±


    Olivia managed her expression well and did not expose anything, as expected of the best actress.


    Stephanie smiled faintly and replied, ¡°Fine. How obstinate. Let¡¯s see your end.¡±


    Olivia pursed her lips and said, ¡°Stephanie, Uncle Vincent should be very busytely. It¡¯s not good to disturb him because of such a trifle matter.¡±


    Stephanie understood what she meant, so she answered, ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll use Vincent¡¯s authority to make trouble for her? For such a trifle matter, don¡¯t have to bother Vincent with it


    Then, she turned around and left the styling studio.


    Coco rushed over to say something but was stopped by Willow. Willow warried, ¡°Do you want to fight? I can beat you up with one finger!¡±


    Even though she was startled by the coldness in Willow¡¯s eyes, Coco wanted to retort stubbornly. However, she was stopped by Olivia.


    Willow turned around and left after snorting


    Coco frowned. She asked, ¡°Why should I be afraid of her?¡±


    Olivia answered, ¡°She is Joseph¡¯s younger sister and has a ck belt in kickboxing.¡±


    Coco was speechless.


    After leaving the styling studio, Stephanie and Willow went back to the design studio. Stephanie expressed her opinion to Julianna.


    They happened to hold the same views and immediately announced the termination of cooperation with Coco Styling Studio on their official website. The reason and a photo of the gown¡¯s zipper were also included in the post.


    Coco Styling Studio became trending from this action. Within an hour, several big brands also made official announcements to cancel their cooperation with Coco Styling Studio.


    The experts knew at a nce that the zipper was tampered with by someone with malicious intent. Since Style Jazz Couture¡¯s reputation was smeared, they were afraid it would happen to themselves in the future. Therefore, they all terminated their contract with Coco Styling Studio.


    In an instant, Coco Styling Studio became the target of cyberbullying.


    Manyizens and even celebrities stood out and divulged the unfair treatment they received in this styling studio, saying that the shop manager and even the staff gave different treatment to people of various sses even though they were all clients.


    Julianna sipped on her coffee and checked her wristwatch before saying, ¡°In less than a day, all the brands that have cooperated with Coco Styling Studio terminated their contracts. It¡¯ll close down soon enough,¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°Coco put herself in danger to vent Olivia¡¯s anger, but Olivia might have blocked Coco¡¯s phone number to cut ties with her,¡± shemented.


    That was true. Coco wanted Olivia¡¯s help to mediate with other brands, but she couldn¡¯t reach Olivia.


    Coco stared at the styling studio she built with painstaking effort. In one day, the styling studio had be a mere skeleton. Coco felt very reluctant.


    To her, it was all Stephanie¡¯s fault for being merciless.


    12:27 Mon, 27 May Mu


    Chapter 36


    Coco vowed never to let Stephanie off the h**k.


    At 4 p.m., Vincent called Stephanie. He asked, ¡°Are you at the design studio?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Stephanie answered.


    Vincent said, ¡°Let Willow leave first. I¡¯m almost there.¡±


    She replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    85%%%


    After hanging up the phone, Stephanie called Willow and told her to leave, Willow hesitated and asked, ¡°Won¡¯t Coco find someone to take revenge on you? She doesn¡¯t seem like a good person.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Vincent will fetch me,¡± Stephanie assured.


    Willow reminded, ¡°Okay. Call me if you need anything¡±


    Julianna mocked. ¡°Vincent this and that. Oh, Vincent, you¡¯re so naughty.¡± She made a pretentious gesture at the end of her words.


    Stephanie nearly spat out the coffee in her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± she scolded.


    ¡°Have you kissed Vincent?¡± Julianna asked curiously


    Stephanie wiggled her eyebrows.


    Julianna¡¯s eyes widened. She asked, ¡°Is he really sexually impotent?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never tested him,¡± Stephanie answered, blinking.


    Julianna snapped, ¡°Then do so!¡±


    Stephanie cleared her throat and said, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave now. Vincent ising!¡±


    Julianna narrowed her eyes. She said, ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re keeping something from me.¡±


    Stephanie bid her goodbye hastily and ran out of the office.


    When she walked out of the design studio, she saw a ck Maybachy parked on the side of the road. Zane had already opened the back door and was


    waiting for her.


    She ran over happily.


    Just then, a man wearing a cap and a mask rushed out from behind a big tree with a bottle of liquid in hand.


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Sensing danger, Vincent¡¯s protective instincts kicked in, and he moved to rush out of the car.


    Fearing Vincent¡¯s recklessness, Zane mmed the door shut and charged to confront the man.


    However, he was a step toote.


    Stephanie had already sent the assant reeling with a swift kick, shattering the ss bottle in his hand with a hissing c r a c k as shards splintered across the ground.


    The man howled in agony as remnants of the liquid sshed onto his skin, eating away at his flesh.


    Mercilessly, Stephanie ground the heel of her shoe into the man¡¯s hand as he writhed on the ground. ¡°Speak! Who sent you?¡± she demanded.


    ¡°No one! Ahh!¡± the man whimpered pitifully.


    Observing Stephanie¡¯s ruthlessness, Zane was struck by how simr she was to Vincent at that moment. Truly, birds of a feather flock together, he mused.


    ¡°Let me handle this, Mrs. Fletcher,¡± Zane respectfully interjected.


    Stephanie¡¯s mind was already churning through a list of suspects. ¡°Coco from the styling studio, Florence, Dous. None of them are above suspicion,¡± she said darkly.


    Zane nodded. ¡°Please get into the car, Mrs. Fletcher, I¡¯ll call the police.¡±


    After all, with the assault happening in public and people witnessing, it was best to involve the authorities.


    With a nod, Stephanie ran to the get into the car,


    She got in and closed the door. Sliding into the backseat, she noticed Vincent¡¯s tense jaw. Stephanie gave him a faint smile, saying, ¡°Vincent.¡±


    Gripping her shoulders, Vincent asked, ¡°Are you all right? Did he hurt you?¡±


    Stephanie nonchntly shrugged. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡±


    ¡°Right here,¡± Stephanie said, pouting yfully as she pointed to her lips. ¡°Can you blow on it and make me feel better?¡±


    Vincent flicked her nose gently. ¡°You, silly girl,¡± he chided.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t get to you sooner,¡± he said apologetically.


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t me yourself. Even if your legs were fine, you wouldn¡¯t have made it in time. I¡¯m perfectly fine, so don¡¯t look so worried. Mr. Quin called the police. They¡¯ll be here any minute. We might need to head to the station to give our statements.¡±


    The onlookers watched as they spoke, noticing Vincent¡¯s obvious attempt to handle things discreetly.


    Upon seeing his furrowed brows, Stephanie gently held his chin. ¡°I¡¯m really fine-don¡¯t worry.¡±


    A me arrange a few more bodyguards for you,¡± Vincent insisted.


    09:49


    Tue, 28 May M


    Chapter 37


    ¦°


    Stephanie sighed inwardly. Having just Willow watch over her was already cumbersome enough, and more guards would only be a .


    ¡°Willow alone could handle ten men,¡± she said. ¡°I let her leave early today, but I¡¯ll make sure she follows me closely from now on.¡±


    At that assurance, Vincent reluctantly agreed.


    Stephanie smiled and leaned in closer, linking her arm through this. However, as she shifted her foot, she fraze.


    There on the ground was the silver needle she had used to secure her gownst night.


    Her mind raced. ¡®How did it get here? Did my gown tear in the carst night? Didn¡¯t Vincent say it was the housekeeper who changed me into my nightgown while I was sleeping?¡±


    Vincent had lied. It was he who had helped her change into her nightgown.


    Stephanie¡¯s toes curled at the thought of that embarrassing scene.


    Nheless, Vincent had not humiliated her over it. Everything would be fine if she did not bring that up.


    Soon, the police arrived and took the man in the cap.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie went to the police station to give her statements. She mentioned a few names that came to mind as suspects.


    The police started investigating, and it didn¡¯t take them long to find out that Coco was behind the assault.


    Consumed by bitterness over 5


    Stephanie ruining the styling studio in less than a day, Coco had hired a thug to disfigure the former.


    Truly, people like Coco were quick to fault others while forgetting they themselves were the true instigators.


    As the assault unfolded on a busy street at the close of the workday, many bystanders had taken photos and videos.


    At present, those images were being circted on the inte.


    In no time, Stephanie trended on Twitter once again.


    StephielsTheBestmented: [Did you see Stephanie¡¯s flying kick? Who knew she could throw down like that?]


    MyldolStephie chimed in: I know right? That kick was straight fire. How b a d a s s!


    LoyalFanOfStephiemented: [Stephanie ys! So gorgeous and talented. That flying kick was iconic. Not like that phony, Florence, who tries so hard but could neverpare to Stephanie¡¯s wealth and status.


    FloreFanClub retorted: [Hey no-no need to bash Florence. She does a lot of charity work with orphanages and nursing homes. She¡¯s a kind soul.]


    ObsessedWithFlore remarked: [Yeah, let¡¯s not throw stones. Stephanie has a sketchy past, too. Rumor has it she had an incest baby that she aborted as a


    teen.


    SuperStephiemented: [Excuse me, those are just nasty rumors with zero proof. Don¡¯t believe every piece of gossip you hear. Cyberbullying is not cool. You should be ashamed.|


    ILoveFlore replied: [Hey, you were just cyberbullying Florence two seconds ago though?)


    SuperStephie responded: (I was just stating facts. The video shows Florence was behind the attack. You¡¯re just a blind follower defending her no matter what.]


    09:50 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 37


    Stephanie felt overwhelmed as she scrolled through the heated posts and replies on Twitter.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look troubled,¡± Vincent asked.


    Lying on the bed, Stephanie swung her slender legs idly. ¡°They¡¯re talking about me on the inte again.¡±


    ¡°Want me to handle it for you?¡± Vincent offered.


    Stephanie smiled faintly as she recalled Vincent¡¯s wish for her to rely on him more. ¡°Would you? Just delete thements please.¡±


    With a nod, Vincent said, ¡°Okay. Why don¡¯t you get some rest and leave it to me? I¡¯ve got a video conference to attend,¡±


    touta


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie replied obediently. She watched Vincent¡¯s retreating figure as he left and let out a sigh of relief.


    Just thagining Vincent changing her into a nightgown made Stephanie flush uncontrobly.


    She burrowed under the thin nket, rolling around in embarrassment.


    Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of her phone.


    It was a message from Giovanni..


    He texted: [Someone¡¯s offering you 4 million dors to look for Dr. Summer. This is quite funny. They¡¯re basically offering you free money.]


    Stephanie tapped back: [Let me look into who it is]N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    67%


    She jumped out of bed and hurried back to her bedroom. She turned on herptop and logged into the dark web to look at the client¡¯s information.


    The location was traced back to Jacaster, it was a hacker by the looks of it.


    However, a deeper dig into call records revealed a familiar number. It was unmistakably Dous


    It could only mean one thing. Clearly, with his health deteriorating. Dous was desperate to see Miracle Doctor Summer.


    However, it wasn¡¯t just to seek her treatment, he was likely seeking vengeance, too.


    Without hesitation, Stephanie epted the case and promised to reply within three days.


    That was easy money


    y she could not pass up.


    Astonished, Giovanni texted back: [You actually took the job?]


    Grinning to herself, Stephanie responded: I might need your help when the timees.]


    Giovanni could only shake his head, knowing that it was a dangerous game she was ying.


    Meanwhile, in the study, Vincent logged onto the dark web, searching for any mentions of Miracle Doctor Summer¡¯s whereabouts.


    Despite the tempting reward, Vincent had an uneasy hunch that taking that case could be risky, worried that the client might have ill intentions toward


    Summer.


    Vincent firmly decided not to ept the job. However, when he went to decline, a message popped up that Hacker Yern had already taken the case.


    Vincent¡¯s brows furrowed in frustration. He tried to dig up information on Hacker Vern, but they had installed an unbreachable firewall to conceal their identity.


    09:50 Tue, 28 May ¨C

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    The next day, as Vincent and Stephanie were finishing their meal and getting ready to leave, Matilda and Horace¡¯s unexpected arrival disrupted their


    ns.


    Although displeased by the way they had treated his wife, he reluctantly invited them inside out of courtesy


    The housekeeperid out tea and left the room.


    Horace lifted the teacup, blowing softly across the steaming tea, only to be interrupted by Matilda¡¯s stem gaze


    Clearing his throat, he spoke. ¡°We¡¯vee to ask Stephanie to return with us to Jacinter:


    Vincent responded indifferently, ¡°Stephie¡¯s my wife now. Her ce is here with me in Tranquil Garden¡±


    ¡°The thing is¡­ no one knows Stephanie¡¯s true identity yet. If word gets out about Stephanie¡¯s current situation, it could damage her reputation,¡± Horace


    said.


    Vincent¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the ones who publicly used my wife of giarism without any evidence? And now, you¡¯re all worried about her reputation?¡°


    Horace faltered at Vincent¡¯s words. ¡°At the time, we found it odd how Stephanie coulde up with designs so simr to Florence¡¯s after only being with thepany for a month. Besides, we never knew about Staphanie¡¯s design achievements. Maybe she got into the Starlight Design Studio because of your connections?¡±


    Vincent scoffed at the suggestion. ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous to think that as a parent, you¡¯d admit to not knowing your child. Stephie earned her spot at Starlight Design Studio solely through her talent. I had zero involvement in that¡±


    Silenced by Vincent¡¯s response, Horace turned to Matilda


    Matilda cleared her throat gently. ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. We only want what¡¯s best for Stephanie, and that meansing back with us to Jacaster. Gossip can be cruel, and we wouldn¡¯t want Stephanie¡¯s reputation to suffer.¡±


    Vincent smirked at her words. His gare turned cold as he looked at the pair across him. ¡°That¡¯s not happening¡±


    Sensing Vincent¡¯s growing irritation, Matilda pursed her lips.


    Taking a steadying breath, she continued, ¡°Well, since the two of you are married now, when do you n to have the wedding? We¡¯re her parents, you see. We¡¯re worried about Stephanie¡¯s reputation.¡±


    ¡®re holding off on the wedding for now. But I¡¯ll make it up to herter,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°For personal reasons, we¡¯re


    Matilda¡¯s eyes darted around before she spoke again. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we at least talk about the betrothal gift, then?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes narrowed. Matilda¡¯s true motives were bing clear.


    Under the guise of concern for Stephanie, all they cared about was the betrothal gift.


    ¡°How much do you want?¡± he asked bluntly.


    Matilda¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I¡¯ve poured so much care and sacrifice into raising our daughter. We¡¯ve nurtured her talents. Se, shouldn¡¯t we receive shares tem


    Geeup ispensation


    count not suppress a very churide You? Sacrificed a lot to raise ? Natured my balen


    09:50 Tue, 28 May M Ge


    Chapter 38N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Matilda frowned, thinking Stephanie was being ungrateful. ¡°Am I wrong?¡± the former said.


    67%


    Stephanie let out a sigh. ¡°Grandpa was the one who really raised me, not you. Your focus was only on Florence. All your attention was on her. Grandpa was the one who showed up to my parent-teacher meetings, not you. You didn¡¯t even know which ss I was in, even if I was always ranking first in my grade. And when I left at 14 for Astoria, not once did you call or message me, or offer a dime for living expenses or tuition. If it weren¡¯t for Grandpa, I¡¯d be spending every Christmas alone! Is that what you call raising me? Heck, you didn¡¯t even know what I majored in at university, so how can you im to have nurtured me?¡±


    Matilda¡¯s lips trembled with anger. ¡°Stephanie, how can you be so heartless? I¡¯m your mother- breastfed you..


    Stephanie cut her off sharply. ¡°When I was six, I heard you say that Florence was breastfed, but I was given form. I never understood why you¡¯d treat me so differently when Florence and I are twins. Am I even your real daughter?¡±


    Matilda¡¯s hand trembled, causing her coffee cup to rattle. ¡°Of course, you are!¡±


    ¡°Then, why did you use me of seeking attention when Florence put thumbtacks in my shoes?¡± Stephanie cried out. ¡°Florence fell down the stairs on¡± her own, but she med me, and you believed her. I didn¡¯t even get a chance to exin before you came at me with a belt.¡±


    ¡°How can you even remember all of that? Weren¡¯t you two getting alongter on?¡± Matilda deflected.


    Stephanie let out a bitterugh. ¡°Oh, we were tight all right, which was why I never suspected her affair with Dous. I forgave her for stealing my design sketches. I helped her in a deal with the entertainmentpany being her vocal double. We were so ¡®close¡¯ that I joined Fantasy Boutique to help her with her designs!¡±


    ¡°Sketches? What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Matilda asked in disbelief. ¡°Are you hearing yourself right now?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense?¡± Stephanieughed. ¡°Florence¡¯s skill spoke for itself at the productunch. I let everything slide because I believed Florence genuinely cared during my time away. I was touched by how much she seemed to look out for me. But it was all fake, wasn¡¯t it? She was just using me for her own gain.¡±


    Stephanie decided to speak her full mind since they were enemies then anyway.


    In that second chance at life, she was there to seek revenge.


    She turned to Vincent and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a second.¡±


    Vincent nodded, his heart aching as he watched her go upstairs.


    Stephanie had been through so much, dismissed as insignificant by her parents and used by her own sister,


    Vincent stared coldly at the two across him, his gaze making them¡¯squirm uneasily.


    Horace forced an awkward smile, speaking up. ¡°There seems to be some misunderstanding here. Stephanie¡¯s always been stubborn and only sees the radical side of things.


    Matilda chimed in, ¡°That¡¯s true. Stephanie acts impulsively all the time. Please just bear with her.¡±


    Vincent cut in coldly, ¡°You¡¯ve failed as parents. All you do ispare Stephanie to Florence, It¡¯s clear where she stands in your hearts when you so readily cast her out. Calling her impulsive when you¡¯ve never bothered to understand her. After today, don¡¯t bother showing up at Tranquil Garden again, Or else, I won¡¯t hesitate to kick you out ¡±


    ¡°Just then, Stephanie reappeared holding a document. She sat beside Vincent and ced it on the coffee table before her parents.


    it.¡± shademanded.


    ked up the document, her eyes widening in disballet Dou¡¯re severing ties with gate


    09:50 Tue, 28 May G


    Chapter 38


    ¡°Yes,¡± Stephanie affirmed solemnly. ¡°I¡¯m cutting g ties with both of you and the rest of the family.¡±


    Horace frowned. ¡°Stephanie, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not messing around. I¡¯ve thought long and hard about this. Once you sign, you¡¯re free to go,¡± Stephanie said firmly.


    After hearing Stephanie, Matilda wanted to strangle her, but she could not afford to lose her temper before securing the betrothal gift.


    ¡°Stephie¡­¡± Matilda pleaded.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. It makes my skin crawl,¡± Stephanie said coldly.


    Matilda forced a chuckle. ¡°Come on now. Stop with this nonsense. We¡¯re still family, after all. Can¡¯t we be nice to you?¡±


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you being so nice because you haven¡¯t received the betrothal gift? Will you sign if you receive it?¡±


    Choking up, Matilda insisted, ¡°But we¡¯re still family¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you still want the betrothal gift or not?¡± Stephanie said bluntly.


    Realizing Stephanie was set on cutting ties, Matilda dropped the act. ¡°How much of a betrothal gift are we talking about?¡±

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Fury simmered in Vincent¡¯s eyes as he observed the despicable way the Hayes family treated Stephanie.


    Their sole purpose for the visit was not to reim Stephanie but to secure themselves the betrothal gift.


    ¡°How much do you think Stephie is worth?¡± Vincent asked, his tone distant and indifferent.


    Horace¡¯s eyes gleamed with greed. ¡°As head of the Fletcher family, you shouldn¡¯t skimp on the gift. it¡¯d only look bad for you if word got out.¡±


    Matilda nodded. ¡°Horace¡¯s right. Plus, Stephie¡¯s not your ordinary girl. She¡¯s got the looks and the talent.


    Stephanic sneered at them. ¡°Then, tell me, what was my major in university? Can you answer that now?¡±


    Putting on an awkward smile, Matilda said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s an impressive major, I¡¯m sure. You¡¯re an S-ss designer at Starlight Design Studio, earning tens of millions of dors. Few socialites couldpare to you, Stephin.¡± Turning to Vincent, she continued, ¡°Stephie¡¯s lucky to have you, but you¡¯re lucky to have her as your wile, too. We were thinking a five-percent share in the Fletcher Group would make a fitting gift.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And how much of a share exactly are you asking for?¡±


    Matilda hold out her hand. ¡°Just five percent.¡±


    ¡°Fletcher Group is worth billions. Five percent means 1 billion dors, not to mention yearly dividends. You¡¯re really trying to squeeze money out of me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Vincent remarked coldly.


    Horace chuckled wryly. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her. She doesn¡¯t know what she¡¯s talking about. We¡¯re only asking for one percent.¡±


    Stephanie gripped Vincent¡¯s hand. ¡°I left home at 14. Let¡¯s just settle up for my first 13 years with a 2,000-dor yearly payout.¡±


    Hence, that amounted to a total of 26,000 dors,


    Matilda was furious as she heard the worth of Stephanie¡¯s betrothal gift going from tens of millions of dors to a mere 26,000 dors.


    ¡°Stephanie, have you ever heard of a betrothal gift as pathetic as 26,000 dors? I must¡¯ve given birth to you in vain!¡± she spat out.


    Having endured years of neglect from her parents, Stephanie then witnessed their shamelessness firsthand.


    She responded coldly, ¡°At Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s birthday party, Florence gave me a brooch that was a tant copy of my design. I did not confront her then. But I had surveince cameras installed in my office, which perfectly caught her stealing my designs. Here¡¯s the evidence.¡±


    She tossed a sh drive to Matilda. ¡°Sign it, or I¡¯ll expose this video. Florence¡¯s reputation¡¯s already in ruins. If this goes public, it¡¯s game over for her. Lori already thinks poorly of her. You think Dous would marry her if she wasn¡¯t a designer? Oh, and isn¡¯t Florence¡¯s on Post-Exposure Prophxis?¡±


    Horace and Matilda¡¯sces contorted in anger, their eyes filled with animosity as they looked at Stephanie,


    Matilda spoke darkly. ¡°Stephanie, were you nning to use this video to ckmail us into cutting ties?¡±


    ¡°Yes, replied Stephanie bluntly.


    Horace angrily said, ¡°Flore¡¯s your sister. How can you do this?¡± 55


    Stephanie pretended to clean her ears. ¡°Enough, She¡¯s done too much to me. This is just payback. Now, sign the papers. Vincent and 1 ba


    Upon seeing Stephanie¡¯s determination to go all out, Horace scowled as he scrawled his signature Madida followed suit and mmed the penda


    de, zo May


    Chapter 39


    forcefully.


    Stephanie smiled as she tN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    tucked the documents into her bag. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, I¡¯ll wire over the 26,000 dors.¡±


    Horace grunted and stormed out without another word.


    Matilda red at Stephanie. ¡°You, ingrate!¡± she said begrudgingly.


    Stephanie lowered her eyes as the door mmed, unable to hold back augh.


    in this lifetime, her ties with the Hayes were severed. She felt no sadness or regret, only relief and joy.


    Upon seeing her shoulders sh


    subtly, Vincent thought Stephanie was crying as her hair obscured her profile.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Stephie. You have me,¡± heforted.


    Stephanie turned to him, eyes bright. ¡°You thought I was crying?¡±


    Vincent was startled to see no sadness, only joy, in her eyes.


    Hugging his thin waist, Stephanie said, ¡°Vincent, from now on, it¡¯s just you and me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here all the time.¡± Vincent assured her.


    ¡°No, I still have Grandpa and Julianna, too,¡± Stephanie pointed out.


    Vincent¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°You¡¯ll only need me.¡±


    Stephanie was surprised by his possessiveness but teased, ¡°I smell jealousy.¡±


    Vincent leaned in seriously, sniffing ¡°Oh, really? Naughty girl. But, Stephie¡­


    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked.


    67%1


    ¡°Florence copied your designs. Did she take your previous sketches, too?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t care about getting the credits. I thought we were family, so I gave my sketches to help her. But now that I see her true colors, that generosity ends here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve truly found a gem in you,¡± Vincent said, chuckling.


    That very afternoon, Stephanie ced an announcement in the newspaper, publicly severing ties with the Hayes family.


    While such news would normally upy minimal space, the chief editor recognized the significance and prominently featured it on a noticeable page.


    Before long, word spread throughout Jacaster,


    Everyone then knew that Stephanie was no longer a part of the Hayes family.


    Stephanie for breaking free frond toxic rtives and standing on her own.


    lembed her for what they saw as cold-heartedness, abandoning her family once she achieved sess.


    09:50 Tue, 28 May M Ge


    Chapter 39


    Stephanie, however, paid no heed to the opinions swirling around her and continued to live life on her own terms.


    After all, the Hayes family had always made her feel like she was the one causing problems for them.


    She thought to herself, ¡°Their unhappiness isn¡¯t my problem. I¡¯ll be happy regardless.¡±


    Before getting off work, Vincent told Stephanie that he had a dinner appointment and wouldn¡¯t be able to pick her up.


    He told Willow to send Stephanie back to Tranquil Garden.


    €67%0


    Stephanie cheerfully agreed but then had another idea. She could meet with Dous instead of going straight home and earn some quick cash.


    Logging into the dark web, she arranged to meet Dous at Harmony Healthcare Hub at six.


    The hacker swiftly ryed the information to Dous


    Receiving the message, a glint of determination flickered in Dous¡¯ eyes.


    That night, he would make Summer regret ever crossing him.


    Stephanie made an excuse about dinner with Julianna so that Willow w


    wouldn¡¯te to pick her up.


    At first, she considered changing into the clothes she wore thest time, but she realized it might give away her identity. Instead, she wore a thin hyper- realistic mask and a short wig.


    Pleased with her discreet disguise, Stephanie put on her sportswear and baseball cap before leaving for Harmony Healthcare Hub.


    When she arrived, Dous was already sitting there, casually crossing his legs as he waited.


    He looked Stephanie up and down as she sat across from him and asked, ¡°You¡¯re Summer?¡±


    Stephanie nodded silently.


    Dous snorted. ¡°You were all mysteriousst time. None of that today?¡±


    Ignoring his sarcasm, Stephanie cut right to jabbing his sore spot. ¡°Didn¡¯t you doubt me before? Whye looking for me again? Still struggling with impotence problems?¡± she asked loudly.


    Her words caused all eyes to turn Dous¡¯ way.


    É«

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    Dous¡¯ eyes were full of malice. He didn¡¯t expect that Stephanie would embarrass him.


    He put down his legs, leaned forward, and said in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsensel¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Then, why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I have a friend. ¡°Dous said.


    ¡°An imaginary friend?¡± Sheughed


    Dous felt like killing her. He gritted his teeth and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to other ces for treatment.¡±


    When Stephanie was about to refuse, two men in suits walked up to her and put a dagger against her back.


    With a satisfied smile: Dous said, ¡°Dr. Summer, I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Stephanie narrowed her eyes.


    Dous smirked.


    ¡°Do you think you can trap me in this way?¡± Stephanie scoffed.


    Dous raised his chin, and a man in suit stood behind Charlton Brando, the boss of Harmony Healthcare Hub. Charlton¡¯s face went pale instantly.


    ¡°Your presence shows the boss knows you well. Come with me if you don¡¯t want him hurt. Do you understand?¡± Dous said.


    Charlton looked at Stephanie and shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Stephanie understood Charlton. He wanted her to leave him alone and run away.


    Her face darkened as she said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch him. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Dous smiled wickedly and added, ¡°You should have done it earlier to avoid injuring innocent people. Hand over themunication device, and don¡¯t try any tricks!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any,¡± Stephanie said.


    Dous gestured to the man in suit. ¡°Check her pocket.¡±


    The man in the suit nodded after checking. ¡°There is only a set of silver needles with her, and there is nomunication device.¡±


    Dous stood up. ¡°Take her away!¡± Then, he turned around and walked toward the door.


    Before Stephanie was taken away, she nodded at Charlton and assured him to rest easy


    The man in suit ushered Stephanie into a van with tinted windows. Once inside, her hands were bound behind her back, and a blindfold was ced over her eyes


    Stephanie didn¡¯t expect that Dous would kidnap het.


    In her previous life, she had always thought that he was the best man in the world.


    1/4


    09:50 Tue, 28 May MG ¡¤


    Chapter 40N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    67%#


    ¡°He would have to bear the consequences for kidnapping me today. I¡¯m intent on giving this disgusting couple a miserable ending in this life. There¡¯s no time like today. Dous, just wait and seel she thought.


    At the same time, Giovanni, wearing a baseball cap, entered Harmony Healthcare Hub and spotted a man in a suit standing beside Charlton while the


    latter appeared grave.


    Realizing that something was wrong. Giovanni went to the counter and said, ¡°Mr. Brando, can you give me some medicinal herb?¡±


    The man in suit said coldly. ¡°The shop is closed. Come back tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°What time is it now? Hurry up! I need it urgently!¡± Giovanni persisted.


    The man stared at him and said in a low voice, ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    Giovanni sneered. ¡°I¡¯m not scared of you. If you don¡¯te out, I¡¯lle in!¡±


    Before the man in suit could react, Giovanni leaped over the counter. He aimed punches at the man¡¯s face, but the man quickly brandished a knife.


    Charlton ran away, and Giovanni fought with the man in suit.


    The man in suit had driven away all the earlier customers, leaving only three of them in the shop.


    Giovanni kicked the man in suit in the chest, and thetter flew out.


    Charlton smashed the man in the face with a scale.


    The man¡¯s nose bled in an instant.¡±


    Giovanni stepped on the man¡¯s chest and looked at Charlton. ¡°Where is Summer?¡±


    Charlton said anxiously, ¡°Summer was taken away by this man¡¯s boss!¡±


    Giovanni realized that Dous had kidnapped Stephanie..


    He stepped harder. ¡°Tell me! Where did they take her?¡±


    The man in suit shut his mouth. Giovanni stamped his foot hard, and the man passed out.


    He looked at Charlton and said, ¡°Call the police now. I¡¯m going to find Summer!¡±


    Charlton nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Giovanni quickly returned to the car and searched for Stephanie¡¯s phone. Her phone was less than 109 yards from them.


    He exited the car and followed the signal, only to find Stephanie¡¯s phone in the car.


    He located Dous and intended to chase after him. However, upon further consideration, he deemed that Vincent should deal with Dous. Vincent might also take the chance to rid the Fletcher family of its s c u m.


    Giovanni went into a phone repair shop and bought a new phone card. Then, he used that card to call Vincent.


    Meanwhile, in a private room at Millennium Hotel, everyone was raising their sses and chatting with one another.


    Vincent cast a look at the vibrating phone on the table. It was an unfamiliar number.


    09:50 Tue, 28 May M GE


    Chapter 401


    He answered it.


    The person had used a voice changer. ¡°Dous kidnapped Dr. Summer in a suburban mansion.¡±


    Then, the call was disconnected.


    Vincent¡¯s face darkened, and his lips pressed into a straight line.


    The noisy private room instantly quieted down.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what happened?¡± someone asked.


    Yes, if you need any help, just tell us,¡± another echoed.


    67%0


    Vincent contemted the authenticity of the phone call and decided to believe it rather than take any chances. He nced at Zane beside him.


    Zape immediately understood and wheeled Vincent out of the private room.


    Vincent told Zane about the call, and thetter immediately mobilized individuals to head to the suburban mansion.


    me, Stephanie was taken to a room in


    in a suburban mansion.


    At the same time,


    Dous raised his chin, and the cloth covering Stephanie¡¯s eyes was taken off.


    Stephanie looked around and found that that was the ce where Dous and Florence had slept together.


    ¡°Tell me, what did you do to me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°How can you me the doctor for the patient¡¯s problem?¡± Stephanie retorted.


    Dous grabbed her by the neck and said, ¡°You¡¯re so stubborn. You better cure me now, or else I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°Okay. But will you let me go after I cure you?¡± Stephanie smiled.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Dous let go of his grip.


    ¡°Then, lie down on the bed, take off your shirt and suit pants, and I¡¯ll give you an acupuncture session,¡± Stephanie said.


    Dous took off his tie, shirt, and suit pants andy on the bed.


    Stephanie¡¯s hands were u untied. She moved her wrists to ease t


    the stiffness before retrieving the needle pouch. Then, shemenced acupuncture on


    Dous.


    Dous warned, ¡°Don¡¯t y tricks, or I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    Stephanie said okay, while at the same time inserting silver needles into Dous¡¯ body.


    Dous felt warmth spreading throughout his body, particrly on his manhood.


    Half an hourter, Stephanie pulled out the needle, saying, ¡°You will need another acupuncture session.¡±


    Dous snorted. ¡°You must cure me today.¡±


    09:50 Tue, 28 May MG¡ú ¡¤


    Chapter 40


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. There¡¯s no disease that can be cured with only one acupuncture session,¡± Stephanie said.


    67%0


    After donning his clothes, Dous motioned to the man in suit and said, ¡°All right, but just in case you try any tricks or we can¡¯t find you, you¡¯ll need to leave something behind.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Stephanie narrowed her eyes.


    Dous smirked. ¡°I mean we will have to take a photo of you before letting you go.¡±

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    ¡°You¡¯re average-looking, but your figure is good!¡± Dousmented.


    Stephanie quickly grasped Dous finger and jerked it backward when he reached for her face.


    Amidst the agonizing cry, Stephanie swiftly turned around and stepped behind Dous.


    Due to the height difference, she tightly grabbed the back of Dous¡± cor, causing Dous to bend over backward.


    The silver needle on her fingertips gleamed coldly in the light as she pressed it against Dous¡¯ neck.


    ¡°Ask them to put away their guns,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°How dare you threaten me?¡± Dous gritted his teeth.


    Stephanie snorted. ¡°Then, you can try whether their guns are faster or my needle.¡±


    As she spoke, the tip of the needle pierced into Dous¡¯ neck.


    Feeling the pain, Dous raised his hand in a gesture of surrender.


    With Dous as her shield, Stephanie swiftly moved from the second floor to the first floor.


    Right then, the door of the mansion was kicked open with a bang.


    Several men with assault gear rushed in, and Zane wheeled Vincent in


    A cold aura emanated from Vincent.


    Dous rolled his eyes and said, ¡°Uncle Vincent, help me! This woman wants to kill me!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes fixed on the woman behind Dous, and he asked, ¡°Are you Dr. Summer?¡±


    Vincent couldn¡¯t ascertain if the woman was Summer as she wore a hat and a veil to conceal her face during theirst encounter.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. I was at Harmony Healthcare Hub. This man brought me here against my will to treat him. He even threatened to photograph me. I refused toply with his demands, and he pointed a gun at me.¡± Stephanie altered her voice.


    Dous denied, ¡°Nonsensel Uncle Vincent, don¡¯t believe this woman! Maybe she was targeting the Fletcher family! Uncle Vincent, help me!¡±


    Vincent narrowed his eyes. He would rather believe Summer than Dous.


    ¡°Summer,e here. I promise your safety,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Uncle Vincent, how could you believe her?¡± Dous said through gritted teeth.


    Vincent didn¡¯t answer him. Instead, he looked at Stephanie and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Stephanie pulled out the silver needle from Dous¡¯ neck and walked quickly toward Vincent


    Dous winked at the suit-d man as Stephanie approached the crystal chandelier in the center of the living room. The man shot the crystal Chandaber without hesitation.


    Chapter 41


    Vincent¡¯s heart s k i p p e d a beat, and he shouted at Stephanie, ¡°Watch out!¡±


    The living room fell into darkness in an instant, followed by the sound of the chandelier smashing on the ground.


    Vincent felt someone throw themselves into his arms, and the familiar fragrance enveloped his senses. For a moment, he felt as though the person in his arms was Stephanie.


    Without thinking too much, Dous shouted, ¡°Shoot that woman!¡±


    Stephanie frowned. ¡°Dous wants to take the opportunity to kill Vincent.¡±


    There were four gunshots.


    As Zane prepared to wheel Vincent out of the gate, a small red dotnded on Vincent¡¯s chest.


    Stephanie straightened her body and intercepted the bullet, a m u f f l e d sound echoing in the room.


    Zane was startled. He hurriedly escorted Vincent and Stephanie out of the mansion, while the sound of gunfire erupted from within the building.


    Stephanie nestled in Vincent¡¯s arms. Vincent¡¯s heart was beating fast. He sensed that the woman was shielding him.


    Under the car¡¯s light, Vincent noticed blood seeping from Stephanie¡¯s right arm. He frowned and asked, ¡°Why did you take the bullet for me?¡±


    Cold sweat broke out on Stephanie¡¯s forehead. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t take the bullet for you. You misunderstood the situation. I should


    go now.¡±


    Vincent grabbed her arm and said, ¡°This is a gunshot wound. You can¡¯t go to the hospital.¡±


    Stephanie pulled away Vincent¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± She jumped off his legs. ¡°Don¡¯t follow me!¡±


    She ran east and soon disappeared into the mansion area.


    Zane asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what about Dr. Summer?¡±


    ¡°Let her be if she doesn¡¯t want to be followed. We¡¯ll meet again,¡± Vincent said seriously.


    He was a little uneasy. Somehow, Summer reminded him of Stephanie.


    Vincent considered it impossible. Looking back at the mansion, he remarked, ¡°Someone must have called the police. Evacuate in five minutes.¡±


    Zane nodded and said, ¡°Okay. Dous is really lucky this time!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t involve Dr. Summer. Dous has shown his slip, and his full color will soon be revealed. Vincent squinted.


    Five minutester, Vincent and his men all left.


    Some mansion wallmps remained intact, casting dim light across the messy room. Groans of pain emanated from some of the fallen individuals, while othersy motionless in pools of blood.


    Dous emerged and found his men strewn across the ground. Fuming with anger, he kicked a broken chair nearby.


    *None of Vincent¡¯s men is caught! You, losers!¡± he cursed.


    ¡ú The man with a baseball cap said, 21 aimed at Vincent¡¯s heart just now, but Dr. Sumroer seemed to bave blocked the shot?


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG 2


    Chapter 41


    Dous grimaced and remarked, ¡°That woman must have a strong bond with Vincent to risk her life to save him. Vincent is sentimental, so once we locate this woman, we¡¯ll regain the upper hand. No way Vincent would be ungrateful.¡±


    ¡°Vincent will hate us more now that there¡¯s been gunfire, the man with the baseball cap reminded.


    ¡°So what? Why should I fear him?¡± Dous sneered. ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll make sure he ends up dead! My father might be scared of him, but I¡¯m not!¡±


    The man with the baseball cap answered a phone call and reported, ¡°Police are on their way here.¡±


    Dous nced at him and said. ¡°Tell them we were attacked by unknown armed men.¡±


    The man with the baseball cap frowned and asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t we tell them Vincent attacked y


    dyou?¡±


    ¡°Do you think Vincent is easy to handle? He will use us of possessing armed weapons. Moreover, Dr. Summer sided with him. It will be difficult if she insists abducted her. It¡¯s a check and bnce among us three. We need to conceal the truth to protect ourselves!¡± Dous said.


    The man with the baseball cap


    pnodded. ¡°You are right. What about the surveince video along the way?¡±


    Dous said. ¡°Vincent will handle it. You stay here, and the others will leave.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the man with the baseball cap replied.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie had already gotten in Giovanni¡¯s car.


    Giovanni looked into the rearview mirror and frowned. ¡°Ms. Hayes, are you seriously injured?¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips. ¡°I¡¯m okay. The bullet grazed my right shoulder Go back to Harmony Healthcare Hub and help me remove it.¡±


    Forty minutester, the car stopped in front of Harmony Healthcare Hub.


    Giovanni and Stephanie walked into the clinic quickly, and Charlton shut the door behind them.


    Stephanie¡¯s right shoulder was injured, with the bullet narrowly missing the bone.


    Giovanni took out the bullet for Stephanie and asked suspiciously, ¡°Ms. Hayes, why were you injured?¡±


    ¡°I took a bullet for Vincent,¡± Stephanie exined.


    Giovanni, who was bandaging her wound, paused. ¡°You are really a hopeless romantic.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Stephanie smiled. Vincent is the one who is a hopeless romantic. In my previous life, he even ended his life for me! I wondered when Vincent fell in love with me enough to go to such an extent for me,¡± she thought.


    Giovanni waved his hand in front of Stephanie and asked, ¡°Ms. Hayes, are you okay?¡±


    Stephanie nced at him and said, ¡°Go and buy me a T-shirt in the women¡¯s clothing shop opposite.¡±


    Giovanni pouted. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After Giovanni had left, Charlion sighed. ¡°Ms. Hayes, you shouldn¡¯t have left with them for me. It¡¯s not worth it.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Brando, you are Mr. Zachmann¡¯s senior. I promised him to take good care of you. I¡¯m sorry to have put you in danger today.¡± Stephanie said.


    Charlton shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m too useless. I wonder when Ronan wille back.¡±


    É«


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG.


    Chapter 41


    After thinking for a while, Stephanie said, ¡°He was seeking some medicinal herb to treat a friend.¡±


    While they


    were talking, Giovanni came back with a bag in his hand. ¡°Change into it¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Stephanie as she went to the inner room to get changed,


    67%


    Soon, she changed her clothes and walked out. She waved at the two and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go back first. Call me if there¡¯s anything. Gio, please stay here with Mr. Brando these days.¡±


    Giovanni nodded. ¡°No problem. Ms. Hayes.¡±


    After that, Stephanie drove to Tranquil Garden.


    On the way, she received a call from Vincent.


    ¡°Are you home?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way back.¡±When will youe back?¡± Stephanie replied with a smile.


    ¡°About 40 minutes,¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie estimated that she had about 20 minutes left before reaching home, and another 20 to deal with the surveince video. That should be


    sufficient.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll wait for you at home. Have you been drinking? Let me whip up a hangover remedy,¡± she offered.


    ¡°No. Thanks. I want to eat the pasta cooked by you,¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll cook for you,¡± Stephanie agreed.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    After ending the call, she pressed on the gas pedal and sped toward Tranquil Garden.


    0

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Stephanie went straight to her bedroom upon returning to Tranquil Garden,


    She started theputer and hacked the transportation bureau to wipe her tracks. Then, she changed into a set of long-sleeved trousers and sat in front of the dressing table..


    The reflection in the mirror showed a woman with a pale face.


    Stephanie dabbed on some powder and applied lipstick, gently pressing her lips together.


    She looked much better. She smiled, stood up, and went out of the bedroom to the kitchen to cook pasta.


    Sophia followed her into the kitchen.


    ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, what are you doing?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I want to cook pasta,¡± Stephanie said with a smile.


    ¡°Is Mr. Fletcher hungry?¡± Sophia asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Stephanie nodded.


    Sophia frowned. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, why are you sweating so much?¡±


    Stephanie pulled out a tissue and wiped her face. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s too warm here.¡±


    ¡°Feeling warm?¡± Sophia nced at her attire and remarked, ¡°It¡¯s summer now. You must be feeling hot in those long-sleeved trousers.¡±


    Stephanie smiled and nodded. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. But I had cold food today, and it gave me a stomachache, so I thought wearing something warm might help¡±


    Upon hearing that, Sophia grabbed her arm and said, ¡°Please take a seat, I¡¯ll cook the pasta,¡±


    The sudden jerk sent a sharp pain shoot through Stephanie¡¯s shoulder.


    She sat down on a chair, took a deep breath, and ced her hand over the wound, wincing.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there anything wrong with your shoulder?¡± The man¡¯s low and deep voice came through.


    Stephanie looked back and saw Vincent standing at the kitchen door.


    She jumped off the high chair and ran to him happily. ¡°You¡¯re back, Vincent!¡±


    Vincent was reminded of Summer and how she had injured her shoulder.


    He couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your shoulder?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s heart quivered, but she didn¡¯t reveal any of her emotions. ¡°Nothing I¡¯m exhausted from work today.¡±


    ¡°Come here,¡± said Vincent, looking at her with a deep gaze.


    Stephanie smiled. What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 42


    Vincent couldn¡¯t help but feel skeptical as Stephanie didn¡¯t rush to him and sit on hisp like she always did.


    ¡°I want to hug you,¡± he said.


    Right then, Sophia dropped her spoon.


    Taking the opportunity, Stephanie turned to Sophia and asked, ¡°Sophia, are you okay?¡±


    Sophia was genuinely surprised by Vincent¡¯s words. In her mind, he had always been seen as a reserved and dignified man. Despite his loss of masculinity, it didn¡¯t lessen his formidable aura


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Sophia stuttered


    Stephanie grabbed Sophia¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Your hand is scalded. I¡¯ll apply some ointment on it, or it will


    ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, I¡¯m fine.. Sophia insisted.


    ¡°you need treatment,¡± said Stephanie seriously. ¡°It¡¯s so serious. Wait for me in the living room. I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    was confused as she looked at her uninjured hand, but sheplied with thedy of the family and left the kitchen.


    Stephanie ced the spoon into the sink, turned off the stove, and refilled the bowl with pasta using another spoon.


    he served the pasta along with the cutlery


    She looked at Vincent and said, ¡°Take your time. I¡¯ll apply ointment to Sophia.¡±


    sensed that she was trying to avoid him, so he pursed his thin lips and said, ¡°Then, return after applying the ointment.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± said Stephanie with a smile


    She hurried out of the kitchen and took a deep breath, realizing that she couldn¡¯t hide it any longer.


    After applying medicine to Sophia, ten minutes had passed.


    67%1


    She hesitated to enter the kitchen until she figured that Vincent had likely finished the pasta. However, to her surprise, he was still there, and the bowl of


    pasta on the table had turned sogRY


    Stephanie pursed her lips and walked up to him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you g¨¢t?¡±


    (incent pulled her into his arms and stared deeply at her. ¡°You are not enthusiastic for me today.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not in the mood today¡± Stephanie could feel her back getting covered with sweat.


    ¡°How about i massage your shoulders?¡± he asked.


    sensing that Vincent might be testing her, Stephanie smiled and replied, ¡°No, thanks. But could you give me a massage if i need one next time?¡±


    Noticing the fuser in her eyes, Vincent smiled. ¡°Okay¡±


    He maneuvered his abeelchair to the dining table Stephanie intended to feed him, but he insisted that he could eat by himself.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Stephanie


    opposite him and watched


    ¡°You didn¡¯t make it?¡± Vincent suddenly asked.


    Chapter 42


    26 May M


    ¡°You can tell?¡± Stephanie blinked her eyes.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not as delicious as the food you cook,¡± he admitted,


    ¡°I¡¯m a littlezy today. Can I cook it for you next time?¡± she said.


    Vincent smiled and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After dinner, Stephanie wheeled Vincent back to the bedroom and said, ¡°Go to bed early.¡±


    Vincent held her finger with his fingertips and caressed it. ¡°Won¡¯t you sleep with me tonight?¡± he asked.


    His s**y voice trailed off. Stephanie felt a surge of electricity course through her fingers.


    Vincent¡¯s invitation made her eyshes flutter nervously. It was indeed a test for her.


    ¡®How could I refuse him? Vincent has such great abdominal muscles!¡± she mused.


    However, thinking of the throbbing pain in her shoulder, Stephanie gritted her teeth and declined, ¡°I¡¯ve been a burden for so many days. I¡¯ll sleep in my


    own room tonight.¡±


    She feigned a yawn and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Time for bed. Good night!¡± Then, she headed toward her bedroom.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Vincent called out


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Stephanie turned around.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I get a good night kiss?¡± he asked.


    Noticing that there was no one in the corridor, Dous bent over and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°Good night, Vincent.¡±


    Vincent could vaguely smell alcohol and blood.


    Stephanie went back to the bed room, leaned against the door, and heaved a sigh of relief, hoping that Vincent wouldn¡¯t suspect her.


    Because of the injury, she was a little tired. After washing up, she went to bed.


    After Vincent had gone back to his room and taken a shower, he felt that something was amiss.


    After that, he sat in front of theputer and proceeded to delete the surveince footage along the way, only to find that it had beenpletely


    deleted.


    ¡®Dous must have asked Hacker Yerri to do that. After all, he is feeling guilty now, he thought.


    At midnight, the door was gently pushed open, and the wheels of the wheelchair emitted a faint glow. Vincent nced at the silhouette on the bed and furrowed his brows.


    Stephanie enveloped herself in the quilt


    Vincent stood up and pulled the quilt off her, feeling a surge of warm air,


    He then put his hand on her forehead.


    Stephanie had a fever.


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 42


    Vincent immediately turned on the wallmp and found that Stephanie¡¯s face was red, and her breath was hot.


    ¡°Stephie? Stephie?¡± Vincent called her name.


    Stephanie hummed and didn¡¯t open her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m so thirsty!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s suspicion of her piqued. He unbuttoned her loungewear and pulled it off her shoulder.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    At that moment, Stephanie suddenly opened her eyes and grabbed Vincent¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Stephie, you¡­¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Stephanie asked in a h o a r s e voice


    With a serious expression, Vincent stated, ¡°I came to check on you. I didn¡¯t expect you to have a fever.


    After adjusting her clothes, Stephanie leaned against the headboard of the bed with a mischievous smile. ¡°You¡¯re lying. Obviously, you¡¯re here to look at me. Did you miss me? Can¡¯t sleep without me?¡±


    Yes, Vincent admitted directly. Suddenly, he rose from the wheelchair and settled on the edge of the bed, surprising the girl.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t expect that Vincent would suddenly stand up and expose himself. ¡°What¡­ What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.


    Vincent pinched her chin. ¡°You are Dr. Summer.¡±


    It was an


    affirmative. Vincent was certain about her identity.


    ¡°Stephanie, you took the bullet for me tonight. Let me see your wound,¡± he said again.


    ¡°How did you find out?¡± Stephanie pursed her lips.


    ¡°In the Fletcher residence, to avoid Dous, you sat on myp. I¡¯m very familiar with your scent. At that moment, I had an illusion that you were Summer,¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same tonight. When I held you, I sensed strongly that you¡¯re Stephanie, Vincent exined as he held her hand. ¡°You acted differently tonight. That kiss and the faint smell of blood and alcohol while you were close to me raised my suspicions about your identity. I was worried that you took the bullet for me, so I wanted to check on you.¡±


    ¡°The smell of blood? What if my period just came?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Vincent looked down. Stephanie lifted his face and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t look down!¡±


    Vincent held her warm hand with a smile. ¡°You digress.¡±


    ¡°You still can¡¯t!¡± Stephanie warned.


    Vincent gently kissed her parched lips. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some anti-inmmatory and antipyretic medication and then help you treat your wound.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie hummed,


    Vincent took the anti-inmmatory medicine from the medical kit on the bedside table. ¡°Wait a minute. I¡¯ll get you some water.¡±


    He went downstairs in his wheelchair and quickly returned with a bottle of warm water.


    After taking the medicine, Stephanie sat on the edge of the bed and let Vincent bandage her wound,


    Vincent asked, ¡°Why do you hide your identity??


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MGG


    Chapter 43


    671


    ¡°I wanted to tell you the truth that day, but you said you would tie me up and even broke my leg to have me there. I was a little scared,¡± Stephanie added.


    Vincent didn¡¯t anticipate that his intimidating words would inadvertently cause him to miss the truth.


    ¡°Sorry, I scared you,¡± he apologized,


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. But I¡¯m really sorry that I didn¡¯t take your order before,¡± she said.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take my order before? I offered a high price,¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Should I tell the truth? S


    Should I tell him that I didn¡¯t ept the order because I thought I was going to treat his leg?¡¯ she thought.


    Stephanie cleared her throat and said, ¡°I was very busy at that time.¡±


    Vincent didn¡¯t dwell on it much and nodded. ¡°When did you learn medicine?¡±


    After pondering for a moment, Stephanie replied, ¡°Gunshots weremon in Astoria due to the country¡¯sx firearmsws. Not long after I went to Astoria, I found Mr. Brando gravely injured in an alley one night after school and brought him home. I had no idea he was my mentor¡¯s senior. Through him, I met my mentor, Denver York, known to many as ¡°Dr. Mystique.¡±¡±


    ¡°Why is he called ¡®Dr. Mystique¡¯?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Because he always wears a hyper-realistic mask. No one has seen his true appearance, Stephanie said,


    ¡°Have you ever seen his face?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Yes. He¡¯s an old geezer. By the way, how did your leg get hurt?¡±


    She learned the truth about Vincent¡¯s leg injury before her death in her previous life. It would seem odd if she revealed it directly then. She preferred to hear it from him personally.


    Vincent pressed his lips together and took a deep breath. ¡°If I tell you that I was the one who saved you in the bar, will you believe me?¡±


    Stephanie held his hand and said, ¡°I believe you.¡±


    Upon hearing her firm answer, Vincent¡¯s heart felt warm.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Because there was no need to. Weren¡¯t you interested in Dous?¡± Vincent replied.


    ¡°No, it was not like that,¡± Stephanie said, gently cupping the man¡¯s face. ¡°Dous imed he saved me back then. But he didn¡¯t really have anything that drew me to him, I mistook that gratitude for love. In reality, it wasn¡¯t love.¡±


    Vincent looked at her and said, ¡°Stephie, you chose me at the engagement party. I know part of it was to get back at Dous-oven marrying me. But it ¡°doesn¡¯t matter to me. I¡¯m still happy. Because, in the end, you¡¯re the girl I¡¯ve always wanted.¡±


    ¡°Vincent, I chose you not only to take revenge on that s c u m b g, but I also genuinely wanted to marry you. But why am I the girl you have always wanted?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Stephanie, do you still remember when you were kidnapped back then?¡± Vincent suddenly asked.


    *Kidnapped?¡± Stephanie pondered for a moment before responding, ¡°I recall being abducted by one of Horace¡¯s business rivals, along with a young man. But how did you know about that?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Chapter 43


    Stephanie looked at him and probed, ¡°Are you that young man?¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Stephanie found it ridiculous. ¡°I thought he was already¡­¡±


    ¡°Dead?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie nodded in disbelief.


    ¡°At that time, I was rescued before you. The kidnapper imed I was killed to scare you.¡± Vincent gently held Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°I suffered from ustrophobia back then. When we were trapped in that container, I struggled to breathe. But you were there, encouraging me, and because of you, I made it through. Stephie, you are the light of my life!¡±


    Stephanie pondered and asked, ¡°So, it wasn¡¯t a coincidence that you saved me in the bar that year?¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°A ssmate and I happened to pass by the bar. When I saw you get out of the taxi and go inside, I felt it wasn¡¯t safe, so I decided to follow you. And then, there was a fire.¡±


    Only then did Stephanie realize why Vincent was so obsessed with her. It turned out that their rtionship went all the way back.


    Stephanie thought that she owed him too much in her previous life.


    She sniffed. ¡°I love you, Vincent.¡±


    The love confession shocked Vincent. He said in a low and h o a r s e voice, ¡°Stephie, say it again.¡±


    ¡°Vincent, I love you,¡± Stephanie said.


    Surprised and delighted, Vincent leaned in and kissed Stepha nie¡¯s lips. Her warm mouth and tongue ignited a fire in his heart, causing his heartbeat to quicken.


    Vincent pinned her under his body and kissed her hard as if trying to devour her.


    Stephanie let out a m u f f l e d groan, and the sound pulled Vincent back to his senses.


    Although he really wanted to have her, it was not the time. After all, she was injured.


    ¡°Sorry, I touched your wound,¡± Vincent apologized.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize. You didn¡¯t mean it,¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent tidied up her clothes and said, ¡°Go to sleep. I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±


    He draped the thin quilt over her and repeated, ¡°Go to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Lie next to me,¡± she said.


    ¡°Okay¡± Vincent turned off the wallmp,y beside Stephanie, and held her hand.


    ¡°Sleep with me tonight. Don¡¯t leave, okay?¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Vincent hummed,


    Exhausted from her injury and fever, Stephanie quickly fell asleep..


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG.


    Chapter 43


    Vincent finally felt relieved.


    The reason why Stephanie liked Dous was that she thought he had saved her.


    Vincent was touched when he thought about how Stephanie had gone all out to take the bullet for


    or him th


    that night.


    He pulled her into his arms and murmured. ¡°Stephanie, I love you.¡±

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Jacaster was a city that never slept.


    The nights were a paradise for many scions.


    Dous was frustrated that he hadn¡¯t managed to kill Vincent and Summer tonight.


    He drove to the club he usually went to have fun.


    Sitting at the bar, he ordered several sses of strong liquor.


    After downing several sses, Dous felt slightly relieved.


    At this time, a figure appeared beside him.


    A lovely fragrance wafted over, and Dous saw a woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a red dress sit beside him.


    The woman nced at him and asked pleasantly, ¡°Sir, can you buy me a drink?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Dous replied gushingly. He signaled to the bartender, who immediately prepared the same drink and served the woman.


    Dous liked chasing after beauties. After all, the thrill was different with each woman,


    In the past, he restrained himself so Stephanie wouldn¡¯t find out. Now, he didn¡¯t need to pretend anymore.


    Although Florence was into all sorts of things, recently, she had been a disappointment, and Dous had lost Interest in her. Moreover, she was likely infected with AIDS.


    He clinked sses with the woman and asked, ¡°Which country are you from?¡±


    The woman had beautiful features. She chirped with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m from Astoria.¡±¡±


    Alter Dous emptied his drink, he began to rub the woman¡¯s waist with his palm. ¡°Astoria is a good ce. Plenty of beauties are from there. What other drinks do you want? It¡¯s my treat tonight.¡±


    The woman flipped her blonde curly hair and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Looking at the woman¡¯s delicate features, Dous felt she was gorgeous and charming. His lower body had already started reacting.


    He felt like he could do it now.


    Shortly after, he leaned against the woman¡¯s shoulder and suggested, ¡°Precious, we can take a bottle of red wine to the guest room upstairs and have fun.¡±


    The woman gently pushed him and yed hard to get. ¡°You bad boy! Who wants to have fun with you?¡± she said.


    With that, she turned around and walked toward the door.


    Knowing what the woman meant, Dous ordered a bottle of wine and ran after her.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    Dous wanted to make out with her when they entered the elevator, but she pushed him away. ¡°Why the rush? Wait until we are in the guest room.


    Dous was a regr here and had an exclusive guest room.


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 44


    He held the woman¡¯s waist, walked to Room 858¡¯s door, keyed in the password, and entered.


    When he was about to kiss her, he felt pain in his neck and fainted


    d in a m


    The light was on as the woman said in a man¡¯s voice, ¡°You s c u m b a


    g How dare you hurt Ms. Hayes! I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    The ¡°woman¡± was Giovanni. He kicked Dous¡¯ ribs vehemently, and his three-inch-high heels crushed Dous¡¯ hand hard.


    Giovanni cursed before bending over to grab Dous hair and drag him to the bed,


    He took out a belt, handcuffs, candles, and a b nny costume


    He sneered evilly, ¡°Dous, you are going to be famous)¡±


    The following morning, when Stephanie awoke, she found herself lying in Vincent¡¯s arms.


    She traced his features with her fingers, feeling her love overflowing the more she looked at him.


    ¡°Had your fill of staring at me?¡± Vincent teased as he suddenly opened his eyes, reflecting Stephanie¡¯s sly, smiling look.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had my fill yet. Whose husband is he? He is so handsome! Oh, wait! He is mine,¡± Stephanie gushed with a smile.


    Looking at her cheeky face, Vincent couldn¡¯t help smiling. He put his hand on her forehead and said, ¡°Your fever is gone.¡±


    Stephanie sat up and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry. My body is sticky. I want to shower.¡±


    Vincent sat up, frowned, and said, ¡°Your wound might get wet. It¡¯s better not to shower.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will have a soak.¡± Stephanie assured.


    help wash your hair first, then,¡± Vincent suggested.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie agreed.


    As Stephanie sat on the shampoo chair, Vincent rolled up his sleeves, sat near her head, and washed her hair.


    His slender fingersbed through her hair, giving her tingles. Blinking her eyes, she gazed at Vincent, who looked handsome no matter from which angle she stared at him.


    Vincent asked with foamy hands, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°Admiring your handsomeness! Stephanie said teasingly.


    Vincent chuckled and kissed her lips.


    ¡°It is fun getting an upside-down kiss, Stephanie thought,ughing silently in her mind.


    Vincent wiped the foam on her face and said, ¡°Naughty girl¡±


    After he was done, Vincent wrapped Stephanie¡¯s wet hair with a dry towel.


    At the same time, the water in the bathtub was ready.


    Vincent tested the water temperature and said, ¡°The water temperature is just right. I¡¯ll apply medicine to your wound again after you bathed.¡±


    09:51 Tue, 28 May MGE.


    Chapter 44


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Vincent left the bathroom and shut the door.


    Stephanie took off her pajamas and entered the bathtub.


    65%


    Vincent returned to his room. He hadn¡¯t slept well the previous night and felt sticky holding her in his arms. He also went to the bathroom in his own


    room to shower.


    Worried that the water vapor might infect the wound, Stephanie came out quickly.


    Her shoulder was injured, so it was thconvenient to dry her hair. She just toweled her hair and went looking for Vincent.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t see him but heard the water sound from the bathroom.


    Shortly after, the bathroom door opened, and Vincent strode out.


    He only had a bath towel around his waist, exposing his wless physique.


    Water drops slid down Vincent¡¯s brown hair to his Adam¡¯s apple, then his chest and sturdy abdominal muscles into the white bath towel.


    His figure was so perfect that Stephanie couldn¡¯t help but gulp with desire.


    ¡°Are you satisfied? Vincent teased.


    Biting her lower lip, Stephanie said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t staring.¡±


    Vincent walked up to her, held her waist, andmented smilingly, ¡°Stephie, you have a nosebleed.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Stephanie gaped, wiping her face, only to find that Vincent was teasing her. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying!¡± she grumbled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will be yours sooner orter,¡± Vincent quipped.


    Stephanie was rendered speechless


    Looking at her embarrassed face, Vincent couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re so cute. D a m n, my bath towel dropped.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Stephanie subconsciously looked down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t people normally hurriedly close their eyes? Howe you are looking, Stephie?¡± Vincent teased her again.


    Stephanie kept silent.


    She felt so humiliated that she pushed Vincent away.


    Vincent held her and drawled, ¡°Actually, if you had said that, I would have looked, too.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± she muttered, hammering his chest.


    ¡°Okay, let me help you dry your hair,¡± Vincent said, pressing her onto the chair and drying her hair.


    When Stephanie raised her head, she could see Vincent¡¯s sturdy abdominal muscles. The air blew at the bath towel around his waist, looking like it would drop if the airflow were stronger.


    ¡°Stephanie, if you are curious, I can take it off, Vincent suggested.


    Chapter 44


    28 May


    When Vincent finished drying her hair, a blushing Stephanie stood up to leave.


    Vincent held her arm and said, ¡°Wait on the bed while I change in the walk-in closet.¡±


    When Vincent emerged again, he had changed into casual wear, losing his usual seriousness and looking more youthful.


    Then, he took the medical kit and changed Stephanie¡¯s wound dressing,


    ¡°I was slightly muddled yesterday. When did your leg recover?¡± she asked.


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    In the s a c room, Vincent helped Stephanie change the wound dressing.


    Hearing Stephanie¡¯s question, Vincent paused shortly before continuing. ¡°That night, after I saved you, my waist was hit by a beam. After my ssmate saved me, he contacted my father, who sent me abroad for treatment overnight. However, even the best doctors were of no help at that time. Then, i received a verdict I would never walk again. After five years, I met a white-haired and long-bearded elder. He had excellent medical skills. His treatments were massages, acupuncture, ointment, and oral medication. After a year, my legs started recovering sensation gradually until I was fully healed.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the elder¡¯s name?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°He said he was called Tacito,¡± Vincent said.


    Blinking her eyes, she quipped, ¡°Tacito? He is surely unassuming and quiet. But I¡¯ve never heard of him before. I guess there will always be someone better than you. Can you contact him now?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had contact with him recently. If I can get in touch with him in the future, I will introduce him to you,¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll ask Mr. Z


    Zachmann if he knows him.¡±


    Vincent bandaged the wound and packed up the medical kit.


    Noticing that he wasn¡¯t in formal attire, she asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to thepany?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you at home today. Your fever might recur. I need to keep an eye on you,¡± Vincent said.


    His words made her smile. ¡°You¡¯re so kind,¡± she gushed.


    Vincent rubbed her hair and replied, ¡°It¡¯s my duty. Don¡¯t block any danger for me in the future, understand?¡±


    Thinking of her previous life, where Vincent had followed her into the afterlife, Stephanie¡¯s heartbeat faltered. She hugged, leaned against his chest, and mumbled, ¡°Even if the bullet hit me and I died, I have no regrets. Really!¡±


    Vincent held her tightly in his arms, her words making him shudder as he croaked, ¡°Stephie¡­¡±


    Stephanie looked at him and said earnestly, ¡°Because you are worth it.¡±


    Vincent held the back of her head and kissed her, wisps of sweetness spreading between their lips.


    He pushed her under him, and his palm moved upward along her firm abs to grasp the best curve on her body.


    Hearing her painful moan,


    Vincent sobered instantly. He helped her up and asked h o s e l y, ¡°Did I disturb your wound?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Stephanie gasped, pursing her lips.


    Vincent pinched her tiny face and chided, ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend to be strong in front of me, alright?¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Stephanie muttered.


    Right then, the phone on the bedside table vibrated.


    Vincent picked it up and listened to the other party, a sneer gradually forming on his face as he instructed, ¡°No need to involve public rtions. This is his personal problem and has nothing to do with Fletcher Group. Make an official announcement now.¡±


    1/3


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 45


    After ending the call, Vincent looked at the various news popping on his screen and handed it to Stephanic.


    She clicked it open and saw some racy photos


    65%


    The person in the photos was Dous. The images included him dressed in a bunny costume, handcuffed, with candle wax on his body, being whipped. with a belt, and intimate actions with a bearded man.


    ¡°He deserves it.¡± Stephanie sneered.


    Vincent lifted his eyebrows and asked, ¡°Did you hire someone to do it?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m that evil?¡± Stephanie asked, blinking her eyes.


    Vincent answered with a smile, ¡°Of course not. Excellent work! But Dous might think it was me ande


    at me.


    Stephanie remembered that Dous had met Vincentst night, but Dous didn¡¯t know she was Summer, so Vincent had be the scapegoat.


    She frowned and asked, ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a good thing.¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie pondered briefly, and something urred to her. She dashed to her room and took Lydia¡¯s phone from the drawer.


    Vincent came over in his wheelchair andmented, ¡°We should be able to catch the mastermind.¡±


    Shortly after, the phone vibrated, and a string of numbers appeared on it.


    ¡°It¡¯s an inte call,¡± Stephanie muttered in disappointment.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my bedroom,¡± Vincent suggested.


    Stephanie wanted to inform him that she was going to look for the IP address of the other party, but Vincent had already left.


    She followed him curiously and saw Vincent turn on theptop on the table after he returned to the bedroom, His hands were on the keyboard as he


    said, ¡°Pick up the call now.¡±


    Stephanie mumbled in reply. She cleared her throat, imitated Lydia¡¯s tone and demeanor, picked up the phone, and clicked the recorder.


    Although the person on the other end of the phone used a voice changer, she could sense his impatience.


    ¡°Why is Vincent still looking fine? Did you add the medicine ording to the dosage?¡±


    ¡°You misunderstood. I added the medicine ording to your orders,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°Increase the dose!¡±


    ¡°Increase the dose? What if something happens? If something happens to Mr. Fletcher immediately, I will be med,¡± Stephanie protested.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see your son alive?¡±


    ¡°Please, be the bigger person. Please let my son gol¡± Stephanie sobbed.


    ¡°Then follow my order, or you will never see him again!¡±


    ¡°Okay, Stephanie agreed.


    Chapter 45


    28 May


    ¡°From now on, increase the dosage to twice the amount for his three meals, understood?¡±


    ¡°I understand, but I don¡¯t have enough medicine,¡± Stephanie replied.


    ¡°The same ce. Ten o¡¯clock in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Stephanie said.


    After the person hung up, Stephanie watched as Vincent¡¯s fingers flew across the keyboard and thought, ¡®He is so adept at using aputer!


    She asked, ¡°Have you found the location?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve found it. The address is Room 1201, Block A, Grandview No. 9. It is Dous¡¯ lodging¡±


    Vincent continued writing a program and restored the recording of the voice changer, Dous¡¯ ruthless and irritable voice came on.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sit back and watch the drama unfold.¡± Vincent said through gritted teeth.


    At the same time. Dous angrily smashed his phone against the wall, breaking it into pieces instantly.


    When he awoke this morning, he saw his body covered in whip marks and burn scars from cand es


    65%


    Dous knew that he had been schemed against, but he didn¡¯t expect they would post his photos online. The worst thing was the person in the photos with him was not the foreign woman fromst night but a burly man.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡®Nothing is wrong with my body, so it must have been a trap. It must be Vincent. After all, after that gunfight, we have ripped off the facade. I want to kill him! A real man must have his revenge. I had asked Lydia to slowly poison him, but now I can¡¯t wait any longer. I need to get rid of him to take over Fletcher Group, Dous thought.


    He called his assistant. ¡°How¡¯s it going? Can¡¯t you remove it? You useless idiots! Find Hacker Yern or Hacker sh for me!¡±


    ¡°I did. They refused the job,¡± his assistant said.


    Dous closed his eyes and gritted his teeth vehemently. ¡°D a m n it!¡±


    He then remembered that the photos of him and Florence hadn¡¯t been removed yet. ¡°It must be Vincent¡¯s work. As for the hackers, Vincent must have intervened, he thought, and lost control of his emotions, smashing everything in the room.


    Right then, his phone rang


    He took a deep breath to calm down and answered, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    ¡°You fool, return to the Fletcher residence now!¡± Kevin roared.


    ? Dous pursed his lips and replied, ¡°Alright, Grandpa. I¡¯ll be there at eleven.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t aware of what was heading his way now but would soon reap what he had sown!

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Stephanie pushed Vincent into Christina¡¯s room.


    Christinay there quietly, but herplexion looked rosier.


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, Stephanie pulse diagnosed Christina. After a long while, Stephanie removed her hand.


    ¡°When will she wake up?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°In about a week,¡± Stephanie replied


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if Frederick has caught the person who drugged her. I¡¯ll go over to the Fletcher residence and ask himter,¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie nodded and spected, ¡°Christie was drugged because someone didn¡¯t want her waking up. Let¡¯s go to the Fletcher residence today and announce that Christie is about to wake up. I think the mastermind won¡¯t be able to restrain himself¡±


    Vincent smiled and praised. ¡°Stephanie is so clever.¡±


    ¡°If I had been clever, I wouldn¡¯t have died so miserably or caused your death in my previous life. By getting a second chance, the only thing I can do is take the initiative and mete out punishment to that disgusting couple, Dous and Florence! This is just the beginning! They still have much to suffer,¡± Stephanie thought bitterly.


    It was already ten. Vincent held her hand and reminded her, ¡°it¡¯s about time, Let¡¯s go


    Stephanie nodded.


    Zane was waiting when they exited the mansion.


    He helped Vincent into the back seat while Stephanie entered through the other side.


    After getting in, Zane started the car, automatically raised the partition, and headed to the Fletcher residence.


    It was the first time in her current lifetime that Stephanie was going to the Fletcher residence. Kevin and Ellen were eagerly waiting at the tcher


    residence entrance.


    Seeing Stephanie alight from the car, Ellen trotted over, warmly held her arm, and pushed, ¡°Wee, Stephanie.¡±


    Stephanie greeted Ellen respectfully.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside,¡± Ellen said.


    Stephanie nced at Vincent, who had already been pushed out by Zane, and mumbled, ¡°But Vincent¡­¡±


    Seeing how much Stephanie cared about Vincent, Ellen was overjoyed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. Zane will take care of him,¡± she said assuringly.


    Vincent was speechless.


    Looking at Vincent¡¯s sullen face, Kevinughed. He walked toward Vincent with his hands sped behind his back and teased, ¡°It seems like you two have a good rtionship. You can¡¯t even bear to be apart for a minute before your eyes wander looking for her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Vincent protested, pursing hisN?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Kevin clicked his tongue and teased, ¡°Obstina?i brati¡±


    µÚ65%Á¿


    Chapter 46


    Vincent looked at him and retorted, ¡°Laugh as much as you want now.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kevin asked.


    ¡°You will be p**d offter,¡± Vincent replied.


    Kevin suddenly thought of the mess Dous had ended up in. ¡°Look at what that brat had stirred up! I¡¯m going to whack him to death!¡± he fumed.


    Vincent remarked randomly, ¡°You will be angrierter,¡±


    ¡°Are you hiding something from me?¡± Kevin asked suspiciously


    Vincent answered meaningfully, ¡°You¡¯ll know soon.¡±


    Ellen showed Stephanie around the Fletcher residence. It was a luxurious house with antiques and paintings everywhere. Even a piece of ordinary- looking porcin was extremely valuable.


    Ellen took Stephanie upstairs to her bedroom. She took an exquisite jewelry box from the drawer and pulled Stephanie to sit in front of the dresser, trying the jewelry on her.


    ¡°Stephanie, take whatever you like,¡± Ellen said.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s okay¡­ Stephanie mumbled.


    ¡°If you refuse, I will make you take this box with you,¡± insisted Ellen


    Unable to refuse Ellen¡¯s kindness, Stephanie picked up a bracelet.


    Ellen eximed in surprise, ¡°Stephanie, I think you picked this on purpose!¡±


    Because she didn¡¯t choose the most beautiful one, but the cheapest one.


    o, I like this bracelet very much,¡± Stephanie said with a smile.


    ¡°No,


    Ellen was briefly stunned when she received the same type of brooch from Stephanie and Florence at the birthday party.


    Compared to the two, Florence was a famous designer, while Stephanie was just a nobody.


    She subconsciously felt that Stephanie had referred to Florence¡¯s when designing, so she hadn¡¯t wanted to make the brooch public.


    Butter, Stephanie¡¯s firmness and exnation of the design concept of the finished product changed Ellen¡¯s mind about her.


    She had believed in Stephanie¡¯s ability, but she hadn¡¯t expected Stephanie to have such sharp eyes.


    Stephanie had picked the cheapest one among the dozens of jewelry.


    I like it. Thank you,¡± Stephanie said, blinking her eyes innocently.


    Ellen nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll put it on for you.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Right then, Lori came in. Seeing that Ellen way wearing a bracelet for Stephanie, Lori felt jealousy eating away her insides.


    She was well-versed in the value of Ellen¡¯s jewelry.


    2/44


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 46


    After all, Lorl was fantasizing about choosing the most expensive if ever Ellen asked her to choose one day.


    ¡°But the old crow is so stingy. She has never asked me to pick one. Now, she has even asked this b**h, Stephanie, to choose one,¡± Lorl thought.


    65%


    But when she saw that Stephanie picked the cheapest jewelry, she couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly, ¡®Sure enough, Stephanie had no taste and chose the cheapest one.¡±


    Lori sneered, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize Starlight Design Studio¡¯s designer was socking in knowledge about jewelry.¡±


    Hearing Lori¡¯s sarcasm, Ellen asked, ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Although the bracelet is worth several hundred thousand dors, it¡¯s not enough topare with jewelry in the range of several million or tens of millions,¡± Lori mocked..


    Ellen scoffed, ¡°Stephie is not greedy for money, so she chose the cheapest one. But I guess you see it as Stephie having no taste in jewelry. She is an S- ss designer, so she is quite knowledgeable in jewelry. As for the brooch at the birthday party, I think you are also aware of who giarized it.¡±


    ¡°You are right. Ellen,¡± Lori replied after being stunned briefly. Lori kept her lips pursed.


    ¡°Rather than spending timeparing, why don¡¯t you educate Dous properly? Look at how you have spoiled him. He is an embarrassment,¡± Ellen snapped. When she heard the car sound from outside, she added, ¡°I¡¯m sure that¡¯s your precious son. Go on now!¡±


    Lori left the room, feeling insulted.


    Ellen patted Stephanie¡¯s hand andforted, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Stephanie nodded as she held Ellen¡¯s hand and pulse-diagnosed thetter. She is recovering well, Stephanie thought.


    When they went downstairs, they saw Dous walk in gloomily, followed by Frederick, Edith, and Olivia.


    Everyone was sitting on the couch except for Dous, standing in the middle.


    Kevin looked at Lorl and asked, ¡°Where is Raphael?¡±


    ¡°He is handling things with public rtions. Fantasy Boutique has suffered a great loss due to this incident,¡± Lori exined.


    Staring at Dous, Kevin yelled, ¡°Get on your knees, you brat!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t me this on Vincent because I have no evidence. Plus, it will lead to the shooting of Vincent and Summerst night being exposed,¡± Dous


    thought


    He took a deep breath and knelt straight on the ground. ¡°Grandpa, I was set upst night. How could I do such a disgusting thing!¡± he pleaded.


    Kevin pointed at him and thundered, ¡°Tell me, how many disgraceful things have you and your fianc¨¦e, Florence, done since the engagement party? Do you want to be removed from the Fletcher family¡¯s registry?¡±


    When Lori heard that, she knew Kevin was furious. She quickly knelt beside Dous and cried, ¡°Kevin, I¡¯m sure Dous has his reasons. Just think about it. He had been careful ever since that incident. There must be some misunderstanding here!¡±


    Kevin snorted, ¡°Paul, bring over the punishment

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Paul brought the punishment tool in front of everyone.


    He took a wooden stick from a rectangr wooden box and stood behind Dous.


    Seeing this, Lori immediately blocked Dous¡¯ back and cried out, ¡°Dous¡± back had just healed. You can¡¯t hit him again. There must be something wrong with those photos. Someone framed him. Kevin, please let Dous have a chance to investigate who was behind this, trying to ruin the Fletcher family¡¯s reputation.¡±


    Kevin was p**d off this time. ¡°Whether he was framed or not, his behavior has stained the Fletcher family¡¯s reputation. Looking at all that he has done, I can only say he has brought shame to the family! Hit him! Make it hurt!¡± he fumed.


    Paul hodded. ¡°Yes, Mr. Kevin Fletcher!¡± he said


    He raised the stick and hit Dous¡± back ruthlessly.


    Dous¡¯ breathing hitched as he gasped in extreme pain after the first strikended.


    He turned around and red at Paul, who looked fearless as he continued to hit Dous.


    Lori wanted to block it but was afraid the stick would split her flesh open.


    She could do nothing but cry pitifully.


    Dous gritted his teeth and looked at Vincent, who raised his eyebrows at him.


    Even Stephanie, beside Vincent, had a sneer on her face.


    Their expressions aggravated Dous.


    He gritted his teeth and endured 30 strikes.


    When Paul finally stopped, Dous held himself up with both hands on the floor as cold sweat broke out over his pallid face.


    He raised his head with difficulty, looked at Kevin, and groaned, ¡°Grandpa, are we done? You are not angry anymore, right?¡±


    Kevin¡¯s heart ached for Dous. Although he had been dissatisfied with Dous¡¯ behavior after the engagement party, this was the grandson he had watched growing up, so he let go of his anger after the punishment.


    Kevin thought they should move past this as Dous had old and new injuries now.


    Just as Kevin was about to say something, Vincent interjected indifferently, ¡°Now that he has been disciplined for this matter, we need to look at his punishment for another matter.¡±


    Dous suddenly looked over and had a bad feeling


    Kevin frowned and asked, ¡°What else is there?¡±


    Vincent dialed a number and ordered, ¡°Bring her in.¡±


    Dous looked toward the door Zane strode in, followed by bodyguards who escorted Lydia in.


    Instantly, Dous¡¯ pupils dted as he wondered, ¡°Did I get busted? How can this happen?Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MGR.


    Chapter 47


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    Lydia knelt opposite Kevin and Ellen, tears streaming down her face, and begged, ¡°Mr. Kevin Fletcher and Mrs. Ellen Fletcher, I¡¯m sorry. I was threatened by someone to put medicine into Vincent¡¯s food. If I didn¡¯t follow their orders, they would kill my son. I had no choice!¡±


    Kevin asked in shock, ¡°Since when? What medicine?¡±


    Lydia revealed, ¡°Since four months ago. Please spare me, Mr. Kevin Fletcher, and Mrs. Ellen Fletcher. I¡¯m an old employee of the Fletcher family, and I didn¡¯t want anything bad to happen to Mr. Vincent Fletcher, so I fed the medicine to stray dogs first. I didn¡¯t add it until I ensured it wasn¡¯t a strong


    poison.¡±


    Ellen rotorted furiously, ¡°Nonsensel It¡¯s obvious you were afraid of being implicated if you directly poisoned and killed him. That¡¯s why you experimented with the stray dogs. What difficulties would it cause you to harm Vincent? Why didn¡¯t youe to us?¡±¡±


    Lydia sobbed as she apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know what I did was wrong¡­¡±


    Ellen looked at Vincent worriedly and asked, ¡°Were you harmed by the medicine, Vincent?¡±


    Vincent shook his head and replied, ¡°It¡¯s a cold-natured medicine. Since I take warm-natured traditional medicine every day, the heat and cold would cause discordance, which would lead to physical disorder. It hasn¡¯t caused serious harm as I¡¯m rarely home and haven¡¯t consumed it much.¡±


    Ellen felt relieved as she said, ¡°Fortunately, you discovered it in time. Otherwise, your internal o**s would have been damaged, and your already injured legs¡­


    She wiped her tears as her heart ached for him. ¡®Vincent can¡¯t even walk now. What would happen if his health deteriorated, too?¡¯ thought Ellen


    Kevin¡¯s expression was chilly as he thought about what Vincent had said to him earlier.


    He guessed, ¡°So you have ferreted out the mastermind.¡±


    Vincent nodded and replied, ¡°Yes. Someone very close to some of us.¡±


    Everyone looked at Dous unanimously.


    ¡°Why are you all looking at Dous? He didn¡¯t do it!¡± shouted Lori in panic.


    Kevin demanded coldly, ¡°Was it you, Dous?¡±


    Of course, Dous would not admit it. He pursed his lips and snorted. ¡°You are forcibly using me of this crime. Uncle Vincent, I realize I have wronged Stephanie, but you can¡¯t take revenge on me using this method,¡± he said.


    Vincent narrowed his eyes and mocked coldly, ¡°I suppose you will refuse to admit your mistakes until the end!¡± Then, Vincent called out, ¡°Zanel¡±


    Zane nodded before cing theptop on the coffee table and turning it on.


    It was a video taken secretly. Lydia was talking to a man wearing a cap, sunsses, and a mask.


    -The man passed a paper bag to Lydia and gave her some instructions before turning around and leaving


    The point was not that, but that the man got into a ck Bentley, and his profile as he got into the Bentley had been caught on camera. It was Dous.


    Of course, Lori also saw this scene. She shook her head and stammered, ¡°It¡¯s impossible! It must be a fake video!¡±


    Zane yed another audio, and Dous¡¯ voice repounded in the hall.


    Dous had not expected that they had audio of his original voice. The voice changer had not distorted it.


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 47


    ¡°Dad! Mom! Do you really think Dous would do something like this? Someone must want to frame him,¡± Lori said.


    ¡°Does someone want to frame him? Then let¡¯s get an authentication specialist to verify it,¡± sneered Stephanie.


    She looked toward Dous and asked, ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡±


    Dous would be exposed if he tried to justify himself after all the evidence had been presented.


    65%


    He stopped pretending. He supported himself from the floor with his hand and stood up. With the tip of his tongue against his chin, he smiled sinisterly and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you guys to give me a taste of my own medicine! Good game!¡±


    Hearing that, Lori immediately realized that the evidence was true.


    She grabbed Dous¡± arm to stop him from saying something impulsive. ¡°Dous, you are just spouting nonsense from anger, right? We can¡¯t take the me for this!¡± Lori said.


    Dous shook off her hand and shouted, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    He snorted and said, ¡°You guys set me upst night, right? You guys are not so upright yourselves! You only presented the evidence after watching my punishment! You yed well!¡±


    Stephanie smiled, ¡°We aren¡¯t aware ofst night¡¯s incident. What if it was your fianc¨¦e? After all, you went to the r e ¨C li g h t district, and your fianc¨¦e might be infected with AIDS. Do you think she would be willing to see you live happily and healthily while her mind and body suffered?¡±


    te that. He nced at everyone coldly and said, ¡°Since the evidence is conclusive, send me to prison then!¡±


    Dous could not refute


    He was sure that Kevin and Ellen would choose to forgive him to avoid a family scandal.


    When a dash of c**s shed through Dous¡¯ eyes, Stephanie interjected, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be punished for such treacherous behavior?¡±


    Öæ

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Stephanie¡¯s opinion represented Vincent¡¯s.


    ¡°How do you think we should punish him, Stephie?¡± asked Kevin.


    Stephanie nced coldly at Dous, who showed no remorse for his wrongdoing ¡°Although Vincent and I didn¡¯t have a wedding ceremony, we¡¯ve gotten the marriage license. My opinion represents Vincent¡¯s. ording to Article 39 of the family rules of the Fletcher family, any member who harms their kin shall be immediately expelled from the family registry, forfeiting any inheritance,¡±


    Dous hadn¡¯t anticipated Stephame¡¯s relentless determination, which pushed him to a dead end.


    Ever since the engagement party, he suffered significant losses due to Stephanie.


    His eyes turned crimson with rage. He pressed his tongue against his mrs, wishing to tear her apart.


    Lori knelt before Kevin and Ellen. ¡°Dous merely spoke out of anger. He¡¯s simply taking the me for things he¡¯s not responsible for. You two raised him and know better than anyone he wouldn¡¯t have such malicious intentions.¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Kevin red up. ¡°The evidence is right before us. What more is there to debate? Your son is the apple of your eye, isn¡¯t he? My son is too. You have spoilt Dous!¡±


    Lori crawled forward, clutching Kevin¡¯s trousers. ¡°Kevin, please spare Dous, considering it¡¯s his first offense.¡±


    Kevin snorted. ¡°Impossible. The parties involved will have the final say. Since Stephie speaks for Vincent, we¡¯ll go by her decision.¡±


    Lori widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°Kevin¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop. Stephie has been lenient toward Dous if reported to the police, Dous will be behind bars,¡± Kevin said.


    Then, he looked at Dous ¡°From now on, you shall not inhent any of the Fletcher family¡¯s assets nor engage in any investments or financial activities in the name of the Fletcher family. Also, you are forbidden from setting foot on the Fletcher residence


    Lori nced at Frederick and Edith, ¡°Hey, please speak up for Dous¡±


    However, Frederick shook his head, ¡°He brought this upon himself¡±


    Meanwhile, Edith remained silent, silently agreeing with Frederick,


    Olivia, on the sidelines, was merely there for the spectacle and wouldn¡¯t meddle in such affairs.


    Dous loathed Vincent and Stephanie to the corn, wishing he could tear them limb from limb.


    He gritted his teeth, turned, and walked toward the door.


    ¡°Wait,¡± someone eximed.


    Dous turned to see Stephanie striding toward him, raising her hand for a resounding p, followed by another.


    ¡°How dare you hit me, Dous shouted.


    Stephanie then kicked him in the knee. Dous, already in pain from the previous blows, copsed to one knee.


    ¡°I hit you for a reason,¡± Stephanie said coldly, ber eyes radiating a chilling aura. ¡°Dous, fun this moment on, if you dare harm Vincent again, I will


    1/8


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 48


    make sure you suffer. Scram!¡±


    Dous had no strength left to rise. He nced at Lori nearby, who finally approached to help him up.


    Lori hesitated initially, not wanting to assist him, knowing that associating with him could bring trouble.


    However, considering the situation, she couldn¡¯t stay at the Fletcher residence any longer, even if she didn¡¯t assist him.


    She had to help Dous, or else she might lose him. Hence, without a choice, she picked a side.


    Lori rushed over to support Dous. ¡°Kevin, Ellen, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a misunderstanding here. Let¡¯s wait for Raphael to return and exin.¡±


    Kevin waved his hand dismissively. ¡°No need for exnations. Who knows if they have the same intention?¡±


    Lori bit her lip, ring at Stephanie before helping Dous leave.


    ¡±


    Stephanie watched Dous limp away and thought to herself, ¡®Dous, this is just the beginning. Your fate, along with Florence¡¯s, will be utterly miserable. I¡¯m getting revenge!¡±


    The engine roared as Dous¡¯ car departed from the Fletcher residence.


    Kevin coughed a few times out of frustration. ¡°Dous has disappointed me. I never thought he would harm Vincent. It¡¯s truly disheartening!¡±


    Stephanie turned to Kevin, squatting before him,


    65%


    him, and reached out to feel his pulsa. ¡°Your anger has affected your health.¡± Subsequently, she took a small bottle from her bag and poured a red tiny pill.


    ¡°This pill tastes good. Have a try. It¡¯s good for your health and blood cirction,¡± she said.


    Without any doubt, Kevin took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation. However, he hadn¡¯t tasted any taste. ¡°It does taste good. Can you give me another one?¡±


    ¡°You only need to take one pill a month. I¡¯ll bring you a bottle when the timees,¡± Stephanie exined.


    After taking the pill, Kevin felt rxed almost instantly. ¡°What magic medicine is this?¡± he asked.


    Vincent took over the conversation. ¡°It¡¯s from Dr. Summer.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Kevin nodded. ¡°No wonder. But does Stephie know medical skills?¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°Just a little.¡±


    Kevin looked at Vincent. ¡°Since you know Summer, why not ask her to be Stephie¡¯s mentor? She¡¯s talented and has a knack for medicine.¡±


    Vincent smiled faintly. ¡°We can give it a try.¡±


    Kevin sighed. ¡°I never expected such a thing to happen to the Fletcher family. It¡¯s trulymentable.¡±


    Ellen wiped her tears. ¡°I never thought Dous would turn out like this.¡±


    Kevin shook his head, ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on unhappy matters. I have some good news to announce, Stephanie interjected.


    Ellen subconsciously nced at Stephanie¡¯s belly, then quickly averted her gaze. She thought, ¡®What am I expecting, considering Vincent¡¯s condition?¡±


    09:52 Tue, 28 May MG.


    Chapter 48


    Stephanie awkwardly forced a smile before clearing her throat. ¡°It¡¯s estimated that Christie will regain consciousness in about a week.¡±


    65%


    Frederick and Edith finally understood why Vincent had summoned them. It wasn¡¯t just to witness the spectacle but mainly to announce this good news.


    Edith excitedly grasped Olivia¡¯s hand. ¡°Olil Your sister is finally waking up! It¡¯s been three years¡±


    There was a sh of hidden resentment in Olivia¡¯s eyes, but she maintained a joyful expression. ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s great that Christie is about to wake up.¡±


    Frederick was teary-eyed. ¡°Three years, and finally, there¡¯s hope. Dr. Summer is truly remarkableTM


    Olivia¡¯s eyes glistened with tears. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s truly amazing. If only we had met her earlier.¡±


    Vincent looked at Frederick. ¡°Frederick, have you found out who was behind the poisoning?¡±


    Frederick shook his head. ¡°Alter Christie left, that person didn¡¯t dare to act recklessly.¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯ll find out sooner orter.¡±


    At Junchtime, everyone sat around the table for lunch.


    Just then, Olivia received a call. She apologized, ¡°Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Uncle Vincent, Stephanie, I apologize, but I have to leave early. There¡¯s an unexpected addition to my shooting schedule with my film crew¡±


    Ellen sighed. ¡°It always seems like you¡¯re in a rush whenever youe home. Well then, off you go.¡±


    Olivia stepped out of the house and got into her car. Once seated

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Ellen was especially fond of Stephanie and insisted on keeping thetter for dinner. After that, they made apple ples together,


    Stephanie loved gourmet food and was interested in dessert making, so she dly joined Ellen in learning


    While waiting. Ellen nced toward the kitchen door, ensuring no one was listening in. Then, she pulled Stephanie close and asked in a low voice, ¡°Stephie, to be honest, how intimate are you and Vincent?¡±


    Instantly, Stephanie felt a blush creeping up her cheeks


    She knew Ellen was probing about Vincent¡¯s capabilities in a particr area.


    It was a rather sensitive topic. Hence, she was unsure how to respond,


    While the two hadn¡¯t engaged in any substantial physical rtionship, she sensed that Vincent should be capable in that regard.


    Clearing her throat, she replied cautiously, ¡°Um.. well¡±


    Ellen raised her hand to stop her from speaking further, sighing. ¡°I understand. Vincent isn¡¯t quite up to par in that aspect. You¡¯re such an outstanding woman. Vincent is lucky to have you as his wife. While there may be somepensations in terms of emotional and material support in the short term if there¡¯s no substantial¡­¡±


    Stephanie gently grasped Ellen¡¯s hand, reassuringly saying, ¡°Ellen, don¡¯t worry. With Dr. Summer¡¯s help, he will surely be cured.¡±


    Ellen¡¯s eyes lit up, but she felt anxious. ¡°Vincent is quite sensitive about this matter, I¡¯m worried he won¡¯t feelfortable discussing it with Dr. Summer. Perhaps you could mention it to her on his behalf?¡±


    Suppressing a smile, Stephanie nodded. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll tell her about it.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Vincent wheeled himself into the room.


    Ellen smiled. ¡°Nothing much. Stephie and I were making apple pie. You can take some home with youter. Ch, and I¡¯ve also brewed some apple brandy. Stephie hasn¡¯t tried it yet, but it tastes exceptional.¡±


    Vincent suddenly recalled the incident when Stephanie had a bit too much to drink, causing her gown to slip off and revealing her skin.


    Feeling thirsty, he cleared his throat. ¡°She can¡¯t drink,¡±


    Stephanie walked over to him, taking his hand in hers. ¡°I¡¯ll just have a little.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Vincent objected


    Stephanie gestured with her hands. ¡°Just a tiny bit, okay? I love apple brandy.¡±


    Her coquetry worked on him. ¡°All right, just a little then,¡±


    Stephanie nodded solemnly. ¡°You can trust me. I won¡¯t drink too much.¡±


    Observing the harmony between the two, Ellen felt overjoyed.


    All she ever wished for was for Vincent to settle down and start a family.


    Now that he was married, as long as his hidde?i ailment could be cured, they could have children.


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    09:53 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 49


    In the past, many women were interested in Vincent¡¯s appearance and power, disregarding his humanity.


    It pained her to see that.


    She believed true love was the most important thing, especially for her kids, since the Fletcher family didn¡¯t have the custom of marriage alliances.


    Besides, Vincent¡¯s prospects of finding true love remained slim amidst his circumstances.


    From the moment Ellenid eyes on Stephanie, she was captivated by her clear gaze, finding her far more appealing than the insincere Florence.


    65%1


    The spectacle at the engagement party had left him disheartened. When Stephanie called all the engagement, she panicked. However, in a sudden turn of events, she expressed her desire to be engaged to Vincent.


    Fortunately, he agreed, transforming her from a prospective granddaughter-inw to a daughter-inw.


    As the apple pie was done, they left it aside to cool. Ellen then presented a small jar of apple brandy, packaging it with the desserts and handing it to


    Vincent.


    When Stephanie attempted to take it, she was gently stopped by Ellen. ¡°It¡¯s not too heavy. Let him carry it. The apple brandy has high potency. Don¡¯t overindulge.¡±


    Stephanie nodded with a smile.


    Once in the car, Stephanie unwrapped the paper bag, releasing the delightful apple atoma.


    She offered a piece to Vincent. ¡°Here, taste it.¡±


    Although not fond of sweet treats, Vincent epted Stephanie¡¯s gesture with pleasure, finding the apple pie unexpectedly delicious


    ¡°How is it?¡± Stephanie asked.


    lot bad. Vincent responded.


    ¡°Not


    Stephanie took a bite and expressed her satisfaction, ¡°Yummy¡±


    As Vincent observed her relishing the cake, he asked, ¡°Earlier in the kitchen, whom were you talking about?¡±


    Stephanie suddenly choked, coughing a few times before Vincent patted her back.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡± he asked.


    After coughing for a while, Stephanie said, ¡°Ellen thinks you¡¯re too embarrassed to discuss it, so she suggested I mention it to Dr. Summer to treat your hidden ailment.¡±


    Vincent pressed his forehead with his hand. ¡°I got it.¡±


    Stephanie nibbled her fingers, setting the cakes aside, then leaned closer to ask, ¡°Shall I help treat you?¡±


    Vincent looked at her with a deep gaze. ¡°How would you treat me?¡±


    Stephanie promptly sat on hisp, her hands on his chest. ¡°Like this?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°Not quite,¡± he replied.


    Stephanie drow closer, and their noses touched. ¡°How about this?¡±


    09:53 Tue, 28 May MG


    Chapter 49


    Vincent¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his voice husky. ¡°That still doesn¡¯t quite work.¡±


    With her lips brushing against his, Stephanie whispered, ¡°Then what about this?¡±


    Vincent held the back of her head, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. He explored her mouth fervently, stealing all the air from her mouth.


    After they both caught their breath, Vincent released Stephanie.


    ¡°Do I need treatment?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie sensed his body¡¯s response and shook her head, ¡°No treatment necessary. Shall I sit elsewhere?¡±


    ¡°Why? Is it ufortable here?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie pressed her lips together, murmuring, ¡°You¡¯re as hot as a furnace. It¡¯s a little too warm.¡±


    Vincent found her description fitting and pinched her chin. ¡°Stephie, I believe I do need treatment.¡±


    aked at him in confusion. ¡°Why?¡±


    Stephanie looked


    A slight smile tugged at Vincent¡¯s lips. ¡°Because only you can cure my hidden ailment.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s cheeks instantly flushed, not expecting Vincent to be so adept at flirting.


    ¡°Dr. Summer, will you treat me?¡± he asked.


    Trembling, Stephanie replied, ¡°I will.¡±


    Vincent kissed her forehead. ¡°When shall the treatment begin?¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips. ¡°I am ready to administer treatment anytime. It depends on when you are ready to cooperate, Mr. Fletcher¡±


    ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re adorable.¡± Vincent chuckled softly.


    Upon reaching Tranquil Garden, Zane opened the back door.


    65%


    Upon noticing Stephanie¡¯s swollen lips, Zane thought, ¡®Has Mr. Fletcher finally broken the taboo of abstinence after getting together with Stephanie? But isn¡¯t he too beastly to have swollen her lips like that.¡¯


    Vincent noticed Zane¡¯s gaze on Stephanie¡¯s face and furrowed his brows. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Zane immediately lowered his eyes. ¡°I just think you two make a great match.¡±


    Only then did Vincent¡¯s brow rx


    Stephanie thanked Zane before pushing Vincent into the mansion.


    That night, Vincent helped Stephanie apply medicine. ¡°Is it still hurting?¡±


    ¡°A little, she replied.


    Vincent looked at her delicate skin marked with scars, feeling a pang of heartache. ¡°In the future, no matter how dangerous it may be, you must not stand in front. Do you understand?¡±


    Stephanie gazed at him. ¡°But I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you. I would rather it happen to me.¡±


    20 May


    Chapter 49


    ¡°Stephie.¡± Vincent reached out and gently turned her face toward him, engaging in a deep and tender kiss.


    Çú

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    The ambiguous atmosphere led Vincent to lose control slightly. He wrapped his arm around Stephanie¡¯s delicate waist while his other hand cupped the back of her head, kissing her with increasing fervor.


    Stephanie¡¯s oxygen supply dwindled as Vincent¡¯s lips almost imed it all, her hands weakly resting on his shoulders,pletely surrendering to the


    Only when her spine sank into the soft c u h i o n did Vincent¡¯s calloused hand venture under her sleepwear, tracing along her firm abs.


    A soft moan escaped Stephanie¡¯s lighs, igniting Vincent¡¯s senses


    even further.


    His lips brushed against her earlobe. ¡°Stephanie,¡± Vincent uttered.


    His tongue was scorching, causing Stephanie¡¯s eyshes to tremble as she gently cupped his handsome face. ¡°Do you need help treating your hidden¡± ailment?¡± asked Stephanie.


    Vincent¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. Before he could respond, Stephanie tilted her head back and kissed him passionately.


    Just then, urgent knocking sounded from the door.


    Their lips parted. They were both breathless.


    Vincent rose, exhaling heavily before addressing the door with slight irritation. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked.


    Sophia¡¯s voice came urgently from the other side. ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Fletcher. She has been thrown to the entrance of Tranquil Garden. She is covered in injuries,¡±


    she informed.


    Upon hearing that, Vincent furrowed his brows. He lifted Stephanie from the bed, and they headed to the living room.


    When Stephanie walked out of the elevator, she saw the bodyguards of Tranquil Garden holding a woman whose hair and clothes were in a mess. The woman¡¯s legs were marked with bruises, presenting a pitiful sight.


    She guided Vincent closer. The woman¡¯s head was slightly tilted, her eyes were filled with bloodshot veins, and her mouth was tainted with traces of


    blood.


    The woman was none other than Olivia.


    ¡°U-Uncle Vincent¡­¡± Olivia uttered. After saying these words, she fainted.


    Vincent raised his chin slightly. ¡°Take her to the bedroom next to Christie¡¯s,¡± he ordered.


    Sophia nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll go tidy up right now,¡± she said.


    Vincent and Stephanie exchanged nces and followed behind.


    Clearing the room of others, Stephanie sat by the bed, examining the motionless Olivia and assessing her injuries.


    There were bruises all over her body, indicating severe trauma


    Stephanie gave Olivia a pulse diagnosis, finding no internal injuries.


    She took out her needle pouch and retrieved a long, thin silver needle, its glow shimmering under themplight.


    Chapter 50


    Then, she inserted the needle into Olivia¡¯s Head Acupoint and found her immediately rxed as if all tension had been drained.


    ¡°What happened to her?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°She was too tense just now. My needle has helped her sleep,¡± Stephanie exined.


    ¡°Do you mean she pretended to faint earlier?¡± Vincent asked. He was surprised.


    Stephanie nodded, ¡°Indeed. As expected of the best actress, she fooled many, but not my silver needle. Surprisingly, it led us to her. She must be agitated,¡± she said.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she want Christie to Tegain consciousness?¡± Vincent questioned. He pursed his lips into a straight line.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out once Christie wakes up. I suspect Olivia will make a move within a week. Let¡¯s wait for the drama to unfold,¡± Stephanie suggested, gently stroking her chin.


    Back in her room, Stephanie received a call from Florence.


    She smirked, answering the shrill voice on the other end.


    ¡°Stephanie, you must be the one who schemed to frame Dous and prompted Vincent to kick Dous off the Fletcher family! How could you be so. ruthless? Are you trying to push us into aer? I treated you like my sister, but you never thought me the same!¡± Florence fumed.


    Stephanie cut her off. ¡°Did you ever treat me like a sister? You stole my fianc¨¦, a worthless scoundrel I have no interest in, and had an affair behind my back. Also, you stole my sample, made me your vocal double, and even took my rough sketches. Florence, where have I wronged you to be treated like a fool? Are you using me of framing Dous? Then go and find evidence yourself. Don¡¯t expect answers from me. As for why he was expelled from the Fletcher family, it¡¯s because hemitted a grave offense against the family, Vincent has already shown him mercy since he isn¡¯t in jail now. Florence, if you truly like Dous, then apany him to start anew!¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°You!¡± Florence uttered. She was infuriated.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I¡¯m no longer your sister. I¡¯ve severed ties with the Hayes family. If you don¡¯t believe me, check the newspapers from a few days ago. I¡¯ve already announced it,¡± Stephanie dered.


    ¡°Stephanie, don¡¯t you care about Grandpa¡¯s well-being? Florence questioned.


    Stephanie¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± she retorted.


    ¡°Stephanie, you may no longer be part of the Hayes family, but Grandpa still is. And he¡¯s at the Hayes manor. Don¡¯t you want to see him livefortably? It¡¯smon for people his age to face health issues,¡± Florence said.


    Stephanie recalled in her previous life when Austin died suddenly while she was abroad with Vincent as his secretary, and the Hayes family had him cremated before her return, leaving her facing a solitary tombstone.


    She had not expected Florence not to let Austin go even in this life. Worse off, the timeline of this life was moved forward.


    She could not let anything happen to Austin this time..


    Her gaze turned frosty. ¡°Florence, if you darey a finger on Grandpa, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it,¡± she warned.


    Florence realized she had angered Stephanie, and her tactic of using Austin to threaten her was sessful ¡°Let¡¯s see how you behave,¡± Florence responded.


    She hung up the phone and nced at Dous, who was lying on the bed. ¡°Dous, I¡¯ve got Stephanie under control. It¡¯s all her fault, causing us so much misery. We must seek revenge, Florence said.


    Chapter 50


    O


    Dous, in pain, gritted his teeth, ¡°First and foremost, we must hide that old hag. Only then can we better control Stephanie. Once we have Stephanie under control, Vincent will naturallypromise. Since they¡¯ve treated me terribly, I¡¯ll treat them the same!¡± he said.


    At that moment, Dous¡± mind was fixated on reviving Fantasy Boutique.


    Meanwhile, Florence was thinking of how to steal Stephanie¡¯s new summer design rough sketches.


    Attempting to apply ointment to Dous, Florence was rejected. ¡°Flore, let the housekeeper do it,¡± Dous suggested.


    Florence understood his concern about potentially contracting AIDS. ¡°I¡¯ve already been tested. I¡¯m clean,¡± she said.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that, Flore. I¡¯m worried about dirtying your hands,¡± Dous exined,


    Florence forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll ask someone else to help you,¡± she replied.


    After Florence exited the room, her smile disappeared as she thought, ¡®That d a n d Dous¡­ He¡¯s utterly useless. If not for Fantasy Boutique¡¯s support and I want to work as a designer, I would have kicked this waste to the curb long ago.¡±


    Not only did he lose the Fletcher family¡¯s inheritance, but he was also expelled from the Fletcher family and removed from the family registry.


    Apart from his sumame, he had no connection to the Fletcher family.


    This was all caused by Vincent and Stephanie. Since the engagement party, nothing had gone well for her and Dous.


    This time, Florence intended to turn the tables and seek vengeance using Austin as leverage.


    At that moment, realizing Dous and Florence¡¯s intentions, Stephania recorded their conversation and uploaded it online.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    The recording instantly stirred up amotion.


    Many curiousizens took it upon themselves to verify the authenticity of the recording, and soon, someone affirmed its legitimacy.


    The matter swiftly gained momentum online and became a trending topic across major websites within half an hour.


    [Florence¡¯s innocent image crumbles, exposing her true malicious naturel]


    [From fianc¨¦ to vocal double and the rough sketch, what else has Florence taken from Stephanie?]


    [sFlorence a criminal for threatening her grandpa¡¯s life?]


    [Another surprising revtion about the Hayes sisters! Is the rough sketch Florence shared actually by Stephanie?]Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Apart from her awkward acting skills, what else does Florence have?]


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    Meanwhile, Florence, oblivious to these urrences, joyfully hummed while driving.


    Upon arriving at the Hayes manor from the suburban mansion, she exited the car and noticed Matilda swiftly approaching with a stern expression. ¡°Flore, how can you be so careless?¡± she asked.


    Puzzled, Florence asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mom? Has something happened?¡±


    Matilda almost mmed the phone in her face and said, ¡°See for yourself!¡±


    Frowning, Florence took over the phone, and her emotions surged when she read the news. ¡°H-how could this be?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Is it true?¡± asked Matilda. Despite theizen¡¯s assertions, she would trust Florence if she denied it.


    Gritting her teeth, Florence eximed, ¡°It¡¯s true, but why did Stephanie the b**h record our conversation and make it public? Is she trying to destroy


    me?¡±


    Matilda sighed and questioned, ¡°Why are you so careless? Flore, haven¡¯t you learned your lesson after all the trouble Stephanie has put you through? Aren¡¯t you asking for trouble by provoking her since you know how c**g and malicious she is?¡±


    Florence stamped her feet angrily and asked, ¡°Ah! Stephanie is so infuriating! How can she be so shameless? Mom, what should I do?¡±


    At this moment, two police cars pulled up in front of the mansion, and six officers emerged.


    They looked at the shocked mother and daughter and asked, ¡°Which one of you is Florence Hayes?¡±


    Stammering, Florence said, ¡°L.. I am.¡±


    The police produced an arrest warrant, saying, ¡°Ms. Stephanie Hayes reported that you attempted to threaten her with her grandpa¡¯s life. The recording is authentic, and we¡¯ve gathered conclusive evidence. Florence, please cooperate and apany us to the station.¡±


    Florence shook her head and said, ¡°I did not.


    officer (oluted, ¡® Denying won¡¯t change anything The recording is all over the inte, creating


    untal impact Ger in the can


    09:53 Tue, 28 May


    Chapter 51


    MG


    That night, photos of Florence entering the police station circted online, substantiating her previous statements.


    Florence¡¯s fan count plummeted to 300 thousand, and the unfollowing trend persisted.


    However, despite all the evidence, Florence retained several staunch supporters who believed in her innocence and opted to look the other way.


    64%


    On the other hand, Matilda did not sit idly by. She promptly reached out to Horace when the officers took Florence away, and they coborated to find a way to clear Florence¡¯s name.


    Horace believed that they had to address the source to resolve the issue, and the matter e dropped the charges against Florence.


    could be settled as long as Stephanie denied the recording and


    However, they realized that Stephanie had blocked them when neither his nor Matilda¡¯s calls could reach her.


    After briefly hesitating, they attempted to call Vincent, only to discover he had also blocked them.


    To help Florence, they decided to visit Tranquil Garden. They were willing to swallow their pride to plead with Stephanie. However, their vehicle was halted outside the gate, and they could not gain entry.


    Horace quickly exited the car and shouted, ¡°Stephie, it¡¯s Dad!¡±


    Sadly, nobody came forward to open the door for him.


    Once he got into the car, Matilda, with tearful eyes, roared, ¡°If she weren¡¯t a match with Flore, I would¡¯ve killed her when we brought her over!¡±


    Horace sighed and said, ¡°Watch your words! You never know who might be listening!¡±


    ¡°I had to vent!¡± refuted Matilda, sniffing. ¡°Flore had been so upset these days. Her heart isn¡¯t feeling well, I think we should carry out the heart transnt


    soon!¡± she continued.


    Horace pursed his lips and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t be easy since Stephanie is now under Vincent¡¯s protection.¡±


    Matilda responded with a ferocious look and said, ¡°It might be challenging, but we still have to do it. Otherwise, why did we raise her? I can¡¯t even meet my biological daughter!¡±


    Horace lit a cigarette and said, ¡°Well, the Jimenez family has never ceased searching for their biological daughter. Dealing with Stephanie sooner will be a way to eliminate this lingering threat.¡±


    Matilda rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Get it done, then!¡±


    Horace nodded and replied, ¡°I will¡±


    ?¡± inquired Matilda


    ¡°Then what should


    d we do about Flore?¡± in


    Horace put out the cigarette and said, ¡°Let¡¯s pay the psychiatric hospital a visit.¡±


    Matilda was stunned but quickly nodded as she seemed to understand his intention.


    At this moment, Stephanie sneered as she stood before the floor-to-ceiling window and observed the departing car


    Horace and Matilda were willing to swallow their pride for their beloved daughter. But still, she couldn¡¯t fathom why they disliked her


    Suddenly, a pair of warm hands wrapped around her waist,


    Standing behind her, Vincent nced at her from the side. ¡°Are you sad?¡± he asked.


    09:53 Tue, 28 May MC MG


    Chapter 51


    64%


    Shaking her head, Stephanie replied, ¡°I¡¯m used to it¡±


    Vincent consoled her tenderly, saying, ¡°My darling Stephie, from today onward, I¡¯ll shower you with affection, and you won¡¯t need anyone else.¡±


    Stephanie turned, embracing him. The rhythmic beating of his heart brought her an extra sense offort. ¡°Vincent, promise me you¡¯ll never leave,¡± she


    said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll always be by your side to protect you,¡± promised Vincent


    The next day, Florence sought bail, citing severe depression and delusional disorder.


    The police station reached out to Stephanie, and she promptly indicated that Florence had to undergo treatment in a m e n a l hospital for two weeks if she wished to be released on bail.


    Florence never anticipated being admitted to a m e n a l hospital and despised Stephanie for it. Yet, she knew this was her sole opportunity to turn things


    around.


    She spotted Stephanie before she was taken away to the psychiatric hospital, her eyes brimming with resentment. However, the thought of Matilda¡¯s words about how Stephanie¡¯s heart would be hers in the future brought a sense of triumph to her.


    Being daughters of the same parents, it¡¯s pretty pitiful to witness Stephanie being neglected and unloved.


    Stephanie observed the emotions in Florence¡¯s eyes shift from resentment and disdain topassion.


    Florence likely believed that her parents¡¯ love justified her attitude towards Stephanie, but after living a second life, Stephanie no longer ced much importance on such matters.


    When she got into the car, Vincent held her hand and ordered Zane, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Hayes manor,¡±


    Squinting Stephanie vowed for those who hurt her to face the consequences in this lifetime and safeguard those she loved.


    Soon, the car arrived at the Hayes manor.


    Stephanie had spoken with Austin over the phone that morning, and he had consented to leave the Hayes manor with her.


    However, when Stephanie went in to pick him up, a s e r v a t informed her that Austin had been taken away half an hour earlier in her name.


    Çú


    18


    0

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Stephanie highly doubted the housekeeper¡¯s words. ¡°Did you see who picked Grandpa up?¡± she asked.


    The housekeeper replied, ¡°No. Mr. Hayes said you came to pick him up, so he directly carried his suitcase and got into the car.¡±


    ¡°What about the license te number?¡± Stephanie asked.


    The housekeeper shook her head and said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t paying attention.¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes and took a step forward. Meanwhile, the housekeeper took a step back.


    Stephanie sneered, ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±


    The housekeeper lowered her head and said, ¡°No, I-I just don¡¯t like to be too close to others.¡±


    Stephanie shook her phone and said, ¡°I¡¯ve recorded everything you said. If you lie, I¡¯ll sue you immediately.¡±


    The housekeeper frowned and said in a panic, ¡°Ms. Hayes, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll go back first.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Stephanie said. The smile on Stephanie¡¯s face disappeared as soon as the housekeeper shut the door.


    Stephanie had severed ties with the Hayes family. They would sue her for t r e s p a s s i g if she broke in and searched the house, for they were now worried they couldn¡¯t get leverage over her.


    When Vincent saw Stephanie return to the car without aplishing anything, he asked gloomily, ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±


    After hearing her repeat what the housekeeper had told her, Vincent pursed his lips.


    He got hisptop and put it on hisp, then typed on the keyboard quickly. Soon, he hacked into the mansion area¡¯s surveince cameras.


    He opened all the surveince footage around the Hayes manor. Six footages were disyed on the screen, and the time was rewound to an hour ago.


    Upon fast-forwarding the footage, they noticed that what the housekeeper said about Austin being picked up half an hour ago was not true.


    Vincent rewound the footage¡¯s time to 7 a.m. Ever since Austin left at 8 a.m. and returned at 10 a.m., he never left again. Thus, the housekeeper was lying.


    Stephanie knew this must be Horace and Matilda¡¯s order. Stephani¨¦ thought, ¡®They want to control me by controlling grandpa.


    Stephanie took out her phone and reported to the police that Austin had been kidnapped.


    The police immediately rushed to the Hayes manor to understand the situation.


    Stephanie yed the recording of the housekeeper¡¯s words to the police, which led the police to question the housekeeper again while retrieving the surveince footage around the house.


    Seeing this, the other housekeepers immediately called Horace.


    Meanwhile, Horace and Matilda had just settled Florence down.


    Horace said confidently, ¡°Flore, don¡¯t worry. Stephanie will drop thewsuit and let you out in less than two days.¡±


    Matilda whispered, ¡°We¡¯ve kept your grandpa hidden. She¡¯ll never find him.¡±


    09:53 Tue, 28 May


    Chapter 52


    Tue, 28 May MG.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Florence frowned and said, ¡°Then you¡¯d better go find her and ask her to drop thewsuit. I can¡¯t stay in this d m n e d ce anymore!¡±


    64%@


    Matilda clicked her tongue. She said, ¡°Surely, we must let her be anxious for two days. And when we find her, we need to check if she¡¯s carrying any recording devices. She¡¯s just too cu


    n i g¡±


    Horace nodded and said, ¡°Yes. Flore, bear with it for a while. We¡¯ll take you away from here as soon as possible. As long as you keep silent and look. depressed, no one will give y


    yo u a hard time.¡±


    Looking at the woman tied up on the other bed, Florence couldn¡¯t help but feel disgusted. ¡°Then hurry up!¡±


    Horace and Matilda nodded repeatedly. T


    Just then, Horace¡¯s phone rang. It was the housekeeper. He picked it up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    The caller lowered their voice and said, ¡°Bad news, Mr. Hayes. Ms. Stephanie Hayes called the police and told them Mr. Austin Hayes was kidnapped. Now the police are searching at home!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Horace eximed. He was so angry that his chest ached. ¡°This b a s t a r d! I¡¯m going back now!¡± he said.


    Looking at his angry face, Matilda knew something had happened. ¡°What exactly is going on?¡± she asked.


    Horace gritted his teeth fiercely and said, ¡°Stephanie reported to the police that Dad was kidnapped. They¡¯re searching for him at home now.¡±


    Florence, who had been lying on the hospital bed, jumped up. ¡°What do we do? What if they found him?¡± she asked.


    Horace rubbed his temple. He replied, ¡°He¡¯s well hidden. They might not find him. Let¡¯s not panic. We can¡¯t lose ourposure.¡±


    He then looked at Florence and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll pick you up early,¡± Then he left with Matilda.


    Florence was trembling with anger and shouted hysterically.


    The nurse saw this scene. She went to the doctor and said the new patient had a rpse.


    The doctor immediately ran into the ward with four


    nurses.


    Seeing this, Florence shouted, ¡°What are you doing here? Get out! I don¡¯t want to see you! I¡¯m not sick. Get out!¡±


    She disregarded all of Horace¡¯s instructions to remain silent and calm.


    The doctor adjusted his sses, waved his hand to the nurses, and said, ¡°Restrain her. We¡¯ll give her a sedative.¡±


    Florence shook her head andined, ¡°I¡¯m not sick. I don¡¯t want an injection. Stay away from me!¡±


    The four nurses did not listen to her. They quickly restrained her on the bed and tied her up with a special strap.


    The doctor gave her a sedative then said, ¡°All psychiatric patients say that.¡±


    Florence kept shaking her head while saying, ¡°I¡¯m not sick, I¡¯m really not¡­¡±


    Soon, she felt drowsy as the medicine took effect.


    The doctor looked at the woman on the other bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. He asked, ¡°Jodie, are you sick?¡±


    Jodie West turned her head and chuckled. She said, ¡°I¡¯m not! You are!¡±


    09:54 Tue, 28 May


    Chapter 52


    MG


    ¦²


    The doctor shrugged and said, ¡°See? Psychiatric patients always say they¡¯re not sick.¡± With that, he left the ward with the nurses.


    Jodie nced at Florence. ¡°What a l n t i c who¡¯s always making a scenel


    How am


    annoying!¡±


    64%


    When Horace and Matilda returned home, a police car stopped in front of the door. Police got out of the car with two police dogs.


    Matilda¡¯s heart s i e d a beat. She grabbed Horace¡¯s arm subconsciously and asked, ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°Calm down,¡± Horace replied: He shook his head before stepping forward. He asked the police, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    The police looked at Horace suspiciously and inquired, ¡°Are you the head of the household?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Horace replied. ¡°How could you casually enter my house?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Someone called the police, and what the housekeeper said doesn¡¯t match the surveince footage. We have a reason to suspect something bad might have happened to the missing elderly,¡± the police answered.


    ¡°Do you have a search warrant?¡± asked Horace,


    The police nced at him and said, ¡°Of course.¡±


    Seeing the police walk past them into the mansion with two police dogs, Matilda was anxious. She said, ¡°Horace, we won¡¯t be able to exin ourselves if they find Austin.¡±


    Horace was also very nervous now, but he was still holding on to hope. ¡°The basement is well hidden. They¡¯ll never notice it.¡±


    ¡°Never notice what?¡± asked Stephanie.


    Stephanie¡¯s voice made Horace and Matilda freeze. They turned around and found Stephanie standing behind them.


    Matilda widened her eyes. ¡°W-Why are you here?¡± she asked.


    Stephanie raised her brows. ¡°Of course, I want to see for myself how both of you get ridiculed. Where did you hide Grandpa? If you tell me, I¡¯ll drop the case. Otherwise, I¡¯ll sue you for false impriso

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    Chapter 53


    64%2


    Matilda was about to rush forward when Horace pulled her back by the arm, for he had noticed the wheelchair-bound man behind Tabitha staring at them coldly.


    Matilda shrugged off Horace¡¯s grip and stormed up to Stephanie with a raised hand.


    However, Stephanie grabbed Matilda¡¯s wrist before thetter could p her and threatened icily. ¡°Do you want to be arrested, Mrs. Hayes?¡±


    Spite unadulterated and conveying her intention to shred Stephanie into pieces-filled Matilda¡¯s eyes as she snapped, ¡°Is this how you treat your


    mother?¡±


    Stephanie did not miss the spite in her mother¡¯s eyes as she countered c o o l l y, ¡°You were never a mother to me. I¡¯ll ask you again-where are you keeping Grandpa?¡±


    Matilda drew her hand back. ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°Fine, then. When I find him, I¡¯ll sue you! Don¡¯te crying to me when that happens!¡± Stephanie bit out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did to end up with a useless brat like you! First, you cut us off, and now, you¡¯re threatening to sue us?¡± Matilda hissed.


    Stephanie took in Matilda¡¯s scowl. She could not remember a time when Matilda looked pleased to see her.


    Florence had always been the object of Matilda¡¯s motherly love


    Stephanie might have longed for her parents¡¯ affection in her past life, but in this life, she couldn¡¯t care less about it


    She narrowed her eyes at Matilda and said, ¡°So, y


    otherwise!¡±


    you a


    admit you¡¯ve been hiding Grandpa. You wouldn¡¯t be so riled up by the mention of awsuit


    Realizing that she had been tricked, Matilda clenched her fists. ¡°I did no such thing!¡± she denied.


    Just then, Zane wheeled Vincent to where Stephanie stood.


    Matilda stepped back consciously, wary of Vincent¡¯s presence. He might be wheelchair-bound, but he was still intimidating.


    ¡°The Hayes family had better watch out if we find out you¡¯ve been hiding Mr. Austin Hayes,¡± Vincent drawled.


    as he held Matilda¡¯s waist. ¡°Fine.¡±


    Horace feignedposure a


    A momentter, the police walked out of the mansion with their dogs in tow, their expressions grim.


    The police officer with the search warrant shook his head at Stephanie. ¡°We didn¡¯t find him.¡±


    Putting away her shrewd act, Matilda pointed at Stephanie and said, ¡°I ought to sue you for libell How did I end up with a daughter like you? Why would I hurt Austin when he¡¯s my father-inw? I went through hell to raise you, Stephanie, and this is how you repay me?¡±


    Horace, who was still wary of Vincent, tugged on Matilda¡¯s arm to signal her to tone it down.


    However, Matilda was not someone who could be reasoned with, and she was growing more melodramatic as she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re thinking, Stephanie! Your sister has depression, but you threw her behind bars anyway! Are you trying to drive her and me out of our minds?¡±


    Stephanie raised a brow. ¡°Are you done?¡±


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    Chapter 53


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    64%


    Taken aback by Stephanie¡¯s indifference, Matilda was about to say something when the former said to the police, ¡°Earlier on, I heard Horace and Matilda saying something along the lines of ¡°they¡¯ll never find him.¡± I¡¯m assuming my grandfather is still in this mansion, probably in the basement.¡±


    The police officers were doubtful of Stephanie¡¯s statement. They had searched the entire house and found nothing amiss.


    Stephanie went on to say, ¡°The basement isn¡¯t well-ventted, and Grandpa could be in danger if he¡¯s kept there for too long. You already know Grandpa. hasn¡¯te out of the house since 11.00 am, and the housekeeper¡¯s statements are contradictory to the facts, which means she¡¯s lying, or asked to lie by her employers.¡±


    Sensing the police officers¡¯ hesitation, Horace quickly interjected, ¡°Officers, Austin isn¡¯t here. You and your police dogs searched the entire house and came up with nothing. The housekeeper told you Stephanie took him somece else, but Stephanie denied it and is trying to frame us instead! This is nder, Stephanie! Leave now! We have a house to clean!¡±


    Stephanie looked at the officers, ¡°Just because you haven¡¯t found him, doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t here. Officers, may ask that you search the house again?¡±


    The police officers exchanged looks before agreeing to Stephanie¡¯s request.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you this time,¡± Stephanie dered.


    Horace blocked their way. ¡°This is t r e s p s s i n g!¡±


    One of the officers stepped forward with two dogs in tow, and Horace immediately shrunk back. ¡°We have a warrant. Move, or we¡¯ll arrest you for obstructing public duties.¡±


    Without casting a second nce at Horace and Matilda, the officer entered the vi with his entourage.


    This time, the officers inspected the ground for any suspicious gaps that might indicate a basement entrance.


    15 minutester, Stephanie found the basement entrance under the dining table in the kitchen. ¡°Over here!¡± she cried out.


    The police officers rushed over and heaved the table aside. They found a c r a c k in the grout between the tiles. Stephanie wedged a knife she found into the cr a c k and tried to loosen the tile.


    The tile was heavy and at least eight inches thick


    Stephanie pried it loose and uncovered the squarish entrance to the basement.


    It was only normal that the police dogs hadn¡¯t been able to pick up on Austin¡¯s scent; the tile was thick, and the kitchen smelled of cooking and various


    other scents.


    Meanwhile, Horace and Matilda clenched their jaws when they saw the scene before them. They looked like they wanted to tear Stephanie apart


    Matilda grabbed Horace¡¯s sleeve nervously. ¡°What do we do?¡±


    Now that the truth was exposed, Horace knew Stephanie would not spare them. His and Matilda¡¯s fate nowy entirely in Austin¡¯s words.


    If Austin denied any foul y on their part, then this incident would blow over.


    Stephanie shot Horape and Matilda a dark look, then ventured down the basement with a shlight in hand.


    She found herself walking down a long flight of stairs and greeted by a dusty scent.


    ¡°Grandpal¡± When Stephanie got to thest step, phe shone the shlight around and saw Austin lying next to a cardboard box.


    She ran over and knelt before him, her voice trembling as she called out, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    09:54 Tue, 28 May


    Chapter 53


    MG.


    64%Ãæ


    She put two fingers to his neck and felt a weak pulse.


    ncing at the police officersing up behind her, she urged, ¡°Grandpa¡¯s passed out from theck of oxygen. Quick, carry him up!¡±


    The basement was thest ce the police officers expected Austin to be. It was clear to see that someone had deliberately hidden him here.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Without a second¡¯s dy, the police officers carried Austin out of the basement and put him on even ground.


    Stephanie hurriedly examined Austin again, only to find that his heart had stopped beating.


    She immediately performed CPR on him, giving him chestpressions rhythmically,


    The police officers gave Austin mouth-to-mouth. Before long, a few coughs escaped him.


    Stephanie called out for him, choking back tears.


    Austin¡¯s eyes slowly opened. ¡°S-Steph¡­¡±


    ¡°Grandpa!¡± Tears p r i c k e d Stephanie¡¯s eyes. Had she given up on looking for him, he would have died in that basement.


    At the thought of this, she rose from the floor and rushed out of the kitchen to grab Horace by the cor. ¡°I¡¯ll have you thrown in jail for nearly killing Grandpal¡±

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Horace trembled at the rage in Stephanie¡¯s eyes and fallered, ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t know how your grandfather ended up there either.¡±


    He knew the housekeeper would not risk her family by selling him out. Right now, he could only hope that Austin was sentimental enough to cover for


    him.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Stephanie released Horace. ¡°Let¡¯s see if your lies will save you when Grandpa wakes up!¡±


    As standard procedures went, Horace and Matilda were brought in for questioning, while Austin was sent to the hospital for a thorough examination.


    Vincent stared at Stephanie as she sat by Austin¡¯s bedside and pped a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Steph, Mr. Hayes will be fine.¡±


    Stephanie surveyed the frail old man lying in bed and nodded grimly.


    However, she knew there was nothing she could do about the slight brain damage Austin was found to have sustained after being deprived of oxygen.


    There was also the matter of the potential side effects of the brain damage, which could only be assessed after Austin regained consciousness.


    In Stephanie¡¯s previous life, Austin had died of a heart attack. At the time, she didn¡¯t think Florence had anything to do with it.


    It was only when Stephanie was on the verge of death that Florence confessed her dirty deed.


    When Stephanie was reborn, she realized that the Hayes family had known the truth behind Austin¡¯s death, and the only reason why they had his body cremated so quickly was so they could cover up Florence¡¯s tracks.


    They were in it together. Florence might have caused Austin¡¯s death, but Stephanie decided that those who had helped Florence were equally guilty.


    However, Stephanie didn¡¯t expect such small changes to affect the timeline of other events as well


    It was her fault that she had not protected Austin.


    She parted her lips and said to Vincent, ¡°I¡¯ll stay and take care of Grandpa tonight. You should go back.¡±


    Vincent knew she was worried about Austin. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±


    She nced at his legs and shook his head. ¡°You won¡¯t befortable here. Go back and get some rest. Besides, Olivia¡¯s at home, too.¡±¡±


    Vincent understood what she meant: he could not move around freely in this hospital room, and Christina might be in a precarious position considering


    Olivia was at Tranquil Garden.


    He nodded. ¡°Got it. I asked Zane t to get you something to eat, I¡¯ll leave after you¡¯re done eating.¡±


    Stephanie knew that Vincent would not leave otherwise, so she nodded in agreement,


    After that, Vincent went out and returned with a medical kit. ¡°I¡¯ll change your dressing,¡± he offered.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie replied.


    They went into the restroom, whereupon Stephanie settled into Vincent¡¯sp and let him change her dressing.


    He did so deftly.


    Stephanie burrowed into his arms and sighed quietly.


    1/4


    09:54 Tue, 28 May MG.


    Chapter 54


    Holding her, Vincent murmured, ¡°Everything will be fine, Steph. I¡¯m here.¡±


    Zane entered the hospital room just as Vincent and Stephanie emerged from the restroom.


    3.64%


    Zane wondered why they hade out of the restroom together and suddenly recalled the night when he saw Stephanie between Vincent¡¯s legs.


    Noticing Zane¡¯s dazed expression, Vincent frowned. ¡°Something on your mind?¡±


    Zane coughed. ¡°No. Mrs. Fletcher, I got you some banana split oatmeal. Enjoy.¡±


    and watched him leave the room.


    Stephanie thanked I


    d him an


    True to his word, Vincent did not leave until Stephanie had finished the oatmeal


    In the backseat of the car, the dim yellow streetlight yed across Vincent¡¯s features, his expression unreadable.


    He rubbed his temples, unable to figure out why the Hayes family were so wicked to Stephanie.


    It was as if they did not think of her as family at all.


    Zane, who was driving, nced at Vincent through the rearview mirror. ¡°Is something wrong, Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Vincent pursed his lips and asked, ¡°Zane, why would parents favor one twin over the other?¡±


    Zane instantly understood that Vincent was talking about Stephanie and Florence.


    Stephanie used to have a bad reputation in upper-ss society, which was why Zane had been so nervous about her marriage to Vincent at the time; he thought Vincent deserved better. Later, Zane learned that, contrary to the rumors, Stephanie was smart and talented-a perfect match for Vincent.


    Clearing his throat, Zane said, ¡°I know you¡¯re talking about Mrs. Fletcher. She can be blunt, and she¡¯s not good at pretending to be sweet like Florence, making her less likable than her twin. Besides, she had quite a reputation before she went abroad, and maybe that¡¯s why Horace and Matilda dislike her.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Vincent narrowed his eyes. ¡°They¡¯ve disliked her since she was a child,¡±


    Zane paused. ¡°That is odd.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Vincent mused. He looked out the window at the passing scenery and asked, ¡°Did you look into those people like I asked you to?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve moved out. Tracking them down is going to take a while,¡± Zane admitted.


    ¡°Well, hurry up. I don¡¯t want Stephanie to have the bear the brunt of that incident anymore,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Zane replied.


    ¡°Did you find the driver who dumped Olivia at Tranquil Garden?¡± Vincent probed,


    ¡°The man¡¯s rather conscious of his surroundings. We couldn¡¯t get too close to him, and we lost track of him in the end,¡± Zane said.


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Bring him to me in three days.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sirl¡± Zane said dutifully.


    After arriving at Tranquil Garden, Vincent made his way to the bedroom.


    He was pulling on his pajamas after his shower when a knock came from the bedroom dogu.


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    Frowning, he returned to his wheelchair and threw a nket over his legs, then opened the door.


    Standing on the other side of the door was Olivia in a strappy dress,


    ¡°What is it?¡± Vincent asked indifferently.


    Olivia wrung her hands anxiously. ¡°Thank you for saving me, Uncle Vincent.¡±


    ¡°Now that you¡¯re awake, tell me what happened,¡± he said stoically.


    Olivia peered into the bedroom behind him and asked, ¡°is Stephanie around?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside, then,¡± Olivia suggested.


    ¡°No,¡± Vincent turned her down tly. ¡°We can talk in the study.¡±


    Toggling the controls of his wheelchair, he maneuvered into the study and refused Olivia¡¯s assistance.


    Olivia bit her lips and followed him, not at all expecting his indifference.


    Upon entering the study, Vincent came to a stop at his desk and motioned for Olivia to take a seat on the couch. ¡°Sit down.¡±


    Olivia nodded and did as she was told.


    ¡°So, what happened? Vincent prompted.


    Olivia said with a sniff, ¡°I was having dinner at the Fletcher residence yesterday when I got a call from my assistant saying that the film crew added more scenes for me at thest minute. I was targeted on my way to thepany, and alter getting out of my car, I was ambushed and rendered unconscious. | don¡¯t know what happened next, but when I came to, I was already at Tranquil Garden. I don¡¯t know who kidnapped me or beat me, but Dad was sure that a rivalpany had been spying on us. Do you think they were behind the kidnapping, too?¡±


    ¡°I tried to have the surveince footage retrieved after the incident,¡± Vincent exined gravely. ¡°But it was d


    ¡°Can¡¯t it be restored?¡± Olivia asked, frowning.


    deleted¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be tough, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this,¡± Vincent promised. ¡°Now that you¡¯re awake, you can go home tomorrow.¡±


    Olivia surveyed him grimly. ¡°About that-I was talking to Dad, and he told me to stay here,¡±


    Vincent considered this for a moment and hummed quietly in response. ¡°In that case, you can stay¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Uncle Vincent!¡± Olivia shed him a smile. ¡°I won¡¯t get in your way.¡±


    Without giving Olivia a second nce, Vincent said, ¡°You may leave.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Olivia nodded and left.


    However, she discarded her mask of fear the moment she stepped out of the study, and the icy look in her eyes was reced by a steely glint.


    When she passed by Christina¡¯s room, she snorted and vowed to get rid of thetter within the next few days.


    After returning to her bedroom, Olivia called her assistant. ¡°Ormand, are you sure that the hacker you hired will keep the surveince footage from being


    restored?¡±


    09:54 Tue, 28 May


    Chapter 54


    MG.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ormand said on the other line. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Olivia, Midnight is the second-best hacker on the dark web,¡±


    ¡°Second-best? What about the best?¡± Uneasiness settled within Olivia. She had wanted the best hacker to do her work.


    ¡°First ce belongs to two hackers-Yern and sh, but they recently announced on the dark web that they won¡¯t be taking any orders for now,¡±


    Ormand exined.


    Relieved, Olivia said, ¡°Got it.¡±


    She ended the call and snorted as she went into the bathroom.


    Meanwhile, Vincent stared at Olivia tightly shut bedroom door from the study.


    His gaze was cold as he thought. ¡°Someone¡¯s getting caught soon.


    He did some work and returned to his bedroom afterward.


    64%


    As hey in bed that right, he nced at the space next to him that echoed the hollowness in his heart and wondered what Stephanie might be up to at


    this hour.


    He picked up his phone and texted her: [Are you asleep?


    Her reply was instant: [No. Why aren¡¯t you asleep?]


    He responded: [Guess]


    A faint smile lit up on Stephanie¡¯s tired face as she texted back: [Do you miss me?]


    He texted: [Yes]


    ne continued


    II miss you, too. Get some rest. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow]. She knew he would not sleep if the texting


    Having bid Stephanie goodnight, Vincent turned off his phone, but even as he held the pillow that smelled like her, sleep did note to him.


    At the hospital, Stephanie stared at Austin¡¯s motionless form on the bed and listened to the steady beeping of the equipment, her gaze tortured.


    This was going to be a long night, and indeed, she did not sleep a wink.


    Early the next morning, she awoke to the sound of the door opening. She looked up at the visitor, and at once, her eyes turned cold.


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    The ward door was pushed open, and Stephanie assumed it was a nurse delivering the bill for the previous night¡¯s settlement. However, unexpected guests arrived.


    They were Horace and Matilda.


    Because


    se there were no surveince cameras inside the mansion, only the housekeepers could testify as to how Austin entered the basement.


    The previous night, two housekeepers changed their testimony. They confessed that Austin was in the basement because he didn¡¯t want to leave with


    ustin was


    Stephanie.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    However, they couldn¡¯t reveal the truth to maintain Stephanie¡¯s image.


    Stephanie found it amusing. Their audacity stemmed from their belief that Austin would defend them. After all, family scandals should not be exposed,¡± or perhaps they assumed Austin would not wake up.


    She asked coldly. ¡°What are you here for?¡±


    Horace looked around and didn¡¯t see Vincent.


    He snorted, ¡°I¡¯m here to visit my father!¡±


    Matilda red at Stephanie. ¡°It¡¯s because you insisted on him leaving, but he wanted to stay in the Hayes manor, so he hid in the basement!¡±


    Stephanie chuckled at their shamelessness. ¡°Stay in the Hayes manor? What¡¯s his reason, then? To watch over his unfilial son?¡±


    Horace¡¯s face turned livid. ¡°Stephanie, even if you deny it, you are still our daughter! How can you disrespect your elders? Do you know how much thepany¡¯s stocks have dropped in thest few days? There has not been a single day of peace since you returned! Last night, you reported that Austin was kidnapped, but he was found in the mansion. Are you trying to make the Hayes family aughingstock in upper-ss society? It¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    Stephanie understood their intentions. They just wanted to know how Austin was doing, when he would wake up, and how he would exin the situation the previous night. They weren¡¯t genuinely concerned about his health.


    if they were genuinely concerned, the incident wouldn¡¯t have urred.


    Squinting her eyes, Stephanie said, ¡°It¡¯s useless to say anything now. When Grandpa wakes up, he¡¯ll tell us what happened. If he was coerced, none of you will escape punishment! You two will spend your lives in prison.¡±


    Horace nced at the person on the hospital bed, his gaze devoid of warmth. He pointed at Stephanie. ¡°Stephanie, it¡¯s all your fault if anything happens to your grandfather! Matilda, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The two of them left the ward and only breathed a sigh of relief once they entered the elevator.


    Matilda whispered, ¡°Does Austin truly have brain damage?¡±


    Horace nodded. ¡°My ssmate heard it. There¡¯s absolutely no mistake. Just look at Stephanie¡¯s angry expression earlier. Dad¡¯s health must be deteriorating. I hope he doesn¡¯t remember the housekeepers forcing him into the basement.¡±


    ¡°What if he remembers?¡± Matilda frowned.


    Horace gritted his teeth. Then it depends on whether he still regards me as his son.¡±


    Matilda hugged his arm. ¡°Honey, what if Austiny doesn¡¯t care about you anymore? What do we do then?¡±


    1/3


    09:54 Tue, 28 May MG ¨C


    Chapter 55


    Horace pursed his lips. He said nothing, but it appeared that he had made a ruthless decision in his heart.


    64%


    In the ward, Stephanie was sitting by Austin¡¯s bedside. Her voice was stifled with emotion as she held his hand. ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t protect


    you.¡±


    In the past, when Stephanie cried, Austin would always pat her on the head, telling her to be strong and that there was nothing to be afraid of if she faced


    it bravely.


    However, Austin was unconscious this time.


    Mild brain damage could lead to memory or cognitive decline, decreased understanding andmunication abilities, and even dementia.


    If that were the case, it would be irreversible, and neither Stephanie nor Ronan could do anything to it.


    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± she mumbled.


    When Vincent brought the food, he saw her swollen eyes.


    He reached out to gently caress her face. ¡°Did you cry?¡±


    Stephanie nodded.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Vincent pulled her over to sit on hisp, holding her and gently patting her back, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mr. Hayes will wake up, and he won¡¯t have the aftereffects you¡¯re worried about. Don¡¯t overthink it. Everything is going to be okay.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she responded.


    Hearing Stephanie¡¯s steady breathing on his shoulder, Vincent felt relieved. He knew that she had fallen asleep.


    He adjusted her position, allowing her head to rest in the crook of his arm as if he were cradling a baby.


    Her peaceful expression, tear-stained longshes, and reddened nose made her appear vulnerable and pitiful.


    Vincent¡¯s heart ached.


    Just then, Zane entered the room, and his gaze immediately fell on Vincent holding Stephanie, He immediately lowered his head.


    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Vincent inquired.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, there¡¯s a meeting with Majestic Corporation at half past eight,¡± Zane replied.


    Without hesitation, Vincent uttered, ¡°Postpone everything to tomorrow.¡±


    Zane nodded, ¡°Understood,¡±


    Silently, he left the ward and thought, ¡®Even Mr. Fletcher is a hopeless romantic. What a surprise.¡¯


    If Zane knew that Vincent would sacrifice himself for Stephanie in his previous life, he would definitely be shocked.


    Stephanie woke up close to noon and saw the handsome face of the man before her.


    Their eyes met, and Stephanie sat up. ¡°Did I fall asleep?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and you even snored,¡± Vincent teased.


    2/3


    09:54 Tue, 28 May M G.


    Chapter 55


    ¡°Really? But I never snore when I sleep.¡± Stephanie frowned.


    Vincent chuckled.


    It finally dawned on Stephanie that Vincent was teasing her.


    She nced at him and snorted, ¡°You¡¯re so annoying!¡±


    Vincent smiled and stated, ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of your reactions when I tease you.¡±


    ¡°When did you be such a teaser?


    easer? By t


    the way, is your arm numb?¡± Stephanie muttered.


    64%


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he responded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a massage.¡± Stephanie looked at him while massaging his arm. ¡°Your eyes are bloodshot. You didn¡¯t sleep wellst night?¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep without you. Tonight, you should sleep at home. Zane will stay here instead.¡±


    ¡°I should stay.¡± Stephanie responded.


    ¡°Be good and listen to me. Given Mr. Hayes¡¯ condition, we don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll wake up. It¡¯s too much for one person to handle,¡± Vincent said as he


    tucked her hair behind her ear.


    Stephanie nodded obediently. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Are you hungry? I brought some oatmeal for you,¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s lunchtime now. Let¡¯s have lunch together,¡± Stephanie replied, and Vincent smiled.


    In the evening, Zane stayed in the ward to watch over Austin, while two bodyguards were stationed outside the ward.


    Stephanie drove Vincent back to Tranquil Garden.


    After washing up separately in their own bedrooms, Stephanie went to Christina¡¯s bedroom. She examined Christina, and thetter¡¯s condition appeared to be improving. Christina would probably wake up in a few days.


    At that moment, the door was gently pushed open, and a figure walked in.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Olivia was surprised to see Stephanie..


    ¡°Stephanie, you¡¯re here?¡± Olivia asked.


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Wes, I came to see Christie.¡±


    Olivis approached and looked at the girl lying in bed with a healthyplexion. ¡°Me too. Christie will wake up in a few days, and I¡¯m really happy. Dr. Summer is really amazing. I admire her so much.¡±


    Stephanie sneered inwardly and thought, ¡®Everyone knows that you loathe her!


    Then, Stephanie stood up and said, ¡°You must have a great rtionship with Christie. Despite your injuries, you still care about her.¡±


    Olivia sniffled. ¡°Christie and I grew up together. We have a deep bond. I never imagined that she would end up like this after falling down the stairs three years ago. It¡¯s heartbreaking. Christie used to be a lovely girl that everyone adored.¡±


    Stephanie patted her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. In less than three days, Christie will wake up. Let¡¯s leave and let her rest.¡±


    Olivia nodded, a hint of resentment flickering in her eyes, but it vanished in an instant


    After leaving the room, Olivia went back to her bedroom.


    Looking at the red pill in her palm, her expression darkened, her eyes gleaming with malice.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°Christina must not wake up, or everything will be ruined!¡± she eximed inwardly.


    Stephanie was about to return to her bedroom when she received a message from Vincent.


    The message read: [I¡¯m going to the study to handle some things. You can go back and have a rest first.]


    Vincent hadn¡¯t eaten much at night, so Stephanie decided to prepare some chicken sd for him.


    she want


    When she


    to the kitchen, she ran into Sophia.


    ¡°Sophia, I was just looking for you,¡± said Stephanie.


    ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, what can I do for you?¡± Sophia asked.


    Stephanie whispered something to Sophia. Sophia nodded and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mrs. Fletcher. Are you going to cook?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Vincent didn¡¯t eat much tonight, so I want to cook for him,¡± Stephanie answered.


    Sophia smiled. ¡°Mr. Fletcher is fortunate to have married you. Let me help you.¡±


    Stephanie agreed with a smile. ¡°Please help me chop the tomatoes. I¡¯ll handle the chicken.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Sophia replied.


    Sophia watched Stephanie¡¯s skillful knife work and knew she wasn¡¯t just putting on airs. Her knife skills were impressive.


    When Stephanie stir-fried the chicken strips, the kitchen quickly became filled with the aroma of chicken.


    Chapter 56


    Later, she added the chicken strips to a delicate and bomutifed porcin bodied with vegetables and tomatoes, put a spoon on the tray, and took it to The stuck on the third Rent


    Pushing teen the shuh, dice, the suns Vincent casted behind the nakwood desk, conversing in Pantelosian with someone,


    be


    When We Stephanie, hearted


    The person on the rise and eximed, ¡°You¡¯re actually smiling


    Stephanie understood some Pantelesian, so when she heard the surprise in the other person¡¯s voice, she smiled.


    Vincent frowned, saying he had something to attend to, and ended the conversation. Then, he turned off the webcam, closed theptop, and pushed it


    ¡°Did you prepare chicken sd for me?¡± Vincent pared at her.


    Stephanie put the tray in front of him and sat on hisp naturally.


    She picked up the bowl, scooped up a spoonful, and fed it to him. ¡°Try the chicken alfredo pasta I made.¡±


    ¡°You should eat more then,¡± she suggest


    Soon, the bowl was empty


    Stephanie ced the bowl and spoon on the tray. ¡°Are you full?¡±


    Vincent caressed her waist. ¡°What if I¡¯m not full?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not, there¡¯s still some left. I¡¯ll serve it to you,¡± she said, preparing to get up.


    Suddenly, Vincent held her waist firmly. ¡°What I need now is not food.¡±


    Seeing his handsome face approaching her, Stephanie asked, ¡°What do you want then?¡±


    I want you.¡± he replied


    Vincent¡¯s lips pressed against her pink lips, gently sucking and kissing, their warm breaths mingling together.


    Stephanie opened her mouth slightly, and his tongue slipped inside.


    In a daze, she wrapped her arms around his neck.


    Their moaning, reverberated in the study.


    Stephanie felt dizzy and weak.


    As their lips parted, Vincent noticed that Stephanie¡¯s lips were slightly open and her eyes were closed. She seemed to have fallen asleep.


    He chuckled helplessly, realizing that she was exhausted.


    Carrying Stephanie back to the bedroom, Vincent gently ced her on the bed,


    After washing up in the bathroom, hey dowy beside her, reaching out to turn off the bedsidemp.


    2/4


    10:43, Wed, 29 May BGO


    Chapter 56


    He held her in his arms and fell asleep together,


    In the next two days, Stephanie went to the hospital during the day and returned to Tranquil Garden at night.


    Avoiding the gaze of others, Sophia sneaked into Vincent¡¯s bedroom to find Stephanie. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, nothing happened these past two days, ?s someone really going to make a nsive?¡±


    Stephanie gave her a reassuring look. ¡°Of course, as long as you cooperate well.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Sophia¡¯s eyes darted around nervously, as if they were spies having a secret meeting, causing Stephanie to chuckle.


    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± A man¡¯s voice sounded behind her.


    Stephanie closed the bedroom door and walked over to Vincent. She ced her hands on the wheelchair and leaned down. ¡°I¡¯mughing because someone¡¯s going to be in deep trouble tonight.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie blinked. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you during the day that there¡¯s a high probability Christie will wake up tomorrow? She¡¯ll definitely take action tonight.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell my fortune? I¡¯ve been quite unlucky these past two days,¡± Vincent joked.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Stephanie was surprised.


    Vincent pulled her arm and made her sit on hisp. ¡°Every night, there¡¯s a subus tempting me, but she doesn¡¯t take responsibility for it.¡±


    Pursing her lips, Stephanie murmured, ¡°I was too tired and fell asleep.¡±


    ¡°Will you be tired tonight?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie looked into his amber-colored eyes and shook her head with a hint of shyness, ¡°No.¡±


    Immediately, Vincent rose from the wheelchair, carrying her to the bed.


    The two of them kissed each other affectionately until she felt her back on the soft mattress.


    Vincent gulped and asked, ¡°Stephie, can we do it?¡±


    Embarrassed and annoyed, Stephanie tilted her head to one side. Do you still need to ask? How am I supposed to answer?¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°My bad.¡±


    Meanwhile, a figure sneaked into Christina¡¯s bedroom.


    Under the moonlight, the person stealthily approached the bed.


    They pressed a red pill into the mouth of the person lying on the bed and attempted to force the lips open.


    Suddenly, the person on the bed turned their head, spat the pill out, and bit down hard on the intruder¡¯s finger.


    The next second, the bedroom lit up,


    The sneaky person was none other than Olivia.


    Olivia realized that the person on the bed was not Christina or Stephanie, but Sophia.


    10:43 Wed, 29 May BCO


    Chapter 56


    Noticing the pill by the pillow, Olivia rushed forward to take it away, but Sophia was quick to snat c h the pill first.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Olivia looked around and found no one else there. She then spoke to Sophia.


    ¡°Sophia, can you give me that?¡± Olivia said.


    Sophia quickly stood up and asked, ¡°Give you what?¡±


    ¡°The thing you¡¯re holding.¡± Olivia answered.


    Sophia shook her head and refused¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a good thing. Of course, I can¡¯t give it to you. Do you want to feed it to Ms. Fletcher? You want to poison herl


    Olivia smiled. ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s just a candy. I think Christie will wake up soon, so I want to give her a candy.¡±


    Sophia scoffed and said, ¡°Whether it¡¯s candy or poison, it will be known once Mr. Fletcher takes it for testing.¡±


    Olivia threatened in a cold tone, ¡°Sophia, you¡¯re asking for it!¡±


    At this moment, the door was pushed open.


    Pushing Vincent in, Stephanie raised her eyebrows and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s asking for what?¡±


    Olivia originally nned to give Christina some pills to keep her from waking up, but Sophia¡¯s presence caught her by surprise.


    She had to get rid of Sophia, or she would be done if Vincent heard about it.


    She didn¡¯t expect Stephanie and Vincent toe here as if on cue. This meant that they had suspected her for a long time. It was a trap.


    Olivia exined, ¡°I just want to find Christie and give her a candy.¡±


    Vincent sneered and said, ¡°Candy? Are you sure it¡¯s not poison?¡±


    Tears welled up in Olivia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Uncle Vincent, why don¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s expression was dark, and his eyes seemed to have frozen over. The coldness he emanated made people tremble.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a niece like you. Sophia, bring that thing here,¡± Vincent said.


    Sophia ran to Vincent and released the red pill she was holding onto his palm.


    Stephanie picked it up and put it to her nose before taking a sniff. ¡°It¡¯s a kind of drug that can paralyze the nerves. Its ingredients may be Zopiclone, Eszopiclone, and other stuff. You need to analyze it with the proper equipment to know for sure, though. If a healthy person takes it, it will cause a dull reaction and drowsiness, but if a person who already has a damaged brain takes it, it will cause nerve paralysis. For example, if Christie takes it, it will dy the time for her to wake up. If the purity of the medicine is high and the dose isrge, it¡¯s very likely that she will not wake up.¡±


    Olivia didn¡¯t expect that Stephanie could recognize the pill. Normally, no one could confirm what kind of a pill it was just by sniffing it.


    She wondered if Stephanie had proficient medical skill.


    Olivia denied it, ¡°My assistant gave it to me. He said it¡¯s good for my health


    ¡°Olivia, do you think we won¡¯t find out what you have done? Do you think the deleted surveince footage can¡¯t be restored?¡± Vincent asked.


    10:43 Wed, 29 May MBG


    Chapter 57


    Olivia¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    Coldly. Vincent said, ¡°The guest will arrive soon. Let¡¯s go to the living room. Sophia, take her downstairs.¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°Yes!¡±


    Stephanie pushed Vincent into the elevator while Sophia dragged Olivia down the stairs by the cor.


    When Olivin reached thest step, she saw Frederick and Edith sitting on the couch in the living room. The two of them looked angry and confused.


    Olivia cried and called out to the couple, but they remained motionless


    Vincent dialed a number, and not long after, the bodyguard brought in the van driver and Olivia¡¯s assistant, Ormand.


    The driver¡¯s face was badly bruised and swollen. He directly confessed that someone had paid him to beat someone up.


    Money made the world move. He thought it was a good offer. Not only could he vent his anger, but he would also make money from it.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that the person who hired him could be the best actress. He only pped her body and face a few times.


    Olivia¡¯s assistant, Ormand, was in charge of the arrangement.


    Seeing that the matter was exposed, Olivia burst into tears.


    Vincent said coldly. ¡°I will give you one chance. Why do you want to hurt Christie? Did you cause her to fall down the stairs?¡±


    Olivia plopped on her knees with a thud and crawled forward. ¡°Uncle Vincent, it¡¯s not my fault that Christie fell down the stairs. It¡¯s her own fault. In recent years, wherever I went, I was called a prominent youngdy. The fame and fortune seized me for a moment. I wanted to monopolize all of this because of my vanity.¡±


    Stephanie asked, ¡°Where did you get the pills? There¡¯s no medicine with such quality on the market. Where did you get them?¡±


    Olivia sniffed and said, ¡°Ormand helped me get it. I don¡¯t know where it came from.¡±


    ¡°I bought the drug off the dark web,¡± said Ormand:


    46


    With tears all over her face, Olivia crawled over on her knees and said, ¡°Dad, Mom, please forgive me. I just lost it for a bit. I¡¯m afraid that you won¡¯t love me anymore when Christie wakes up. Dad, Mom, if I really want to kill Christie, I won¡¯t drug her, right? I¡¯m just afraid of losing your love! Dad, Mom¡­¡±


    Edith¡¯s eyes were wide open, and her whole body was trembling. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to drug her. How could you be so cruel? Christie has always adored you and even called you her sister. She has been obedient and sensible since she was a child. She has never argued with you for anything. Why can¡¯t you let her go? Our family has treated you well. How can you be so ungrateful?¡±


    Olivia tried to pull the hemline of Edith¡¯s dress but was pushed away. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! I really regret adopting you!¡±


    She looked at Frederick and said, ¡°It was you who brought this vicious woman home. You destroyed Christiel¡±


    Frederick looked at Olivia with disappointment. He didn¡¯t expect that she would do this.


    Edith¡¯s eyes


    es were full of hatred. She grabbed Frederick¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Put her in jail! She harmed Christie, She deserves to be punished!¡±


    other who saved


    Olivia¡¯s eyes widened as she saw Frederick considering it. She grabbed his trousers in a hurry and begged, ¡°Dad, I beg you. Think of my father, you at the cost of his life. Please forgive me this time, okay?¡±


    Edith red at her and said, ¡°You¡¯re gaslighting him now? Your father saved Frederick, but we raised you. We¡¯ve already repaid his kindness. The point is,


    10:43 Wed, 29 May S


    Chapter 57


    you hurt Christie!¡±


    Olivia kept begging on her knees. ¡°Dad, please¡­¡±


    Frederick cloved his eyes and sternly said, ¡°From now on, you


    on, you are no longer a member of our family. This is myst mercy to you. Leave!¡±


    Pain and reluctance filled Olivia¡¯s eyes. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­..


    She stood up


    and looked at Vincent, but the man didn¡¯t spare her even a nce,


    Her eyes fell on Stephanie, but she quickly looked away and s t a g r d out of the mansion.


    Edith hit Frederick with her fist angrily. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault, it¡¯s all your fault that Christie suffered such a thing?¡±


    Frederick lowered his head and let Edith vent her anger.


    He didn¡¯t expect that his adopted daughter would repay his kindness with hostility more than a decadeter.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m really sorry¡­¡± Frederick muttered.


    The always energetic second son of the Fletcher family seemed to have aged ten years older.


    Frederick buried his face in his palm, and tears dripped through his fingers.


    Vincent raised his hand, and the bodyguard took the driver and Ormand out.


    At this moment, the elevator door opened.


    Stephanie turned around and greeted the person inside.


    She took the wheelchair from the butler and looked at the little girl with beautiful eyes. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    Christina nodded and said, ¡°My head still feels a bit heavyN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine in a while. Go see your parents,¡± said Stephanie, pushing the wheelchair toward Frederick and Edith.


    ¡°Dad, Mom,¡± Christina called out.


    The couple, who were crying while holding each other, heard the familiar voice and looked up with disbelief in their eyes.


    ¡°Christia!¡± cried them both.


    Edith suddenly stood up and hugged Christina, crying ¡°My daughter¡­¡±


    Tears fell down Frederick¡¯s cheeks. Choking up with s b s , he held Christina¡¯s hand.


    Stephanie went to Vincent¡¯s side and said, ¡°It¡¯s been three years. The three of them can finally talk to each other.¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go back. Paul will arrange their stay.¡±


    After returning to the bedroom, Vincent called Zane. ¡°Follow her, but don¡¯t let her find out. We don¡¯t want them to be alert.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Fletcher,¡± said Zane.


    Letting Olivia go wasn¡¯t in the n Thou shouldan L.


    Chapter 57


    60%


    not be ruled out that Olivia pushed her down.


    However, Stephanie found that the medicine Clivia brought wasn¡¯t avable in the ck market, and only insiders could get it. This meant that Olivia wasn¡¯t an ordinary person.


    Once the pills were mass-produced, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Vincent understood Stephanie¡¯s meaning with just a nce.


    Anything Stephanie wanted to be done would be the right thing to do.


    He sent someone to follow Olivia to check her whereabouts; see who she had contact with, and find the source of the drug.


    Meanwhile, Olivia was in the taxi and gnashed her teeth with hatred.


    She cursed Ormand for being useless. He said the hacker was ver


    very skilled, yet Vincent was able to restore the surveince footage and find the driver.


    She swore that she would avenge herself for what she had suffered.

 Chapter 58

    <b>Chapter </b><b>58</b>


    It was nearly two o¡¯clock in the morning.


    Stephanie nestled in Vincent¡¯s arms. Listening to his heartbeat quicken slightly, she frowned and asked, ¡°Why is your heartbeat so fast? Let me check your pulse. You don¡¯t have any heart¨Crted issues, do you?¡±


    Vincent chuckled and tightened his grip on her voluptuous waist. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re in my arms.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes twinkled with amusement. ¡°Then I should probably stay away from you. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid you may develop a heart condition over time.¡± she said as she attempted to withdraw from his arms.


    Heheld her tighter.


    <ol>


    <li>¡°No <b>way</b><b>! </b>I¡¯d rather have a heart disease than lovesickness!¡±</li>


    </ol>


    Sheughed. ¡°Why are you so good at sweet talk? <b>Have </b>you ever said that to others?¡±


    He replied, ¡°No, I¡¯ve only said it to you.¡±


    She teased him, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. You¡¯re so good at it. You must have practiced many times.¡±


    He inquired, ¡°Do 17¡±


    Stephanie nodded, then shook her head. ¡°Not sure. Let me try and evaluate again.¡±


    Her hands, resting on his chest, slowly cradled his handsome face as <b>her </b>lips met his. Her delicate tongue gently brushed across his thin lips.


    Stephanie smiled coyly. ¡°So sweet!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as the woman he desired for many years was in his arms, and he could not hold on any longer.


    He rolled over<b>, </b>pinning Stephanie down, and looked at her beneath him, whose eyes were sparkling. His voice sounded husky. ¡°Stephie¡­¡±


    Their lips met, and both of them began to breathe heavily.


    His fingertips opened her pajamas. His kisses trailed down her tanned neck,nded on her delicate corbone, and wandered over her chest.


    Her hands threaded through his firm strands of hair, yet the wound on her shoulder throbbed in pain as she exerted force.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    His kiss paused on her beautiful waistline. He took a deep breath, climbed above her, and kissed her smooth forehead sincerely.


    He gazed at her clear and bright eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you to recover.¡±


    He got out of bed. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower.¡±


    Stephanie sat up and tidied her pajamas. ¡°I can help you.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°Help <b>me</b><b>?</b>¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips. ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Stephie¡­¡± He knelt on the mattress.


    Stephanie¡¯s fingertips touched his sturdy abdominal muscles, and her gaze fixed on the ck edge around his waist.


    Chapter 50


    Forty minutester, Vincent carried her to the restroom and stood behind her to wash her hands.


    Stephanie pouted and felt regretful about that decision.


    He appearedpletely satisfied. His low and maicughter came through as he kissed her cheek. ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re awesome!¡±


    Stephanie muttered, ¡°I had known it would be this tiring, I wouldn¡¯t have helped you.¡±


    After turning off the faucet, Vincent took a towel to dry her hands. He then turned her around and lifted her delicate chin with his fingertips. ¡°There¡¯s <b>a</b>


    saving


    <b>She </b>was curious. ¡°What?¡±


    He answered, ¡°There¡¯s no turning back once started.¡±


    She was startled


    It was nine o¡¯clock in the morning when Stephanie woke up. Vincent had left a message for her at quarter past seven in the morning, informing her he had gone to the office


    She clicked her tongue lightly and could not help but marvel at his good <b>mental </b><b>state</b>.


    They were up until almost two in the morning, yet he still got up so early.


    After sending him a good morning image, she freshened up, then changed into a long dress from Style Jazz Couture and headed downstairs.


    On the living room couch, Frederick and Edith were chatting with Christina.


    They immediately stood up and greeted her when they saw her.


    Stephanie smiled and greeted, ¡°Frederick, Edith, Christie, no need for all the niceties. Please take a seat!¡±


    Frederick nodded. ¡°Vincent told us it was all your credit that we were able to find out who was behind the scenes.¡±


    She smiled lightly. ¡°It¡¯s just a small matter. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Edith wiped her tears. ¡°It¡¯s not a small matter <b>at </b>all. We were deceived for so many years. Stephie, <b>you¡¯re </b>not only talented but also intelligent. You¡¯re


    truly our savior!¡±


    Christina burst intoughter. ¡°Mom, your praise sounds so fake.¡±


    Edith gave her a reproachful <b>look</b>. ¡°It¡¯s not! I¡¯m speaking the truth.¡±


    Christina cleared her throat. ¡°You have to say it like mine. Stephanie is like an angel descended from heaven and a drop¨Cdead gorgeous woman that everyone adores Flowers bloom in her presence, and <b>cars </b><b>get </b>t tires at the sight of her!¡±


    Stephanie chuckled and thought, ¡®Christine is <b>indeed </b>adorable!¡®


    She said, ¡°Thank you for thepliment, Christie, although it <b>sounds </b>even more fake.¡±


    Everyoneughed,


    Edith uttered, ¡°Vincent told <b>us </b><b>we </b>can share Christie¡¯s <b>condition </b>with you. <b>You¡¯ll </b><b>pass </b><b>it </b>on to Dr. Summer.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll inform her. Edith, feel free to ask anything you want.¡±


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    Chapter 58


    Edith pondered for a moment. ¡°Christie has partial memory loss now. Will she recover her memory in the future? I always feel like her falling down the stairs incident is quite suspicious.¡±


    Stephanie replied. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Dr. Summer for you, but I think it¡¯ll take some time for Christie to <b>recover </b>this part of her memory. Letting the memorye back naturally is the best approach. Perhaps<b>, </b>at some point, she¡¯ll remember without needing to force it. Trying too hard may not yield good results and.


    could increase mental stress.¡±


    Frederick agreed, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Edith red at him. ¡°It¡¯s all your fault.¡±


    y a word.


    Frederick opened his mouth but could not say a


    Stephanie beamed<b>. </b>¡°Christie is awake now, and she¡¯ll get better over time. We should cherish each other more. Edith, don¡¯t me Frederick either. He doesn¡¯t want things to be like <b>this</b>.¡±


    Edith nodded. ¡°Okay<b>, </b>I¡¯ll listen to Stephie!¡±


    Stephanie grinned and looked at Christina. ¡°What are your ns, Christie?¡±


    Christina responded, ¡°I want to attend university, but I¡¯m not sure if I can get good grades for the exam next year after studying for a year.¡±


    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t worry! You have to believe in yourself,¡± Stephanie encouraged her.


    Christina nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll keep <b>up</b>


    up with you, Stephanie!¡±


    It had been a week since Austin was rescued from the basement, but he still had not woken up. Stephanie <b>was </b>very anxious but had no choice and could only wait patiently.


    On that day, she, as usual, finished doing sketches in her studio before heading to the hospital.


    As soon as she entered the ward, she saw Austin <b>staring </b>at the door.


    Stephanie was first taken aback, then quickly walked over and spoke emotionally. ¡°<b>Grandpa</b>?¡±


    <b>Austin </b>called<b>, </b>¡°Stephie.¡±


    Stephanie cried tears of joy. ¡°Grandpa, do you still remember me?¡±


    He replied, ¡°Of course! How could I forget my dear granddaughter?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Let me check your <b>pulse</b>.¡± Stephanie did a pulse diagnosis for him. ¡°It¡¯s just poor blood cirction, nothing major¡± After all, Austin had mild brain damage, so he unavoidably would experience some impact.


    ¡°Do you remember things from before? Stephanie asked tentatively.


    Austin thought for a moment. ¡°It seems like I can¡¯t remember much.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa, do you remember who put you in the basement?¡± Stephanie probed.


    Austin tried to recall his memories. Amotion came from outside the ward when he was about to speak.


    Horace and <b>Matilda </b>were <b>banging </b>on <b>the </b><b>door</b><b>,</b>¡°Let us in! My father is in there!¡±


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    Chapter 58


    Stephanic stood up, quickly walked over, and flung the door open,


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>59</b>


    The door to the ward was opened. Stephanie saw Horace and Matilda arguing fiercely with the bodyguard. There were many onlookers around them.


    ¡°What are you guys doing here?¡± Stephanie asked in a deep voice


    Horace raised his chin. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m here to visit my father! You¡¯ve already severed ties with the Hayes family, so you have no right to stop me from seeing Dad!¡±


    Stephanie sneered. ¡°I may have severed ties with you all, but I still see him <b>as </b>Grandpa<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    Horace snorted coldly and said, ¡°Stephanie, I¡¯m now Dad¡¯s guardian.¡±


    That was nomittal.


    Stephanie was unable to change the guardian <b>because </b>there was no concrete evidence to prove <b>Austin¡¯s </b>ident was instigated by Horace, that unfilial


    She hoped for Austin to wake up so he could recount the <b>events </b>of that night.


    If Horace and Matilda were involved, she would send them to jail andwfully bring Austin home<b>.</b>


    Hotace snorted and strode in.


    Matilda cast asidelong nce at Stephanie, looking haughtily.


    Horace asked eagerly, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re <b>awake</b>! How do you feel?¡±


    Austin nodded. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡±


    His reply indicated his attitude toward Horace was not as bad as Stephanie thought. Her heart instantly sank¡­


    Austin spoke concernedly. ¡°Horace, Stephie is also your daughter. She has just returned for a few <b>days</b>. Can¡¯t you two show her more care? In a few days, she¡¯ll be engaged to Dous. When she gets married, you won¡¯t spend much time together.<b>¡±</b>


    Stephanie pursed her lips tightly as Austin¡¯s memory remained at the time when she had just returned to the country.


    Matilda took her and Florence to attend a birthday party together after she returned home.


    Yet, Matilda felt humiliated due to Stephanie¡¯s poor reputation.


    When they returned home, Matilda taunted her with sarcasm, and Horace made her stay home since then.


    Matilda uttered, ¡°Getting engaged to Dous won¡¯t make your status skyrocket instantly. Have <b>you </b>ever looked at yourself? Don¡¯t you feel ashamed when you stand beside Flore? Can you sing? Can you design sketches? Can you act? Just stay home obediently, and don¡¯t think about stealing the Limelight


    After that, Austin quarreled with Horace and Matilda over that matter and ended up fainting from anger.


    Stephanie concluded Austin fainted <b>due </b>to anger and did not need hospitalization after examining his <b>pulse</b>.


    Horace used her of being an ingrate, iming Austin fainted because of her, yet she still hindered them from taking him to the hospital.


    Stephanie knew her presence was not weed in the Hayes family,


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    Chapter 59


    ¡°Dad, do you remember how you ended up in the hospital?¡± Horace asked tentatively.


    Austin snorted. ¡°Because <b>you </b>two are sed to Flore and unkind to Stephie!¡±


    At that moment, Stephanie noticed Horace and Matilda seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief.


    Austin looked at Stephanie. ¡°Stephie, what were you saying about the basement just now? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Stephanie revealed<b>. </b>¡°There¡¯s a basement under the dining table in the Hayes manor, Do <b>you </b>know about this?¡±


    He frowned. ¡°Basement? I can¡¯t seem to remember.¡±


    Horace retorted, ¡°You instructed someone to construct this basement. Why can¡¯t you remember now?¡±


    Austin held his head with both hands. ¡°I feel dizzy.¡±


    Matilda advised, ¡°Don¡¯t try to recall for now, or you¡¯ll <b>have </b>a headache!¡±


    She nced at Stephanie and lowered her voice. ¡°I¡¯ll settle the discharge formalitiester. If you want to visit <b>Dad </b>after this, contact us in <b>advance</b>. We¡¯ll let you meet him when we¡¯re in a good mood.¡±


    Stephanie understood Matilda¡¯s implication that she would need to keep them happy if she wanted to visit Austin.


    To keep them happy, she had to withdraw the charges and get Florence released from the psychiatric hospital.


    Seeing Matilda sway her hips <b>as </b>she <b>walked </b>out, Stephanie also left the ward.


    She imed, ¡°I seriously doubt if you¡¯re my biological mother!¡±


    Matilda¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She turned around and scolded, ¡°I never expected you to ask such a question. I really shouldn¡¯t have given birth to you in the first ce!¡±


    Stephanie sneered. ¡°I never imagined my mother could be so biased! I must have been bom to the wrong parents.¡±Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Matilda¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment. ¡°Because <b>you </b>always took Flore¡¯s nutrients in the womb, and she was born nearly two pounds lighter than


    you.¡±


    That was just an excuse if her biological parents did not love her because of that reason,


    Afterpleting the discharge formalities, Matilda and Horace brought Austin to the Hayes manor.


    Horace confirmed Austin did indeed suffer brain damage, resulting in some memory loss after several repeated attempts to ascertain.


    That was a huge relief for them.


    As they watched Austin fall asleep, Matilda led Horace into the study, her face bearing with joy. ¡°Flore has hope this time! We can also threaten Stephanie to remove the photos of Flore and Dous from the inte.¡±


    He questioned, ¡°Did Stephanie stop those photos from being taken down?¡±


    Matilda affirmed, ¡°It¡¯s not Stephanie, but Vincent has been fanning the mes. Then we¡¯ll have her hold a press conference to confess she once ndered Flore. Flore never had a vocal double<b>, </b>and none of the sketches were Stephanie. Stephanie is just spreading rumors! Flore is so outstanding. Why would she use rough sketches from that despicable bitch?¡±


    Horace pondered for a moment. ¡°The vocal double matter had already been exposed and couldn¡¯t be denied. But the rough sketch issue is still possible.


    Chapter 59


    We have a new productunching up soon. This way, not only can we suppress Starlight Design Studio, but we also restore Fantasy Boutique¡¯s reputation.


    Matilda thought of Dous at the mention of Fantasy Boutique, and she felt uneasy. ¡°Do you still want Flore to be with Dous? He has been kicked out of the Fletcher family now. He¡¯s even been disowned from the family registry.¡±


    Horace squinted. ¡°Flore is a designer at Fantasy Boutique. No matter what, we must clear her name before separating from Doust¡±


    Matilda found the n feasible and nodded in agreement. ¡°That bitch is the S¨Css designer of Starlight Design Studio. I want to see how Starlight Design Studio suffers a crushing defeat! They¡¯ve been bullying my daughter for so long. This time, Flore will definitely give her a hard p in the face!¡±


    On the other side, Stephanie went to Fletcher Group after she left the hospital.


    Vincent had not returned from the conference room yet due to a meeting. She stood by the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, gazing into the distance.


    Just now, Matilda had called Stephanie using the housekeeper¡¯s phone and demanded she release Florence as soon as possible.


    Stephanie did not expect such a turn of events, which was unfavorable for her.


    Once one¡¯s weakness was exposed, the other party would take advantage of it.


    She had toe up with a foolproof <b>n </b>to <b>save </b>Austin.


    Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist.


    As soon as Stephanie looked back, the man kissed her.


    Vincent kissed her deeply for a while before saying, ¡°What are you thinking about that you¡¯re so absorbed? You didn¡¯t even notice when I came in.¡±


    Stephanie turned around and <b>said </b>sole

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    It was the first time Vincent had seen Stephanie so serious, so he took her to sit on the couch after sensing the matter¡¯s seriousness.


    He stared at her and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Stephanie recounted what had happened in the ward for him.


    Upon hearing that, Vincent squinted. ¡°How dare they threaten you so tantly?¡±


    Stephanie held his hand. ¡°Actually, Thave an idea. But I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s feasible.¡±


    Vingent held her hand back and encouraged her, ¡°Tell me,¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes lit up when he heard Stephanie¡¯s idea. ¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea. Let¡¯s have a try,¡±


    Vincent smoothed her frown and said, ¡°It¡¯s good that Mr. Hayes can¡¯t remember some things because only in this way can the Hayes family think he is not a threat. He is safe before our n is carried out.¡± Seeing that Stephanie was still in low spirits, he held her on hisp and reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Stephie. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Stephanie. She felt at ease in Vincent¡¯s arms.


    In the next few days, Stephanie went to Starlight Design Studio in the morning and Harmony Healthcare Hub in the afternoon. She did not arrive home until nearly 11 p.m.


    After returning home, she took a shower and spent time with Vincent before falling asleep.


    Vincent felt distressed every time he saw her tired look, and his anger toward the Hayes family deepened.


    One night, Stephanie arrived at home at 9 p.m.


    Seeing that Stephanie went out early and came backte these days, Sophia felt distressed. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, you finally came back earlier. Let me make you a minestrone soup.¡±


    Stephanie happened to feel a little hungry. ¡°Thank you, Sophia.¡±


    Sophia smiled and said, ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll make it for you right now.¡±


    Stephanie did not find Vincent in the bedroom, so she guessed he must be in the study.


    She returned to the guest bedroom for a shower, dried her hair, and went to the study.


    She gently knocked on the study door and entered after getting permission.


    Vincent was typing on the keyboard. He looked at her through the gold-rimmed sses on the bridge of his nose.


    He stopped and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±


    Stephanie walked briskly toward him and sat on hisp.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Seeing her happy face, Vincent was also in a good mood. ¡°Let me guess why you¡¯re so happy, Stephie. Did your development seed?¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s just one of the reasons. And I¡¯m happy to see you!¡±


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    Chapter 60


    He chuckled. ¡°You didn¡¯t seem that happy to see me the other night. You¡¯ve learned to lie.¡±


    Stephanie stuck out her tongue. ¡°Oh no! You¡¯ve exposed me.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes darkened as he saw that. He put his arms around Stephanie¡¯s waist and breathed more heavily. ¡°Stephie, kiss me.¡±


    His voice was husky and filled with an undertone of desire.


    Stephanie had slightly given him a cold shoulder in the past few days.


    To make it up, she held Vincent¡¯s handsome face with both hands, and her nose gently rubbed against his. Then she tilted her head and kissed his light red lips.


    Although Stephanie had kissed Vincent many times, she was still a newble in that regard.


    Her kiss made people feel a little itchy in the heart.


    Vincent¡¯s big hand held the back of her head and deepened the kiss. His kiss was passionate and uninhibited, and the study was full of the sound of their breaths intermingling and the echoes of kissing.


    Vincent¡¯s hand skillfully sneaked into Stephanie¡¯s pajamas and moved upward along her smooth skin.


    At that moment, footsteps came from the corridor.


    Stephanie instantly opened her eyes and stopped his hand, which wandered around her chest.


    When their lips parted, a thin strand of saliva bridged between them, creating an ambiguous moment and making one¡¯s cheeks flush and heart race.


    ¡°Sophia is here. Let go of Before she could finish her words, Vincent stopped her with another kiss


    At that time, a knock sounded at the door.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Fletcher, I¡¯m here to see off the minestrone soup,¡± said Sophia.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes widened. When she saw Vincent with a smile, sheined inwardly, ¡®He¡¯s so bad that he deliberately wants to watch me being


    nervous.


    She bit his lips, pushed him away, and jumped off hisp.


    She straightened her pajamas and looked back angrily at Vincent, who was gloating. Then, she went to open the door,


    When Sophia saw her, she was first stunned and then smiled. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, here is the minestrope soup for you and Mr. Fletcher,¡±


    Stephanie took over the tray and thanked her.


    Sophia nodded and hurriedly closed the door.


    Stephanie put the tray on the table and said, ¡°Why does Sophia look at


    t me with a weird smile?¡±


    Vincent looked at her red and swollen lips and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡±


    Stephanie looked at him in confusion. She grabbed her phone to snap a picture to check. Then, she snorted. ¡°You did it on purpose!¡±


    Vincent leaned against the back of the wheelchair with his legs wide open, ¡°Yeah, I did it on purpose.¡±


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    Chapter 60


    Stephanie reached to tickle him. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying!¡±


    Vincent embraced her with a smile. ¡°Do you dislike me?¡±


    Stephanie replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so bad,¡±


    ¡°Then do you like it?¡± Vincent pinched her chin. ¡°Huh?¡±


    Stephanie retended to be angry but said with a smile, ¡°No,¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie insisted. ¡°Yes!¡±


    Vincent stated. ¡°Then, if I feed you minestrone soup, will you like me a little?¡±


    Stephanie had never expected Vincent to be good at acting mischievously.


    ¡°Feed me, then, Stephanie agreed:


    Vincent patiently fed her minestrone soup.


    When he was about to feed the other minestrone soup, Stephanie held his hand and refused, ¡°This is yours.¡±


    ¡°I have to feed you fully,¡± Vincent remarked.


    Stephanie put her hand on her stomach, smiling, and said, ¡°I¡¯m already full.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Vincent questioned.


    Stephanie nodded.


    Vincent stroked her hand. ¡°Stephie,


    hie, it¡¯s your turn to feed me.¡±


    Stephanie bit her lower lip and whispered in his ear, ¡°I¡¯ve applied some special ointment these days. My shoulders have healed.¡±


    Vincent was surprised. ¡°So can L..¡±


    Stephanie nodded.


    Instantly, Vincent only wished to take Stephanie back to the bedroom, but he was still a ¡°disabled¡± person, so he could only let her sit on his legs and control the wheelchair to move together.


    As soon as they entered the bedroom, Vincent locked the door.


    He lifted her,


    strode to the bed, and gently put her on it.


    The warm yellow light made the environment very ambiguous, which blurred people¡¯s sight.¡±


    The two looked at each other affectionately.


    Stephanie slowly unbuttoned his pajamas, revealing his strong chest and well-proportioned abdominal muscles.


    Vincent gulped and kissed her smooth forehead, eyebrows, nose, ears, red lips, neck, and delicate corbone. Every part of her body was kissed passionately by him.


    Chapter 60


    He unbuttoned her pajamas and kissed her more passionately. ¡°Stephie, can 17¡±

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Stephanie bit her lips and nodded in agreement.


    As if being encouraged, Vincent went closer and kissed her deeply.


    At that critical moment, Stephanie felt a warmthing.


    She put her hands against his chest. ¡°Vincent, wait, wait, uttered Stephanie,


    ¡°I can wait no longer,¡± Vincent responded. His voice was slightly trembling.


    With a hint of apology in her moist eyes, Stephanie said, ¡°You¡¯must wait.¡±


    Vincent took a deep breath, staring at her confusedly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie said, ¡°Aunt Flo is here.¡±


    Vincent frowned. ¡°When will Aunt Floe? Should I pick her up?¡± he asked.


    Vincent¡¯s words amused Stephanie. ¡°It¡¯s not my real aunt but my menstrual period. You can¡¯t pick it up, but a sanitary pad can.¡±


    Only then did Vincent know that the menstruation period was nicknamed ¡°Aunt Flo.¡±


    He buried his face in Stephanie¡¯s neck and chuckled. He thought, ¡°How could she think of such a sentence? Genius.¡±


    Stephanie hinted, ¡°Vincent, my sanitary pad is in my suitcase.¡±


    Vincent then got out of bed. ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll get it for you,¡± he said.


    Stephanie nodded and pulled the nket over to cover her face, revealing only her eyes.


    She watched Vincent walk into the walk-in closet. His physique was attractive, and his legs were long and straight.


    Reminiscing about their hot scene, she couldn¡¯t help but blush as her heart raced


    ???????????


    Right then, Vincent came out in a light gray loungewear. He s


    sat in the wheelchair and left the bedroom.


    Stephanie quickly got out of bed and put on her pajamas. She saw a red bloodstain on the bed. With no time to bother, she ran into the bathroom,


    After a while, he returned to the room but did not see Stephanie on the bed. ¡°Stephie?¡± he uttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m in the bathroom. Just open the door and throw it to me,¡± replied Stephanie.


    Vincent then entered the bathroom to pass her the sanitary pad.


    Stephanie felt embarrassed. ¡°Well¡­ You can leave now,¡± she said.


    Vincent could not helpughing at her shyness.


    He smiled and turned to go out.


    When Stephanie exited the bathroom, the bed sheet had been changed.


    1/4


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    Chapter 61


    Seeing her puzzled, Vincent exined, ¡°I¡¯ve asked the housekeeper to change it.¡±


    Stephanie felt ashamed for staining the sheets at such an age.


    Looking at Stephanie standing by the bed and fiddling with her pajamas, Vincent found it funny. He picked her up and put her gently on the bed.


    Hey beside Stephanie and asked, ¡°Does your stomach hurt?¡±


    ¡°It hurts a little,¡± answered St


    Stephanie,


    Vincent offered, ¡°Let me massage it for you.¡±


    The warmth from his palm relieved the pain in her lower abdomen.


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    Vincent opened the door and found Sophia with the chamomile tea.


    Hatook it, closed the door, got off the wheelchair, and strode over. ¡°I heard that girls drink this during their menstrual period to relieve pain,¡±


    Stephanie sat up and drank the chamomile tea.


    Vincent put the cup on the bedside table before lying beside her.


    Nestling in his arms, Stephanie looked up at him and asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    He was in the heat of that venting moment but was forced to stop. Stephanie believed he must be very ufortable.


    Vincent nodded and hugged her tightly. ¡°Close your eyes and sleep,¡± he said.


    Stephanie dared not to say further, found afortable position, and fell asleep.


    With Stephanie in his arms, Vincent naturally had naughty thoughts. After she fell asleep, he gently pulled out his arm and went to the bathroom for a cold shower. However, the heat in his body could not be cooled down, so he had to solve it himself.


    In theundry room, Sophia was washing the bed sheet. When Linda saw it, her pupils contracted.


    She pondered but said nothing.


    Before going to bed, Linda sent a message and deleted it immediately.


    Meanwhile, Dous, sitting on the couch in the club¡¯s private room, read this text message: [There are blood stains on the bed sheet. It seems that Mr. Fletcher has consummated his marriage with Mrs. Fletcher]


    He narrowed his malicious eyes. ¡®Since Vincent could consummate a marriage, which meant he wasn¡¯t sexually impotent and that his legs had recovered. With the medical skills of Dr. Summer, there is a chance to cure Vincent. Or Vincent has actually recovered, but he kept pretending to be disabled¡¯ Dous thought. After thinking for a while, he concluded thetter was very likely. After all, with Vincent¡¯s c u n n i n g character, he would do such a thing.


    Dous thought Vincent pretended to be disabled because he wanted to put on a false front and attract the people who had plotted against him in the past few years.


    miseend that s had done something


    to him.


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    ¡°If they know that Vincent is not a c r i p e, will they be more afraid of him and more eager to kill him?¡± thought Dous. He burst intoughter thinking of this. He finally found a way to eliminate Vincent without taking action himself.


    He finished the wine and then called the other party toe in.


    After hanging up the phone, a woman dressed scantily and walked enchantingly in with a suitcase.


    Kneeling before Dous, she opened the suitcase, took out a belt, and handed it to him with both hands.


    Dous took it and hit her body hard.


    Since thest time he was acupunctured by Miracle Doctor Summer, he had returned to normal for two days. Afterward, he became sexually impotent.


    He was no different from an emascted man and could only vent his desire in such a way.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    He sent men to Harmony Healthcare Hub to look for Miracle Doctor Summer or caught the boss, Charlton, back. However, none of the men he had sent returned. He guessed it was Vincent who did it.


    Dous knocked out the woman kneeling on the ground. He spat on her and roared, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    The next day, Stephanie went to Starlight Design Studio. When she reached Julianna¡¯s office, she kept yawning on the reception chair.


    Julianna ordered someone to serve two cups of coffee. ¡°Why are you so sleepy?¡± Julianna asked.


    She caught a glimpse of the red marks on Stephanie¡¯s neck. Although she covered it with concealer, they were still vaguely visible.


    Julianna raised her eyebrow. ¡°You had a passionate night, huh?¡± she teased.


    Noticing the Teasing look in Julianna¡¯s eyes, Stephanie brushed her long, soft hair around her neck.


    Julianna took a sip of coffee with a smile. ¡°So, is he actually potent in that regard?¡± she asked,


    Stephanie coughed slightly and replied, ¡°It should be.¡±


    Julianna refuted, ¡°What do you mean by ¡®should be¡¯? You are so stunning. If he is potent, how can he stand it?¡±


    Stephanie also took a sip of coffee. ¡°Aunt Flo visits me,¡± she said.


    Julianna was speechless. Then, she said, ¡°What a ¡®right time it came. But it¡¯s said that men with straight noses are good in that regard. Vincent should be potent at it¡±


    Stephanie cast a reproachful nce at her. ¡°You are a youngdy with a dirty mind!¡± she remarkey


    Julianna smiled and shook her phone. ¡°Can¡¯t I fall in love with someone?¡± she asked.


    Stephanie was stunned. In her previous life, Julianna had never been in love. She wondered, ¡®Is she suddenly in love now?¡±


    She was slightly panicky. Many things were out of her control, such as things that happened to Austin in advance.


    She pursed her lips and said, ¡°is that person reliable? How much do you know him? Don¡¯t trust others easily, okay?¡±


    Julianna nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll observe him well. When our conversation goes well, I¡¯ll take you along when I meet him. You keep an eye on him for


    me,¡± she said.


    Stephanie nodded.


    Chapter 61


    ¡°By the way, how¡¯s your sister, the master of faux innocence and hypocritical pretense, who is in the psychiatric hospital?¡± Julianna asked.


    Stephanie squinted and answered, ¡°She¡¯ll be cut in two days.¡±


    Jukkanna was surprised. ¡°What? Is she cut in just a few days? Are you being too saintly?¡± she questioned,


    Stephanie told her what had happened to Austin.


    Julianna was furious instantly. ¡°How shameless the Hayes family are!¡± she furned.


    At that time. Stephanie¡¯s phone rang


    She sneered, ¡°Speak of the devil¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    In the s p a c o s office, Stephanie and Julianna looked at each other.


    Julianna gestured at Stephanie, who took the call and activated the recorder.


    Matilda¡¯s voice could be heard. ¡°Stephanie, when will you let Flore out?¡±


    ¡°She is sick. It¡¯s my responsibility to make sure she gets treated at a psychiatric hospital,¡± Stephanie answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re recording, aren¡¯t you? You do this every time! I dare you to turn off the recorder, yelled Matilda shrilly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to do it just because you ask me to. That would be shameful,¡± answered Stephanie while stirring her coffee leisurely. It wasn¡¯t sweet


    enough.


    so she added another sugar


    ¡°Austin¡¯s appetite hasn¡¯t been good these few days. What should we do, Stephanie?¡± asked Matilda suddenly.


    Stephanie¡¯s grip on the spoon tightened at Matilda¡¯s words. ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeding him?¡±


    Matilda clicked her tongue and rebuked, ¡°What are you talking about? What kind of person I am in your eyes to mistreat an old ma


    man? Austin was probably too worried about Flore¡¯s condition at the hospital, so he ate and slept less. Well, he was just discharged due to brain damage. He still needs rest even though it was not severe.¡±


    Matilda¡¯s intentions were clear. She was telling Stephanie that as long as Florence was suffering at the hospital, she would ensure Austin suffered as well.


    Matilda knew Stephanie would record for dirt based on her experience, so she trod with care.


    Stephanie took a deep breath and said. ¡°I will go to the police station to close the case now, so please treat Grandpa well.¡±


    Matilda replied with a smile, ¡°Of course, Austin is my inw after all. So don¡¯t worry. Be quick. I will go pick up Flore in a while.¡±


    With that, Matilda hung up.


    Julianna was fuming. ¡°Stephie, what kind of mother is she? Why does she only care about that pretentious b i t c h? She even threatened you with Mr. Hayes. How shameless! What are you going to do if this continues!¡±


    Stephanie took a sip of coffee and replied, ¡°She won¡¯t be smug for long.¡±


    ¡°So you have a n?¡± asked Julianna with a raised eyebrow as she saw Stephanie¡¯sposed expression.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I should probably get on with it fast though.¡±


    Julianna was relieved after she saw the assurance in Stephanie.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Stephanie left the design studio and went to the police station to withdraw her case.


    At the same time, Matilda went to the psychiatric ward. She saw Florence, who looked visibly thinner due to the distress over thest few days.


    Matilda burst into tears. ¡°Flore, what¡¯s happened to you?¡±


    ording to the hospital, Florence wasn¡¯t allowed any visitation to ensure proper treatment. It was a shock to see how she had suffered these few


    Florence gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°Stephanie the b i t c h must have conspired with the doctors to drug me. Mom, how can she do this to me? You cannot


    w days


    13


    May


    Chapter 62


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know her weakness. We¡¯re going to turn the tables this time!¡± Matilda sald viciously.


    Sophia¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s great, I almost couldn¡¯t take it anymore because of her. It¡¯s her turn now!¡± she said, cackling.


    ¡°Just leave already! You are so noisy, you mad woman¡± Jodie, who was on the next bed, took a look at Florence and shouted.


    Florence looked at Jodie fiercely. ¡°You¡¯re the one who is mad here! Stay where you are, Idiot.¡±


    ¡°Look at you. You will be here again, Jodie snorted.


    Florence cried out, ¡°No, I won¡¯t!¡±


    Matilda sensed that Florence was getting emotionally unstable, so she got Florence out in a hurry.


    Once they were home, Florence took a shower with the help of a housekeeper. She hit and screamed at the housekeeper because she thought the housekeeper looked at her strangely. The housekeeper didn¡¯t dare to react and endured this silently.


    Florence then went to look for Matilda afterward to discuss how to deal with Stephanie.


    ¡°You have to hold onto Dous. Then you can defeat Stephanie through Fantasy Boutique¡¯s Summer Wear productunch!¡± said Matilda. ¡°With that, you¡¯ll rise to fame. Then you can make Stephanie hold a press conference to admit she was ndering you. Once you gain respect and regain your innocence, then you can get rid of Dous.¡±


    Florence knew she couldn¡¯t defeat Stephanie. She held Matilda¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Mom, there is a way to kill two birds with one stone.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± asked Matilda.


    ¡°Get Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches. We will do the productunch before her. This will take her by surprise, and we can frame her for giarism,¡± said


    Florence.


    Matilda figured it was indeed a good idea. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s n properly.¡±


    ¡°Mom, why are you nice only to me?¡± Florence asked what she had been meaning to ask.


    Matilda figured since Florence asked, she could tell Florence.


    Just as she was about to do so, the door was opened.


    Horace looked at Florence lovingly and said. ¡°You¡¯re back! Please don¡¯t be mad that I didn¡¯t pick you up. I was busy with work.¡±


    Florence held Horace¡¯s arm and whined, ¡°Of course not, Dad! You¡¯re always so good to me.¡±


    Horaceforted her and looked at Matilda. ¡°Come with me to the study¡±


    Matilda nodded and followed him to the study.


    to tell her just now?¡± said Horace, sitting on his leather chair.


    ¡°Were you going to


    Matilda leaned against the table and said, ¡°I thought it was okay to tell her. She has to know sooner orter.¡±


    ¡°Florence is impulsive. If she blurted out anything, we could lose everything. The less people know about it, the better, alright?¡± said Horace concernedly


    ¡°Of course.¡± Matilda lifted her dress and sat on Horace. She unbuttoned her dress and said, ¡°Honey, don¡¯t you miss me? You¡¯ve not touched me in a while.¡±


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    Horace caressed her leg and said, ¡°Of course I do. I was just not in the mood because of what that jinx, Stephanie did.


    The door was not closed fully, Florence followed them and overheard the conversation.


    Seems like they are hiding something big from me, mused Florence.


    She closed the door quietly and left quickly.


    She went back to her room and called Dous. They agreed to meet at the mansion in the suburbs.


    She changed into a s**y ck slip dress and put on exquisite makeup before leaving.


    At the mansion, she opened the room¡¯s door and saw Dous. He was sitting on the edge of the bed with a ss of red wine in his hand.


    Florence walked in sensually with a smile. However, her smile froze when she saw the tools hanging on the wall.


    Dous drank up the wine and stood up. He held her waist and said, ¡°You¡¯ve lost a lot of weight. It feels different now.¡±


    Haled her to the tools.


    Florence was relieved. ¡°So you like this kind of wild y now?¡±


    Dous didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he kissed her and pushed her onto the bed.


    ¡°Dous?¡± called Florence.


    She looked at him in horror.


    Soon, Florence¡¯s miserable screams echoed through the mansio

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    After a tormenting night. Florence went home with wounds all over her body.


    Seeling her pale face, Matilda hurried to take her back to her room. When she saw the whip and burn marks all over Florence¡¯s body, her heart ached.


    she cursed.


    ¡°That d m n Doughs. How could he do this to you?¡± she cu


    Florence shouted madly. ¡°It hurts! Mom, Dous is useless


    ¡°What do you mean? Matilda hurried to find the ointment in the medical kit.


    ¡°Down there! It¡¯spletely useless, so he can only get his self-esteem back through such methods,¡± Florence exined.


    Matilda was stunned. ¡°What? How could this be?¡±


    Florence narrowed her eyes. ¡°Dous told me that Dr. Summer did it. That woman is in cahoots with Vincent. Now Dous hates Vincent very much, and there¡¯s bound to be sparks flying.¡±


    She excitedly held Matilda¡¯s hand. ¡°The more Dous hates him, the better. He¡¯ll hate Stephanie along with him and destroy her for me. Mom, don¡¯t tell me you feel sorry for Stephanie.¡±


    ¡°Of course not! Not when she made you like this,¡± Matilda replied.


    Florence snorted. ¡°All I need to do now is fan the mes and sit back to watch. Mom, contact your guy as soon as possible. I must get my hands on Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch!¡±


    Matilda nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will seed.¡±


    The summer productunch was going to be held in a week. In Tranquil Garden, Stephanie had been refining her sketches and taking part in tailoring.


    The designers had different opinions about her.


    Some felt that her designs lived up to her title of 5-ss designer and were as good as Star¡¯s.


    Others felt that their designs were simr. In addition, all rough sketches used for the summer productunch were Stephanie¡¯s


    The designers who idolized Star grew dissatisfied.


    Some of them even went to Julianna and asked if she had given Star¡¯s designs to Stephanie to prop her up. After all, their designs were so alike.


    Julianna just smiled and said that she would exinter. The most important thing at present was for the productunch to be sessful


    Stephanie went out early and came backte every day, which made Vincent look like a furning housewife waiting for her husband.


    That night, Stephanie put her final sketches into a brown paper bag to be presented at tomorrow¡¯s meeting.


    She stretched and looked at fier watch. It was already ten o¡¯clock.


    She sent a message to Vincent: I¡¯m going home, When will you be done?]


    While waiting for his reply, she packed her bag and was about to leave the design studio.


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    Chapter 63


    She intentionally left the door unlocked.


    Before leaving, she nced at the surveince a


    e cameras and intentionally left the door unlocked when she did.


    When Stephanie got to her car, she checked her phone but Vincent hadn¡¯t replied.


    Usually, he would reply instantly. Since it had been a long time, Stephanie couldn¡¯t help but grumble a little


    She called him, but no one answered.


    Then, she called Zane, who also took a long time to answer.


    ¡°Zane, is Vincent with you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher was poisoned with a potent substance. He¡¯s now taking a cold bath in Azure Clubhouse Room 888. There are lots of reporters gathered outside, probably waiting to see if Mr. Fletcher is disabled.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± Stephanie said.


    She started the car and sped off.


    Twenty minutester, Stephanie arrived at the entrance of the club to find dozens of reporters standing there.


    Since the club was a members-only, the reporters could only wander around outside!


    She put on a mask and a baseball cap and got out of the car, Zane was waiting for her at the side entrance.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked.


    Zane took her up the stairs. ¡°We can¡¯t tell who did it because everyone had touched that bottle of wine. Later, Mr. Fletcher felt unwell, so he asked me to take him away as soon as possible. The drug took effect very quickly, and Mr. Fletcher¡¯s face turned red. There were reporters outside, so I brought him to the guest room. There was even a woman who came knocking on the door. She was probably trying to probe around.¡±


    The first suspect that came to Stephanie¡¯s mind was the Hayes family, and the second was Dous. ¡°Look into who these people have contacted recently. Make it discreet. Don¡¯t alert anyone, such as the people close to us


    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Fletcher,¡± Zane replied.


    they arrived at Prom


    As they spoke, they


    at Room 638.


    Zane swiped the card for the door, and Stephanie entered.


    The light in the room was very dim. Only a faint ray of moonlight was shining on the white carpet.


    A wheelchair was ced at the end of the bed.


    When she saw there was no one in the bed, she called out, ¡°Vincent? Vincent, it¡¯s Stephie. I¡¯m here..


    Hearing the sound of water in the bathroom, Stephanie walked over. She pushed the door, but it wouldn¡¯t open.


    ¡°Vincent? Are you in there? It¡¯s Stephie,¡± she called out again.


    She knocked on the door and leaned her cheek against it to listen for some sounds.


    Suddenly, the door opened and Stephanie was pulled in.


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    Chapter 63


    Vincent held her tightly in his arms. His cold skin pressed against hers made her shiver.


    ¡°Are you taking a cold bath?¡± she asked.


    Vincent buried his face in her neck and burzled it.


    Stephanie could feel the heat from his cheek and breath.


    It was like hoing surrounded by ice and fire.


    ¡°Stephie¡­ Vincent grabbed her chin and kissed her


    He kissed her passionately as if he was going to swallow her up.


    Hisrge hand slid up


    up her firm abs, pinching the skin as it went up.


    The kiss made Stephanie light-headed. Then, Vincent slid his hand into her pants.


    She came to her senses in an instant. She grabbed his hand and said, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯m still on my period.¡±


    Vincent swallowed and hummed lowly. ¡°I¡¯ll just kiss you. I won¡¯t do anything else.¡±


    Stephanie wanted to say that she had brought antidote pills and needles, but as soon as she opened her mouth, his tongue slipped into her mouth.


    Savoring her beauty, Vincent carried her and walked out of the bathroom. He threw her on the bed, bent over, and kissed her hard.


    As the two clung to each other, Stephanie could clearly sense how much Vincent was holding back,


    Stephanie knew he was ufortable, so when he kissed her, she took out a white pill from her trouser pocket and put it into his mouth.


    Vincent, I¡¯ll help you get rid of the poison,¡± she said.


    Because she was in a rush, she only had one pill on hand. However, the pill¡¯s effects were minimal, perhaps because Vincent was taller and heavier than


    the average person.


    Stephanie pushed on his chest. ¡°I¡¯ll do some acupuncture for you. You¡¯ll be okay soon.¡±


    Vincent bit her lips and said, ¡°I trust you. But I don¡¯t n to do any acupuncture tonight¡±


    Stephanie opened her mouth in shock. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Vincent whispered in her ear,


    I be helping me.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were red, and his breath was heavy.


    ¡°Stephie, help me,¡± he said.


    Biting her lower lip, Stephanie made up her mind and reached out for his belt.


    The buming feeling was almost suffocating, and her ears were hot.


    Her hands were trembling, and she closed her eyes, letting him do whatever he wanted,


    Vincent kissed her lips greedily, making no secret of his overflowing desire.


    After a long time, he finally stopped.


    Stephanie twitched, ¡°Are you done?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no,¡± he replied.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie¡¯s moist eyes that had shock in them and her lips that were red and swollen from the kiss. ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.


    Vincent swallowed. ¡°I want to do it again.¡±


    Stephanie was confused.


    Vincent slid his hand down her neck and corbones and pushed her T-shirt up, revealing her curvy figure.


    Her waist rose and fell with her breath, and her sun-kissed skin was very attractive.


    ¡°Stephie¡­¡± Vincent whispered.


    His voice was h o a r s e and s**y, and Stephanie couldn¡¯t resist it anymore.


    More than an hourter, Vincent carried her to the bathroom washstand. Seeing that her thighs had some abrasions, he felt guilty.


    When Stephanie recalled how ferocious he was earlier, she was worried she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the real deal.


    Julianna said that men who had tall noses were p


    good in bed. It seemed to be true.


    Noticing Stephanie peeking at him, Vincent asked, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Stephanie looked away guiltily. ¡°Nothing¡±


    Vincent thought she was scared, so he held her face and pressed his forehead against hers. ¡°Did I scare you?


    ¡°No,¡± she replied.


    He asked again, ¡°Really?¡±


    She hummed in response.


    Vincent tilted his head and gave her little pecks, ¡°One more time?¡±


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    Chapter 64


    Stephanie was shocked. ¡°Y-You-can¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie swallowed thickly. ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. The drug is quite potent. If you don¡¯t rest, it¡¯ll harm your body.¡±


    She pursed her lips and said, ¡°I wanted to tell you just now, but you didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s silence, Vincent asked, ¡°So, can I do it?¡±


    Biting her lower lip, Stephanie felt her face burning. ¡°Yes, yes, yes. You¡¯re the best in the world!¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°When is your period ending?¡±


    ¡°In about two days,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Good,¡± he said.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± she thought.


    Stephanie lowered her head and remained silent.


    ¡°Can you take a shower?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it when I¡¯m home. I¡¯ll just wipe myself first,¡± she replied.


    Vincent wiped her thighs and then carried her down to wash her hands.


    Stephanie closed her eyes in embarrassment.


    After washing her hands, Stephanie said, ¡°I¡¯ll do some acupuncture for you. Then you take a shower, and we¡¯ll go home.¡±


    Vincent nodded.


    When the two walked out of the bathroom, hey on the bed casually.


    Stephanie put on her clothes quickly.


    She couldn¡¯t look him in the eyes. She felt very awkward, and her hands were shaking while inserting the needles.


    Vincentughed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing you haven¡¯t seen before, Dr. Summer. Why are you so shy?¡±


    Stephanie had been intimate with him before, but he had never been so intense. It was like seeing another side of him.


    The once abstinent man looked like a polished scoundrel after removing the disguise.


    After putting the needles away, Stephanie pushed him. ¡°Go take a shower¡±


    Vincent didn¡¯t feel a burning desire within him anymore. Stephanie was really good at acupuncture.


    He stood up and kissed her hair before entering the bathroom.


    Zane brought some clothes for Vincent to change into.


    Stephanie cleaned up the scene to avoid being found out.


    Chapter 64


    After taking a shower and getting changed, Vincent sat in the wheelchair.


    Then Stephanie wheeled him out of the room.


    After entering the elevator, Stephanie said, ¡°Zane said that everyone in the private room had touched that bottle of wine. In addition, the lighting was dins, so he couldn¡¯t find out who did it. Lasked Zane to investigate who they had contacted recently. I think it¡¯s very strange. Why is someone targeting your legs?


    Vincent narrowed his eyes. He remembered that a group of people had targeted him before. They suspected that he was pretending to be disabled, but he caught them at the top of the mountain.


    ¡°Is the same person behind this too? he wondered.


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were cold. He didn¡¯t tell Stephanie about it because he didn¡¯t want her to worry. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone look into it.¡±


    Stephanie sensed that Vincent already had someone in mind.


    But since he didn¡¯t say anything, she didn¡¯t ask.


    After leaving the club, the reporters who had been waiting there swarmed around them.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I heard you met with a female friend at night!¡± one asked.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, someone said you¡¯re pretending to be disabled,¡± another one said.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, three hours have passed since someone said that you met a female friend at night. A lot of things can happen within then,¡± a third one asked


    Stephanic stood in front of Vincent. ¡°Are you talking about me? I didn¡¯t expect that reporters would camp here in the middle of the night just to investigate some gossip. There¡¯s an earthquake in Lofbury, and they¡¯re in desperate need of disaster relief. You didn¡¯t report on that, but you¡¯re here because of some ¡°rumor.¡± I think you have forgotten the responsibility of being a reporter. If anyone spreads this rumor again, Fletcher Group will be taking them to court!¡±


    The reporters fell silent.


    The ck Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked in front of the steps. Stephanie wheeled Vincent down to the car.


    Zane carried him into the car and put the wheelchair into the trunk. He had done this many times.


    Alter Stephanie climbed into the back seat with Vincent, Zane closed the door to block the reporters¡¯ sight. Then he sat in the driver¡¯s seat and started


    the car.


    Alter returning to Tranquil Garden, Stephanie took a shower in her bedroom. When she was done, she turned on herptop.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    She checked the surveince video in the design studio, starting the video from the moment she had left.


    When she saw it, her lips curled into a smile.


    Alter clipping the video, she forwarded it to Julianna.


    Soon after, Julianna called. ¡°Stephie, what are we going to do next?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t alert anyone. Apply for design protection from Fashion Designer Association under Starlight Design Studio¡¯s name,¡± Stephanie replied


    10:45 Wed, 29 May


    Chapter 64


    ¡°That¡¯


    tiden. You have to hit where it hurts. Let that pretentibus b t h becent first! Let¡¯s see how she¡¯ll exin this¡± Julianna eximed.


    tive prepared a new set of designs and sent them to you, I believe that this set will be more stunning than the previous one. But we¡¯ll keep it a secret between us to prevent the designs from being leaked.¡±


    ?Julianna chuckled. ¡°No problem. There¡¯s a calling in. I have to gol


    Stephanie knew it as Julianna¡¯s admirer. ¡°Okay, see you tomorrow.


    ¡°See you tomorrow¡± Julianna replied.


    After hanging up the phone, Stephanie started to wonder who that man was.


    Öæ


    SEND GIFT


    0

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Stephanie entered Vincent¡¯s room and found him standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, talking on the phone.


    His dark blue pajamas blended seamlessly with the curtains. Upon hearing her, he turned his gaze, his face appearing even cleaner and more pristine.


    After hanging up the phone, he walked toward Stephanie,


    Stephanie lowered her head and bit her lower lip.


    Vincent raised her chin with his fingertips and asked, ¡°Afraid to look at me?¡±.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Stepping closer, Vincent touched her toe with his. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was a bit out of control today,¡± he said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, understand. After all, you were drugged,¡± she replied.


    asked.


    ¡°What if I wasn¡¯t drugged?¡± he a


    Stephanie swallowed nervously. If that were the case, then she was indeed a little afraid.


    Vincent chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms, saying, ¡°Go to sleep early, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie agreed.


    Stephaniey in his embrace, surrounded by his fresh, clean scent. However, his warm body temperature brought forth images in her mind that made her blush and her heart race.


    She dared not move, her body stiffening.


    In a gentle tone, Vincent asked, ¡°Stephie, are you asleep?¡±


    Stephanie pretended to be asleep, not wanting Vincent to think she was too excited to sleep.


    He chuckled lightly despite not receiving a response.


    Stephanie felt as though she wanted to cover his mouth, telling him not tough.


    It was not until the early hours of the morning that her eyelids began to fight against her, and she drifted off to sleep.


    The next morning, when Stephanie woke up, the space beside her was already empty. She reached out and felt no warmth, realizing that Vincent must have gone to the office.


    Grabbing her phone from the bedside table, she checked the time. It was already 8:30a.m.


    ¡®Oh no! I have a meeting this morning, she thought.


    At that moment, a message from Vincent popped up.


    Vincent: [I¡¯ve arranged for you and Julianna to take the day off, so you don¡¯t have to worry.


    Stephanie smirked. She typed: [How did you know


    wi was awake?)


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    Chapter 65


    Vincent: [If you stayed upte or tired, your biological clock wakes you at this time. I¡¯ve observed it for a while.


    ¡°Stay upte? Tired?¡¯ she thought.


    Stephanie could not help but think ofst night¡¯s events again. She shook her head, trying not to dwell on it anymore.


    She quickly rushed into the bathroom to freshen up, then returned to her bedroom to change into a white shirt and jeans, slipping on a pair of light- colored leather shecs and grabbing her bag before heading downstairs,


    Sophia saw her and hurried over, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Fletcher said you should finish breakfast before leaving it¡¯s not good for your stomach otherwise,¡± she reminded.


    Stephanie felt that Vincent was a dad like husband, always considerate and caring.


    She knew he had ordered Sophia to say this, so she did not make things difficult and went into the dining room to have breakfast.


    During breakfast, she noticed that Linda kept ncing at her as if searching for something.


    She lowered her head, feeling that something was off about Linda


    Stephanie quictly finished her breakfast and left the dining room.


    As she reached the door, she suddenly turned back to Sophia and said, ¡°Sophia, I left my lipstick on the dressing table. Could you please get it for me?¡±


    Sophia nodded and replied, ¡°Of course, Mrs. Fletcher. I¡¯ll go get it.¡±


    After Stephanie finished her sentence, she left and got into the car.


    Soon after, Sophia ran to the driver¡¯s seat, holding out the lipstick ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, your lipstick,¡± she said.


    Stephanie took it with a smile and asked softly, ¡°Sophia, what does Linda usually do?


    Sophia replied. ¡°She¡¯s in charge of cleaning and sometimes helps me with chores.¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly and said, ¡°I see. It¡¯s okay, Sophia. You can go back now.¡±


    Sophia said, ¡°Thank


    ik you. Mrs. Fletcher, drive safe.¡±


    Stephanie started the car and left. On the way, the more she thought about Linda¡¯s strange behavior, the more suspicious she became.


    After what had happened with Lydia thest time, she could not help but wonder if Linda also had a problem.


    She dialed Glovanni¡¯s number.


    Giovanni answered, ¡°Yes, Boss!¡±


    you to monitor Linda from Tranquil Garden for me. I feel like something¡¯s wrong with her.¡±


    Stephanie instructed, ¡°Gio, I


    I need you


    He answered, ¡°Okay, Boss!¡±


    Stephanie asked, ¡°Any news from Mr. Zachmann recently?¡±


    Giovanni answered, ¡°None.¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips and said, ¡°If there¡¯s any news, you need to tell me immediately¡±


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    Chapter 65


    ¡°You can count on me,¡± Giovanni replied.


    Stephanie arrived at the CEO¡¯s office of Starlight Design Studio, Julianna saw her looking tired and had a cup of coffee sent over.


    Julianna nced at her and keenly noticed the red marks below her earlobes. She asked, ¡°Stephie, did you do something naughtyst night?¡±


    At that moment, the assistant brought the coffee.


    With a signin


    I hom Julianna, the assistant ced the coffee in front of Stephanie and then left immediately.


    Stephanie took a sip of her coffee. Finding it not sweet enough, she added some sugar


    haven¡¯t done anything naughty,¡± she said.


    Juliana replied. ¡°Liar¡±


    Stephanie insisted. ¡°I¡¯m still on my period. What do you think I could do?¡±


    Jubanna clicked her tongue and said, ¡°By my calctions, your period won¡¯t be able to protect you for much longer. In a few days, you¡¯ll know what real


    meat tastes like.¡±


    Stephanie


    e was rendered speechless.


    ¡°What kind of talk is this?¡± she thought.


    She red at Julianna and said, ¡°Julia, you¡¯ve be bad.¡±


    Julianna replied Laughingly,


    lv. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t have a little devil inside them?¡±


    Stephanic finished her coffee and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and have the meeting. When acting, we need to be as real as possible. Everyone should participate!¡±


    At the meeting, all of Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches were approved by the team.


    The final drafts were chosen as the summer collection.


    Meanwhile, the production department refined the finished products based on the final drafts previously designed ording to the initial sketches.


    At the Hayes manor, Florence meticulously copied the rough sketches from the photos, her eyes shining with excitement.


    ¡°Stephanie¡¯s sketches are truly impable. How could she be so talented? D a m n it! Why can¡¯t I draw sketches like these?¡± she thought.


    Matilda looked at the sketches and sneered, ¡°Flore, I think your drawings are still better. How could that little b t c hpare to you? You¡¯ve received so many honors before.¡±


    Florence smirked and replied, ¡°Mom, this time, we¡¯re going to ruin Stephanie. Once she and Starlight Design Studio are finished, it will be my time to thinel


    Matilda nodded and said, ¡°Rest assured, the power outagest night made the surveince useless, and I¡¯ve arranged for that person to leave Jacaster. As long as we release the new products first, Stephanie will be nothing but a giarist. Not only will Starlight Design Studio suffer heavy losses and face criticism from the industry, but Stephanie will also be ruined.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Florence chuckled before replying, ¡°This time, she will surely be defeated!¡±


    After Matilda left, Florence called Dous and sent him the sketches.


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    Chapter 65


    Dous was impressed by them.


    Fantasy Boutique had been suppressed by Vincent. Its stock prices had plummeted, and it urgently needed a chance for redemption,


    Dous thought the summer release event would be a great opportunity.


    He was very satisfied. He said, ¡°Let the design and production departments of Fantasy Boutique work overnight to process the products, We need to make a gloriouseback.¡±


    Florence vowed confidently. ¡°Dous, this time, we¡¯re guaranteed to win!¡±


    Dous remembered Stephanie once exposed a conversation between him and Florence, where Florence admitted that Stephanie was actually the one who designed all the sketches.


    His frowned and asked, ¡°Flore, did Stephanie draw these sketches?¡±


    Florence replied furiously, ¡°Dous, how could you think like that? Stephanie is ndering and defaming me! She¡¯s practically copying my work!¡±


    Dous chuckled and asked, ¡°Why get angry? As long as you say you didn¡¯t do it, I¡¯ll believe you. Babe, I miss you. Can youe over tonight?¡±


    Florence¡¯s lips twitched at his words. She looked at the whip marks on her body, her heart trembling. She said, ¡°I still need to make clothes with my colleagues. After the event is over, I¡¯ll be with you, okay?¡±


    Dous gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    His gaze was dark and brooding after the call ended.


    If it were not for the fact that Florence still had some value to exploit, he would not even bother with this idiot.


    Stephanie received news that Florence was frantically making clothes, and a faint sm le curled up her lips. Everything was going ording to her n.


    ¡°Florence, get ready for the moment when your reputation is shattered she thought

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    by the following days, Stephanie returned home tate. She would fall asleep after a quick shower.


    She had prepared another proposal known only to her and Julianna. So, they were the ones handling the finished clothes.


    Vincent was unaware of Stephanie¡¯s n and thought she was avoiding him after that night.


    That night, Stephanie returned, exhausted,


    She immediatelyy on the bed. At That sight. Vincent massaged her shoulders, saying, ¡°You look really tired.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Stephanie said before exining the entire situation to Vincent.


    Only then did Vincent realize that Stephanie was genuinely tired and not avoiding him.


    Seeing Vincent deep in thought, Stephanie swiftly sat on hisp and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    He stared at her intently before replying. ¡°I¡¯m wondering if Aunt Flo has left.¡±


    Stephanie blushed upon hearing that. She knew what Vincent meant. ¡°She left several days ago,¡± she whispered.


    Vincent gulped. He whispered back, ¡°Does that mean I can¡­¡±


    Stephanie, avoiding eye contact, nodded slightly.


    However, Vincent didn¡¯t make a move.


    Curious, Stephanie looked up and found him staring at her without blinking. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Just looking at my woman,¡± Vincent replied truthfully.


    He then carefully turned to kiss her sweet and tempting lips.


    She was so tender that he wanted to meld her into his body, bing an inseparable part of him.


    In the s p a c i o u s room, all that could be heard was their intertwined breaths and the sound of kisses.


    Suddenly, the untimely growling of a stomach disrupted the moment.


    Stephanic felt embarrassed. She didn¡¯t expect her stomach to growl at such a crucial moment.


    Vincent stopped and pressed her against the bed, panting


    After a while, he chuckled and asked, ¡°Hungry?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to eat dinner earlier,¡± Stephanie mumbled.


    ¡°How about I make you some spaghetti bolognese?¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes lit up. She asked, ¡°You can make spaghetti bolognese?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, do you want to try?¡± Vincent responded.


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    Stephanie said, ¡°Sure,¡±


    With that, Vincent rose and pulled Stephanie up. He urged, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the kitchen.¡±


    At the door, Stephanie suddenly grabbed his arm and reminded him, ¡°You forgot about the wheelchair.¡±


    Vincent took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Stephie, aren¡¯t you curious why I keep using the wheelchair?¡±


    57%2


    ¡°Although lin curious, I think you have your reasons. I don¡¯t believe not telling me means you don¡¯t love me. Everyone has secrets. You don¡¯t need to feel burdened. Stephanie replied, her eyes sparkling.


    Vincent held her tightly in his arms. He didn¡¯t tell Stephanie because he didn¡¯t want her to worry about him. ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re amazing.¡± he remarked.


    Vincent lowered his head to kiss Stephanie while she leaned on his shoulders, returning his kisses


    After a while, they stopped.


    ¡°Let me make some spaghetti bolognese for you,¡± Vincent said. He returned to his wheelchair, and Stephanie wheeled him to the kitchen.


    After she prepared the ingredients, he took over.


    Vincent looked sideways after hearing Stephanie¡¯sughter. He asked, ¡°What¡¯s so amusing?¡±


    Stephanie shrugged and said, ¡°I thought you might not be tall enough in the wheelchair, but, as it turns out, it¡¯s just right.¡±


    Vincent raised an eyebrow. He said, ¡°You underestimated my height. It¡¯s okay. As long as you don¡¯t underestimate my length.¡±


    Stephanie was speechless and thought, ¡®So this is who you really are, huh? Why are you so flirtatious now?¡±


    Soon, the kitchen was filled with the scent of food.


    Vincent skillfully ted the spaghetti bolognese.


    Stephanie picked up a fork and tasted it. Her eyes immediately lit up as she said, ¡°It¡¯s delicious! I didn¡¯t expect you to be such a good cook!¡±


    ¡°Eat more. You¡¯ll need


    d the energyter,¡± Vincent answered as his gaze deepened.


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    She finished the spaghetti bolognese. Just as Stephanie was about to whoal Vincent back to the bedroom, they bumped into Linda at the kitchen


    entrance.


    She said respectfully, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Fletcher, I¡¯ll clean up the dishes. Please go and rest.¡±


    Stephanie smiled faintly and agreed. Then, she wheeled Vincent back into the bedroom.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    She pursed her lips and said, ¡°I¡¯ll shower now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s shower together,¡± Vincent suggested, embracing her waist.


    With that, he led Stephanie into the bathroom. Vincent turned the k n b, and warm water from the shower head soaked their clothes.


    Her eyshes fluttered, nervousness evident in her eyes.


    With one hand on her


    er waist and the other on the back of her head, Vincent leaned down, gently brushing his nose against hers. He whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t


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    Chapter 66


    worry, I¡¯ll be gentle.¡±


    Stephanie was enticed by his voice. She grabbed his neck and exchanged kisses with him,


    As Vincent¡¯s hand slipped under her clothes, an untimely phone vibration disrupted the moment.


    Only then did Stephanie realize her phone, in her pocket, was now soaked.


    Vincent sighed, buried his face in her shoulder, and turned the k n o b. He said, ¡°Answer it. It might be an important call¡±


    Stephanie took out her phone and saw that it was a call from Glovannt. She immediately answered it.


    ¡°Boss, Linda is eavesdropping outside your bedroom now,¡± said Giovanni


    ¡°Don¡¯te out yet!¡± Stephanie eximed. Her eyes were filled with anger. After saying that, she quickly walked out.


    She abruptly opened the door and caught Linda eavesdropping


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Stephanie questioned.


    Panicked, Linda stammered, ¡°1- just wanted to ask what you and Mr. Fletcher would like to have for breakfast.¡±


    Stephanie smirked. She remarked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you eavesdropping?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± Linda cried, shaking her head.


    Stephanie replied, ¡°There¡¯s nothing you wouldn¡¯t dare do!¡± Then, she immediately called Connor, saying, ¡°Linda is outside my room. Take her to the living room.¡±


    Connor replied, ¡°Yes, Mrs. Fletcher. I¡¯ming.¡±


    Connor soon arrived and took Linda downstairs.


    Stephanie closed the door, turned back to the bathroom, and said, ¡°Linda was eavesdropping at the door. Prior to this, I noticed her always sneaking nces at me. So, I had Giovanni watch her. Since we were previously monitoring Olivia, the surveince cameras were never turned off. Now, we caught her red-handed. Her actions are suspicious. Perhaps questioning her will reveal unexpected results.¡±


    The earlier romantic atmosphere had vanished. Vincent nodded, and they then changed into loungewear before heading downstairs.


    Linda stood nervously in the living room, continuously fidgeting


    Seeing Stephanie wheeling Vincent over, Linda hurriedly exined, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, I really wasn¡¯t eavesdropping.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were icy and intimidating, and no one dared to look at him. ¡°After Lydia left, you arrived at Tranquil Garden, Who arranged for you to be


    here?¡± he demanded.


    Linda shook her head, crying, ¡°No one. No one arranged for me toe here. I didn¡¯t do anything wrong to you two.¡±


    ¡°Connor, please bring me her phone. Even if she deleted the evidence, it¡¯s okay. It can always be recovered,¡± Stephanie responded with her chin raised.


    Linda¡¯s nose was sweaty as she kneeled, begging, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Fletcher, have mercy. I made a mistake. Someone contacted me and offered me 40,000 dors to check if Mr. Fletcher is really disabled. I know I acted impulsively.¡±


    Connor searched Linda and found her phone. He handed it to Stephanie.


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    Chapter 66


    Vincent stared at Linda coldly. A silent and chilling pressure filled the entire living room.


    ¡°Connor, have someone take her to Snake Forest,¡± Vincent ordered.


    ¡°Snake Forest Linda thought.


    She was terrified. She revealed, ¡°I only sent one message


    essage to that person but never sent another one.¡±


    ¡°What did you send?¡± Stephanie questioned.


    Linda replied truthfully, ¡°When I was washing your bedsheetsst time, I noticed bloodstains. So, I thought you two had consummated your marriage. I sent this information to the person. Really. It was just one time. Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯m begging you. Don¡¯t send me to Snake Forest! I have an 80-year-old mother and a young grandson. I can¡¯t handle this!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were icy. He said, ¡°People would die for money. You¡¯ve been around for 50 years. Don¡¯t you get it? When you make a mistake, you must face the consequences,¡±


    With that, Connor asked people to take the struggling Linda downstairs,


    Stephanie asked, ¡°Any idea who this person might be?¡±


    Vincent squinted, his tongue pressed against his teeth. He answered, ¡°Right now, Dous is the prime suspect,¡±


    ¡°Do you know who poisoned the drinks?¡± Stephanie inquired.


    Vincent nodded slightly. He said, ¡°They fled to the southwest. We can catch them in a day or two.¡±


    The night Vincent was poisoned, all the executives in the private room had touched that bottle of wine. However, it was eventually confirmed that someone tampered with Vincent¡¯s ss. Ayer of substance was applied to the rim of the ss.


    The waiter who delivered the wine had long run away, making a few stops before finally heading to the southwest.


    At that moment, Zane called.


    After answering the phone, Vincent listened to Zane¡¯s report, and his eyes narrowed.


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    Chapter 67


    After hanging up the phone, Vincent looked at Stephanie and said, ¡°That person has been killed.¡±¡±


    Stephanie pressed her lips together before replying, ¡°Looks like we need to trace the source through Linda¡¯s phone.¡±


    Vincent nodded.


    After they returned to the bedroom, he began to recover the phone¡¯s contents. Eventually, he said, ¡°That person¡¯s SIM card wasn¡¯t registered, and the signal was traced outside the country. Dous has always been in the country. There¡¯s no relevant information on his phone, either. It¡¯s possible Linda sent the message to an international number, and the person forwarded it to Dous. Theymunicated through virtual phone numbers over the inte, making the source untraceable.¡±


    Stephanie clicked her tongue and said, ¡°Dous has finally gotten smarter. It¡¯s okay. No matter how c n i n g a person is, they¡¯ll reveal themselves sooner orter. Since we suspect it¡¯s him, let¡¯s watch him closely. He¡¯ll surely make another move.¡±


    Vincent agreed, nodding. He said, ¡°Yes, he didn¡¯t poison me this time because he¡¯s afraid the Fletcher family would me him. He¡¯s cautious. Given his personality, he wants to return to the Fletcher family. The purpose behind revealing that my legs are fine is to have someone else eliminate me,¡±


    He paused, knowing it would make Stephanie worry if he said more. Vincent held her hand and smiled faintly, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve made many enemies after all these years in business. Having a physical disability may invite contempt and disdain, but being healthy is a different matter.¡±


    o get involved.


    Stephanie felt that Vincent¡¯s enemy was not an ordinary businessman. He didn¡¯t want her to know too much because he didn¡¯t want her to g That was why he didn¡¯t publicly announce their marriage or hold a wedding ceremony. He was worried she might be dragged into it.


    Stephanie nodded.


    Back in the bedroom, neither of them felt amorous.


    Vincent embraced her, saying, ¡°Sleep early. You have a productunch tomorrow morning, right?¡±


    Stephanie hummed in response. Then, she asked, ¡°Have you taken care of Grandpa¡¯s matters?¡±


    ¡°Yes, everything is ready,¡± replied Vincent.


    He then kissed her forehead before saying, ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night,¡± Stephanie responded.


    Only the top six clothing brands in the country could hold productunches at the Jacaster Exhibition Center every year.


    Starlight Design Studio¡¯s Style Jazz Couture and Fantasy Boutique held the first and second positions, respectively.


    Style Jazz Couture was an international brand and one of the top three brands globally. Based on this year¡¯s sales, it was expected to be the world¡¯s number one.


    Fantasy Boutique was a rising star. After two years of development, it was almost on par with Style Jazz Couture.


    The annual productunch event was a gathering of socialites, heiresses, celebrities from the entertainment industry, and big shots in the fashion world. This held true domestically and even more so during international fashion weeks, especially at the prestigious International Golden Finger Contest


    ipped out of the car.


    Stephanie, Julianna, and Starlight Design Studio¡¯s designers stepped


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    A red carpet stretched in front of the exhibition center, with caution tapes on both sides. Reporters and media were gathered, extending their necks and arm, frantically snapping photos of those entering


    Julianna nced at Stephanie, who wore a ck form-fitting dress. Thetter appeared simple yet elegant. Her red lips and low ponytail created a stunning look.


    While others were as beautiful as princesses, Stephanie was undeniably a queen.


    Julianna eximed. ¡°You¡¯ve got an amazing figure. Even as a woman, I¡¯m mesmerized.¡±


    ncing at her, Stephanie replied, ¡°You have everything I have, just on arger scale. You¡¯re humblebragging¡±


    ¡°Oops! You caught me.¡± Julianna replied,ughing.


    Stephanie teased, ¡°I¡¯m perceptive¡±


    ¡°Perceptive, huh? You still didn¡¯t see through your pretentious sister and handed the honors to her,¡± Julianna retorted.


    Stephanie sighed softly. She replied, ¡°I used to be blind, but my eyes are healed now. I¡¯ll only design for Style Jazz Couture and Starlight Design Studio, okay?


    ¡°That works. Otherwise, I might not love you anymore,¡± Julianna answered, holding Stephanie¡¯s hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s so cringeworthy! Stephanie said, wincing


    The two walked on the red carpet, with shlights constantly flickering.


    A reporter raised the microphone and asked, ¡°Ms. Saunders, I¡¯d like to ask. Starlight Design Studio has always used Star¡¯s designs. This time, I heard that a designer named Stephanie Hayes designed everything. Does this mean Star is no longer in an important position?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Saunders, rumors have it that Star didn¡¯t submit any design sketches this year because she gave all her sketches to Stephanie,¡± another reporter


    commented.


    Someone else said, ¡°It¡¯s said that their design styles are simr, and Star hasn¡¯t been utilized in Starlight Design Studio since Stephanie appeared. Is this to make room for Stephanie? After all, every design studio or fashionpany only has one chief designer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Saunders. Can you rify for us? We are also concerned about Star¡¯s situation, considering she led Style Jazz Couture to enter the international market and brought glory to our country,¡± one of them remarked.


    A reporter asked, ¡°Star has never made a public appearance. Is there any form of suppression happening?¡±


    Another one said, ¡°Ms. Saunders, can you give a clear answer?¡±


    Julianna wore a strapless, long white dress, revealing her tanned and straight shoulders, with a waistband that added an elegant touch.


    She smiled faintly and said, ¡°When Star signed the contract with Starlight Design Studio, she explicitly stated her requirements. She has absolute control over her time and space, meaning she has her freedom. Star doesn¡¯t enjoy participating in such events, so she never made appearances, and I can¡¯t force her. As a top designer, why would she give her rough sketches to anyone? I don¡¯t know where you heard these rumors, but if you know, I¡¯ll send a legal letter on behalf of the desigirstudio. These are highly insulting rumors. The rough sketches for this event were drawn by Stephanie and approved by our designers. Whether it¡¯s Star or Stephanie, I hope everyone focuses on the work rather than these rumors.¡±


    The reporters turned their microphones toward Stephanie. They asked, ¡°Ms. Hayes, about your sister, Florence¡­.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


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    Áã.57%Ô’


    Before they could finish their question, Stephanie interrupted, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to cut you off, but I want to emphasize that I¡¯ve severed ties with the Hayes famity Florence isn¡¯t my sister. I hope all of you can remember this, as I¡¯m sensitive to these topics, and they can be ufortable. I appreciate your


    cooperation.¡±


    The reporter nodded and asked. ¡°Ms. Hayes, did you really design all of Fantasy Boutique¡¯s Florence¡¯s sketches? Any proof?¡±


    Stephanie similed faintly. She replied, ¡°I hope everyone remembers this. A thief¡¯s habit is bound to be exposed sooner orter.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Hayes Starlight Design Studio is using your designs this time. Are you confident in winning first ce at this productunch?¡± the reporter inquired.


    Stephanie nodded and said. ¡°Of course I am. Thope Style Jazz Couture bes the world¡¯s leading brand by the end of this year.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Hayes, honestly, have you ever considered recing Star?¡± the reporter continued.


    Stephanie chuckled inwardly, thinking. Am I to rece myself?¡±


    She smiled and responded, ¡°Whether to rece or not, I think results should speak for themselves¡±


    Some reporters wanted to ask more questions, but Julianna interrupted, ¡°Let¡¯s talk after we win the first ce. See you after theunch!¡±


    She then tugged Stephanie, saying, ¡°The pretentious b i t c h is here. We should give her a chance to perform, right?¡±


    The two exchanged nces and smiled. After that, they walked toward the entrance of the exhibition center.


    Walking not far behind, Florence overheard what Stephanie and Julianna said. She felt they were arrogant and was determined to humiliate them that


    day.


    She had spent a lot of money to bribe the organizers to let Fantasy Boutique release their new products first.


    In the design world, the first to showcase would own the creation, Those who revealed their workster might bebeled as imitators.


    ¡°Stephanie, just wait and see!¡¯ Florence said inwardly.


    At the sight of Florence, the reporters began asking, ¡°Ms. Hayes, do you feel confident about this productunch?¡±


    Florence smiled sweetly and said, ¡°Of course. My sketches are meticulously crafted by me.¡±


    Suddenly, a discordant voice rang out, saying, ¡°Ms. Hayes, were these designs created in a psychiatric hospital? Creating sketches in just two weeks? Is it a style inspired by a m n t


    l l y dera nged wild beast?¡±


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    Chapter 68


    Florence¡¯s gaze followed the direction of the voice. Undisguised anger and hatred were evident in her eyes.


    Giovanni looked at her defiantly. ¡°Tin sure everyone remembers the conversation between Stephanie and Florencel Stephanie drew all of Florerice¡¯s rough sketches? Maybe it¡¯s the same this time!¡±


    Florence gritted her teeth and wished she could bite his head off, but she knew she had to maintain her dignity in public.


    Putting on a pitiful act, she said, ¡°I was admitted into


    to the psychiatric hospital for a few days because I was diagnosed with depression. I admit that Stephanie had acted as my vocal double before, but I object to the ims that the rough sketches were her work. I worked day and night to draw those sketches, so I strongly deny her ims. I hope to prove my abilities through this productunch and believe that l lead Fantasy Boutique to soar to greater heights.¡±


    Alicia, the design director, also nodded solemnly. ¡°I can attest that Florence is the owner of these sketches because she and I discussed it before. We had different opinions on a few designs, so we revised them together.¡±


    Alicia had seen the rough sketches and believed that they would be the most popr ones at the event.


    She was doing Florence a favor but would get some credit if the sketches trended.


    Moreover, she wanted to show her importance in Fantasy Boutique. It was like killing two birds with one stone.


    Florence nodded, understanding Alicia¡¯s intention.


    They kept the secret to themselves and achieved sess together, being friends forever.


    Florence looked at Giovanni. ¡°Nice words mean nothing to us. Let¡¯spete with our abilities


    Glovanni sneered, ¡°Ability? You? Careful that you don¡¯t get pped in the face tonight.¡±


    Florence was speechless.


    She hated him with a vengeance. Last time, he exposed her vocal double secret to the reporters, shaming her.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Once again, he intended to humiliate her. He was practically her jinx. She wanted to beat the two to death,


    Yet, Florence kept her smile. ¡°It¡¯s too early to deem who¡¯s getting pped in the face.¡±


    Giovanni raised his chin. ¡°I want you to bow to Stephanie three times if you lose!¡±


    Florence gnashed her teeth in hatred. She thought, ¡°It¡¯s obvious he wants me to bow to Stephanie. Who¡¯s he to demand that of me? He¡¯s dreaming!


    is your


    Alicia said softly, ¡°Flore, you¡¯ll surely win with this rough sketch. Agree to his challenge, p Stephanie in the face, and have her bow to you. This i chance to turn things around!¡±


    Florence asked, ¡°What if Stephanie loses?¡±


    Giovanni called Stephanie. ¡°Boss, I dare her to bow to you thrice if you win over her tonight and vice versa if you lose.¡±


    A chuckle came from the other end. ¡°Okay, since you want to see her bow down to me that badly?¡±


    Florence was speechless again.


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    Giovanni looked at Alicia. ¡°So, will you take up my challenge? You¡¯re probably not confident in Florence¡¯s sketch, so let¡¯s forget it.¡±


    Alicia knew Giovanni was provoking her, but she was not the type to take the bait so easily.


    However, she was confident in Florence¡¯s sketch and raised her head arrogantly. ¡°F Stephanie needs to bow thrice to me too if she loses, and I¡¯ll do


    Giovanni, of course, insted Stephanie. ¡°Mark your words. All media personnel, remember their promise, in case they go back on it.¡±


    Florence and Alicia didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He sounded as if they would surely lose


    At the same time, a man¡¯s voice sounded. ¡°Three bows are nothing. Let¡¯s go big and put 30 bows on the line!¡±


    Everyone turned to the speaker, looking unrestrained in a suit. It was Dous.


    Dous wrapped his arms around Florence¡¯s waist. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte.¡±


    Fear washed over Florence at the sight of him. She would feel pain all over her body.


    She forced a smile. ¡°You¡¯re just in time.¡±


    Dous looked at Giovanni with disdain. ¡°How about it? 30 instead of three?¡±


    Glovanniughed. ¡°You¡¯re taking part, too?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Dous said smugly, ¡°The three of us will bow 30 times each if Stephanie wins, and she¡¯ll bow 30 times to each of us, 90 times in total if she


    Giovanni sneered, ¡°Quit daydreaming!¡±


    Looking at the crowd, Florence smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t want to humiliate anyone. I just want to prove my ability.¡±


    She held Dous¡¯ arm and walked toward the exhibition center¡¯s entrance, with Alicia and the design team following behind her haughtily.


    Theizens were shocked as it was live streamed.


    Oneizenmented: [This year¡¯s summer productunch is so exciting!]


    Anothermented: [Yeah, I really want to be there in person and see who will lose in the end.]


    Aizen wrote: [Florence, of course. Is that even up for debate? She even used Stephanie¡¯s voice, much less Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches. It¡¯s probably


    not her first time.]


    Drement wrote: [Don¡¯t be so sure. Don¡¯t you see that Florence is brimming with confidence? Everyone makes mistakes, so stop holding on to it


    forever,]


    Anotherment read: [Thementer above is still covering for Florence. Your Flore has exposed her true color. Her nude photos are stered everywhere!]


    Florence¡¯s supporter retorted: [So what? They¡¯re already engaged!]


    Aizen argued: [Have you lost your mind? Florence stole Dous from Stephanic while they were engaged!]


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    10:46 Wed, 29 May MBG


    Chapter 68


    The supporter replied: The one who isn¡¯t loved is the man stealer)


    Anotherizenmented: [Are you crazy? You¡¯re the man stealer then when your boyfriend or husband cheats on youll


    For a moment, the barrages ofments covered the entire screen of the livestream.


    Stephanie and Florence¡¯s fans began to quarrel. Meanwhile, Horace and Matilda couldn¡¯t sit still any longer as they watched the livestream.


    Matilda gnashed her teeth in anger. ¡°This d a m n Stephanie is Flore¡¯s final¡±


    Horace narrowed his eyes. ¡°Prepare yourself. Regardless of whether Stephanie wins or loses, call and threaten her as soon as thepetition ends. Use Dad as bait to get her to admit that she giarized Flore¡¯s rough sketch and her previous usation against Flore is also nder. Do you understand?¡±


    Matilda was displeased. ¡°I hate hearing you talking about Stephanie winning. Flore will surely seed in the productunch.¡±


    Çú


    Horace nodded with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯ll just wait and see Stephanie bow 90 times.¡±


    Excitement filled Matilda¡¯s eyes. She would¡¯ve gone to the scene if she didn¡¯t have to steer Austinter. ¡°I really want to see the look on Vincent¡¯s face when Stephanie bows. Dous wouldn¡¯t be kicked out of the Fletcher family if it weren¡¯t for him. I¡¯ll have Flore teach them a lesson tonight!¡±


    Vincent, who was about to be taught a lesson, was having a meeting in the conference room,


    He kept ncing at his watch and thought, ¡°It¡¯s almost six. The productunch is about to start soon.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for today¡¯s meeting,¡± he said.


    Zane immediately stepped forward and helped Vincent leave the room.


    An attendee was confused. ¡°Why did Mr. Fletcher leave? This bit is very important.¡±


    A female director waved her phone. ¡°Tonight, six clothingpanies and design studios will have their productunch in the exhibition center. As chief designer of Starlight Design Studio, Mr. Fletcher¡¯s fianc¨¦e will attend the event. Mr. Fletcher¡¯s mind has strayed a while ago!¡±


    The attendee replied, ¡°We would¡¯ve gone to the venue if we had known.¡±


    The female director shook her head. ¡°Better not. Mr. Fletcher¡¯s fianc¨¦e, Stephanie, is putting a lot on the line against her sister, Florence. Whoever loses will bow 30 times to the winner. We¡¯ll probably be fine with supporting her at the scene if Stephanie wins, but if she loses, we¡¯ll probably have to gorge


    our eyes out!¡±


    Suddenly, everyone felt a sharp pain in their eyes.


    The female director smiled. ¡°However, we can watch it on livestream.¡±


    The crowd immediately left the room. They quickly searched for the livestream as they walked,


    Meanwhile, Vincent, in the car¡¯s back seat, also pulled up the livestream. Seeing Giovanni¡¯s provocation, Vincent immediately knew Stephanie had permitted it. He mused, ¡°It looks like the productunch will be eventfulter.


    Models used therge runway in the exhibition center to showcase their clothes.


    Every year,izens would vote for the fashion brands participating in the productunch. Voters had their real names verified. Therefore, the possibility of multiple voting was ruled out. The entire process was very!


    yfair.


    Chapter 68


    Wed, 25-MI


    5721


    Notizens would choose six brands, and two among the six would be selected to participate in the International Gokien Finger Contest in September. This was held every year as part of the productunch conference, so the event was very important. It could be likened to a direct path to the internationalpetition.


    The brand that would emerge as the winner would depend on the on-site audience¡¯s votes. After all, the audience consisted of esteemed figures with big names. Hence, no one would cast a biased vote to tarnish their reputation.


    The participating escapanies and studios each had their own changing rooms for their models so that there wouldn¡¯t be any interference with each


    other.


    Julianna nced at Stephanie, who was helping the models change their clothes. ¡°Florence and the others are second, while we¡¯rest. It¡¯ll probably be


    messter.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Do you want to see them bow?¡±


    Julianna raised her eyebrow. ¡°Of course, I can¡¯t wait!¡±


    4/4

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    The audience was seated in front of the runway, and the price of each row was different. The closer it was to the runway, the more expensive it was.


    The VIP area in the first row had reached 200 thousand dors for a seat, and each was hard toe by.


    Most were female celebrities and socialites.


    Even Madeline Jimenez, an Academy Award actress, attended the event.


    Despite her graceful figure and alluring eyes, she gave off an air of coldness, which kept others at a distance.


    Madeline was very kind to her assistant and even bought her a ticket.


    Her assistant whispered, ¡°Starlight Design Studio has adopted a new designer¡¯s rough sketch this time. It¡¯s said that Star hasn¡¯t submitted the draft yet. wonder if she was excluded. Stephanie is the new designer and fianc¨¦e of Fletcher Group¡¯s CEO, Vincent, and has a strong background.¡±


    Madeline raised her eyebrow. ¡°Are you saying Stephanie pulled some strings?¡±


    The assistant blinked. ¡°It¡¯s very likely. Someone said that Star gave her rough sketch to Stephanie just to make her famous. Mr. Vincent Fletcher surely has contributed to it too.¡±


    Madeline smiled slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t trust rumors. That¡¯s Style Jazz Couture. They wouldn¡¯t use a hopelessly incapable t r d. Besides, there¡¯s no way Star is willing to be someone¡¯s ghost designer?¡±


    The assistant shrugged. ¡°The Jimenez family has just moved back to Jacaster. You don¡¯t know what happened between the Hayes and Fletcher families over the past two months, Madeline. It was such a hugemotion.¡±


    Madeline said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Florence had stolen her sister¡¯s fianc¨¦ and has a lot of nude photos stered everywhere. Also, she had her sister act as her vocal double. How very shameless. We¡¯re in the same industry, after all, so I know a couple of things about her.¡±


    The assistant was surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect a cool person like you to listen to gossip, Madeline.


    Madeline smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of people like Florence, but I¡¯ve never seen one as shameless.¡±


    The assistant grinned wickedly. ¡°I just heard someone was eager to stoke the fire and had set up a bet between Stephanie and Florence. Whoever loses will bow 30 times to the winner,¡±


    Madeline clicked her tongue. ¡°That¡¯s interesting¡±


    The assistant asked,


    ¡°Who do you think will win, Madeline?¡±


    Madeline smiled. ¡°Stephanie.¡±


    Her voice was neither loud nor soft, but many people around her heard it.


    They didn¡¯t expect her to take Stephanie¡¯s side. Believing she had good taste, many chose to side with Stephanie.


    Sitting not far away, Dous heard Madeline¡¯s assessment, and his eyes darkened.


    He grounded his teeth with hatred and thought, ¡®How bold of Madeline of the Jimenez family. Isn¡¯t she just insulting me in public? If she isn¡¯t a member of the Jimenez family, I would have definitely taught her a lesson.


    The productunch began, and the emcee was Dason Gust, a nationwide popr host.


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    10:46 Wed, 29 May


    Chapter 69


    He was greeted with apuse and cheers the minute he stepped on stage.


    He was hrious and amusing. After a heated opening speech, he exined the voting rules of the event, ¡°I hope the audience will vote ording to your aesthetics because each of your votes will determine the brand¡¯s fate. This is also our national responsibility. The chosen brand will participate in the International Golden Finger Contest, an internationalpetition with famous brands. Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation. ording to the random sequence decided priot, the contestants will have their models walk the runway ordingly. Let the productunch begint


    The first brand, Meel Dawn, was produced by Zoey Apparel, ranking fourth in the nation.


    They had 15 models showcase their designs and won a round of apuse.


    Meanwhile, Julianna watched the TV in the lounge andmented, ¡°Meek Dawn sticks to their concept of simplicity and doesn¡¯t dare to try a bolder style or add new elements. What a stickler for tradition, but women over 40 like it very much.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Indeed, but Meek Dawn is doing well with their sales. Each brand has its own target audience, but after a while, consumers will leave


    albeit slowly.¡±


    After Meek Dawn¡¯s models finished, the emcee returned to center stage.


    He solemnly introduced the Fantasy Boutique and sang Florence¡¯s praises. Looking at the words on his cue card, he was too embarrassed to continue.


    After he finished reading, he got off the stage hurriedly.


    Another 15 models took to the runway with melodious music ying in the background.


    Every model had a perfect interpretation of the designs. The audience couldn¡¯t help but praise and take photos with their phones.


    Someone said, ¡°Fantasy Boutique has beautiful designs this year. They perfectly show a woman¡¯s curve. It¡¯s truly amazing.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Another said, ¡°That¡¯s right. The bold colors and novel styles are suitable for women in their twenties, thirties, forties, and even older. It¡¯s really amazing.¡±


    One person said, ¡°How talented Florence is! I really like her work. I¡¯ll surely vote for Fantasy Boutique.¡±


    Another assured, ¡°Don¡¯t rush. Let¡¯s see the other brands designs first.¡±


    One said, ¡°I don¡¯t think there will be any other designs that will make me fall in love at first sight. I love it so much.¡±


    Florence peered at the audience, who kept taking pictures with amazed looks, and knew that she had seeded. ¡°You¡¯re dead meat, Stephanie! I¡¯ll nail you to the hall of shame firmly today!¡±


    At the same time, in Stephanie¡¯s lounge, all the other designers and models were stunned, other than Stephanie and Julianna.


    One of them asked, ¡°Ms. Saunders, why is our rough sketch the same as Fantasy Boutique¡¯s?¡±


    Another asked, ¡°Stephanie, did you steal Fantasy Boutique¡¯s sketches, or had them stolen from you? Why are they the same?¡±


    Another inquired, ¡°We can im Fantasy Boutique giarized us if we disy our designs before them, but we¡¯rest. Aren¡¯t we just waiting to be criticized?¡±


    One of them eximed, ¡°I¡¯m afraid Style Jazz Couture¡¯s brand will be ruined!¡±


    Another said, ¡°If I had used Star¡¯s rough sketches, this wouldn¡¯t have happened. Tonight won¡¯t be peaceful, regardless of who giarized it!¡±


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    10:46 Wed, 29 May MB G


    Chapter 69


    Another demanded, ¡°Say something. Ms. Hayes) What¡¯s going on? What should we do if Style Jazz Couture falls into ruin by your hand?¡±


    Everyone was as anxious as a hen with a low in the henhouse,


    However, Julianna and Stephanie remained calm.


    Stephanie sughed. ¡°I understand your feelings, but please trust me. Don¡¯t you want to see Florence bow before me?¡±


    The room fell into silence.


    Julianna pped her hands. ¡°Enough. Models, get ready to get on stage! We need to demand an exriation from that giarizer!¡±


    At that time, everyone finally understood why Julianna and Stephanie weren¡¯t surprised at all. It seemed as if they had known about it.


    The models no longer felt that they wore giarized designs, so they walked out of the lounge and onto the runway with their heads held high.


    They caused an uproar the moment they stepped on stage because their designs collided with Fantasy Boutique.


    A member of the audience eximed, ¡°What¡¯s going on? They look exactly the same!! I know Fantasy Boutique has already disyed their designs but is Style Jazz Couture going to disy the same?¡±


    Another spected, ¡°It seems that they¡¯re going to fight. Since Style Jazz Couture dares to show the same designs, something is probably wrong with Fantasy Boutique.¡±


    One said, ¡°it¡¯s hard to say. Evidence is crucial. Moreover, the current situation is favorable for Fantasy Boutique. In the fashion industry, the one who released the work first is the owner of it!


    Another said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and sec. They have a bet, after all How exciting!


    Madeline¡¯s assistant asked, ¡°Madeline, who do you think is the original designer?¡±


    Madeline answered without hesitation, ¡°Stephanie.¡±


    Dous¡¯ face darkened. He didn¡¯t expect Stephanie¡¯s and Florence¡¯s designs to be the same. One of them must be the giarizer.


    After everything, he had a bad feeling that Florence was the giarizer,


    In the s p a c i o u s exhibition center, the audience was abuzz, and even thements in the livestream filled up the screen.


    The organizers were happy. After all, hyping a topic would bring traffic and viewership.


    The emcee wiped the sweat on his forehead. With his years of experience, he had never encountered such a difficult situation.


    The organizers shot him a look, ¡°It¡¯s time for you to take the stage and discern the true designer and giarizer!¡±


    The emcee was rendered speechless.


    3/4

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Dason Gust, the wincee of the productunch, stepped onto the stage, took a deep breath, and forced a strained smile,


    He said, ¡°No one would¡¯ve thought today¡¯s productunch would feature twin creations,ing from twin designers. Let¡¯s wee both designers to the stage


    In the lounge, Julianna gave Stephanie a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°You got this! I¡¯ll scout out the best spot for the photos. I can¡¯t wait to see Florence, Alicia, and Dous eat humble pile.¡±


    Stephaniec nodded. ¡°Make sure it¡¯s clystal clear.¡±


    Julianna gave her an okay gesture.


    When Stephanie left, the rest of the designers gathered around. Someone piped up, ¡°Please spill the beans, Ms, Saunders. We¡¯re dying to know the truth!


    Orp eximed, ¡°Yeah! Ms. Saunders, stop keeping us in suspense, What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Julianna pointed at the big screen and said, ¡°Be patient. The truth ising soon.¡±


    Everyone hushed, their eyes glued to the screeri..


    Stephanie was about to step onto the stage from the waiting area behind the runway when her phone buzzed.


    Seeing the familiar caller ID, she answered, ¡°What¡¯s up, Mrs. Hayes?¡±


    Matilda responded, ¡°Stephanie, you should know what¡¯s appropriate to say and what¡¯s not. Your grandpa hasn¡¯t been doing welltely, and at his age, idents can happen easily if he¡¯s feeling unwell¡±


    Stephanie chuckled lightly and replied, ¡°Sult yourself.¡± Then, she hung up and slipped the phone into her handbag.


    Under everyone¡¯s


    e¡¯s watchful eyes and the re of the spotlight, Stephanie took the stage and made her way to the front of the runway.


    She didn¡¯t even spare a nce at Florence, who was by her side.


    Taking the microphone handed to her by Dason, she greeted everyone gracefully. ¡°Hi, everyone. I¡¯m Stephanie Hayes, the chief designer at Starlight Design Studio.¡±


    Florence was wearing long sleeves and a long skirt because of the scars all over her body, which made her appear somewhat bulky.


    She smiled sweetly and said, ¡°Hi, everyone. I¡¯m Florence, the chief designer at Fantasy Boutique. I¡¯m also the creator of tonight¡¯s pieces.¡±


    After their introductions, Dason asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect your designs to be exactly the same. Could this be due to the tacit understanding between twins?¡±


    Florence suddenly looked dismayed, remarking, ¡°I never thought Stephie and I woulde up with the same designs. We didn¡¯t even talk about it beforehand, so I¡¯m really surprised.¡±


    ¡°Surprised?¡± Stephanie interrupted. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying it wasn¡¯t intentional?¡±


    With an innocent expression, Florence uttered, ¡°Stephie, what do you mean?¡±


    Stephanie shot her a re. ¡°Don¡¯t call me Stephie. I cut ties with the Hayes family a long time ago. It seems like you have a terrible memory despite your young age. And don¡¯t y innocent here. Remember how you viciously threatened me over the phone using Grandpa?¡±


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    Florence choked up as she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°You never said or did that?¡± Stephanie turned to her. Florence, can you swear that you didn¡¯t say those words and do those things? You¡¯ll be in big trouble if you lie!¡±


    Florence¡¯s eyes were moist, her teacul appearance invoking people¡¯s sympathy. She said, ¡°Stephie, even if you won¡¯t admit it, it¡¯s a fact that we share the same blood. Why are you being so aggressive now? I¡¯m not afraid to admit anything. It¡¯s just that you feel so distant and scary now.¡±


    Stephanie cuffed. ¡°No one can be as pretentious as you. Cut the act, and let¡¯s talk about the designs. How will you prove that they¡¯re yours?¡±


    Florence replied, ¡°I have photos and videos as prool, plus Alicia can vouch for me. We worked together on the rough sketches, and my whole team was involved in the drafting and cutting process.¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°That doesn¡¯t prove anything. We have it too. Let¡¯spare the timing¡±


    Florence was confident. She had sought help from the third-best hacker in the world to manipte the timestamp of the photo, so no one would notice


    at all.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she stated.


    The two handed over their evidence to the staff.


    Soon, aparison image appeared on the screen behind the stage.


    Florence¡¯s rough sketch was dated three months ago, while Stephanie¡¯s was only a month ago.


    As expected, the audience began to whisper among themselves.


    A person remarked, ¡°From the timing alone, we can see Florence¡¯s rough sketch came first and Stephanie¡¯s cameter, Case closed.¡±


    Someone asked, ¡°Howe it¡¯s not the same as before? Didn¡¯t they say on the phone that Stephanie was the one who drew all of Florence¡¯s rough


    sketches?¡±


    One replied, ¡°Maybe Florence was confused by Stephanie¡¯s words and couldn¡¯t react in time.¡±


    Another person said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to be proven wrong so quickly. Is she going to own up?¡±


    Florence hid the smugness in her eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much. Just admit you¡¯re wrong.¡±


    Hearing that, someonemented, ¡°It¡¯s incredible how Florence stays so calm even when someone has copied her design. She¡¯s so generous.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Inparison, Stephanie is so aggressive,¡± replied someone else.


    Another person whispered, ¡°I thought Stephanie would have some evidence to clear her name, but it looks like that¡¯s not the case. Seems like her lies have been busted.¡±


    Stephanie arched an eyebrow and said to Florence, ¡°Is that all?¡±


    Watching Stephanie¡¯s calm demeanor, Florence felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach.


    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder, ¡°Could Stephanie have a trick up her sleeve?¡¯


    As expected, Stephanie stepped down and approached theptop operator, passing the microphone to him.


    Her fingers flew over the keyboard while lines of code appeared on the scr


    screen. Then, with a final keystroke, the timestamp of Florence¡¯s photo changed


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    10:46 Wed, 29 May MBG


    Chapter 70


    to a week ago.


    The audience below erupted in surprise.


    Seeing this, Florence covered her mouth and eximed, ¡°Stephile, how could you change diy date?¡±


    Stephanie took back the microphone, saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t change it; I just restored it.¡±


    She turned to the audience and asked, ¡°Does anyone here know aboutputers? Could you please help me out?¡±


    A guy in his twenties with ck framed sses stood up, exining, ¡°The program Stephanie just wrote is indeed a recovery program. Some of its code snippets are pretty slick; I couldn¡¯t havee up with them myself. The program can easily restore the photos and videos deleted by top-tier hackers. Stephanie, you¡¯re awesome!¡±


    Florence¡¯s face turned paler as she retorted, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s your nt.¡±


    The guy snorted, saying, ¡°How shameless of you to cheat and then falsely me others. This show is live. Many people are watching, and I¡¯m sure there are plenty of programmers among them. Let¡¯s have everyone testify together then.¡±


    Many viewers chimed in, agreeing with the guy in sses and praising Stephanie¡¯sputer skills,


    Meanwhile, outside the Hayes manor, Vincent narrowed his eyes as he stared at his phone.


    Stephanie¡¯sputer skills amazed him, not because she was incredible at restoring content, but because some code snippets in that program looked just like the style of Hacker Yern, whom he often shed with.


    He thought, ¡°is Stephanie Hacker Yern? I¡¯ll have to keep an eye out. It¡¯ll be intriguing if it¡¯s true.


    Zane checked the rearview mirror and asked, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, do we begin now?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, keep it low-key,¡± Vincent said softly.


    Zane nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±¡±


    He made a call, ordering in a low w


    voice, ¡°Take action now, and keep it neat.¡±


    Five minutester, the other party called back to report that everything had been done.


    Vincent nced at his watch and remarked, ¡°Go in and look for him after ten minutes.¡±


    Zane responded, ¡°Okay¡±


    Vincent then continued watching the charismatic Stephanie on the screen, impressed by her talent.


    She was seen bringing Newton Toole, the president of the Fashion Designer Association, to the stage.


    Newton got straight to the point. ¡°Starlight Design Studio filed for design protection before, and these rough sketches were registered with our association. Our team found no simr submissions.


    Florence¡¯s face turned even paler, her fingers gripping the microphone while she trembled from head to toe.


    She protested, ¡°I just didn¡¯t think of registering with the design association, but that doesn¡¯t prove anything.¡±


    Stephanic nodded. ¡°Fair point. Then, let¡¯s present some evidence that will clear up any doubts.¡±


    Chapter 70


    Wed, 29 MayN?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    She pulled out a sh drive from her handbag and yed some surveince footage.


    In the clip, a person disguised as a janitor cut the power at Starlight Design Studio, entered Stephanie¡¯s office, snapped photos of the rough sketches, and left with a brown envelope.


    With that, Stephanie turned to Florence. ¡°Do you think you could pull this off without anyone noticing? Do you really think I can¡¯t find the janitor you sent away? That¡¯s absurd! Let¡¯s call the janitor forward now!¡±

 Chapter 71

    <b>Chapter </b><b>71</b>


    A woman in her fifties was escorted out by two bodyguards as the double doors of the exhibition hall swung open.


    At the same time, Stephanie kept her eyes on Florence, who was struggling to maintain herposure despite her panic.


    Stephanie smiled <b>and </b>asked, ¡°Are <b>you </b>nervous<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>


    Florence immediately denied it, her voice suddenly rising, ¡°How could that be? I don¡¯t even know that woman. What does she have to do with me?¡±


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re being honest since Mrs. Hayes was the one who personally contacted her,¡± Stephanie said.


    Florence clenched her skirt and snapped, ¡°Stop your bbering! How could you frame my mom with these false usations? Why fabricate such lies to <b>frame </b>her when we are sisters?¡±


    In response, Stephanie shrugged, saying, ¡°Me lying and framing your mom? Don¡¯t even think of sweeping things under the rug forever!¡±


    The bodyguards led the wo


    woman on stage.


    She was greeted with the sight of a crowd below upon raising her head.


    Stephanie¡¯s face darkened. She said, ¡°Frankly, I¡¯ll sue you in the name of Starlight Design Studio till you¡¯re imprisoned if you continue your deceit.¡±


    The exhibition hall that was abuzz with conversation instantly fell silent.


    The woman¡¯s voice echoed throughout the <b>room</b>, ¡°I¡¯m a cleaner at Starlight Design Studio. A week ago, a man wearing a baseball cap and a mask approached me and asked me to take pictures of Ms. Hayes rough sketches. He promised to pay me 160 thousand dors if I was sessful. I agreed, as I desperately needed the money. That night, someone cut the power off, and I went to Ms. Hayes¡® office to photograph her rough sketches and sent them to the man. The next day, I resigned due to health reasons, and that afternoon, I was sent out of Jacaster. I did not expect to be captured and brought back here two <b>days </bter. I swear it¡¯s all true!¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t prove anything. The person who hired her is a man. What does that <b>have </b>to do with my mom?¡± Florence denied.


    <b>¡°</b>Good question. Let us now wee the man with the baseball cap to the stage,¡± Stephanie said, pping.


    The crowd¡¯s attention shifted back to the hall entrance<b>, </b>where two bodyguards


    Is were escorting a man in a baseball <b>cap </b><b>and </b>mask.


    ¡°Is he the one you met?¡± Stephanie asked the cleaner, who looked at the masked man and nodded vigorously as she replied, <b>¡°</b>That¡¯s him. I can tell by the unusual position of the mole on his neck.¡±¡°


    The bodyguards removed the man¡¯s cap and mask, revealing him to be Terry, the son of the butler of the Hayes family¡¯s butler.


    He pleaded pitifully, ¡°Ms. Florence Hayes, please save mel Please don¡¯t abandon me. I was <b>only </b>doing Mrs. Hayes¡± bidding!¡±


    Florence pursed her lips at that, ¡°I don¡¯t know you!¡± she denied.


    ¡°I¡¯m the son of the Hayes family¡¯s butler! How could you not recognize me?¡± he eximed.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be. Stephanie must have bribed you,¡± Florence denied, shaking her head.


    ¡°I still have my chat history with Mrs. Hayes, the photos of the rough sketches, and the transaction history on my phone! The dates on the photos are solid evidence!¡± Terry <b>added</b>.


    The bodyguard handed <b>Tarry¡¯s </b>phone to Stephanie, who logged into her ount on aptop and disyed all the evidence to the public<b>.</b>


    Those present began to discuss and debate,


    ¡°Everything is clear now!¡± one said.


    10.28 Thu, 30 May B DE


    Chapter 71


    ¡°They imed that tonigha


    riginal creatines and that it was thebined effort of the design director and the team itus nut that


    ¡°How could they


    prendre when they cemented such atrocities Shame on them,¡± one added.


    ¡°Colluding with your mother to sctimise your site is simply uneptable. Stephanie would be better off severing ties with the Hayes family someone


    Ti finally uniforstand Stephanie¡¯s allusion to how a thief¡¯s crimes are exposed sooner orter. She knew about their schemes all along and was hiding her


    ¡°Exactly Florence even imed to have poured her heart and sout into the rough sketch When others doubted she¡¯d gotten her inspiration during her time in the psychiatric hospital, she dared to point out that she worked in it day and night. The nerve of her to reap the rewards of someone elsa¡¯s


    nother chimed in.


    ¡°She


    One person said. ¡°She made Ms. Stephanie Hayes a vocal double and even stole her rough sketch. So at the rough sketches she produced under Fantasy Boutique were all Stephanie¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°But of course What else can Florence do but giarize another quipped.


    at photoshopping! Do you know she has edited into certain scenes instead of being physically present? I guess she thinks we¡¯re a


    bunch of idiots¡±


    Florence red at


    tephanie fiercely, her eyes filled with hatred,


    ¡°What do you have to say for yourself?¡± Stephanie said, pursing her lips.


    st them. Florence muttered under her breath, ¡°Stephanie, are you casting Grandpa aside now?¡±


    threat? Oh, how terrifying Stephanie said, blinking.


    Florence continued, ¡°Grandpa will be safe and sound if you deny all these allegations. Or else, don¡¯t even dream of seeing him again!¡±


    Stephanie na


    narrowed her eyes at her


    The audience¡¯s game was fixed on the two


    ste¡¯s on stage


    One of them was visibly ovee with hatred, while the other looked at the otherzily with a


    hamusement and disdain.


    A resounding p broke the silence of the moment.


    Florence¡¯s face jerked to the side at Stephanie¡¯s stap.


    She gaped and looked at Stephanie in disbelief just before her <b>anger </b>overcame her, and she <b>raised </b>her hand to <b>p </b>Stephanie back.


    Unfortunately, Stephanie grabbed her wrist and delivered another p to the other side of her cheek


    The audience was stunned as four consecutive ps rang out across the hall.


    so satisfying!¡±


    ssistant¡¯s jaw dropped before she said, ¡°Stephanie is so cool! It must be so


    Madeline curled her lips and chimed in, ¡°Someone like Florence deserves such brutal treatmen


    However, Dous couldn¡¯t stand the scene any longer, not because of Stephanie hitting Florence but due to the bet <b>he¡¯d </b>mady earlier.


    While <b>he </b>was nning to sneak away undetected, Stephanie unexpectedly called out to him, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you just made a bet with Florence and <b>Alicia </b>on the red carpet that if they lost, each of them would kneel and bow down before me thirty times. You may now fulfill your end of the <b>deal</b>!¡±


    Chapter 71


    ¡°They imed that tonight¡¯s designs were original creations and that it was thebined effort of the design director and the team! It turns out that everyone at Fantasy Boutique is a Earl¡± another said.


    How could <b>they </b>use Stephanie <b>of </b>being aggressive when theymitted such atrocities? Shame on them,¡± one added.


    <b>¡°</b>Colluding with your mother to victimize your sister is simply uneptable. Stephanie would be better off severing ties with the Hayes family,¡± someone


    stated.


    finally understand Stephanie¡¯s allusion to how a thief¡¯s crimes are exposed sooner orter, She knew about their schemes all along and was biding her time to retaliate!¡± another person uttered.


    <b>¡°</b>Exactly! Florence even imed to have poured her heart and soul into the rough sketch. When others doubted she¡¯d gotten her inspiration during her time in the psychiatric hospital, she dared to point out that she worked on it day and night! The nerve of her to reap the rewards of someone else¡¯s


    <bbor</b>!<b>¡± </b>another <b>chimed </b>in


    One person said, ¡°She made Ms. Stephanie Hayes a vocal double and even stole her rough sketch. So all the rough sketches she produced <b>under </b><b>Fantasy </b>Boutique were all Stephanie¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°<b>But </b><b>of </b>course! What else can Florence do but <b>giarize</b>?¡± another quipped.


    *She is also an expert at photoshopping! Do <b>you </b>know she has edited into certain scenes instead of being physically present? I guess she thinks we¡¯re a


    bunch of idiots!¡± someone criticized.


    Florence red at Stephanie fiercely, her eyes filled with hatred.


    ¡°What do you have to say for yourself?¡± Stephanie said, pursing her lips.


    Just then, Florence muttered under her breath, ¡°Stephanie, are you casting Grandpa <b>aside </b>now?¡±


    ¡°is that supposed to be a threat? Oh, how terrifying!¡± Stephanie said, blinking


    Florence continued, ¡°Grandpa will be safe and sound if you deny all these allegations. Or else, don¡¯t even dream of seeing him again!¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes at her.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    The audience¡¯s gaze was fixed on the two sisters on stage.


    One of them <b>was </b>visibly ovee with hatred, while the other looked at the otherzily with amusement and disdain.


    A resounding p broke the silence of the moment.


    Florence¡¯s face <b>jerked </b>to the side at Stephanie¡¯s p.


    She <b>gaped </b>and looked at Stephanie in disbelief just before her anger overcame her, and she raised her hand to stap Stephanie back.


    Unfortunately, Stephanie grabbed her wrist and delivered another p to the other side of her cheek.


    The audience was stunned as four consecutive ps rang out across the hall


    Madeline¡¯s assistant¡¯s jaw dropped before she said, ¡°Stephanie is so cool! It must be so satisfying!¡±


    Madeline curled her lips and chimed in, ¡°Someone like Florence deserves such brutal treatment!¡±


    However, Dous couldn¡¯t stand the scene any longer, not because of Stephanie hitting Florence but due to the bet he¡¯d made earlier.


    While he was nning to sneak away undetected, Stephanie unexpectedly called out to <b>him</b>, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you just made a bet with Florence and Alicia


    on the red carpet that if they lost, each of them would kneel and bow down before me thirty times. You may now fulfill your end of the deal!¡±


    Chapter <b>71</b>


    Dous expression darkened. He gritted his teeth and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck, Stephanie!¡±


    Do I? Didn¡¯t you say so yourself? Are you going back on your word? All the reporters and our acquaintances outside have been taking pictures and <b>even </b>broadcasting the live stream. All theizens would have known by now,¡± Stephanie scoffed.


    ¡°I was just kidding.¡± Florence <b>faid</b>, covering her face with both hands and the resentment in her eyes


    <b>s </bbined with a tinge of fear


    Alicia also echoed from downstage. ¡°That¡¯s right! Can¡¯t you see it was a joke? Who would want to kneel and bow down to <b>you</b><b>?</b><b>¡±</b>


    Stephanie¡¯s arms were on her hips as she said, ¡°You three would have switched ces with me if I had lost. I¡¯m not a saint for patiently listening to your pleas. Gior


    Giovanni carried a chair onto the stage and said, ¡°Have a seat, Ms. Hayes!¡±


    ¡°Please proceed!¡± Stephanie ordered, sitting downfortably and crossing one leg over the other.


    At the same time<b>, </b>Giovanni <b>raised </b>his foot and kicked Florence¡¯s knees<b>, </b>forcing Florence to kneel in pain.


    Stephanie had the intimidating air of a queen looking down on her lowly subjects.


    ¡°Stephie, why do you have to go to such lengths? We are still rted by blood!¡± Florence said. She was teary eyed.


    Stephanie bit back her retort as she <b>said</b>, ¡°Don¡¯t even try to earn my sympathy! We¡¯ve been <b>as </b><b>good </b>as strangers since the day I cut all ties with the Hayes family!¡±


    Florence sobbed and looked at the curious audience. None of them were willing to speak up for her.


    When she encountered such indifference, she burst into tears and fainted instantly


    Dous rushed on stage to hold Florence and scolded Stephanie, ¡°Everyone makes mistakes. How could you be so heartless? Will it make you to see your biological sister kneeling in front of you?¡±


    feel better


    ¡°Exactly. Florence even stated that she would call off the bet if Stephanie lost,¡± Alicia chimed in.


    Stephanie chuckled and replied, ¡°Is this your attempt to guilt tripping me? Sorry to burst your bubble, but it won¡¯t work. And Alicia, how <b>dare </b>Florence assume that I would lose! None of yo

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    in the vast exhibition hall, the audience became excited. They all wanted to see the three people stowing in their own juices


    Dous locked at Stephanie and said, ¡°You¡¯re so malicious Flore has already fainted. Why won¡¯t you let her go?¡±


    ¡°Fainted?¡± Stephanie snorted. She slowly stood up, took out an iron box from her handbag, and took out a thin and long silver needle. ¡°I¡¯m particrly skilled at treating this kind of illness at critical moments. Giovannil¡±


    Glovanni understood instantly and pushed Dous to the ground with his knee.


    Squatting next to Florence, Stephanie said, ¡°Did you know that p**g the head or neck with a silver needle can wake you up? Where would you like to be p**d?¡±


    Stephanie smiled sinisterly as she slowly aimed at the spot between Florence¡¯s eyebrows.


    Florence¡¯s breathing quickened as she felt something approaching. Suddenly, she opened her eyes and shouted, ¡°Nol¡±


    Stephanieughed and withdrew the needle. ¡°If you didn¡¯t pretend to be unconscious, I wouldn¡¯t have had to test you.¡±


    Stephanic stood up and red coldly at Florence. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t keep everyone waiting. You must fulfill your promise, even if you cry!¡±


    Florence crawled and knelt in front of her ¡°Stephie


    Stephanie tapped her fingers impatiently while sitting in a chair, stating, ¡°I don¡¯t have such a shameless sister! My patience is limited!¡±


    At this moment, Stephanie¡¯s phone vibrated. She picked it up and saw that it was Matilda¡¯s number. She didn¡¯t remember it intentionally, but it was because of her excellent memory.


    Stephanie tapped the speaker as she answered the call and heard Matilda¡¯s sarcastic voice.


    ¡°B**h, how dare you ask my daughter to kneel in front of you! Don¡¯t you want to see that old geezer? Do you believe that I¡¯ll end him now? Confess that you giarized Flore¡¯s work and bow down to her thirty times, or I¡¯ll ensure that old geezer won¡¯t live to see tomorrow! Do you hear me?¡±


    Florence was terrified. She didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to put Matilda on speaker. Matilda was consumed by anger and spoke without thinking


    ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t¡± Before Florence could finish her words, Stephanie hung up.


    Stephanie looked at Florence and said, ¡°Finish it quickly and remind your mother not to do anything foolish.¡±


    Worried that Matilda would do something bad to Austin, Florence began to bow.


    ¡°With more respect, please,¡± Stephanie sarcastically said. Florence gnashed her teeth in hatred and began to bow.


    At the same time, in the vi of the Hayes manor, an enraged Matilda yelled, ¡°D**n it! How dare she ask my daughter to bow to her? I¡¯m going to end hert Where is that old geezer? I¡¯m going to end him to make that b**h suffer!¡±


    Horace had gone to the bathroom, but when he returned, he saw Matilda acting strangely. ¡°What happened?¡± asked Horace.


    Pointing at the TV, Matilda yelled, ¡°Look at that b**h! How dare she a


    ask Flore to bow to her! I¡¯m going to end her!¡±


    Seeing Florence bowing to Stephanie on the screen, Horace felt uneasy.


    ¡°Withough Florence giarized and even made a bet, couldn¡¯t Stephanie show some mercy? Why does she have to embarrass her in public? This is excessive!¡¯ he thought


    Matilda grabbed his arms and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to avenge Floret Horace, that b**h cares about the old geezer the most! Let¡¯s teach Stephanie a lesson now and let her know how powerful we fel


    1/4


    After all, Austint was the Horace¡¯s father. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to harm him.


    low about we wait a little longer and discuss with Stephanie if we can hold a press conference to rify the facts about Flore?¡± asked Horace.


    Matilda angrily hit Horace. ¡°impossiblet My daughter has been bullied to this extent, and you still want to discuss things with Stephanie?¡±


    Horace sighed, ¡°Go easy on him, then.¡±


    As Matilda angrily went upstairs, there was a knock on the door. ¡°Police, open the door!¡±


    Matilda and Horace were shocked, wondering why the police were there.


    After the housekeeper opened the door, ten policemen filed in


    With a search warrant in hand, the captain said, ¡°Someone reported that you¡¯re mistreating the elderly. Relevant incidents have urred before, so we have to check their condition now.¡±


    Horace took a deep breath, ¡°We¡¯d never mistreat the elderly. My father is in his room. I¡¯ll take you to see him.¡±


    Horace took the group of police upstairs and knocked on the door, but no one answered. He smiled, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s asleep. He¡¯s been experiencing severe drowsiness since his brain injury. I¡¯ll open the door for you all to have a look.


    Horace pushed the door open and led the police in. Then he saw Austin lying motionless on the bed with bruises on his face.


    Noticing that something was wrong, Horace immediately stepped forward to check Austin¡¯s breathing.


    There was no breathing.


    Horace then ced his hand on Austin¡¯s neck, detecting no pulse. The nced at the policeman who said, ¡°The man has stopped breathing. Hurry, take him to the hospital first and send everyone in the mansion to the police station!¡±


    Before Horace figured out what was going on, he was handcuffed by the police.


    Sirens red as one car was headed for the hospital while the rest made for the police station.


    After bowing thirty times, Florence stood up and was about to leave the exhibition hall.


    Looking at her unhappy face, Stephanie couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°You¡¯re suspected of giarizing my work. I¡¯ve called the police,¡±


    Florence hated Stephanie so much. ¡°How could you be so excessive!


    ¡°You giarized my work, bet to bow to me if you lost, and now you say I¡¯m too excessive?¡± Stephanie¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You¡¯re despicably shameless!¡±


    Florence frowned. ¡°What do you mean!!


    Giovanniughed. ¡°She said you¡¯re despicably shameless!¡±


    Florence was so infuriated that she wanted to leave but was stopped by the bodyguards.


    Giovanni forced Dous up and said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, as the old saying goes, ¡°one shall uphold their promises. It¡¯s time for you to fulfill the bell¡±


    Naturally, Dous didn¡¯t want to bow, so Giovanni had to force him


    do it aler,¡±


    Turning to Alicia, Stephanie said, ¡°Come on, you can¡¯t escape.


    Bow


    now while everyone¡¯s attention is still on Dous. It will be more embarrassing if you


    Alicia cried while bowing


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    Chapter 72


    Stephanie knew that someone would ask her to be easy on them. However, she knew what was right. After all, one couldn¡¯t preach kindness if one didn¡¯t understand the struggles others have faced.


    In her previous life, she died a tragic death, her grandfather died miserably, and Vincent also died for her.


    In this life, Dous still intended to harm Vincent. Why did these people deserve to live a better life? She was no saint, so she must take revengel


    Dous was dizzy but still managed to re at Stephanie.


    Alicia also looked at Stephanie and said, ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Jekins. I¡¯ve been counting. You¡¯ve one more to go.¡± Stephanie reminded.


    Alicia finished thest bow. ¡°We¡¯re still colleagues. Can¡¯t you spare me


    and not


    sue me for infringement?¡±


    Stephanie chuckled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I never forgive anyone who betrays or hurts me.¡±


    Her phone vibrated. After seeing that it was Vincent, she answered it immediately. ¡°Vincent.¡±


    Hearing the news, Stephanie¡¯s expression darkened. She hung up the phone and looked at her coldly. ¡°Grandpa passed away, all because of your parents. Florence, you¡¯ll rot in jail with your parents and atone for your sins!¡±


    Florence shook her head in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s impossible! Absolutely impossible!¡±


    Giovanni snorted. ¡°Everyone in the hall just heard that your mother was going to kill Austin. They¡¯re all witnesses.¡±


    Florence s**d back and fell to the ground. Dous was soberer now. He was also surprised that Horace and Matilda harmed Austin.


    ring at Florence, Stephanie left with Giovanni


    At the same time, six policemen arrived quickly. ¡°Fantasy Boutique is suspected of infringement. Theinant has filed a case against you. You three and your design team need to go to the police station to cooperate with the investigation.¡±


    Soon, the police took the involved individuals away.


    The host, Dason, stepped onto the stage, forced a smile, and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect such an incident to happen at this year¡¯s productunch, but thepetition isn¡¯t over yet. We still need to select the top two brands to represent our country in the internationalpetition¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± said Julianna,


    Dason asked, ¡°Ms. Saunders, is there anything I may i


    y assist


    t you with?¡±


    Julianna took the microphone and announced, ¡°As expected, Florence¡¯s giarism was not our most satisfactory work. Now, let¡¯s wee our models to showcase the new products of Starlight Design Studio.¡±


    On the other end, Stephanie and Giovanni drove to the hospital. After twenty minutes, they saw Austin¡¯s body in the morgue.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


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    0

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    The morgue was cold and chitty. Unlike the chill of winter, this made one¡¯s heart turn cold.


    At this moment, besides Vincent and Zane, there was also a forensic pathologist and several police officers in the morgue.


    Stephanie walked in with a sad look, and Vincent, who sat in the wheelchair, greeted her.


    Vincent said seriously. ¡°The forensic pathologist has conducted an examination. She suspects it¡¯s due to sudden cardiac arrest, and an autopsy is required to determine the specific cause. Since Florence and her parents have been sent to the police station, you are the only immediate family member let. Despite your severed ties with the Hayes family, this is a unique matter where you have to decide.¡±


    Stephanie nodded lightly, enduring the grief. She walked to the side of the mortuary bed and slowly removed the white shoot.


    Austin¡¯s face was pale, and there was no fluctuation in his chest.


    Stephanie¡¯s lips trembled as she held Austin¡¯s cold hand. ¡°How could this be? How could this happen?¡±


    The police approached and said, ¡°Ms. Hayes, I know you¡¯re in great sorrow, but we need you to decide or not an autopsy is to be performed.¡±


    After thinking for a while, Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I want Grandpa to leave in peace. No autopsy needed.¡±


    led. ¡°Okay, then we will handle it as a normal case


    The policeman nodded.


    After the police left, Stephanie concealed her anguished expression. She retrieved a small ck pill from her handbag, opened Austin¡¯s mouth, ced it inside, and gently closed it. She then turned around and held the forensic pathologist¡¯s


    ¡®s hand. ¡°Thanky


    kyou, Agnes.¡±


    Agnes smiled. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. I won¡¯t be able to repay your kindness to my dad for the rest of my life. It¡¯s an honor to do something for


    you.¡±


    With a faint smile, Stephanie said, ¡°Agnes, Grandpa will awaken in about an hour. I think it¡¯s time to handle some formalities so that it can look real.¡±


    Agnes nodded. ¡°Twe alreadypleted all necessary documents. The funeral home¡¯s car is parked downstairs. We can head to the crematorium now. My brother is waiting there. Mr. Hayes¡¯s ¡®funeral will be very grand.¡±


    Stephanie hugged Agnies, then turned to Giovanni and said, ¡°Take Grandpa away now¡±


    Giovanni nodded.


    Giovanni sat in the car, apanying Austin to the funeral home. Zane followed him in his own car.


    Stephanie asked Vincent happily, ¡°How was my acting just now?¡±


    Vincent chuckled, ¡°Excellent, it almost brought me to tears.¡±


    It suddenly urred to Stephanie how sad Vincent had been in her previous life when he witnessed her tenible demise. She cupped Vincent¡¯s face and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you cry.¡±


    Vincent chuckled helplessly, ¡°Stephie, I should be saying that.¡±


    Resting her head on his shoulder, Stephanie whispered, ¡°If therees a day when one of us will leave first. I hope it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Vincent asked h a r s e l y.


    Stephanie teased, ¡°If I were to leave first, you¡¯d cry all day long.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t cry,¡± Vincent replied.


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    Chapter 73


    Stephanic looked at Vincent ¡°TI leave this world with you because the world means nothing to me without you. Stephie, you¡¯re all I live for.¡±-


    Stephanie sniffled. ¡°Y You big fooli


    I¡¯m just a big fool for you,¡± Vincent repbed.


    Stephanie said,ughing through tears. ¡°You¡¯re so stup i d.¡±


    Vincent pinched her cheeks and ced her on hisp. ¡°So, do you still like me?¡±


    Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and said, ¡°Yes, I like you,¡±


    Vincent hugged her tightly. The heavy topic she had just brought up made his heart suddenly clench with pain as if he had experienced it. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m here. I will always be here for you. Give me time to settle some matters, and then we can have our wedding ceremony, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± replied Stephanie.


    Vincent remembered the group of people that ambushed them at the top of the mountain. Since they were not sent by Dous, he had to find the mastermind. Otherwise, they were never going to be able to live in peace,


    Stephanie didn¡¯t like the somber atmosphere. In her previous life, she and Vincent had a bad ending. She didn¡¯t want this life to be like this. She was determined to change that ending and prevent the history from repeating.


    ¡°Did you find tonight¡¯s productunch interesting?¡± Stephanie asked happily


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Very interesting. Even though I wasn¡¯t there in person, I could practically feel the embarrassment.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°Do you


    think I went too far?¡±


    Vincent gently traced Stephanie¡¯s slender waist. ¡°You didn¡¯t. Didn¡¯t they ask for it? Stephie, if you lost tonight, they wouldn¡¯t have spared you in their actions or words. They won¡¯t stop taunting and mocking you. You did a good job tonight. Mercy to the enemy is cruelty to yourself. If you let them go, they will fight back against you.¡±


    Stephanie hummed in response and replied, ¡°We¡¯re going to hold a grand funeral for Grandpa, exposing the ugly behaviors of the Hayes family to all the people in Jacaster and the whole country. After that, we must send him to a safe ce¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll send Mr. Hayes to a good ce to recuperate,¡± said Vincent.


    Stephanie nodded.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    When the car arrived at the crematorium, the funeral home staff lifted down the coffin containing the deceased. At the same time, Stephanie and Vincent


    also exited the car.


    A man in ck sportswear ran toward them. He nodded slightly to them and said, ¡°I¡¯m Muriel Collier, and my sister is Agnes. She briefed me on everything. I¡¯ve already found the substitute body, which belonged to an elderly man who passed away this afternoon leaving no rtives behind.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Muriel shook his head. ¡°If you didn¡¯t save my father, we¡¯d have lost him. We can go through some formalities. Later, I have to disguise that man, which takes time, or people will find out.¡±


    Stephanie nodded in agreement,


    then left v


    with Muriel


    Zane murmured, ¡°It seems this family is greatly indebted to Mrs. Fletcher.¡±


    Vincent said, ¡°Mr. Collier is an archaeologist. Three years ago, he entered an ancient tomb. One of the new archaeologists secretly opened a coffin, which caused a toxic pathogen to be released. Mr. Collier, who was closest, was infected. To prevent further harm, he bravely closed the lid of the coffin. That archaeologist passed away after two days, and Mr. Collier was on the verge of death. Hearing about this, Stephanie contacted Agnes, intending to help save Mr. Collier, Muriel and Agnes were grateful to Stephie and wanted to give her several hundred thousand dors in return, but she refused. She only


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    Chapter 73


    said that she admired Mr. Collier¡¯s contribution to the country and the treatment was voluntary.¡±


    Zane asked, ¡°So, they don¡¯t know that Mrs. Fletcher is Dr. Summer?¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anyone who knows her identity can easily figure it out. If her identity is exposed, the chances of betraying her are


    significant.¡±


    Zane¡¯s mouth twitched. He wished he didn¡¯t know.


    After going through the formalities, Muriel took a picture of Austin¡¯s face and said, ¡°Ms. Hayes, don¡¯t worry. I will do it well¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°I trust you.¡±


    Vincent arranged for Austin to be taken away in a car, apanied by Giovanni.


    Stephanie and Vincent bought all the necessary funeral items and stayed at the funeral home to avoid arousing suspicion.


    The next day, the news of Austin¡¯s death spread like wildfire.


    Many of the trending topics read: Horace and Matilda were taken to the police station at midnight, suspected of Austin Fletcher¡¯s death.]


    [During the productunch of the exhibition center, Mrs. Hayes threatened to murder Austin, and he was found deadter that night.


    [Mrs. Hayes was ruthless, and it was hard to absolve her from Austin Fletcher¡¯s death.


    [Florence was humiliated and is now used of giarism. She¡¯s shameless.


    [Florence¡¯s deception is once again exposed. What else can she do except faking?]


    [Both Florence and Dous faced public humiliation, losing their reputation on a global scale.


    The police station was crowded with reporters.


    When Dous, Florence, and her parents came out, the camera shes almost blinded them.


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 Chapter 74

    <b>Chapter </b><b>74</b>


    ¡°Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Austin Hayes¡® death was so sudden. Did he die of anger because of you?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. <b>Hayes</b>, everyone heard what you saidst night. Is there anything you need to exin?¡±


    ¡ª¨C


    ÊØ,<b>88</b><b>%</b>Ö¹


    Matilda was flooded with questions, and the interrogation did not end until the police confirmed that the <b>death </b><b>urred </b>naturally. When she thought that the matter was finally ending, she did not expect to be involved in another case of infringement and stealing confidential information from Starlight Design Studio


    After much effort, she was finally bailed out, and the trial would be held in a few days. However, she did not expect to be surrounded and questioned by


    reporters


    Matilda was already exasperated. Right then, she could not hold it in any longer <b>as </b>she looked around to vent her pent¨Cup frustrations.


    Ignoring her image as a noblewoman, she cursed out loud.


    ¡°You, pieces of trash! How dare you say that about me? <b>What </b>does Austin¡¯s death have anything to do with me? He deserves to diel He could¡¯ve died sooner orter, but he went and kicked the bucket yesterday instead. How unfortunatel


    ¡°Shut <b>up</b>!¡± Horace red at Matilda furiously, ¡°What nonsense are y


    are you spouting?¡±


    Matilda flinched from the man¡¯s roar and only realized how treasonous her words were.


    With those words out of her mouth, it was broadcast to not only the entire Jacaster but the whole country as well. At that moment<b>, </b>the Hayes family¡¯spany, which was being pressured, would be in more jeopardy.


    Horace smiled apologetically to the crowd. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. My wife has been through a lot recently and <b>said </b>some unpleasant things. Please show some sympathy and not spread this.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be that she¡¯s following Florence¡¯s footsteps by going to the psychiatric hospital and iming to be <b>depressed</b>, can it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! They¡¯re ying the same trick again. The Hayes family is pretty good at it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Do they think everyone is stupid? Florence could be discharged from the psychiatric hospital, which might be because they used Mr. <b>Hayes </b>to threaten Stephanie to withdraw herwsuit.¡±


    ¡°What a bad look for the Hayes family! No wonder <b>their </b>biological daughter wants to cut ties with them.¡±


    ¡°Even though they¡¯re twins and should be equally precious, they treated both daughters differently. Stephanie


    ephanie truly doesn¡¯t resemble them at all.¡±


    ¡°Florence<b>, </b>don¡¯t you feel guilty for giarizing Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch?¡±


    ¡°I agree. She even made a betst night. In the end, she had to beg for mercy. How embarrassing!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, don¡¯t you feel incredibly


    ly regretful for choosing Florence instead of Stephanie after what happenedst night?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, do you know anything about the rough sketch from <bst </b>night?¡±


    <b>Dous</b>¡® face looked particrly ashen. Pressure was being cast onto Fantasy Boutique from all sides. He had <b>nned </b>to use the productunch to put themselves in the spotlight, but that idiot, Florence<b>, </b>cornered him.


    As a result, not only was he forced to apologize to Stephanie in public, humiliating himself, but he also put Fantasy Boutique in crisis once again.


    Chapter 74


    <b>30 </b><b>May</b>


    Dous shot vicious res at Florence, raised his hand, and pped her across the face.


    Florence stared at the man in shock, ¡°Can you me me for that? You¡¯re the one who insisted on graveling


    for forgiveness!¡±


    Dous was infuriated, cursing inwardly, ¡°This bitch dares to push the me on me and y the victim Wasn¡¯t she the one who started all this?¡®


    Dous tugged on her hair directly. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t told me you drew those rough sketches, would I have made the bet with Stephanie? You have no real skills and only steal from her Tell me one thing good about yourself, I must¡¯ve been blind back then, treating garbage like gold by choosing you! I want to break off the engagement with you!¡±


    Florence red up in anger. ¡°It¡¯s your fault for being vaini Didn¡¯t you choose me because you thought I was useful? Now, you dare say I¡¯m without skills! Then, do you have it? What do you know? In the end, you simply relied on the Fletcher family to establish Fantasy Boutique. Now that you¡¯re being kicked out of the Fletcher family, you¡¯re nothing!¡±


    She sheered <b>and </b>looked at the crowd. ¡°Let me get you in on another secret. Dous is impotent and can only rely on sadomasochism to vent his desires!


    He¡¯s no different from someone who has been castrated!¡±


    Florence spat fiercely. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t break off the engagement with me, I¡¯ll do it, tool Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you¡¯re fooling around with other women outside. You deserved getting sick! It must be because <b>you¡¯ve </b>gone too far


    Dous put his hands around Florence¡¯s neck. Simultaneously, Horace and Matilda clenched Dous


    <b>For </b>a moment, the scene was <b>a </b>chaos.


    No reporter stepped forward to pull them apart. All of them adjusted the angles of their phones or video cameras to capture the best shots.


    Ultimately, the people were taken to the police station by the authorities. They were all detained on the charge of public safety vitions


    When they were released, it was already noon on the day after.


    Dous red <b>fiercely </b>at Florence. ¡°How do you want to die?¡±


    Matilda protected Florence behind her. ¡°No matter what, you and Flore have been together for many years. Once a married couple, always a married couple. You shouldn¡¯t have spoken harshly to each other.¡±


    Dous sneered. ¡°If I weren¡¯t attracted to her singing and design talents, do you think she¡¯d be by my side? I didn¡¯t expect her to be mediocre and a swindler with nothing. Hmph! I¡¯m pretty confused, too. Both of youe from the same womb, but how can your intelligence differ so much as sisters?¡±


    Matilda was so pissed off she wanted to finish off the man before her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Flore? She¡¯s not far off from Stephaniel¡±


    <b>Dous </b><b>let </b>out a snarky scoff. ¡°Not far off? There¡¯s a world of difference between them! Florence, <b>you </b>are no longer an employee of Fantasy Boutique starting today. I¡¯m interested to see who¡¯d be willing to hire a miserable and foolish woman like you in Jacaster.¡±


    Florence snorted. ¡°I¡¯m still pretty, so <b>it¡¯s </b>easy for me to find a man¨Cunlike you. You no <b>longer </b>have the right to be a mant


    <b>Dous</b><b>¡± </b>lips curved into a seductive yet charming smile. ¡°Florence<b>, </b>I might as well let you know I hold a secret about you. You¡¯d better pray <b>that </b>I¡¯m in a good mood, or you¡¯ll be done if I tell others!¡±


    Florence rolled her eyes, thinking, ¡°The most he has are photos and videos of me. So what?¡±


    Her reputation was already in the dumps, and she could not be bothered to care anymore.


    Being a streamer on that kind of website would bring in a high revenue simply through donations.


    She had an alluring figure and was <b>certain </b>she could find a rich man.


    ¡°Do as you like. It¡¯s useless trying to <b>scare </b>me. I don¡¯t care at all.¡±


    ¡°Fine! Just you <b>wait </b><b>and </b>see. You¡¯ll regret it!¡± Dous ground his teeth and hissed. After saying that, he turned and left.


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    Chapter 74


    <b>30 </b>May


    Gazing at the man¡¯s silhouette, Horace felt a little uneasy. ¡°Dous is a petty man. We should be cautious¡±


    Matilda sported indifferently. ¡°What should we be afraid of? He¡¯s just a loser.¡±


    Florence agreed with the sentiment. ¡°He¡¯s a spent bullet and won¡¯t be able to make a name for himself. Those are <b>just </b>empty threats to <b>scare </b>us.¡±


    Horace frowned, insecurity filling his heart.


    Not long after, his worry was warranted following the exposure of news that pushed the Hayes family to its doom.


    They were like mud smashed to the floor, unable to stand up again.


    The Hayes family heard that Austin¡¯s funeral would be held on the second day.


    Although they did not want to go, they still went under the pressure of public opinion.


    The


    e next day was a cloudy one. At around 5 a.m., thunder boomed, and light rain started to patter at 6:30a.m<b>.</b>


    The funeral home had funerals <b>every </b>day, and there were particrly many people that <b>day</b>.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Many of Austin¡¯s friends came to mourn.


    Standing at the side of the crystal coffin


    in were Stephanie and Vincent, who greeted the guests who came to present their condolences


    At nearly 7a.m., the Hayes family rushed over.


    Some highly respected <b>elders </b>reprimanded the three.


    ¡°Why are you here sote? You¡¯re eventer than us, who are here to give our condolences! How disrespectful of you!¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Do they even know respect? They must¡¯ve pissed Austin off so much that he passed on.¡±


    ¡°Stephie didn¡¯t choose to give Austin an autopsy to protect his final dignity. They might¡¯ve found some clues if they had gotten <b>an </b>autopsy.¡±


    ¡°The Hayes family is so unlucky to have such a daughter¨Cinw, Austin¡¯s death must have something to do with her.¡±


    ¡°How dare they show their faces? I bet they¡¯re <b>here </b>to pray that Austin looks over them in heaven.¡±


    Florence greeted her teeth and hissed inwardly, ¡®Why don¡¯t these old geezers go to hell?¡±


    She looked at Stephanie, thetter looking so stunning that she invited jealousy. Moreover, the man in the wheelchair appeared so noble and elegant,


    Although he was sexually impotent like Dous, the man was a money maker and the head of the Fletcher family.


    Florence was not so different from Stephanie. In fact, the former was more voluptuous.


    There was no man who did not lust over her body. As sexually impotent as Dous <b>was</b>, he was still a man with weaknesses. No man waspletely loyal, and Florence was adamant about conquering Vincent.


    She walked over as she sniffled. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯ve reflected deeply these past few days. I know I¡¯m wrong. Can you forgive me?¡±


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow, shocked by Florence¡¯s show of weakness.


    Florence began to sob, and her body fell toward Vincent¡¯s.

 Chapter 75

    <b>Chapter </b><b>75</b>


    <b>In </b><b>the </b>funeral home chapel, everyone was dressed in ck. Grief decorated their faces as sighs could be heard incessantly.


    Not <b>far </b>from the crystal coffin were Stephanie and Vincent, greeting the guests who came to offer their condolences.


    After the Hayes family rushed over and were criticized thoroughly, they resentfully stood on the other side of the crystal coffin.


    Matilda was shooting fierce res at Stephanie as if wanting to swallow thetter whole.


    Horace sensed her anger and bumped her with his elbow, reminding her to restrain herself.


    It was <b>then </b>that Matilda held herself <b>back</b>.


    Florence turned her gaze and approached Stephanie in tears as she expressed her remorse,


    However, as she continued sobbing, she seemed like she was about to faint, falling toward Vincent.


    Vincent pressed his lips tightly, his glossy leather shoes moving slightly as he looked at the woman copsing toward him.


    Before he could do anything. Stephanie, standing at the side, grabbed a fistful of Florence¡¯s hair and shoved her aside<b>.</b>


    Florence yelled out in pain and fell <b>to </b>the ground, facing the <b>crystal </b>coffin.


    Stephanie said coldly. ¡°It seems like Grandpa¡¯s passing greatly affected you. You¡¯re even sobbing on the ground. Since you¡¯re so devoted, kneel there until the end of the funeral. You can stand after Grandpa¡¯s cremation is finished.¡±


    Florence clenched her jaw, not expecting Stephanie to say something like that. That left the former to be unable to refute.


    However, she was unwilling to let herself stay on her knees.


    ¡°Stephie, since you have such a good rtionship with Grandpa, won¡¯t you kneel with me?¡°.


    Of course, Stephanie knew that Florence would try to get her involved, <b>so </b>she calmly said, ¡°I spent the entire night yesterday praying to Grandpa. I¡¯m sure he has already epted my prayers. On the other <b>hand</b>, you <b>guys </b>should be showing some respect to Grandpa, shouldn¡¯t you? As his son¨Cand daughter¨Cinw, isn¡¯t it unreasonable not to show him respect?¡±


    The elders in the surroundings gradually criticized the Hayes family.


    ¡°Austin really did have a disrespectful son! Not only did he piss off his old man<b>¨C</b>he didn¡¯t even want to pay Austin his final respects.<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Yeah! Disrespectful children like them should be punished!¡±


    ¡°Austin shouldn¡¯t forgive them even after death. Look at the immoral things they¡¯ve done. I¡¯m guessing karma is still catching up to them.¡±


    Horace dragged Matilda to the crystal coffin and knelt on the ground.


    Matilda felt indignant and red at Stephanie, thinking, ¡°I¡¯m going to get my revenge one <b>day</b><b>!</b>¡®


    The <b>funeral </b>host, Muriel Collier, first introduced Austin¡¯s life. As everyone mourned for him, Muriel finally looked at Horace and said, ¡°There¡¯s a saying which I¡¯m not sure you believe.¡±


    Horace frowned. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Muriel said sternly, ¡°When one had passed and if their loved ones pray before their coffins long enough, one would wee a life of riches in their next


    10:29 Thu, 30 <b>May </b>BB


    Chapter 75


    Theers of Horace¡¯s lips twitched as he thought, ¡°Is this host here to cause trouble for me?¡±


    Matilda was unwilling to do that and said directly, ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of that saying.¡±


    Muriel looked at her and <b>asked</b>, ¡°It¡¯s normal that you haven¡¯t heard of it. After all, how many elderly people were cursed to death by their own family?¡±


    Matilda retorted, ¡°What do <b>y</b>


    you mean by that? Who cursed that old prezer


    Before she could finish speaking, a loud p was delivered across her face. Horace roared angrily, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Everyone present heard Matilda¡¯s words and began a new round of criticism <b>against </b>her.


    Horace, putting down his pride, said, ¡°I¡¯ll pray.¡±


    He began kneeling and praying along with Matilda.


    Stephanie watched the scene coldly without a hint of warmth in her eyes. Even if they were her parents, she did not waver,


    ¡®They owe this to Grandpa. If they hadn¡¯t locked him in the basement, Grandpa wouldn¡¯t have gotten brain damage from the <bck </b>of oxygen. Ungrateful children like them deserve this kind of punishment<b>.¡±</b>


    Florence had prayed muchst night <b>and </b>felt like she was about to get a concussion. If she did it for longer, it might kill her.


    Muriel looked at Florence, whose eyes were hazy. ¡°Your parents are kneeling, so you should, too. Austin depends on you to umte his luck in the next life.¡±


    Florence was rendered speechless


    She turned to look at Stephanie. ¡°Stephie <b>is </b>also a member of the Hayes family. Shouldn¡¯t she help Grandpa out, too?¡±


    Muriel waved his hand. ¡°Didn¡¯t she cut her ties with the Hayes family<b>? </b>She¡¯s not a part of you anymore.¡±


    Florence fell silent.


    Muriel raised his chin. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Florence had a fooling Stephanie had hired the host to cause trouble for her.


    By the end of the prayers, all three of the Hayes family members were dizzy, especially Matilda and Florence, who almost copsed onto the ground.


    In the end, Horace held them up with one hand each that the two barely managed to get to their feet.


    Muriel said, ¡°To show your devotion, please continue to kneel until the end of the cremation.¡±


    All three of them were wordless.


    Austin¡¯srades and close friends were invited to the <b>funeral</b>. There were nearly <b>a </b>hundred people, including Kevin,


    Kevin was seething with anger at the sight of the three Hayes family members, wanting to drown their ears with lectures and scolding.


    However, he felt much better after seeing the three on their knees.


    During the funeral, the first and second branches of the Fletcher family also arrived.


    In fact, Stephanie and Vincent were quite surprised <b>to </b>see the first branch attend. After all, their rtionship had been so tense. They did not think the first branch was there to ease the rtionship and were kept on high alert.


    Austin¡¯s cremation <b>ended </b>after an hour.


    Chapter 75


    <b>May</b>


    Stephanie nced at the three¡¯s swollen knees and snickered.


    Then, she put on a pair of gloves, obtained the ashes through the furnace opening, and scooped them into a tray.


    Next, she transported the ashes into an urn. After sealing it, she bowed respectfully.


    She was incredibly grateful for the elderly man and was willing to bury him personal


    Just then, Jubanna entered the funeral home chapel and came to Stephanie¡¯s side, whispering. ¡°The grave is ready. You can bury him right away upon


    arrival,¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Julianna looked back at the three Hayes family members¡± miserable state and almost let out herughter. ¡°Just how much did I miss? I¡¯ve already had Graham head to the grave himself, You don¡¯t know how much we don¡¯t get along with each other. We always contradict each other. So annoying.¡±


    With a faint smile, Stephanie said, ¡°Who knows? Maybe sparks will fly between those who don¡¯t get along.¡±


    Julianna pouted. ¡°Absolutely not. <b>He¡¯s </b>a straight <b>guy </b>when you¡¯re free.¡±


    uy that no woman can stand. Not to mention, I¡¯m about to <b>have </b><b>a </b>boyfriend. I¡¯ll introduce him to you


    Somehow. Stephanie was on guard against the man she had never met.


    She nodded lightly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Vincent did not inform anyone else on his side. Joseph, Willow, and Glovanni were off to escort Kevin to ind Naluwai, so the only one who came t


    funeral was Graham


    to theMaterial ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Since Stephanie only had Julianna with her and arrangements were needed at the grave, she assigned Julianna and Graham over there


    Unexpectedly, the two did not seem to get along in their new meeting.


    Aher the host had presented some words of farewell, he apanied Stephanie out of the funeral home chapel with the urn in her hand.


    Julianna held up the umbre for Stephanie as the rain grew heavier while thetter got into the car.


    Zane also held an umbre over Vincent and helped thetter into the passenger seat.


    With that, the car drove toward the cemetery.


    A hint of viciousness shed through Raphael¡¯s and Lori¡¯s <b>eyes </b>as they cursed inwardly, ¡®We¡¯ll definitely get revenge against that bitch who kicked Dous out of the Fletcher family, took his name out from the family registry, and made him <b>kneel </b>before her in public!¡±


    ording to Dous, Vincent was pretending to be crippled. As long <b>as </b>they exposed that he had recovered<b>, </b>someone woulde to deal with him.


    Of course, they could not miss out on such a good opportunity.


    Just as the two were about to get in the car, the three Hayes family members walked over, supporting each other on their feet.


    Lori felt her blood boil after seeing them. She <b>raised </b>her hand and gave each person a <b>p</b>.


    Matilda was already dizzy from kneeling for too long and was dumbfounded for a moment after being pped.


    Horace was the first to react. ¡°Why did you hit us?¡±


    Lori screamed, ¡°Because I want to Look at what your daughter has <b>donel </b>She got Stephanie to be her vocal <b>double</b><b>, </b>giarized Stephanie¡¯s <b>rough </b>sketch, and was so stingy while recording for a movie! What can she do other than bring Fantasy Boutique down? She even spread rumors about my <b>son </b>being impotent! I¡¯m going to rip her mouth out today!¡±


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    Chapter 75


    Matilda was infuriated and pulled on Lori¡¯s hair. ¡°Your son is useless while he fools around with other women all day! Right, and he¡¯s impotent now as well! That¡¯s the truth. Howughable is that? Now, you can only wall while your bloodline ceases to exist. No matter how ipetent Flora is, your son is still not good enough for her!¡±


    ¡°What did she mean by calling me ipetent? It might not be an outright insult, but it¡¯s still offensive nheless! Florence thought.


    Raphael pulled the two women apart, and Matilda even scratched his face. He red at Horace and warned, ¡°Keep an eye or those two idiots! No matter how bad of a situation we are in, it¡¯s still easy for us to end the Hayes family¡±


    Horace was being suppressed everywhere right then, and all he could do was endure it.


    Raphael whispered to Lori, ¡°We Have more important things to do, Let¡¯s go.¡±


    It was not until Lorl was reminded of Dous request that she regained her senses.


    After leaving fierce res at the Hayes family, they left in a hurry.


    With tears in her eyes, Florence asked, ¡°Dad, why did you let them go just like that?¡±


    Horace red at her. ¡°You¡¯ve caught Mr. Hennesey¡¯s attention. I¡¯ll take you to a gathering <b>a </b>few dayster.¡±


    Florence looked at him in surprise. ¡°Dad¡±


    Matilda was also shocked. ¡°Honey<b>, </b>you¡ª¡±


    Horace huffed. ¡°Keep your mouths shut!¡±


    Panicked, Matilda humedly said, ¡°<b>Why </b>don¡¯t we look for Viv


    She immediately stopped speaking after meeting Horace¡¯s stare.


    Florence was finally smart for once and caught the focus point of their conversation.

 Chapter 76

    <b>Chapter </b><b>76</b>


    <b>The </b>sky was <b>overcast</b>, and the rain did not look like it was stopping.


    <b>Luxury </b>cars stopped at the gate of the cemetery one after another.


    Following Munel, Stephanie and the others walked toward the cemetery.


    Those who came to pay respects to Austin also got out of <b>their </b>cars.


    Raphael and Lori, in particr, followed them quickly.


    Edith frowned and said, ¡°What are they doing here, Frederick? Why are they here? They look so anxious.¡±


    Upon thinking that something was wrong. Frederick grabbed Edith¡¯s hand and followed them quickly.


    There was no special wheelchair passage in the cemetery, and there were also many steps.


    Stephanie asked Vincent to wait at the side of the <b>stairs </b>before she and Julianna went to bury the urn.


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The others followed Stephanie to <b>a </b>gravestone.


    Beside the tombstone stood a handsome man in <b>a </b>suit and leather shoes. It was Graham.


    ¡°At least, he¡¯s an eye candy,¡± said Julianna.


    ¡°It seems that he has offended you.¡± Stephanie said with a smile.


    Julianna whispered. ¡°He said that your makeup was very peculiar because there <b>was </b><b>mascara </b>on your cheeks. Why can¡¯t he just got straight to the point and say that your makeup is smudged?¡°<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Graham to be so humorous,¡± Stephanie remarked.


    Julianna snorted and red at the man in front of her. ¡°Whoever his girlfriend is will surely die young!¡±


    Her voice was a little loud, and Graham heard it. He smiled. ¡°Do you want to die <b>young</b>? I¡¯m willing to help you.¡±


    Julianna was speechless.


    Stephanie tried hard to hold back herughter.


    Upon seeing that almost everyone was there, Muriel started the final farewell program,


    prayers, Stephanie lowered the urn into the tomb,


    The tombstone was closed and sealed.


    When they w


    were at the funeral home<b>, </b>each of them had taken a white chrysanthemum, so they began to ce the flowers in front of the tombstone.


    Vincent and Zane watched the scone quietly.


    Just then, a little boy ran over with a ck umbre. When he passed Zane, he sprained his ankle and proceeded to roll down.


    After seeing that, Vincent hurriedly called out, ¡°Zanel¡±


    Zane handed the umbreto Vincent. The two men cooperated very well.


    10:30 Thu, 30 May BBE


    Chapter 76


    Zane grabbed the boy¡¯s umbre but failed to catch the little boy.


    <b>He </b>watched the boy roll down the steps and quickly went after him.


    The rain was so browy that the raindrops fell on the ground with cracking sounds, but Vincent could still feel someone approach him.


    He threw the umbre aside and turned around.


    A man wearing a baseball cap and a mask reached out and prepared to push Vincent down.


    On the side of the stairs was a slippery green field, so people wouldn¡¯t get hurt if they fell there, Therefore, the purpose of the person¡¯s action was not to hurt him but to see if he would stand up to dodge. After all, if Vincent was attacked and fell to the ground, he would be made aughingstock. If he stood up to dodge, there would <b>be </b>consequences.


    Zane shouted, ¡°Mr. Fletcher!¡±


    The moumers also turned around with their eyes wide open.


    As soon as they realized what had happened, Stephanie, Graham, and Julianna rushed toward Vincent.


    At that critical moment, the man¡¯s hand stopped near the back of the wheelchair.


    Frederick pulled the man back and kicked him hard.


    That gave Zane time to rush up with the boy in <b>his </b>arms, but the former slipped and almost fell.


    He put the child down and stepped forward to pin the attacker down..


    ¡°Who sent you here? Tell me!¡± questioned Zane.


    The man struggled, but it was useless. He didn¡¯t say anything and kept silent.


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Take him back for questioning.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± replied Zane.


    At the same time, Stephanie and Grabam ran over


    Looking at Vincent, Stephanie asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°No, Fortunately, Frederick came in time,¡± replied Vincent


    ¡°Aht¡± Julianna screamed. As <b>she </b>was running in her high heels and thest step was a little slippery, she nearly fell down the steps.


    Right then, Graham rushed over, grabbed her <b>arm</b>, <b>and </b>pulled her into his arms.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness! I was so scared!¡± yelled Julianna as she held on to Graham tightly.


    Graham smiled. ¡°Why are you holding me so tightly? Aren¡¯t)


    n¡¯t you afraid of dying young?¡±


    Julianna let go of him immediately and walked quickly to the side of <b>Stephanie</b>.


    Graham smiled and didn¡¯t take it seriously.


    Looking at Frederick and Edith, who was out of breath, Stephanie said, ¡°Thank you¡±


    Frederick shook his head. ¡°<b>Tortunately</b>, <b>you </b>are fine. When I caught up with this man, I saw himing straight for you<b>.</b>¡±


    He then looked at the boy and asked, ¡°Whose child is this?¡±


    2/44


    <b>10:30 </b>Thu, 30 May B E E


    Chapter 76


    It was then that a couple in ck clothes rushed over with an umbre.


    When the woman saw the boy, she squatted down and hugged him tightly. ¡°Georgie, what are you doing here? I <b>was </b>so worried.¡±


    any trouble?¡±


    The man seemed to notice that something was amiss, so he asked, ¡°Did my son cause any


    Vincent said in a low voice. ¡°He almost fell down the stairs. It was my assistant who saved him, but he must have sprained his ankle.¡±


    The man thanked them repeatedly. ¡°Today is my father¡¯s funeral. I didn¡¯t expect my son to go missing in the blink of an eye. I¡¯m sorry to bring you


    trouble.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± said Vincent. He looked at the boy and asked, ¡°Why did youe here?¡±


    The little boy blinked his big innocent eyes and said, ¡°Ady said that someone is giving out candies here.¡±


    ¡°Whichdy?¡± asked Vincent.


    The boy looked around and shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t see her anywhere. But there is a white flower on thedy¡¯s chest. She is wearing a mask and has big <b>eyes</b>.¡±


    Vincent pointed at the steps down the stairs. ¡°Graham, did you feel that the steps were very slippery when you came up?¡±


    Graham nodded. ¡°A little.¡±


    He squatted down and rubbed his hands on the steps. ¡°It should be something oily or slippery.¡±


    When the mourners passed by the <b>stairs </b>earlier on, they were fine. Then, the boy came, <b>and </b>something happened. So, thest person who went down the stairs must be the culprit.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Vincent looked at Graham. ¡°Go and check the surveince footage and see who is thest one to go down the stairs!¡±


    Graham nodded. ¡°Okay. All of you can go back first. I will send the surveince footage to your email.


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Okay¡±


    Because of <b>that </b>incident, the whole funeral ended ahead of time.


    Before leaving, Stephanie handed a bag to Muriel and said, ¡°Please see to thepletion of the burial. I have to leave now.¡±


    Muriel nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of the rest,¡±


    Stephanie nodded and left. <b>As </b>for Muriel, he went <b>back </b>to the cemetery to a beautiful tombstone and ced the urn into the tomb.


    On her way to the cemetery, Stephanie had swapped the um.


    The empty urn was buried in Austin¡¯s tomb, and the urn containing his ashes was put away. After everyone had left, Muriel was to bury it in his original tomb.


    Vincent and Stephanie went back to Tranquil Garden, After taking a shower, the two of them watched the surveince <b>footage </b>sent by Graham,


    The video showed Raphael and an old man walking down the <b>stairs</b>, Raphael seemed to be holding the elder¡¯s arm, so it was hard to see what he was doing


    Stephanie frowned. ¡°Before this, we suspected that Dous drugged you. Now, Raphael is under suspicion <b>again</b><b>, </b>so it must be Dous who asked Raphael to do it. Our rtionship with them has reached such a deadlock. Why would they attend <b>Grandpa¡¯s </b>funeral?¡±


    Vincent agreed. ¡°It seems I have to make a trip to the Fletcher residence.¡°.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Vincent went back to the Fletcher residence and entered the study with Kevin.


    After a while, a loud sound was heard. Kevin was so angry that he smashed his favorite ornament.


    He asked Paul to call back Raphael, Frederick, and their families.


    An hourter, the Fletcher family gathered in the center of the living room.


    Raphael thought, ¡®This isn¡¯t good. Dad keeps ncing at me and Lori. Is what happened today exposed? No way! It¡¯s impossible!¡±Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Kevin snorted. ¡°Raphael, I¡¯ll give you a chance to speak out about the bad things you¡¯ve done. Otherwise, you¡¯ll end up like Dous after I show you the


    evidence!¡±


    Raphael refused to admit it. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Kevin was so angry that he grabbed the coffee cup on the coffee table and smashed it at Raphael. ¡°You sent someone to attack Vincent in the cemetery today just to test if he is still limping, Raphael, he is your younger brother. Do you know what you are doing?¡±


    Raphael pressed his lips. ¡°Dad, I really didn¡¯t do what you said. Why should I test Vincent?¡±


    ¡°Why? You¡¯re well aware!¡± Kevin nced at Raphael coldly. ¡°I know you won¡¯t admit it. I¡¯ve found the evidence! Bring him here!¡±


    Soon, a bodyguard dragged a dying z man in.


    The man groaned painfully. ¡°Please spare me. Someone offered 20,000 dors to hire me. I¡¯m short of money, so I agreed to do it¡±


    Raphael said, ¡°So, you suspect that I¡¯m the one who hired him? Have you found out that it¡¯s me?¡±


    He did not contact the man directly, and they could not find out anything about him, so he had nothing to fear.


    Kevin said coldly. ¡°What¡¯s the rush? Paul, bring the child in.¡±


    Paul nodded. ¡°Yes¡±


    Soon, Paul held a boy¡¯s hand and walked in.


    When the boy saw Lori, he ran to her. ¡°Ma¡¯am, you told me there were candies. I went there. Why couldn¡¯t I find any? I almost fell down the stairs!¡±


    Lori was stunned. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±


    The boy grabbed her hand. ¡°It¡¯s you, it¡¯s you. I recognize you. How can you lie to a child? Grandpa once said that liars will hurt their tongue!¡±


    Lori let go of his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about! Get out of here!¡±


    The boy cried and grabbed her hand again. ¡°You big liar, you will have a long nose in the future! You lied to me that there were candies to eat¡­¡±


    Annoyed, Lori pushed the boy to the ground. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying. It¡¯s not me, but..¡±


    She shut up before she could finish her words.


    Vincent raised his eyebrows slightly. ¡°But who? Lori, shouldn¡¯t you make it clear?¡±


    Instantly, Lori¡¯s face turned pale, and so did Raphael¡¯s.


    Frederick, who had been silent all the timy, said, ¡°During today¡¯s funeral, I was actually very curious about Raphael and Lori¡¯s show up. After all, after Dous left the Fletcher family, Raphand Lori shouldn¡¯t havee to Austin¡¯s funeral. You not only attended it today but also looked very


    10:30 Thu, 30 May BBO


    Chapter 77


    attentive. After parking the car at the cemetery, you chased after Vincent and Stephanie, looking very anxious.¡±


    Blue veins stood out on the back of Raphael¡¯s clenched fists. ¡°Show me substantial evidencel¡±


    Vincent sneered. ¡°Lori, didn¡¯t you spill the beans? Let me tell the truth. You were sent by Dous to test if I am disabled or not.¡±


    88%


    O


    Raphael said concernedly, ¡°Vincent, why do you say that? If your legs have recovered, we will be very happy. Lori didn¡¯t spill anything just now, but she was just annoyed by the child. It¡¯s too arbitrary for you to guess the second half of the sentence.¡±


    Lori calmed herself down, ¡°Yes, I was annoyed by that child just now. Besides, il Vincent recovers, you will tell your parents, won¡¯t you? Why would you hide it?¡±


    Kevin narrowed his eyes and snorted. ¡°There¡¯s no need to say anything else, Raphael, resign from all the posts of Fletcher Group in the future!¡±


    Both Raphael and Lori were shocked and said in unison, ¡°Dad!¡±


    With a cold look in his eyes, Kevin waved his hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need to say anything more. You and Lori are responsible for what happened to Dous today. The child follows the parents¡¯ behavior. You can take over the foreign branchpany in Beskary, which is myst mercy. Otherwise, you can keep the stock dividends every year. You caused trouble at Austin¡¯s funeral, and Vincent is your biological brother. Is this how I taught you? It really disappointed me!¡±


    Raphael wanted to say something more, but Kevin stood up. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be removed from the family registry like Dous, don¡¯t refute me!¡± Then, he walked toward the study.


    Lori looked at Ellen, who had been drinking coffee quietly. Lori asked, ¡°Ellen, can you please plead for Raphael?¡±


    Ellen put down the coffee cup and looked at Raphael and Lori. ¡°When Dous made trouble, he didn¡¯t hurt people. Even if he¡¯s my own son, endured it. Now, he has challenged my and your father¡¯s bottom line again and again. Do you really think we are dead? Raphael, you really disappointed


    Raphael ground his teeth. ¡°Mom, you and Dad have been biased toward Vincent since childhood. Now, the group is also handed over to him. What did Frederick and I get?¡±


    Frederick frowned. ¡°Raphael, I have no objection to Vincent. Don¡¯t take me with you if you are dissatisfied with him, I know Vincent¡¯s ability, so I won¡¯tpete with him.¡±


    Raphael was furious.


    group will naturally be handed over to you. Look at Dous-what¡¯s the situation of Fantasy


    Ellen sighed. ¡°If you are stronger than Vincent, the g Boutique?¡±


    Lori¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°If Stephanie didn¡¯t expose Florence, Fantasy Boutique wouldn¡¯t have gone bankrupt!¡±


    Ellen wanted to talk calmly, but when she heard that, she became furious. ¡°What are you talking about? Should Stephiebe Florence¡¯s vocal double and provide her unlimited rough sketches? Lori, do you know why I gave the heirloom emerald bracelet to Stephie but not you?¡±


    Lori gritted her teeth. ¡°It¡¯s all because you favor Vincent. So, you favor Stephaniel¡±


    ¡°You are wrong!¡± Ellen stared at her. ¡°It¡¯s because you are evil!¡±


    Lorl was annoyed, and she looked at Edith. ¡°Ellen doesn¡¯t like you either!¡±


    Edith was not bothered at all and said in a gentle voice, ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of potential, and I don¡¯t care about it either.¡±


    Lori was speechless.


    Raphael pulled Lori up. ¡°Tell Dad that I agree to go to the branchpany in Beskary¡±


    Lori wanted to argue more but was stopped by Raphael¡¯s cold eyes.


    10:30 Thu, 30 May 5 BG


    Chapter 77


    The two of them got in the car and drove away from the Fletcher residence. Then, they stopped by the road and began to quarrel.


    At the same time, Paul went to check Kevin¡¯s condition, only to find that Kevin had fainted on the table.


    Paul quickly ran to the living room. ¡°Mr. Kevin Fletcher got so angry that he fainted!¡±


    Vincent called Stephanie immediately to exin the situation.


    Stephanie said that she was worried about Kevin and was on her way there.


    88%


    She asked Vincent to check Kevin¡¯s breath. When she knew that Kevin¡¯s breath was stable, she said that they did not need to send him to the hospital. She woulde back immediately.¡±


    Stephanie pressed on the elerator hard and drove toward the Fletcher residence.


    Lori, who was quarreling with Raphael in the car by the roadside, suddenly stopped arguing. ¡°Is that Vincent¡¯s car? Why did he drive so fast?¡±


    Raphael frowned. ¡°A person who can drive Vincent¡¯s car must be Stephanie, right? It¡¯s so fast. Did something wrong happen in the Fletcher residence?¡±


    Raphael called a spy in the Fletcher residence. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    His spy replied. ¡°Mr. Kevin Fletcher passed out because of anger. They are waiting for Mrs. Stephanie Fletcher.¡±


    Raphael rolled his eyes. ¡°What can she do?¡±


    The spy said, ¡°She seems to have some medical skills.¡±


    Raphael narrowed


    his eyes. ¡°Report the situation to meter.¡±¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 78

    <b>Chapter </b><b>78</b>


    After parking the car in front of the mansion, Stephanie pot out of the car and entered the mansion quickly.


    Ellen cried as she walked up to Stephanie and held her hands. ¡°Stephie, Kevin¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anything happen to him,¡± Stephanieforted.


    Looking at her determined look. Ellen nodded.


    Vincent said, ¡°Dad is in his room. Let¡¯s go


    Stephanie nodded, ¡°Okay¡±


    When they arrived at Kevin¡¯s room, Stephanie greeted Frederick and Edith


    Sitting on the chair beside the bed, Stephanie put her fingertips on Kevin¡¯s wrist and began the pulse diagnosis


    Later, she took out a small ck medicine bottle from her handbag and poured out a small red pill. She opened Kevin¡¯s mouth and put it in.


    Ellen was surprised. ¡°Stephie, is this the medicine that the miracle doctor gave <b>you</b>?¡°.


    Stephanie thought ¡°She¡¯s naive and adorable. She doesn¡¯t <b>think </b>that I¡¯m the miracle doctor.


    She nodded with a smile. ¡°Yes. Don¡¯t worry, Kevin is just angry. He needs more rest and to calm his breath. This pill can ease his mood, but he still needs to think it through.¡±


    Ellen sighed. ¡°You must have known what the stupid thing Raphael has done. It¡¯s our fault <b>that </b>we didn¡¯t educate him well. We almost hurt Vincent.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°People will be affected by the outside environment, which is uncontroble. Don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    Ellen sighed again.


    It had been almost a month since Stephanie gave Ellen the acupuncture, so she said, ¡°The miracle doctor taught me a set of acupuncture techniquesst time. She said that if she didn¡¯t have time toe, she would let me do acupuncture for you. If you trust me, I will give you the acupuncture


    Ellen said with a smile, ¡°Of course, I trust you. Please


    Stephanie let Ellen lean against the chair. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll give you an acupuncture. Are you afraid?¡±


    Ellen shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. Come on.¡±


    As Stephanie chatted with Ellen, she <b>gave </b>the former the acupuncture.


    Een looked at Stephanie. <b>¡°</b>Stephie, why <b>haven¡¯t </b>you done the acupuncture yet?¡±


    Edith chuckled. ¡°Stephie has turned you into a hedgehog. Your head is covered with needles.¡±


    Ellen w


    was surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t feel the needles.¡±


    Edith smiled. ¡°That means Stephie¡¯s acupuncture¡¯s good.¡±


    The three continued to chat, <b>and </bughter was heard from time to time.


    Kevin, who <b>was </b>still in aa<b>, </b>would think that they were heartless!


    Vincent and Frederick left the room and went to the floor<b>¨C</b>to¨Cceiling window.


    <b>10:30</b>


    Chapter 78


    30 May B


    Frederick nced at Vincent¡¯s leg. ¡°Have you recovered?¡±


    Vincent responded lightly.


    Frederick chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve hidden it enough.¡±


    Vincent said, ¡°I have no choice. There¡¯s someone testing me.¡±


    Frederick know that Vincent was not only the CEO of Fletcher Group but also had a mysterious identity.


    That was because he had been in danger several times, and every time, a mysterious person saved him.


    Frederick had once heard someone call Vincent <b>¡°</b>Mr. Fletcher¡± when he was in a semia


    Since then, Frederick was sure that it <b>was </b>Vincent who <b>saved </b>him. After all, there was no one else who could be called ¡°Mr. Fletcher¡± other than Vincent.


    After what had happened that day, Frederick was suspiciousOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Vincent had said that after making sure that Frederick would not expose him.


    Frederick looked back and said in a low voice, ¡°Stephanie is a miracle doctor, right?¡±


    Vincent looked out of the window at the leaves rustling in the wind and responded lightly.


    Frederick was smart. After all, after Kevin fainted that <b>day</b>, Vincent did not think of a miracle doctor but Stephanie. Besides, Stephanie had pills with her and had given acupuncture to Ellen. If Stephanie did not have the capabilities, she would not have dared to do acupuncture.


    Frederick said in shock, ¡°I will keep this secret.¡±


    Vincent smiled. ¡°Thank you.<b>¡±</b>


    After lunch, Kevin woke up.


    He leaned against the bed and sighed. ¡°Why do I have such an unfilial son?¡±


    Stephanie advised, ¡°The children are different from each other. You taught them how to behave themselves. But as they grow older, some people <b>will </b>inevitably go astray due to the impact of the outside environment. But Frederick and Vincent are very good. <b>You </b>are a <b>very </b>sessful father.¡±


    Kevin smiled.


    Ellen walked in with a <b>tray </b>in her hands. There was a bowl of mushroom soup on it. ¡°Let Stephie go back to Tranquil Garden. She and Vincent <b>stayed </b><b>up </b>the whole night, and something bad happened today. Let them go back to rest.¡±


    Kevin nodded. ¡°Quickly go back with Vincent. Don¡¯t think about Austin anymore. Maybe he has been reborn.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay, I understand.¡±


    After Stephanie<b>, </b>Vincent, Frederick, and Edith had left, Kevin sniffed. ¡°Austin was a poor man! He was thrown into the basement by the bad son and had brain damage due to oxygen deficiency. Later, he was infuriated to death by the vicious daughter <b>in </bw. He shouldn¡¯t have died so soon. He should have taken those two dangerous things away!¡±


    Ellen thought that what Kevin had said was childish and ridiculous. After all, no <b>one </b>could see or touch a ghost.


    But his words were what Ellen was <b>thinking</b>. She said angrily. ¡°Take away the troublesome Florence, tool¡±


    Kevin looked at her, ¡°What about Raphael?¡±


    Ellen looked down and said after a long time,¡± they continue to hurt people, take them away, too.¡±


    10:30 Thu, 30 May BBQ


    Chapter 78


    They smiled bitterly. Elen picked up the bowl. ¡°Let me feed you sortie soup.¡±


    At the same time, the car stopped at the entrance of Tranquil Garden.


    Vincent looked at the sleeping Stephanie on his shoulder and felt sorry for her.


    Stephanie was really tired


    During that period of time, she was busy designing rough sketches, sewing, and making pills for death escape.


    Stephanie said it was difficult to refine that type of pill as it needed 99 kinds of medicinal herbs,


    <b>88</b><b>%</b>


    Many of the herbs were poisonous. That kind of medicine could slow down the nerve reaction, slow down the heart rate, and even make the organs look like they were depleted.


    These days. Stephanie coughed asionally at night, which was caused by the poison of the medicine.


    As soon as Zane opened the door, he saw Vincent¡¯s gentle face.


    Vincent said softly, ¡°Stay in Tranquil Garden and have a rest.¡±


    Zane nodded slightly and closed the door gently.


    Stephanie was so sleepy that she did not wake up until <b>sunset</b>.


    When she woke up, she found herself resting on Vincent¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Are you awake?¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie muttered in a hoarse voice, ¡°I¡¯m still sleepy.¡± Then, she grabbed Vincent¡¯s <b>hand </b>and rubbed it against her face.


    Vincent felt heartbroken and said dotingly, ¡°Go to bed to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Stephanie.


    The two got out of the car and went back to the bedroom. Stephaniey on the bed without changing her pajamas.


    She felt the heaviness on her eyelids, and soon, she fell asleep again.


    Vincent sighed softly and took out her pajamas from the walk¨Cin closet to change for her.


    At that time, Vincent¡¯s phone vibrated.


    He picked it up and said seriously, ¡°Say it.¡±

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Vincent walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, slightly parted the curtain, and looked at the lit-up street lights and floor lights around the manor.


    parted the


    ¡°Spoak,¡± he ordered.


    ¡°The man works in a nightclub. Last night, someone offered him 60,000 dors to go to the cemetery to push a man in a wheelchair down. He was fully disguised in his face was barely discernible. The nightclub was dim and chaotic. The two of them also avoided surveince, so we couldn¡¯t find them,¡± Zane replied.


    Vincent knew Dous was behind it. He seemed to have learned not to leave any evidence.


    His eyes narrowed. ¡°I see¡±


    Zane inquired, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what should we do with him?¡±


    ¡°Put word out that he has snitched on the mastermind. Let him fend for himself,¡± said Vincent.


    He replied, ¡°Understood.¡±


    Vincent meant to let the man go. His survival depended on whether he could avoid Dous pursuit.


    Vincent was never a merciful person. Since the man wanted to hurt him, he had to pay the price. Whether he could afford th


    t price depended on himself.


    Indeed, humans would do anything to be rich.


    After hanging up, Vincent looked at Stephanie who was sleeping soundly. He walked to the bed and kissed her on her forehead.


    ¡°Good night, Stephie,¡± he whispered.


    After that, he left the room in his wheelchair and headed to the study.


    Meanwhile, in the mansion at suburb, Dous was sitting on the couch.


    He twirled the red wine in his ss while thinking about what Raphael had just said.


    Raphael said that Kevin should go to the hospital or find a miracle doctor when he suddenly fell ill. At the very least, they should get a reputable doctor¡¯s help. However, Vincent called Stephanie and asked for her help instead.


    The housekeeper said Stephanie could diagnose pulses and do acupuncture. She even gave Ellen acupuncture treatment.


    Stephanie imed to have learned from the miracle doctor, but she clearly had a firm foundation. Even ordinary doctors wouldn¡¯t try something so risky like doing acupuncture on the head.


    Raphael suspected that she was the famous Miracle Doctor Summer. Although they looked different, Stephanie could¡¯ve disguised herself or used the legendary hyper-realistic mask.


    This deepened Dous¡¯ suspicion of her identity.


    Last night in the exhibition hall, a sense of familiarity assailed him when he saw Stephanie threaten Florence with that silver needle.


    ¡®Dr. Summer also uses a simr silver needle. Could Stephanie be her?¡¯ he mused.


    He quickly dismissed the idea, thinking it was highly unlikely. Miracle Doctor Summer probably taught Stephanie a few things on ount of Viricent.


    However, today, Vincent¡¯s faith in Stephanie¡¯s medical skills and her bold actions made him think that she was likely the miracle doctor.


    He regretted his decision when Stephanie¡¯s hidden identities were revealed one by one.


    87%17


    Chapter 79


    Why did I choose the idiotic Florence and lose such a good wife like Stephanie?¡¯mented Dous,


    Furious, he squeezed the ss hard. The crimson wine mixed with the blood dripping from the cut on his palm, staining the white carpet.


    He was determined to teach Florence a lesson. Not only did she make him lose everything, she even spread word that he was impotent.


    As for Stephanie, he was determined to win her over.


    Since she could make him impotent, she could also help him regain his virility.


    More importantly, having Stephanie meant never-ending wealth.


    He got up, approached the desk, and took an old phone from the drawer, turning it on the phone. As he clicked on a video in the phone, a sly smile yed on his lips.


    He dialed a number using another phone. ¡°What¡¯s your progress on seducing Julianna?*


    The man replied, ¡°She¡¯s close to taking the bait.¡±


    Dous pressed the tip of his tongue against his cheek. ¡°Make her fall hard and drive a wedge between Julianna and Stephanie. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°I understand, but now, in Julianna¡¯s eyes, my status is far inferior to that of Stephanie,¡± the man said.


    Dous answered, ¡°If you want to win a woman¡¯s heart, you have to get her body first. Just sleep with her.¡±


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll speed things up,¡± he promised.


    Dous smiled. 11 be waiting for good news.¡±


    Stephanie had been exhaustedtely and ended up sleeping for two whole days.


    The next morning, she woke up to Vincent¡¯s handsome face.


    Vincent asked, ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    Stephanie roused. ¡°Yeah, I finally got enough sleep. I¡¯ve been lethargic these days. I¡¯m sorry for neglecting you.¡±


    Vincent raised his eyebrow. ¡°Then how will youpensate me?¡±


    ¡°How do you want me to make it up to you?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± she then said with a smile and got ready to get out of bed.


    Vincent grabbed her arm. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to brush my teeth,¡± she replied.


    ¡°No need.¡± Vincent pulled her into his arms and pinned her under him, his intense gaze fixed on her. ¡°I¡¯ve brushed mine, and that¡¯s enough¡±


    As he was about to kiss her, she covered his mouth. ¡°No, I¡¯m going to brush my teeth.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± he said, his voice muttled.


    He held the girl¡¯s hand, gently kissing it and gibbling her wrist. The sensation of his lips and teeth on her skin was irresistible.


    His warm breath made her heart flutter. St¨¦phanie faltam electrifying sensation coursing through her veins, and her heartbeat raced


    10:30 Thu, 30 May B BE


    Chapter 79


    His kisses trailed along her arm, starting from her shoulder and gradually advancing to her neck, leaving a series of crimson imprints in their wake.


    He bit her chin lightly and silenced the soft moan he elicited from her.


    Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and indulged herself in the passionate kiss.


    ¡°Stephie, can we?¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie¡¯s beautiful eyes turned misty. She blinked and hummed in agreement


    Vincent breathed heavily and swallowed hard.


    The room fell quiet; only the sound of Vincent¡¯s breathing traveled into Stephanie¡¯s ear. They abandoned all restraint and allowed the pent-up


    gush out.


    Vincent pushed her nightgown up to her neck and let his instincts take over.


    At that moment, the phone on the nightstand buzzed like a wake-up call


    Vincent ignored it. He had another important matter at hand.


    But the phone wouldn¡¯t stop buzzing. Stephanie cupped the man¡¯s face and looked at his red, seductive lips.


    ¡°Answer it,¡± she urged.


    With a deep sigh, Vincent grabbed the phone. His expression changed instantly when he saw the number calling.


    He got out of bed and said, ¡°Speak.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s expression turned solemn after hearing what was said.


    Ending the call, he looked at Stephanie who had sat up to straighten her nightgown. ¡°Stephie, I have to go to Spaunia for about a week.¡±


    ¡°Is it dangerous?¡± she inquired.


    He replied, ¡°No, there¡¯s just something wrong with a project.¡±


    Vincent walked over and leaned down to kiss her forehead. ¡°Wait for me. Call me if you need anything¡±


    ¡°So I can¡¯t call you if there¡¯s nothing?¡± Stephanie pulled a long face. ¡°It¡¯s like you don¡¯t miss me at all.¡±


    With a doting smile, Vincent lifted her and pressed up against her. ¡°You tell me.¡±


    Blushing, Stephanie turned her head away and said, ¡°You e r v e t.¡±


    ¡°Then do you like m


    my p e r v y side!¡± he asked.


    Biting her lip, Stephanie felt embarrassed to answer that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bite your lip. Bite me,¡± he growled.


    They shared a long, passionate kiss, and the exhration reignited.


    Stephanie pushed him away and said, ¡°You should go now.¡±


    ¡°Jeez, how cruel,¡± he teased.


    Stephanie red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not the one who¡¯ll suffer in the end anyway.¡±


    desire to


    10:31 Thu, 30 May BB


    Chapter 79


    Vincent looked at the girl¡¯s smooth, alluring skin which made him want to take a bite.


    If the time wasn¡¯t tight, he wouldn¡¯t have let her off the h o k today


    He held the girl¡¯s face in his hands and nted another kiss before finally leaving


    Vincent was all ready to head to the private airport when Stephanie suddenly got in the car before he left.


    Beaming, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll send you off.¡±


    The unexpected surprise made Vincent smile. ¡°All right.¡±


    Forty minutester, Zane opened the back door and saw Stephanie¡¯s red and swollen lips.


    He almost rolled his eyes upon looking at Vincent¡¯s dignified and aloof demeanor. Inwardly, he scoffed, ¡®Even a fool can tell what just happened. He only looks refined and is actually a polished scoundrel.¡±


    However, he dared not say that out loud.


    Zane pushed Vincent onto the ne and Stephanie watched as the gangway retracted.


    Before it waspletely retracted, it slowly descended again.


    Vincent took two steps at a time down the gangway and strode toward her.


    Stephanie¡¯s first reaction was to look around to see if anyone had witnessed this scene.


    When she was about to chide him for being too careless, the man lifted her by the waist and kissed her lips.


    After a long time, Vincent whispered in her ear, ¡°Wait for me at home. I¡¯lle back as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she answered.


    Vincent caressed her red lips and looked at her affectionately before leaving.


    This time, he really left.


    She watched as the ne ascended into the sky until it was out of sight


    Then, she got in the car and drove to the design studio.


    At the new productunch, Starlight Design Studio won first ce and was qualified to participate in the International Golden Finger Contest..


    Most of the designers at the studio were impressed by Stephanie, while the rest remained steadfast in their support for Star. As a result,ments and discussions were bound to arise.


    Some genuinely supported Star, while others were simply stirring up trouble.


    Upon arriving at the design studio, Stephanie brought a cup to the pantry to fill some water when she heard murmurs inside.


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 80

    <b>Chapter </b><b>80</b>


    ¡°Although Stephanie¡¯s design was a hit, I don¡¯t like it. Star hasn¡¯t submitted a design since she came here,¡± one said.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°yeah, I suspect Star¡¯s rough sketches was sold to Stephanie. Otherwise, why would their styles be so simr?¡± another replied.


    ¡°She¡¯s married to M. Vincent Fletcher. Do you think he¡¯s ordinary? As the saying goes, money makes the world go round!¡± the first stated.


    so what if she marred Mr. Vincent Fletcher? He¡¯s impotent. What¡¯s the point of living <b>a </b>celibate lifestyle?¡± the second argued.


    Doy


    <b>you </b>think


    Stephanie can stand it? How will she deal with her physiological needs?¡± the first rebuked.


    ¡°Eww! Why did you bring that up?¡± the secondmented in disgust.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re just talking casually. What are you afraid of? She can¡¯t hear us anyway,¡± the first one replied.


    Suddenly there was a loud noise and the pantry door was kicked open.


    Sabrina Hood and by Danby were startled and almost <b>threw </b>down their cups in reflex.


    Sabrina smiled sheepishly as she said, ¡°Stephanie, are you here for some refreshments!¡±


    <b>hy </b>gulped and added, ¡°We¡¯ll leave you to it. We¡¯re going out¡±


    The two wanted to go out, but Stephanie stood in the way.


    Sabrina tightened her hand around the cup and repeated, ¡°We¡¯re going out. Please step aside.¡±


    Ivy echoed. ¡°That¡¯s right. We can¡¯t get out if you¡¯re blocking the door!¡±


    Themotion from the pantry alerted the designers in the office not far away.


    In Starlight Design Studio, only 5-ss and A¨Css designers <b>had </b>their own offices, while the rest had cubicles, so many saw what was happening.


    Curious onlookers were gathering.


    ¡°Say that again,¡± Stephanie demanded, raising her chin


    tvy looked at the people behind Stephanie and thought hatefully, ¡®Why does she have to be so persistent? I just t narrow¨Cminded!¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t say anything. Please get out of the <b>way</b>. We want to go out,¡± Ivy replied<b>, </b>rolling her eyes.


    talked a little <b>behind </b>her back. She¡¯s <b>so</b>


    Stephanie¡¯s face instantly darkened. The next moment, she grabbed Ivy¡¯s wrist, whose hand was holding the cup, with a forceful lift, the hot beverage was sshed onto lvy¡¯s face.


    When <b>hry </b>screamed, Sabrina¡¯s face got sshed <b>as </b>well. Since it was ck coffee<b>, </b>her face looked i


    d really dirty an


    and her white shirt was stained instantly.


    With her hair drenched, sticking to her face<b>, </b>Sabrina red at Stephanie <b>and </b>yelled, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    With an icy stare, Stephanie demanded, ¡°Repeat what you two just said in front of everyone.¡±


    Ivy wiped her face and responded, ¡°You psychof We didn¡¯t say anything!¡±


    Just then, Julianna ran over. She saw the two people in the pantry and then looked at Stephanie.


    Sabrina and Ivy stared back at Julianna aggrievedly


    10:31 Thu, 30 May BB ¡¤


    Chapter <b>80</b>


    ¡°Ms. Saunders, look what Stephanie has donel She¡¯s gone too far!¡± Sabrina whined.


    ¡°Yeah! Why did she pour the drink on us?¡± byined.


    Julianna narrowed her eyes and asked, ¡°Well, what did you two say?¡±


    Sabrina <b>and </b>by fell silent.


    Julianna continued, ¡°Stephie wouldn¡¯t ssh you two for no reason. You must have said something that offended her, What did they say, Stephie?¡±


    Stephanie tapped the y button on her phone, and the conversation between the two was revealed to the public.


    Sabrina and Ivy¡¯s faces changed immediately.


    Sabrina frowned and asked, ¡°Since you have the recording, <b>why </b>did <b>you </b>want us to repeat it?¡±


    hy pursed her lips, feeling <b>guilty</b>.


    if you have the guts to admit your mistake, but you¡¯re such cowards. All you dare do is gossip behind my back.


    Stephanie exined, ¡°I just want to <b>see </b>if you You two, just pack up and leave!¡±


    ¡°We did talk behind your back, but what right do you <b>have </b>to fire us? Who do you think you are?¡± Sabrina replied in displeasure.


    by was also angry and dissatisfied, saying, ¡°Yeah! Who do you think you are? Only Ms. Saunders is qualified to fire us<b>!</b>¡±


    Julianna sighed and put her arm around Stephanie¡¯s shoulders as she said, ¡°It <b>seems </b>that there are always snobs who look down on you if you don¡¯t reveal your identity.¡±


    Then she led Stephanie into the crowd and announced, ¡°Stephanie always keeps a low profile, so she doesn¡¯t want to reveal her <b>identity</b>. But many people behind her were gossiping that she bought Star¡¯s rough sketches with <b>Vincent¡¯s </b>help. Today I would like to introduce the other CEO of Starlight Design Studio, my business partner, Stephanie Hayes!¡±


    As soon <b>as </b>she finished speaking, everyone went wide¨Ceyed with shock,


    The corner of Sabrina¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°How, how could that be? She¡¯s the CEO of the design studio? She must have bought her position! And I bet Vincent made it happen!¡±


    ¡°She must have bought the position!¡± Ivy repeated, discontentedly.


    ¡°Do you know why Starlight Design Studio¡¯s clothing line is called Style Jazz Couture?¡± Julianna scoffed after ncing at the two behind her


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just the first letter of your name, Julianna Saunders?¡± Sabrina asked, furrowing her brows.


    ¡°Wrong! <b>S </b>is the first letter of Stephanie¡¯s name and Jis the first letter of mine. That is where Style Jazz Couturees from,¡± Julianna replied.


    They couldn¡¯t figure out how the name came about, no matter how hard they tried.


    Both Sabrina and Ivy were s


    stunned.


    Of course, they wanted to stay at Starlight Design Studio. After all, it was the best design studio in the country. <b>If </b><b>Style </b>Jazz Couture won first ce in that <b>year¡¯s </b>International Golden Finger Contest, Starlight <b>Design </b>Studio would be the best design studio in the world.


    Many people couldn¡¯t get into thepany if they wanted to, but now they had to leave with their tails tucked between their legs because they had offended their boss.


    The two wanted to say something, but Stephanie turned around and said, ¡°Pack <b>up </b><b>and </b>leave in an hour. If I can make it, my <bwyer </b>will send the indictment to your office. If not<b>, </b>he¡¯ll send it to your house. Congrattions¨CYou two have be the first group of employees to be fired in Starlight Design Studio¡±


    10:31 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b>30 May BB


    Chapter 80


    In the end, Sabrina and hey had to pack up their belongings and lesen


    The rest kept their mouthshut, ahaid they would be the next to go


    The shocking news quickly spread and became a trending topic. Many articles popped up: [Stephanin is the CEO of Starlight Design Studio), (The Sand In Style Jazz Couture Are Takes From Stephanie and Julianna], Those Who Doubted Stephanie Were Proven Wrong Again, Stephanie the CEO of Starlight Design Studio Willingly Supplies Rough Sketches to Florence)


    Julianna and Stephanie sat in the office drinking coffee and scrolling through the news on their phones.


    wonder how Florence and Dous will react when they see the news, I bet she¡¯ll be furious, and he¡¯ll deeply regret his choice,¡± Julianna quipped.


    With a faint smile, Stephanie said, ¡°I guess Florence¡¯s problems are going to get worse, As for Dous, I¡¯m sure he really regrets his choices.¡±


    Julianna nodded andmented, ¡°Yeah. When will the two fight again? I like to watch them fight each other. It¡¯s fun!¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes and said. ¡°Men like Dous always have an ace up their sleeve. Now that Florence has tricked him, he¡¯s going to do


    something


    ¡°Then, we¡¯ll wait and see¡± Julianna said with a smile.


    Suddenly, Julianna¡¯s phone vibrated.


    She nced at the caller ID and answered the call


    After a short conversation, Julianna hung up before saying, ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m going to meet Crush<b>. </b>I¡¯m so excited. Can you check him for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Stephanie replied, raising an eyebrow.


    Julianna stood up, grabbed Stephanie¡¯s arm, and said<b>, </b>¡°Let¡¯s g


    sgo now!¡±


    É«

 Chapter 81

    <b>Chapter </b><b>81</b>


    When Stephanie and Julianna anived at the newly opened downtown strak restaurant in <b>Jacaster</b>, a man sitting by the window suddenly stood up with a warm smile on <b>his </bce.


    Julianna couldn¡¯t help smiling and said in a low voice, ¡°Stephie, it¡¯s him.¡±


    Stephanie hammed in response.


    Julianna held Stephanie¡¯s arm as she walked over and greeted the man.


    The man nodded slightly and introduced himself, saying, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Cornelius Jacobson, <b>27</b><b>, </b>currently working as an executive at a softwarepany.¡±


    Julianna cleared her throat and said, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Julianna Saunders. This is my friend, Stephanie Hayes.¡±


    Cornelius smiled and replied, ¡°Nice to meet you, Julia, Stephanie,¡±


    Hestruck the perfect bnce of maintaining afortable distance, neither overly friendly nor distant


    Cornelius motioned for the attendant to take orders and handed the menu to Julianna and Stephanie before cing his own.


    While waiting for the meal, he briefly talked about his job. He mainly focused on designing games.


    He and Julianna mot in a game. They became close and began ying games together often. As they got along well, their in¨Cgame characters ended up getting married.


    After that, they chatted on WhatsApp and were gradually attracted to each other. So, they decided to meet offline.


    Stephanie could tell Julianna was serious about Cornelius, but she didn¡¯t know if Cornelius felt the same <b>way</b>.


    It wasn¡¯t that she was too sensitive. After all, Cornelius <b>had </b>never appeared in her previous life.


    There were too many unreliable things on the Inte.


    She remembered a girl who had met a guy online and gotten along great. After about a year or so, when they finally met in person, the girl had really fallen for him. What she didn¡¯t know was that the man already had a family. It wasn¡¯t until the man¡¯s wife showed up with their child that she realized sho had been deceived.


    Stephanie was cautious because she had made many enemies <b>since </b>her rebirth. She was afraid that those who disliked her would <b>target </b>her friends


    Cornelius and Julianna had a friendly chat. <b>They </b>had manymon interests.


    Stephanie wished that she was overthinking it


    Cornelius offered to <b>drive </b>Julianna and Stephanie back after their meal, but Julianna had her own car. They parted ways at the entrance of the steak. restaurant


    Cornelius didn¡¯t leave until Julianna drove <b>away</b>.


    Julianna looked at Cornelius in the rearview mirror, and the smile on her face remained.


    ¡°Stephie, what do you think of him?¡± Julianna asked.


    ¡°I can see that you two have a lot inmon, Stephanie replied.


    ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>, </b>Cornelius and I both love games and animation. Although hees from an ordinary family, I don¡¯t mind. My parents care <b>about </b>me a lot and won¡¯t pressure me into arranged marriages. As long as I like the man and he treats me well, that¡¯s enough, Julianna <b>said</b>.


    <b>10:31 </b>Thu<b>, </b>30 May BB


    Chapter 81


    87%1


    When Stephanie saw that Julianna was excited, she didn¡¯t want to disappoint her. Besides, she hadn¡¯t investigated Cornelius yet, so she shouldn¡¯t jump


    to conclusions<b>.</b>Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She smiled faintly and said, ¡°As long as he has a good attitude, that¡¯s all that matters. He doesn¡¯t have to be rich, but he has to have ambitions.¡±


    Julianna nodded and added. ¡°I agree. I think Cornelius is a very ambitious person. If we¡¯re together, I¡¯ll definitely support him in his career.


    Her words made Stephanie frown. She hadn¡¯t expected Julianna had already considered that. Stephanie decided to investigate Cornelius thoroughly


    when she returned


    Back in the design studio, everyone looked at Stephanie in awe. After all, she wasn¡¯t just a designer. She was also the CEO of the design studio.


    They were afraid they would be fired if they made Stephanie angry.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t mind the exposure of her hidden identity. She just felt a little <b>uneasy</b>. After all, everyone was looking at her <b>as </b>if the mouse had seen the


    As soon as she entered her office and sat down, someone came in to bring her coffee.


    Such attention made Stephanie feel a little ufortable. She looked at the person and said, ¡°Thank you. But just do what you did before. Please let


    everyone know they don¡¯t have to feel any pressure.¡±


    After the person left, Stephanie began drawing a rough sketch for the International Golden Finger Contest.


    But every ten minutes or <b>so</b>, someone would approach her and apologize, expressing regret for rejecting her in the past and hoping for her forgiveness. They also brought her snacks.


    By the afternoon, Stephanie¡¯s desk was filled with various <b>snacks</b>.


    She held her chin with one hand and smiled.


    Meanwhile, at the Hayes manor, Florence was looking at the news on her phone. She <b>was </b>so angry that she screamed out loud.


    When Matilda heard the noise, she rushed over. <b>She </b><b>was </b>shocked and distressed.


    ¡°Flore, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Matilda asked.


    Florence showed Matilda her phone and eximed, ¡°Look! Stephanie, that bitch, is the CEO of Starlight Design Studio, and she¡¯s Julianna¡¯s partneri She never told me! Now I seriously suspect all the <b>vocal </b>doubles she <b>did </b>for me, and the rough sketches <b>were </b>on purpose! She just wanted to expose me one day and ruin my reputation! She¡¯s <b>jealous </b><b>because </b>I had <b>the </b>love of my parents from childhood, andter, Dous treated <b>me </b>well. She¡¯s just a scheming


    bitch<b>!</b><b>¡±</b>


    At that moment, Florence had already forgotten that she was the one who had stolen Stephanie¡¯s samples and entered Fantasy Boutique. It was she who had begged Stephanie for the rough sketches. Now, she was putting all the me on Stephanie,


    Matilda clenched her teeth <b>and </b><b>said</b>, ¡°I <b>know </b><b>Stephanie </b><b>had </b>no good intentions. She set a trap for you to jump into. I should have strangled that wicked woman back then! Look what she has done to my daughter!¡±


    Florence muttered, I won¡¯t let her gol¡±


    After Stephanie and Julianna had dinner in the evening, they returned to Tranquil Garden.


    Stephanie investigated Cornelius but found nothing useful.


    <b>She </b>felt something was wrong, but she didn¡¯t have any evidence. She thought it might just be her nerves.


    She called Giovanni and asked him to keep an eye on Cornelius.


    <b>Then </b>she made a video call.


    10:31 Thu, 30 <b>May </b>BB


    Chapter 81


    Not long after, an old man¡¯s face appeared on the phone screen.


    Stephanie smiled and greeted him, ¡°Grandpa, how are you?¡±


    With a ruddy face, Austin nodded and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let me show you the view behind me, he replied.


    He switched the camera to the scenery, Ind Naluwai had a pleasant climate and fresh air, making it very suitable for the elderly to live there


    Stephanie stened quietly as Austin shared the interesting stories from his past few days on the ind. After that, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll visit


    ¡°Okay is the Hayes family still there?¡± Austin asked.


    Stephanie pursed!


    Tips


    you when I¡¯m free.¡±


    Austin sighed and said, ¡°Giovanni and the others told me what I forgot, but that doesn¡¯t mean it didn¡¯t happen. Stephie, do what you want. They¡¯ve gone


    too far.


    ¡°Grandpa¡­¡± Stephanie said<b>. </b>She was moved.


    Austin continued, ¡°I understand. They don¡¯t deserve sympathy. The Hayes <b>family </b>will destroy themselves sooner orter, Stephie, I only want you to


    favor for me.


    Stephanie nodded and replied, ¡°Yes, <b>Grandpa</b>.<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Acquire the Hayes family businesses and assets. Don¡¯t let them fall into other people¡¯s hands,¡± Austin <b>said</b>.


    do a


    Stephanie knew Vincent was currently oppressing the Hayes family, and all the shares were in his hands to prevent anyone from taking situation.


    advantage of the


    Vincent had mentioned that the Hayes family would eventually be handed to Stephanie.


    ¡°Okay, Grandpa, Stephanie replied.


    After a long series of cautions and reminders, she ended the video call.


    Although Austin said he had a good time on the ind, Stephanie knew he was very upset.


    People of his age should enjoy the happiness of family unity, but his descendants had done immoral things that filled him with <b>disdain</b>.


    Stephanie took a deep breath topose herself, then <b>made </b>a video call to Vincent.


    The call was soon connected. Stephanie saw Vincent¡¯s tired face.


    ¡°I know it was about time for you to call me,¡± Vincent <b>said</b>.


    He ced his phone on a stand and tidied up his hair with his hands as he <b>said</b>, ¡°I just checked into the hotel about ten minutes ago. I¡¯m going to take <b>a </b>showerter. Will you apany me?¡±


    Stephanie pouted and asked, ¡°How?¡±


    Vincent chuckled and replied, ¡°I ced the phone on the washstand, facing me so you can watch me shower.¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips and snapped, ¡°Pervert!¡±


    ¡°Pervert? Don¡¯t you like it very much?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie blushed with embarrassment. ¡°If you don¡¯t <b>speak </b>properly, I will end the video call,¡± she warned.


    Vincent smiled and pleaded, ¡°Don¡¯t hang up. I miss you.¡±


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    Chapter 81


    Stephanie felt a little tired after sitting for a whole day. She <iy </i>down on the bed, held her phone in her hands, and smiled sweetly.


    ¡°I miss you too. It¡¯s daytime where you are. Are you going to take a nap?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll check on the projectter, I¡¯m in a hurry to finish it and then fly back to you,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Vincent, didn¡¯t you have a girlfriend before?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Vincent quickly replied.


    ¡°Then why are you so <b>sweet</b>?¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent smiled as he replied, ¡°It seems you¡¯re


    <ul>


    <li>you¡¯re quite pleased with the sweetness of my words.¡±¡±</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°You¡¯re so narcissistic!¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°You give me confidence,¡± Vincent replied, adjusting the angle of the phone¡¯s camera, standing up, and taking off his clothes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Let me tell you where my confidencees from,¡± Vincent replied.


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.

 Chapter 82

    <b>Chapter </b><b>82</b>


    Watching Vincent unbutton his shirt, Stephanie bit her lower lip.


    Vincent threw his shirt aside, then held his belt <b>buckle</b>.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it off. I¡¯m going to bed, Stephanie quickly said when she heard a click.


    ¡°Do you want to go to bed after I take off my clothes?¡± <b>Vincent </b>asked.


    ¡°<b>Stop </b>spouting nonsense<b>,</b>¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent was amused by her blushing. ¡°You were so brave to forcibly kiss me on the way to City Hall. Why do you blush when I¡¯m doing nothing now?¡± he


    Mentioning the past, Stephanie pursed her lips. ¡°I just wanted to seduce you at that time, she replied,


    Vincent raised his eyebrows and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be <b>so </b>scheming back then.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s face turned red because when she saw Vincent¡¯s robust body, she would think of intimate scenes when they were together.


    Worried he might catch her thoughts, she hurriedly <b>said</b>, ¡°Go shower. I¡¯m going to bed.<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°So, aren¡¯t you apanying me?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m so sleepy. Bye!¡± Stephanie answered. She quickly ended the video <b>call</b>, fearing that if she saw Vincent showering, it would be awkward and embarrassing.


    She quickly went to wash up and then came back to lie down, preparing to sleep.


    But she tossed and turned and <b>found </b>that she could not fall asleep. She was used to having Vincent by her side.


    When she could not fall asloop, Vincent¡¯s video call came through again.


    Stephanie answered and looked at Vincent¡¯s handsome face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.


    I¡¯m worried that you can¡¯t sleep because you miss me, so I <b>called </b>to let you see me,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m almost asleep, Stephanie denied.


    Vincent smiled and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sorry to bother you, I just miss you. I¡¯ll end the call after you sleep.¡±


    Stephanie hummed in response.


    She saw his face in the video and felt as if he was beside her. She slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    Vincent ended the call reluctantly and went to <b>take </b>a shower.


    Alter he showered, he dried his hair and changed into a suit. At that moment, someone knocked at the door.


    When he heard <b>it </b><b>was </b>Joseph, he opened the door


    Joseph¡¯s appearance had changed. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you put on the mask yet?¡± he asked.


    I called Stephie just now,¡± said Vincent.


    Joseph clicked his tongue ¡°Looks like you¡¯re turning into a ve to your wife,¡± he remarked.


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    Chapter 620


    <b>Vincent </b>nced at him indifferently. ¡°How can a singleton know the sweetness of love?<b>¡± </b><b>he </b>responded.


    <b>Joseph </b>was speechless.


    Vincent took <b>out </b>a thin, hyper¨Crealistic task from a box and put it on. In an instant, he looked ordinary.


    If it weren¡¯t for his tall figure, no one would notice him.


    Joseph teared, ¡°How did you get taller? You¡¯re almost six and a half feet.¡±


    Vincent exined, ¡°I wore elevator shoes. I don¡¯t want anyone to specte about my identity based on height. Have you confirmed the position of those women and children?¡±


    Joseph nodded and answered, ¡°Yes. That organization changed locations several times before. They¡¯re going to make <b>a </b>deal tonight. I hope we <b>can </b>catch them <b>all </b>in one go.¡±


    Vincent put on a ring symbolizing his status and gently rubbed it. ¡°Ask Willow to bring in another team. I don¡¯t want anything to go wrong¡± he said.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll call her now,¡± said Joseph


    After contacting Willow, Joseph left the hotel with Vincent and got in <b>Zane¡¯s </b>car.


    The car arrived at <b>a </b>dense forest after an hour and a half of driving. Forty minutester, they arrived at a base.


    The high walls of the base were guarded by mercenaries dressed in khaki.


    Seeing Vincent¡¯s ring, the car was let into the base,


    It was a military base and a technology base.


    Zane got out of the car. He opened the back door for Vincent and Joseph.


    Those who saw the two of them bowed respectfully, ¡°Bass. <b>Adviser</b>,¡± they greeted.


    Vincent and Joseph walked straight into the conference room. All the senior executives stood up and saluted. Subsequently, everyone <b>gave </b>opinions and suggestions regarding tonight¡¯s hostage rescue operation.


    An <b>hour </bter, Vincent made <b>a </b>decision<b>,</b>


    A man named Sontay Langtry raised his handzily, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction. ¡°Storm, lobject to Cortor¡¯s proposal<b>. </b>It will put two of the seven teams in danger. <b>We </b>can¡¯t risk our lives just to <b>save </b>those <b>hostages</b><b>,¡± </b>he said.


    Vincent said indifferently, ¡°Don¡¯t question the decision I have made.¡±


    Sontay gritted his teeth and swallowed the rest of his words.


    After Vincent and Joseph left, Sontay red at Cortor Arliss, who returned the look with disdain. Sontay said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too proud. If the teams suffer Huge losses, you can¡¯t escape the responsibility! You¡¯re just an empty talker¡±


    The smile on Cortor¡¯s <b>face </b>disappeared. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see¡± he <b>replied</b><b>.</b>


    Vincent took Joseph to the ammunition depot for inspection. They found a batch of damp weapons.


    ¡°It seems that there is a traitor in the base<b>,</b>¡± Joseph said in a low voice.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Vincent smiled. ¡°Tonight, the traitor will be caught red¨Chanded,¡± he said.


    Joseph <b>also </b>smiled. The traitor dug his own grave.


    Chapter 82


    30 <b>May</b>


    At five o¡¯clock in the morning, Stephanie woke up suddenly ncing at the time, she sighed, unsure why she fell uneasy.


    -It was ten o¡¯clock in the evening at Vincent¡¯s ce.


    The time difference between the two countries was 17 hours.


    At this time, Vincent might be asleep.


    After all, heediately started working on the project when he arrived at the ce. He was likely asleep at this time.


    Stephanie put down her phone, closed her eyes, and tried to sleep. But she was still awake after a long time.


    She got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up, then proceeded to work on her rough sketch.


    She held a colored pencil to sketch, but it broke in half before she pressed down on it.


    She was flustered. After thinking for a while, she called Vincent.


    When the phone was about to hang up, Vincent answered.


    ¡°Stephie?¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Vincent, are you okay?¡± Stephanie asked.


    am okay. I¡¯m sleeping. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Go to sleep. Call me <b>when </b>you <b>wake </b>up,¡± <b>Stephanie </b>said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Vincent replied


    After saying goodbye, Stephanie ended the call


    Since Vincent was sleeping, she suppressed the restless feelings in her heart and continued working on the rough sketch.


    At the same time, Vincent turned off the phone and put it into his pocket.


    <b>He </b>nced around at the burning mes and the ruins caused by <b>guns</b>. His eyes then shifted down to a little boy he held by the chin, who was still trying


    to hit him.


    Joseph <b>asked </b>worriedly, ¡°Storm, are you okay?¡±


    Vincent hummed in response.


    ¡°The boy looks only ten. He¡¯s too ruthless! Other team members <b>were </b><b>also </b>attacked by the children and got seriously injured. These kids can¡¯t be kept. They¡¯ve been brainwashed,¡± Joseph said.


    Vincent moved his hand to the boy¡¯s neck, and with a slight force, the little boy breathed heavily.


    In the end, Vincent could not bear to harm the little boy. He handed the boy to a mercenary. ¡°Take these kids to the base. If Skull Corps can brainwash <b>them</b>, we can also re¨Ceducate them. Count the women and children and send them back. Wesley, assess the casualties on both sides and eliminate all the enemies,¡± he ordered.


    ???


    Joseph¡¯s alias in Storm Corps was Wesley. He asked, ¡°What about that traitor?¡±


    Vincent gritted his teeth. ¡°Leave it to Sontay. I think he will be willing to deal with it,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Joseph responded.


    Alter returning to the base, Joseph took Vincent into the operating room.


    687%Á¿


    Chapter 82


    Five medical staff members were already waiting there.


    Vincent took off his clothes andy on the operating table.


    A nurse gave him anesthesia. Soon, he felt his eyelids <b>heavy </b>and closed his eyes


    ¡°Is it serious¡± Joseph asked.


    A doctor said, ¡°The intestines were injured, and they need to be stitched from the inside out. Recovery will take some time.¡±


    Joseph nodded. ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.


    Vincent did not wake up until noon on the second day,


    The moment he opened his eyes, he looked for his phone subconsciously.


    Joseph hurried over and asked, ¡°What are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°My phone, Vincent said.


    ¡°Are you worried Stephanie will call you<b>?</b>¡± Joseph asked. He took out Vincent¡¯s phone from his pocket and handed it to Vincent. ¡°I answered for you and said you were drunk,¡± he added.


    Vincent felt relieved. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± said Joseph. ¡°By the way, Willow brought Nancy Freeman back,¡± he informed.


    Vincent frowned. He was about to say something when the door was pushed open.


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    10:31 Thu, 30 <b>May </b>B BO

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    The door to the ward opened, and Willow brought in a frail weman, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Joseph,¡± Willow greeted.


    With teary eyes, Nancy pursed her lips. ¡°Vincent. Joseph,¡± she uttered.


    Joseph nodded slightly. ¡°You guys talk. I¡¯m going to get some food with Willow,¡± he said.


    Nancy nodded and said, ¡°Okay¡±


    After the door was closed, she walked to the bed.


    She clenched her fists at her sides as she said in a trembling voice, ¡°Vincent¡­


    Attempting to conceal his inner turmoil, Vincent suggested faintly. T¡¯ll give you money to leave the base¡±


    Tears streamed down Nancy¡¯s face. ¡°Vincent, don¡¯t you trust me anymore? After I was captured during the mission, I faced extensive torture, but I never betrayed the base or you. I still have traces of poison in my body. I can survive because they recognize my talent for intelligence development. However, I did not sell out the core data of the base,¡± she said.


    After a brief silence, Vincent stated, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You can¡¯t stay at the base.¡±


    Through tearful eyes. Nancy said, ¡°Vincent, is it just because I¡¯ve worked for Skull Corps for a year? is it just because I didn¡¯t end my life by taking poison


    like others? Since you don¡¯t trust me, I¡¯d rather die!¡±


    Then she ran to the window and was about to leap from the fourth floor.


    Vincent removed the needle from his hand, then he got out of bed and grabbed Nancy¡¯s arm as she jumped down.


    His wound was pressing against the windowsill, causing him intense pain. Despite his outwardposure, beads of sweat were forming on his forehead


    and nose.


    He held Nancy tightly and lifted her.


    When Nancy was about to hug him, Vincent held her shoulder. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t do anything silly. I didn¡¯t distrust you, but it¡¯s simply not suitable for you to remain at the base anymore. I promised Mr. Freeman to take good care of you. I¡¯m sorry that I failed, Joseph and I have been looking for you for a long time, but we haven¡¯t heard from you. We thought you had already¡­


    He looked at Nancy and continued, ¡°Now that you¡¯re back safe and sound, go live a normal life.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Nancy replied, ¡°I feel disconnected from society. Where can I go? Can I stay with you?¡±


    After pondering, Vincent suggested, ¡°You can go to Jacaster with me. I¡¯ll arrange a position for you in the Fletcher Group as the technical director of the research department.¡±


    Nancy eventually smiled and said, ¡°Thank you, Vincent.¡±


    Vincent nodded.


    Concerned by his paleplexion, Nancy asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Lowering her head, she noticed a dark stain on his deep blue pajamas. It seemed the wound had reopened. ¡°Your wound¡­¡± she uttered.


    ¡°Hmm, Close the window. Don¡¯t do anything s t u p i d again,¡± Vincent remarked.


    ¡°Okay,¡± agreed Nancy as she closed the window. Then she turned around to help Vincent, who was walking to the bed.


    Vincent pulled out his arm, ¡°I can do it myself,¡± he said.


    10-31 Thu, 30 May BGE


    Chapter 83


    Nancy was stunned. ¡°Are you still doubting me?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m married. I have to keep a distance from other women consciously,¡± replied Vincent.


    Nancy was shocked, her lips pursed,


    She forced a smile and asked, ¡°When did it happen?¡±


    Lying on the bed, Vincent answered, it happened more than two months ago


    He rang the bedside bell to call the medical stall,


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Vincent,¡± Nancy apologized anxiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I hope you won¡¯t hurt yourself again,¡± said Vincent.


    Nancy nodded obediently and replied, ¡°Okay¡±


    The medical team quickly went into the ward to check on Vincent


    The doctor said, ¡°Boss, your wound has reopened and requires re-stitching.¡±


    Vincent nodded as he responded, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s stitch it here.¡±


    The doctor nodded and asked the nurse to bring in anesthesia and medical tools for stitching-


    The wound was treated in under 15 minutes.


    After the medical staff left, Nancy apologized to Vincent for being impulsive.


    Vincent waved. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said.


    Nancy sat down next to the bed and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t congratted you on your marriage. She must be pretty and gentle.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes softened when he thought about Stephanie. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful but not really gentle. She¡¯s the kind of girl who¡¯s lively and cheerful,¡± said


    Vincent.


    Vincent¡¯s eyes lit up when he mentioned Stephanie, sparking jealousy in Nancy.


    Hiding the jealousy


    alousy and hatred in her ey


    reyes, she nodded and said, ¡°The woman you like must be amazing.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t just like her. I love her,¡± Vincent whispered.


    Nancy was surprised and hurt when she learned that Vincent had gotten married while she was away for a year.


    Nancy thought, ¡®Why didn¡¯t I return sooner? if I hade back three months earlier, I could have prevented their marriage. It doesn¡¯t matter. They can still get divorced despite getting married!¡±


    Just then, the phone on the table chimed with the iing video call.


    With a smile, Vincent answered the phone. ¡°Stephie,¡± he uttered.


    Upon learning from Joseph that Vincent was drunk and likely to be awakened soon, Stephanie promptly initiated a video call


    Noticing Vincent¡¯s extremely pale face, she could not help but frown. ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± she asked.


    Vincent smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I drank too much and had a stomachache.¡±


    Stephanie was displeased. She questioned, ¡°What kind of significant project is causing you to drink like this? In that case, we might as well give up this


    Chapter 83


    project.¡±


    30 May


    ¡°It¡¯s settled. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll go back to apany you after I deal with some follow-up matters. Will that be okay?¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Alright. I can see that you¡¯re feeling quite unwell, so I¡¯ll refrain from saying anything else. Have a good rest, okay?¡± stated Stephanie.


    ¡°Got it,¡± replied Vincent


    ¡°I hang up now. Go and rest more,¡± Stephanie advised.


    Nay, agreed Vincent.


    Vincent¡¯s gaze remained glued to the phone screen even after the video call had ended.


    He missed Stephanie and wanted to talk to her more, but he was afraid she would find out the truth.


    Nancy despised Stephanie intensely as she observed the affectionate expression on Vincent¡¯s face.


    After returning to Jacaster, she must figure out a way to separate the two!


    Joseph and Willow entered the ward, carrying lunch boxes.


    Noticing Vincent¡¯s visibly palerplexion, Joseph asked, ¡°Are you okay? You don¡¯t look well


    ¡°This is nothing¡± replied Vincent.


    Nancy told the truth because she knew she could not hide it.


    Joseph cast a cold nce at her. ¡°You were aware of his injury, yet you still did it anyway. Did you not consider the consequences?¡± he questioned.


    Nancy looked down and apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Realizing Nancy was on the verge of tears, Willow tugged at Joseph¡¯s sleeve. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Nancy just came back. It¡¯s understandable for her to be emotional Stop talking about it,¡± said Willow


    Joseph saw the chowder brought for Vincent and realized Vincent could not have it. He said resentfully. ¡°I¡¯ll go find a doctor to give you some fluids.¡±


    He turned to look at Nancy and said, ¡°He needs more rest. You and Willow can go first. I¡¯ll stay and take care of him.¡±


    Nancy pursed her lips. ¡°Can I stay here?¡± she asked.


    Joseph replied, ¡°Vincent is married. It would be inappropriate for you to stay here with him.¡±


    Nancy was unhappy, but could not express it.


    She smiled and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll leave with Willow.¡±


    After they left, Joseph searched for a doctor to provide Vincent with fluids.


    Alter the nurse gave Vincent a drip, Joseph started eating from the lunch box.


    While eating, he said, ¡°You were right not to keep fancy at the base. As soon as she arrived, many people came to me to oppose her staying.¡±


    Vincent agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll bring her back to Jacaster to join the research department of Fletcher Group as the technical director.¡±


    Joseph was stunned. He asked, ¡°Are you taking her back?¡±

 Chapter 84

    <b>Chapter </b><b>84</b>


    Vincent nced at him. ¡°Loffered her money, but she declined. She wanted to return to Jacaster with me. Mr. Freeman entrusted me to care for her before his passing 1 felt responsible for her disappearance during the missionst year. Now that she has returned, I must ensure her well being. I will find a suitable position for her in Fletcher group.¡±


    Joseph remembered that Nancy¡¯s father, Hayden, was an artificial intelligence expert at Storm Corps.


    During a mission, Hayden blocked a bullet for Vincent and died. He requested that Vincent take care of Nancy before his passing.


    Hence, he could understand why Villicent took Nancy back to Jacaster.


    Joseph suggested, ¡°Alright. If she¡¯s not used to working in Fletcher Group, she can also work in mypany<b>.</b>¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Hmm¡±


    Stephanie and Vincent had been having daily video calls. After a week, Stephanie arrived at the private airport early to eagerly await his arrival.


    The private jet smoothlynded and came to a halt. Once the boardingdder was lowered, they disembarked from the <b>aircraft</b>.


    At first, Stephanie wanted to give Vincent a big hug if only Vincent and Zone were there


    However, uponying her eyes on Vincent and Zane, along with Joseph, Willow, and an <b>unfamiliar </b>woman, she dropped the idea.


    She walked over happily, smiling ¡°you¡¯re back!¡±


    Vincent held her hand. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m back¡±


    Zane greeted Nancy respectfully, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher.<b>¡±</b>


    Joseph and Willow also greeted Stephanie.


    Vincent turned to look at Joseph. ¡°I go back to Tranquil Garden with Stephie, Drive Nancy back to the condominium on Eastwood Boulevard.¡±


    Joseph acknowledged. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Hearing this, Stephanie assumed that the condominium must belong to Vincent. Clearly, he had a special bond with this woman to allow her to reside in


    his home.


    Therefore<b>, </b>she couldn¡¯t help but take a look at Nancy.


    Simultaneously, Nancy nced over at Stephanie, and their eyes met.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Nancy,¡± said Nancy with a smile.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Stephanie.¡±


    Vincent looked at Stephanie. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± After bidding farewell to the others, Stephanie steered Vincent¡¯s wheelchair toward the car.


    Willow eximed as she watched them walk away. ¡°Mr. Fletcher and Stephanie are truly a perfect match!¡±


    Joseph teased, ¡°Is it because of talent?¡±


    Willow replied, ¡°Tsk. I¡¯m superficial. They¡¯re both attractive.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Joseph was speechless.


    10.82 Thu 3D nay E E E


    Chapter 84


    Nancy¡¯s lips pursed <b>as </b>she watched Vincent and Stephanie get into the car and leave.


    She wondered, ¡®Are they a perfect match? They don¡¯t match at alll Vincent deserves someone better than her


    Willow nudged Nancy with her elbow. ¡°Do you think they are a perfect match?¡±


    Nancy forced a smile Yes¡­ They are a perfect match?


    As Vincent car disappeared from view, Joseph grabbed his bag and eximed, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Vincent ced Stephanie on hisp in the ck Rolls¨CRoyce Ghost, holding her slender waist.


    The posture was a bit awkward and ambiguous. Stephanie ced her hands on his well¨Cbuilt chest.


    Vincent¡¯s hands enveloped her waist as he gently stroked it. ¡°Do you miss me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± replied Stephanie.


    ¡°Really?¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. ¡°Yeah. I don¡¯t think you missed me either.¡±


    Vincent was surprised: ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°How could you possibly miss me when you have such a stunningpanion?¡± Stephanie snorted and poked his abdomen.


    Vincent¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but Stephanie quickly noticed that the spot she poked felt like it was covered with a soft cloth.


    She unfastened the button and noticed a gauze covering Vincent¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Stephanie asked in surprise. Upon removing the gauze, she discovered a scar measuring one inch in length.


    She frowned. ¡°Did you get stabbed? Did you encounter an attack? So this is the reason why you came back two <b>days </bte? Why didn¡¯t you mention it when we spoke on the phone!¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes turned red due to feeling distressed <b>and </b>angry.


    Vincent grasped her hand and reassured her, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Answer my question first,¡± instructed Stephanie.


    Vincent smiled helplessly. <b>¡°</b>Don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have kept it from you.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me! I want to hear the truth!¡± eximed Stephanie


    At first<b>, </b>Vincent hesitated to reveal the truth to Stephanie. He feared that once she found <b>out</b>, she would constantly worry every time he had to leave.


    But, because of the current situation, he had to tell her.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of Storm Corps<b>?</b>¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard of it. This organization is dedicated tobating human and organ trafficking with <b>a </b>strong sense of justice. I¡¯ve also heard that the leader of this organization is an old man standing at <b>six </b>and a half feet tall.¡±


    ¡°Old man!¡± <b>inquired </b>Vincent.


    Stephanie affirmed<b>, </b>¡°That¡¯s what I heard.¡±


    Vincent smiled. ¡°I¡¯m that old man.¡±


    <b>Chapter </b>84


    <b>10</b><b>, </b><b>30 </b>May B B


    Stephanie eximed with surprise, ¡°Are you Storm?¡±


    ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>.</b>¡± Vincent confirmed


    ¡°So you went abroad this time to handle the organization matters?¡± asked Stephanie.


    87<b>%</b>


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Skull Corps has abducted a total of 115 women and children. After an extensive search, we have finally located their main hideout, and now it¡¯s time to execute a thorough operation. Skull Corps has trained a children¡¯s army, and I was stabbed by one of the children, I didn¡¯t want to worry you, so I didn¡¯t tell you¡±


    ¡°This injury could affect the intestines,¡± remarked Stephanie.


    Vincent smiled. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    As Stephanie gazed at the broad scar, a pang of pain pierced her heart. T¡¯m not worried. How did you deal with the children¡¯s army?¡±


    Vincent exined, ¡°We took them back to the base for further education, but it will take a long time. After <b>all</b>, they have been brainwashed by Skull Corps. I have exined everything clearly. <b>Can </b>you forgive me now?¡±


    Stephanie eximed, ¡°No! You haven¡¯t brought up the woman named Nancy yet!¡±


    Vincent immediately understood that Stephanie was jealous. He exined, ¡°Her name is Nancy Freeman. Her father was shot to death to save me. Before he passed away, he entrusted me with taking care of her. <b>Last </b>year, <b>during </b>a mission, Nancy was missing. <b>We </b>searched for her for a long time but failed, so we all thought she was dead. Little did we know, she reappeared as a senior leader of Skull Corps during our current mission. However, the senior leaders of Storm Corp no longer trust her, so she decided to work in Jacaster. Then I hired her to work for Fletcher Group and gave her the Eastwood Boulevard condominium as a <b>way </b>to repay Mr. Freeman for saving my life.¡±


    Stephanie pouted, ¡°Oh, it seems that I was ming


    for no reason just now.¡±


    Vincent smiled. ¡°No, you¡¯re adorable. I like it <b>when </b><b>y</b>


    you get jealous<b>.</b>¡±


    Stephanie retorted, ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡±


    Vincent silenced her with a passionate kiss, his fingers entwined in the back of her head, consuming the rest of her words.


    He kissed her lips, then moved down to suck on her corbone before resting his forehead against hers, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing. ¡°Stephanie, can I have it today?¡±


    É«

 Chapter 85

    <b>Chapter </b><b>85</b>


    Stephanie poked Vincent¡¯s chest and asked, ¡°Still thinking about doing it when you are in this state?¡±


    Vincent couldn¡¯t help but smile and replied, ¡°You sound like <b>I </b>can¡¯t <b>wait </b>to do it¡±


    Stephanie tilted her head slightly and kept her distance from him. Then, she <b>raised </b>her chin, asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Vincent stared at her intently and responded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Stephanie giggled and said, ¡°You¡¯re quite honest.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not embarrassing to admit it. Don¡¯t you want it too?¡± he asked.


    o admit


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Stephanie refused to admit it.


    ¡°Really?¡± Vincent put his hands on the girl¡¯s neck and kissed her.


    After kissing several times, Vincent was bing better at it. His kisses were sometimes gentle, sometimes passionate.


    In the enclosed space separated by pa


    partitions, wet noises could be heard, adding to the atmosphere of affection.


    Without knowing, Stephanie¡¯s blouse buttons were undone. Vincent¡¯s kisses <b>began </b>moving downwards.


    The warm and moist sensation made her tense up. She pushed Vincent, but he grabbed her <b>hands</b><b>, </b>restricting her.


    Stephanic¡¯s eyshes fluttered, and <b>she </b>let out a soft hum.


    Vincent looked up and asked, ¡°Stephie, you really don¡¯t want it?¡±


    Stephanie found that Vincent could be naughty sometimes, deliberately making her aroused. She bit her lips and didn¡¯t answer <b>him</b>.


    He said, ¡°Not answering? I take it <b>as </b>a ¡®yes¡® then.¡±


    Stephanie struggled a little, but Vincent held her tightly. She could only ask, ¡°Aren¡¯t you abstinent?¡±


    Vincent raised his eyebrows and asked, ¡°Who told you that?¡± He kissed her earlobe gently and continued, ¡°I¡¯m actually turned on when I¡¯m with you. Only you!¡±


    Stephanie blushed upon hearing that. Her heart was racing, and she felt tingly and numb.


    Seeing her flushed face, Vincent kissed her again and again.


    Then, Stephanie felt something strange, as if something was <b>poking </b>her. It could be clearly felt in her current position, so she twisted her body.


    ¡°Stephie, stop wriggling, I¡¯m about to burst,¡± Vincent said <b>in </b>a hoarse and low <b>voice</b>, with a hint of restraint.


    Stephanie immediately regained her rationality <b>and </b>said, ¡°Put me down. We¡¯re about to arrive. I don¡¯t want Zane to see us like this.¡±


    Vincent knew she was shy, so he let her go.


    <b>Soon</b>, the car stopped in front of the mansion in Tranquil Garden.


    Zane opened the car¡¯s back <b>door </b>and saw Vincent was trying to be ascetic. He also noticed that Stephanie¡¯s lips were swollen again


    <b>He¡¯ll </b>w Vincent was at it


    Vincent hadn¡¯t eaten yel, <b>so </b>Stephanie made him a sumptuous dinner,


    10:32 Thu, 30 May MBB


    Chapter 85


    Wher eating, Vincent went to his study to deal with the backlog of documents and contracts that piled up during his absence from the Fletcher Group. Meanwhile, Stephanie worked on rough sketches.


    Two hours <bter</b>, she stretched herself and looked at her phone. It was already nine o¡¯clock.


    She thought Vincent was such a workaholic. He might work untilte at night if she didn¡¯t call him.


    Thinking that he hadn¡¯t recovered yet, she stood up and headed to the study.


    She knocked on the door and entered after getting permission<b>.</b>


    Vincent was wearing ck silk pajamas and gold¨Crimmed sses, looking gentlemanly and abstinent.


    Secing Stephanie, he reached out <b>his </b>hand.


    Stephanie walked up to him, held his hand, and was pulled into his arms.


    She was worried about touching his wound, so she instinctively backed away.


    ¡°Are you afraid that I will eat you up?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie noticed he began to fart again and didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    ¡°What if I am<b>?</b><b>¡± </b><b>she </b>asked.


    Vincent rubbed her lips and said, ¡°Good then.¡±


    ¡°Then what if I say I¡¯m not afraid?¡± Stephanie asked again.


    <b>He </b>answered, ¡°Then I will let you know how good I am,¡±


    Stephanie was speechless.


    <b>Only </b>then did she realize that if a man who had been reserved suddenly became flirtatious, <b>he </b>would be more seductive than anyone else.


    The two of them went back to the bedroom after spending some time together in the study.


    Vincent hadn¡¯t slept well these days, , but he fell asleep soon while hugging Stephanie that night.


    Stephanie felt sorry for Vincent while looking at his face under the moonlight.


    She didn¡¯t expect him to shoulder such an important mission.


    Vincent once told her that he founded the Storm Corps to eradicate all the evil and sing in the world.


    She ced her hand over the bandage on his lower abdomen. <b>She </b>knew he was afraid she would worry, so he kept his wound a secret.


    In fact, she was a little unhappy because she couldn¡¯t be by his side and take care of him when he was injured.


    ¡°You little fool,¡± she muttered in a low voice and then snuggled into vincent¡¯s arms.


    Meanwhile, Julianna and Comelius clinked sses, celebrating their 100th day of knowing each other in Blue Moon Pub


    Julianna finished her cocktail and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to <b>introduce </b><b>you </b>to my parents. Are you up for it?¡±


    Cornelius, <b>who </b>was pouring her wins, paused for a moment. He was surprised by her decision, considering that they hadn¡¯t known each other for long. He didn¡¯t <b>expect </b>her to take him seriously.


    He <b>didn¡¯t </b>know <b>about </b><b>Julianna¡¯s </b>family <b>background </b>and personal condition <b>before</b>. The person who asked him to <b>seduce </b>her only gave him her <b>photo</b>


    Chapter 85


    He thought that Julianna was gorgeous and the pay was good too. Besides, he and his friends had teamed up to develop a game, which required arge sum of cash, so he epted the mission.


    When he knew that the Saunders family was one of the wealthiest families in Jacaster, he regretted hooking up with Julianna for that amount of money. He thought if he could marry her, he wouldn¡¯t need to worry about money. Furthermore, Julianna was beautiful, making her the perfect <b>choice </b>for


    marriage.


    Getting married to Julianna would change the fate of his family.


    But now he was afraid


    d that his identity would be exposed, and then all his efforts would be in vain.


    Hence, he had to take action first, just as he was ordered to


    When he had secured his position, he would confess to Julianna, iming he was forced into it. Julianna, who was easily deceived, would definitely


    believe him.


    Comelius held her hand and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll buy some gifts to visit your parents. But they¡¯ve seen the <b>elephant</b>. I¡¯m afraid they won¡¯t like my gifts.¡±


    Julianna consoled, ¡°No, they won¡¯t. It¡¯s the intention that counts. They love me, and they will extend this love to you.¡±


    Cornelius smiled and replied, ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡°Ineed to go to the bathroom,¡± said Julianna.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Cornelius uttered.


    After Julianna left with her handbag, Cornelius¡® smile faded. He took out the small pill he <b>had </b>prepared in advance <b>and </b>throw it into her ss


    The pill instantly dissolved in the wine. He was determined to get her.


    Abering out of the toilet, Julianna applied lipstick in front of the mirror and was ready to give her first kiss tonight.


    Avoice came from her back. ¡°Putting on lipstick. Getting ready to kiss?¡±


    Since it was a public restroom, the sinks were shared.


    Julianns saw Graham raising an eyebrow teasingly at her from the mirror.


    Her hands trembled and the lipstick smeared onto her philtrum.


    <b>Julianna </b>thought that they were destined to sh. Exasperated<b>, </b>she kept her lipstick, took out a wet tissue, and began wiping her philtrurn.


    She had wiped off the lipstick, but her skin became red.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± asked Julianna as she turned around, ring at Graham.


    Graham teased, ¡°Because I need a wee.¡±


    Julianna was speechless


    She thought that Graham was handsome <b>if </b>only he could shut up.


    She packed her handbag angrily a and was about to


    o <b>leave</b>.


    But Graham grabbed her arm and said, ¡°Hold on a second.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that it¡¯s rude to touch someone else without permission? Stay away from me,¡± Julianna retorted.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Graham pulled her to his front <b>and </b>whispered, ¡°Stay away from Cornelius. He¡¯s up to no good!¡±


    3/4


    Looking <b>at </b>Julianna¡¯s retreating figure, Graham tutted.


    What <b>a </b>foolish woman!


    Julianna returned to her seat and smiled sweetly.


    Cornelius said, ¡°Julia, I¡¯ll send you home after you finish this ss of wine.¡±


    J¨²lianna nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She picked up the ss and drank it up..


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    A hint of joy shed in Cornelius¡¯ eyes when Julianna finished the wine.


    Comelius said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Julianna nodded. ¡°Okay¡±


    She stood up and followed Comelius through the long corridor to the entrance of the bar,


    Julianna felt thirsty, and her body began to heat up,


    Her consciousness began to blur, and she felt the urge to hug Cornelius.


    Cornelius looked back at Julianna, knowing that his drug had begun to take effect.


    He stepped forward and held her waist. It felt so good. Her body was so soft. He was thrilled that he could enjoy it tonight.


    ¡°Juba, let me take you home,¡± Comelius said.


    Julianna found his voice pleasant, but it felt wrong. She pushed him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go wash up.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± replied Comelius. However, he didn¡¯t take her to the bathroom, Instead, he walked toward the door of the bar


    In the dimly lit corridor, there were men and women hugging and kissing passionately.


    The sight excited Cornelius. He couldn¡¯t wait to make out with the woman in his arms.


    Thinking of this, he pressed her against the wall, ready to kiss her.


    Suddenly, Comelius heard a cold male voice ring.


    ¡°Are you sure she will be willing to make out with you if she knows that you drugged her?¡± the male voice said.


    These words were like a basin of cold water pouring over Comelius¡¯ head.


    He looked in the direction of the voice, A tall man leaned against the wall. Although he couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face clearly, he could see the man¡¯s


    cigarette burning


    His body froze, thinking that the man was meddling ¡°She is my girlfriend. It has nothing to do with you. Mind your own business!¡± Cornelius chided.


    With a cigarette in his mouth, Graham stood straight, turned around, stubbed his cigarette out, and walked straight to him.


    A hint of panic shed through Cornelius¡¯ eyes. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Beating you!¡± Graham bellowed.


    Afterward, he threw a punch on Cornelius¡± face.


    With a s**er, Cornelius took a few steps back. Julianna lost her support and slumped against the wall.


    As soon as Graham picked her up, Julianna wrapped her arms around him with one of her long legs rubbing against his.


    Even though they were clothod, they could feel each other¡¯s temperature.


    it¡¯s so hot! You smell so good!¡± Julianna muttered


    Graham felt his pants getting light, and he gulped nervously. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡±


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MBBO


    Chapter 86


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to go to the hospital. Hug me¡­¡± Julianna murmured.


    Graham knew he couldn¡¯t reason with her, so he had to take her out of there as soon as possible.


    ¡°You can¡¯t take her away!¡± Cornelius said, catching up to them.


    Graham locked at him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll call Stephaniel You better pray for yourself?¡±


    687%


    Cornelius¡¯ eyes widened in shock. If he told Stephanie, he wouldn¡¯t stand a chance with Julianna anymore and thought, ¡®D**n it! Why did he have to show up?¡±


    He had no choice but to watch Graham take Julianna away,


    At this time, his phone vibrated. It was a string of numbers that he didn¡¯t recognize.


    He picked it up and heard a low voice on the other


    rend.


    ¡°Useless trash! How could you have failed?¡± the man scolded.


    Comelius replied, ¡°I¡¯ll exin it to Juliannal¡±


    The man ordered, ¡°Now the n has changed. Do it like this..¡±


    Hearing this, Comelius frowned. ¡°It¡¯s against thew. I can¡¯t do it¡­¡±


    ¡°1 million dors. You


    rs. You just ha


    thave to lure Julianna out, nothing else,¡± the man offered.


    Cornelius gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    Meanwhile, Graham helped Julianna get into the car.


    He asked the driver to drive to the hospital.


    The driver nodded and started the car, but when he saw that Julianna was sitting on Graham, he quickly raised the partition.


    Graham pulled Julianna down, but she clung onto him like super glue.


    She put her arms around his neck and said, ¡°Who¡¯s my little kitty?¡±


    im alive if he didn¡¯t save


    Graham felt like his effort to save Julianna had been in vain. Then again, she was Stephanie¡¯s friend, and thetter would skin him alive


    her tonight.


    He took out his phone and was about to call Vincent and ask him to tell Stephanie.


    However, Julianna grabbed his phone and threw it on the ground.


    ¡°You-¡°Before Graham could finish, Julianna kissed him, biting and sucking his Eps.


    Her lips were soft, and her mouth was full of a pleasant c**il scent.


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you kiss me?¡± Julianna purred.


    Graham took a deep breath and pressed down on her shoulder. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡±


    Julianna couldn¡¯t recognize the man in front of her no matter how hard she looked. ¡°Who? Aggolo?¡±


    Graham was exasperated and thought, ¡®How could she think that I¡¯m a gigolof


    He pinched her chin and said, ¡°I¡¯m Graham Whitlock.¡±


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MBBOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Chapter 86


    ¡°Oh, Gram!¡± Julianna didn¡¯t know what she was talking about. She just felt itchy all over her body and rubbed against him. ¡°I¡¯m so ufortable Can you hug me?¡±


    ¡°Nol Get off me!¡± Graham said.


    His voice was 30


    was so cold and harsh that Julianna cried out in grievance. She didn¡¯t listen to him and wanted to stay close to him. She was about to explode.


    She tore her pearl-colored shirt, revealing her tanned skin underneath.


    Julianna kept kissing Graham. ¡°Why won¡¯t you kiss me


    sme back?*


    She stuck out her tongue and swept over the man¡¯s lips, trying to press in.


    Graham¡¯s breathing turned ragged. After all, he was a normal man, and he couldn¡¯t stand this flirtation


    He fervently took in her tongue.


    The sound of kissing reverberated in the car. Graham¡¯s hands greedily caressed her curves.


    Julianna wanted more and let out a moan


    Graham pushed her away and closed his eyes. He was on the verge of losing control of himselL


    Julianna pouted her lips. ¡°Do you not like me?¡±


    Graham pinched her chin and said, ¡°Look at me! I¡¯m Graham, not the s**g whe drugged you!¡±


    ¡°Graham? Graham¡¯s the **ag!¡± Julianna said resentfully.


    Graham was speechless. He felt like throwing her out.


    The car finally arrived at the hospital


    Graham tidied up her clothes and took her to the emergency room.


    After exining the situation, the doctor gave Julianna some medicine.


    Noticing that Julianna had finally calmed down, Graham raised his band to touch his forehead.


    The scene in the car just now shed back to his mind. Her lips were soft and sweet..


    He finally knew what kissing felt like. It felt so good.


    However, he didn¡¯t forget that Julianna called him a s**g


    He took a deep breath and thought, ¡°How could she scold me after I saved her?¡±


    It was past eleven o¡¯clock now. He couldn¡¯t call Vincent, so he could only send a message to tell him what happened..


    The two of them would know what happened tonight the next morning.


    He walked out of the ward and lit a cigarette. It was a long night, with only cigarettes keeping himpany.


    The next morning when Julianna was awake, she saw the white ceiling and the pungent smell of disinfectant filled her nose.


    She turned her head and saw Graham sleeping


    She shot up and kicked his leg


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MBB.


    Chapter 85


    Graham immediately opened his eyes and asked, ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    ¡°Why am I here?¡± asked Julianna warily.


    87%


    ¡°I¡¯ve warned youst night to stay away from that man. You didn¡¯t know you were drugged. if I hadn¡¯t saved you, you would¡¯ve been assaulted,¡± Graham


    said


    Julianna red at him ¡°Nonsensel¡±


    She jumped out of bed and fell into the man¡¯s arms, and his handsnded somewhere he shouldn¡¯t touch.


    She looked at Graham in horror and screamed, ¡°How dare you!¡±


    Graham sneered.


    ed, ¡°Why? I¡¯m a normal man!¡±


    Julianna stood up, put on her shoes, and said, ¡°I won¡¯t let you off the h**k. P**t!¡±


    She nced at the handbag on the table, grabbed it, and ran out.


    She stopped a taxi on the street, feeling flustered.


    She remembered something after what Graham said.


    She remembered feeling ufortable after drinking that ss of winest night, and that she left with Cornellus. Later, she was stopped by Graham.


    Julianna finally recalled kissing Graham.


    However, he didn¡¯t take advantage of her and sent her to the hospital.


    But she couldn¡¯t admit it, not even if she liked Graham.


    She would never forgive him


    The phone in her handbag buzzed.


    Julianna took it out and saw it was Stephanie


    Stephanie said that Graham had sent a message to Vincentst night, telling him that Comelius had drugged Julianna. They had gone to bed earlyst night, so they hadn¡¯t seen it until this morning.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to be such a person, I said I would take Cornelius to meet your parents. Everything would fall into ce in time. Why would he resort to such methods? Did you realize he approached you with a purpose? He wanted to achieve this goal as soon as possible, so he did this,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think it over during shower, Julianna said,


    ¡°Do you need me to apany you?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°No. You can chair today¡¯s meeting. I won¡¯t go.¡± Julianna said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Stephanie replied.


    The more Julianna thought about it, the more she felt that what Stephanie said was reasonable.


    There must be something wrong with Cornelius


    Therefore, she deleted all of his contact information and her


    ount.


    When she was about to reach home, she received an unknown call.


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MB B.


    Chapter 86


    She picked it up. It was from Cornelius. ¡°Don¡¯t hang up,


    on¡¯t hang up, Julia. I know you have cklisted me. I have something to exin to you.¡±


    87%1


    ¡°Save it, s**g. Don¡¯t call me again!¡± Julianna huffed and turned off her phone.


    She went home to take a shower and then went to sleep, the images of her forcing herself on Graham reying in her dreams.


    She felt so ashamed that her first kiss was given to Graham in this way.


    With eyes as amorous as his, he looked at everyone passionately.


    ¡®Argh, he must have lots of experience! I¡¯ve made it easy for him, Julianna thought grumpily.


    She went to the fridge to look for popsicles, but she didn¡¯t find any, so she decided to buy some.


    She went to the basement to get the car


    As soon as she got in the car, her mouth and nose were covered, and she fainted.


    The man was fully armed and dialed a number. ¡°Julianna is in the underground parking of her condominium. I¡¯ve done what you asked. Transfer the money to the same ount.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s phone kept vibrating in her pocket while she was in a meeting.


    She noticed that it was a virtual number.


    She walked out of the meeting room and answered the phone. At the same time, she recorded the call.


    ¡°Do you want to save Julianna? Come to Winter Courtyard Hotel alone. If you dare to call the police, I¡¯ll kill her¡± the man threatened.


    Then, she received a picture message of an unconscious Julianna,


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Stephanie knew the photo wasn¡¯t edited. This was Julianna.


    She clenched her phone, walked into the meeting room, and said the meeting was over. Then, she went into the office and opened herptop to get the surveince record of Julianna after she went back home..


    She wanted to know who had taken Julianna away, at where was she kidnapped.


    She found that the surveince video of the underground parking of Julianna¡¯s apartment had been deleted,


    She quickly tried to restore the surveince video.


    The surveince video showed that before Julianna entered the underground parking, a man in a hat, mask, and ck T-pants pried open her car and


    sat in the backseat


    After a while, Julianna went to the underground parking and got into the car.


    Because the angle of the surveince camera was not very good, she could only see that Julianna struggled for a while and then stopped moving.


    Two minutester, the man drove away.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    In these two minutes, the man dragged Julianna to the backseat of the car and then went to the driver¡¯s seat


    The car drove to Havenwood Road in the old town district, which had many alleys.


    The car never came out after getting into the alley.


    After a thorough investigation, Stephanie found that there were six entrances to the alley and many shops


    This man might enter one of the stores with Julianna, or maybe leave the alley in disguise.


    The person on the other end of the line had used a voice changer, asking Stephanie to go to Winter Courtyard Hotel


    Stephanie know that the people behind the scenes kidnapped Julianna to get to her.


    It suddenly urred to her thatst night Cornelius might have drugged Julianna for the same reason too.


    Stephanie was exasperated that she didn¡¯t find anything wrong with Cornelius. She just took what he didst night as his leverage to marry into the Saunders family as soon as possible.


    Cornelius had no background, so he should be led or hired by someone to take such a risk.


    But no matter what the reason was, she wouldn¡¯t let him off the h o o k. Cornelius was unforgivable.


    She called Giovanni. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a surveince video. Find out the person who kidnapped Julianna. Either he entered the store, or he left with a disguise.¡±


    Giovanni was surprised. ¡°Julianna was kidnapped?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time teft. Just do as I said. The longer we drag this on, the more danger Julia is in,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°Boss, are you going to do something dangerous?¡± Giovanni knew her well. He knew that Stephanie was onto something else.


    Afraid that he might worry about her, Stephaple said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let myself suffer any loss. You¡¯d better find her as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Giovanni said. After hanging up the phone, Stephanie thought for a while and finally called Vincent. She didn¡¯t want Vincent to feel that she never relled on him.


    10:33 Thu 30 May M BB


    Chapter BT


    She wanted to exin it to Vincent, but she hoped that he believed she could solve the problem on her own.


    But the phone was hung up before it was connected


    She frowned slightly and called back, hut his number was not in the service area.


    This was abnormal. She called Zane again, but his number was not in the service area either.


    Without enough time to think it over, she grabbed her bag and quickly left the design studio to head to Winter Courtyard Hotel,


    Af the same time, in the CEO Office of Fletcher Group, Vincent changed into a white shirt and got out of the lounge. Surprised to see Nancy standing at the table, he asked, ¡°You¡¯re still here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Vincent. I didn¡¯t mean to spill the coffee on your shirt and suit pants,¡± Nancy apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your job to serve coffee, so you don¡¯t have to do it again. Anything else? Vincent said,


    ¡°I¡¯m upgrading the security system of the building, so there¡¯s a signal jam, Nancy reported.


    Vincent took a look at his phone, and there was no signal. ¡°When will it recover?¡±


    ¡°In about 40 minutes,¡± Nancy said.


    ¡°I see. You can go out if there¡¯s nothing else,¡± Vincent said.


    Nancy nodded. ¡°Okay, Vincent Shall we have lunch together?¡±


    It was already ten o¡¯clock in the morning. Vincent wanted to go to the newly opened lobster roll eatery at Zenith Road with Stephanie. Zane said it was good.


    Although he couldn¡¯t eat lobster because of his wound, he wanted to take Stephanie there since lobsters were her favorite.


    Vincent refused. ¡°No, I¡¯ll go with Stephie. When I¡¯m free, Stephanie and I¡¯ll invite you and Joseph to dinner,¡±


    Then, Nancy left the office.


    The moment the door was closed, the smile on Nancy¡¯s face disappeared.


    She had nned to get close to Vincent by taking advantage of the signal jam during the security system upgrade. She also nned to spill coffee on him and hug him when he changed his clothes, hoping to initiate a passionate moment


    Unexpectedly, Vincent went into the lounge to change his clothes, but he locked the door after entering.


    Nancy was livid. She went to his desk sulkily. Unexpectedly, she saw Stephanie calling Vincent.


    She pressed the signal jammer directly, causing the whole building to be out of signal.


    Then, she deleted the call log.


    If Stephanie were to ask about itter on, she wouldn¡¯t have an inkling that Nancy had done something.


    Since Vincent couldn¡¯t get in touch with Stephanie, she could ask Vincent out for lunch.


    She didn¡¯t expect that Stephanie was the only person in Vincent¡¯s mind,


    When she was in Spaunia, she had already investigated Stephanie¡¯s interesting background.


    She knew that Stephanie was a shrewd woman, sashe couldn¡¯t be unreasonable to get Vincent. She had to create misunderstandings and alienate the


    bwa.


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MB B


    Chapter 87


    She took a deep breath and decided to take it easy. Vincent would belong to her sooner orteri


    In the CEO office, Vincent stared nkly at his phone. He should have texted Stephanie at this time, but he had to wait for forty minutes.


    Somehow, he felt a little flustered.


    After taking a deep breath, he began to review the documents on his desk.


    After he was done with one, he opened another one, but he was a little annoyed. He closed the file and got out in a wheelchair.


    Zane looked at Vincent and stood up immediately. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what can I do for you?¡±


    In thepany, Zane would address him differently.


    ¡°Take me to Starlight Design Studio, Vincent said.


    Zane knew that Vincent was going to look for Stephanie.


    Heimmediately pushed Vincent into the private clevator to the underground parking and drove to Starlight Design Studio.


    Vincent couldn¡¯t reach Stephanie at all. He frowned and said, ¡°Drive faster.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± replied Zane.


    87%


    The car stopped in front of the design studio. Zane got out of the car to look for Stephanie but was told that she had left the design room in a hurry half an hour earlier.


    He rushed back to the car and told Vincent.


    Vincent¡¯s face darkened. He took out hisptop and began to locate her.


    When he found that Stephanie¡¯s phone had set a firewall, he found that the firewall was very familiar. It would take him some time to decipher it, so he hacked into the transportation bureau and checked all the surveince cameras around Starlight Design Studio for about an hour.


    While he was checking the surveince video, he asked Zane to follow Stephanie¡¯s route.


    When he found that Stephanie¡¯s car finally stopped at Winter Courtyard Hotel, he ordered Zane to go straight there.

 Chapter 88

    <b>Chapter </b><b>88</b>


    Stephanie <b>followed </b>instructions and made her way to the front desk of Winter Courtyard Hotel, grabbing her keycard.


    Heading up to the ninth floor, she unlocked room 915. As she walked in, the door closed behind her. Surveying her surroundings, she found the room


    empty.


    Suddenly, she caught a whiff of a strong, unfamiliar scent.


    She narrowed her eyes and recognized that it was a potent sedative scent, likely to induce confusion within a minute.


    Struggling to maintain herposure, she attempted to leave but found herself unable to turn the doorknob.


    As the scent intensified, she tugged at her clothes, feeling herself bing disoriented, swaying against the wall


    Just then, the door swung open and a man walked in.


    Hesmirked, ¡°Stephanie, you¡¯ve finally fallen into my trap!¡±


    Stephanie pressed herself against the wall and edged further into the room, saying, ¡°Dous, it¡¯s you! You¡¯re the one who abducted Julia and used her against me!¡±


    Dous casually tossed his suit jacket aside as he approached, <b>fingers </b>deftly unbuttoning his shirt, and <b>said</b>, <b>¡°</b>So what if I did? Think you can report me? I¡¯ll film it all f you even try, I¡¯ll <b>make </b>sure the whole world sees you begging for <b>mercy</b>!¡±


    Stephanie shook her head as she backed away, saying ¡°You¡¯re despicable


    With a dismissive gesture, Dous discarded his shirt. ¡°Despicable? You¡¯re the famed Dr. Summer, right? The one who rendered me impotent with your acupuncture<b>! </b>Since you crippled me, you¡¯re responsible for fixing mel Get it?¡±


    Stephanie retreated toward the window and said, ¡°Stay back, or I¡¯ll jump!¡±


    Dous sneered, ¡°You don¡¯t even <b>have </b>the strength to jump now. But if you want to, why not leap into my arms and let me spoil you? That loser, Vincent, can¡¯t satisfy you, Let me be the one to fulfill your desires!¡±


    He lunged forward, but Stephanie evaded him, leaving Dous grasping at empty air.


    ou think yo


    you¡¯re going?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Where do <b>you</b>


    Stephanie staggered to the edge of the bed, copsing onto <b>it</b>. ¡°Where¡¯s Julia?¡± she demanded.


    Dous smirked as he unbuckled his belt, pulling <b>out </b><b>the </b>leather strap. ¡°Somewhere you¡¯ll never find her. She¡¯s in good hands,¡± he taunted, advancing toward her. ¡°Let me show you how to be properly taken care of for a change!¡±


    With a menacing swing, heshed out with his belt at Stephanie.


    In a sh, Stephanie¡¯s dazed expression turned sharp. With a <b>swift </b>movement, she dodged, and the belt struck the mattress instead.


    Taking advantage of Dous¡® astonishment, she reached out, snatched the belt, and promptly executed a solid shoulder throw


    Pinning Dous Armly to the ground, she pressedher foot forcefully against his chest, demanding, ¡°Tell met Where <b>have </b>you taken Julia?¡±


    Dous winced in pain as he struggled to speak. ¡°You¡­ you didn¡¯t fall for the trap!¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s


    seyes <b>narrowed</b><b>, </b>her gaze piercing, as <b>she </b>increased the pressure on his ribs


    one give way.


    Dous cried out, feeling the bone


    10:33 Thu, 30 May MBB


    Chapter 88


    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve guessed my identity, do you really think I didn¡¯t n for this?¡± Stephanie countered, her voice cold and determined.


    Dous gritted his teeth and said, ¡°underestimated you! Why the act with the <b>scent </b>earlier?¡±


    Upon entering the hotel, Stephanie noticed that signal jamming for phones had been activated within the premises.


    Unsure if Giovanni had found Julianna, she swiftly gathered evidence and confronted Dous


    Obviously, for evidence. A scumbag like you deserves to rot in jail!¡± she retorted, <b>a </b>chuckle escaping her lips.


    Her amusement faded abruptly, and she asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Julia?¡±


    <b>Dous </b>clenched his jaw, refusing to speak.


    87%•þ


    Stepping on his ribs once more, Stephanie remarked, ¡°A person has twenty¨Cfour ribs, twelve on each side. You¡¯ve already cracked four. You¡¯ve got twenty left to go!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a murderer Dous shouted.


    Stephanie smirked, ¡°It¡¯s called self¨Cdefense!<b>¡±</b>


    Noticing the murderous intent in <b>her </b>eyes, Dous reluctantly divulged the location, ¡°Basement of a seafood restaurant in Fourth Alley, Havenwood Road, Old Town District.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the signal jammer?¡± Stephanie demanded.


    ¡°In my left pants pocket,¡± <b>Dous </b>grumbled.


    Stephanie stooped to retrieve the <b>device</b>, swiftly deactivating it. Almost instantly, the phone signal returned. She wasted no time, dialing Giovanni and passing on the address.


    Giovanni assured her he was close by and would go over right away.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Came the knocking on the door.


    ¡°Your backup?¡± Stephanie queried.


    <b>Dous</b>, assuming his reinforcements had arrived, smirked. ¡°You¡¯re <b>doomed</b><b>¡­</b>¡±


    With a resounding crash, the door swung open, mming against the wall. Zane strode in briskly, pushing Vincent forward.


    Vincent hoisted himself up from the wheelchair using both hands, his expression deadly serious, reminiscent of Hades emerging from the underworld.


    ncing at Dous sprawled on the ground, bare¨Cchested, Vincent immediately sensed the malevolent intentions lurking within him.


    He walked toward Stephanie and asked, ¡°Stephie, are you alright?¡±


    Stephanie stopped over Dous¡® chest and walked up to him, holding his hands. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Dous abducted Julia to threaten me. I¡¯ve recorded the evidence. This time, he¡¯s <b>going </b>to pay for it behind bars!¡±


    ¡°<b>Good</b>.¡± Vincent nodded. Then he stepped toward Dous, ring <b>down </b><b>at </b>him,


    <b>Dous</b>¡± eyes widened in terror. ¡°Uncle Vincent, your legs!¡± he eximed.


    Vincent sneered coldly, ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you¡¯ve always wanted to prove and witness?¡±


    ¡°No! I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about, Uncle Vincent, Dous protested, realizing Vincent would show no mercy.


    He reached <b>out</b>, grasping at Vincent¡¯s trousers, pleading. ¡°Vincent, please forgive me. I was wrong. I just wanted to give <b>Stephanie </b><b>a </b>scare¡­¡±


    10:33 Thu<b>, </b>30 May <b>M </b>BB


    Chapter 88


    Vincent¡¯s expression turned cold as ice. He pressed his foot onto Dous¡® hand, applying <b>force</b>, <b>and </b>retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t buy a word you¡¯re saying!¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Dous winced in agony. ¡°I¡¯m being honest. Stephanie used acupuncture on me, leaving me impotent. I just wanted her help to recover


    Vincent scoffed, his tone frigid. ¡°And your idea of recovery involves stripping down to frighten her? That¡¯sughable.¡±


    <b>With </b>a swift kick to Dous¡® face, blood spurted from his nose, and his front teeth dislodged,


    Removing his suit jacket, Vincent crouched down, delivering punches to Dous¡® face and body until he coughed up blood.


    As Dousy on the ground gasping for breath, Vincent ceased his assault. He stood up and looked at Stephanic, his voice extremely gentle, <b>as </b>if the earlier violence had never urred. ¡°Stephie, are you scared?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head and replied, ¡°No¡±


    Vincent smiled, then headed to the restroom to clean the blood from his hands.


    When he returned, he phoned the police, providing a brief exnation of the situation. The police assured him they¡¯d dispatch assistance soon.


    Meanwhile, Dous reinforcements found themselves all pinned down by Zane¡¯s men.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send the evidence to Zane. Now I¡¯m going to find Julia,¡± Stephanie dered.


    Vincent nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Hastily, she and Vincent departed, leaving Zane to <b>await </b>the authorities.


    Dous seethed with anger, powerless to act. Prison loomed ahead.


    Sitting in the car, Stephanie forwarded the recording to Zane and steered toward the seafood restaurant,


    ncing at her, Vincent voiced his concem. ¡°<b>Stephie</b>, why didn¡¯t you call me? Do you realize how dangerous it was back there!¡±


    ¡°I tried, but couldn¡¯t get through,¡± Stephanie exined.


    Vincent remembered the signal jam and remarked, ¡°The security system got an upgrade, leading to the activation of the signal jam within the premises.¡±


    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Stephanie remarked, finally grasping the situation.


    ¡°But when did you try to <b>call</b>?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Check the call log on my phone,¡± Stephanie suggested.


    Vincent picked up the phone and noticed that Stephanie¡¯s attempted call coincided with the building¡¯s signal jam.


    Furrowing his brow, he muttered to himself, ¡°Quite the coincidence for the signal jam at that exact moment¡±


    But Stephanie didn¡¯t pay much attention to it, considering it a normal urrence during a security upgrade.


    Vincent¡¯s gaze grew distant as if contemting something.


    Stephanie nced at him, curious. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Vincent replied vaguely, feeling upsure and seeing no reason to share his thoughts. He mused to himself, <b>¡®</b><b>What </b>if it truly <b>was </b>just a coincidence? It could lead to misunderstandings


    The car continued its journey down the road.


    3/4


    10:33 Thu, 30 May BB


    Chapter 88


    Vincent loosened his tie, sensing an unusual warmth spreading through his body, as though his blood were on the verge of boiling.


    3 87%


    His throat bobbed nervously as he fixed his gaze on Stephanie, his eyes growing intense. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m feeling incredibly parched,¡± he confessed.


    Stephanie nced at Vincent, noting the flush creeping across his face.


    ¡°Damn it! He must have been exposed to the scent when he entered the room. He¡¯s been affected!¡® she realized, pondering the situation.


    SEND GIFT


    COMMENT


    0

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Did you smell something when you entered the guest room?¡± asked Stephanie.


    Vincent hummed and felt something different: He understood what Stephanie meant and said, ¡°So, I caught something?¡±


    Stephanie nodded.


    Vincent closed his eyes and tried to calm down. ¡°Then why are you and Dous all right?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The scent is strong. Normally, one would sumb to it in one to two minutes. I¡¯m fine because I took the antidote pill in advance. Dous must have taken the antidote as well. Otherwise, he would have lost his mind, not to mention control me. It¡¯s my bad for forgetting to remind you,¡± replied Stephanie.


    Vincent took a deep breath and asked, ¡°Do you still have the antidote pill?¡±


    ncing at Vincent, Stephanie said apologetically, ¡°I only have one in my b


    perform acupuncture on you.¡±


    Vincent looked at the buildings on both sides of the street and said,


    re arriving


    g soon. I can hang in there until w


    get Julianna out.¡±


    ¡°Can you really?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Vincent smiled helplessly and replied, ¡°What happens


    Can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I can only knock you out first, but I can¡¯t do it,¡± said


    ¡°Then¡­ I can,¡± said Vincent.


    Vincent called Zane and told him to avoid it. However, Zane informed Vincent that he had already sensed something


    the antidote.


    Vincent was speechless


    wron


    and asked Dous for


    Ten minutes ago, in the seafood restaurant, Giovanni rushed in, grabbed a restaurant staff, and asked harshly,


    The restaurant staff, of course, couldn¡¯t say anything. He tried to push Giovanni away and sai


    is


    the basement?¡±


    ¡±


    e you crazy? There¡¯s no basement here!¡±


    With murderous bloodshot eyes, Giovanni asked, ¡°Where is your boss?¡±


    The staff sneered and replied rudely, ¡°The boss is unavable. Come back


    nother day!¡±


    Giovanni punched the staff in the face and said, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you if you don¡¯t tell me today¡±


    The people in the restaurant were frightened and ran out.


    Only Graham and Joseph in the corner were amused.


    Joseph smiled and said, ¡°Gio, what a temper.¡±


    Giovanni turned toward the voice with a serious face. ¡°Julianna was kidnapped in the basement of this shop. She¡¯s in serious danger,¡± he said.


    Graham and Joseph¡¯s faces changed in an instant. They bolted up and grabbed the other restaurant staff to ask about the basement,


    Yet, the staff kept silent,


    Seeing that, the three of them started pressuring the staff.


    1/4


    Thu 30 May MBB


    86%


    with a dark gaze, Joseph said, ¡°Have you heard of the Jacaster Gangster? That¡¯s me! If my friend gets in trouble because you refuse to say anything now,


    do&ink you need to talk ever again.¡±


    the three restaurant staff had heard Joseph¡¯s name.


    estaurant staff was worried, so he quickly pointed at a door nearby and said, ¡°The entrance is in the storeroom.¡±


    mediately pushed the staff away and rushed to the storeroom. He kicked the door open and found an entrance on the floor.


    down and saw four men who were about to take off their clothes.


    the footsteps, they turned around and saw a man rushing over. Thus, they quickly gathered forward.


    tuds were heard as fistsnded on the flesh.


    Graham and Joseph also rushed down to join the fight.


    ended in two minutes.


    en groaned painfully on the ground.


    the others looked at the frightened Julianna. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked particrly pitiful. Fortunately, her clothes


    w walked quickly to Julianna, squatted down, and asked, ¡°Julianna, are you okay?¡±


    Julianna sniffed and answered, ¡°I thought I was going to die! I was so scared!¡±


    auntied Julianna and said, ¡°Let me help you up.¡±


    ayreplied Julianna as she got up with Giovanni¡¯s help. She stared at Graham and said, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Graham was speechless.


    Giovanni and Joseph were confused. They wondered, ¡®What did Graham do to her? Is he getting unjustly attacked?¡¯


    When they tried to leave the basement, the entrance was suddenly blocked, and the sound of hammering was heard.


    med out that it was the owner of the seafood restaurant. He found his staff on the floor and the storeroom door wide open when he returned after


    orting himself a SIM card.


    owner immediately realized that something had happened in the basement. Indeed, he heard the sound of fighting inside when he ran over.


    The owner thought he was doomed if the people inside came out.


    immediately, the owner decided to keep them contained while he called Dous to handle the situation.


    at the nailed entrance, the owner spat and said, ¡°I¡¯ll see how you can get out! You¡¯ll be begging for mercy on your knees when Mr. Fletcher gets


    eping on their knees?¡± A female voice sounded behind the owner. Turning around, he saw a beautiful woman.


    smiled and said, ¡°Sorry, we¡¯re not open now. The staff are suffering from heatstroke.¡±


    ofikicing at the unconscious restaurant staff on the ground, Stephanie sat on a chair and fiddled with the disposable cutleries.


    oke unwrapped the package, Stephanie said, ¡°The staff might have heatstroke, but aren¡¯t you fine? You can serve me then.¡±


    Although the owner loved beautiful women, he only wished to call Dous at that moment. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. The shop is closed,¡± he said.


    10:34 Thu, 30 May MBB


    Chapter 89


    Stephanie had unwrapped five sets of cutleries and said, ¡°I heard you¡¯re running a shady business here, selling buns filled with human flesh.¡±-


    The owner¡¯s mouth twitched and replied, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing.¡±


    Spinning a fork between her fingers, Stephanie asked, ¡°Then why do you have so many people locked up in your basement?¡±


    At that moment, the owner realized that the beautiful woman was not there for food but for trouble.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    86%


    However, Stephanie was like amb to the s g h t e r since she was alone. The owner thought he only had to lock her up and wait for Dous. After all, she would surely fetch a good price with her looks if she was sold to other countries.


    The owner red at Stephanie and said in a deep voice, ¡°You brought this upon yourself. Now, you can¡¯t leave even if you want to!¡±


    The owner then reached out to grab Stephanie¡¯s neck.


    However, Stephanie grabbed the owner¡¯s wrist and pressed it on the table. Then, she stabbed the back of his hand with the fork.


    St!


    The fork pierced through the back of the hand, and instantly blood gushed out.


    The owner cried miserably.


    ¡°F u c k!¡± shouted the owner.


    Stephanie pressed the owner¡¯s other wrist on the table and did the same thing.


    The owner wanted to pull them out, but he couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°There¡¯s a few forks left. What do you think about stabbing the eye?¡± asked Stephanie.


    The owner never expected Stephanie to be so ruthless. Sweating in pain, he begged, ¡°Madam, forgive me. I¡¯m only following orders. Mr. Fletcher is behind this. You should take it out on him!¡±


    Stephanie stared at the owner and said, ¡°Do you know why I stabbed your hand?¡±


    The owner trembled and replied, ¡°B-because I locked your friends in the basement.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s one. Another reason is that you nailed the entrance of the basement. Now, I have to remove the nails!¡± said Stephanie.


    The owner was speechless.


    Ignoring the owner, Stephanie went to the storeroom and found a tool to remove the nails.


    Soon, Stephanie kicked away the nk and saw Giovanni smiling at her.


    ¡°Boss, I knew it was you!¡± said Giovanni.


    Stephanie stepped aside and gave way.


    Julianna immediately hugged Stephanie and said, ¡°Stephie, I was almost frightened to death.¡±


    Stephanie hugged Julianna back and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Julia. It was Dous. He came for me.¡±


    Julianna shook her head and said, ¡°Don¡¯t say sorry. It¡¯s those s c u m b g s¡¯ misdeeds!¡±


    Withdrawing from Stephanie¡¯s arms, Julianna wiped her tears and continued, ¡°I think it was Cornelius who kidnapped me. I think I heard him before I lost consciousness.¡±


    86%1


    45


    Chapter 89


    Stephanie replied, ¡°He¡¯s highly suspicious. I haven¡¯t interrogated Dous yet, but don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let him go based solely on what happenedst night.¡±


    Holding Julianna¡¯s shoulders, Stephanie added, ¡°The police will arrive soon. Gio will apany you to the station to make a report because we¡¯re sending Dous to prison.¡±


    Julianna nodded and said, ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll send that jerk into prison forever so that he¡¯ll never harm anyone again!¡±


    Stephanie also nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll find youter. Vincent is poisoned, so I have to perform acupuncture on him.¡±


    Julianna blinked and whispered in Stephanie¡¯s ear, ¡°Acupuncture? Aren¡¯t you the antidote?¡±


    Stephanie was speechless


    Julianna snickered and continued, ¡°It¡¯s a good chance to try him out. Some men look like they¡¯re good in bed, but they¡¯re actually terrible!¡±


    Stephanie was quiet.


    Juljanna patted Stephanie¡¯s shoulder and added, ¡°I¡¯m fine. You don¡¯t have toe apany me!¡±


    Stephanie had no words.


    Atst, Julianna chased Stephanie into the car and gave her an ambiguous look.


    Stephanie looked at Vincent and noticed his neck had begun to turn red.


    Vincent looked like a temptress with his thin lips slightly open and Adam¡¯s apple bobbing.


    Vincent opened his eyes and said seductively, ¡°Stephie, I feel ufortable.¡±


    Çú

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Stephanie knew that Vincent¡¯s endurance had reached its limit.


    She then said, ¡°I have a condominium nearby. I¡¯ll take you there for acupuncture.¡±


    Vincent grunted in response and clenched his fists. Blue veins bulged on the back of his hands.


    Stephanie started the car and drove straight to the condominium.


    Looking at the back of the car, Julianna snickered quietly.


    ¡°You¡¯re so broad-minded. How could you smile after what you¡¯ve just gone through?¡± Julianna heard a familiar voice and turned around. ¡°Graham, I told


    to be quiet. I suspect you have a severe case of chauvinism!¡±


    you


    With his hands in his pockets, Graham looked like a nobleman, different from how bloodthirsty he was earlier.


    ¡°I saved youst night and have just saved you again. Is this how you treat your savior?¡± Graham said.


    Julianna pursed her lips. What Graham said was true, but it didn¡¯t hinder her from not epting the truth!


    ¡°Well, thank you!¡± After saying that, she was about to walk past him when Graham held her wrist and said, ¡°Keep your eyes peeled when you¡¯re looking for a boyfriend in the future. Don¡¯t be deceived again!¡±


    Julianna knew Graham wouldn¡¯t have anything nice to say. She snorted and shook off his hand. ¡°You just can¡¯t say anything nice, can you?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t because she wasn¡¯t grateful but felt embarrassed when Graham advised her in that manner publicly.


    She was so annoyed that she gritted her teeth and walked into the seafood restaurant.


    Graham took a cigarette from its case, held it in his mouth, and lit it.


    The smoke rose and blurred his vision. One would vaguely see the smile in his eyes.


    As Julianna entered the seafood restaurant angrily, she saw Giovanni and Joseph surrounding Stephen. She walked over and asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    While pointing at Stephen¡¯s hand, Joseph said, ¡°That took some serious muscle to prate a hand and one-inch table with a table knife.¡±


    Julianna bent down and saw the tip of the table knife through the table and the dark red blood dripping on the ground.


    She straightened her back and asked, ¡°Did my friend do this?¡±


    Stephen nodded and cried, ¡°It f**g hurts!¡±


    ¡°You deserve it for your evil deeds!¡± said Julianna, pping him twice.


    She grabbed a fork and jabbed it hard on the back of his hand.


    Since Stephen was still traumatized after being stabbed by Stephanie, he howled when he saw the fork touching the back of his hand.


    Julianna was not as strong as Stephanie, so she barely poked the back of the hand.


    Stephen was relieved and let Julianna poke his hand as she liked.


    However, before Stephen could take a breather, Giovanni grabbed a fork and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have a go too.¡±


    Seeing that, Joseph followed suit.


    1/4


    10:35 Thu, 30 May M BB


    Chapter 90


    Stephen prayed silently for the courage to deal with his trauma.


    After the police arrived, they discovered that Stephen¡¯s hand had been stabbed through with a fork. Bewildered and curious, they flocked to witness the phenomenon firsthand.


    Norman asked, ¡°Who did this?¡±


    ¡°My friend, but right now, she¡¯s on her way to treat a patient. She will head to the police station to record her statementter,¡± said Julianna.


    Norman frowned and said, ¡°That¡¯s not how the protocol works.¡±


    Graham looked at him and said, ¡°The patient is Mr. Vincent Fletcher.¡±


    Norman cleared his throat and ordered, ¡°Bring those who were involved to the police station, along with the surveince footage from the restaurant and cameras installed along the way.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t until then Stephen realized the beautiful woman was Vincent¡¯s fianc¨¦e.


    ¡®D a m n it! I¡¯ve actually offended Mr. Fletcher?¡¯ thought Stephen.


    ¡°What happened to Vincent?¡± Joseph asked curiously.


    Raising his eyebrows, Graham said, ¡°Ask Julianna. She knows.¡±


    Joseph turned to Julianna and asked, ¡°What happened to Vincent?¡±


    Julianna red at Graham and found he was indeed a hypocritical p s c h o. She roared, ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about adults¡¯ affairs!¡±


    ¡®Why am I a child? But what happened to Vincent?¡¯ Joseph wondered.


    Meanwhile, Vincent and Stephanie had just entered the condominium.


    Before the door was closed, Vincent pushed her against the wall.


    Vincent¡¯s fingertips were burning, and he trembled as he kissed Stephanie


    Her hands were on Vincent¡¯s chest, and she turned her head to gasp for air, moaning, ¡°Stop, stop please.¡±


    ¡°Should I?¡± Vincent asked.


    The sun shone into the floor-to-ceiling window and on the two people.


    ¡°The wound on your stomach hasn¡¯t healed yet. You can¡¯t do strenuous exercise,¡± Stephanie said, looking up at Vincent.


    ¡°I want you, Stephie. I don¡¯t want the acupuncture. Let me have you, please?¡± Vincent begged as he brushed his nose against hers.


    His alluring voice shot through her ears and spread to her heart, rendering her spellbound.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t do this in broad daylight,¡± Stephanie whispered.


    Vincent ignored this and pressed her hand on the buttons of his shirt and said in a bewitching voice, ¡°Unbutton it, please,¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyshes fluttered as she unbuttoned his shirt.


    Vincent kissed her fingers. The wetness felt like a bolt of electricity passing through her body and veins.


    He kissed her wrist, feeling her pulse through her skin. His kisses wandered up to her tanned neck.


    Stephanie trembled as he engulfed her in lingering kisses.


    2/4


    Chapter 90


    A chick echoed in the air, adding an ambiguity to the stillness of the space.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie with burning eyes. He picked her up and put her on the chest of drawers, squeezing himself between her legs and kissing her passionately.


    Stephanie¡¯d seen how passionate Vincent was, but it was the first time she¡¯d experienced a rather eager Vincent trying to swallow her whole.


    They got lost in their passionatebyrinth. Each piece of clothing fell along the hallway to the master bedroom.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie pinned under him, looking desirable and enticing. He kissed her forehead, nose, lips, chin, and corbone almost worshipfully. Stephanie moaned in


    response.


    Shebed Vincent¡¯s thick and shiny hair with her hands, moaning, ¡°Stop, I need to shower.¡±


    Vincent moved up and said h o r s e y , ¡°I can¡¯t hold back anymore.¡±


    Seeing that Vincent was about to kiss her, Stephanie turned away.


    Vincent teased, ¡°You despise your scent?¡±


    He turned her to face him and took her passionately.


    It was true that a woman¡¯s first time was painful. She felt as if her whole body was torn apart.


    Yetter, the pain was gradually reced by overwhelming ecstasy.


    She felt the sweat dripping on her corbone from the tip of Vincent¡¯s nose, and her eyshes quivered.


    Stephanie felt like the world was spinning. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling seemed to shine too brightly.


    Soon, the afterglow of the setting sun gilded the snow-white sheets in gold.


    Finally, everything stopped spinning. She was so exhausted that she fell asleep.


    Vincent went into the bathroom and filled the bathtub with warm water. Then, he carried Stephanie in to clean her.


    Afterward, Stephanie was wrapped up and carried to the guestroom. Vincent dried her hair and covered her with a nket.


    Vincent kissed her forehead and left the guestroom to tidy the master bedroom.


    When he saw the bloodstain on the sheets, he felt content.


    He wasn¡¯t conservative, but the fact that Stephanie let him have her virginity made him rejoice.


    After cleaning up, he took a shower. He walked out of the bathroom wearing Stephanie¡¯s bathrobe. He saw her draped in a nket and asked, ¡°Why are


    you awake?¡±


    Stephanie yawned and said h r e l y, ¡°Let me check your wound.¡±


    She walked over awkwardly and took off his bathrobe.


    As expected, the wound on Vincent¡¯s abdomen had opened up a quarter inch.


    Stephanie looked at him askance and said, ¡°I told you not to over-exert yourself.¡±


    Vincent held her in his arms and said, ¡°I¡¯m willing to give my life to you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly!¡± eximed Stephanie.


    10:35 Thu, 30 May MBB


    Chapter 90


    86%0


    When they entered the bedroom, Stephanie saw that the sheets had been changed. She didn¡¯t bother asking because he¡¯d likely thrown them away.


    She sat him on the bed, took out the medical kit from the nightstand, and tended to his wound.


    ¡°Fortunately, the tear isn¡¯t too big, or I¡¯ll have to send you to the hospital for a CT scan to check if your intestines are ruptured,¡± Stephanieined.


    Her tone was clipped, but there was no mistaking the distress in it.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie realized she was indeed hungry. Stephanie nodded and asked, ¡°What do you feel like? I¡¯ll order.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have anything you like,¡± Vincent replied.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Stephanie smiled.


    When Stephanie came to the hall, she took her phone out of her bag, which she ced in the chest of drawers. She saw a text from Julianna.


    Julianna: [Stephie, don¡¯t look for me. I¡¯m going to have my beauty sleep. It¡¯s been a horrible day. I reckon you¡¯re still busy. Good night! By the way, the police chief has agreed to let you go to the police station tomorrow. Congrattions on your transition to womanhood! Remember how it feels and tell me all about itter!]


    Stephanie smiled and murmured, ¡°What a p e r v!¡±


    She exited the chat and ordered food and contraceptive pills. After all, they didn¡¯t take precautions, and it wasn¡¯t the right time to get pregnant.


    Half an hourter, the takeout and medicine were delivered.


    When Vincent saw the box of contraceptive pills, he said guiltily, ¡°I¡¯ll take measures in the future. After dealing with the Skull Corps remnants, let¡¯s prepare for our wedding ceremony. We¡¯ll have babies. But if you don¡¯t want any¡­¡±


    ¡°Who said I don¡¯t want any?¡± Stephanie said, covering his mouth.


    Vincent smiled, held her in his arms, and said, ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll have a football team.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a sow!¡± Stephanie eximed.


    Theyughed and beamed like children.


    The two of them had dinner while watching a movie. Their weariness waspletely gone.


    Meanwhile, Dous was sent to the hospital as he¡¯d been badly beaten.


    Upon learning the news, Raphael and Lori were devastated.


    Lori looked at the police guarding the door of the ward with reddened eyes and grumbled at Raphael, ¡°Vincent beat our son, and we¡¯re just going to live with it?¡±


    Raphael narrowed his eyes and replied, ¡°No way! We¡¯d better hurry with the n tonight to avoid unforeseen circumstances.¡±

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    Meanwhile, Dous, who was lying on the hospital bed, didn¡¯t know that his parents were nning


    to save him.


    He asked the police to call Vincent, saying that he had something important to tell Vincent about Stephanie.


    The police reported it to Norman. Norman didn¡¯t reject it immediately but called Vincent to ask for advice.


    Hearing that it was about Stephanie, Vincent agreed.


    Soon, he received a call from Doughs, asking, ¡°Uncle Vincent, considering we¡¯re rted by blood, can you let me go?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Vincent replied coldly.


    Dous already expected that but still wanted to ask.


    ¡°if you hadn¡¯t said that it was something about Stephie, I wouldn¡¯t have spoken to you at all,¡± Vincent said, losing his patience.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°Uncle Vincent, you¡¯re so cruel to me,¡± Dous sneered.


    Afterining, he feared that Vincent might hang up the phone so he quickly said, ¡°I have the video of Florence hiring the thugs to set Stephanie up


    in the bar eight years ago.¡±


    Vincent, who was about to


    ut to hang up the phone, was


    one, was surprised by that.


    Eight years ago. Stephanie was trapped in a bar that was on fire and almost died. Since then, rumors about her being addicted to bars, sleeping around. and having an abortion began to spread.


    Many years had passed, yet someone would still talk about it. If there were a video that could prove that Florence had plotted against Stephanie, the rumor would scotch


    The scandal had truly formented Stephanie.


    Dous could tell that Vincent was thinking about it as thetter didn¡¯t hang up the phone. Since he had the upper hand, he negotiated the terms with Vincent. ¡°Uncle Vincent, it¡¯s been eight years. Don¡¯t you want to prove Stephanie¡¯s innocence? Even if good deeds speak for themselves, it¡¯s not easy to stand the criticism¡±


    ¡°State your terms,¡± Vincent said indifferently.


    ¡°I love how straightforward you are, Uncle Vincent. I want to be acquitted and returned to the Fletcher residence,¡± Dous said.


    ¡°How do I know if y


    you¡¯re telling the truth? Where¡¯s the video?¡± Vincent asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a five-minute video and has already been split into three parts. I¡¯ll ask someone to send you the first part o


    t of the videa. Aher you get me out and i return to the Fletcher residence, I¡¯ll send you the remaining,¡± Dous replied.


    ¡°Deal Send it to me now. Let me check it out,¡± Vincent requested.


    ¡°No problem¡± Dous agreed


    Since the phone speaker had been turned on the whole time, Stephanie heard Dous¡¯ words.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Dous to have such important evidence. Since he knew that Florence was that bad yet he still stayed with her, he must have an unusual mindset,¡± she said.


    1/4


    Chapter 91


    ¡°Love and marriage are only stepping stones in the face of interests. He likes Florence¡¯s ¡°talent but never expected that it was stolen. I think Dous was regretful when he knew you were the real hidden gem,¡± Vincent analyzed.


    ¡°Let him be. That kind of person has done many bad things and should pay for it!¡± Stephanie snorted.


    Vincent liked the way Stephanie openly expressed her emotions. He rubbed her nose and said, ¡°He¡¯s not going to get away with it¡±


    Suddenly. Vincent¡¯s phone vibrated. A message wasing in.


    He clicked on the message and saw a video.


    The footage was very clear.


    The fourteen-year-old Florence was dressed in a tank top, a mini skirt, and a high ponytail. She ced her arms around two thugs¡¯ shoulders intimately and behaved frivolously.


    She told them, ¡°Treat my sister well when she arrivester. Although she looks serious, she¡¯s actually very coquettish. Teach her well and take photos and videos of her. By the way, get those friends of yours, too. I¡¯ll give each of you 2,000 dors when it¡¯s done.¡±


    One of the thugs hugged and kissed her. ¡°No one is as skillful as you are in bed. We¡¯d rather die than touch a lifeless body¡±


    Florence pushed him, saying. ¡°Three of us can y together after this.¡±


    The video then ended.


    ¡°D a m n. She¡¯s so vicious at such a young age. Vincent¡¯s face was gloomy. His eyes were filled with murderous intent


    Before Stephanie died in her previous life, she had heard about that from Florence herself, so she wasn¡¯t surprised


    She had never thought that Florence would be so open minded at that age, though,


    Vincent¡¯s phone vibrated again.


    He picked it up. It was from Dous.


    to hell


    tutes to ¡°Uncle Vincent, you should have watched the video by now. The rest of the video can send Florence to hell forever. I¡¯ll give you five minutes to consider it, or my friend will directly destroy the phone that stored the video. Think about it,¡± Dous urged.


    Vincent hummed in response. ¡°I agree. I¡¯ll contact Mr. Gaton now.¡±


    Dous knew he had made a wise decision and thought, it seems that as long as it¡¯s about Stephanie, Uncle Vincent will definitely care about it teach them a lesson when I make aeback!


    He didn¡¯t know that Vincent didn¡¯t intend to let him go, and agreeing to it was only Vincent¡¯s dying tactic


    After all, the video was stored on the phone. If Dous asked his friend to destroy the phone, there would be no way to restore the video.


    ¡°Is there aputer at home?¡± Vincent asked


    ¡°There¡¯s a desktopputer,¡± said Stephanie.


    ¡°Let¡¯s track the person who sent the video, Vincent suggested,


    ¡°Sure¡± Stephanie smiled.


    I¡¯ll


    Chapter 91


    ST MBY


    The duo went to the study, turned on theputer, and began investigating the number that had sent the video.


    The other party was smart. He had used a virtual phone number with a foreign location.


    It would take them some time to decipher it.


    Vincent directly hacked into the number Dous used.


    He thought, ¡®Dous¡¯ phone had already been confiscated, so this number should be the police¡¯s. Dous would definitely call a normal number to contact that person. We can trace that person¡¯s location through that.¡±


    As expected, that person was in Golden Bay, a residential area in Jacaster


    After confirming the location, Vincent and Stephanie decided to go over immediately.


    On their way, Vincent called Norman and asked him to hold Dous back for an hour.


    Norman agreed, not because Vincent was a big shot, but because of Vincent¡¯s other identity that he had to respect, and he did as he was told.


    Norman instructed his subordinate to record Dous¡¯ statement. Although Vincent and Stephanie stopped pursuing the matter, Julianna didn¡¯t agree to a settlement. Dous had to tell the police what had happened once again to prove that he wasn¡¯t involved in kidnapping Julianna.


    Dous thought that Julianna was a wicked woman and swore to teach her a lesson when he was released.


    Forty minutester, Vincent and Stephanie arrived at Block A of Golden Bay


    The duo entered the building, took the elevator to the 12th floor, and arrived at Unit 1202.


    Stephanie, seeing that the lock was just an ordinary one, raised her eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m good at this. Let me do it.¡±


    She took a silver needle from her bag, poked it into the keyway, and rotated it. The door opened in no time.


    Vincent signaled her to follow him, and she nodded..


    Vincent slightly opened the door and saw through the slit that nobody was in the living room. Heavy metal music and men¡¯s singing could be heard, though.


    The duo walked inside and saw Benson singing happily in front of theputer.


    Stephanie walked over and struck him on the back of his head. ¡°Hey!¡±


    Benson was


    was startled.


    ¡°What the


    Before he could say anything, he was struck on the back of his head again.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the phone?¡± Stephanie asked,


    Momentarily stunned, Benson warned, ¡°You are t r e s p a s s i n g! I will sue you!¡±


    Stephanie sneered, ¡°Dous asked you to steat the trade secrets of sevenpanies. Do you know how long you will be imprisoned a it¡¯s exposed?¡±


    Benson¡¯s mouth witched. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Vincent then raked out all thepany secrets Benson had hacked over the past three years.


    Chapter 91


    ¡°So, where¡¯s the phone?¡± he asked..


    Benson looked at the duo in shock. ¡°It¡¯s under the bed. I¡¯ll get it for you¡±


    He immediately handed it over with both hands.


    Stephanie retrieved thest two parts of the video and narrowed her eyes.


    The footage showed the scenes of Florence setting fire and Vincent getting beaten for saving Stephanie.


    ¡®Dous was such a sc**m. He watched his uncle Vincent being beaten but didn¡¯t help him at all. Instead, he recorded the whole process until Vincent was rescued by his ssmate, Stephanie thought.


    The video reminded her of the years when Vincent couldn¡¯t walk. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    She couldn¡¯t forgive Florence, even though Florence was her sister.


    It wasn¡¯t only because she had experienced the pain of having her heart cut open in her previous life but also because the pain engraved in her memory was way too evident. She would wake up in pain whenever she dreamed of the scene.


    Besides, Vincent suffered a lot of physical and m e n t a l pain because of the fire.


    Dous couldn¡¯t be forgiven, either. Not only did he note to the rescue when Vincent was injured, but he also took Vincent¡¯s credit under impersonation and tried to kill Vincent several times afterward


    Florence and Dous were truly a perfect match.


    Raising her chin, Stephanie said, ¡°Don¡¯t work for Dous anymore, or I¡¯ll put you in jail¡±


    Benson nodded fervently. ¡°Yes, I won¡¯t¡±


    Vincent and Stephanie left after getting the video.


    Once they got in the car, Vincent received a call from Norman, saying, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, the hospital is on fire. Dous is missing¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 92

    <b>Chapter </b><b>92</b>


    The scarlet fire lit up the night sky, and the window exploded with a crisp sound. Thick ck smoke soared into the sky.


    Aside from the pungent smell of disinfectant, there was also a strong smell of smokeing from Jacaster Hospital


    People were running around. There were crying, shouting, and coughing sounds mixed


    The medical staff maintained the order and ran towards the staircase with the crowd.


    The stairwell, which used to be emply, now became very crowded.


    The inpatient department had a total of 17 floors. The fire started on the fifteenth, fourteenth, and thirteenth floors simultaneously. Dous lived on the thirteenth floor. Thus, he was affected.


    At that moment, the power supply of the whole building was cut off, and the spare electric generator was broken.


    The building instantly fell into darkness, and the zing fire was like a giant beast baring its teeth and ws in the night sky as if it was about to devour everything


    The people in the stairwell began to panic and there <b>was </b><b>a </b>stampede.


    Shrill cries could be heard continuously.


    Dous was initially held by t


    the policemen as they went down the stairs. Little did he expect the light in the stairwell to be gone.


    He felt a sharp pain all over his body. When he was about to speak, his mouth was covered, and his body was quickly lifted down.


    Soon, he was taken out of the back door.


    A van with tinted windows was parked there. Dous was stuffed into the car before he could see the men who took him out


    The two men took off their night vision goggles, got in the car, started it, and drove away quickly


    ¡°Dous!¡±


    Lori hugged Dous ¡°My pour Dous, why are you beaten like this?¡±


    <b>Only </b>then did Dous know that it was his


    s mother who saved him


    He pushed her away, angry ¡°Mom, did you set the fire?


    <b>Lori </b>nodded. ¡°The two people who saved you. They were the ones who set it


    Dous nced at the two men sitting in the driver¡¯s seat and the passenger¡¯s seat. He asked. ¡°Where are the two policemen who escosted me?


    The man in the passenger seat turned his head and made a gesture at his neck. ¡°Gone¡±


    Dous was speechless.


    kam if we miss it


    Lori said, ¡°After discussion, your Dad and I have agreed that tonight is the best time to save you, I¡¯ll be difficult to save you again if


    Dous frowned. ¡°It¡¯ll be a major criminal case it the fire is serious tonight. Moreover, the two police then are attacked. <b>You </b>all will be sentenced to death il you get caught! And if I¡¯m caught, I¡¯ll be considered a fugitive, which will be an added offensef You¡¯re doing no help at all! i have something to exchange


    11:00 Fri, 31 <b>May </b>MD<b>.</b>


    Chapter 92


    with Vincent and he has already agreed to drop the charge against me. Now that things have gone wrong, we¡¯re doomedi¡±


    Lori was stunned. ¡°I¡­ did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Dous gritted his teeth and said word by word. ¡°It¡¯s absolutely dumb! Where¡¯s Dad?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s waiting for us at the dock.¡±


    He seemed helpless as he leaned against the back of the chair. ¡°Forget it. It¡¯s already happened. We¡¯re walking into a trap if we go back again. Now we can only pray that we won¡¯t get caught.¡±


    Lori was feeling regretful as well. Who would have thought that you¡¯d have something to exchange with Vincent? I wouldn¡¯t have taken the risk ift had known it earlier!¡±


    Dous pressed his lips together and said, ¡°It¡¯s toote to say anything now.¡±


    The van took a small road to avoid the surveince cameras.


    A big truck crashed against them when they passed by the junction.


    The van was knocked over, and the four people inside were injured to varying degrees


    Enduring the sharp pain in his body, Dous checked on Lori to find that she was already unconscious, with blood flowing out of her head.


    The two men in the driver¡¯s seat groaned painfully. Their legs were stuck and unable to move.


    Dous climbed out of the window and tried to pull Lori out


    out of the truck and walked towards him¡­¡­.


    At that moment, two well covered men got out o


    Dous reckoned that they had ill intentions. ¡°What, what do you want to do?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You can live if youe with us!¡±


    Dous realized that they did not want to end his life ¡°Save my Mom, and I¡¯ll go with you!


    One of the men burst intoughter. ¡°Are you negotiating with us? Then go to hell!¡±


    ¡°Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing the man pointing the pistol at him, Dous panicked. ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll go with you, but can you carry my Mom to the roadside?¡±


    ¡°No! She must die! We¡¯ll take your corpse and give you a new identity. Dead or alive, you choose!¡±


    Dous gritted his teeth. ¡°Take me away!


    The hospital was surrounded by <b>a </brge number of fire trucks when Vincent and Stephanie arrived. The firefighters used adder to put out the firs Explosions could be heard from the seriously burned ce from time to time.


    The chief of the police station called and said that the two policemen who were guarding Dous were killed. Their throats were cut, and they did of


    ressivew. of blood


    with the electricity cut off ze the Stephanie frowned when she heard the news ¡°They could quickly determine Dous location and kill two policemen whole bulldog. There must be at least two criminals, and they must have brought night vision goggles. This was nned¡±


    11:00 FH, <b>31 </b>May MO


    Chapter 92


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Now we can only control the sea,nd, and air military operations in case Dous escapes¡±


    Zane called half an hourter and said that he found Raphael at the dock. Thetter had been taken back to the police station.


    At the same time, someone reported <b>a </b>blown¨Cup of a van on the small road towards the dock.


    There were four people in the car, but none of them survived.


    One of the women¡¯s half¨Cbody was blown up. It was suspected that when she was about to climb out of the window, the car exploded and split her body into two pieces. The three people in the car had been charred.


    The woman who was split in half was Dous¡® mother, Lori.


    Therefore, the whole case <b>was </b>clear even if Raphael kept silent.


    Lori hired someone to set a fire in the hospital and killed the police to save Dous


    A car ident happened on the road to the dock. There were traces of truck wheels on the dirt road at the ident scone. It was obvious that the <b>van </b>collided with the truck, and the truck escaped


    Vincent and Stephanie came to the interrogation room of the police station


    When Raphael saw the two people, he stood up with his eyes red. ¡°The two of them won¡¯t die if you didn¡¯t sue Dous! You¡¯re his uncle. Why can¡¯t you let him go?¡±


    Stephanie sneered. ¡°Didn¡¯t Dous put some contradicting medicine into Vincent¡¯s food? He had sent people to assassinate Vincent over and over <b>again</b>, and he also tested multiple times whether Vincent was disabled or not. Besides, wasn¡¯t. Dous arrested this time because he kidnapped Julianna to threaten me in the first ce? Why do you me others for his mistakes?¡±


    Raphael red at the two, but he could not refute them.


    It was only then that Vincent spoke, ¡°He who is unjust is doomed to destruction Dous ending today has something to do with you and Lori¡¯s inappropriate guidance You¡¯ve sent people to assassinate me five times, let alone the countless troubles you¡¯ve caused I have evidence for all of them.


    of our parents. This time, thirty five people died and seventy nine The reason why I didn¡¯t expose you is for


    found soon. You¡¯re a criminal. No one


    nhour brotherhood.


    people were injured because of the fire you and Lori had set. The number it can save you!¡±


    Hearing this, Raphael fell on the chair and buried his face in his hands


    He felt regretful, not because so many people were killed or injured, but because he knew that he would be sentenced to death.


    The fire in the hospital was put out, and the power system was restored


    Vincent checked the surveince cameras and found that Raphael and Lori were not far away from the ward before the incident. They about something


    were talking


    During the incident, two men were seen sneaking around on the three floors where the fire happened. They went into the storage room on each font Smoke rose from the storage room when they came out


    Mer obtaining!


    verifications, it could also prove that the storage room was where the fire started.


    Raphael had withdrawn 100 thousand dors the day before yesterday.


    From the investigation of Raphael¡¯s recent whereabouts, he was found asking <b>his </b>assistant to send money to a man


    11:00 Fri, 31 May <b>MO</b>


    <b>Chapter </b><b>92</b>


    ording to the death toll in the van, the police suspected that the other three charred corpses belonged to Dous and the other two arsonists.


    Unfortunately, the three charred corpses were too charred to test the DNA. As such, the identity of the dead could only be assumed, except for Lori


    ording to the judgment of the ident scene, the escaping car was a truck. However, there were no surveince cameras on the road where the ident happened, and many trucks would pass through this road, so it was very difficult to investigate..


    The police sent people to investigate right after the incident.


    Vincent looked at Stephanie, who had been sitting in front of the dressing table. Seeing that she was lost in thought, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Stephie?


    She looked up and held his hand. ¡°I just feel that the death of the four people seemed too intentional. It¡¯s as though they deliberately let us see half of Lori¡¯s body and make us assume that one of the three dead people is Dous. Is that really Dous, though?¡±

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Hearing Stephanie¡¯s question, Vincent nodded in agreement.


    you were thinking about this.¡±


    ¡°So you


    Stephanie hummed. ¡°There¡¯s harely any traces left after this car ident. It¡¯s unnerving¡±


    Vincent tucked Stephanie¡¯s hair behind her ear. ¡°I¡¯ve sent the surveince footage to the police station. They¡¯re investigating.¡±


    ¡°I feel uneasy since we¡¯re not sure if it¡¯s Dous who died. He¡¯s a ticking time bomb¡±


    Vincent lifted Stephanie, carrying her toward the bed. ¡°You lutven¡¯t sleptst night. Rest now¡±


    Stephanie looked pensive but eventually relented.


    Vincent turned around. ¡°Can¡¯t sleep? How about we do something we both enjoy?¡±


    Memories of their first intimate encounter flooded Stephanie¡¯s mind. Vincent had tortured her the whole afternoon, and her legs felt weak till now.


    Stephanie whispered, ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired.¡±


    Vincent didn¡¯t intend to be serious about it. He just wanted to tease Stephanie. ¡°Then close your eyes and don¡¯t think about anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Stephanie, blinking her eyes,


    Lying next to Stephanie, Vincent pulled her into his arms and patted her back. ¡°Just sleep


    The past days had been tense for Stephanie, searching for clues tirelessly. Now, Stephanie felt rxed


    ed. Fatigue washed over her, and she fell asleep.


    Hearing Stephanie¡¯s steady breathing, Vincent closed his eyes and slowly fell into a dream.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, we¡¯ve located Ms. Hayes!¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Vincent surveyed the motionless bodies of the assants around him. He was short of breath.


    ¡°At a private hospital. She was taken there after the ident, under Florence¡¯s orders!¡±


    Vincent clenched his teeth as his eyes shed with fury


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Vincent brought his people and raced to the hospital, praying that G o d would protect Stephanie


    However, Vincent waste.


    What Vincent saw was the scene of Stephanie¡¯s lifeless body, blood soaked with her heart cut open


    §à§â§Ö§ß


    The girl Vincent had loved for so many years was killed by the disgusting couple


    Vincent couldn¡¯t control his emotions anymore and killed Dous, Florence, and all the medical staff present.


    Gazing upon the lifeless Stephanie, Vincent¡¯s heart shattered into a million pieces


    Vincent wanted to take Stephanie away from this filthy ce.


    88%


    11:00 Fri, 31 May M


    Chapter 93


    Vincent gently ced Stephanie¡¯s dead body on the back seat and drove to the seaside


    BB%


    Vincent sat by the sea with Stephanie in his arms all night. The moment the sun peaked over the h o r i z o n, Vincent pressed his gun against his temple and


    pulled the trigger.


    Vincent suddenly woke up and sat up, gasping heavily.


    The dream felt so seal that when Vincent closed his eyes, he could see Stephanie¡¯s miserable death.


    Vincent looked at the sleeping Stephanie beside him, his heart pounding uncontrobly.


    Luckily, it was just a dream. Stephanie was sound asleep.


    The veins bulged on Vincent¡¯s forehead, and his eyes were red. Vincent felt like a nt beast about to rush out of the cage. He reached out to grab Stephanie¡¯s neck but stopped.


    Vincent knew he rpsed again. It might be triggered by the dream.


    After calming down, Vincent got out of bed and walked quickly out to the safe in the study.


    Vincent ced his thumb on the password identification device. The door of the safe opened.


    Vincent took out a ck medicine bottle, poured a ck pill, and put it into his mouth.


    It took Vincent a long time to calm down. The murderous look in his eyes disappeared.


    Vincent nced at the dwindling supply of pills and pursed his lips,


    When Stephanie examined Vincent¡¯s pulse, she didn¡¯t detect his condition. This meant that Stephanie might not be good at it or had never diagnosed this type of illness before,


    It wasn¡¯t that Vincent didn¡¯t believe in Stephanie¡¯s medical skills, but she was only skilled in her area of specialization and wasn¡¯t good in this field.


    Vincent didn¡¯t want to tell Stephanie about this as he was afraid that she would get worried.


    Vincent needed to find the elder who prescribed him the medicine soon before his supply ran out.


    On the second day after the ident, the truck was discovered near Chattenham Reservoir. However, the chiver¡¯s seat was abnormally cleans, it was obvious that it had been carefully handled.


    The surveince footage showed the truck driver passing through a forest beside the river and leaving quickly


    The end of the forest was next to the highway. Not all the road sections had surveince cameras. The truck driver just disappeared.


    Sitting in her office, Stephanie was in a daze with a brush in her hand,


    Julianna pushed the door open and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°The truck had been cleaned up, which meant the perpetrator didn¡¯t want to leave any traces. What did he want to hide Dous but someone else? Then who transferred Dous? How did they do it?¡±


    ide? What if the


    time wasn¡¯t


    ¡°A s**g like Dous could also be saved? Julianna asked, feeling a headache creeping in.


    Stephanie looked up at Julianna. ¡°Someone saved Dous, which meant h o¡¯s useful.¡±


    B8%Áä


    Chapter 93


    Vincent gently ced Stephanie¡¯s dead body on the back seat and drove to the seaside.


    Vincent sat by the sea with Stephanie in his arms all night. The moment the sun peaked over the h o r i z o n, Vincent pressed his gun against his temple and pulled the trigger.


    Vincent suddenly woke up and sat up, gasping heavily.


    The dream felt so real that when Vincent closed his eyes, he could see Stephanie¡¯s miserable death.


    Vincent looked at the sleeping Stephanie beside him, his heart pounding uncontrobly.


    Luckily, it was just a dream. Stephanie was sound asleep.


    The veins bulged on Vincent¡¯s forehead, and his eyes were red. Vincent felt like a giant beast about to rush out of the cage. He reached out to grab Stephanie¡¯s neck but stopped.


    Vincent knew he rpsed again. It might be triggered by the dream,


    After calming down, Vincent got out of bed and walked quickly out to the safe in the study.


    Vincent ced his thumb on the password identification device. The doar of the safe opened.


    Vincent took out a ck medicine bottle, poured a ck pill, and put it into his mouth.


    It took Vincent a long time to calm down. The murderous look in his eyes disappeared.


    Vincent nced at the dwindling supply of pills and pursed his lips.


    When Stephanie examined Vincent¡¯s pulse, she didn¡¯t detect his condition. This meant that Stephanie might not be good at it or had never diagnosed this type of illness before


    It wasn¡¯t that Vincent didn¡¯t believe in Stephanie¡¯s medical skills, but she was only skilled in her area of specialization and wasn¡¯t good in this field.


    Vincent didn¡¯t want to tell Stephanie about this as he was afraid that she would get worried.


    Vincent needed to find the elder who prescribed him the medicine soon before his supply ran out.


    On the second day after the ident, the truck was discovered near Chattenham Reservoir However, the driver¡¯s seat was abnormally clean. It was obvious that it had been carefully handled


    The surveince footage showed the truck driver passing through a forest beside the river and leaving quickly.


    The end of the forest was next to the highway, Not all the road sections had surveince cameras. The truck driver just disappeared.


    Sitting in her office, Stephanie was in a daze with a brush in her hand.


    Julianna pushed the door open and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    an wasn¡¯t


    ¡°The truck had been cleaned up, which meant the perpetrator didn¡¯t want to leave any traces. What did he want to hide? What if the victim Dous but someone else? Then who transferred Dous? How did they do it?¡±


    ¡°A s c u m b a g like Dous could also be saved?¡± Julianna asked, feeling a headache creeping in


    Stenie looked up at Julianna. ¡°Someone sayed Dous, which meant he¡¯s useful.¡±


    88


    Chapter 93


    Julianna nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. Why think so hard? Let¡¯s go to the mall together. Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday ising. My father asked me to pick an emerald jewelry for her, Go with me to have a look. If anything, consider it as a leisure activity.¡±


    Stephanie felt a little tense these two days She smiled. ¡°Sure.¡±


    The duo came to


    o the emerald jewelry section of the mall. Julianna took a fancy to an emerald bracelet, which was exquisite and of a rare color


    When Julianna was about to pay for it, she saw a rather unsettling sight of a man and a woman not far away


    Julianna nudged Stephanie with her elbow and asked, ¡°Look! Who is that?¡±


    Following Julianna¡¯s gaze, Stephanies saw Florence holding onto a bulky man with rosacea. The two pounds of meat on his chest were about to burst out.


    The man pulled out his arm and kneaded Florence¡¯s waist. Then the man slid down to her bottom, making Florence moan.


    ¡°Mr. Hennesey, you are so bad! We¡¯ve been seen by others!¡±


    Roger smiled, ¡°The photos and videos of you and Dous are still on the Inte Don¡¯t pretend! Even if I ask you to take off all your clothes and serve me now, you have to do it!¡±


    Although Florence hated Roger to the core, she held back her anger and forced a smile. ¡°Whatever you say goes, Mr. Hennesey.¡±


    Roger was satisfied. ¡°Choose anything under 20,000 dors.¡±


    Florence thought, ¡®This baldie is so stingy. How could he make the Hayes family have aeback?¡±


    Florence n


    rolled her eyes, but it didn¡¯t matter All of a sudden, she saw Stephanie and Julianna at once.


    Even though the two were wearing masks, Florence still recognized them.


    Florence saw the disdain and contempt in the eyes of the two people. Florence gritted her teeth with hatred when she remembered that they were living avish life while she had to pretend to be fake and pretentious in front of the baldie.


    Seeing that Florence didn¡¯t say anything, Roger thought she was unhappy. He snorted, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t choose. Do you still want to live a noblewomen¡¯s life with such status? If you don¡¯t have a good figure, do you think I would sleep with you? You are just a s l u t. You think too highly of yourself.¡±


    Roger shook his hand, turned around and left.


    Florence was confused. She wondered, ¡®Why did Mr. Hennesey get angry?


    Florence hurried to catch up with Roger and said something attentively.


    Roger stopped and asked, ¡°Are you really going to satisfy me tonight?¡±


    Florence nodded. ¡°Ofcourse.¡±


    Florence coaxed the man into buying her an emerald bracelet worth 20,000 dors. When Roger went to pay, Florence walked up to StephanieOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you very proud to see me live such a life?


    Stephanie nced at Florence from head to toe add asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Florence was so angry that her face turned red. ¡°Stephanie, if it weren¡¯t for you, our family wouldn¡¯t have gone bankrupt. We are rted by blood, Are you forcing us to death?¡±


    (11:00 Fri, 31 May MP


    Chapter 93


    Stephanie said indifferently, ¡°I don¡¯t know you. Stay away from me. I don¡¯t want to get rabies.¡±


    Florence exploded from anger. ¡°You¡±


    Julianna asked in disgust, ¡°What? How did your family treat Stephie? Now you¡¯re ying the victim? Go back to your old man and leave us alone. Don¡¯t contaminate the air.¡±


    Florence was so livid. Her delicate makeup became contorted in a fury.


    When Florence heard Roger call her name, she immediately changed her expression, turned around, and ran over, holding the man¡¯s arm and leaving


    Julianna sneered. ¡°I suspect that you¡¯re adopted. You¡¯re nothing like your sister. You¡¯re treated differently by the Hayes family, just like an enemy¡±


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d rather be adopted than have anything to do with the Hayes family.¡±


    Julianna hugged Stephanie. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You still have my mother as your godmother. She keeps asking me when you¡¯reing to my house every day. Now, she dislikes me and says that I¡¯m inferior to you in every aspect.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Good that you know. Treat me to delicious foodter!¡±


    ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll treat you for a lifetime.¡±


    Juliannaughed and hugged Stephanie. ¡°Our Stephie is the best!¡±


    After Stephanie apanied Julianna for a while, Julianna finally chose an emerald bracelet worth 1 million dors.


    After paying the bill, Julianna and Stephanie went shopping again. The two of them came to the handicraft section.


    Julianna took a fancy to a Matryoshka doll, which had five dolls inside.


    ¡°Stephanie, do you think this looks nice? It


    Ites in sets. It¡¯s so fun.¡±


    Seeing that Julianna was ying with the Matryoshka dolls, an idea shed through her mind.


    Julianna thought. This must be the case!


    Çú

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    Stephanie hugged Julianna and kissed her check.


    Despite wearing masks, the two looked intimate.


    ¡°w-What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Julianna, blinking her big eyes.


    ay. We can look for the truck that was caught on surveince cameras,¡± Stephanie


    ¡°If the truck was transporting a car, Dous could easily be sent away. We replied.


    Julianna was still perplexed, but she sensed that Stephanie had figured out something.


    Julianna nodded, confused.


    Stephanie asked her to continue choosing as the former had to call Vincent


    Juljanna nodded. Observing how happy and relieved Stephanie was, she heaved a sigh of relief.


    Stephanie called Vincent and told him about her spection.


    Vincent, convinced that her remarks made sense, called the police to exin the matter.


    The police chief instructed the officers to review the surveince footage.


    After hanging up the phone, Vincent smiled and mused, ¡°That¡¯s my smart girl.¡±


    As he was ready to call her back, he noticed the news on the screen.


    The title read: [Stephanie and Julianna Appeared in a Handcraft Shop.


    aft Shop. They Were So Close That They Kissed Each Other in Public.


    ad the news.


    Vincent was drawn to the name and the phrase ¡°kiss,¡± which prompted him to read


    He frowned tightly, and jealousy filled his heart.


    Zane knocked on the door for quite a while before Vincent let him in


    Zane sensed something had happened when he saw Vincent¡¯s dismal expression


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, what happened?¡± he inquired.


    Vincent looked up at him and questioned, ¡°How far will the intimacy between besties go?¡±


    Zane rolled his eyes and realized Vincent was referring to Stephanie and Julianna. Aher all, Vincent would never be concerned about other women


    ¡°As far as holding hands, talking about anything, and sleeping in the same bed, I guess, Maybe¡­¡± Zane said.


    Noticing Vincent frowning Zane didn¡¯t dare to continue speaking


    ¡°Sleeping together? Isn¡¯t that what a normal couple or married couple would do?¡± Vincent asked in confusion.


    Zane replied, ¡°Some interactions between besties are simr to a couple


    11:00 Fr. 31 May


    Chapter 94


    He cleared his throat and continued, ¡°No, it¡¯s not like a romantic rtionship.¡±


    Vincent waved his hand and said, ¡°You can go now.¡±


    Zane remained silent.


    When he was about to leave, he reported, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, the man who kidnapped Ms. Saunders has been brought back. It¡¯s Cornelius Jacobsen¡±


    Vincent tapped the table and instructed, ¡°Send him to Graham and ask him to contact Julianna¡±


    Zane was at a loss for words, confused


    It wasn¡¯t until he stepped out of the office that he realized w at Vincent meant.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he trying to set Julianna up with Graham) 1 pondered.


    boyfriend, she wouldn¡¯t spend so much


    with Stephanie. Tik tsk. What a sly man, Zane


    When Graham got Vincent¡¯s call, Cornelius had already been brought to Whitlock Group¡¯s underground parking |


    Graham rubbed his eyebrows and asked, ¡°Vincent, what¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Vincent grinned and responded, ¡°think there seems to be some misunderstanding between you and Julianna Otherwise, why does the dislike you? After all, she is Stephie¡¯s bestie, and you¡¯re also my best friend I don¡¯t want your discono affecting rtionships with Stephie ¡°


    Graham remained silent for a while before saying ¡°don¡¯t see that at on


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Vincent hung up the phone and sent message, writing (That¡¯s ¡®ber: Tamu as WhatsApp


    Because of Stephanie, he had saved Julianna¡¯s phone number


    Meanwhile, Graham frowned and thought, Vincantation deftly


    He couldn¡¯t


    it return Cornelius because thetter had been there


    Graham then saved Julianna¡¯s number and had it on Whats the [This is Graham. The person who kidnapped you is with ma


    Soon, Julianna replied: Where are you?)


    1 at Rasera C)


    Graham Thought for a while and wrote (wait for you at Wanderhist Club¡¯s entrance


    She replied again Okay


    Graham stood up, put on his suit jacket, and left the


    Seeing that, his assistant, Taylor Brooks, stood


    I asked, ¡°Mr. Whitlock, are you going out?¡±


    Taylor then followed him immediately


    wind parking. Graham saw Cornelius was being held by two men, his lips were taped.


    101 Pr 31 May MDO


    ¡¤ He lifted his chin and ordered. ¡°Throw him into the trunk.¡±


    Taylor immediately opened the trunk, and the two had Cornelius inside.


    Graham cat in the back


    massaging his brows en he heard some banging in the trunk.


    Hemused. All thanks to Vincent that I have such trouble now!


    Graham took out his phone and was about toin to Vincent when he noticed a piece of news about Julianna and Stephanie kissing through inaks


    across the street.


    Squinting his eyes, he sneered and hocked internally, ¡®How absurd of Vincent. He¡¯s trying to separate Julianna from Stephanie. That¡¯s why he sent


    Cornelius to me!


    Arming at the Wanderlust Club¡¯s entrance, Graham saw Vincent, Stephanie, Julianna, and Zane waiting for him after he got out of the car


    He walked over and smiled at Vincent before saying ¡°What a good n you have


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing, though.¡± Vincent responded


    ¡°I¡¯m dont r your sake. 1¡¯11 give you a chance¡±


    Stephanie and Julianna were befuddled


    Extaning to the two¡¯s conversation


    Graham chuckled and said, ¡°All thanks to you?


    He looked back at Taylor and ordered, ¡°Take him to the basement.¡±


    Taylor nodded slightly and drove to the club¡¯s back door theed the trunk and tookes to the basement,


    Julianna beat Comelius with her handong the moment he was taken (fren


    * ?? 16 ? ??


    ¡°You jerk! You lied, drugged, and kidnapped ever forgive you, even if Best you to death what often treat you, but wat and you¡¯ll be sent to prison!¡± Julianna se sided


    Looking at Cornelius kneeling on the ground, Julianne was outraged. She picked and the grant gtared at him before adding, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely send you to jail ¡°


    With pleading eyes, Cornelius wanted to say something


    Looking at the tape on his lips, Juliania had


    She approached him and raised her eyebrows, asking. ¡°What do you want to say?¡±


    Cornelis nodded. He wanted to exins. Aher all, he had previously footed Jukana with his silver tongue


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯llke off the tape for you? Julianna said


    wit harshly hem him


    Htape was so sticky, fearing it off ripped ayer of skin oft ha lips causing blood to gush He hisked with anguish..


    He exined, ¡°Thave no choice. The man, who hired me, threatened me and my family if i disobey him, he¡¯ll kill my family.¡±


    Julianna sosted and implied, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Comelius, you¡¯re such a nuisance! I¡¯m disgusted to see you here Graham, please hdp me in getting to the police station¡±


    Dreame


    11:01


    Chapter 94N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Although Julianna was full of righteousness, Graham thought that she was a little annoying be


    However, he agreed without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie approached and coldly stared at Cornellus, scolding. ¡°How dare you harm Julia? You must have a death wish.¡±


    She kicked him in the chest, causing him to lean back and spit blood.


    At that point, all Cornelius wanted was to be imprisoned since he thought Stephanie was so merciless that she nearly killed him.


    Sitting in a wheelchair, Vincent said gently, ¡°Stephie,e here,¡±


    Stephanie turned around and walked up to him.


    Vincent held her hand and asked, ¡°Does your foot hurt?¡±


    Shaking her head, Stephanie answered, ¡°No.¡±


    Everyone else was speechless.


    Vincent smiled and replied, ¡°That¡¯s good. But just let Zane handle it from now on.


    Stephanie nodded obediently.


    Vincent looked at Julianna and remarked, ¡°Cornelius has been captured entirely due to Graham¡¯s efforts. You should thank him,¡±


    ¡°Okay, invite him to dinner, Julianna said.


    Vincent smiled and added, ¡°I heard that there¡¯s a now steak restaurant on Dahlia Avenue. The ce is great. I nned to take Stephie there, so I reserved a table. But I got a call from the Fletcher residence, asking us to return. So you guys can go for Lis¡±


    Upon hearing that, Julianna and Graham were rendered speechless.


    Stephanie raised an eyebrow when she noticed Vincent¡¯s excessive enthusiasm.


    When left and got into the car, Stephanie said, ¡°Something is wrong with you today.¡±


    Vincent put her on hisp and imed, ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m jealous¡±


    What Stephanie mused, confused.


    Vincent stared at her and id, ¡°You kissed Julianna today. Tell me, how are you going to coax me?


    4/4

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    Chapter 95


    Stephanie found Vincent¡¯s jealousy amusing and said, ¡°Jealous? But Julianna¡¯s a girl.¡±


    Vincent frowned and inquired, ¡°Can you kiss her even if she¡¯s a girl?¡±


    ¡°Of course! We often-Stephanie replied.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, you can only kiss me, and be kissed by only me.¡± Vincent interrupted, pressing his finger to her lips.


    Stephanie thought that he was overbearing. She grabbed his wrist and argued, ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable: It¡¯s simply a kiss on the cheek. We even wore


    a mask¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish her words, Vincent kissed her.


    Unlike before, the kiss was rough and sharp, with a hint of punishment.


    It wasn¡¯t until then that Stephanie discovered how possessive a man could be, even making him jealous of ady


    She gently returned his kiss until Vincent softened it


    Vincent was struggling to breathe, his forehead pressed against hers


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too intimate with her. I¡¯ll be jealous,¡± Vincent stated.


    ¡°Okay, be careful from now on,¡± Stephanie promised.


    ¡°Careful?¡± Vincent inquired, looking up at her, his eyes filled with griet ¡°What do you think if Graham and I do the same?¡±


    Stephanie pictured the scene and pondered, ¡®Both handsome men? I think I can ship them as a couple.¡±


    Instead, the insisted solemnly, ¡°I won¡¯t do that again.¡±


    ¡°Realy! Vincent asked


    Stephanie nodded and said, ¡°Yes. Now tell the truth. I know that you found Cornelius. But why did you im it was Graham¡¯s effort?¡±


    Vincent responded, ¡°I¡¯m doing him a favor since he¡¯s interested in Julianna


    Raising her eyebrows Stephanie questioned, ¡°Does Graham like Julia?¡±


    Vincent repile


    added inwardly, it has to be


    ¡°Are you trying to set them up?¡± Stephanie questioned, suspecting him


    narrowed;


    edgare, she continued,


    ¡°Are you nning to reduce our contact so that it


    hat it Julia gets a boyfriend, she won 1 spend as much time with me?


    At the time, Vincent thought that Stephanie was too intelligent to see through him, which was a bad thing


    Hheless, he would never admit it. He cleared his throat and


    and added, ¡°Graham is nice. Since he¡¯s intere


    Jukanna, why don¡¯t we help him out¡±


    Stephanie suppressed herughter, knowing that he intended to separate Julianna from her.


    ¡°Are you sure that Graham has a crush on Julig?¡± she asked curiously


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    Chapter 95


    ¡°Of course, I know him well. He¡¯s not a nosy person by nature, Vincent exined.


    Benedict and Deborah, Graham¡¯s parents, were kind-hearted and frequently engaged in charitable work, despite the Whitlock family¡¯s immense power and prominence among the wealthy.


    If Julianna could truly be with Graham, it would be an excellent choice.


    Stephanie knew little about Graham¡¯s love life, so she asked, ¡°Has he ever had a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Vincent responded.


    Stephanie was pleased with the answer. After all, if Graham¡¯s ex-girlfriend wanted to rekindle an old me, it would undoubtedly cause trouble for his current girlfriend.


    She knew that Julianna was forthright and innocent, making her vulnerable to the effects of love.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t want her best friend to go through any emotional difficulties.


    Although Vincent had a good intention, things might not turn out as expected.


    However, that would be a story forter.


    Stephanie raised her chin slightly and said, ¡°Let me be blunt. I won¡¯t let Graham off the hook if he bullies Julia¡±


    Vincent smiled softly and promised, ¡°Hmm, me either.¡±


    During their conversation, they arrived at Stephanie¡¯s condominium.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we heading to the Fletcher residence for dinner?¡± Stephanie inquired, stunned.


    Stroking her soft waist, Vincent asked, ¡°How will I get a taste of it if we go to the Fletcher residence?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Seeing the lust in Vincent¡¯s eyes, Stephanie pursed her lips and advised, ¡°You should control yourself with that¡±


    ¡°It has been three days,¡± Vincent said, swallowing hard,)


    An indescribable scene shed through Stephanie¡¯s mind, causing her to blush


    She quickly sat aside after noticing that Zane had exited the car and was about to open the back door


    The door was


    She got out of the car and dashed into the building


    Zane knew that Vincent had teased Stephanie again.


    After washing her face in the bedroom bathroom, Stephanie looked in the mirror, her cheeks flushing.


    Vincent was leaning against the doorframe at this point.


    ¡°So, what do you want to eat? I¡¯ll make something for you,¡± Stephanie said, looking at him.


    Vincent throw his suit jacket out of the bathroom and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. He approached Stephanie and rested his hands on the washing table, trapping her in his arms.


    He bent down slightly and looked into her eyes, saying, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Chapter 95


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go out for dinner?¡± Stephanie suggested.


    Vincent raised his eyebrows and inquired, ¡°Can you walk? It seems that you still have strength.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless


    Vincent,ughing, poked Stephanie¡¯s nose and said, ¡°How about a movie after dinner?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Stephanie said.


    Before heading out, they dressed in sportswear, baseball caps, and masks.


    After arriving at the basement, Stephanie chose a ck Volkswagen.


    Vincent could tell the car was different just by looking


    When he got in the car, he noticed a lot of buttons on the central control panel.


    Vincent asked Stephanie, sitting in the driver¡¯s seat,


    ¡°Have you modified it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made several changes. I¡¯ll drive now, and you driveter to feel it,¡± Stephanie offered.


    ¡°Okay, Vincent agreed.


    Vincent noticed that the car was functioning excellently during the journey.


    The engine, transmission, fuel, gas tank, and interior were all reinstalled.


    It was difficult to tell from its appearance, but the car costing 100 thousand dors was worth several million in functionary.


    Stephanie came to a halt beside Jacaster University¡¯s night market after they had a lengthy discussion.


    ¨C


    Despite the fact that they had covered themselves, they appeared to be in good shape, particrly Vincent, who was tall, which drew a lot of attention.


    Feeling helpless, they bought some corn dogs and ate them in the car.


    Then, they went to watch a movie.


    Vincent bought popcorn and juice while several youngdies approached him and asked about his WhatsApp ount.


    ¡°I¡¯m married,¡± Vincent said, pointing to Stephanie, sitting nearby.


    es all left dejectedly.


    Stephanie teased, ¡°If you¡¯re no longer the CEO, you¡¯ll be a hit as an actor.¡±


    Vincent smiled and replied, ¡°I doubt so. I can only keep a poker face.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Stephanie asked


    Vincent leaned near her ear and exined, ¡°Because I¡¯ll only smile at you, not at others.¡±


    Stephanie could see his flickering eyes despite the dim lighting in the movie theater. She then nodded in agreement.


    Their attractive appearances were still shared on the inte.


    11:01 Fri, 31 May Mp


    Chapter 95


    Some posts showed them when they were in the night market, while others in the movie theater.


    Netizens began to look up their information.


    Someonemented: [I want to know what they look like.]


    Another wrote: [It must be a handsome man and a stunning woman.]


    One of them remarked: [They can now make their debut. They look for better than the popr rookies.]


    Amenter typed: [They¡¯re so stunning. I¡¯m so excited just from looking at them.]


    Another person replied: (Ladies, don¡¯t be too excited. He¡¯s married.]


    88%


    But soon, those photos were deleted.


    Nancy recognized Vincent from a snapshot on her phone. Even if he had concealed himself, she could sense Vincent¡¯s affection for Stephanie.


    She smashed her phone to the ground, her chest heaving violently. She said, ¡°How useless of you, Dous. You can¡¯t pass up such a good opportunity! Instead, I was helping you out. If you were no longer useful, I would definitely kill you!¡±


    Çú

 Chapter 96

    <b>Chapter </b><b>96</b>


    At this moment, in a secret base in Muprary, Dous opened his eyes, only to be dazzled by the ring celling lights, prompting him to shut them again.


    He attempted to raise his hand to shield his eyes but found himself bound and u


    ¡°<b>Is </b>anyone there? Help!¡± Dous shouted in desperation.


    unable to move.


    Footsteps approached, and a strikingly handsome man appeared before him, sporting dark brown eyes, a high nose, and thin lips, giving him <b>an </b>almost


    exotic look.


    ¡°Shh, you¡¯re being too loud,¡± the man raised an eyebrow, holding a syringe filled with a pale blue liquid.


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± Dous asked, fear creeping into his voice.


    what do you


    think your worth is, being saved?¡± the man countered, his tone cold and calcted.


    Dous had no idea who had saved him or why. All he knew was that he wanted to survive, even if it meant sacrificing the opportunity to save his


    mother <b>at </b>that moment.


    He <b>had </b>watched helplessly as they threw a male corpse into a car, arranged Lori¡¯s body to give the illusion of her trying to escape<b>, </b>and set off an


    explosion with a firecracker.


    Lori, torn in two by the st, briefly regained consciousness in agony, her eyes searching for Dous in disbelief before she breathed herst.


    The scene was the goriest and most nauseating Dous had ever witnessed.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn. There¡¯s no salvation here, just a cycle of maniption and being manipted, Dous mused.


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡± Dous asked fearfully, his eyes flickering to the man¡¯s wicked smirk, so menacing it filled him with a sense of dread.


    The man injected the light blue liquid into Dous¡® wrist vein. ¡°You didn¡¯t know <b>Vincent </b>has a psychological disorder, did you?¡± <b>he </b>sneered.


    Dous was taken aback. Naturally, he didn¡¯t know about it.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The man smirked. ¡°The serum I injected you with will induce the same disorder in you as Vincent.¡±


    Seeing Dous¡® widened eyes, he continued, ¡°The pharmacist who could cure this disorder is dead, and he didn¡¯t leave behind the form for the antidote. The antidote needs to be tailored to individual blood conditions. Since you¡¯re rted to <b>Vincent</b>, you¡¯re the perfect <b>candidate </b>for our experiments.¡±


    It was not until then that it dawned on Dous that his ¡°rescue¡± had only thrown him into another nightmare¨Che had be nothing more than a guinea pig for their experiments.


    n spoke frankly, ¡°Once the antidote is sessfully developed, I¡¯ll have full control over Vincent.¡±


    Dos¡® voice trembled, ¡°Who are you? Do you hold a deep grudge against Vincent?¡±


    The man smiled, ¡°No, in fact, it is the entire Fletcher family that I hold a grudge against,¡±


    ¡°The Fletchers have disowned mel They¡¯re the ones you should be seeking reverige on! Not me!¡± Dous retorted.


    The man chuckled lightly. ¡°In the eyes of others/you¡¯re already a ¡®<b>dead </b>man, which makes you the perfect candidate as it won¡¯t raise any suspicions.¡±


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    Dous¡® gaze dimmed. He knew there was no hope of leaving here alive, yet hecked the courage to face death.


    88<b>%</b>


    #5


    When Stephanie discovered that photes of her and Vincent together were circting online, they were already halfway through the movie.


    She feared that if their identities were exposed, the truth about Vincent¡¯s supposedly disabled legs woulde to light. So, she hastily dragged Vincent out of the cinema and back to the car..


    As it turned out, leaving early was the right choice, as many curiousizens were waiting for them outside the cinema.


    Once they were in the car, <b>Vincent </b>quickly deleted the photos from the inte and sped away. However, manyizens managed to capture photos of the license te, leading to the owner being exposed <b>as </b>Julianna.


    This resulted in Julianna trending online.


    Soon, photos and videos of Julianna and Graham having lunch at a restaurant on Dahlia Avenue surfaced online.


    This incident inadvertently linked Julianna and Graham together, sparking rumors of an impending union between the Saunders and Whitlock families.


    Confused, Julianna and Graham were summoned back home.


    In the Saunders household, Julianna confronted her parents. She couldn¡¯t exin that it <b>was </b>Stephanie in the photo. How could she possibly <b>justify </b><b>the </b>presence of that man? After all, Vincent¡¯s fake disability had to be concealed at all costs


    Initially<b>, </b>even Stephanie had kept her in the dark about the truth. Julianna understood the dire consequences if the truth were to be revealed, so she couldn¡¯t afford to slip up.


    Julianna nodded, ¡°Yes, this is indeed Graham and me. We¡¯re just trying things out.¡±


    Fiona raised an eyebrow, ¡°Trying things out?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Julianna replied¡­


    ¡°How far have you two progressed in the rtionship?¡± Fiona inquired.


    Julianna shrugged nonchntly as she poured herself a cup of tea. ¡°Just what you¡¯ve seen from the picture.¡±


    Fiona cut to the chase<b>, </b>catching Julianna off guard, ¡°Have you two, slept together?¡±


    Julianna spat out a mouthful of tea and coughed violently.


    Darius sighed lightly. ¡°Kids, they grow up so fast. I¡¯ll have a chat with Benedict about the engagement.¡±


    Hol¡± ¡°arius¡® arm, Fiona said, ¡°I¡¯ll join you in the study.¡±


    Watering her parents stride into the study, Julianna¡¯s mouth twitched nervously.


    <b>¡°</b>What did I just say?¡± Julianna muttered incredulously. ¡°Didn¡¯t I <b>say </b>it was just what you saw? What¡¯s there to see? We just went to the night market <b>and </b>watched a movie together! <b>Why </b>assume we¡¯ve slept together?¡® she mused.


    Julianna hurriedly followed to exin, but she overheard her parents jubnt voices upon reaching the study door.


    Fiona eximed excitedly. ¡°This brat finally found someonel¡±


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    11:01 Fri, 31 May <b>MDU</b>


    Chapter 96


    Darius agreed, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve had my eye on Benedict¡¯s son for a while now. He¡¯s quite the catch. Our daughter is quite lucky.¡±


    ¡°You should call Benedict right away and finalize this,¡± Fiona urged.


    <b>Just </b>as Julianna was about to push the door open, Fiona locked it from inside, leaving her speechless.


    <b>88</b>%


    At the same time, Benedict received a call from Darius. They promptly agreed to set Graham and Julianna¡¯s engagement party for today, two months


    After the call ended, Benedict turned to face Graham, ¡°Do you have any thoughts on this?¡±


    Graham yed with his lighter, feeling a bit resigned. ¡°Haven¡¯t you <b>already </b>decided on the engagement date? Does it matter if I have opinions about it?¡±


    Benedict nodded, ¡°Of course it matters. For example, opinions on who will be invited and where the engagement party will be held?¡±


    Graham was speechless. It seemed that the engagement had to be set, whether he <b>liked </b>it or not.


    Deborah smiled, ¡°Graham, what do you <b>think </b>of Julianna?¡±


    Graham remembered their kiss in the car. Her lips were soft and sweet, easy to kiss.


    He pressed his tongue against his mrs, ¡°She¡¯s a bit challenging for me.¡±


    Seeing that Graham didn¡¯t oppose the engagement, Deborah knew he didn¡¯t reject it and might be interested in Julianna.


    ¡°Then invite Julianna home for dinner when you have time,¡± Deborah suggested.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Graham replied.


    He stood up, smoothing the wrinkles in his suit pants, and left the house.


    Sitting in the car, he took out his phone to call Julianna, but she beat him to it and called him first.


    The call remained silent on the other end. Graham couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just lock in the engagement first. We¡¯ve got to help Stephie and Vincent navigate through this mess.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to get the wrong idea. This isn¡¯t about me wanting to get engaged to you. Don¡¯t tter yourself!¡± Julianna said.


    Graham smirked. ¡°I¡¯m not ttering myself here, Ms. Saunders. Remember that night in the car? You


    climbed onto me, touched me, and kissed me¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Julianna protested, taking a deep breath. ¡°We only shared a kiss that night. Even if we did sleep together, it¡¯s just a normal exchange between


    adults. If every casual encounter led to marriage, <b>there¡¯d </b>be a whole lot more married couples out there! I¡¯m calling to let you know that we ind a reason to cancel the engagement party right <b>before </b>it happens.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Graham replied, narrowing his eyes.


    Feeling relieved, Julianna said, ¡°Okay then. Bye,¡± before quickly hanging up.


    Graham lit a cigarette, letting the smoke veil his handsome features. He rolled down the window, watching as the smoke dispersed into the air.


    He chuckled to himself, thinking, ¡°Cancel it? No way!¡±


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    Chapter 96


    Trying to call Vincent, he found his phone switched off


    ¡°Damn,¡± Graham muttered under his breath. ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re a real scum!¡±


    Meanwhile, Vincent, feeling guilty, was reflecting on his actions.


    <b>88</b>%


    Having been together with Stephanie for over two months, they hadn¡¯t experienced the typical couple outings¨Cno shopping trips, dinners, or movie dates. They hadn¡¯t even done what every other couple does, let alone made any wedding ns.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Vincent <b>finally </b>said.


    Knowing what he meant, Stephanie reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, silly. Just say you love me.¡±


    Wrapping his arms around her, Vincent whispered, ¡°I love you.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>I love you too,¡± Stephanie replied. ¡°But we might need to apologize to Graham and Julianna for getting them involved.¡±


    Vincent smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to apologize to Graham, I think he¡¯s okay with it. If he wasn¡¯t, he¡¯d have called me.¡±


    At this time, Graham thought, ¡°You scum! Why do you assume I never called you? I did, but your <b>damn </b>phone was off!!


    Raising her eyebrows. Stephanie asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Vincent confirmed<b>. </b>¡°However, we owe a big favor to Julianna, but who knows, maybe this incident might unintentionally bring about <b>a </b>new


    union.¡±


    Shrugging, Stephanie replied, ¡°Maybe.¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    The next day, Stephanie went to Julianna¡¯s office and apologized to her, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for this time.¡±


    Julianna clicked her tongue. ¡°Why are we still on this? I¡¯ve already told Graham we should find a reason to cancel the engagement when we get close to


    the date,¡±


    ¡°Actually, Graham is a nice man. You should give him a chance,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Taking a sip of coffee, Julianna said, ¡°Our horoscopes are ipatible. We won¡¯t do well together.¡± At this time, her phone vibrated. ¡°Speak of the devil,¡±


    Julianna rolled her eyes before answering the phone. ¡°Hey, s c u m b a g. No. You¡¯ve misheard me.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    Meanwhile, Julianna widened her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re picking me up for a family dinner? All right.¡±


    She peered at Stephanie after hanging up. ¡°The Saunders and Whitlock families are having dinner tonight, so Graham will pick me up. We will be a fake couple for the next two months.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    She was still marveling about Julianna and Graham¡¯s rtionship after her return to the office when she received Vincent¡¯s call.


    The police chief called and said he investigated the matter ording to Stephanie¡¯s wishes and found a ck Buick on the expressway.


    This car didn¡¯t appear on the previous road. After passing a section of the road without surveince, it appeared in the same frame as a big truck.


    After that, he checked the surveince video of the car and found that the car had gone to the forest behind Chattenham Reservoir, picked up a person, and left Jacaster before finally boarding a yacht at Gerton¡¯s dock.


    The surveince video showed three people boarding the yacht in full disguise.


    Two people supported a man who seemed to be injured.


    Due to Vincent¡¯s special status, the police chief sent the video to Vincent before thetter forwarded it to Stephanie.


    In the end, Vincent and Stephanie concluded that the wounded man was most probably Dous.


    However, it had been over twelve hours since they left with the yacht, so they must have gone to another country through the international waters.


    The couple found the turn of events bizarre as they couldn¡¯t understand why the other party saved Dous.


    ople were professional and had a solid anti-reconnaissance ability, so such well-nned evasion would not leave any traces. Hence, Dous couts would not be detected.


    Vincent listened to the silence on the other and of the phone, aware that Stephanie was worried about Dous revealing the truth about his recovered


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Stephie,¡± heforted.


    Stephanie frowned. ¡°Those people second-guessing your identity will immediately associate you with Storm if he says your legs are recovered. Once your identity is exposed, your family will inevitably be implicated. Of course, that doesn¡¯t scare me since I¡¯ll get through the thick and thin with you, I just


    1/4Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    May


    Chapter 97


    fear that others will threaten you with your family.¡±


    Vincent pursed his lips and breathed heavily when he heard her promising to be with him no matter what. ¡°Stephie¡­¡±


    Noticing his trembling voice, Stephanie asked, ¡°Are you unwell?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Vincent steadied his breathing. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Stephanie realized that Vincent felt moved again. ¡°Oh, is the unyielding Mr. Fletcher touched by my words?¡±


    Vincent was amused. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Stephanie froze.


    ¡°To check if the yesterday¡¯s swelling has subsided.¡±


    Stephanie blushed. ¡°S-Stop talking¡±


    ¡°Stephie, I miss you,¡± the man continued.


    ¡°Continue missing me then. I¡¯m going back to doing my rough sketches.¡± Stephanie hung up. She peered into the mirror, noticing that her face was crimson-red.


    At noon, Julianna came to have lunch with her. Stephanie was about to pack up when Vincent called, saying pleasantly, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you at the design


    studio entrance.¡±


    She pursed her lips. ¡°It¡¯s broad daylight. What are you.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, she looked at Julianna. ¡°Vincent is going to eat with me.¡±


    Julianna raised her brow. ¡°Tsk. Here to eat with you or to eat you? It¡¯s exciting to have sex during the daytime!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. We need to discuss something!¡± Stephanie retorted.


    She left quickly, feeling guilty while Julianna whistled p e r v e s e l y behind her.


    Stephanie spotted Vincent¡¯s car when she walked out. Zane stood by the car¡¯s rear door, waiting


    He opened the door as Stephanie approached. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, please get into the car,¡±


    After expressing her gratitude, Stephanie plopped on the chair,ining. ¡°I told you that we can¡¯t do this too frequently¡­¡±


    Vincentughed. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Stepha bit her lower lips. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth!¡±


    theld her slender waist and gently caressed it.


    ¡°A man will gradually lose his sexual abilities if this happens often, Stephanie added.


    Vincent¡¯s hand froze as if he was pondering soniething


    Stephanie blinked, figuring that he hade to his senses. She was secretly delighted, only to hear Vincent say, ¡°I need to check if your words hold true.¡±


    Stephanie was speechless.


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    Chapter 97


    She realized she had fallen into a trap when she saw Vincent¡¯s smile


    Vincent put her on hisp, whispering in her ear, ¡°Dale, I¡¯ll prove it to you. I¡¯ll stay strong even if we do it often.¡±


    Stephanie remained silent, turning to look at the rising partition before he turned her toward him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you keep your voice down. Zane won¡¯t hear you.¡±


    Stephanie was speechless again. By the time the car stopped, her lip color was gone.


    She nced shamefully at the man, whose lips were covered in a seductive hue, while he smiled at her.


    Initially, Stephanie thought Vincent would take further action. But she soon realized that she was at the Fletcher residence after alighting the car.


    She turned toward Zane, who wheeled Vincent toward her. ¡°We¡¯re at the Fletcher residence?¡±


    Vincent smiled. ¡°Do you think we should return to the condominium?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s face flushed red as she walked behind Vincent and wheeled him. ¡°Don¡¯t spew nonsense. If not, I¡¯ll sleep in a separate bed tonight.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t fall asleep without me,¡± he replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. I¡¯ll sleep well!¡± Stephanie snorted.


    They entered the mansion while bantering.


    Ellen was sighing on the living room¡¯s couch. Her eyes lit up when she saw them. ¡°You¡¯re here, Stephie.¡±


    Stephanie abandoned Vincent and strode quickly over to Ellen.


    Ellen held her hand. ¡°I feel horrible during the past two days. After all, Dous is my grandson. He has done a lot of unforgivable things, but I didn¡¯t expect him to die. Lori died horribly, too.¡±


    Stephanie could understand Ellen¡¯s feelings as thetter watched Dous grow.


    However, she couldn¡¯t empathize with her, though. There was hatred between her, Dous, and Florence in her previous life.


    She couldn¡¯t say anything tofort Ellen, merely apanying her silently.


    Kevin witnessed the scene when he stepped out of the study, ring at Ellen. ¡°Dous nearly harmed Stephie, and you want her tofort you?¡±


    Ellen was stunned. ¡°What?¡±


    Kevin inhaled before recounting the story about Dous kidnapping Julianna to threaten Stephanie and wanting to do inappropriate things to her.


    Ellen knew Dous had kidnapped Julianna, unaware he had ulterior motives. She immediately apologized to Stephanie.


    anle shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You didn¡¯t know.¡±


    With that, Ellen¡¯s initial sorrow over Dous¡± ¡°passing¡± lessened drastically.


    Kevini sat on the couch. ¡°Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party will be held on Thursday night. You guys should go on the Fletcher family¡¯s behalf to celebrate with her


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Okay. I heard Mrs. Jimenez is obsessed with paintings. Tomorrow night, there is a charity auction, and some famous paintings will be auctioned. I will bid a birthday present for her?


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    Chapter 97


    ¡°What birthday present?¡± Christina heard this as she walked in. ¡°Hi, Uncle Vincent, Stephaniel


    She ran over and sat next to Stephanie. ¡°Long time no see, Stephanie.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Stephanieughed.


    ¡°A day feels like an eternity when we¡¯re apart!¡± Christina linked arms with Stephanie intimately. ¡°Whose birthday ising up?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Jimenez,¡± Stephanie sald.


    Christina¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I want to go!¡±


    Vincent stated, ¡°Focus on your study. Don¡¯t be a busybody.¡±


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    Christina sneered. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m joining the party!¡± She wrapped her arms around Stephanie¡¯s tightly. ¡°Stephanie, can you bring me along? I¡¯ll finish my homework¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t have the heart to reject the adorable Christina, nodding, ¡°We¡¯ll head to the auction tomorrow night and the birthday party the day after tomorrow. We¡¯ll pick you up at your house.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Christina smiled, ¡°You¡¯re the best, unlike the fierce and stern Uncle Vincent


    Vincent was speechless.


    Stephanie thought she would apany Ellen through the afternoon, but Vincent brought her back to the condominium after the meal.


    Vincent chuckled abruptly when her back sank into the mattress. ¡°This is perfect.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Stephanie blinked, unable to understand his words.


    Vincent kissed her lips. ¡°You can moan loudly if you want to.¡±


    Infuriated, Stephanie wanted to hit him, but the man raised her arms over her head and kissed her passionately.


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 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    The exhausted Florence knocked on the rental house door in an aged residential area in Jacaster,


    Matilda yawned and opened the door. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back.¡±


    Florence nodded, walking in.


    Matilda¡¯s bleary eyes shed excitedly when she saw the shopping bag in Florence¡¯s hand. ¡°What did Mr. Hennesey buy you?


    ¡°He¡¯s stingy, only buying me an emerald bracelet worth 20,000 dors.¡±


    ¡°Let me have a look.¡± Matilda s a t c h e d the bag and opened it on the couch. ¡°The quality is not as good as several hundred thousand dors. He is indeed stingy. Flore, don¡¯t wear this. Serve him well, so he¡¯ll buy you another expensive one.¡± With that, she put on the bracelet, admiring it.


    The three had lived in this rental house since the Hayes family went bankrupt.


    Matilda immersed herself in poker all day, losing her money. Hence, she always asked Florence for cash. Meanwhile, Horace stayed home, binging on alcohol, Ultimately, they depended on the financial support Florence got from Roger.


    Florence¡¯s face darkened when she saw Matilda mulling over the bracelet. ¡°Mom, do you want to pawn it for money because you lost again?¡±


    Matilda nced at her. ¡°No way, I just think you deserve better.¡±


    Florence used to believe that Matilda loved her. She soon realized it was because they used to have money to spend freely. As their financial situation changed, Florence noticed that Matilda would somehow associate it with herself whenever good things came their way.


    Thoughts about their ie that came from her apanying the fat, cringe, balding Roger, whom she had to endure despite feeling nauseated, made Florence feel like Matilda and Horace were like parasites sucking her blood.


    are you unwilling to give it to me? You would have given me the best in the past.¡± Matilda spoke.


    ¡°Flore, are


    Florence opened her mouth, and she momentarily choked. ¡°Take it if you like it.¡±


    Matilda looked pleased. ¡°You¡¯re a good girl,¡±


    Florence returned to her room, feeling exhausted. Then, she showered in the restroom after taking her pajamas.


    re merged.


    Her restroom and toilet were different when she stayed in the mansion, but now, they were


    Due to the limited space, there wasn¡¯t even a bathtub.


    Every time Florence saw the toilet bowl while showering, she wanted to vomit. She was so disgusted that she quickly took a shower and left


    heard her parents¡¯ conversation when she passed their room.


    ¡°Hace, should we get Meg to give Flore an invitation?¡± Matilda asked.


    ¡°No. Meg is on a different level, and Flore cannot match up to her now. Don¡¯t mess things up,¡± Horace replied.


    ¡°What if Flore secures a wealthy husband there?¡± Matilda continued.


    ¡°Stop dreaming! Flore has a bad reputation. It¡¯s good enough for her to h o o k up with Mr. Hennesey. Don¡¯t contact Meg too often. We will lose the chance to turn the tables if they discover our connection!¡±


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    ¡°When will that happen? I¡¯m tired of living like this!¡±


    ¡°It will happen when Meg marries into the Cole family,¡± Horace stated.


    The door was pushed open then.


    Florence crossed her arms before her chest at the doorway. ¡°Who¡¯s Meg?¡±


    There were many auctions in Jacaster every year, but the ones held by Timeless Treasures Auction House every month were hard toe by because their auction items were rare and precious.


    These eligible to participate were big shots from various fields, as every item started with a price of several million dors.


    The ck Bentley stopped at the venue¡¯s entrance. Zane alighted the vehicle and opened the rear door.


    With that, Stephanie wheeled Vincent inside.


    As soon as she entered the room, the big shots surrounded her.


    The auction was not limited to selling items but also a ce to make friends with influential people and exchange resources. Therefore, the big shots would participate regardless of the tickets¡¯ high prices and whether the items were valuable


    Vincent knew Stephanie did not like these asions or men staring at her, so he told her to walk around.


    Timeless Treasures Auction House exuded a timeless charm in its exteriors, while the interior had gazebos and priceless trees s c t e r e d everywhere.


    Stephanie took two pieces of apple pie from the dessert section.


    Someone appeared beside her.


    Stephanie looked sideways, noticing Nancy.


    ¡°Hi, Stephanie.¡± Nancy smiled.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Stephanie greeted.


    ¡°I¡¯m unfamiliar with Jacaster because I just arrived here, so I told Joseph to bring me around. Coincidently, there¡¯s an auction tonight, so he brought me here.¡± Nancy ced desserts on her te.


    ¡°There are many interesting ces in Jacaster. You can visit them if you¡¯re free.¡± Stephanie smiled.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s meet up when you¡¯re free.¡± Nancy nodded.


    she agreed.


    Stephanie wasn¡¯t fond of Nancy because the other woman spoke too cautiously and liked to size her up sometimes secretly.


    The feeling of being watched made Stephanie ufortable.


    Fortunately, Vincent arrived at her side soon.


    Stephanie put down her te and approached him. ¡°Are you done socializing?¡±


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    Vincent held her hand. ¡°That is something that will never end I thought you would be anxious to see me, so I hurried over.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a sweet talker,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Vincent caressed her fingers. ¡°You can make me yourster tonight.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so annoying.¡± Stephanie smiled.


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°The auction is about to begin. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Nancy walked over. ¡°Hi, Vincent.¡±


    ¡°Did youe with Joseph?¡± Vincent probed


    ¡°Nancy nodded. ¡°He saw an acquaintance, so I approached Stephanie when I saw her selecting desserts.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    Just then, Joseph strode over. ¡°You¡¯re all here! Let¡¯s sit in the same private room.


    Vincent frowned and was about to reject Joseph when he asked, ¡°You don¡¯t mind, do you, Stephanie?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Stephanie answered.


    As if he didn¡¯t notice Vincent¡¯s displeasure, Joseph looked at Nancy. ¡°Let¡¯s go. He has a private room here.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t we be a nuisance to them?¡± Nancy pursed her lips.


    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s a yearly tradition.¡± Joseph waved his hands dismissively.


    Vincent mused, ¡°I was single back then, okay? Thave a wife now! You¡¯re third-wheeling us


    Stephanie was amused by Vincent¡¯s darkened expression.


    She touched his finger with her fingertips, saying, ¡°The more, the merrier. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Timeless Treasures Auction House was divided into three floors. The first floor was the auction hall, and the exhibition stand was located in the center, and rows of chairs were arranged in circles around it.


    The second and third floors were private rooms. The higher the floor one went, the higher the spender one was in the auction house. Vincent¡¯s private room on the third floor was called Serendipity.


    Joseph had already sat on the corner seat when Stephanie and Vincent entered, leaving the center spat with the best view unupied.


    As for Nancy, she was preparing coffee at the table.


    Deen a long time since I drank coffee made by Nancy. Have a taste, Stephanie Joseph waved them over.


    Stephanie smiled and agreed.


    She wheeled Vincent over, letting him sit beside Joseph. Then, she sat on Vincent¡¯s left.


    Joseph received a call halfway through and left the private room.


    Just then, Nancy walked in with three coffee cups and plopped down onto Joseph¡¯s seat casually.


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 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    The aroma of coffee permeated the private room as the chatting noises in the hall Rosted over constantly.


    Stephanie nced at Nancy, who had upied the seat on Vincent¡¯s right, before dropping her head to stare at her coffee.


    For some reason, she sensed a silent disy of power,


    ¡°Nancy, you¡¯re in the wrong seat. Joseph has been sitting here all along,¡± Vincent said lightly.


    Nancy chuckled. ¡°I know. I just came to sit for a while after pouring some coffee.¡±


    Seeing Joseph enter the room, she stood up and said, ¡°Joseph¡¯s back, I¡¯ll return to my seat,¡±


    She then came to sit beside Stephanie with a serene smile.


    Silence soon ensued in the auction hall as an auctioneer of Timeless Treasures Auction House, Nathan Ross, went onstage to begin the opening remarks


    for the evening.


    The first item was an antique Victorian porcin vase.


    It was once auctioned off, but now the buyer intended to resell it.


    After Nathan¡¯s introduction came the bidding for the evening¡¯s first item.


    Soon, someone bought it at two times the original bidding price.


    The second and third items were also porcin pieces. After fierce bidding from porcin lovers, they were sold respectively at 5 million and 6 million


    dors.


    When it came to the fourth item, Stephanie¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Nathan, a hale-and-hearty-looking man aged around seventy with white hair and an equally white beard, introduced the item. ¡°Here¡¯s a rare and exquisite diamond tiara. With natural diamonds weighing up to 190 carats, it¡¯s the tiara iid with the most diamonds. These diamonds originated from South Alendor, have FL rity, and have undergone rigorous craftsmanship. The starting price is 40 million dors.¡±


    This auction item not only had a collector¡¯s value, but it was also the best gift for a lover.


    All the big shots raised their bid paddles the moment Nathan finished speaking.


    Soon, the tiara¡¯s bidding price reached 200 million dors.


    Several big shots thought the price was beyond its value and stopped bidding.


    Nat!


    was overjoyed. After all, 25% of the price difference beyond the auction item¡¯s original price belonged to Timeless Treasures Auction House.


    Sm-ing, he looked at a private room on the third floor. Opulence¡¯s bid of 200 million dors. Going once! Going twice! Going¡­¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°300 million dors!¡± Vincent¡¯s clear voice rang out as he pressed the voice transmission button, making everyone gasp.


    His bid was 100 million dors more than the current bidding price.


    The bidder gave up upon recognizing Vincent¡¯s voice.


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    Firstly, he felt the tiara wasn¡¯t worth an extra 100 million dors. Moreover, bidding with Vincent equated to making enemies, which was unwise.


    Nathan beamed. ¡°Serendipity¡¯s bid of 300 million dors going oncel Going twice! Going thricel Deal! Congrattions to Serendipity for securing this unique tiara!¡±


    Vincent fixed his intense gaze on Stephanie. Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°I do, but the price has exceeded its value,¡± she replied.


    Vincent held her hand. ¡°Nothing matters as long as you like it. Quite a few essories areing up. Tell me if you see something you like.¡±


    With a smile, Stephanie replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Nancy tightened her grip on her coffee cup. She never thought Vincent would spoil Stephanie so much.


    Jealousy surged within her as she secretly observed their warm interaction.


    ¡°Aside from my beauty and good figure, I¡¯m one of the best in scientific research. In what way am I inferior to Stephanie, that b**h? she wondered.


    She quicklyposed herself, not letting anyone notice her underlying wrath.


    Joseph butted. ¡°I smell love in the air, and it sickens me.¡±


    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Vincent nced at him.


    His question caught Joseph off guard. ¡°Not yet. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I think you can s k i p dinner tonight. After all, you¡¯ve been fed with our public disy of affection, Vincent remarked with a grin.


    The corners of Joseph¡¯s mouth twitched. He found that since Vincent got married, he had be very unruly.


    After that, Vincent won the bid for a rare, fancy color diamond at 180 million dors. The pear-shaped, vivid blue diamond weighed 19 carats and appeared extremely pure and dazzling.


    Everyone at the auction knew Vincent was extremely doting toward his wife, especially the women present, who were green with envy. After all, how many men would spend 4 8 0 million dors to please a woman?


    All they could think to make themselves feel better was that Vincent was making up to his fianc¨¦e for his physical disability.


    Meanwhile, Nathan began introducing the following auction items: two paintings from ude M¡¯s ¡°The Water Lilies¡± series.


    Vincent paid special attention as he nned to gift Annabelle artwork.


    ¡°I remember Mrs. Jimenez has the first two paintings. These are thest two,¡± he said.


    h nodded, ¡°Around five years ago, Mrs. Jimenez willfully secured the first two paintings in an auction. Many people were shocked at the time as weren¡¯t theplete series. However, she smiled and confidently said she would find the other two in her lifetime.¡±


    Nancy observed the details on the big screen. ¡°ude M¡¯s paintings are indeed worthy of their reputation. The water lilies are so majestic. No wonder many people like them.¡±


    Nathan announced, ¡°The starting price for the final two paintings is 6 million dors. The bidding begins!¡±


    Many people present were thinking, ¡®If I can obtain these remaining paintings and gilt them to Mrs, Jimenez, I¡¯ll be helping her achieve her goal.¡¯ After all, the Jimenez family was extremely wealthy, and their move back to Jacaster indicated their intention to expand within the country.


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    If one could befriend the Jimenez family,


    lly, their coboration would be m


    mutually beneficial.


    Hence, people were shouting out bids continuously the moment the auctioneer¡¯s words fell.


    Since Vincent nned to gift Annabelle artwork in the first ce, this was his best opportunity,


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    However, a sun-kissed hand grasped his wrist, preventing him from pressing the voice transmission button. ¡°Don¡¯t bid for them,¡± Stephanie advised.


    ¡°Why?¡± Vincent inquired.


    ¡°The paintings are fake,¡± Stephanie said.


    Everyone present was shocked. After all, given Timeless Treasures Auction House¡¯s well-established reputation, selling counterfeits at their auctions would jeopardize it.


    Joseph was puzzled. ¡°How can you tell?¡±


    Meanwhile, Nancy was convinced that Stephanie was pretending to be an expert.


    These paintings are exceptionally vivid, with well-definedyers and rhythmic strokes. How could they be fake? She must be spouting nonsense!¡± she thought.


    Before Stephanie could exin, a woman bid 40 million dors.


    No one followed up with a bid after that.


    Joseph clicked his tongue. ¡°That¡¯s Madeline, the third of the Jimenez family¡¯s five children. I heard the Jimenez family moved back to the country to find their biological daughter.¡±


    ¡°Biological daughter?¡± Stephanie asked curiously


    Joseph nodded. ¡°Yes. It


    It seems their youngest daughter was switched at birth. I wonder what became of the real daughter and how she¡¯s doing.¡±


    ¡°How could that happen?¡± Stephanie remarked wit


    with


    Hafrown.


    Joseph shrugged. ¡°Right? It¡¯s rumored that the Jimenez family only found out when Megan Jimenez was fourteen but chose not to search for the real daughter with great fanfare to avoid causing her mental stress. However, they still failed after all these years. By right, locating her through DNA testing is possible. To put it bluntly, either the girl¡¯s information isn¡¯t on the inte, or she¡¯s already dead.¡±


    As he spoke, Nathan had begun the final pricing. ¡°Bid of 40 million dors for ude M¡¯s ¡°The Water Lilies¡± paintings going once! Going twice! Going¡­


    Stephanie pressed the voice transmission button. ¡°Those paintings are fake!¡±


    Everyone was shocked. Nathan followed her voice until his gaze fell on the third floor private room.


    He was displeased as her words would cost him money and credibility.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, can you provide any proof that these two paintings are fake?¡± he asked.


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    Everyone stared at the third floor private room. After all, Timeless Treasures Auction House had never sold any counterfeit goods.


    If Stephanie spoke the truth, Timeless Treasures Auction House would fall into disrepute after tonight.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Stephanie said firmly.


    She turned to Vincent. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Stephanie left the private room, took the elevator downstairs; and went onstage with everyone watching her.


    Nathan sized her up. ¡°Youngdy, you said these two paintings were fakes?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Stephanie gestured to the paintings. ¡°A huge lily pad is interwoven with a stalk. The tracing looks good at first nce, but close inspection reveals the stiffness of the stalk. The surrounding foliage is equallycking in vibrancy, and the colors look to have been intentionally aged.¡±


    ¡°But our appraiser, Lenora Beaumont, is the prot¨¦g¨¦ of the expert appraiser, Mr. Ronan Zachmann,¡± Nathan revealed.


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°Ronan? Prot¨¦g¨¦?¡±


    Nathan raised his chin slightly and stroked his white beard. ¡°Of course. She epted these paintings. She¡¯ll never misjudge them.¡±


    ¡°I doubt your appraiser¡¯s ability and her character even more. Mr. Zachmann does have a prot¨¦g¨¦, but it isn¡¯t her!¡± Stephanie said inly.


    The crowd began to murmur.


    ¡°She¡¯s the designer Stephanie Hayes and fianc¨¦e of Mr. Fletcher. I trust her,¡± someone said.


    Anothermented, ¡°For her to say it with such certainty, she must have some inside information¡±


    A third voice remarked, ¡°This reminds me of her exposing Florence at the new productunch. Is she going to expose Ronan¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦ tonight?¡±


    ¡°Florence was left to wipe off the egg on her face. I think there¡¯ll be a good show tonight,¡± someone else said.


    Another wondered aloud, ¡°Mr. Zachmann has been out of the public eye for two years. He reportedly traveled to the desert in pursuit of treasure. Who knows if he¡¯s alive or dead? How could his prot¨¦g¨¦ establish her legitimacy?¡±


    Stephanie turned to Nathan. ¡°Can we invite Lenora onstage?¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± the auctioneer said proudly.


    Soon, Lenora came onstage.


    The youngdy looked capable in her suit pants and white shirt.


    She introduced the two works elegantly, from coller to painting technique.


    After speaking for half an hour, she smiled and concluded, ¡°Hence, these are the real works.¡±


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    Nathan turned to Stephanie. ¡°Ma¡¯am, our exnation is well-substantiated. Please return to your seat.¡±


    However, Stephanic nced at the third floor private room and asked, ¡°Ms. Jimenez, are you truly willing to spend 40 million dors on two fake


    paintings?¡±


    Madeline didn¡¯t respond. When everyone thought she wouldn¡¯t believe Stephanie, she stepped out of the open elevator door,


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    Madeline were a white strapless form-fitting dress, exposing her beautiful angr shoulders. Clutching her handbag in one hand, she came onstage.


    She extended her hand to Stephanie, her smile bright and gentle. ¡°Hi, Stephanie. I¡¯m Madeline Jimenez.¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly before grasping the woman¡¯s hand, ¡°Hi, Ms. Madeline Jimenez,¡± she greeted back.


    Madeline proposed, ¡°I¡¯m a few years older than you. If you¡¯refortable with it, call me Madeline.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Madeline,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Madeline politely released Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°I believe you. I figured you must have evidence to prove these two paintings are fake.¡±


    Stephanic nodded. ¡°Indeed, because the real ones are in my home.¡±


    When she finished speaking, everyone was in an uproar. Even Nathan and Lenora¡¯s expressions had stiffened onstage.


    Stephanie continued, ¡°I messaged a friend before entering the elevator. By now, he should¡¯ve arrived with the paintings.¡±


    Right after she spoke, someone pushed open the exhibition hall doors.


    Giovanni entered with a box. ¡°I¡¯ve brought them, Ms. Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Stephanie said.


    Grinning, Giovanni opened the box. Pulling out two rolled canvases, he carefully unrolled them, disying the two paintings before everyone.


    As the auction¡¯s livestream rights had been sold to a TV station, and the live was ongoing, the cameraman seized this chance to garner attention by panning directly to those unrolled paintings.


    Stephanie addressed the crowd, ¡°I don¡¯t believe there are any professional appraisers here. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have permitted these two paintings tomand a high price of 40 million dors. It¡¯s not that ude M¡¯s paintings aren¡¯t worth it, but that the fakes aren¡¯t. I bet the appraisers in front of the TV would be eager to examine them. It¡¯s a pity they can¡¯t be here in person.


    H


    Of course, many appraisers were present, but none dared to challenge Timeless Treasures Auction House.


    Should they offend the auction house, they could forget about working as an appraiser in the future.


    ¡®Lenora is the Mr. Zachmann¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦. Whatever she says is the truth, even if it¡¯s false! After all, she¡¯s Timeless Treasures Auction House¡¯s chief appraiser. Stephanie¡¯s words were merely satire, they thought.


    Nathan stepped forward topare the two sets of paintings. His shock intensified as he examined them, for Stephanie¡¯s seemed more like the


    authentic ones.


    Despite being Timeless Treasures Auction House¡¯s auctioneer, he wasn¡¯t a professional in appraisals, but rather, he had a wide range of contacts and spent money buying these antiques.


    He shot a look at Lenora, who hurried to examine them,


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    How could she not know she was examining a fake painting, but only in this way could she make money!


    She never expected an unwee person to materialize and disrupt everything just as the deal was about to be closed,


    ¡°Yours are fake. What we¡¯re auctioning are the real works, Lenora insisted.


    As she spoke, she reached for Stephanie¡¯s paintings


    Reacting quickly, Stephanie grabbed Lenora¡¯s hand. ¡°What are you trying to do? Hmm?¡±


    ¡°It hurts! Let go of me!¡± Lenora yelled.


    instead of letting her go, Stephanie tightened her grip. ¡°Trying to destroy them? Can you afford to pay for the damage?¡±


    The pain left Lenora in a cold sweat. ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡±


    Stephanie roughly threw Lenora aside, causing thetter to stumble and fall to the ground.


    Lepora red at her. ¡°If my mentor is here, no one can bully me!¡±


    ¡°Call him, then, Let¡¯s see if he acknowledges you.¡± Stephanie sneered.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Nathan nodded. ¡°Call Mr. Zachmann now, Lenora, Our auction house¡¯s reputation is at stake¡±


    Lenora stood up and, with darting eyes, whipped out her phone to dial a number.


    However, she quickly hung up and exined, ¡°My mentor has turned off his phone. He must be busy.¡±


    With a smirk, Stephanie dialed a number and turned on the speaker.


    A deep and energetic male voice rang out. ¡°My dear prot¨¦g¨¦. Did you miss me?¡±


    Stephanie snorted. ¡°No. Why are you still lying, old man?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What


    lies d


    did I make?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie eximed, ¡°You took in another prot¨¦g¨¦!¡±


    ¡°No way! You¡¯re myst prot¨¦g¨¦. You can ask your two seniors if you don¡¯t believe me. I swear!¡± he said.


    Stephanie huffed. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Your prot¨¦g¨¦ is swaggering around before me now!¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯ll be there shortly with your seniors,¡± he said.


    The call ended there. Everyone finally understood that the person on the other end should be Ronan.


    pra was in a panic. ¡°My mentor is still in the desert. How could he be in Jacaster? I wonder where you found this shill!¡±


    Just then, an old man in overalls entered with a light gail, followed by two men in their forties


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who is the woman pretending to be my precious prot¨¦g¨¦!¡± he eximed.


    His sun-kissed skin made him appear intimidating


    The two men behind him also looked imposing.


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    Soon, someone recognized the two men. One was Maverick Xanders, the chairman of the Antique Appraisal Association, while the other was Braden Williams, a national-level antique appraiser.


    The old man came onstage and smiled at Stephanie. But his smile disappeared when he saw Lenora. ¡°Are you my prot¨¦g¨¦? When did I take you in? Why am I unaware of it? Was there a formal acknowledgment? You im to be my prot¨¦g¨¦, yet you didn¡¯t greet me upon seeing me. Why didn¡¯t you greet your seniors either?¡±


    Lenora was startled by Ronan¡¯s string of questions. She had merely met him once a few years ago.


    She recalled him being kind and fair-skinned, unlike the dark skinned man before her.


    Yet, the two men behind him were familiar to her, both top figures in the appraisal industry.


    ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought these two were the oldie¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦s? I can¡¯t even call him a liar. He must be Roman! Turns out Stephanie is truly his prot¨¦g¨¦. D m n it!¡± she eximed inwardly.


    Ronan stared coldly at Lenora. ¡°Say something! Didn¡¯t you im to be my prot¨¦g¨¦ repeatedly?¡±


    With reddened eyes, Lenora s t a g g e r e d and tilted backward.


    Stephanie could tell Lenora was pretending to faint and quickly moved forward, grabbing her arm while her other hand held a silver needle between her fingertips. ¡°I specialize in treating fainting symptoms!¡±


    Çú


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    Everyone in the auction hall was shocked by the dramatic scene.


    Stephanie smiled yfully as she looked at Lenora.


    Tears welled up in Lenora¡¯s eyes. ¡°It really hurts. Let go of mel


    ¡°She truly is a match for Florence. They¡¯re prime pretentious b**s, thought Stephanie,


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid if I let go, you¡¯ll fall over. Look at how considerate I am.¡± Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect I¡¯d have a junior out of nowhere.¡±


    Lenora knew that Stephanie did it on purpose. The two paintings were almost sold for 40 million dors just now.


    She despised Stephanie, who was an obstacle on her road to riches. After what happened today, Lenora would be cklisted by the appraisal industry.


    The smile on Stephanie¡¯s face faded away. ¡°You¡¯re a shameless s**g How dare you im that you¡¯re Mr. Zachmann¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦?¡±


    She looked at Nathan and asked, ¡°The buyer almost lost 40 million dors today. How are you going to deal with it?¡±


    Nathan did not expect there would be such a huge mess today.


    On the one hand, he hated Stephanie. Why did she expose the fraud in public?


    If the matter was sealed privately, evenpensating the buyer with more money would be fine. Now that it was publicly exposed, Timeless Treasures Auction House¡¯s reputation was ruined.


    On the other hand, he hated Lenora for lying about being Ronan¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦ and sellingkes behind his back.


    Nathan dered, ¡°Our auction house will never condone this! Although it¡¯s Lenora¡¯s personal conduct, we are responsible for it. So I will sue Lenora in the name of Timeless Treasures Auction House andpensate Ms. Jimenez for her m e n t a


    l distress during this auction.¡±


    Lenora was flustered and said, ¡°I just made a mistake. Mr. Ross, please don¡¯t sue me!¡±


    Nathan snorted. ¡°Just wait and see!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Stephanie was holding one of her wrists, so Lenora tried to grab Stephanie¡¯s face with her other hand.


    Madeline had keen eyes and quickly grabbed Lenora¡¯s other wrist to prevent her frommitting murder.


    ¡°Gio, restrain her,¡± ordered Stephanie.


    ¡°Got it, Boss!¡± Giovanni pulled Lenora from them and restrained her.


    ¡°Stephanie and Madeline smiled at each other, Then, Stephanie turned to Nathan and asked, ¡°How are you going topensate Ms. Jimenez for her


    al distress?¡±


    Just as the auctioneer was about to endure the pain of paying 200 thousand dors inpensation, Stephanie said, ¡°25% of the auction item¡± transaction price will be deducted asmission, so 25% of 40 million dors is 10 million dors. If you¡¯re being sincere, you shouldpensate this much.¡±


    Nathan was speechless


    Stephanie chuckled when she saw the corners of Nathan¡¯s mouth twitch. ¡°Mr. Ross seems to think marypensation is too tacky, so he¡¯ll


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    Chapter 101


    compensate with the next item, Our friends and audience here and in front of the TV are watching Timeless Treasures Auction House has been in business for 30 years, but it¡¯s made plenty of money,¡± she said.


    Nathan gritted his teeth and nodded in fear of making a scene. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry for what happened here today. The next item on auction is a 17.5-carat ruby and diamond ring with a starting price of 4 million dors. Ms. Jimenez, you can choose this item or the 10 million dor transfer from the auction


    house.¡±


    Madeline turned to Stephanie, looking for advice.


    Stephanie asked Nathan to bring the next item.


    Soon, a staff member came up with a tray. After examining the ring, Stephanie said, ¡°Rubies represent love, passion, power, and dignity. They¡¯re naturally fluorescent due to the rich chromium, iron, and other trace elements in the gemstone. This ruby¡¯s red color isn¡¯t pure, so Madeline, I suggest you take the cashpensation.¡±


    Madeline nodded and agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you, Stephie.¡±


    The sound of the nickname ¡°Stephie¡± brought the two of them closer.


    With a bright smile, Stephanie put the two paintings back into the box and handed them to Madeline. ¡°Madeline, this is a birthday gift from the Fletcher family for Mrs. Jimenez. I wish her a happy birthday in advance.¡±


    Madeline did not expect Stephanie would give such precious paintings to the Jimenez family. When she was about to refuse, Stephanie said, ¡°Give them to her. The four paintings are aplete set, like a fulfilling andplete life.¡±


    The sincerity in Stephanie¡¯s eyes made Madeline unable to refuse. She took the paintings and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll ept them for her. She¡¯ll like them very much. Thank you, Stephie.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± answered Stephanie.


    ¡°You a


    and Mr. Fletcher muste to the birthday party!¡± eximed Madeline.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Alterwards, Stephanie and the others left.


    Madeline went to the Jimenez residence, apanied by her assistant


    Lenora was taken away by the police for investigation.


    Maverick and Braden stayed and immediately closed down the auction house for restructuring. As for when it would open again, they would have to wait for the investigation by the Antique Appraisal Association.


    Stephanie booked a private room in the Millennium Hotel to wee her mentor, Joseph and Nancy also came.


    Shanie ordered a table of Ronan¡¯s favorite dishes.


    Ronan was nearly 70 years old, but he looked like he just turned 50. He drank a ss of white wine and looked at Vincent. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to take my prot¨¦g¨¦ away while I was gone,¡±


    Stephanie smiled and passed him a drumstick ¡°Mr. Zachmann, you¡¯re wrong. I¡¯m the one who asks him to marry me.¡±


    He looked at the two of them and said, ¡°My prot¨¦g¨¦ prioritizes good looks. She has good taste!¡± Then, he turned to Vincent. ¡°You¡¯re lucky to marry


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    Chapter 101


    Stephie,¡±


    Vincent nodded and raised his ss, ¡°Mr. Zachmann, I¡¯d like to propose a toast to you.¡±


    Then, he toasted to the two seniors.


    Ronan shared the thrilling adventure of the three of them g


    going on an expedition i


    in the desert. It was heart-stopping to hear.


    Joseph eximed, ¡°Mr. Zachmann, when¡¯s your next trip? Take me along!¡±


    Ronan snorted, ¡°You¡¯re digging a hole for me. And don¡¯t ask, I¡¯m not epting more prot¨¦g¨¦s.¡±


    Joseph¡¯s n was exposed. He scratched his head and asked. ¡°Can you take me with you next time?¡±


    Ronan raised his chin, and Joseph hurriedly poured more wine.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got good sense. I¡¯ll stay in


    in Jacaster for a month and then go to Mount Silveke,¡± answered Ronan.


    Joseph raised his hand and said, ¡°I want to go.¡±


    ¡°Okay, IN?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    I¡¯ll contact you before I leave,¡± said Ronan,


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zachmann,¡± said Joseph.


    ¡°Mr. Zachmann, why are you going there? Stephanie asked in surprise.


    Ronan looked at her and said meaningfully, ¡°A griffin appeared there.¡±


    ¡°Griffin¡± was the code name for her medical mentor Denver, known as Dr. Mystique.


    Stephanie nced at Nancy and knew there was an outsider here, so Ronan used the code name.


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°I want to go too.¡±


    Ronan shook his head and said, ¡°We might not find it. If we do, I¡¯ll take some photos for you. A youngdy shouldn¡¯t endure the journey.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t say anything more at the table.


    ¡°Mr. Zachmann, are there really zombies?¡± Joseph asked curiously.


    Ronan nodded and answered, ¡°Of course there are.¡±


    Nancy was beside them, eating her food in silence and feeling irritable.


    She had thought that Stephanie was spouting nonsense, but it turned out Stephanie was Ronan¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦.


    is Stephanie so lucky?¡¯ she thought.


    The two paintings were exactly what Annabelle wanted.


    Gifts these days did not need to be expensive. Ater all, a rich family like theirs saw plenty of rare items. What mattered was what theycked.


    Stephanie happened to have those two paintings. She was currying favor with someone else¡¯s things


    Thus, Vincent would think Stephanie was a good wife. The Jimenezes were also a prestigious family. If they could befriend each other, it would be a win-


    3/4


    4/4


    Chapter 101


    win situation.


    Nancy pursed her lips as she watched Vincent and Stephanie gaze at each other.


    After three rounds of drinks, Ronan was drunk. He took out a pile of things from his backpack and gave Stephanie a wooden box.


    When Stephanie was about to open it, Ronan stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t open it. it¡¯s dangerous,¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, they heard something hitting the wooden box.


    Nancy stood up with a pale face and said, ¡°Excuse me, I have to go to the restroom.¡±


    When Nancy left, Ronan¡¯s eyes turned sharp.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    With her handbag in hand, Nancy left the room and ran to a restroom stall


    She covered her chest, and the tearing sensation stopped.


    The thing in the wooden box seemed to want to devour what was in her heart.


    She couldn¡¯t go back, or she would be exposed and couldn¡¯t stay with Vincent.


    Stephanie and the people around her were Nancy¡¯s nemesis!


    Nancy took out a vial from her handbag and saw something wriggling inside. She tightly clutched it.


    It seemed she had to find an n opportunity to act soon.


    She wanted to send a message to Vincent, but to avoid arousing suspicion, she sent a message to Joseph, saying that she was not feeling well and had to leave first.


    As soon as she got into the taxi, she received a call


    ¡°Do you know the consequences of lying to me, Nancy?¡± questioned a man on the call.


    ¡°Sable?¡± Nancy¡¯s heart s k i p p e d a beat. Her hand trembled. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    Sable tutted. ¡°Vincent¡¯s legs recovered a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Who said that?¡± Nancy clenched her phone and lowered her voice.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Dous,¡± Sable responded.


    Nancy didn¡¯t think that lett


    Sable sneered. ¡°Really?¡±


    After


    letting Sable capture someone would reveal that Vincent¡¯s legs had healed. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± she said.


    Nancy was captured by Skull Corps, she worked for them.


    Once she was appointed by the organization¡¯s senior leaders, she met Sable, a powerful man cooperating with Skull Corps.


    Sable was a medical specialist. He had a pharmaceutical facility that worked with Skull Corps and bought hostages for experiments.


    Nancy discovered that the organization¡¯s leaders wanted to seize Sable¡¯s pharmaceutical facility. She went to Sable and exined this to him.


    Sable had a mole in Skull Corps. Thus, they couldn¡¯t hide any issues from him.


    wanted to leave the organization, and she asked Sable to do her a favor in exchange for telling him their secrets.


    Not only could she regain her freedom, but she could also eliminate Skull Corps without any effort.


    Nancy was afraid that Sable wouldn¡¯t agree, so she promised to give him their core technology.


    After weighing the pros and cons, Sable realized he would kill two birds with one stone if he revealed the location of Skull Corps¡¯ir. He could obtain the core technology and eradicate Skull Corps, so he naturally agreed.


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    11:03 Fri, 31 May MO


    Chapter 102


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that the organization behind Nancy was Storm Corps.


    After Sable was taken away, he didn¡¯t contact her again.


    It wasn¡¯t until his men were spying on Vincent that they rediscovered Nancy Back then, he asked Mancy if Vincent was Storm.


    Nancy denied it, iming Vincent was only cooperating with Storm Corps


    88%


    Since Storm Corps disavowed h o s, Nancy was forced to leave and followed Vincent back to Jacaster. She wanted to get Vincent simply because of his power and wealth.


    Now, however, Sable doubted Nancy.


    ¡°Nancy, I hate people lying to me


    most,¡± he said.


    Nancy trembled. She had seen how ruthless and bloodthirsty Sable was. She clenched her teeth, afraid they would chatter.


    Sable smiled. ¡°No matter. I¡¯ll know eventually if you don¡¯t tell me. By the way, did the parasite you asked me fore in handy?¡±


    Nancy took a deep breath and answered, ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯d better hurry, Vincent¡¯s woman is much better than you. You¡¯ll only lose if you don¡¯t use whatever means,¡± said Sable.


    ¡°Mr. Zachmann brought back a wooden box with something inside. The parasites in my body got restless,¡± said Nancy.


    ¡°It should be a king parasite. The child parasite was frightened, which agitated the mother parasite. You¡¯d better infect Vincent soon, or the parasites will die. You won¡¯t survive either,¡± exined Sable.


    Nancy gritted her teeth. ¡°I see. But why are you targeting Vincent?¡±


    Sable¡¯s voice deepened. ¡°It¡¯s best don¡¯t know.¡±


    you


    ¡°You promised me you would let Vincent go,¡± Nancy retorted.


    Sable didn¡¯t say anything more and hung up.


    He looked at Dous, who was lying on a hospital bed, belted down. His scarlet eyes were full of murderous intent, and he roared like a wild beast.


    With a cruel smile, Sable continued, ¡°I¡¯ll let Vincent go when he bes like this and the Fletcher family falls.¡±


    Meanwhile, in the private room, Ronan drank a few cups of coffee to sober himself up.


    He looked at Stephanie and said, ¡°Guess what it is.¡±


    Sanio listened to the noisesing from the box, ¡°A parasite?¡±


    Ronan gave a thumbs up. ¡°Ten points! We met a group of people in the desert who were escorting a dying voodoo practitioner. Later, we encountered quicksand, and the group were all buried. We saved the girl, and she gave us the king parasite in thanks. Feed it a drop of your blood every day, and it will be yours in about a month. It can save your life at critical moments.¡±


    She pushed the wooden box in front of him. ¡°Mr.Zachmann, keep it for yourself. Aren¡¯t you going to Mount Silveke next month?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m tough.¡± Ronan looked at Joseph. ¡°Is that girl your girlfriend?¡±


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    Chapter 102


    Joseph was startled, ¡°No.¡±


    Vincent knew Ronan had something to say, so he said, ¡°You can tell us. Joseph is on our side.¡±


    Ronan nodded. ¡°When I took out the wooden box just now, the king parasite got restless. That means there was another parasite.


    Joseph eyes widened, and he questioned, ¡°Another parasite? Where?¡±


    Ronan smiled and said, ¡°Guess. Ordinary parasites are afraid of the king parasite, so they make the host ufortable¡±


    Joseph instantly understood. ¡°You mean there are parasites in Nancy?¡±


    Stephanie thought about it and said, ¡°Nancy left after Mr. Zachmann took out the wooden box. it¡¯s very likely.¡±


    Vincent pondered, saying, ¡°Usually, a king parasite can expel regr parasites, so Nancy left because she was afraid the parasites in her would be expelled. She was infected but didn¡¯t want to cure it? It only proves she¡¯s cultivating parasites in her body.¡±


    Ronan eximed, ¡°Stephanie, your man¡¯s legs might not work, but his brain sure does!¡±


    Vincent, Joseph, and Stephanie were speechless.


    With a dryugh, Ronan pushed the wooden box back and said, ¡°I think there¡¯s something wrong with that girl You can keep this for self-defense. By the way, the voodoo practitioner¡¯s name is Zendaya. She lives in Musbane. If you run into any problems, you can mention me.¡±


    Stephanie stifled augh, thinking Ronan was like a local tyrant. She looked at the time, it was already half past nine in the evening.


    ¡°Mr. Zachmann, T¡¯ll take you back,¡± she said.


    Joseph immediately put away Ronan¡¯s backpack. ¡°Stephanie, let me drive him home. You and Vincent go back first.¡±


    Roman frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t butter me up. I¡¯m not taking new prot¨¦g¨¦s!¡±


    Joseph helped him up and walked out ¡°Mr. Zachmann, please slow down¡­¡±


    Only Vincent and Stephanie were left in the room.


    Stephanie knocked on the wall of the wooden box and heard two noises. She p r i k e d her finger with a silver needle and dripped her blood into a hole the size of a needle eye.


    Then, she looked at Vincent and asked, ¡°What do you think Nancy is cultivating the parasites for?¡±¡±


    Vincent shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Stephanie said bluntly, ¡°If she hurts you or me, I won¡¯t spare her, whether or not her father saved you.¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 103

    <b>Chapter </b><b>103</b>


    Stephanie, who had been reborn, would never be kidnapped or tortured by others again.


    She would not tolerate Nancy unconditionally just because Nancy¡¯s father had shown kindness to Vincent.


    if Nancymitted any horrible <b>deeds</b>, and Vincent could not bear to take any action, then Stephanie did not mind tainting her hands.


    Looking at the seriousness on Stephanie¡¯s face, Vincent lifted a hand <b>to </b>stroke her cheek. He said, ¡°If she brings harm to us, I won¡¯t forgive her. You don¡¯t have to stain your hands.¡±


    Hearing that, Stephanie felt relieved.


    The thing in the wooden box was restless at first, but it quieted down soon as if it were tasting blood.


    The couple returned to the condominium, After washing up, theyy on the bed.


    These two days had exhausted Stephanie. She fell asleep quickly


    Vincent kissed her hair and closed his eyes as well.


    In a luxury hotel, as soon as Florence finished serving Roger, she received a call from Matilda.


    She turned to the bathroom before answering the <b>call </b>in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s up?<b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Have you watched the news?¡± Matilda asked.


    Frowning, Florence asked, ¡°What <b>news</b><b>?</b>¡±


    ¡°Stephanie is the prot¨¦g¨¦ of Ronan, the appraisal expert! The Jimenez family genes are awesome!<b>*</b>


    Florence felt sullen. She said, ¡°Mom, what do you mean? Are youplimenting others to step on me? Do you dislike me that much? If I had been the one who was switched back then, I would be living the life right now!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that¡­¡± her mother exined.


    ¡°Why did Stephie get switched and not me? Why do I have a weak heart? Mom, you owe me. You know that, right? Tell <b>your </b>little Meg not to enjoy her life so much. She owes me! Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for fighting with her to the death!¡±


    Before Matilda could say anything, Florence hung up the phone.


    News about the auction that night kept turning up on the screen,


    [Mr. Vincent Fletcher spent 480 million dors to please his fianc¨¦e!)


    [cking! Stephanie turns out to be Mr. Zachmann¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦!]


    <b>[</b>The beautiful and talented Stephanie is far superior to her twin sister Florence!]


    A horde ofizens left theirments.


    [Stephanie¡¯s so pretty and talented. How I want her to be my wife! And I¡¯m a woman!]


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    Chapter 100N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    [I¡¯m a woman, too, but I love her so muchij


    [I don¡¯t know how many hidden identities Stephanie still has. She certainly surpasses a bunch of self¨Crighteous men and women!]


    [Me too. This is hrious. If Stephanie and Florence hadn¡¯t cut ties, thetter might even shamelessly say that M


    Mr. Zachmann is her mentor.]


    Just thinking about that time Stephanie gave her honor to this ingrate, only to be betrayedter, makes me so mad


    [Ladies, don¡¯t be angry. That Ingrate has gotten what she deservest Dous is dead!¡±


    I saw that ingrate with an older man who¡¯s old enough to be her father!]


    [She¡¯ll have her karma. She¡¯d better stay hidden and not leave her house. Otherwise, she might get struck by a bolt from the blue<b>.</b>]


    Florence got so mad that she wanted to smash her phone, but she could not bear it. After all, she bought it with her own money.


    She gritted her teeth as her heart was filled with resentment.


    Stephanic could enjoy the fruits of her sess because Florence <b>had </b>done the hard work!


    Florence had fabricated tons of <b>scandals </b>about Stephanie before. That was why thetter fled the country, and she learned so many skills abroad.


    On the other hand, Florence had achieved nothing. Moreover, she <b>had </b>gotten so miserable, having to submit to an older man.


    Yet, Stephanie¡¯s loyal fans kept flogging her when clearly what happened that night had nothing to do with her!


    She pondered, ¡®My parents must have brought me bad luck! If not them, it has to be Stephanie, my sister!¡®


    The more she thought about it, the angrier <b>she </b>became. She called Matilda on the phone. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m going to attend the birthday party tomorrow!¡± she


    ¡°No! You can¡¯t make trouble for Meg! Haven¡¯t we discussed this?¡± Matilda said.


    ¡°Trouble? I¡¯m practically keeping you fed and clothed. Roger doesn¡¯t pay me <b>enough</b>. I hardly have money to spend on myself I don¡¯t intend to make trouble for your precious daughter. Ask her to invite me so that I can get a wealthy husband! Why does she get a life of luxury while we live in poverty and hardship?¡±


    ¡°You have such a bad reputation now. Where can you get a rich husband?¡± Matilda questioned.


    Florence gnashed her teeth in anger and shouted, ¡°I have a bad reputation because I wasn¡¯t the gne who got switched! Mom, you all owe me. If I can¡¯t get the invitation, I¡¯ll make a stir at the hotel tomorrow night!¡±


    She hung up the phone, dressed up, and was about to leave when the bathroom door opened, and Roger emerged, his beer belly in obvious sight.


    ¡°you leaving?¡± he <b>asked</b>.


    Florence straightened her clothes and raised <b>her </b>chin. ¡°Mr. Hennesey, let¡¯s not stay in contact. I¡¯m fed up with your portliness!¡± she said.


    Enraged, Hoger was about to p her..


    Florence went on, ¡°I¡¯m attending Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party tomorrow night. If you p me, my new sugar daddy will get even with you!¡±


    Roger was stunned. He thought, ¡®Has this bitch hooked up with a more influential man?¡±


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    Chapter 103


    He could not afford to offend her, so he retracted his hand and watched gloomily as she loft, her hips swaying.


    <b>88</b>%


    Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party was held at the Millennium Hotel.


    The guests invited were all big shots from various fields.


    A ck Bentley came to a stop at the entrance. Zane got out of the car and opened the door behind the driver¡¯s seat.


    Stephanie and Christina got out of the car.


    Zane took out the wheelchair from the trunk, opened the door of the passenger <b>seat </b>and helped Vincerit into the wheelchair.


    Looking at the man¡¯s sullen <b>face</b><b>, </b>Christina muttered in a low voice, ¡°Stephanie, Uncle Vincent has looked back thirty¨Cthree times along the way. I think he¡¯s awfully obsessive about his wife.¡±


    Stephanie held <b>back </b>herughter. Christina insisted on sitting next to Stephanie after they had gone to fetch her.


    Vincent disagreed. Christina proposed <b>a </b>game of rock¨Cpaper¨Cscissors. The best two out of three would be the winner. The loser would have to take the passenger seat.


    Vincent was not one to engage in such a childish game, but he could not resist Christina¡¯s pleas.


    He never thought that he would lose badly. But he did lose all three times.


    2592 5 3 2 3 2 2 63 63 5 2 3 65


    Hence, he had to squeeze into the passenger seat.


    Christina held Stephanie¡¯s arm and smiled. ¡°Uncle Vincent, I also want to sit next to Stephanie on our return trip,¡± she said.


    Vincent tapped his fingers on the wheelchair¡¯s armrest and said, ¡°Of course, you can. However<b>, </b><b>about </b>thetest drone that you want¡­¡±


    Christina instantly let go of Stephanie¡¯s arm and brought her to Vincent. ¡°Stephanie, I¡¯ll take the passenger seatter, I felt a little dizzy sitting at the back


    just now,¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    As far as she knew, Christina had had <b>a </b>great time in the back row a moment ago.


    Vincent nodded with satisfaction. ¡°Whatever it is you want and would like to <b>get</b><b>, </b>just tell <b>me</b>,¡± he said.


    Christina¡¯s eyes twinkled. She said, ¡°Uncle Vincent is the best <b>in </b>the whole wide world<b>!</b>


    Stephanie had nothing to say.


    China turned to her. ¡°Stephanie, I¡¯ll head in to check out the food first!¡±


    Stephanie <b>knew </b>Christina did not dare to be the third wheel anymore. Pushing Vincent¡¯s wheelchair, she followed Christina.


    At the banquet hall entrance, a group of people gathered around a tall man in a navy blue suit. He was Matthew Jimenez, the eldest son of the Jimenez family and the head of Jimenez Group.


    When Matthew spotted Vincent and Stephanie, he made his way through the crowd, extended his right hand, and greeted, ¡°Hello, Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Vincent politely epted the handshake and greeted back, ¡°Hello, Mr. Jimenez,¡±


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    Chapter 103


    Astonishment shed through Matthew¡¯s eyes as he tu


    her, ¡°Ms. Hayes.¡±


    Other than the Fletcher family and the Hayes family, no one else knew that Vincent and Stephanie had gotten their marriage license, so everyone else still referred to her as Ms. Hayes,


    Vincent, of course, noticed the shift in Matthew¡¯s eyes. He did not like other men staring at Stephanie. In a low voice, he muttered, ¡°We¡¯re married, but we haven¡¯t announced it to the public.¡±


    Hearing this, Matthew immediately understood what the man meant. Vincent was reminding him not to make a move on Stephanie.


    Matthew smiled and went on to exin, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher has my mother¡¯s eyes. That surprised me. If I didn¡¯t know that she¡¯s married to you, I might suspect that Mrs. Fletcher is the long¨Clost daughter of the Jimenez family.¡±


    É«

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    Vincent didn¡¯t expect Matthew to exin like that. He looked toward the front of the banquet hall, where Selena Jimenez apanied Annabelle while thetter was receiving the gifts.


    Selena¡¯s eyes were captivating. Even though she was over 50, she looked like a woman in her 30s. The process of aging didn¡¯t leave any trace on her face. Her eyes were indeed simr to Stephanie¡¯s.


    Matthew probed, ¡°Mrs. Fletcher if you don¡¯t mind me asking when¡¯s your birthday?¡±


    ¡°September 22, Stephanie replied,


    Matthew nodded slightly. ¡°My sister¡¯s birthday is on October 2, which makes it 20 days apart.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s 20 days apart?¡± Smiling. Madeline walked quickly toward them. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Stephie, you¡¯re here.¡±


    Vincent nodded slightly while Stephanie smiled at her. ¡°Hi, Madeline.¡±


    Matthew chuckled. ¡°I said that Mrs. Fletcher and your birthday are 20 days apart.¡±


    Madeline was stunned before smiling regretfully.


    ¡°Have you known each other for a long time?¡± probed Matthew


    ¡°We hit it off, although I wished we had met earlier.¡± Madeline continued, ¡°Do you know what¡¯s Grandma¡¯s favorite gift today?¡±


    Matthew asked. ¡°Is it thest two paintings from ude M¡¯s ¡°The Water Lilies¡± series!


    Madeline nodded. ¡°Those are Stephie¡¯s gifts. Matthew, you just returned to the country, so I don¡¯t think you know what happened atst night¡¯s auction.¡±


    After listening to Madeline¡¯s brief exnation, Matthew respected Stephanie even more.


    ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, thank you so much for the gifts. Grandma has been looking for these two paintings for ages,¡± said Matthew.


    Stephanie smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m d Mrs. Jimenez likes them. With these two paintings, she¡¯ll have theplete set. I hope all her wishes will alsoe


    true.¡±


    Holding Stephanie¡¯s arm, Madeline remarked, ¡°Right now, my grandma hopes to find her granddaughter. I hope her wish wille true soon.¡±


    Then, she looked at Vincent and added, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Thave to borrow your wife for a second. Grandma wants to thank her.¡±


    Vincent nodded in response.


    Matthew picked up two sses of red wine from the attendant¡¯s tray and handed one to Vincent. ¡°Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Vin at epted the ss with gratitude.


    Smiling, Matthew asked, ¡°Are you interested in Triveria¡¯s project? The Jimenez family has just returned from abroad. We want to find a reliable business


    Vincent nced at him in surprise. After all, the development of this lithium battery was promising, and it was a profitable industry.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Matthew asked this because he wanted to cooperate with Vincent.


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    Chapter 104


    The reason for this cooperation was not only because of Fletcher Group¡¯s power but also because of the paintings given by Stephanie.


    Vincent had no reason to refuse such a golden opportunity for cooperation. He clinked sses with Matthew. ¡°Triveria has a bright future. I¡¯m very interested in the project. I look forward to our cooperation.¡±


    The clinking of sses indicated the sessful cooperation between Fletcher Group and Jimenez Group.


    walked


    88%


    Madeline clung to Stephanie¡¯s arm and walked ahead. ¡°I was there at the productunchst time. You did a fantastic job. You¡¯re worthy of being the chief designci and the boss of Starlight Design Studio.¡±


    Madeline, thanks for thepliment,¡± said Stephanie.


    Madeline suggested, ¡°Our film crew is still searching for a design studio to cooperate with. I wonder if you¡¯re interested and have the time to participate in the production?¡±


    Stephanie and Julianna had always focused on brand expansion and had never worked with a film crew. Therefore, this was quite a decent suggestion.


    Stephanie asked, ¡°What¡¯s the theme?¡±


    ¡°The theme is the Victorian era. We¡¯ve already found a design studio for the men¡¯s clothing, but we¡¯re still discussing the women¡¯s clothing. It¡¯ll mainly be dresses,¡± exined Madeline,


    After thinking for a while, Stephanie asked, ¡°Style Jazz Couture has never tried Victorian-style clothing before. When will the shooting start?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll start in mid-August. There¡¯s still half a month left. Some design studios have already submitted their rough sketches. However, the director and producer aren¡¯t satisfied,¡± Madeline said.


    After pondering, Stephanie answered, ¡°Can you give me a week? I¡¯ll design 20 dresses first.¡±


    Madeline¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I¡¯ll call the director now.¡± With that, the two stopped in their tracks as Madeline called Gideon Lynch in front of Stephanie.


    Alter exining the situation, Madeline listened to the director¡¯s reply with a smile.


    Hanging up the phone, Madeline looked at Stephanie. ¡°Mr. Lynch said it¡¯s worth waiting for a month if we can hire you.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll start with the rough sketch when I get home tonight.¡±


    Madeline shook her hand. I look forward to our cooperation.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Thanks for having faith in me, Madeline.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± Madeline replied.


    The two amicably chatted before arriving in front of Keh Jimenez and Annabelle.


    Madeline introduced, ¡°Grandpa, Grandma, Mom and Dad, this is Stephanie Hayes. Thest two paintings of ¡®The Water Lilies¡± are from her.¡±


    Asabelle stood up quickly and stepped forward to hold Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you, child. I like these birthday gifts very much.¡±


    After ncing around, Annabelle whispered, ¡°This is my favorite birthday gift I¡¯ve ever received.¡±


    Stephanie acknowledged thepliment. Annabelle looked at her from head to toe. ¡°You resemble my daughter-inw, Selena. How old are you? When¡¯s your birthday?¡±


    Hearing this, Stephanie was nonplussed.


    2/5


    11:03 Fri, 31 May M DD


    Chapter 1041


    Madeline interjected helplessly, ¡°Grandma, are you conducting a background check? Stephie has a twin sister.¡±


    Annabelle understood Madeline¡¯s words. It meant that Stephanie wasn¡¯t her long lost granddaughter.


    She pursed her lips. ¡°Can¡¯t I have a foster granddaughter?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask Mr. Fletcher¡¯s opinion. After all, Stephie is his wife,¡± exined Madeline.


    Annabelle nodded with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Mr. Fletcher myself then.¡±


    Impressed by Stephanie¡¯s knowledge, Keh continued to discuss antique appraisal with her.


    Sebastian Jimenez and Selena, who stood at the side, kept staring at Stephanie.


    Sebastian whispered, ¡°That child¡¯s eyes are simr to yours.¡±


    88%


    Selena also nodded. ¡°What a shame she¡¯s the daughter of the Hayes family. If I didn¡¯t know, I would¡¯ve asked for a DNA test. I¡¯ve heard a lot of things about their family from other noblewomen. This child is pitiful.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask her to be our g o d d a u g h t e r?¡± Sebastian chuckled.


    Selena shook her head. ¡°Forget about it. Otherwise, Meg will feel bad. Ever since she discovered that she wasn¡¯t the daughter of the Jimenez family, she has be less sociable. I just want to find my biological daughter. After all, she¡¯s my own flesh and blood. I hope she¡¯s doing well.¡±


    arm around her shoulders. ¡°We¡¯ll find her.¡±


    Sebastian wrapped


    ed his ar


    ¡°Where¡¯s Meg?¡± Selena asked.


    ¡°She was here just now. She probably left to have a good time with her friends,¡± replied Sebastian


    Meanwhile, in a dim corner of the hotel¡¯s back garden, Florence crossed her arms while staring at Magan in front of her. ¡°You¡¯re so lucky! I can¡¯t believe you were switched with that **h Stephanie back then! I wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this if I were the one who got switched.¡±


    Megan replied coldly. ¡°You only have yourself to me for your s tu p i d i y and ipetence.¡±


    Gritting her teeth, Florence warned lowly, ¡°You¡¯re my sister. How could you say something like that? Don¡¯t forget your origin, Megan!¡±


    Megan sneered. ¡°You¡¯re utterly hopeless and ipetent. Know your ce because we¡¯ll never be equals! Even if you managed toe here today, who can you seduce? Your nude photos are everywhere. People present today are respected. Do you think they have horrible taste like Mr. Hennesey? Just so you know, I¡¯m the Hayes family¡¯s lifeline. If you cause trouble, the family will never be able to recover. Perhaps you still can seduce an old man now, but no one will want you when you¡¯re old. So, just be an obedient dog and wait for me to feed you, okay?¡±


    ¡°Why, you!¡± Florence eximed,


    ¡°Stop interfering with my life, or else I¡¯ll make you disappear without a trace.¡± With that, Megan turned around and prepared to leave.


    Flee looked at Megan in disbelief. She couldn¡¯t believe the seemingly weak girl in front of her could utter such vicious words.


    Megan fumed, ¡°If the Jimenez family acknowledges Stephanie as their daughter, you¡¯ll be nothing!¡±


    Megan paused and looked sideways at her. ¡°Don¡¯t)


    ¡®t you need a heart transnt? You and Stephanie happen to be a match.¡±


    Florence realized that Megan already had ns to ensure that Stephanie wouldn¡¯t return to the Jimenez family alive.


    Megan warned, ¡°This was the first andst time you threatened me. I let you in today because i want to make things clear with you, not because I¡¯m


    3/5


    11:03 Fri, 31 May


    Chapter 104


    scared of you. Florence, don¡¯t ever y tricks on me.¡±


    Seeing Megan¡¯s disappearing figure, Florence stomped her feet in anger,


    ¡°If I¡¯d known this earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have quarreled with Mr. Hennesey. Now that I¡¯ve offended him, I¡¯ve lost my only source of money, she mused.


    Florence stormed off the hotel.


    After a while, a delicate figure ran over.


    Christina found Butler, the robot dog, in the grass. ¡°Oh, I dropped it here. Why is the recording mode on?¡±


    Turning off the switch, Christina walked toward the corner. She was startled by a figure that had suddenly appeared.


    The robot dog in her hand fell to the ground and identally turned on the recording function again.


    Megan supported her. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Ten fine.¡± Christina picked up the robot dog. ¡°Howe the recording is on again? It needs to be fixed.¡±


    Megan frowned at the word ¡°again.¡±


    ¡°Youngdy, why are you here?¡± she asked.


    Christina replied, ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with my robot dog, Butler. The remote control doesn¡¯t work on it. I didn¡¯t expect to find it in the back garden.¡±


    Megan smiled. ¡°Where did you find it?¡±


    Christina pointed at somewhere. ¡°Over there.¡±


    ¡°You just said that the recording has been turned on again. Was it turned on before? Megan inquired.


    Christina nodded. ¡°Yes, the recording was always on. There¡¯s something wrong with this little thing.¡±


    Pursing her lips, Megan wondered, ¡°Did it record my conversation with Florence earlier? It seems that this girl hasn¡¯t heard the recording!


    Megan suggested, ¡°My brother, Malcolm, is very good at technological research. I¡¯ll ask him to fix it for you.¡±


    Christina asked, ¡°Malcolm?¡±


    Megan put her arm around Christina¡¯s shoulder as they walked toward the banquet hall. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Megan Jimenez. My brother is Malcolm Jimenez.¡±


    ¡°Malcolm Jimenez is your brother? Are you really Megan?¡± Christina blinked.


    Megan nodded.


    Christina¡¯s eyes t w i n l e d in expectation. ¡°Can he fix it for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± replied Megan. ¡°Give me the robot dog, I¡¯ll ask him to fix it immediately.¡±


    cing the robot dog on Megan¡¯s palm, Christina uttered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ww


    Megan nodded in reply, and the two parted ways at the entrance of the banquet hall.


    11:03 Fri 31.MLY

 Chapter 105

    <b>Chapter </b><b>105</b>


    Theughter in the banquet hall gradually <b>faded</b>. The sound of Megan¡¯s high heels clicking echoed in the quiet corridor.


    She looked back and found no one around, so she headed to a lounge.


    Megan immediately formatted the robot dog and deleted all its contents.


    She sighed with relief.


    ¡°I nearly revealed to the public that Stephanie is a member of the Jimenez family, Megan mused,


    To meet Florence, she chose the back garden where no one woulde.


    Unexpectedly, Megan lost her earring <b>while </b>leaving. When she returned to look for it, she burnped into Christina.


    ¡°It seems that Lady Luck is on my side. My n to eliminate Stephanie will go smoothly too, she pondered.


    Megan dialed someone. The other person on the phone called her name enthusiastically, ¡°Meg¡­¡±


    She replied impatiently, ¡°Next time, don¡¯t speak before you hear my voice. What if someone tries to scam you? Eye met Florence and warned her not to sabotage my n. Don¡¯t contact me before my n seeds<b>, </b>understand?¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± the other party answered.


    Megan¡¯s tone softened a little. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for the future of the Hayes family. Mom, you must keep <b>an </b>eye on Florence. We can¡¯t let her ruin our future because of her willlulness.


    The word ¡°mom¡± excited Matilda. She had been looking forward to her biological daughter calling her like this.


    ¡°Okay,


    I¡¯ll watch overN?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    over her. I won¡¯t let her cause you any trouble,¡± Matilda promised.


    ¡°Bye.¡± Megan¡¯s eyes turned fierce again after she ended the call.


    Megan


    left the lounge and walked to Room 606 upstairs. Then, she knocked on the door


    After a short while, the door was opened.


    A man wearing ck¨Cframed sses appeared in front of her, looking like <b>a </b>character from aic book.


    Megan smiled like a fan girl. ¡°Malcolm, there¡¯s something wrong with my friend¡¯s robot <b>dog</b>. Can you help me fix it?¡±


    epting the palm¨Csized robot dog, Malcolm replied gently, ¡°I need some time.¡±


    Megan smiled. ¡°It¡¯s fine. There¡¯s no rush. The birthday party will begin in half an hour. Are you going downstairs?¡±


    ¡°Half an hour?¡± Malcolm nodded. ¡°That¡¯s enough to fix this little thing. You should go


    first.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Malcolm,¡± Megan replied sweetly.


    Watching Megan leave, <b>Malcolm </b>closed the door and returned to the table to fix the robot dog.


    Malcolm frowned, ¡®Has it been formatted? Do they not want the previous data or did they delete it mistakenly? I guess it¡¯s thetter,¡® he pondered.


    <b>Chapter </b>105


    Therefore, Malcolm used a special method to restore the formatted data.


    In the banquet hall, Christina saw Stephanie eating desserts near the dessert table.


    Christina ran over to her excitedly and held her arm. ¡°Stephanie, I¡¯m so excited! My Idol is helping me to fix the robot dog. How can he be tall, handsome <b>and </b>talented? My heart is pounding!¡±


    Stephanie coughed lightly. ¡°Christie, this is Madeline.¡±


    Christina looked over and immediately covered her mouth.


    Madeline was smart enough to know the identity of the idol Christina was talking about. ¡°Ms. Fletcher, I didn¡¯t expect you to be Malcolm¡¯s fan girl.¡±


    Christina blinked, then lowered her hand and nodded shyly.


    Madeline chuckled. ¡°Malcolm doesn¡¯t like this kind of asion, so he won¡¯t show up until the birthday party starts. He¡¯s a boring person.¡±


    Christina pursed her lips. ¡°He has <b>a </b>calm personality. That¡¯s why he¡¯s a bigshot in scientific research. The boys in our school are very noisy.¡±


    Madeline thought of something and probed, ¡°How did you get Malcolm to fix your robot <b>dog</b><b>?</b>¡±


    Christina answered, ¡°Oh, my robot dog was out of control. Then, I used the remote control¡¯s positioning function and found it in the back garden. When I was leaving, I bumped into Ms. Megan Jimenez. She said Mr. Jimenez could repair the robot dog, so she sent it to him.¡±


    Madeline nodded. ¡°What a coincidence.¡±


    Just then, Megan entered the banquet hall and walked toward them.


    Megan took the initiative to greet Stephanie. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Megan Jimenez


    Stephanie shook her hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, I¡¯m Stephanie <b>Hayes</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Megan said, ¡°I¡¯ve been following you for a long time because I used to be Florence¡¯s fan. I didn¡¯t realize that wonderful voice was yours. Later, I discovered that you¡¯re the designer and also the founder of Starlight Design Studio. <b>You </b>have lots of outstanding merits, that¡¯s why I admire you.¡±


    ¡°I hope we can be friends,¡± Megan added sincerely.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Stephanie replied with a smile.


    ¡°Stephie!¡± someone yelled.


    Hearing her name, Stephanie looked back and saw Julianna let go of Graham¡¯s arm and walked quickly toward her.


    Stephanie greeted her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a littlete?¡±


    Julianna snorted. ¡°I¡¯m so angry with this dense guy! By the way, guess who I just <b>saw </b>in front of the hotel?¡±


    Stephanie <b>raised </b>her brows. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Florence! I saw hering out of the hotel,¡± Julianna replied, feeling confused. ¡°One needs an invitation to attend such a party, right? Florence was dressed up. Who brought her in?¡±


    After looking around, Julianna muttered, ¡°Everyone who came here has high status. Who would attend with such an unsavory individual? Never mind, <b>we </b>can check the surveince cameras. I feel something bad will happen whenever that woman appears!¡±


    31 May


    Chapter 105


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes.


    The Jimenez family¡¯s party was full of respected guests. Logically speaking, they wouldn¡¯t invite someone with a bad reputation like Florence.


    ¡°Even if the big shots want a femalepanion, they won¡¯t choose Florence. So, how did she get in?¡® Stephanie wondered.


    Meanwhile, although Megan stood calmly behind them, there was a tumultuous storm brewing within her.


    Fortunately, I¡¯ve kicked Florence out, or she might cause some trouble. I saw her dodging the surveince cameras. So, I won¡¯t get caught. Thankfully, I was cautious,¡± she thought.


    Madeline uttered, ¡°Meg?¡±


    Megan nced at Madeline, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Grandma might ept Stephie as her god¨Cgranddaughter after the birthday party,¡± Madeline remarked.


    Megan felt bitter, but she still smiled. ¡°It¡¯s great that Grandma has another granddaughter.¡±


    Madeline patted her on the shoulder. ¡°Meg, don¡¯t overthink. You¡¯re still the youngest daughter of the Jimenez family. Grandma merely thinks Stephie resembles Mom and feels close to her.¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t overthink, Madeline. It¡¯s good to have another person to keep Grandpa and Grandmapany. I also hope we can find the youngest quickly.¡±


    Madeline smiled. ¡°Even if we find our little sister, you¡¯re still the youngest daughter of the Jimenez family.¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°You guys have treated me kindly, Thank you, Madeline.¡±


    Madeline looked at her tenderly. ¡°We¡¯re family, after all.¡±


    Megan hummed in response. She felt more jealous and resentful looking at Stephanie, who was surrounded by the crowd.


    ¡®Mrs. Jimenez already thinks highly of Stephanie. If they know that she¡¯s their youngest sibling, won¡¯t they pay more attention to her? If they discover the truth, how can I still <b>have </b>a foothold in the Jimenez family? <b>Megan </b>wondered.


    The Jimenez family might not hate Megan, but they would undoubtedly despise the Hayes family. She would be implicated and the Jimenez family wouldn¡¯t treat her as kindly as before.


    Hence, Megan¡¯s top priority was to eliminate Stephanie.


    Of course, this must be done perfectly. Even if they found out about her connection with the Hayes family, she had to ensure


    me.


    A gleam flickered in Megan¡¯s eyes.


    Before the start of the party, Malcolm strode into the hall in his <b>suit </b>pants. He wore a neat suit, looking sharp and handsome.


    He nced around and went straight to Megan.


    A hint of surprise shed through Malcolm¡¯s eyes when he passed by Stephanie.


    Megan flinched. Stephanie indeed resembled Selena, so it was no surprise that the Jimenez <b>family </b>treated her differently.


    Suppressing her rising hatred and anger, Megah smiled. ¡°Malcolm.¡±


    the


    etter would take the


    Fira May


    Chapter 105


    88%


    Malcolm nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve repaired the robot dog. I saw that everything in it had been formatted. I thought someone might have deleted it mistakenly, so i restored it¡±


    Megan froze. She epted the robot dog with trembling hands.


    She eximed, ¡°Malcolm, you¡¯re awesome! You can even restore the data after it was formatted.¡±


    Malcolm smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Megan¡¯s heart was pounding. ¡°I¡¯m doomed if the recording was leaked!¡® she thought.


    É«

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    ¡°Christie!¡± Megan called Christina over. ¡°The machine dog has been repaired.¡±


    Christina walked over and took the machine dog. She looked at Malcolm with a shy smile and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Jimenez.¡±


    Malcolm smiled. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    He looked at Stephanie again and nodded slightly.


    is not eye-catching at all. Seeing that, Christina felt a little sad. As expected, everyone liked beautiful women. A girl with a maldeveloped body like her was


    Christina thought, ¡®I really envy Stephanie for her beauty, good figure, and talent Boohool Stephanie is my role model. I must work hard to be like her.¡± At the beginning of the birthday party, a handsome and elegant man walked quickly to the banquet hall¡¯s door. He looked tired, obviously havinge over in a rush.


    Julianna introduced him, saying, ¡°This is Melvin Jimenez, an international cardiology specialist and the second son of the Jimenez family.¡±


    As Summer, Stephanie had met Melvin. He was a top expert in the field of cardiology.


    The Jimenez family members had already stepped onto the stage.


    When they saw him, they all smiled with understanding.


    She guessed that Melvin had just finished the surgery an


    and rushed over.


    Christina sighed. ¡°The Jimenez family members are so good-looking. The male members are handsome, and the female members are beautiful. They are all elites from all walks of life!¡±


    Raising her eyebrows, Stephanie asked, ¡°What about Malcolm?¡±


    Christina said, ¡°He¡¯s so tall and handsome. I love him so much!¡±


    Christina immediately covered her mouth and blinked rapidly at Stephanie like a little girl who was caught making a mistake.


    Julianna tutted. ¡°It turns out that you¡¯ve fallen in love with someone else, Christina. Are you here for the birthday party or for your beloved?


    Christina pursed her lips and blushed.


    Stephanie red at Julianna. ¡°Don¡¯t make fun of her. It¡¯s not something embarrassing to like someone,¡±


    Julianna raised her chin and said, ¡°Good luck, Christie. I hope you can win over him soon!¡±


    Christina hummed. ¡°I try my best.¡±


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°You should focus on your


    on your studies first.¡±


    Christina fell silent.


    At that moment, Graham pushed Vincent over.


    Julianna looked at Graham in disgust and then walked over to hold his arm. They were an ideal fake engaged couple.


    Looking at the two, Stephanie felt they were a perfect match.


    82% 0


    Chapter 106


    Although Julianna¡¯s gaze was filled with slight disdain, Graham seemed to date on her.


    Vincent took Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t look at others. Look at me.¡±


    Stephanie stifled herughter. ¡°I can¡¯t always look at you. My eyes will feel tired.¡±


    ¡°Your eyes will get tired?¡± Vincent frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t see, then. It¡¯ll be better for your health.


    Stephanie fell silent.


    She felt Vincent was implying something, but she had no proof.


    Subconsciously, she looked at Christina, her eyes fixed unblinkingly at the man onstage,pletely ignoring Vincent.


    Stephanie heaved a sigh of rebel


    ¡°Stephie!¡± Annabelle, onstage, suddenly shouted Stephanie¡¯s name after finishing her speech for the birthday party.


    Stephanie looked over in surprise.


    Annabelle waved her hand. ¡°Come up onstage.


    Stephanie suddenly recalled Annabelle wanting to take her as g**r. She informed Vincent in an undertone.


    Vincent was unfazed because Matthew had mentioned that matter.


    Vincent said, ¡°I respect your decision. The Jimenez family has been abroad for a long time, so although the Fletcher and Jimenez families have some business connections and are not very close, the Jimenez family has a good character.¡±


    Hearing Vincent¡¯s acknowledgment of the Jimenez family, Stephanie nodded.


    She couldn¡¯t refuse Annabelle¡¯s favor on such an asion.


    Naturally, Stephanie liked Annabell as thetter was friendly.


    Stephanie wore a white strapless dress, and her long hair cascaded down her back. Her skin shone with a healthy radiance, reflecting the light. She walked gracefully onto the stage.


    Sebastian, who initially stood beside Annabelle, made room for Stephanie.


    Stephanie nodded slightly, standing between Annabelle and Selena.


    Annabelle smiled and held Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°I have an important thing to tell you today. I¡¯m sure many people recognize this youngdy, Stephanie. I¡¯l take her as my foster granddaughter today.¡±


    Annabelle took off her emerald bracelet and put it on Stephanie¡¯s wrist. ¡°Stephie, thank you. And thank you for giving me a birthday gift. I like it very


    much.¡±


    Looking at the emerald bracelet on her wrist, which was worth tens of millions, Stephanie was shocked.


    On the one hand, Stephanie knew Annabelle was thanking her for the two paintings. On the other hand, Stephanie could tell Annabelle was truly fond of


    her.


    Stephanie said, ¡°Thank you, Grandma Annabelle.¡±


    Chapter 106


    Annabelle patted Stephanie¡¯s hand and said, ¡°You¡¯re wee, my dear granddaughter.¡±


    The audience apuded fervently.


    Someone remarked, ¡°Do you notice Mrs. Jimenez and Stephanie look like mother and daughter when they stand together.¡±


    Another person said, ¡°Yes. Their features bear a striking resemnce.¡±


    Someone else said, ¡°This must be why Mrs. Jimenez is particrly fond of Stephanie and takes her as foster granddaughter!¡±


    Another person said, ¡°Even Megan doesn¡¯t receive such a treatment.¡±


    82%1


    Only a very small number of people in the circle knew the Jimenez family was looking for their family member, so they didn¡¯t think Stephanie was the Jimenez family¡¯s daughter. They merely felt it was a fateful coincidence that the two looked like.


    Hearing that and seeing how the Jimenez family members treat Stephanie, Megan panicked.


    The smile on her face finally faltered slightly.


    Suddenly, four men sitting around and ying cards appeared on the big screen behind the stage.


    They were dressed indecently. Their hair was dyed in different colors, and they were smoking and swearing.


    One of them asked, ¡°Do you remember Stephanie?¡±


    Another answered, ¡°Of course. I still remember sleeping with her.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Another man said, ¡°Yes, I remember. Eight years ago, Stephanie called us and said that she wanted to go to the bar to have fun. I haven¡¯t seen such a wild woman like her in years!¡±


    The fourth man said, ¡°She often invited us to private rooms she booked. Her skills in bed were awesome. I miss her to this day.¡±


    The first man said, ¡°Her sister, Florence, tried to persuade her to go back, but Stephanie refused to listen.¡±


    The second man said, ¡°Stephanie underwent an abortion for me. I still feel guilty. After all, that was a life.¡±


    The third man said, ¡°One should be with a man who had his share of fun and a woman who had been thoroughly heartbroken. Mr. Fletcher has been


    c**d.¡±


    All four menughed.


    The audience was shocked. They stared at Stephanie, who was onstage, with disdain and contempt.


    The Jimenez family members were displeased. Not only because that video put Stephanie to shame, but it was also disrespectful to Annabelle that it happened during thetter¡¯s birthday party.


    Worried about Stephanie¡¯s emotions, Annabelle held her hand tightly and said, ¡°I believe in Stephie. I won¡¯t deny her character just because of this


    video.¡±


    Selena also held Stephanie¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. We trust you. We¡¯ll find out who did it and won¡¯t let him go.¡±


    Keh snorted. ¡°I¡¯d like to see who¡¯s the daredevil who dared to do such a despicable thing at my wife¡¯s birthday party!¡±


    #


    09:42 Sat, 1 Jun


    Chapter 106


    Sebastian asked Matthew, Melvin, and Malcolm to check the surveince cameras to determine the culprit.


    Megan and Madeline also came over tofort Stephanie.


    82%


    In the past, when Florence ndered Stephanie with such despicable rumors, Horace and Matilda didn¡¯t investigate the truth and scolded Stephanie directly. Atst, her grandfather couldn¡¯t bear it and sent Stephanie abroad.


    In contrast, the Jimenez family treated Stephanie with affection.


    Stephanie said, ¡°I have evidence to prove my innocence. Can I use this opportunity to y it?¡±

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    The Jimenez family agreed since the evidence could prove Stephanie¡¯s innocence.


    Aher all a girl¡¯s reputation was important. Even if they believed Stephanie, that might not be the case for others,


    With the evidence, everyone would be silenced.


    Annabelle¡¯s heart ached for Stephanie. ¡°If you have any evidence, just show it. We¡¯ll beat up the culprit.¡±


    Stephanie turned to look at Vincent. He took out his phone, connected it to theputer in the banquet hall, and found the video Dous had recorded.


    After watching the first video, Florence h**d her arms around the boys shoulders and ndered Stephanie, Florence¡¯s frivolous demeanor was also


    clear to see.


    Everyone was shocked. It turned out Florence was the one who contacted Stephanie to pick someone up. Florence was the one who started the rumor, the wild woman, and the one who had an abortion.


    Florence did that because she was jealous of Stephanie¡¯s talent and beauty.


    Someone said, ¡°You¡¯re so evil at just fourteen years old. You¡¯re born wicked!¡±


    Another person said, ¡°How can Florence be so shameless? She¡¯s not as capable, so they wanted to destroy others. How hical!¡±


    Someone else said, ¡°Florence is indeed hical. She convinced Stephanie to voluntarily be her vocal double and s n a t c h d Stephanie¡¯s fance.¡±


    Another onlooker said, ¡°They¡¯re born from the same mother, but why are they so different?¡±


    Another person said, ¡°Florence is evil. She must¡¯ve arranged for those men to nder Stephanie, right?¡±


    Someone else replied, ¡°That¡¯s likely it. She¡¯s corrupted, so she wants others to be like her, Indeed, someone who¡¯s morally corrupt seeks to bring others down to their level.¡±


    The second video Vincent showed was of Florence starting the fire.


    Someone said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this intentional murder? It¡¯s not enough to destroy others, but she even wanted to kill others!¡±


    Another person said, ¡°Florence is evil, utterly evil!¡±


    Another person remarked, ¡°It turns out Florence set the fire in the bar eight years ago. The evidence is conclusive now. She should end up in jail now, right?¡±


    Someone replied, ¡°That¡¯s not sufficient! Some people were burned, and their burned skin even festered.¡±


    Another person said, ¡°The video seems to be true, but why is the truth being shown after eight years?¡±


    Someone said, ¡°Most importantly, who recorded them? Stephanie was wrongly used for eight years.¡±


    Another person agreed, ¡°That¡¯s right. That person was protecting Florence. They must be Florence¡¯s loyal fans!¡± Someone else said, ¡°This person is as bad as Florence! They knew the truth but didn¡¯t reveal it!¡±


    Chapter 107


    Seeing that Vincent didn¡¯t intend to release the third video, Stephanie descended the stairs and walked up to Vincent. She took the phone and yed


    the third video.


    In the video, Vincent, in sportswear, rushed into the sea of fire to save the trapped Stephanie.


    When the two were trapped, a beam fell and hit Vincent¡¯s waist.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Everyone present was shocked. They thought, ¡°So, this is the truth behind why Vincent is wheelchair-bound! Vincent and Stephanie were destined to be together from that moment. Fate is truly incredible!


    Holding Vincent¡¯s hand, Stephanie continued, ¡°Then, we were separated by the falling wall. I didn¡¯t know who you were and what you looked like. I only knew you showed up like an angel when I needed help the most. I cried, saying I hadn¡¯t seen the sunrise or been in love, and I didn¡¯t want to die. You smiled and said I wouldn¡¯t die. After we were rescued separately, I never saw you again. Thank you, Vincent.


    The dream shed through Vincent¡¯s mind. He experienced Stephanie¡¯s death. He carried her to the seaside and sat for a whole night. After saying those words, he took his life with a gunshot.


    Everything seemed to have happened.


    Vincent clenched Stephanie¡¯s hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m willing to do it, even if I have to sacrifice my life.¡±


    Stephanie was moved because she knew he was serious.


    Some said, ¡°I just want to know who recorded this video. They recorded the whole thing, yet stood by and watched.¡±


    Another person said, ¡°I thought I heardughter when the beam hit Mr. Fletcher¡¯s waist.¡±


    Someone else said, ¡°Florence was the mastermind, while this person stood by and watched. They could¡¯ve at least contacted the police, right?¡±


    Listening to the crowd¡¯s discussion, Stephanie said, ¡°it was Dous who recorded the video.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the crowd afterward.


    Dous was only sixteen then. He recorded the video but didn¡¯t save anyone, even letting out a sinisterugh. After Vincent was rescued, Dous stopped recording. The crowd wondered how much Dous must¡¯ve despised Vincent for surviving


    At the age of sixteen, one could already differentiate the good from the bad.


    Dous had addressed Vincent as Uncle Vincent, yet he was cold-hearted.


    At that point, Stephanie¡¯s eight-year nder had been cleared up. The rumor maker and arsonist had also been identified.


    Florence was proven guilty and left with no escape.


    Meanwhile, Florence was originally still feeling smug for being able to humiliate Stephanie during Annabelle¡¯s birthday party.


    When Florence saw the suggested news on her phone, seeing the videos recorded by Dous in which she had schemed against Stephanie and plotted to set fire exposed, she was shocked to the point of speechlessness.


    It turned out Dous knew of her doings. She even acted innocent and imed she had given him her virginity. She thought, ¡°How would Dous view


    me?¡¯


    2/4


    apter 10T


    Florence thought she had Dous under control. Unexpectedly, he had been watching her acting.


    If it weren¡¯t for Stephanie¡¯s voice and rough sketch, Dous wouldn¡¯t even have spared Florence a nce.


    Florence was aplete loser.


    Íê.82%Á¿


    She thought. ¡°Why did that d m n Dous record the videos and keep them for so long? I¡¯m doomed now that they¡¯re exposed. I¡¯ll be charged with stander and even murder. I need to hide. Otherwise, if captured, I¡¯d be imprisoned


    She asked the taxi driver to send her to a discount store where she bought T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers.


    After changing, she went to the second-hand phone store to buy a phone and SIM card.


    She threw her old phone into the sewer.


    She hid in a motel and couldn¡¯t contact her parents, figuring the police must be looking for her now


    After some thought, Florence finally dialed Megan¡¯s number.


    The call connected after some time.


    Florence said. ¡°Megan, I¡¯m Florence!¡±


    Megan asked in an undertone, ¡°Where are you now?¡±


    Florence was vignt. Fearing others might harm her, she lied, ¡°I¡¯m preparing to go abroad


    Megan said, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer you some money. You¡¯d better leave Jacaster as soon as possible and don¡¯t contact Mom and Dad. Once you contact them, the police will follow the trail and find you. I won¡¯t be able to save you then. I really didn¡¯t expect you to be so u p d that you dared to tamper with Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party. You almost drag me down with you!¡±


    Florence said, ¡°No one knows our rtionship!¡±


    Megan said, ¡°Christina¡¯s robot dog recorded our conversation in the back garden. You¡¯re really bringing me trouble! Florence, don¡¯t y tricks. If I¡¯m discovered, our family will never have a chance to turn things around. Moreover, you¡¯ll be in prison for the rest of your life. With Vincent¡¯s means, it¡¯s very possible for you to be sentenced to death. Remember, only by protecting me can you be saved!¡±


    Florence gritted her teeth. Undeniably, what Megan said was reasonable.


    aggrieved. ¡°What about Stephanie¡¯s heart? When can I undergo the heart transnt?¡±


    However, she was appr


    Megan sneered. ¡°Have you lost your mind at this point? Don¡¯t contact me recently, unless you¡¯re tired of living. I¡¯ll put 40,000 dors cash under Sunshine Bridge tonight at ten.¡±


    ¦§


    Stephanie asked, ¡°40,000 dors?¡±


    With a murderous look in her eyes, Megan said, ¡°Think that¡¯s too little? That¡¯s all the cash I have. Be frugal. Remember this. Don¡¯t rat me out if you were caught. Otherwise, you can forget about taking revenge against Stephanie.¡±


    Florence was dissatisfied with the amount of money that Megan was giving her. Florence thought, She¡¯s treating me like I¡¯m a beggar


    However, Florence could only rely on Megan at that point.


    Florence said, ¡°I got it.¡±


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    09:42 Sat, 1 Jun


    T


    Chapter 107


    Megan deleted the call log and exited the restroom.


    Megan¡¯s eyes darkened. Her top priority at that moment was to destroy the recording on Christina¡¯s robot dog


    Megan thought, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Malcolm to fix it. If the recording is discovered, I¡¯m done for


    She had to figure out a way to delete the recording and make Stephanie disappear.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    The birthday party unexpectedly concluded with Florence digging her own grave


    The Jimenez family reviewed the surveince footage from the banquet hall and discovered that Florence had entered with an invitation, Amelia Gresley, the Gresley family¡¯s youngest daughter, confirmed that she had lost her invitation. She admitted to bringing it to the bar to show off to her friends, but it went missing shortly after


    Matthew was suspicious, fearing Amelia and Florence were conspiring together. Therefore, he also reviewed the bar¡¯s surveince footage. The footage was quite clear, showing Florence stealing the invitation while Amelia and others were on the dance floor


    Florence¡¯s presence at the birthday party was unexpected, but her ability to publicly broadcast the video indicated that she had someone to do her bidding


    A waiter from the hotel had gone missing after the incident, and the Jimenez family was diligently searching for him, confident they would find him soon.


    Matthew promised Vincent that he would use all of the Jimenez family¡¯s connections to find both the missing waiter and Florence.


    After bidding farewell to the Jimenez family, Vincent and Stephanie escorted Christina back home before returning to their condominium.


    They had not been to Tranquil Garden in a while, preferring to spend time with just the two of them.


    That night, Vincent inevitably had a few drinks.


    Though not excessive, Stephanie still prepared some pear juice for him.


    It had a nicebination of sweet and sour vors.


    After drinking it, Vincent set the ss down on the coffee table and pulled Stephanie into his arms.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± he asked


    Stephanie leaned against his chest. ¡°I just find it amazing how Florence managed to track down those individuals involved in the past.¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°Well, where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way.¡±


    Sensing the slyness in hisughter, she suddenly sat up and looked at him. ¡°Does it have anything to do with you? You have been looking for these people for a while now, and you should have found some leads. However, you never mentioned anything to me.¡±


    Vincent reached out and gently caressed her cheek. ¡°Are you satisfied with the oue? Not only has it cleared your name, but it has also revealed Florence as the mastermind behind everything, including the arson.¡±


    Stephanie widened her eyes in astonishment. ¡°So, it was you who recorded the video?¡±


    ¡°Yes, after finding those individuals, I had someone record the video and send it to Florence. Naturally, Florence wanted to ruin you after she saw the video, but she needed a suitable asion to y it. Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party was the perfect opportunity, especially since you had presented those two paintings to her at the auction, which would have gained the Jimenez family¡¯s attention. The more dazzling you appeared, the more Florence hated you, and she would go to great lengths to destroy you!¡± Vincent said, enunciating each word carefully.


    It never urred to Stephanie that Vincent was behind all that. No wonder he was not particrly angry when the ident urred. ¡°What a sly fox,¡± Stephanie mused.


    ¡°But I feel sorry for ruining Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party,¡± she remarked.


    Chapter 108


    Vincent smiled, ¡°Well, we¡¯ll just have to apologize to them. If you feel guilty about it, you can visit Mrs. Jimenez when you have the chance.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°You have a good impression of the Jimenez family, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Anyone who treats you well, I will treat them well too. As for those who treat you poorly, I¡¯ll make them suffer,¡± he replied.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes gleamed, ¡°Vincent, since you suspected that Florence would do something, did you s


    send someone to follow her?¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    82%


    ¡°So, Stephanie was able to enter the hotel just as the Jimenez family deduced? the inquired.


    With a nod, Vincent exined, ¡°Yes. However, my subordinate couldn¡¯t enter the hotel without an invitation, so once Florence entered, we lost track of her. She managed to evade surveince, which, given herck of intelligence, suggests she may have someone advising her from behind the scenes¡±


    ¡°Where is she now?¡± Stephanie


    e asked.


    ¡°Hiding in a hotel,¡± he answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re not capturing her because you want to know who¡¯s the mastermind, right?¡± she in


    inquired.


    Vincent pinched her cheek. ¡°Indeed. I want to find out if someone is helping her and what their ultimate goal is. Stephie¡­


    ¡°What?¡± Stephanie inquired.


    ¡°Stay away from Megan,¡± he advised.


    Perplexed, she asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She is not the biological daughter of the Jimenez family, and now that you have gained Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s favor, she may be envious of you,¡± he exined.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. I understand.¡±


    Suddenly, Vincent changed the subject. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Stephanie remembered that Vincent did not eat much that night, only drinking a little alcohol.


    She suggested ¡°I can cook


    can cook you some pasta. Or would you like some takeout? M


    Mmmph!¡±


    Vincent kissed her lips and prevented her from talking.


    Then, he lifted her slender legs to rest on his waist, his hands lifting the white nightgown to her waist, grasping her waist.


    After kissing her neck, he brushed his lips against her earlobe and murmured, ¡°Stephie, help me unbutton.¡±


    Enchanted, she slowly began to undo the buttons of his pajamas one by one.


    It was said that a woman¡¯s corbone was alluringly sex


    s**y, and so was a man¡¯s. With her fingertips, she pushed away the pajamas on one side of his shoulder, revealing his attractive shoulder line. His delicate corbone was eye-catching


    Leaning back against the couch¡¯s backrest, Vincent tilted his chin upward, his lips radiating temptation and seducing her.


    They were in an intimate posture, so she easily sensed the changes in him.


    ¡°Stephic, let¡¯s do it,¡± he said.


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    09:42 Sat, 1 Jun TO


    Chapter 108


    ¡°We don¡¯t have it¡­ Stephanie bit her lip.


    Vincent smiled and held a small square box in his hand. 1 brought it.¡±


    ¡°When did you?¡± Stephanie was surprised.


    ¡°While you were preparing the pear juice,¡± he answered.


    ¡°You nned this all along!¡± she eximed.


    ¡°It¡¯s premeditated.¡± He gazed at her.


    Being stared at by him, Stephanie lowered her gaze with embarrassment.


    Her fingertips went down his abdominal muscles inside his pajamas.


    Taking advantage of their position, Vincent began to make his move.


    With her hands on his shoulders and her graceful neck arching backward, her lips parted slightly as she moaned.


    He kissed the sweat on her neck and asked, ¡°Babe, am-


    Covering his mouth, Stephanie warned, ¡°Don¡¯t talk.¡±


    The sensation of his lips against her palm made Stephanie¡¯s heart flutter. She quickly withdrew her hand. ¡°I need to go take a shower.¡±


    However, Vincent held her tightly, his gaze unwavering. ¡°Stephie, let¡¯s go for onest time.¡±


    ºÅ:82%‡ú


    Stephanie was about to say that she had to go to the design studio the next day to work on sketches. She had promised Madeline to make a rough sketch for her dress.


    Nevertheless, Vincent didn¡¯t give her any chance to speak, pressing her onto the couch.


    Interrupted by him, she could only drown in ecstasy,


    Eventually, she fell asleep, unaware of Vincent cleaning her body and drying her hair afterward.


    In the early morning, when she woke up, Vincent was nowhere to be seen.


    After washing up, she went to the kitchen and saw Vincent frying eggs.


    She approached him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his back.


    Looking at her slender hands around her waist, Vincent smiled. ¡°Up so early? It seems like you¡¯re not tired at all.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired. I can barely open my eyes now,¡± she responded.


    Vincent turned off the stove and turned around. ¡°How about I apany you back to bed?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled.


    ¡°Look how scared you are. Let¡¯s get breakfast ready.¡± Vincent kissed her forehead.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied.


    SEND GIFT


    09:42 Sat, Jun


    Chapter 108


    Stephanie helped Vincent bring the fried eggs and sausages to the table.


    Meanwhile, Vincent brought bread slices, sd dressing, tomato slices, and lettuce to make sandwiches for her,


    82%


    As he handed her the sandwich, he said, ¡°Last night, Florence took a ck bag from under Sunshine Bridge. I thought she would leave Jacaster, but she ended up renting a small condominium. It seems someone is indeed supporting her.¡±

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    Frowning, Stephanie asked, ¡°Who could it be?¡±


    Vincent wiped theer of her lips with a tissue. ¡°The truth will be revealed eventually. Insisting on an answer now might not yield results.¡±


    Stephanie nodded.


    ¡°Eat more. You expended a lot of energyst night,¡± he suggested.


    Hearing that, Stephanie was speechless.


    Looking at her flushed face, Vincent chuckled. ¡°Thave a social gathering tonight, so I mighte backte!!


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll prepare a hangover remedy for you,¡± she uttered.


    if I¡¯m not back by ten, just go to bed first,¡± he said.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll wait for you no matter howte it is,¡± she replied.


    Warmth filled Vincent¡¯s heart. ¡°All right. I


    I¡¯ll try toe back early¡±


    After finishing their meal, they headed to the underground parking.


    Zane was already waiting there.


    Because Vincent had a social gathering in the evening and couldn¡¯t pick up Stephanie, she drove herself that day.


    The two cars exited the parking lot one after the other into the traffic after leaving the residential area


    Stephanie noticed Vincent¡¯s car trailing behind her, escorting her to the design studio. Only then did Vincent¡¯s car turn around and leave.


    She went straight to Julianna¡¯s office, and Julianna squinted.


    ¡°You did somethingst night!¡± Julianna eximed.


    Stephanie red at her. ¡°Make me a cup of coffee.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Julianna made her a cup of coffee, adding two sugar cubes. ¡°Try this. It¡¯s Robusta coffee beans that were delivered this morning¡±


    Stephanie stirred the coffee with a spoon and took a sip. ¡°It¡¯s fragrant.¡±


    Standing next to her, Julianna leaned against the table and nced at the red mark on her neck. ¡°That¡¯s quite intense. How do you feel?¡±


    Pursing her lips, Stephanie said, ¡°I-It¡¯s quite enjoyable. Why don¡¯t you try it with Graham?¡±


    Hearing that, Julianna immediately became downcast ¡°Don¡¯t mention his name. I feel like being with him thest few days has only made me suffer. You have no idea what he told me yesterday after he sent me home.¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°He said if I envied you for having a g o d-grandmother, he could be my d grandfather,¡± Julianna replied.


    Stephanie almost spat out the coffee in her mouth. She swallowed and burst intoughter, Graham is quite humorous.¡±


    1/4


    Open


    09:42 Sat, 1 Jun T


    Chapter 109


    ¡°Humorous? He¡¯s anything but humorous. He¡¯s annoying¡± Julianna widened her eyes in disin.


    ¡°What¡¯s your reply?¡± Stephanie chuckled.


    Julianna snorted, ¡°I said I¡¯d be his g d-grandmother, but he said he would rather have me as his mistress or wife.¡±


    Tears welled up in Stephanie¡¯s eyes as sheughed. ¡°You


    Julianna scoffed. ¡°There¡¯s only hate between us.¡±


    You and Graham seem to be in a love-hate rtionship.¡±


    Clearing her throat, Stephanie said, ¡°To be honest, Julia, Graham is a gentleman. Remember that time you were d ? If it had been someone else, they might have taken you to a hotel rather than the hospital.¡±


    Julianna blushed at the memory of the night she forcefully kissed Graham, feeling embarrassed.


    ¡°Why are you blushing, Julia?¡± Stephanie raised an eyebrow.


    Julianna quickly sat on her chair and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Stephie, aren¡¯t you supposed to design the dress for the film crew? Hurry and go!¡±


    ¡°Are you feeling guilty?¡± Stephanie teased.


    ¡°No!¡± Julianna raised her voice.


    Raising her chin, Stephanie asked, ¡°Did you take advantage of him that night?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. He¡¯s thest person I would be interested in!¡± Julianna retorted.


    Stephanie gave her a thumbs up. ¡°Fine. Just don¡¯t eat your wordster!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Julianna dered.


    After Stephanie left, Julianna started to look over some contracts, but images of her sitting on Graham¡¯sp that night kept popping into her mind.


    She shook her head vigorously, attempting to shake off the seductive memories, but to no avail. They were etched in her memory. ¡°So annoying! That d a m n Graham!¡±


    Meanwhile, in the CEO¡¯s office of Fletcher Group, Graham had the impression that someone was badmouthing him. ¡°Is someone cursing me behind my


    back?¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°Who would dare to curse at you?¡±


    ¡°Juliannal¡± Graham eximed.


    ¡°You should treat her better, regardless of whether you¡¯ll be together in the future or not,¡± Vincent advised.


    Graham understood Vincent¡¯s implication. Vincent wasn¡¯t concerned about Julianna¡¯s feelings. He just didn¡¯t want any unpleasantness between and Julianna to affect his rtionship with Stephanie.


    Graham smiled. ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re bing more devious. How long do you think I can keep Julianna upied?¡±


    ¡°You can keep her upied for as long as you want Julianna is very suitable for you.¡± Vincent raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Suitable? In what way?¡± Graham asked.


    ¡°In every way.¡± Vincent replied.


    Graham


    Chapter 109


    ¡°Humorous? He¡¯s anything but humorous. He¡¯s annoying¡± Julianna widened her eyes in disdain.


    ¡°What¡¯s your reply?¡± Stephanie chuckled.


    Julianna snorted. ¡°I said I¡¯d be his g od-grandmother, but he said he would rather have me as his mistress or wife.¡±


    Tears welled up in Stephanie¡¯s eyes as sheughed. ¡°You and Graham¡¯seem to be in a love-hate rtionship.¡±


    Julianna scoffed. ¡°There¡¯s only hate between us.¡±


    Clearing her throat, Stephanie said, ¡°To be honest, Julia, Graham is a gentleman. Remember that time you were p i k d? If it had been someone else, they might have taken you to a hotel rather than the hospital.¡±


    Julianna blushed at the memory of the night she forcefully kissed Graham, feeling embarrassed.


    ¡°Why are you blushing, Julia?¡± Stephanie raised an eyebrow.


    Julianna quickly sat on her chair and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Stephie, aren¡¯t you supposed to design the dress for the film crew? Hurry and go!¡±


    ¡°Are you feeling guilty?¡± Stephanie teased.


    ¡°No!¡± Julianna raised her voice.


    Raising her chin, Stephanie asked, ¡°Did you take advantage of him that night?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. He¡¯s thest person I would be interested in!¡± Julianna retorted.


    Stephanie gave her a thumbs up. ¡°Fine. Just don¡¯t eat your wordster!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Julianna dered.


    After Stephanie left, Julianna started to look over some contracts, but images of her sitting on Graham¡¯sp that night kept popping into her mind.


    She shook her head vigorously, attempting to shake off the seductive memories, but to no avail. They were etched in her memory. ¡°So annoying! That d a m n Graham!¡±


    Meanwhile, in the CEO¡¯s office of Fletcher Group, Graham had the impression that someone was badmouthing him. ¡°Is sompore cursing me behind my


    back?¡±


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°Who would dare to curse at you?¡±


    ¡°Juliannal¡± Graham eximed.


    ¡°You should treat her better, regardless of whether you¡¯ll be together in the future or not, Vincent advised.


    Graham understood Vincent¡¯s implication. Vincent wasn¡¯t concerned about Julianna¡¯s feelings. He just didn¡¯t want any unpleasantness between Graham and Julianna to affect his rtionship with Stephanie.


    Graham smiled. ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re bing more devibus. How long do you think I can keep Julianna upied?¡±


    ¡°You can keep her upied for as long as you want Julianna is very suitable for you.¡± Vincent raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Suitable? In what way?¡± Graham asked.


    ¡°In every


    y way,¡± Vincent replied.


    2/4


    Chapter 109


    Graham was speechless.


    Setting aside the banter, Vincent brought up the main topic. ¡°Matthew approached me to coborate on Triveria Lithium Battery. You can join me as a partner, and we will divide the profits in hall.¡±


    Graham was aware that Vincent was attempting to bribe him, wanting him to look after Julianna so that she would not look for Stephanie when she was


    free


    Naturally, he agreed. After all, no one would refuse a project that would pay them billions of dors.


    He extended his hand and smiled. ¡°I look forward to our cooperation.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Vincent smiled as well.


    At six o¡¯clock in the evening, Vincent ended the video conference and had a video call with Stephanie.


    At that moment, Stephanie was working overtime in the design studio because she wasn¡¯t satisfied with the dress¡¯ design.


    Looking at her tired face, Vincent said gently, ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you should go home and rest. Don¡¯t you have half a month left?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s phone was fixed to its stand, so she rested her chin on her hand while using the other to spin the pencil. ¡°First, I¡¯ll make a few designs, and then I¡¯ll make adjustments. Every stitch of the dress requires special attention, so it takes a lot of effort. If the film crew needs me, I might also join them on set.¡±


    Vincent frowned, ¡°Join them on set?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Human body shapes can change, so I need to make adjustments on the fly. Luckily, it¡¯s for a movie, so there are only around 30 sets for the main and supporting roles,¡± she exined.


    ¡°Where is this movie being filmed?¡± he inquired.


    She replied, ¡°it¡¯s being filmed in Jacaster.¡±


    Hearing that it was in Jacaster, Vincent felt relieved.


    If it were in another city, they would be facing separation,


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    Vincent nced at his watch. ¡°Stephie, head back soon and text me when you¡¯re home.¡±


    Stephanie nodded with a smile. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be waiting for you tonight.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Vincent ended the video call and looked at the door, ¡°Come in.¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Wearing a white formal suit, Nancy walked in and said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, it¡¯s time!


    ¡°Okay, Vincent replied.


    As Nancy walked in, she suggested, ¡°Let me push you.¡±


    ¡°No need, Zane will push me.¡± Vincent pressed the inte. ¡°We¡¯re heading out now.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Zane responded.


    3/4

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    In the underground parking, Zane opened the rear door, and Vincent got in the back seat.


    When Nancy was about to sit next to Vincent, she saw him take off his suit jacket and put it on the seat next to him.


    Nancy knew what he meant. Vincent didn¡¯t want her to sit there.


    She had no choice but to close the rear door and sit in the passenger seat.


    Along the way, Nancy tried to find a topic to talk about, but Vincent always responded brielly. He even took out hisptop and started typing.


    Nancy felt defeated. She hated Stephanie even more, especially when Nancy learned that Vincent was in a wheelchair because he had saved Stephanie.


    She clutched her handbag and thought, I can¡¯t believe a high and mighty man like Vincent would be such a hopeless romantic for a woman. He even risked his own life to save her. Stephanie doesn¡¯t deserve that! I must seed tonight.¡±


    Thomas Gresley of Gresley Group hosted the evening¡¯s social gathering. After all, it was his dream to work with Fletcher Group. He would still make billions of dors even if he only got thirty percent.


    When Thomas saw Vincent enter the private room, he immediately ushered thetter to the ce of honor


    Zane sat next to Vincent, so Nancy had to sit next to Zane. She couldn¡¯t move for a while with someone between Vincent and her.


    Nancy didn¡¯t know when she would have another chance like that, as the social gathering was about to end.


    She ¡°identally¡± spilled the red wine on Zane¡¯s suit pants and also on her own dress


    She helped Zane wipe the red wine w


    with a tissue and apologized, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Quin. I didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    Since there were a lot of wet spots, Zane stood up and said, ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯ll take care of this in the restroom.¡±


    Nancy also got up and said, ¡°Excuse me. I have to go, too.¡±


    Zane and Nancy left the private room, one after another Since the men¡¯s and women¡¯s restrooms were opposite, Zane turned left, and Nancy turned


    right.


    Once in the restroom, Nancy took a vial from her handbag and poured out the liquid. Upon closer inspection, a transparent parasite wriggled inside.


    She took a deep breath, clenched her hands, and walked out quickly.


    When she returned to the private room, Zane hadn¡¯t returned yet.


    She deliberately spilled more red wine to keep Zane upied longer so she could do something


    She took Vincent¡¯s ss, and with a slight loosening of her grip, the parasite had fallen into the cup without anyone noticing.


    Since it was transparent, no one could notice it unless they observed it up close.


    She poured the red wine into the ss and then another for Thomas.


    Her actions seemed appropriate.


    Thomas raised his ss and said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯d like to propose a toast. I hope we can cooperate more in the future.¡±


    1/3


    Chapter 110


    Vincent gently agreed after ncing at the red wine Nancy had poured.


    He picked up the ss, but it slipped from his hand, crashing to the ground.


    Nancy was startled. She subconsciously reached out her hand to search for the parasite, but her movement caught Vincent¡¯s deep eyes.


    ¡°Just get an attendant to clean it up,¡± Vincent said.


    Nancy forced a smile before saying, ¡°Okay,¡± sensing that Vincent had figured something out.


    Just then, Zane entered the private room and saw Nancy¡¯s pale face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The ss is broken. I¡¯ll ask an attendant to clean it up,¡± Nancy replied, forcing a smile.


    Zane nodded and said, ¡°Please sit. I¡¯ll informed them.¡±


    He turned back and said a few words to the attendant outside the room, then returned.


    As Zane approached the broken ss, Nancy stopped and warned him, ¡°Be careful¡±


    Zane felt she was overreacting, but he stepped aside without thinking


    The attendant tidied up and threw the broken ss in the trash. Nancy then noticed a wriggling bright red object. The parasite¡¯s color had changed, possibly from absorbing the red wine.


    She picked up the parasite and held it in her palm, not daring to let go until the social gathering was over.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    The parasite wriggled in her palm, making her ufortable.


    While sending Nancy home, Vincent said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m treating you well for your father¡¯s sake, but I hope you won¡¯t misbehave, Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless.¡±


    ?


    Nancy knew Vincent was hinting at her, but not stating it explicitly was her greatest mercy.


    However, she still wanted to defend herself by saying, ¡°When I worked for Skull Corps, I never thought of betraying you. Never!¡±


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Even if you don¡¯t betray me, it doesn¡¯t mean you are loyal to me. It¡¯s just that once the core technology is sold out, not only me but also Storm Corps will know that you did it. At that time, you will be Storm Corps¡¯ public enemy, Nancy, sometimes words sound nice, but not everyone is fooled by them. You¡¯re just paving a way out for yourself with your so-called non-betrayal.¡±


    Nancy pursed her lips as she was poked at her sore spot, ¡°Believe it or not, I won¡¯t betray you even if my life is in danger,¡± she defended.


    Vincent chuckled and scoffed, ¡°Really? Then what were you nning to do tonight? Trying to control me with a parasite is not a wise move.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t stand her hypocrisy, so he exposed her. ¡°Leave Jacaster as of tomorrow,¡± he ordered.


    Nancy turned to him and asked in disbelief, ¡°You want me to leave?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I never intended to use a parasite on you. That¡¯s just your assumption. You¡¯re just worried Stephanie might misunderstand our rtionship, so you¡¯re trying every trick in the book to get me to leave. You promised my father you¡¯d take care of me. Have you forgotten how my father died miserably? Now you¡¯re going to break your promise for a woman and an unfounded assumption,¡± she said.


    Vincent looked at her coldly and said, ¡°That night, Mr. Zachmann gave Stephie a wooden box containing the king parasite. Its restlessness was due to


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    parasites already inside your body. Why are you harboring parasites? Isn¡¯t there one in your palm right now?¡±


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    Nancy¡¯s lips and hands trembled as she said, ¡°No matter what I say now,


    won¡¯t believe me. Fl resign tomorrow. Please stop the car, Mr. Quin¡±


    Zane looked at Vincent through the rearview mirror, and thetter¡¯s silence meant acquiescence.


    Zane pulled over and Nancy quickly got out of the car.


    The car drove away as soon as the door was closed.


    As Nancy watched the taillights disappear around the corner, her resentment grew. She thought, ¡°My father has sacrificed his life for Vincent. But now Vincent repays his kindness with enmity and falls in love with another woman. This is too cruel for me.


    She clenched her fist gradually. The parasite struggled because she clenched it too tightly, and her heart ached.


    The mother parasite was in her heart, and the child parasite was in her palm. It was a pair of concentric parasites.


    If one parasite died, the other would die as well. Therefore, she had to take the child parasite.


    If a parasite nted in a person¡¯s body died, the host would also die.


    As long as it was nted in Vincent¡¯s body, he would fall in love with her wholeheartedly and live and die with her.


    It would be futile to try to counter it with a king parasite. Concentric parasites were notoriously difficult to remove unless one consulted the most skilled parasite trainer. Unfortunately, that parasite trainer was already deceased.


    Vincent thought Nancy was only trying to bewitch him with a normal parasite, not knowing it was a concentric parasite.


    He would be hers as long as she found an opportunity to bewitch him.


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    Chapter 111


    Vincent returned to the apartment only to be greeted by a sweet, tangy scent, but Stephanie was nowhere to be seen.


    He put the gift box down and hung tip his suit jacket at the threshold, then made his way into the bedroom. Stephanie wasn¡¯t here, either,


    He reckoned she was sketching in the study.


    Nudging the door open, he peered into the study and found Stephanie slumped over the desk, fast asleep.


    He sauntered forward and observed her calm, sleeping face, and felt warmth fill his heart.


    He bent over to kiss her on the cheek, but just as he drew closer to her, she reached out to grab his cor.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes flew open, her eyshes fluttering as she teased, ¡°Trying to steal a kiss, Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Vincent braced a hand on the table and ced the other on the back of Stephanie¡¯s chair. He beheld her with a depthless and mysterious gaze as he drawled, ¡°That was my n until you ruined it.¡±


    ¡°I can pretend to be asleep,¡± she offered.


    ¡°No,¡± Vincent said softly as he leaned forward to kiss her, the tip of his tongue probing past her lips.


    Stephanie softened against him as he deepened the kiss, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.


    Vincent grabbed her waist and hoisted her onto the desk, then wedged himself between her legs as he continued kissing her.


    After a while, the kissing stopped, and he pressed his forehead to hers. ¡°I think kissing is enough for tonight.¡±


    Stephanie eyed him sullenly. ¡°How mean of you.¡±


    ¡°I thought you liked me better when I¡¯m mean,¡± he jested.


    She cupped his face in her hands. ¡°Not like this.¡±


    Vincent proceeded to tell her what had happened earlier that night.


    A frosty look shed in Stephanie¡¯s eyes. Now that she had a second shot at life, she refused to let Vincent get hurt. ¡°If Nancy doesn¡¯t leave tomorrow, send her away myself.¡±


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t get angry, Vincent cated as he pulled Stephanie into his arms and patted her back.


    She took several breaths to calm herself. ¡°I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯m p**d that she thought she could pursue someone who is already taken!¡±


    Sensing Stephanie¡¯s rage, Vincent knew he could only resort to kissing and hugging her, but even those failed to cheer her up. ¡°Let me show you something¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Stephanie asked.


    He took her hand and led her to the threshold where he had put the gift box on the floor


    She asked, ¡°You bought me a present?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°A precious one, might add.¡±


    ¦£¦©


    pter 111


    Guiding her to sit on the couch, he ced the gift box on herp and prompted, ¡°Go on, open it.¡±


    Curious, Stephanie untied the red ribbon binding the box and opened the lid, revealing the rose that was iid with rubles.


    She nced at Vincent. ¡°Diamond art? Did you do this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he answered.


    She held up the fabric and found it familiar, ¡°Is this a bedsheet?¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Take a closer look,¡± Vincent said.


    Stephanie did as she was told, and a secondter, she blushed furiously. ¡°Y-You creep!¡±


    Vincent pulled her into hisp. ¡°How am creep?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d use this particr bedsheet for your diamond art!¡± she eximed incredulously.


    Hechuckled. ¡°I figured it¡¯d be memorable. After all, that night was our first time-


    Stephanie quickly mped a hand over his mouth. ¡°Shut up!¡±


    81%


    He kissed her palm and she drew her hand back bashfully. ¡°I spent the entire afternoon working on this in the office. You could at least show some appreciation,¡± he pointed out.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re sick in the head. Why would you do something like this?¡± she asked exasperatedly.


    Vincent exined solemnly, ¡°I assure you it¡¯s not a fetish. The bedsheet reminded me of our first time together, and I was happy about it. I¡¯ll cherish you forever, Stephanie.¡±


    She smiled through pursed lips. ¡°No takebacks.¡±


    ¡°No takebacks,¡± he promised.


    At that moment, Stephanie couldn¡¯t possibly fathom that she would one day be buried and suffocating under rubble, all the while thinking about Vincent¡¯s pathetic promise.


    The next day, Vincent showed up at Fletcher Group after dropping Stephanie off at the design studio.


    He had only just returned to his office after the morning meeting when his door opened, and in walked Nancy


    Zane followed her into the office and gave Vincent an apologetic nod. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Fletcher, I couldn¡¯t stop her.¡±


    Vincent looked up and said to Zane, ¡°You may leave.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Zane replied.


    Nancy slithered up to the desk andined, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be so heartless, Vincent.¡±


    ¡°You were the one who asked to resign, and I think that¡¯s the right call,¡± Vincent countered. ¡°Any more shenanigans from you, and I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll spare you after I¡¯ve gotten over the guilt I feel toward your father. You know I don¡¯t go easy on my enemies, Nancy.¡±


    His tone was lethal, albeit gentle.


    ¡°You¡¯d hurt me like that?¡± Nancy asked, her heart aching.


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    Leaning into his chair, Vincent said c o l y, ¡°I¡¯m only treating you the way you deserve to be treated. No point ming others for it.¡± With that, he signed a check and slid it to her. ¡°Here, this should be enough for the rest of your life.¡±


    Nancy nced at the number on the check. 40 million dors. ¡°You think my father¡¯s life was only worth this much?¡±N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Narrowing his eyes, Vincent pulled out a paper bag from his drawer and tossed it at her. ¡°Take a look for yourself


    Nancy opened the bag and took out a stack of documents. As she flipped through them, her eyes widened. ¡°No, this is impossible! My father would never sell off the core technology! This is an outright liel


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°Your father only saved me out of guilt after he sold the technology to Storm Corps and Twilight Corps. When he realized he¡¯d been found out, he shielded me from the gunshot to make up for it, and to protect you. I kept this from you, but you kept thinking lowed your father for my life and emotionally ckmailed me. I figured it¡¯s time I told you the truth. Be grateful that I¡¯m letting you off easy. We got ahold of a Skull Corps top executive, and ording to him, Skull Corps was wiped out by Storm Corps after someone revealed its coordinates. You¡¯re the only person I could think of who would do something like this, Nancy. Tell me, who was your liaison?¡±


    Nancy¡¯s eyes were wide. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t admit it. I¡¯m merciful enough to not ask you about the shady deals you¡¯ve made,¡± Vincent drawled.


    Biting her lips, Nancy took a deep breath and said, ¡°Since you don¡¯t trust me anymore, I see no point in arguing my case. Care to send me off with a hug?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Vincent rejected tly.


    A bitterugh escaped Nancy. ¡°You¡¯ve only ever


    cared about Stephanie.¡±


    Vincent stared at Nancy icily. ¡°If you touch Stephanie, you¡¯re dead the next time I see you.¡±


    Nancy shuddered. She didn¡¯t think he would be so cruel to her.


    She took the check and leh


    After leaving Fletcher Group, she called Stephanie. ¡°Let¡¯s meet.¡±


    SEND GIFT


    COMMENT


    0

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    In the cafe downstairs of Fletcher Group, Stephanie and Nancy sat face to face.


    Nancy ordered a cup of espresso. She tasted it slowly and then put it on the table to look at Stephanie, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not convinced.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrow slightly and asked, ¡°So am I here to listen to yourint?¡±


    Nancy stared at Stephanie with sad eyes. She mmed the table, and the coffee overllowed from the cup. Then she said, ¡°What am I inferior to you? I¡¯m not inferior to you in appearance, figure, or talent. Why didn¡¯t Vincent choose me? He was paralyzed to save you! Do you have any idea what he¡¯s been through? Have you been with him if his worst moments? Did you witness his difficulty in creating Storm Corps? Did you apany him slowly to his feet and walk? Have you ever worked with him to create mechanical intelligence? No! You¡¯ve done nothing! it was me who apanied him in his most difficult period, but why did I lose to you?¡±


    Stephanie looked at Nancy¡¯s ferocious face and said indifferently, ¡°You look really ugly when you¡¯re jealous. Does it mean that if you give everything to Vincent and apany him through his darkest time, then he has to love you? It¡¯s not like that. Besides, your so calledpanionship was just thepany between colleagues during working hours. Don¡¯t make yourself so great. Vincent and I are married. Do you know what you¡¯re doing now?¡±


    Looking at Nancy trembling with anger, Stephanie continued, ¡°You¡¯re trying to break our marriage. Do you think I have a good temper, so you dare to confront me so boldly?¡±


    Nancy said with angry eyes, ¡°I can¡¯t believe it!¡±


    Nancy grabbed the coffee cup and wanted to ssh the coffee on


    offee on Stephanie¡¯s face.


    Stephanie reacted quickly. When Nancy raised her wrist, Stephanie took a needle and stabbed it directly into the web of her hand.


    The coffee cup fell from Nancy¡¯s hand, and the coffee spilled on the table.


    Nancy eximed, ¡°What have you done to me? My whole arm is numb!¡±


    Stephanie nced at Nancy and stated with indifference, ¡°I simply carried out what you desired to do to me. When you intend to cause harm to someone, consider the consequences. Nancy, I am not Vincent. I will not tolerate your actions. Do not squander your father¡¯s gratitude for Vincent saving his life. or you will face Vincent as an adversary the next time you meet. I have always been one to seek retribution. Do not say that I did not warn you.¡±


    Stephanie stood up and was about to leave. However, Nancy wanted to grab her arm, but Stephanie just looked at her coldly, so Nancy released her grip.


    ¡°How about my arm?¡± Nancy asked.


    ¡°It will recover in three days. If you do anything to Vincent, you won¡¯t recover in three days the next time,¡± Stephanie warned.


    Nancy watched Stephanie walk out of the cafe, and Vincent¡¯s car was parked on the roadside. After Zane opened the back door of the car, Nancy saw Vincent¡¯s handsome side face.


    She was not reconciled. She would never let Stephanie go


    The moment the car door closed, Nancy¡¯s hateful eyes were hidden.


    Vincent held Stephanie¡¯s shoulders and asked, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head and replied, ¡°No, why are you here?¡±


    Vincent answered, ¡°I sent someone to follow Nalicy. I was worried that she would hurt you, but I didn¡¯t expect her to meet you.¡±


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    Stephanie saw that Vincent frowned nervously, so she stretched out her hand to rx his frown. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will be fine. How about we have lunch together?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Vincent said, ¡°Okay, Do you wanna watch a movie after lunch?¡±


    ¡°Movie?¡± Stephanie was surprised.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Vincent nced at his legs and said, ¡°There is no rule that disabled people are not allowed to watch movies. Last time we covered ourselves and attracted attention. Let¡¯s be normal this time.¡±


    Stephanie was amused and asked, ¡°What do you mean by being normal?¡±


    Vincent smiled and said, ¡°We¡¯ll book the show.¡±


    Stephanie chuckled and said, ¡°All right. But I have to go back to the design studio to get myptop and drawings.¡±


    Vincent smiled unconsciously and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you take my car?¡± Stephanie suggested.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Then Vincent left in Stephanie¡¯s car.


    Zane tutted and thought, ¡®Love makes people irrational There¡¯s a meeting this afternoon. Forget it. Since Mr. Fletcher is not in a hurry, why should I be so


    anxious?


    Zane shook his head and got in the car, ready to park the car in the underground garage and go back to thepany.


    Vincent went on a date, but Zane still had to work.


    Stephanie drove Vincent back to the design studio, She fetched herptop and drawings and came back.


    She threw all the things on the back seat and looked at Vincent, asking, ¡°What do you want to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat whatever you like,¡± Vincent replied.


    They finally y went to eat Crab Rangoon, Near the end, Stephanie asked, ¡°Have you booked tickets for the movie?¡±


    Vincent answered, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a suspense movie.¡± He nced at his watch and continued, ¡°There are still forty minutes before the movie starts. It only takes us half an hour to get to the cinema, and we can buy popcorn and juice for the rest ten minutes.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrow and asked, ¡°Have you never seen a movie with another girl before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have,¡± said Vincent.


    Stephanie blinked and asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°Christie. I watched a cartoon with her.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    When they arrived at the cinema, Stephanie pushed Vincent to buy popcorn and juice.


    Then she heard a girlining behind them, ¡°Oh, not I don¡¯t know who is so wicked to buy all the tickets and leave none for others!¡±


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    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s watch something else,¡± another girl said,


    Stephanie and Vincent looked at each other and felt the voice familiar.


    They looked back and found that Christina, with her mouth pouted, and Megan was standing not far away.


    Feeling that someone was looking at her, Christina looked over and suddenly smiled. She ran over and said, ¡°Vincent, Stephanie, are you here to watch the movie too? What are you watching?¡±


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°Gone Girl.¡±


    Christina looked confused and said, ¡°We


    ¡®e couldn¡¯t get a ticket. Did you get it?¡±


    Vincent nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯m the wicked one.¡±


    Christina was surprised.


    Then Christina smiled and said, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you invite Meg and me to watch the movie?¡±


    Vincent adjusted his cufflinks and said, ¡°I¡¯m a wicked person.¡±


    Christina chuckled and said, ¡°No way! I was talking nonsense! I¡¯ll treat you and Stephanie to dinner tonight.¡±


    Vincent chuckled and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t we all go back to the Fletcher residence for dinner tonight? Your offer is not attractive!¡±


    Christina smiled and took Stephanie¡¯s arm. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to beg Stephanie,¡± she said sweetly.


    Stephanie smiled and agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Megan came over and greeted them, ¡°I asked Christie to watch a movie. I didn¡¯t expect to meet you by chance.¡±


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s a coincidence. Let¡¯s go together,¡±


    Vincent kept a sullen face because his date was disrupted.


    The film recounted the chilling tale of a couple traveling overseas. Tragically, the woman fell prey to an abductor who ced a hand over her mouth and nose while she was in a fitting room attempting to model clothing. Later, her limbs were severed, and she was ultimately sold to a nightclub for spectators to ogle.


    The husband didn¡¯t return to his homnd, searching hard for his wife. However, the local police finally gave up because such cases happened so aften in this country and most of the missing persons couldn¡¯t be found.


    only the


    The man and the woman went to the country together, but only


    e man came back.


    When he got back, the man reported his wife¡¯s missing.


    Two yearster, the man reported the woman¡¯s death to the local authority.


    Because it was an idental death and the woman had bought several idental casualty insurance before her death, the husband obtained a huge amount ofpensation.


    Tofort his wife¡¯s parents, the man gave them 200 thousand dors aspensation.


    The man remarried two yearster, and he brought his new wife to the country.


    M


    Chapter 112


    The same thing happened again.


    The final oue was that the man sold his wives to a nightclub in order to obtain a substantial amount of insurancepensation.


    The man got twopensations and was ready to give up because he met his true love.


    However, the woman he loved sold the man to the nightclub and cut off his limbs. After returning home, the woman reported her husband¡¯s death and r¨¦ceived a huge amount of insurancepensation.


    And the woman was actually the best friend of the man¡¯s first wife.


    The woman had been deeply in love with the man¡¯s first wife, but she didn¡¯t dare to express her love. Later on, she realized something was wrong and had stic surgery for revenge.


    Christina kept sighing and eximing when she saw the reversals, ¡°There are so many reversals in this movie! Men are so terrifying.¡±


    Stephanie asked in a low voice, ¡°Are you afraid of Malcolm?¡±


    Christina thought for a while and said, ¡°No. He looks fine.¡±


    Stephanie knocked on Christina¡¯s little head and said, ¡°Then try your best. He is a professor at your campus, and you can be his student. If you like him, go and fight for him, or you will regret itter.¡±


    Christina couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°I see,¡± she replied.


    After watching the movie, they said goodbye to Megan.


    On the way to the Fletcher residence, Vincent asked Christina, ¡°Did Megan contact you?¡±

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    Chapter 113


    When Vincent asked, Christina nodded. ¡°Yeah, I think Meg is really cool. It was her who helped me find the robotic dog that Mr. Jimenez fixed that night.¡±


    Vincent fell silent for a moment. ¡°How did you meet her?¡±


    Christina said. ¡°My robotic dog malfunctioned, veered off the nned route, and got lost. I found it in the backyard based on the location on the remote control.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Vincent suddenly turned his head. ¡°So you met Megan in the backyard?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Christina blinked, ¡°I found the robotic dog and was on my way back when I ran into Megan at the corner.¡±


    Vincent furrowed his brows, ¡°Why was she there?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask. She asked me how I ended up there, so I told her about looking for the robotic dog Christina felt he was very serious, like interrogating a suspect, ¡°What¡¯s up, little uncle, any problem?¡±


    Vincent lowered his gaze, ¡°No, just don¡¯t get too involved with her in the future,¡±


    Although Christina was a bit puzzled by his actions, she believed that Uncle Vincent wouldn¡¯t harm her.


    She said, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Vincent thought that his previous attitude might have frightened her, so he exined, ¡°Christie, I¡¯m not stopping you from socializing with anyone, but I¡¯m concerned that someone might have ulterior motives. Think about your cousin Olivia; you grew up together, and she didn¡¯t hesitate to go against you. Others are even less trustworthy.¡±


    Christina nodded, ¡°I understand, uncle. Don¡¯t worry


    I¡¯ll be cautious.¡±


    After returning to the old mansion, Stephanie first checked the pulse of Ellen and Kevin, then she made desserts with Christina.


    Vincent, on the other hand, apanied Kevin to the study. ¡°That girl, Stephie, really knows how to surprise people¡±


    Vincent nodded, ¡°Mrs. Jimenez really likes those two painted screens. Matthew, to show his gratitude, is nning to coborate with the Fletcher Group on the project of Triveria Lithium Battery. They are set to sign the contract the day after tomorrow.¡±


    Kevin took out a document. ¡°Even though you and Stephie didn¡¯t have a wedding ceremony, you¡¯re already legally married. I¡¯ve decided to transfer 15% of the Fletcher Group¡¯s shares to Stephie. I know she doesn¡¯tck money, and I just want to show my sincerity.¡±


    The market value of the Fletcher Group was in the tens of billions, so a 15% stake meant several billion.


    This dow


    asyvish, and in aristocratic circles, no daughter-inw would receive suchvish treatment.


    Vincent took the document from Kevin and nced through it, ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡±


    Kevin nodded, ¡°She deserves it,¡±


    Vincent knew that his father also cherished Stephanie.


    Although Stephanie¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t great before, apart from the main branch of the family, no one in the Fletcher family looked down on her Instead, everyone liked her.


    These past two months had also proven Stephanie¡¯s worth, especially at Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday banquet.


    Chapter 113


    The video recorded by Dous at Annabelle¡¯s birthday party became crucial evidence to clear Stephanie¡¯s name.


    This shut the mouths of those who had previously doubted Stephaniepletely.


    Stephanie prepared dinner. Kevin and Ellen ate heartily.


    Ellen was hinting crazily that Stephanie should stay at the old mansion, but Vincent made an excuse that Stephanie needed to work on some sketches, and he escorted her out.


    Christina, however, decided to stay back, nning to chat with Ellen that evening.


    On their way back home, Stephanie shared her thoughts with Vincent.


    ¡°Do you think Megan is approaching Christie with a purpose?¡±


    Vincent nodded thoughtfully, ¡°Megan is a few years older than Christie, why would she reach out to her without a reason? Megan grew up in the entertainment industry, which can be quite cutthroat, and she has aplex mind from growing up in the Jimenez family. She wouldn¡¯t befriend someone without a good reason, Christie is young and still in high school, so two people with nomon interests wouldn¡¯t naturally interact. Megan might have a deliberate motive to get close to Christie, trying to gain something from her. After all that¡¯s happened, we need to be cautious.¡±


    Stephanie agreed with Vincent¡¯s analysis. They couldn¡¯t know for sure why Megan wanted to get close to Christina, but actions reveal true intentions, right?


    Staying alert was the best approach.


    Upon reaching home, Vincent sat with her on the couch and handed over the share transfer agreement to Stephanie.


    Stephanie was shocked as it involved assets worth billions.


    Vincent yfully poked her cheek, ¡°Why so surprised?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m surprised. This is not a small amount.¡±


    ¡°In my heart, you are priceless.¡± Vincent took out another agreement from his ck briefcase.


    Stephanie trembled as she read it, ¡°You. you did this¡­¡±


    Vincent enveloped her in his arms, ¡°I want to gift you all my personal assets. It¡¯s not an impulsive decision, but one I¡¯ve been contemting for a while. It will take some time to settle due to the extensive assets,¡±


    Extensive assets?


    Like, insanely wealthy?


    Stephanie bit her lip, ¡°Vincent, I have money.¡±


    ¡°I know you do, but I want to give it to you. Everything I have is yours. This can also be your protection. In case I ever wrong you, it would be my punishment to lose everything¡±


    Vincent¡¯s words were earnest. Stephanie chuckled, ¡°Then you won¡¯t wrong me, will you?¡±


    Vincent gazed into her eyes. ¡°How could I?¡±


    ¡°Alright then, I won¡¯t ept¡­ Stephanie said.


    Chapter 113


    Vincent ced a pen in her hand and made her sign her name on the agreement. ¡°This is my sincerity in marrying you, Stephie. Give me some time, and we¡¯ll have a wedding.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s lips curved up as she leaned in to kiss his thin lips. ¡°Okay.¡±


    A week flew by, and Stephanie, along with Julianna, arrived at the entertainmentpany with her sketches, ready to meet with Gideon. They wanted to see if the sketches were suitable for the uing movie.


    If there were any suggestions or modifications needed, they aimed to make them deliberately.


    If everything was suitable, they nned to expedite the production within a week, finishing in just half a month, so as not to dy the film crew¡¯sunch ceremony.


    Madeline rushed over after finishing a lipstick ad shoot to join Stephanie.


    In the conference room, Gideon and the producer looked at the twenty sketches and praised them.


    Gideon remarked, ¡°Truly worthy of being a top designer from Starlight Design Studio. The designs are elegant and stylish, exactly what we need. Let¡¯s go with these. We also need costumes for the supporting roles, about a dozen.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°As Madeline and I discussed before, I designed the lead roles first. In about a week, we will work diligently to have everything ready.¡±


    The producer nervously asked about the costs, ¡°Would a budget of 2 million dors be enough?¡±


    Stephanie smiled, ¡°That works.¡±


    Julianna added, ¡°This is a special favor for you all, considering Madeline¡¯s involvement. Stephie has been designing tirelessly day and night this past week, and she will continue to be involved in cutting and sewing for another week. Each dress will require special embroidery and patterns, so don¡¯t think 2 million dors is too expensive.¡±


    Gideon and the producer hastily assured them that they understood.


    Julianna continued, ¡°It¡¯s essential to rify certain things beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings during our coboration.¡±


    Madeline agreed, ¡°Yes, some things need to be made clear upfront, so there won¡¯t be any disagreementster on due to prices or other issues.¡±


    Gideon immediately had the contracts brought out, prepared two copies and proceeded to sign them officially.


    After signing, Madeline looked at Gideon. ¡°Hasn¡¯t the role of the third female lead been finalized yet?¡±


    Gideon said, ¡°No, the actress who was initially selected had a scandal emerge, so we had to find a recement. But finding the right fit is proving challenging, so we¡¯re still in the process of casting.¡±


    Madeline inquired, ¡°What about Megan?¡±


    Gideon naturally wanted to give her some respect. ¡°Isn¡¯t taking the role of the third female lead a bit beneath Ms. Jimenez?¡±


    Madeline smiled, ¡°No. She quite likes the character, so she asked me to check with you if you have any suitable candidates in mind. If not, she¡¯d like to give it a shot¡±


    Gideon replied, ¡°We would be delighted to have her!


    After signing the contract, Madeline invited Stephanie and Julianna to dinner, and the three of them chatted andughed.


    Someone captured this scene and it spread around.


    10:40 Sat, 1 Jun TO.


    Chapter 113


    In the room, Megan watched the three of themughing and smiling, and found it very ring


    77%


    O


    The movie they were shooting was about the Nationalist period, with a lot of gunfights and explosions scenes. Maybe this was a great opportunity!


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    After a week of working day and night, theypleted thirty-five sets of dresses.


    When the crew members saw these beautiful dresses, their eyes couldn¡¯t help but light up.


    The design, craftsmanship, and materials were all top-notch, even the button knots were exquisitely made.


    A good movie is not just about the actors and the plot, but also about the costumes and props.


    Madeline was the leadingdy, so she had many dresses, and she couldn¡¯t help but admire each exquisite one. ¡°Stephie, your designs are truly amazing. even better than Star¡¯s at Starlight Design Studio. But I also appreciate Star¡¯s designs. Honestly, your design styles are quite simr.¡±


    Stephanie was about to reveal that she was Star, but then she saw Sabrina, who she had kicked out of the design studio before, walking over


    Sabrina greeted Madeline


    e first, then smiled and said, ¡°Ms. Fletcher.¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly.


    Back then, Sabrina was fired from Star Studio because she badmouthed Stephanie behind her back with Ivy. But since she had already left Starlight Design Studio, Stephanie didn¡¯t see the need to hold a grudge against her.


    Sabrina fidgeted with her fingers, ¡°Ms. Fletcher, I¡¯m now helping the actors with fittings on the set. Other design studios don¡¯t want me because of that


    Incident.¡±


    Stephanie replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t sabotage you on the set.¡±


    Sabrina looked guilty, ¡°Ms. Fletcher, can you please overlook my past mistakes? I know I was wrong. I¡¯ll change, can you let mee back to Starlight Design Studio? The Studio is my lifelong dream. After being expelled, my whole life felt gloomy, Ms. Fletcher, can you give me another chance?¡±


    Stephanie raised her hand to stop her from speaking further, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I always hold grudges.¡±


    Sabrina¡¯s eyes welled up, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know my words were harsh, but I truly realize my mistake. Can you forgive me, please?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s your responsibility to know your mistake, but you can¡¯t expect that apologizing means automatic forgiveness. Hope you learn from this, and stop spreading rumors behind others¡¯ backs.¡±


    With that, she and Madeline headed to the dressing room for fittings.


    Sabrina watched their backs, feeling full of sorrow.


    She believed Stephanie would speak ill of her to Madeline and spread the news of her expulsion from Starlight Design Studio.


    She bit her lower lip hard, feeling deeply humiliated.


    At that moment, Megan walked past Sabrina, ¡°Why beg for mercy from someone with a heart of stone?¡±


    Sabrina was about to respond when she noticed a note in her hand.


    Megan said, ¡°There are many eyes around, go back and read it.¡±


    Sabrina recognized it was from the Megan of the Jimenez family. She didn¡¯t understand Megan¡¯s meaning, but she knew she must have some value in someone¡¯s eyes.


    10:40 Sat, 1 Jun


    Chapter 114


    She discreetly tucked the note away, acting as if nothing had happened and left.


    Today, the film crew had their opening ceremony. The director, producers, screenwriters, supervisors, all the actors, and crew members gathered for the ceremony.


    Stephanie was also there, finding it quite novel as she had never experienced something like this before.


    Previously, at Florence¡¯s concert, she saw the staff gathering to celebrate, but she could only silently stand at the back and feel the joy from afar.


    When it came to taking photos, Madeline was the female lead and stood in the front row.


    She noticed Stephanie standing at the back, so she pulled her to the front row and sandwiched her in between herself and the male lead, the popr star Julius Xanthos.


    Julius was familiar with Stephanie since her stories had been all over the inte for the past three months.


    He joked, ¡°I wonder if my position here will upset Mr. Fletcher?¡±


    Stephanie smiled softly, ¡°It won¡¯t.¡±


    Julius smiled warmly, ¡°On closer inspection, your nose and mouth look a bit like Madeline¡¯s.¡±


    Madeline grinned, ¡°Of course, beautifuldies have simr charms.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes curved with a smile, realizing there was indeed a slight resemnce.


    Standing on the other side of Madeline, Megan felt a wave of apprehension and nervousness upon hearing their conversation.


    If Madeline suspected anything between Madeline and Stephanie, she might even go as far as to do a paternity test, and that would be the end of


    everything.


    Madeline looked over and noticed Megan¡¯s pale face, ¡°Meg, are you okay?¡±


    Struggling to put on a smile, Megan replied, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just the hot weather.¡±


    It was early August,monly known as the ¡°Indian summer¡± in this season-cool in the early morning andte evening, but scorching hot at noon.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Madeline asked with concern, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go rest under the shade of the umbre? You don¡¯t have any scenes today, so you can go home early!¡±


    Stephanie gently ced her fingertips on Megan¡¯s pulse, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking. Have you been having trouble sleepingtely?¡±


    Megan was taken aback. She didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to hit the nail on the head. She nodded, ¡°Yes, actually. I¡¯ve been rehearsing lines at night and immersing myself in the characters¡± emotions,¡±


    Stephanie smiled faintly, ¡°Then you should rest well. Otherwise, it might affect your performance on set.¡±


    Curious, Megan asked, ¡°You know some medical skills as well?¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°Just a little.¡±


    Megan was surprised by Stephanie¡¯s wide range of knowledge, even possessing medical skills.


    No wonder Florence lost so miserably. It was not only her own shorings but also the formidable strength of her opponent.


    Megan gave a sincere smile. ¡°Stephie, you are truly outstanding, knowledgeable in so many areas.¡±


    77%


    Chapter 114


    Stephanie smiled in response.


    ¡°Everyone, look towards the front!¡± shouted the photographers and cameramen, ¡°Shout ¡®Dark War¡¯ will be a huge sess!¡±


    The crowd echoed the phrase, capturing brilliant smiles in the photos.


    Netizens couldn¡¯t help but admire the powerful cast and professional crew of this movie.


    Later, the director instructed the assistant to post the stunning photos of Madeline wearing the dress from the movie, crediting Stephanie from Starlight Design Studio for the design.


    Once this news spread, positive reviews flooded in.


    Many praised the movie as a conscientious production. With such detailed attention even to the costumes, they were all eager to show their supportin the theaters.


    Someizens


    seven shipped a rtionship between Stephanie and Julius.


    [Stephanie is so beautiful! Standing next to Madeline, they look like sisters. Can Stephanie debut in the entertainment industry?]


    [Stephanie and Julius make a perfect match. Handsome man and beautiful woman, I ship them!]


    [I support the idea of Stephanie debuting, even if she doesn¡¯t, can she at least sing the theme song for the movie?]


    [Agree!]


    [Agree!]


    After praying to G o d, Gideon¡¯s attention was caught by thements fromizens, focusing on Stephanie.


    He hurriedly walked over, rubbing his hands together, ¡°We would like to invite you to sing the theme song, you can name your price.¡±


    Stephanie hadn¡¯t been working on any creative projects for the past few months, and now she felt a bit eager to get back into it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make


    ake it a friendly price of 200 thousand dors, and I¡¯ll handle both the lyrics and music production.¡±


    uas


    Gideon couldn¡¯t close his mouth from smiling. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic! I¡¯ll send you a scriptter for you to review.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay,¡±


    As soon as Stephanie agreed, Gideon had his assistant release the news.


    As expected, this news instantly caused a stir.


    After themotions with the previous scandals, many thought it would take a while to hear new songs from Stephanie, but they were surprised it came


    30 soon.


    [Oh my, I feel like crying! My idol is releasing a new song!!


    [When will Stephanie hold a concert? I really want to hear her sing in front of a hundred thousand people in a stadium!]


    [Florence, that b**h, took away Stephanie¡¯s glory/This time, it¡¯s alling backi


    [Florence really knows nothing. How could she shamelessly im all those honors belonged to her before?


    Chapter 114


    At this moment, Florence was hiding in a rented apartment, looking at thements fromizens, and she was absolutely furious.


    She hadn¡¯t done anything, yet she was being dragged out for public scrutiny. She was on the brink of exploding with anger.


    She wanted to throw away her phone in frustration, but then she remembered that the 40,000 dors that Megan had given her wasn¡¯t enough for anything. So, she could only stomp her feet in frustration.


    She messaged Megan, ¡°When are you going to take action against that **h?¡±


    After sending the message, there was no response for a long time.


    Something felt off to Florence. She tried calling Megan, only to realize that she had been cked,


    ¡°D a m n it! They just want to get rid of me, without even considering giving me a chance for a heart transnt! If I don¡¯t live well, neither will you!¡±


    The opening ceremony was held in the morning, and in the afternoon, the film crew went into the intense shooting phase.


    Stephanie assisted Megan and other actresses with their fittings, making on-the-spot alterations for any ill-fitting outfits. The efficiency was high, and it didn¡¯t disrupt the shooting schedule.


    Because there was a night scene to shoot, Stephanie stayed until the very end.


    By the time they finished, it was almost 10 PM.


    Madeline took off her makeup. ¡°Stephie, Meg and I will give you a rideter.¡±


    Stephanie shook her phone, ¡°Vincent ising to pick me up. You two be safe on your way back.¡±


    Madeline and Megan agreed.


    Stephanie rushed out of the filming area towards the ck Maybach parked by the roadside.


    Zane opened the car door, and Stephanie hopped right in.


    A deep voice came from the man in the back seat. ¡°Stephie, are you nning to make it up to me tonight?¡±


    É«

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    The man in the back seat closed hisptop, looking at Stephanie, his thin lips curved as he spoke.


    Stephanie gazed at him, noticing the gold-rimmed sses perched on his high nose, giving him a restrained yet s**y look.


    She leaned closer, using her index and middle fingers to dance on his arm, moving along his arm up to his shoulder, neck, and then his handsome jawline before pinching it.


    Raising an eyebrow, she said, ¡°Excuse me, sir, who


    to your


    think you are to talk to me so lightly?¡±


    Vincent chuckled lightly, reached out to embrace her slender waist, and pulled her closer, ¡°I am your man.¡±


    As Zane opened the driver¡¯s side door, he overheard this exchange.


    He sat in and immediately raised the partition.


    Stephanie nced at him and chuckled softly, ¡°Mr. Quin, sorry about that.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s nose lightly brushed against her, ¡°Don¡¯t mind him.¡±


    Zane thought, ¡°I¡¯m just a tool!¡±


    Stephanieughed,¡± Mr. Quin must be in for a surprise knowing you¡¯re actually like this, Vincent.¡±


    ¡°What kind of Vincent am I?¡±


    Stephanie pondered, ¡°Looks serious on the outside, but not serious at all on the inside.¡±


    Vincent set aside hisptop, pulled Stephanie onto hisp, massaging the soft flesh at her waist with one hand, and toying with her fingers with the other, ¡°So, where am I not serious, ording to you?¡±


    Stephanie smirked, ¡°Like right now, when you¡¯re caressing me. That¡¯s not serious.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, this is,¡± Vincent¡¯s hand slipped under the edge of her ck T-shirt, slowly moving upwards, epassing her curvespletely, he whispered by her ear, ¡°Not! Serious!¡±


    His hot breath tickled Stephanie¡¯s ear, sending a wave of tingling sensations throughout her body, making her go weak at the knees.


    ¡°Vincent, you shouldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t what?¡± Vincent adored her aroused expression, his husky voice dripping with desire, ¡°Tell me


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this in the car, wait until we get home..¡±


    Vincent tilted her chin up, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.


    Stephanie knew she had neglected him for almost half a month, which was why he sought herpensation.


    She willingly wrapped her hands around his neck, pressing her body against his.


    Since they were in the car, Vincent restrained himself.


    His breath was ragged as he traced the girl¡¯s crimson lips with his fingertips, gazing into her misty eyes, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing.


    Chapter 115


    ¡°Be good, I¡¯ll let you have me when we get home.¡±


    Stephanie scolded him yfully,ughing. ¡°You¡¯re shameless!¡±


    ¡°Shameless?¡± Vincent lowered his head to nibble lightly on her neck and grazed his teeth gently, ¡°Am I toothless?¡±


    Stephanie lightly thumped his chest, ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    Vincent chuckled softly, holding her tightly, ¡°Stephie, I¡¯ve missed you so much these past few weeks.¡±


    For most of this


    of this half month, she had been sleeping in the design studio. Even when she returned home, she would stay up until one or two in the morning before finally sleeping, theh wake up around six to rush back to the studio.


    Vincent could only embrace her for a few hours¡¯ sleep, despite having many romantic thoughts in his mind. However, once Stephanie touched the pillow, she would drift off to sleep, and he didn¡¯t have the heart to disturb her.


    He breathed in the faint pear scent on her, feeling all the restlessness in his heart dissipate.


    Stephanie held onto him tightly as well, I miss you too, but you know, I have to prepare the theme song for the movie.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s body tensed, looking at her sternly, ¡°So you¡¯re going to ignore me again to workte into the night?¡±


    ¡°Oh, more than just workingte nights, I also have to travel for inspiration.¡±


    Upon hearing the word ¡°travel, Vincent furrowed his brow instantly, ¡°You want to travel to find inspiration?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what do you think?¡±


    Vincent understood how important singing was to Stephanie. As a vocal stand-in before, Stephanie had been quietly working behind the scenes. Now that the truth was out, she still hadn¡¯t had a chance to step onto the stage.


    He gave a slight nod. ¡°As long as you are happy, Stephie, I¡¯m fine with it¡±


    Stephanie chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re truly full of contradictions,¡±


    Swinging her long legs yfully, she teased, ¡°Uncle Vincent, you¡¯re saying that so reluctantly! I¡¯m just teasing you. I¡¯m not going anywhere!¡±


    Vincent squinted his eyes. ¡°What did you call me?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Vincent! Uncle Vincent!¡± Stephanie repeated.


    ¡°Stephie, so you like that nickname!¡± he said.


    Stephanie felt like she had gone too far with her teasing. ¡°Uh, I was just joking with you.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes darkened like sable, a yful smile tugging at his lips, ¡°I really like this joke.¡±


    Stephanie faintly felt that she was not going to have a good night, and indeed it turned out to be so.


    As soon as they entered the door, Vincent stood up from his wheelchair and pressed her against the wall


    With his hands intertwined above his head, Vincent searched for her lips, ¡°Baby, say uncle one more time. Hmm?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyshes trembled, ¡°Do you have some special fetish? Are you going to make me call you daddy?¡±


    Chapter 115


    A softugh escaped Vincent¡¯s nose, ¡°If you¡¯re willing, you can.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to¡­¡±


    The rest of her words were swallowed by the man into his belly. He never left her side, kissing every sensitive spot on her body.


    If it weren¡¯t for his arms supporting her, Stephanie would probably have copsed to the ground long ago.


    walked


    Vincent picked her up and walked into the bedroom while continuing to kiss her.


    The silver moonlight spilled all over the floor, two figures entwined closely together.


    At some point, the imprints of their intertwined hands were left on the floor-to-ceiling window.


    Vincent nibbled on her back and neck, causing Stephanie to arch her back in difort, letting out a soft moan.


    ¡°Baby, call me uncle.¡±


    At Urst, Stephanie refused to call him that, but eventually she had no choice but toply before the man released her.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    As Vincent looked at the tears in her eyes, he felt both satisfied and guilty.


    Stephanie mumbled with her mouth, and he leaned closer to listen,


    He heard her murmur, ¡°I want to go traveling, not be with you, uncle.¡±


    Vincent chuckled softly. It seemed that he had really worn the little girl out this time. She was preparing to run away from home.


    He took her into the bathroom for a bath, dried her hair afterward, and then embraced her as they fell asleep.


    At the same time,


    in an apartment.


    Sabrina took out a note from her pocket with a senes of numbers on it


    She dialed the number and waited for the other side to pick up.


    After a few rings, the person on the other end answered, ¡°Sabrina?¡±


    Sabrina replied with a sound of agreement, ¡°Are you Ms. Jimenez?¡±


    Sabrina asked, ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    Megan chuckled, ¡°You called seeking my protection and assistance<b>, </b>didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Sabrina chuckled back, ¡°Indeed, but if there¡¯s anything I can do to assist Ms. Jimenez, I¡¯ll go to great lengths for it, I¡¯d even brave dangerous situations.¡±


    ¡°400 thousand dors,¡± Sabrina said.


    Upon hearing the amount, Sabrina¡¯s eyes lit up, but <b>she </b>knew there would be conditions attached to receiving this money. Ms. Jimenez, <b>you </b>name it, <b>as </b>long as it¡¯s within my capabilities.¡±


    Chapter 115


    Megan shared her idea with a smile.


    Sabrina¡¯s smile gradually faded, ¡°This¡­ this is illegal


    Megan didn¡¯t push. ¡°I can <b>give </b>you time to think about it. But if you leak this¡­¡±


    Sabrina hurriedly reassured, ¡°I will absolutely not disclose it. You can trust me.¡±


    I¡¯ll be waiting for your call.¡± Megan said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± After hanging up the phone, Sabrina felt uneasy. She didn¡¯t want to get involved in this matter, as it could lead to serious consequences that she couldn¡¯t handle.


    On the other end, Megan scoffed. ¡°Such a waste of space!¡±


    She dialed another number. ¡°I need your help.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±

 Chapter 116

    <b>Chapter </b>116


    The morning sun shone through the curtains, teasing Stephanie¡¯s eyes open. To her immediate surprise, there was Vincent, gazing deeply at her with love¨Cdrenched eyes. ¡°Awake?¡± he murmured.


    Instinctively, Stephanie scooted backwards, panic setting in. But Vincent smoothly pulled her into his embrace, his warmth flooding over her, setting her cheeks ame and her heart racing


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to get to the set soon, can¡¯t bete,¡± she pleaded gently.


    He responded with a soft ¡°Hmm,¡± while his hand trailed over her smooth back with deliberate strokes that threatened to fray her sanity. His voice was gentle as silk. ¡°Stephie, did you enjoyst night?¡±


    Biting her lower lip nervously, she tried to resist the seduction of his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t talk,¡± she begged.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Vincent conceded, his fingers teasing her lips apart. His fingertips grazed her gently. ¡°I won¡¯t speak¨Cjust act.¡± Rolling over, he pinned her beneath him, ¡°Stephie, you agreed to make it up to me.¡± Before she could even ponder when she had agreed to any arrangement, his kiss imed her, ending conversations and thoughts alike. By the time the waves of their passion had ebbed, Stephaniey exhausted, not moving on the bed.


    Her phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand. ncing at it, she <b>saw </b>it was Julianna calling. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m at the set, so where are you?¡±


    With a slightly hoarse voice, Stephanie confessed, ¡°I¡¯ll bete.¡±


    Julianna clicked her tongue in disapproval<b>, </b>¡°Another wild night?¡±


    Heat flushed Stephanie¡¯s cheeks, ¡°Not at all¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Julianna chuckled knowingly, ¡°Can you even get out of bed? Take it easy at home.¡±


    Listening to the shower in the bathroom, Stephanie felt a tinge of annoyance. She swung her legs out of bed, only to find them wobbling beneath her


    Julianna, hearing Stephanie¡¯s hiss of difort, teased, ¡°Is it like one of those steamy novels where you can¡¯t stand without clutching the walls?¡±


    With flushed cheeks, Stephanie replied, ¡°Stop reading that stuff. It¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m just going to work on my designs for the uing International Golden Finger Contest.¡±


    Julianna approved, then couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°So was it really that mind¨Cblowing?¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips, ¡°Not mind¨Cblowing, just¡­ painfully <b>intense</b>.¡± And with that, she hung up.


    Looking up, she met Vincent¡¯s half¨Clidded gaze. ¡°Painful?¡± <b>he </b>inquired.


    Wishing the ground would swallow her whole, she stammered, ¡°No, not at all.¡±


    Vincent stood only in a towel, his damp <b>hair </b>partially obscuring his sharp features, which softened without their usual cold edge. His gaze was deep; a perfect nose, sculpted lips, with a physique to rival international models¨Csexy andpelling. He stepped closer, bending slightly, ¡°Stephie, I heard.¡±


    ¡°It <b>was </b>great, okay? Julianna was just teasing me,¡± she retorted defensively.


    ¡°Oh?¡± His fingertip lifted her chin, and he kissed her lips lightly. ¡°Good, But if you ever speak like that again, you won¡¯t leave this bed for three <b>days</b>.¡± Her eyshes fluttered as she inhaled sharply, then hurried into the bathroom.


    Vincent¡¯s chuckle filled the room, ¡°Need help washing up?¡±


    Chapter 116


    ÃÜ76%


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± she shouted behind the <b>closed </b>door.


    He shook his head, his eyes filled with gentle humor, and pulling on casual clothes, Vincent headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for his girl.


    Stephanie was standing in front of the mirror, inspecting the love bites that covered her body. She thought, Vincent is such a dog! How much foundation will it take to cover these up? Argh, so annoying!¡±


    After soaking in a hot bath and calming her nerves, Stephanie stepped out of the bathroom only to see Vincent holding a hairdryer, giving her a sly smile. He approached her with a warm embrace, guiding her to sit at the vanity and started to gently blow¨Cdry her hair. His fingers brushed through her locks, sending a tickling sensation that made her shiver slightly. ¡°Stephie, ami good at this?¡± Vincent asked, his voice soft and yful.


    His question abruptly reminded her of a moment earlier when he had traced a path down her abdomen and looked up to ask, ¡°Stephie, am I doing well?¡±


    Her cheeks flushed crimson. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯m going out for a meal.¡± Rushing out of the room, she could hear Vincent¡¯s teasingughter trailing behind her. She had never imagined that after getting intimate, Vincent would turn out to be this yful.


    After breakfast, Stephanie took the opportunity to prepare for a bigpetition. She dived into her study, while Vincent retreated to another room to deal withpany paperwork.


    The International Golden Finger Contest varied its requirements each year. Last year it <b>was </b>about designing evening gowns, but this year, participants were asked toe up with autumn wear. Stephanie was thrilled, <b>especially </b>since September was the prime time forunching the fall collection. Securing first ce would eliminate the need for a marketing push, allowing for an increase in price and a surge in sales. She had an affinity for designing dresses, and this time, she hoped to incorporate elements of the traditional dress into her fall collection. It was an innovation and a way to showcase the beauty of the country¡¯s culture to the world. Absorbed in her sketches, she never noticed when Vincent silently entered the room and leaned against the door frame, watching her work with a fond gaze.


    Stephanie was incredibly focused until shepleted fifteen drafts in one go and finally noticed Vincent watching her with affection. Strolling over, he picked up the sketches and flicked through them. ¡°My Stephie is a real design genius. Blending elements of a traditional dress into contemporary fashion without it looking out of ce, <b>but </b>rather fresh and unique.¡±


    Hearing hisvish <b>praise</b>, Stephanie¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°Vincent, you¡¯ve got quite an eye.¡±


    ¡°Vincent? Weren¡¯t they enough for you?¡± He teased, lifting her off the chair and nting a kiss on her lips. ¡°It¡¯s past three in the afternoon; we haven¡¯t had lunch. Wanna go grab a bite together?¡±


    ¡°Sure, what should we eat?¡±


    <b>¡°</b>Whatever <b>you </b>want.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m craving Crab Rangoon.


    Vincent thought for a moment, ¡°The ce on West Avenue has killer Crab Rangoon, We <b>can </b>pick some up and maybe grab some other things while we¡¯re


    out.¡±


    ¡°Other things?¡± she asked.


    He whispered in her <b>ear</b>, and Stephanie yfully hit him, ¡°Ever heard of self¨Ccontrol?¡± Clearly, Vincent knew the concept of self¨Ccontrol all too well¨Che just chose not to follow it.


    Armored against the world with masks and gloves, they drove to the lobster roll eatery, packed up their Crab Rangoon, and were on their way. Passing by a convenience store, Vincent hopped out to grab a box of condoms. Stephanie watched as he returned, a full box in his arms, leaving her flustered and feeling a sudden weakness in her knees.


    Once he was back in the <b>car</b>, she asked, ¡°How many did you buy?¡±


    ¡°A whole boxful,¡± Vincent replied nonchntly.


    Chapter 116


    ¡°<b>What</b>?¡± she was shocked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They¡¯ll be gone before you know it,¡± he said.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± she was speechless.


    <b>Amid </b>Stephanie¡¯s astonishment, Vincent steered the car back home.


    They noticed they were being tailed and took a few winding detours before safely arriving back home. To their dismay, they found out that a photo <b>of </b>Vincent buying condoms had blown up online. Of course, the person taking the heat was Graham. Although the photo was quickly pulled down, the buzz had already started to swell.


    Graham called Vincent immediately. ¡°ying the big shot, huh? A box?¡±


    Vincent smirked, ¡°You won¡¯t be experiencing this kind of pleasure for a while.¡±


    With his tongue clicking against his mr, Graham retorted, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯ve just realized you¡¯re <b>a </b>real piece of work!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for thepliment.¡±


    Graham was speechless.


    As soon as Graham hung up, he received a call from his mom, Deborah, ¡°Graham, are you already with Julianna? Then get married fast! What¡¯s with waiting two more months to get engaged? Tie the knot and have a baby¨CI and your father have been waiting for this for ages!¡°¨C


    Graham massaged his temples, ¡°Wait a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Why wait, son? You¡¯re not up to any good, don¡¯t want to take responsibility for Julianna? That settles it then. I¡¯ll talk to Julianna¡¯s mom about the dowry, we¡¯ll set a wedding date. You¡¯ll go through all the motions¨Cfrom engagement photos to picking out a wedding dress and a ring. We¡¯re not skipping a thing!¡±


    Graham couldn¡¯t get <b>a </b>word in edgewise before the call ended.


    Meanwhile, Julianna was on the other end, also receiving a call from her mother, Fiona. Julianna, busy on set, hadn¡¯t caught the news until her mother


    filled her in.


    Fiona stated, ¡°Julia, since you and Graham have reached this point, you should just get married. Your father and I will prepare for it¡­¡±


    Julianna quickly <b>saw </b>an opportunity to escape an unwanted engagement¨Cthis was the break she was looking for! ¡°Hold on, Mom. You¡¯ve <b>got </b>it all wrong. Graham and I haven¡¯t done anything. Who he uses those condoms with, I have no clue.¡°¡±


    <b>¡°</b>What? Graham¡¯s cheating?¡± Deborah¡¯s voice rose in a mix of shock and anger.


    Julianna sniffled for effect, ¡°Exactly, Mom. He¡¯s not the good guy you think he is. You¡¯ve been pushing us together, but what am supposed to do with a Guy like that?¡±


    Fiona fumed, ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to the Whitlock family right now for an exnation.¡±


    Julianna grinned to herself, ¡°Gotcha, Mr. Whitlock. Let¡¯s see you talk your way out of this one!¡±


    Jun

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    Stephanie was in the middle of devouring the crab that Vincent had meticulously peeled for her when she learned that Graham had been made the scapegoat once again. She couldn¡¯t help but burst into uncontrobleughter, ¡°Forgive me for giggling at someone else¡¯s misfortune,¡±


    Vincent continued peeling crab with methodical grace, a sight so pleasing it could steal your breath away. ¡°A friend is someone you¡¯d take a knife for,¡± he quipped.


    ¡°Yeah right,¡± Stephanie said amidst fits ofughter, ¡°I can just picture Graham saying, ¡®A friend is someone who stabs me in the back.!¡±


    Vincent, watching Stephanie howl withughter, gently brought a peeled crayfish to her lips, ¡°Then I guess I should set him up a few more times in the future.¡±


    Stephanie paused for a moment, her expression turning serious, ¡°I wonder if Julianna will get grilled at home about this?¡± Having been too caught up in theughter, she quickly wiped her hands with a napkin and grabbed her phone to give Julianna a call. On the other end, Julianna was boasting to Stephanie about how she¡¯d sessfully tricked Graham when his deep voice suddenly interrupted their call. ¡°Excuse me, I need to have a word with


    Julianna,¡±


    ????????????


    Staring at her hung-up phone, Stephanie raised her eyes towards Vincent, ¡°Julianna won¡¯t get into any trouble, will she?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s smile was subtle as he reassured, ¡°She should be fine.¡±


    Stephanie let out a relieved ¡®oh, but then Vincent continued, ¡°The worst that could happen is they end up married.¡±


    Stephanie coughed violently at his remark-this seemed a little too serious forfort. She wondered how Julianna was going to handle the situation.


    Meanwhile, Julianna found herself being scooped into Graham¡¯s car, his arm around her waist. ¡°Just a talk?¡±


    Julianna pried his hand off, ¡°Stop taking advantage of me!¡±


    Graham let out a softugh, ¡°You spread rumors about me, shouldn¡¯t you be responsible? Otherwise, I¡¯ll just reveal that the guy in the picture is Vincent.¡± If this news broke, Vincent¡¯s rehabilitation would no longer be a secret.


    Julianna¡¯s eyes went wide, ¡°You


    ¡°You¡¯re threatening me? Vincent is your friend, how c


    can you betray your best friend like that?¡±


    Graham raised an eyebrow, ¡°When I¡¯m crazy, I don¡¯t even spare myself.¡± The corner of Julianna¡¯s mouth twitched. She wondered that this guy must be out of his mind.


    He took a cigarette out of the pocket of his suit jacket, ced it between his lips, and clicked open the lighter. The orange-blue me flickered as he lit the cigarette, and he drew a deep breath before blowing smoke rings into the air. Julianna eyed his handsome profile and couldn¡¯t help but feel there was something undeniably s**y about this moment,


    Marry me.


    Just get married like that? What about my pride? Besides, marriage isn¡¯t child¡¯s y. If I get married and then divorced, it¡¯ll be my second marriage.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it worth it for Stephanie?¡± Graham countered, waiting for Julianna¡¯s response. Julianna¡¯s mouth opened, but no words came out. He had found her weak spot.


    Graham rolled down the car window, tapped his finger holding the cigarette through the window, ¡°You have five seconds to think. Five, four, three, two, one!¡± He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant, ¡°On behalf of Whitlock Group, release a statement that the person in the photo is-¡±


    Julianna s n a t h e d the phone and hung up, ¡°Fine, marriage it is! But we¡¯re getting a prenup!¡±


    Graham asked, ¡°What kind of prenup?¡±


    201


    Chapter 117


    ¡°Let me think,¡± Julianna replied.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Graham said, ¡°but we¡¯re getting married first.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    As Julianna looked on in bewilderment, Graham reached back and grabbed a document bag from the rear seat. ¡°All our documents and paperwork are h¨¨re; we¡¯re going to get married now.¡±


    Julianna was totally bbergasted, ¡°Wait, how can it be thisst?¡±


    Graham extinguished his cigarette and tossed it into the ashtray. Starting the car, he headed straight for the city hall,


    Julianna was utterly confused until two marriage licenses appeared in her hands. ¡°Is this¡­ we¡¯re married?¡± she asked in disbelief.


    No sparks of courtship, no whirlwind romances, no grand proposals-nothing-and just like that, she was considered a married woman. Julianna pouted with a mix of frustration and disappointment, ¡°Just like that, my first marriage is out the window?¡±


    Graham took the marriage license from her, opened it, and nced at the serious photo of himself and the somewhat dazed Julianna. His lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile as he took a photo with his phone and sent it to his assistant to make the official announcement. The assistant promptly broadcasted the joyful news of their union under the name of the Whitlock Group.


    The rumor-m n g e r s who had been eagerly watching were instantly silenced. There was nothing wrong with a legit couple bulk-buying condoms. It just shows Graham¡¯s vitality. Using it with his own wife was not against thew. Everyone dispersed, the drama they anticipated turning into thin air.


    Julianna¡¯s brows furrowed, finding it hard to digest the news, looking at the updates. She was now a married woman. ¡°I want a prenup,¡± she stated, her


    lips pursing tightly.


    Graham nodded, ¡°Sure. You talk, I¡¯ll remember.¡±


    Julianna, discontent, shot back, ¡°I have a lot of demands. Shouldn¡¯t you be noting them down?¡±


    ¡°My memory¡¯s solid, go on,¡± he assured her.


    Julianna rattled off a list, ¡°Remembered everything?¡±


    Graham replied, ¡°Remembered, but two things need tweaking¡±


    ¡°Which two?¡± she demanded.


    ¡°First, I want us to live together after marriage; second, I want a real marriage, the substantial kind. Revise that,¡± he exined.


    Julianna¡¯s eyes widened as she crossed her arms in front of her as if fending off a p e e r t. ¡°No way! I disagree!¡±


    olding the marriage license, Graham retorted, ¡°It¡¯s legal.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me! Thew also says you can¡¯t force me! Our stic pretend marriage might just end any time now!¡±


    Graham arched an eyebrow, ¡°The Whitlock family spouse column lists ¡®widowed, never ¡®divorced.¡±


    It was then that Julianna realized she might¡¯ve been yed. But it was toote, she was shackled by marriage.


    Graham cupped her chin, his eyes smiling d


    at her, ¡°Hello, Mrs, Whitlock.¡±


    Julianna found herself whisked away to the Millennium Hotel by Graham, where both families gathered to celebrate the asion,Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    elby


    Chapter 117


    ¼Ò76%•þ


    Unable to sit still, Julianna stepped out with her phone to call Stephanie. ¡°Stephie, Graham and I got our marriage certificate.¡±


    Stephanie, taken aback, had been focused on her designs and missed the news about the marriage certificate. ¡°You actually went through with it?¡±


    Julianna blinked, ¡°Did you predict this?¡±


    ¡°Vincent mentioned it, but I thought you¡¯d refuse.¡±


    Frowning, Julianna expressed her skepticism, ¡°I feel like he¡¯s duping me. Seen any new movies? You think he¡¯s after the Saunders family fortune?¡±


    Stephanie responded, ¡°Julia, you might be overthinking. The Whitlock family seems to have way more clout than the Saunders family. But I¡¯m surprised you agreed to get the certificate.¡±


    Julianna concealed her feelings of being coerced, not wanting Stephanie to feel guilty, ¡°I just got carried away.¡±


    ¡°Did he threaten you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Julianna denied. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s talk more tomorrow.¡±


    Taking a deep breath and turning around, she found Graham standing behind her. He beckoned, ¡°Mrs. Whitlock?¡±


    Julianna huffed, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about taking advantage of me!¡± She strode past him in her high heels, her subtle fragrance lingering in the air, while Graham¡¯s lips curved upwards again.


    After hanging up. Stephanie headed to another room to find Vincent. ¡°Graham really did register the marriage with Julianna. Don¡¯t you think he was a bit rash?¡±


    Vincent pulled her into hisp, wrapping her arms around her, ¡°Graham is not an impulsive person. He¡¯s very deliberate in what he does. Maybe this is at good match after all?¡±


    After Vincent offered someforting words, Stephanie left his study.


    He quickly grabbed his phone and texted Graham, If you don¡¯t treat Julianna right, forget about being friends.]


    Graham was speechless.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    Stephanie and Vincent found themselves with an unexpected visitorte one night. Julianna stood fidgeting with the drawstring of her pajamas at the entrance. She winked at Stephanie and then turned to Vincent, ¡°Um, can I borrow Stephie for the night?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s face turned dark as a storm cloud at her words. He turned to Graham, who had followed Julianna Inside, ¡°Why did you two evene here?¡±


    Pressing his fingertips to his temples, Graham replied, ¡°Julianna and I just got our marriage certificate, so we moved out to live together. She suggested moving here, and who would¡¯ve thought that you guys lived here too, and just a floor apart.¡±


    Julianna stepped forward and looped her arm through Stephanie¡¯s, ¡°I don¡¯t care, I want to sleep with Stephie tonight.¡±


    Patting her hand, Stephanie agreed, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stay downstairs with you.¡±


    And so, Graham ended up staying at Stephanie¡¯s ce, exchanging looks with Vincent. They sat on the couch, nursing beers. Vincent shot him a cold nce. ¡°Quite the flop for a wedding night.¡±


    Graham took a deep breath, ¡°How could I have foreseen Julianna had such a scheme?¡±


    Vincent scoffed. ¡°Told you to take care of Julianna, and now she¡¯s whisked away my Stephie.¡±


    With a lin


    a light chuckle, Graham retorted, ¡°Don¡¯t act all deprived-it¡¯s bad for your health.¡±


    Vincent frowned, ¡°How long do you think this willst?¡±


    Graham just shook his head, ¡°Can¡¯t say for sure!¡±


    Vincent looked at him squarely, serious as could be, ¡°You have three days to sort this out, or our friendship¡¯s over,¡±


    Graham just sighed.


    Downstairs, Julianna and Stephanie sat on a white carpet beside the coffee table. Julianna, who had barely ea


    eaten at dinner, felt ravenous and had ordered some food. Sheined while devouring them, ¡°Graham, that jerk, actually wanted us to move in together and act like a real couple. But I am not some pushover for him to take advantage of. He¡¯s not gonna get any advantages on me, no way!¡±


    Watching her eat like a pufferfish, Stephanie arched an eyebrow, ¡°So, if you don¡¯t like him, why did you get the certificate?¡±


    Caught off guard, Julianna realized she¡¯d just hinted at theplex nature of her rtionship with Graham. There had to be a special reason she didn¡¯t marry Graham willingly. Julianna dodged the question, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    But Stephanie pressed, ¡°If it¡¯s nothing, then what¡¯s the reason?¡±


    After swallowing a mouthful of food and taking a sip of juice, Julianna said, ¡°He proposed, and I figured why not? With his looks, brains, and family background, he¡¯s top-notch across the country. It¡¯s not a bad deal for me. But the thought of getting too real with the marriage stuff makes me nervous.¡±


    dared not spill the b


    the beans about Graham¡¯s threatening gesture, because Stephanie would definitely eliminate Graham for her, and since Graham was Vincent¡¯s friend, it would unavoidably affect Stephanie and Vincent¡¯s rtionship. Stephanie and Vincent had such a hard time getting together after all Vincent had been through for her, even ending up in a wheelchair. She couldn¡¯t possibly drag down her dear Stephanie.


    Squinting her eyes, Stephanie tried to spot any lies on Julianna¡¯s face, but Julianna was great at hiding her feelings. ¡°Of course it¡¯s true, it¡¯s my first time after all, so I¡¯m nervous. People always say it hurts like heck the first time, is that true?¡±


    Concerned that Julianna was afraid of marriage, Stephanie reassured her, ¡°it¡¯s like being bitten by a mosquito, not painful stall.¡±


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    Chapter 118


    Julianna frowned. ¡°So, all that stuff in novels about searing pain¡­ that¡¯s all made up?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Stephanie nodded.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Julianna murmured.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± St¨¦phanie asked.


    Nibbling on a dumpling, Julianna said, ¡°Nothing, Stephie, can you hang out with me for a few more days?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Stephanie said.


    Julianna covered her mouth to hide her amusement. ¡°I can picture Vincent now, tossing and turning in bed, looking all pitiful because I stole you away.


    _ipeq os wi


    Stephanie thought about how she could finally get a good night¡¯s sleep and felt overjoyed. But she couldn¡¯t say anything so shamelessly in front of *Julianna, so she just smiled and said, ¡°Of course, you are always my number one!¡±


    Juljannaughed. ¡°That sounded so fake, but I love it.¡± They tidied up their meal boxes and went to freshen up, theny on the master bedroom¡¯s king- sized bed, chatting untilte into the night.


    When Julianna fell asleep, Stephanie checked her phone and found several messages from Vincent.


    [Are you asleep?]


    [I miss you.]


    [Can you not go to Julianna¡¯s ce tomorrow? I can¡¯t sleep without you.


    Remembering what Julianna had said earlier, Stephanie had to stifle augh, Julianna had hit the nail on the head. This time, Stephanie chose friendship over love, it was because she needed some sleep


    The two men in the rooms above, both stared out at the moon, feeling lonely and cold.


    The next morning. Stephanie made breakfast and brought it downstairs with Julianna.


    All four sat at the dining table, Stephanie and Julianna looking fresh, while Vincent and Graham seemed a bit worse for wear.


    After breakfast, Julianna and Graham went downstairs. No sooner had they entered than Graham pinned Julianna against the wall, a proximity she wasn¡¯t used to except for that one time under the influence of that drug. She caught her breath, her eyes wide with shock.


    Graham quirked a brow, ¡°Avoiding me, huh?¡±


    ¡°I could hardly breathe!¡± Julianna gasped.


    ¡°You stink, I can¡¯t breathe around you,¡± Julianna said, pushing him back.


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Graham questioned himself in disbelief.


    ¡°How could it not be?¡± Julianna pushed him aside and ran into the master bedroom, locking the door behind her,


    Graham then realized it was just one of Julianna¡¯s tricks. But it didn¡¯t bother him, after all, they already had their marriage certificate. She would eventually be his.


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    Chapter 118


    Meanwhile, feeling a bit guilty, Stephanie looked at Vincent and asked, ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    Vincent was unhappy. ¡°No¡±


    Stephanic approached him with a smile, ¡°Vincent. Don¡¯t be mad


    ¡°I texted youst night.¡±


    ¡°I was chatting with Julianna and didn¡¯t notice,¡± Stephanie kissed his lips gently, attempting to defuse his annoyance. ¡°Still mad?¡±


    How could Vincent stay mad at her? He hugged her tight, ¡°Even though you¡¯re right here, I still miss you so much.¡±


    ¡°Me too¡±


    ¡°So, don¡¯t go to stay with Julianna tonight, okay?¡± Vincent asked.


    No answer came from Stephanie, and Vincent already knew that tonight would be another round of staring matches with Graham. He felt that their mutual annoyance had reached unprecedented levels.


    The group split ways with their separate cars in the underground parking lot.


    After arriving on set, Stephanie began preparing the costume for her scenes today


    Madeline, dressed in an elegant gown, was fixing the delicate buttons when Cathy hurried over. ¡°Madeline, the director wants you to shoot the water scene today since it¡¯s going to rain tomorrow. We need to move the schedule up.¡±


    Stephanie quickly helped Madeline change into the outfit for the water scene and then apanied Madeline to the riverside, bringing along a warm


    nket.


    The river was turbulent in August, making Stephanie worry for Madeline.


    Standing by the riverbank, Stephanie watched as Madeline and her scene partner, Julius, acted out their confrontation. Soon it was time for the vicious female rival¡¯s part. She walked over and shoved Madeline fiercely, who fell backward into the rushing waters. Thankfully, there was a safety underwater, and Madeline was quickly saved out.


    Stephanie hurried over, wrapping Madeline in the nket, while Cathy brought over a cup of hot water.


    The scene went very well, it was a wrap-in-one take.


    Back in the makeup room, a figure slipped inside. She opened Stephanie¡¯s backpack and caught sight of a stack of sketches that left her in awe-artistic heights she¡¯d never reach.


    After snapping photos with her phone, she meticulously reced the sketches and zipped the backpack as it was.


    ¨C her way out, she never expected someone to be watching her with a smug look, making her body stiffen with surprise.


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 119

    <b>Chapter </b><b>119</b>


    Megan crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Sabrina. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Sabrina¡¯s lips curled into a slight smile, ¡°Nothing much. Just checking out the actors¡® costumes.¡±


    Really? Since Stephanie is responsible for all of Madeline¡¯s costumes, your excuse for being here to check out the outfits doesn¡¯t quite add up.¡±


    Feeling uneasy under Megan¡¯s prating gaze, Sabrina bit her lip. ¡°I wanted to see Stephanie, hoping she might forgive me.¡±


    Megan tilted her chin up. ¡°<b>Have </b>youe up with some brilliant new n?¡±


    Sabrina replied, ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. But I wanted to <b>give </b>it another shot at making things right.¡±


    ¡°So you nned to steal her sketchbook to win her forgiveness?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Sabrina¡¯s voice rose sharply in her defense. ¡°I did not take any photos!¡±


    Observing Sabrina¡¯s trembling hands clutching her phone, Megan prodded further, ¡°Alright then, show me the photos. I need to check them.¡±


    ¡°You have no right to order me around or to inspect my belongings.¡±


    Megan pretended to dial <b>a </b>number on her phone. ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t have that right, so I¡¯ll just call the owner of the sketches.¡±


    Sabrina pleaded desperately, ¡°Ms. Jimenez, please don¡¯t tell Stephanie, okay?¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°So, about the favor, I askedst time, are you willing to do it?¡±


    Sabrina realized she was


    s in too deep to back out, but she quickly caught on. ¡°So you <b>sent </b>someone to dangle the carrot in <b>front </b>of me, <b>saying </b>Stephanie¡¯s new designs were irresistible, huh? You set me up, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Asly smile crossed Megan¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m not sure whether Stephanie sketched anything, but I know for a fact you took the photos. <b>That¡¯s </b>enough for me.¡±


    Sabrina pieced it all together. Two people had casually mentioned in her presence how extraordinary Stephanie¡¯s new designs were, and that everyone else had gone to the riverbank, so she had rushed to the dressing room to get a glimpse of Stephanie¡¯s work


    She needed money badly, her boyfriend was deep in debt due to some high¨Cinterest loans. She thought if she could sell the sketches, she could pay the debt and have <b>money </b>left over. So, she rummaged through Stephanie¡¯s bag, found the sketches, and <b>quickly </b>snapped some photos. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that it was all a trap set by Megan


    Megan whispered, ¡°They¡¯ll be back soon, do you <b>want </b>to be exposed and barred from the design world forever?¡±


    Leaning closer, so her breath brushed Sabrina¡¯s ear, she <b>said</b>, ¡°Pull it off, and I¡¯ll give you 400 thousand dors.¡±


    ina¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Make it 1 million dors!¡±


    Megan straightened up and p


    Ipatted Sabrina¡¯s cheek. ¡°Greed can lead to your downfall¡±


    Waving her phone, Megan added, ¡°I have footage of youing out of the dressing room. I¡¯m offering money out of kindness.¡±


    Resigned that she was out of options, Sabrina agreed.


    After Megan left, Sabrina also made her exit as if nothing had happened. Finding a secluded spot, Sabrina called <b>Ivy </b>and inquired if she was interested in buying the designs.


    1/4


    ¡°No!¡± Sabrina¡¯s voice rose sharply in her defense. ¡°I did not take any photos!¡±


    Observing Sabrina¡¯s trembling hands clutching her phone, Megan prodded further, ¡°Alright then, show me the photos. I need to check them.¡±


    ¡°You have no right to order me around or to inspect my belongings.¡±


    Megan pretended to dial <b>a </b>number on her phone. ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t have that right, so I¡¯ll just call the owner of the sketches.¡±


    Sabrina pleaded desperately, ¡°Ms. Jimenez, please don¡¯t tell Stephanie, okay?¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°So, about the favor, I askedst time, are you willing to do it?¡±


    Sabrina realized she was


    s in too deep to back out, but she quickly caught on. ¡°So you <b>sent </b>someone to dangle the carrot in <b>front </b>of me, <b>saying </b>Stephanie¡¯s new designs were irresistible, huh? You set me up, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Asly smile crossed Megan¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m not sure whether Stephanie sketched anything, but I know for a fact you took the photos. <b>That¡¯s </b>enough for me.¡±


    Sabrina pieced it all together. Two people had casually mentioned in her presence how extraordinary Stephanie¡¯s new designs were, and that everyone else had gone to the riverbank, so she had rushed to the dressing room to get a glimpse of Stephanie¡¯s work


    She needed money badly, her boyfriend was deep in debt due to some high¨Cinterest loans. She thought if she could sell the sketches, she could pay the debt and have <b>money </b>left over. So, she rummaged through Stephanie¡¯s bag, found the sketches, and <b>quickly </b>snapped some photos. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that it was all a trap set by Megan


    Megan whispered, ¡°They¡¯ll be back soon, do you <b>want </b>to be exposed and barred from the design world forever?¡±


    Leaning closer, so her breath brushed Sabrina¡¯s ear, she <b>said</b>, ¡°Pull it off, and I¡¯ll give you 400 thousand dors.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ina¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Make it 1 million dors!¡±


    Megan straightened up and p


    Ipatted Sabrina¡¯s cheek. ¡°Greed can lead to your downfall¡±


    Waving her phone, Megan added, ¡°I have footage of youing out of the dressing room. I¡¯m offering money out of kindness.¡±


    Resigned that she was out of options, Sabrina agreed.


    After Megan left, Sabrina also made her exit as if nothing had happened. Finding a secluded spot, Sabrina called <b>Ivy </b>and inquired if she was interested in buying the designs.


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    10:41 Sat, 1 Jun <b>T</b>


    Chapter 119


    Ivy asked to see a sample first, and upon seeing the designs, immediately agreed to purchase them for 400 thousand dors.


    76%•þ


    <b>+5</b>


    by didn¡¯t have the money, but her cousin, Alicia, did. Alicia used to be the head designer at Fantasy Boutique. She had tarnished her reputation by copying designs, which led her to kowtow to Stephanie thirty times <b>in </b>public. It seemed impossible for her to re¨Center the design world, but luck was on her side. She was distantly rted to Flora, a designer at Dream Design Studio.


    After some cosmetic surgery and a name change, Alicia became Flora¡¯s assistant. She couldn¡¯t be a designer since Dream Design Studio was strict about checking designers¡® education. But being an assistant was less strict, it was enough to have a designer¡¯s approval.


    At the productunch, Dream Design Studio¡¯s brand, Stardust Elegance, snagged second ce, securing an opportunity topete in the prestigious International Golden Finger Contest.


    Ivy bid 600 thousand <b>dors</b>, asking Alicia if she was interested in buying, For Alicia<b>, </b>it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get back at Stephanie, so she quickly called Flora and sent over the draft of the painting, asking if she would be willing to offer 800 thousand dors for it


    <b>Of </b>course, Alicia let Flora know that the artwork was Stephanie¡¯s creation. Although Flora <b>was </b>aware that it could be considered giarism, the design captivated her so much that she agreed to the deal rationalizing that she¡¯d only draw inspiration from <b>parts </b>of it.


    With an annual sry of 400 thousand dors at the Dream Design Studio, 800 thousand dors was an easy sum for Sabrina to muster. In <b>Flora¡¯s </b>eyes, spending 800 thousand dors to skyrocket her fame was an absolute bargain. What she didn¡¯t realize, though, <b>was </b>that she had just been yed for a 400¨Cthousand¨Cdor markup.


    The transaction, money exchanged for the painting draft, was swift. Flora and Alicia wasted no time in beginning to draw inspiration from it. However, once they applied those elements to their design, it just didn¡¯t mesh well. So, they ended up adding and removing elements right on the original draft.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie was blissfully unaware of all this as she continued refining the drafts down to the finest details like selecting the perfect buttons.


    After a week of diligent corrections, Stephanie and Julianna held a selection meeting for the uingpetition¡¯s designs.


    The designers presented their best work but none quite matched up to Stephanie¡¯s caliber. They couldn¡¯t help but feel a little ashamed next to her


    talents.


    Stephanie picked one design from each participant. ¡°These are all great, We¡¯ll use them for the first and second rounds of thepetition so we can breeze into the finals. My drahs will be for the final round. Any objections?¡±


    Of course, the designers were all on board and grateful. Stephanie had thirty <b>designs</b>, seven for the first round, seven for the second, and sixteen for <b>the </b>showdown. Their choice meant that fourteen of Stephanie¡¯s drafts would go unused, and each of them <b>was </b><b>a </b>show¨Cstopper that far exceeded the others.


    5 05 222 F


    Feeling everybody¡¯s appreciation, Stephanie chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re all incredible designers. Any of you could outshine the rest from the other studios easily. Julia and I are proud and honored to have you. We¡¯re a team aiming to take Starlight Design Studio to greater heights, so every one of you counts! I don¡¯t need your gratitude, I need your passion for design. Once thepetition is over, I¡¯m taking <b>us </b>all on a trip to Crescent Cove Ind.¡±


    The designers cheered, proud to be part of such a top¨Cnotch studio and acknowledging the leadership of Stephanie and Julianna<b>. </b>With the designs locked in, it was time to produce, Stephanie <b>and </b>Julianna got down to picking who would help bring the clothes to life.


    Tearing her throat, Julianna spoke up. ¡°So, Stephie, let me handle things from <b>here</b>. You¡¯ve spent the past week working overnights, and if you don¡¯t get


    we home time soon, I¡¯m afraid Vincent might <b>have </b>a meltdown and I don¡¯t want to be an essory to <b>that</b>!¡±


    Stephanie had been crashing with Julianna in the studio, sleeping surprisingly well, but Vincent and Graham were chomping at the bit.


    Tonight, she would make it up to Vincent. As for <b>Graham</b>, with Julianna putting in extra hours at the studio, he was in for a bit of a tough time.


    After leaving the studio, <b>Stephanie </b><b>shopped </b>for some candles, and elegant <b>dinnerware</b>, <b>and </b>picked up fresh ingredients <b>for </b><b>a </b>special candlelit dinner she nned to prepare for Vincent.


    Stephanie got some prepping done <b>before </b>Vincent¡¯s return and then set the mood in their living room and bedroom before pampering herself with a rose


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    Chapter 119


    oil bath.


    Vincent arrived home to a warm <b>glow </b>and a trail of rose petals leading him to the bedroom, where a heart of petals awaited him on the bed. He followed the sound of running water to the bathroom, where he found Stephanie in front of the mirror<b>, </b>applying <b>lotion</b>.


    Their eyes met, and without a word, he drew Stephanie into his arms, Vincent¡¯s voice husky, ¡°Did you wait for me on purpose, looking like this? Why bother with clothes then?¡±


    As Vincent¡¯s embrace tightened, a soft moan escaped Stephanie, igniting a spark that was impossible to ignore. In the steamy reflection, their intertwined silhouettes blurred in the misting mirror.


    Vincent pulled Stephanie in closer, whispering, ¡°Babe, open your eyes and see how gorgeous you are.¡±


    But Stephanie kept her eyes shut, too shy to see her flushed reflection.


    With a soft chuckle, Vincent urged, ¡°Then how about you open those eyes and take a good look at me<b>?</b>¡±


    Stephanie¡¯sshes, dark and lush as <b>crow </b>feathers, fluttered before slowly lifting, her pupils reflecting the handsome features of the man before her. So irresistibly sexy<b>.</b>


    With a firm grip, Stephanie clung to Vincent¡¯s shoulders, her fingertips digging into his muscles. And in that moment, Vincent held her tightly, both of


    them attuned to the wild pounding of each other¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Stephie?¡± Vincent whispered.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± <b>she </b>responded


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much,¡± he said.


    Curious, Stephanie asked, ¡°Missed me how?¡±


    ¡°Every single way,¡± he replied, his desire evident.


    With a teasing smile, Stephanie said, ¡°You¡¯re so annoying.¡±


    Vincent yfully nuzzled her nose, ¡°Then let me annoy you even more.


    Stephanie gently pushed on Vincent¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you


    full from <b>earlier</b>?¡±


    Eventually, after they both showered and dried their hair, they went out to eat. Exhausted, Stephanie didn¡¯t want to move, yet it was Vincent who cooked


    steak and stir¨Cfried the vegetables.


    They sat side by side, Vincent meticulously cutting the steak for her. When it was ready, he ced it in front of Stephanie.


    Unable to resist teasing him, Stephanie began, ¡°Vincent, for the next week, I want¡­¡± Upon hearing her, <b>Vincent¡¯s </b>face suddenly fell, his expression turning unhappy.

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    Vincent¡¯s lips were tightly pursed, betraying the disappointment in his voice, ¡°I get it.¡±


    Stephanie tried to hold back augh, ¡°You get what?¡±


    ¡°Tknow you have to work overtime because thepetition is just about a week away.¡±


    Closing the distance, Stephanie batted her eyes at him, ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    He let out a soft hum of agreement, ¡°Really, I support your work.¡±


    Stephanie conceded, ¡°I was actually nning to go to the set during the day ande back early in the evening to spend time with you. But since you¡¯re so supportive of my work, I¡¯ll switch with Julianna, she can go to the set, and I¡¯ll stay back at the design studio and workte.¡±


    Vincent caught on to Stephanie¡¯s teasing and set down his silverware to pull her onto hisp, ¡°Little trickster, you¡¯re ying ma?¡±


    With sparkling eyes, Stephanie pinched his cheeks, clicking her tongue in disapproval, ¡°You had the sourest face just now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much this week. There¡¯s not a part of me that doesn¡¯t yearn for you.¡±


    Stephanie replied, ¡°It¡¯s only been a week, is it that hard?¡±


    Vincent gripped her wrists gently and moved them downwards, ¡°Of course, didn¡¯t you feel it just now?¡±


    Realizing what he was implying, Stephanie quickly withdrew her hands, her cheeks ame, ¡°No more talking, I¡¯m hungry. I need to eat.¡±


    She tried to hop down but found herself ensnared tightly in his hold, ¡°One more kiss. Hm?¡±


    His voice was especially tempting, and Stephanie felt herself surrendering to his charm. As his handsome face drew near, she closed her eyes.


    Vincent entwined with her a little longer before letting her sit back down on the chair. Stephanie¡¯s face was flushed, her tongue still tingling.


    Vincent teased her with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you like sitting on myp?¡±


    Stephanie shot him a re, ¡°Who wants to sit on a hard seat?¡±


    Vincent¡¯sughter was low, and his mood was exceptionally good.


    They finished dinner and nestled on the couch to watch a movie. Stephanieid on Vincent¡¯s legs and as the movie yed, her eyelids grew heavy, and


    non she was whisked away into dreand.


    Gently stroking her soft hair, Vincent¡¯s eyes brimmed with tenderness. It seemed these days had taken their toll on her that Julianna was up to no good! Toiling away with his Stephanie during the day and monopolizing her evenings, leaving him alone in this cold.


    If it weren¡¯t for the uingpetition, he¡¯d have Graham ship Julianna off abroad. Vincent¡¯s thoughts wandered, and with a smirk, he fired off a message in the group chat.


    Vincent: [Graham, how¡¯s the taste of loneliness and desperation?]


    ºÅ 76%Á¿


    Chapter 120


    Graham: [Sounds like you¡¯ve never tasted that vor yourselfi


    Vincent sent a photo of Stephanie asleep on his legs to the group.


    Vincent: [Not lonely, not desperate, not cold. Wannae over for a drink?


    Joseph: is this a not-so-subtle jab at Graham? That¡¯s kinda cold! If you¡¯ve got the booze, I¡¯m therell


    Next thing, Joseph was booted from the group chat.


    Vincent: Graham,ing or not?)]


    Graham stopped replying.


    With a satisfied grin on his face. Vincent tossed the phone aside.


    Meanwhile, Graham sat alone on his couch, nursing a drink in solitude. Vincent, showing off like that utterly insufferable.


    He reached for his phone to call Julianna, but she wasn¡¯t picking up. He scowled slightly, then sent her a message. [Still working?]


    After a long wait, there was no reply from Julianna.


    Graham tapped the phone against his back teeth before sending another message: [My stomach hurts.]


    Twentyn


    minutes had passed with no word from her.


    Just as Graham was beginning to feel annoyed, there was a beep at the door. ncing over, an involuntary smile crept across his lips. It looked like Julianna still cared enough to check on him, despite her denials.


    However, as the door swung open and he recognized Taylor, the smile on Graham¡¯s face slowly faded. ¡°Sir, your wife called saying you had a stomach ache and asked me to get you some medication. She also gave me the door code.¡±


    Graham¡¯s expression was very unhappy. ¡°I¡¯m fine, you can go back.¡±


    Normally unppable, Graham¡¯s show of emotion caught Taylor by surprise. cing the bag down, he said, ¡°Mr. Whitlock, call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    Taylor relieved as if pardoned from a dire punishment, quickly made his exit.


    Reclining on the sofa, Graham was incensed. Julianna knew how to push his buttons. When she returned, he was determined to give her a piece of his


    mind!


    Meanwhile, Julianna nced at the message Taylor sent her, pressing her lips tightly together. [Mr. Whitlock¡¯s got a bad stomachache, but he refuses to go to the hospital.]


    phi Not wanting to go to the hospital with a stomachache? He¡¯s just asking for trouble! His problem, not hers. She was busy, after all!


    Putting her phone down, she continued the delicate task of tailoring the dress with the designers.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The next day.


    Stephanie arrived at the set and, after fitting the actors with their costumes and finding herself with some free time, sent a message to Vincent.


    Stephanie: (Are you in a meeting?


    2/5


    10:41 Sat, 1 Jun TO.


    Chapter 120


    Vincent: [No, I¡¯m thinking of you.]


    A smile naturally graced Stephanie¡¯s lips. You always know what to say.


    Vincent: Aren¡¯t you thinking of me as well?)


    Stephanie: [Nope.]


    Vincent: [Then why are you messaging me?]


    Stephanie: [!]


    Vincent: [The roast turkey at the Spring Pavilion Bistro is delicious, and their pastries are not bad either. Want to go tonight?]


    Stephanie: [Sure. I should be done around six.]


    Vincent [Good, I¡¯ll pick you up then.]


    Stephanie: [OK]


    Vincent: [So, do you miss me or not?]


    With a yful t n k l e in her eye, Stephanie replied: [I do miss you, a lot.]


    ¡°Flirting with your boyfriend?¡± Madeline approached, a teasing smile on her face.


    Stephanie hummed in response, ¡°Madeline, you look a bit off. Are you feeling okay?¡±


    I have periods Talways get terrible cramps. I¡¯ve seen doctors, but there¡¯s never been a surefire cure.¡± Madeline said.


    Stephanie offered her a seat, ¡°Let me take your pulse.¡±


    ¡°That would be great,¡± Madeline said.


    Stephanie had been spot on when she took Megan¡¯s pulsest time, sparking Madeline¡¯s curiosity.


    After checking her pulse, Stephanie asked, ¡°Did you catch a chill in the past?¡±


    Madeline had heard simr diagnoses before and tried various treatments with little effect. She had almost given up, thinking she might as well not


    arry or have children.


    Stephanie¡¯s confident prognosis took her by surprise. Despite her young age, Stephanie radiated trustworthiness.


    Madeline nodded gratefully. ¡°Thank you, Stephie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all,¡± Stephanie said.


    Soon, it <b>was </b>live in the afternoon.


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    Chapter <b>120</b>


    Gideon wanted to add a scene scheduled for the next evening to tonight¡¯s shoot and came to inquire about Madeline¡¯s wellbeing.


    Madeline wasn¡¯t feeling well but didn¡¯t wish to disrupt the shooting schedule at the director¡¯s request.


    After all, a day¡¯s dy could mean a significant financial loss for the production.


    Seeing Madeline¡¯s dilemma, Stephanie asked, ¡°Which scene is nned for tonight?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a gunfireden encounter inside the mansion, with the female lead getting shot in the shoulder, followed by a staged explosion at the entrance,¡± Gideon exined.


    Stephanie frowned, ¡°There¡¯s a lot of physicality required for that scene. With Madeline not feeling well, perhaps we should postpone it.¡±


    Gideon nodded, ¡°Alright then.¡±


    Madeline sipped <b>on</b>


    n some ck tea, ¡°it¡¯s <b>fine</b>, I don¡¯t like to dy. Better to get it done earlier.¡±


    Gideon persisted, ¡°We can reschedule, if you¡¯d prefer?¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s just do it tonight.¡±


    After expressing his gratitude, Gideon departed, preparing tomence shooting once the evening fell.


    Stephanie nced at Madeline¡¯s faintly pallidplexion, ¡°Don¡¯t overexert yourself if you¡¯re unwell, really. Everyone would understand.¡±


    Madeline mustered a smile, ¡°I¡¯d rather do it today than manage a heavier schedule tomorrow.¡±


    Stephanie nodded in agreement, ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you then until we¡¯ve finished shooting, before heading off.¡±


    ¡°You have ns tonight, <b>haven¡¯t </b>you?¡± Madeline asked.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Megan¡¯s off today, and since the scene¡¯s a bit risky, I¡¯d rather stay and keep youpany. Stephanie said.


    Touched, Madeline thanked her, ¡°Thank you, Stephie¡±


    ¡°You are wee.¡± Stephanie¡¯s eyes sparkled withughter.


    Madeline offered, ¡°I¡¯ll ask Cathy to fetch us some coffee<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Stephanie said.


    As Madeline exited the makeup room, Stephanie <b>gave </b>Vincent a ring to tell him that she¡¯d be apanying Madeline for a scene but omitted the potential dangers. She didn¡¯t want to cause him unnecessary worry.


    gent, not showing a hint of jealousy, said he¡¯d be there around nine to pick her up.


    After rewarding Vincent with a couple of air kisses, Stephanie hung up the phone.


    Before they knew it, 8:30 <b>pm </b>rolled around, and darkness had enveloped the sky.


    The actors due in the explosive scene entered the grand mansion.


    Owing to the scheduled use of real explosives <b>for </b><b>a </b>controlled st, the rest of the crew were to <b>observe </b>from outside.


    Standing just behind <b>the </b>director, Stephanie scrutinized the footage <b>as </b>it came in.


    1

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    Chapter 121


    With a loud bang, Madeline cried out in pain, her furrowed brow signifying intense suffering as her body toppled backward.


    Then, an explosion urred at the entrance of the mansion, igniting a ferocious ze.


    Gideon was momentarily stunned. ¡°But why is the fire so big?¡± he mumbled to himself.


    Stephanie¡¯s pupils widened in shock. ¡°No, that¡¯s real gunfire.¡±


    She grabbed a nket and dashed towards the mansion.


    Gideon stood there, bewildered, picking up his walkie-talkie to ask anxiously, ¡°Can someone from inside respond? What¡¯s happening, and why is the fire


    so intense?¡±


    But before anyone could respond, several people emerged from the mansion, their bodies ame, screaming in agony as they rolled on the ground to extinguish the fire.


    People were stunned by the scene and then went to save them.


    sly then did Gideon realize the gravity of the situation.


    Only


    He dropped his phone, ¡°Save people, hurry and put out the fire.¡±


    As his words fell, there was another massive explosion at the mansion¡¯s entrance.


    Many were flung to the ground by the heatwave, including Stephanie.


    Luckily, she had the nket for protection, or she would have suffered injuries too.


    Seeing that Madeline was still not among those who had emerged sparked a dreadful sinking feeling in Stephanie¡¯s heart.


    For some reason, she had only one thought, she must save Madeline.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Stephanie bit her lip and, swathed in the nket, charged into the mansion now teeming with fire.


    The ze was immense, and despite her cover, the scorching heat made Stephanie feel as if she were melting.


    ¡°Madeline.¡± she called out, her voice immediately engulfed by thick smoke, provoking a violent bout of coughing, ¡°Madeline, where are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here¡­¡± came a faint reply, galvanizing Stephanie with hope. She had feared the worst for Madeline, but now she responded.


    Echoing her name a few more times and guided by the weakening replies, Stephanie finally found Madeline by a tripod under the stairs.


    ¡°Madeline, how are you?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t breathe¡­¡± Madeline said.


    Draping the nket over her, Stephanie lifted Madeline¡¯s uninjured arm over her shoulder and wrapped the other arm around her waist, hurrying forward.


    Suddenly, a shadow flitted past.


    Stephanie became instantly alert, this was no time for anyone to be anything but helpful, so the neer must mean trouble.


    10:42 Sat 1 Jun T


    Chapter 121


    She zigzagged with Madeline, dodging the shadowy figure. Amid the intense mes, their forms were vague.


    The shadow hastily followed and, with a loud bang, fired a gun,


    Stephanie winced, clenching her teeth, yet continued to rush forward with Madeline in tow.


    Along with the sound of an explosion, Stephanie and Madeline were hit by the st wave and thrown out of the mansion


    They both lost consciousness shortly thereafter.


    At the same time, Vincent had just arrived to pick up Stephanie when he heard the explosion,


    His heart clenched, and he bolted from the car without hesitation.


    Zane fought the impulse to prevent Vincent from disclosing that he had regained the use of his legs, but amidst the current cmity, he found it impossible to voice his concern. Clenching his jaw tightly, he merely followed.


    The film set was aze, with ambnces, fire engines, and police cars converging rapidly on the scene.


    Vincent was the first to find the director, Gideon, who was frozen in shock. He grabbed Gideon¡¯s cor firmly. ¡°Where¡¯s Stephanie?¡±


    Gideon¡¯s heart seemed to leap into his throat at Vincent¡¯s fierce expression. ¡°She¡­ she just ran inside to save Madeline¡±.


    Vincent released him and dashed toward the heart of the mes.


    Fortuitously, he came upon Stephanie and Madeline, both unconscious not far in front of the mansion.


    Holding Stephanie¡¯s head, Vincent¡¯s voice trembled as he spoke, ¡°Stephie, how are you?¡±


    Stephanie did not respond. His heart dropping, Vincent¡¯s fingers frantically searched for her breath, and he slightly rxed when he felt its steady rhythm.


    However, he quickly noticed her arm bleeding profusely.


    Ripping the torn fabric, he uncovered a bullet wound, and an icy, murderous intent crystallized in his eyes.


    Zane had caught up, ¡°Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    ¡°Check Madeline¡¯s state.¡± Vincent had been clinging to the hope that Madeline had survived Stephanie¡¯s valiant rescue attempt.


    coma with her shoulder injury.¡±


    Zane checked and said, ¡°Madeline was in aa wi


    Vincent lifted Stephanie into his arms. ¡°Bring Madeline, head to J r y¡¯s hospital.¡±


    Zane nodded, ¡°Right.¡±


    He picked up Madeline and they were on their way.


    Vincent contacted J r y Eastman and Matthew and then reached out to Joseph to start an investigation into the explosion and shooting


    Joseph¡¯s brow furrowed, ¡°Did anyone see that you can walk?¡±


    After a brief pause, Vincent said, ¡°The director knows for sure, as for anyone else, I¡¯m not certain.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Joseph responded. ¡°Any leaked information online, I¡¯ll deal with it immediately.¡±


    10:42 Sat, 1 Jun T


    Chapter 121


    Joseph and his team set off for the site.


    76%


    Vincent, with Stephanie in his arms, was swamped with regret. If only he had arrived earlier, he might have been the one to rescue her, preventing her


    injuries.


    If anything were to happen to Stephanie, nothing in life would hold meaning for him any longer.


    J e r r y¡¯s hospital was a state-of-the-art private facility renowned for poaching some of the best doctors from major hospitals,


    Upon arrival, they were met by a medical team ready to spring into action.


    J r y came up to Vincent, touching his shoulder, ¡°Keep your recovery quiet; now¡¯s not the time. Leave everything to me.¡±


    Stephanie


    e was whisked away on a stretcher with utmost urgency


    As Zaneid Madeline on another stretcher, they were rushed off for emergency care


    Vincent was helped back into the wheelchair by Zane and they followed the medical team inside.


    Outside the emergency room door, Vincent waited with bated breath, his lips pressed into a firm line,


    It was only twenty minutes before Matthew, alongside Melvin and Megan, arrived with foreboding quickness.


    Matthew¡¯s face was drawn tight with worry, his usually jovial nature shadowed by the day¡¯s events.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened, Vincent?¡± he asked:


    Vincent exined the series of catastrophic events, ¡°They¡¯ve both been shot. There was sabotage involved with the props, and it wasn¡¯t a single malfunction but multiple ones. This was no ident-it was calcted. My people are investigating, but the culprits will have covered their tracks by now. And when we find them, they will regret it deeply.¡±


    Matthew¡¯s face grew harder, his teeth gritted. ¡°It looks like the Jimenez family is being targeted. We are in your debt, Vincent,¡± he said with gravity.


    A cold light shone in Vincent¡¯s eyes. ¡°Targeted or not, Stephie is injured, and I will get to the bottom of this.¡±


    On the surface, Megan disyed great worry, but on the inside, she was secretly pleased.


    Megan thought, ¡®If Stephanie and Madeline were to vanish, my path would be much clearer.


    Skilled in her art, Megan¡¯s tears were convincing as shemented, ¡°If I had only been scheduled to shoot today, I might have taken Stephie¡¯s ce and saved Madeline.¡±


    A doctor interrupted their somber gathering.


    ¡°Stephanie is stable, having sustained trauma from the explosion,¡± he informed them. ¡°However, Madeline¡¯s condition is much more severe; the bullet is perilously close to her heart.¡±


    É«

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    Chapter 122


    The hustle of medical personnel reverberated through the hospital corridors as a doctor rushed out to speak.


    Stepping forward, a man said. ¡°I¡¯m Melvin, a cardiologist. Madeline is my sister, and I can operate on her.¡±


    This doctor knew Melvin, and it was well known that any surgery he conducted had an increased sess rate from fifty to ny percent


    The attending physician nodded, ¡°Then, please, Mr. Jimenez, take the lead.¡±


    Melvin agreed, ¡°Prepare the operating room immediately.¡±


    Certainly,¡± replied the doctor.


    Since Stephanie was not severely harmed, she was moved to a standard ward.


    Vincent kept vignt watch over her while Megan and Matthew, followed by Zane went to wait outside the operating room at Melvin¡¯s request, ensuring that any updates would be ryed to him instantly.


    Vincent looked at the girl lying still on the hospital bed. Even though the doctors had assured him there was no severe damage, Vincent¡¯s concern had not abated. Inhtion of smoke and carbon monoxide was bound to affect the body in some ways.


    ¡°Stephie,¡± he whispered tenderly, his eyes red rimmed with a mixture of distress and guilt.


    Outside the operating room, Matthew was standing in front of a window, smoking, his eyes filled with anger against the night sky.


    Earlier, upon receiving a call from Vincent about Megan¡¯s shooting, Matthew had been dining with her.


    Only the two of them were at the Jimenez residence, as Sebastian and Selena were on vacation overseas and Malcolm was attending apetition while Melvin was finishing up a surgery that evening.


    Matthew attempted to contact Melvin, and thankfully, the call went through as Melvin had just finished another procedure.


    Matthew had been informed he would arrive at the hospital soon.


    Throughout his hurried drive, Matthew pondered over who would want to harm Madeline.


    The Jimenez family had conducted their business with honor for many years, never once creating any enemies and always leaving room for


    reconciliation


    Despite going over it time and again, he couldn¡¯t think of any suspects.


    Once arrived, Vincent had recounted the events in detail.


    It appeared that the real orchestrators had used someone else to harm Madeline, tricking an actor into believing they held a prop when in fact it was a


    real firearm.


    A slight deviation, a shot to the head or heart, and Madeline would have been instantly killed.


    If hit elsewhere without immediate death, an explosion was also set, triggering a ze and ensuing chaos. No one would have a chance to tend to the injured Madeline.


    This meticulous scheme was designed to ensure Madeline¡¯s death.


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    Öú


    Chapter 122


    Standing beside him, Megan, her voice nasal from distress, said, ¡°Matthew.


    Matthew cast a brief nce at her. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Megan¡¯s eyes were red, and she sniffled, ¡°Matthew, you have to find out who did this. I really want to beat them to a pulp.¡±


    Matthew nodded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will.¡±


    ¡°Do we tell Mom and Dad?¡± Megan asked.


    ¡°No, let¡¯s not. Matthew replied, shaking his head. ¡°They¡¯re overseas and can¡¯te back right away. Knowing this would only make them anxious. Let¡¯s see how Madeline¡¯s doing first.¡±


    Megan said, ¡°I¡¯d give half my life to ensure Madeline¡¯s safety.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense,¡± Matthew patted her shoulder. ¡°Sit down for a bit. I need to make a call.¡±


    Megan nodded slightly, understanding the gravity of the man¡¯s call. She turned and took a seat on a


    bench.


    As she watched Matthew¡¯s tall silhouette, her lips pressed tightly together. Megan thought, ¡®Why wasn¡¯t Stephanie dead?¡±


    She had taken a gamble, betting that Stephanie would attempt to save Madeline.


    Megan thought, ¡°But the attempt was futile. The hired gun was so ipetent-only striking Stephanie¡¯s arm. Darn it.¡±


    If Madeline had died, it wouldn¡¯t have been too bad, except she thought about Melvin, who had just finished up. That fact left her feeling uncertain again.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She hoped for Stephanie¡¯s demise, but now, with Madeline¡¯s survival, her schemes would have led only to heightened vignce and possible traces that


    could lead back to her.


    Though she didn¡¯t show it, her mind was in turmoil.


    Megan got up and walked to the restroom dialing a number, ¡°Did you get it done?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I cut the surveince before acting, no traces left, everything was clean,¡± the voice on the other end assured her.


    ¡°What about Sabrina?¡± Megan inquired.


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to her ce-trust me, Meg¡±


    Megan said, ¡°My friend would transfer 1 million dors and instruct you to leave the Jacaster.


    ¡°I will miss you, Meg


    Megan said, ¡°Me, too.¡±


    The man was surprised and asked, ¡°Did Stephanie and Madeline die?¡±


    ¡°No. You should go as early as well,¡± Megan said


    Clenching her phone, Megan knew she had to wait for another chance to deal with Stephanie.


    Her task now was to subtly coerce Christina into fending her the robotic dog and then erase the recording


    When someone entered, she exited the bathroom.


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    Chapter 122


    Two hourster, the sterile OR doors swung open, and Melvin emerged, pushing Madeline out.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Matthew and Megan approached anxiously.


    ¡°She¡¯s out of danger, but she needs a good period of rest, Melvin informed them.


    Matthew breathed a sigh of relief, and Megan¡¯s tears flowed from reliel ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, truly wonderful,¡±


    No one knew the extent of Megan¡¯s rage in her heart.


    Not a single conspirator had perished.


    Witnessing the scene, Zane turned and left, making his way to the floor where Stephanie¡¯s hospital room was located. He saw Vincent and Graham, presumably Joseph, standing guard outside the room.


    Zane approached them, nodding respectfully at Graham and then addressing Vincent with due reverence, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Madeline is out of danger now.¡±


    Vincent nodded, ¡°Stephie will be relieved to hear that upon waking. Any leads on who did this?¡±


    Zane shook his head, ¡°Joseph was concerned about disturbing you while you attended to your wife, so he reported to me. Someone had cut the surveince before the incident, leaving no traces. It was professionally done.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to keep digging.¡± Vincent instructed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Zane said.


    Graham looked gravely concerned, ¡°Do you suspect there¡¯s more to it than we know?¡±


    Vincent nodded, ¡°Yes, and I haven¡¯t discussed this with Matthew. If the person¡¯s real intent was to kill Madeline, why wait for Stephanie to arrive? They had ample time to take the shot.¡±


    ¡°So, you suspect the attacker gambled on Stephanieing in to save Madeline, making Stephanie the actual target, with Madeline merely the bait?¡± Graham spected.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vincent affirmed with narrowed eyes, ¡°Having the Jimenez family on the case might only startle the snake in the grass.¡±


    Graham had to admit Vincent¡¯s careful considerations befitted the leader of a storm.


    ¡°Vincent, when you saved Stephanie, did anyone witness your recovery?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Mr. Lynch, as for the others, I¡¯m not sure. It doesn¡¯t matter; such news won¡¯t leak out,¡± Vincent assured.


    Graham nodded and decided to double check with Gideon. At the end of the corridor, he asked his assistant to find Gideon¡¯s number and dialed it.


    Gideon was already petrified, bombarded with his third warning call


    Whether it was Vincent¡¯s assistant, Joseph, or even Graham, he couldn¡¯t afford to offend any of them.


    He cursed his luck for stumbling upon Vincent¡¯s secret.


    Guarding a secret was a tough job; spilling it meant risking a figurative beheading.


    After he vehemently swore to keep his lips sealed, they finally ended the call.


    Graham nced at the man sitting in a wheelchair not far away, realizing that keeping Vincent¡¯s recovery a secret would only work for so long.

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>123</b>


    µÚ76%


    Vincent maneuvered his wheelchair to the tiny window of the ward door and ricticed Julianna sitting by the bedside, murmuring softly. Julianna had. been working alone to create apetition outfit and only learned about the incident on set an hourter. It was Graham who personally delivered <b>the </b>news to her at Starlight Design Studio. Throughout the joumey, she regretted it deeply, believing that Stephanie would not have been involved in an ident if she had not given her a break or had been on set that day.


    Julianna wiped her tears, holding Stephanie¡¯s fair hand. ¡°Stephie, please wake up soon. Why did you rush in to save people in such a dangerous situation? But then again, it¡¯s not in your nature to ignore someone in trouble. If it had been me, I doubt I would have had the ability or courage to save anyone. I¡¯m sure Madeline will be fine. You need to wake up quickly, okay?¡±


    The person on the bed abruptly coughed twice. Stephanie slowly opened her eyes, only to be met with stark white walls.


    ¡°Stephie!¡± Julianna eximed excitedly.


    -Stephanie looked at Julianna and said, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure anyone would wake up from your shouting¡±


    Julianna chuckled. ¡°Stop <b>joking </b>around!¡±


    Just then, the door to the ward opened, and Vincent and Graham entered one after the other,


    Julianna muttered, ¡°Still in <b>a </b>wheelchair, huh? Seeing your wife wake up, you should have run in here on <b>all </b>fours.¡±


    Imagining that scene, Stephanie couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Vincent didn¡¯t get angry. ¡°Stephie, how do you feel? I¡¯ll get the doctor to check on you.¡±


    ¡°No need. I just fainted, nothing serious. How¡¯s Madeline?¡± Stephanie asked.


    Vincent answered, ¡°She¡¯s out of danger. The bullet was close to her heart, but Melvin performed surgery on her, and it was sessful.¡±


    Stephanie felt relieved. ¡°That¡¯s good, When I went to save her, there was no time to check on her. Then we were attacked again.¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Yes, you had a bullet graze your arm. It¡¯s already been treated. Stephie, <b>did </b>you see the person¡¯s face?¡±


    Stephanie closed her eyes and recalled, ¡°The person was around five feet nine inches tall. I saw only an orange silhouette. He was probably wearing a fire suit¡± Suddenly, she opened her eyes and added, ¡°He must havee prepared. Vincent, I think I was his target. Otherwise, why didn¡¯t he just shoot Madeline but aim at me in the end?¡±


    Julianna was shocked. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he after Madeline? Is it because he knew you were going to save Madeline?¡± Terrified, <b>Julianna </b>widened <b>her </b><b>eyes</b>. ¡°Stephie, this person must know your character well. That¡¯s why he used Madeline as bait. Who could it be? Dous is <b>gone</b><b>, </b>and Florence is missing too. It couldn¡¯t be Horace and Matilda<b>, </b>right? I¡¯m so confused now.¡°¡±


    Stephanie fell silent as well. She couldn¡¯t think of anyone who would harbor such hatred for her to do such a thingContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    After chatting for a while longer, it was nearing midnight. Stephanie urged Julianna to go home. Julianna wanted to stay, but when she saw Vincent¡¯s gloomy <b>face</b>, she immediately shut up and left with Graham.


    I want to go see Madeline,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s visit her tomorrow,¡± Vincent replied!


    Stephanie hummed in response. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Chapter 123


    <b>????</b>


    Vincent had Zane buy a window film to cover the window on the ward door. Then, he sat in the chair next to the bed.


    75%Ö¹


    Stephanie looked at Vincent¡¯s tired face and patted the space beside her on the bed, making room for him. ¡°Are you going to sit there all night? Come here.¡±


    Seeing that, Vincent took off his shoes andy down beside her,


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Stephanie asked


    Vincent gazed at her intently. ¡°I was <b>really </b>scared just now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Are you angry with me?¡± Stephanie held his hand.


    Vincent pulled her into his arms. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯m not angry that you went to save someone. I¡¯m angry at myself for arriving toote. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t protect you. Even though you are capable of protecting yourself, it is my responsibility to keep you safe, which I failed to do tonight.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to make you worried, Vincent. I just couldn¡¯t <b>stand </b>by and let them harm Madeline. When I saw the person and they started shooting. I quickly realized that if Madeline was just bait and I was the real target, <b>and </b>if something happened to her because of me and I didn¡¯t save her, I would never forgive myself¡± Stephanie said, nestling into his embrace.


    Vincent hugged her tightly. ¡°Stephie, I understand how you feel. None of us can bear to see someone we care about get hurt. You¡¯re kind and brave. Those are your strengths. It <b>is </b>just that the perpetrator <b>is </b><b>far </b>too insidious and cruel, causing so much harm to innocent people.¡±


    Stephanie raised her head slightly. ¡°How many casualties are there?¡±


    Vincent didn¡¯t hide the truth from her, knowing she would find out <b>eventually</b>. ¡°Four people were severely burned. Despite efforts to save them, two <b>of </b>them died shortly after being transported to the hospital. Nine other people suffered minor burns.¡±


    Stephanie felt deep sorrow and began to tremble.


    ¡°Stephie, don¡¯t me yourself. Rest assured, I will make sure the person behind this is caught,¡± Vincent promised.


    Stephanie clenched his shirt and choked out, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯m so upset. Why are they so cruel?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the difference between humans and scoundrels, Stephie, this world contains both <b>good </b>and evil people. Some people are just born evil. The perpetrator is targeting you, and they will strike again sooner orter. I¡¯ll have people protect you. If they make a move, we will catch them right away. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t <b>give </b>them another chance to hurt you,¡± Vincent <b>said</b>.


    Sullen, Stephanie murmured, ¡°I won¡¯t let the person behind this get away either.¡±


    Vincent held her, gently patting her back to soothe her to sleep. After <b>a </b>while, her steady breathing could be heard. However, Vincent couldn¡¯t fall <b>asleep</b>. He had a suspect in mind. He carefully withdrew his arm from beneath Stephanie¡¯s neck, got out of bed, and walked into the bathroom. Next, he dialed Nancy¡¯s number<b>.</b>


    The other end picked up quickly, <b>and </b>the voice filled with joy and excitement. ¡°<b>Vincent</b><b>!</b>¡±


    ¡°Nancy, did you set the fire on the film set?¡± Vincent asked.


    Nancy had been thrilled to receive Vincent¡¯s call but didn¡¯t expect to be questioned like that. Frustrated, she replied, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. I didn¡¯t do such a thing. Vincent, do you really think I¡¯m that despicable?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it true? Wasn¡¯t it you who tried to bewitch me?¡± he retorted.


    Nancy was disappointed. ¡°Vincent, since you suspect me, why bother asking? Just investigate me!¡±


    É«


    SEND GIFT


    10:42 Sat, 1 Jun


    Chapter 123


    Vincent got straight to the point. ¡°Nancy, I¡¯m asking out of respect for your father.¡±


    ¡°If it was me, would you forgive me because of my bather?¡± she asked.


    ¡°If you really did this, I would send you to prison immediately to face legal consequences<b>, </b>out of respect for your father, if your father hadn¡¯t saved me. before, I¡¯d have you thrown into Snake Forest, Vincent replied coldly.


    Nancy gritted her teeth, ¡°Fine! Since you don¡¯t believe anything I say, go ahead and investigate!¡±


    ¡°If you dare to harm Stephie<b>, </b>I¡¯ll not let you off! Vincent enunciated.


    Nancy realized that Vincent¡¯s call was giving her an opportunity to confess, given that Gerald once took a bullet for Vincent. But she hadn¡¯t done it, leaving her feeling deeply wronged and frustrated. At the same time, she was really angry that Vincent suspected her. ¡®Did he think I¡¯m such a disgraceful person?¡± she thought. Suddenly, she became interested in the person targeting Stephanie because they shared amon enemy. If she teamed up with such a person, it would be easy to get rid of Stephanie. Hence, she decided to find out who the person was.


    0

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    After hanging up, Vincent asked Zane to look into Nancy¡¯s call log before returning to the bed. He held Stephanie tightly as if she were a rare treasure. At that moment, he didn¡¯t feel sleepy at all His gaze was fixed on the dark night. He would never let go of anyone who hurt Stephanie, no matter who they


    were.


    At the same time, a ck Rolls-Royce was on its way to the condominium.


    Julianna looked at Graham, who was driving, and cleared her throat. ¡°I need to return to the design studio. This road is heading in the wrong direction.¡±


    Graham remained unfazed. ¡°It¡¯s already past midnight. Are you nning to stay up all night?¡±


    ¡°The designers usually work until around two in the morning at the design studio, Going to bed this early feels inappropriate,¡± Julianna replied.


    Graham looked straight ahead and stated calmly. ¡°So you still have to work so hard despite being the boss. What¡¯s the point of paying your employees then?


    Juljanna pursed her lips and replied, ¡°It¡¯s a special period nowCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°If a business owner works as hard as you, they¡¯ll be exhausted. You must understand the distinction between a boss and an employee,¡± Graham exined.


    Julianna despised being lectured, even if he made sense. She didn¡¯t want to be overwhelmed by his superior attitude. ¡°I prefer it this way. I like it! Now take me back to the design studio!¡±


    Graham locked the car doors. ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte at night. I had gastric a few days ago, and you didn¡¯t even ask about it. Which is more important, your husband or your work?¡±


    Julianna raised an eyebrow. ¡°We are a fake couple!¡±


    ¡°The marriage license is real, with an official seal. Your name is listed as my spouse. I stated from the beginning that I desired a real marriage. We have gotten married for a while now, and other than that kiss the night you ran to find Stephanie, we have not had much interaction.¡±


    When Julianna heard that, she recalled that night. On the day they got married, the Whitlock and Saunders families had dinner together. Graham then cornered her, insisting that they live together or that he move to the Saunders residence with her. Julianna thought it over. If he moved to the Saunders residence, they would undoubtedly share a room, forcing her to sleep next to him. She was afraid he would lose control one day. If Graham couldn¡¯t control himself, she would be in trouble. Their fictitious marriage could end at any time, and she wouldn¡¯t let him take advantage of her. Therefore, she cleverly imed that she had a condominium close to both the design studio and the Whitlock Group and that moving out would avoid conflicts with their parents¡¯ differing living habits. When Graham agreed, she was overjoyed. After all, she had already decided to use Stephanie as an excuse.


    After they went into the condominium, Graham pinned her against the wall and kissed her. Julianna only remembered making advances on Graham and forcing a kiss on him the night she was drugged. Now that she was sober, she was extremely nervous. Graham¡¯s kiss was passionate but not particrly skilled, leaving her lips swollen. In a panic, Julianna pushed him away and fled into the master bedroom as soon as his hand lifted her skirt and moved up her log.


    It took her an hour to emerge, having changed into cartoon pajamas that no man would find appealing. When she noticed Graham on the phone by the floor-to-ceiling window, she approached him. Sensing someone approaching, Graham turned and saw her. He hurriedly ended his call with a few perfunctory words and looked at Julianna. ¡°Can we continue?¡±


    Julianna cleared her throat and said, ¡°Well, Stephie is upstairs. I want to greet her.¡±


    At that point, Graham finally understood why Julianna insisted on moving there. Before he could say anything. Julianna quickly ran out. She ended staying at Stephanie¡¯s ce for several days, leaving Graham and Vincent feeling lonely.


    After letting her get away the previous time, Graham wasn¡¯t about to let it happen again


    dup


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    Julianna felt that she might be at the mercy of him that night. She blinked her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m having my period right now.¡±


    Graham hummed in acknowledgement indifferently.


    ¡°Actually, if you need to take care of your lust, you can find someone else,¡± Julianna suggested.


    Abruptly, Graham braked, causing Julianna to jolt and look at him in horror. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Graham squinted at Julianna, which made her feel like she was the prey of a beast. She gulped nervously and added, ¡°I don¡¯t mind. We¡¯re just married on paper.¡±


    ¡°As I previously stated, the Whitlock family does not allow divorce. So, are you going to remain chaste for someone else?¡± Graham asked.


    Julianna understood his implication. She would most likely be unable to escape Graham for the rest of her life. She also didn¡¯t know who she was saving her chastity for. It was a conflicting thought, given how little she and Graham knew each other, Sleeping in the same bed with a man she had no feelings for felt awkward.


    Seeing Julianna lower her head and say nothing, Graham restarted the car and drove toward the condominium. Once the car was parked in the basement, they got out, and Graham walked ahead with Julianna following. Suddenly, he stopped, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her forward. Julianna tried to break free but couldn¡¯t. After entering the elevator, she nervously looked at his cold side profile, her heart racing. ¡°I¡¯m really on my period,¡± she


    said.


    Graham remained silent, which made Julianna nervous. When the elevator door opened, he led her out, unlocked the door with his fingerprint, and pushed her against the door once they were inside. ¡°Do you know the consequences of lying to me?¡± he asked.


    She replied, ¡°I¡¯m not lying.¡±


    His


    ss cut off her words. In the darkness, only a little moonlight prated through the narrow gaps of the curtains and shone on them. Graham pressed Julianna on the couch, his once passionate kiss turning gentle, wat, and warm. Julianna found herself momentarily entranced, wrapping her


    arms around his neck.


    Then, Graham¡¯s fingers slid under her skirt, and he tutted, ¡°Where¡¯s your pad? You lied.¡±


    Instantly, Julianna¡¯s mind cleared. In her panic, she pinched him.


    Graham grunted, looked into her angry eyes, andughed. ¡°Julianna, you¡¯re ruthless.¡±


    ¡°Stop taking advantage of me!¡± Julianna huffed.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you feel anything just now?¡± Graham teased, rubbing his fingers together.


    Blushing, Julianna pushed him away forcefully and fled to the bedroom, locking the door.


    Graham, sprawled on the carpet, stared at the closed door. Inside, he could hear Julianna shouting, ¡°Graham, you are shameless! I¡¯m nevering back! I want a divorce!¡±


    Graham clenched his teeth. He would never divorce her. He got up and went to the guest room, heading straight to the bathroom.


    Julianna dashed into the bathroom after venting her rage, staring at her flushed face in the mirror as if she had been bullied. She was embarrassed that Graham had aroused her and thought, ¡®D a m n it! I¡¯m p**d off!¡¯ She wanted to vent to someone, but her phone was in her handbag, which was left at the entrance. She approached the door, opened a c a c k, and looked outside. When she noticed Graham was not in the living room, she dashed out. After getting her handbag and turning around, she ran into Graham. Her heart raced as she pressed against the wall and scurried back to the bedroom.


    Graham was amused to see her frantically avoiding him. ¡°Julianna, with that marriage certificate, you¡¯re mine forever. You¡¯ll never escape,¡± he uttered.


    Julianna was speechless. That night, she couldn¡¯t sleep at all and spent her time scrolling through her phone. As dawn approached, she was stunned by


    10:42 Sat, 1 Jun T

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    Chapter 125


    Graham was a light sleeper. He instantly opened his eyes when he heard the door being pushed open.


    Julianna rushed to the bedside, but before she could speak, Graham grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace.


    He nipped over, pinning Julianna down. ¡°You couldn¡¯t resisting on to me after considering it all night?¡±


    Julianna¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°I¡¯m not here to throw myself at you¡­¡±


    Graham stopped her from continuing with his lips. Julianna made m u f l e d sounds as she kept smacking his shoulders.


    But soon, Graham¡¯s fiery heat melted Julianna. She weakly clung to his neck, a soft moan escaping her throat.


    ¡°Can we?¡± Graham asked gently, which snapped Julianna back to her senses.


    She blinked, looking at the unusually handsome man above her, and forcefully pushed him away. ¡°No way!¡±


    Julianna wiped her mouth and sat up. She found her phone with the help of its light.


    Graham grabbed the phone and threw it on the bed, leaning in for another kiss


    Covering his mouth with her hand, Julianna said seriously, ¡°Stop messing around, Something has happened!¡±


    Seeing her anxious look, Graham stopped teasing her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Julianna grabbed her phone and hold it up to his face. ¡°Sabrina Hood, the former designer at Starlight Design Studio who had been helping the film crew of ¡®Dark War¡¯ with costumes, took her own life!¡±


    Graham asked, ¡°What¡¯s so surprising about that?¡±


    Julianna was anxious. ¡°The person who wants to set Stephie up knows her well and knows that Stephie will help Madeline. Sabrina had a grudge against Stephie, so the former might have acted out of resentment!¡±


    Graham pursed his lips. ¡°That seems usible, but there¡¯s no substantial evidence. It¡¯s all just your spection. Besides, what kind of hatred would drive her to want to kill someone?¡±


    Julianna frowned, n a t c h n g her phone back and rolling her eyes. ¡°Follow this lead. What if we find something? She¡¯s currently a prime suspect!¡±


    She huffed and prepared to get out of bed.


    Graham pulled her back into his arms. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Thinking that being too intimate was bad, Julianna tugged on his arm. ¡°I¡¯m going back to sleep.¡±


    Pressed against her back, Graham hugged her tightly andy down, his warm breath on her neck. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep well all night. Sleep with me for a


    white.¡±


    She asked, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you sleep well?¡±


    He replied, ¡°What do you think? Why couldn¡¯t you sleep then?¡±


    Julianna was stunned. ¡°How do you know I couldn¡¯t sleep?¡±


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    € 76%


    Graham said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep, afraid you¡¯de on to me at any moment. You couldn¡¯t sleep because you were wrestling with the thought ofing.


    no?¡±


    Julianna snapped, ¡°Nonsensel When did Ie on to you?¡±


    ¡°Just now?¡± Graham retorted.


    Julianna was speechless.


    He chuckled. ¡°I wanted you to do it so I was ready at any moment. Be good, sleep. I¡¯m tired,¡±


    Julianna struggled, and Graham kissed the back of her neck. ¡°If you move again, I can¡¯t guarantee what will happen.¡±


    She yelled, ¡°Graham!¡±


    He responded, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here. Be good and sleep. It¡¯s not the right time to rush to the hospital to tell Stephanie anyway. It¡¯s not even four o¡¯clock yet.¡±


    Seeing that he wasn¡¯t going to do anything else, Julianna gave up resisting, knowing he wouldn¡¯t let go.


    She stared at the light seeping through the curtains until her eyes gradually closed.


    In her dream, she saw a cherry tree with ripe cherries. A man climbed the tree, ate the cherries individually, and said they were sweet.


    Julianna was so angry t


    that she wanted to grab him. ¡°You stole my cherries! Give them back to me!¡±


    The man said, ¡°They are delicious. I¡¯lle back for more next time.¡±


    Julianna shouted, ¡°You can¡¯t have any!¡± She soon woke up in anger.


    Graham was gone. She looked down at her pajamas, letting out a sigh of relief when she saw they were still neatly in ce.


    She grabbed her phone from the nightstand. It was already eight o¡¯clock.


    Julianna called Stephanie and asked if she knew what happened to Sabrina.


    Stephanie hummed in response. ¡°I¡¯m at the police station now. Sabrina left a note stating she swapped out the props on set and added extra explosives. She detalled the purchase times and sources of the items. She did this out of resentment because I fired her. The police are questioning me because the case involves me. They need to take my statement.¡±


    Julianna was surprised. ¡°So it really was her? Was the handwriting hers?¡±


    Stephanie analyzed objectively, ¡°Yes, the handwriting belonged to Sabrina. But I suspect she was just a scapegoat. Sabrina did it on the balcony, so it was easy for someone to discover her and call the police. If she really wanted to die, she wouldn¡¯t have done it so deliberately. The note was too detailed as well, almost as if afraid to miss any detail. There are many suspicious points.¡±


    Julianna thought about it. ¡°It does feel like someone pushed Sabrina to take


    the me, eager to wrap up the case.¡±


    Stephanie agreed.


    Julianna asked, ¡°Then what now? If all the evidence points to her, won¡¯t the police conclude she was the culprit?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very likely. Since there¡¯s evidence and the suspect is dead, the case will generally be considered closed. But we¡¯ll keep investigating,¡± Stephanie paused. ¡°As long as the person behind this is targeting me, they¡¯ll strike again. Julia, don¡¯t worry. I can protect myself, and Vincent will also protect me.¡±


    Julianna was still worried. ¡°Stephie, I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you.¡±


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    Chapter 125


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Stephanie smiled and changed the subject, easing her mood. ¡°Did you go back to the condominium or the design studiost night?¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°The condominium,¡° Julianna answered.


    Stephanie said, ¡°Oh? You and Graham?¡±


    Julianna coughed. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d let that lecher try anything? if he tried, I¡¯d kick him!¡±


    Stephanieughed. ¡°I¡¯m relieved that you two are doing well.¡±


    ¡°Who wants to do well with him?¡± As soon as Julianna turned around, she saw Graham standing at the door with a tray of sushi and oatmeal.


    Julianna continued, ¡°Stephie, I need to wash up and go to the design studio. I¡¯ll visit you in the evening after work.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m really fine now, okay?¡± Stephanie replied.


    ¡°Okay, bye.¡± Julianna hung up and looked at Graham, who raised his eyebrows. He asked, ¡°I¡¯m a lecher?¡±


    ¡°An¡¯t you?¡± Julianna retorted.


    Graham nced at her pajamas, which had a cartoon character on them, and smiled. ¡°If you say so. Wash up and eat breakfast. I¡¯ll take y


    studio.¡±


    you to the design


    Julianna nodded and went to wash u


    up.


    At the police station, Stephanie was able to enter the forensic department, thanks to Vincent¡¯s connections. She saw Sabrina¡¯s body.


    Stephanie put on her gloves and examined the corpse.


    The forensic pathologist provided his findings, ¡°There are no other injuries on the body, no drugs in the blood or urine, and only neck marks consistent with hanging. Based on the body¡¯s stiffness, the death urred before dawn. The scene had an overturned stool, indicating the victim stepped on it, tied her neck to the clothesline, and kicked the stool to end her life.¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly. ¡°Indeed, there is no suspicious skin or fibers under her nails and no other injuries.¡±


    She closed her eyes, visualizing the crime scene.


    If Sabrina had been hanged while she was still alive, there would have been a struggle, and there would be signs of it.


    The autopsy showed no struggle marks, indicating the hanging was the primary crime scene, not a secondary one.


    Stephanie suddenly opened her eyes. ¡°Sabrina willingly did it.¡±

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    Hearing this, everyone was confused.


    The forensic pathologist asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for someone who wanted to take their own life to do it willingly!¡±


    Stephanie expressed, ¡°It¡¯s not. Even if someone did it willingly, they would still struggle, leaving some traces. Sabrina didn¡¯t I suspect she was hypnotized, then wrote the note and took her own life.¡±


    Everyone was stunned, contemting this possibility.


    Stephanie continued, ¡°Sabrina and I did have conflicts, but not to the extent of wanting to kill people. She had no reason to detail the process of setting things up. This was clearly staged by someone who wanted to frame her as the scapegoat for the shooting and explosion, hoping the police would stop investigating.¡±


    Vincent naturally believed in Stephanie. ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡±


    Norman, the police chief, nodded. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s quite suspicious. We will reopen the investigation.¡±


    Vincent suggested, ¡°I think you can proceed like this¡­¡±


    After Vincent and Stephanie left, a police officer asked Norman, ¡°Chiel, why do you take his advice so seriously?¡±


    Norman nced at him. ¡°Show some respect when you see Mr. Fletcher in the future, understand?¡±


    The police officer pursed his lips. ¡°Although Mr. Fletcher has a point, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so sycophantic and listen to others.¡±


    Norman knocked on the officer¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s not sycophancy. It¡¯s recognizing leadership. You¡¯ll understand someday.¡±


    The young officer nced at the departing Bentley, pondering the meaning of ¡°leadership.¡±


    Vincent and Stephanie returned to the hospital.


    They went directly to see Madeline. There was also Megan in the ward.


    When Madeline saw Stephanie, her eyes reddened with emotion, and she wanted to sit up.


    Stephanie rushed forward and took her hand. ¡°I know what you want to say. You can thank me after you recover. The most important thing now is to get


    better.¡±


    Madeline¡¯s eyes were wet. ¡°Without you, I would have perished in the fire. Stephie, I don¡¯t know how to thank you. Just saying ¡°thank you¡¯ is not


    enough.¡±


    Stephanie suggested, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you treat me to a meal?¡±


    ¡°A meal?¡± Madeline asked.


    Stephanie replied, ¡°Yeah, I love eating.¡±


    ¡°Okay. As long as you eat with me, I¡¯ll treat you for life,¡± Madeline promised.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay, it¡¯s a deal¡±


    Madeline then asked, ¡°I heard from Meg that you hurt your arm. Can I have a look?¡±


    13:42 Mon, 3 Jun


    Chapter 126


    ¡°It¡¯s not serious. The wound closed up before leven got to the hospital.¡± Stephanie smiled.


    Megan sighed. ¡°Hearing you say that makes me feel uneasy. A bullet graze is very painful


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Stephanie said calmly. ¡°Meg, don¡¯t scare Madeline.¡±


    79%


    Megan pursed her lips and sniffed. She said to Madeline, ¡°I didn¡¯t have any scenes yesterday and was feeling unwell, so I didn¡¯t go. If I had, I would have rushed in to save you, and Stephie wouldn¡¯t have been injured.¡±


    Madeline shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself. It¡¯s all in the past.¡± She then spoke to Stephanie. ¡°I heard from Meg that the news reported Sabrina taking her own life. Was she involved in the incident on the film set?¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly. ¡°I was called to the police station early this morning to give a statement. Sabrina took her own life and left a note confessing to changing the props and adding explosives out of hatred for me. Her initial n was to divert attention, but she didn¡¯t anticipate the severe casualties. Fearing police discovery, she ended her own life.¡±


    Madeline pressed her lips together and then said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Sabrina to be so cruel.¡±


    Megan replied, ¡°She didn¡¯t seem like such a heartless person. Truly, you can¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡±


    Madeline responded, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Sabrina to have such an antisocial personality. She was quite extreme. The police will hold a press conference this aftemoon to give an exnation to the masses.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Madeline, I¡¯ll be discharged from the hospital soon. Since the film crew can¡¯t shoot right now, I¡¯ll go back to help at the design studio. Your injury is close to your heart, so you need to rest well and not overexert yourself¡±


    Madeline hummed in response.


    Stephanie chatted with them for a while before going through the discharge procedures with Vincent and leaving the hospital.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Alter they returned to the condominium, Vincent began investigating Sabrina¡¯s social connections, her call records, bank ounts, and the surveince footage around her home.


    Despite his efforts, Vincent didn¡¯t find any valuable leads, leaving the two in a deadlock.


    Looking at each other, they suggested in unison, ¡°How about we visit her home tonight?¡±


    They chuckled, amused by their synchronicity


    Vincent notified Norman about it, whereas Stephanie refused Julianna¡¯s visit in the evening. They then went to Sabrina¡¯s house together.


    To avoid revealing their identities, Vincent and Stephanie arrivedte at night..


    Sabrina¡¯s home was eerily quiet, likely due to the recent death, which gave the ce a sinister and haunting atmosphere.


    Donning forensic investigation suits, including headgear, gloves, and shoe covers, Vincent and Stephanie began a meticulous search.


    Theybed through every inch, from the living room to the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and other locations. However, the police had already examined the obvious areas.


    Stephanie sat on the couch, closing her eyes to visualize the crime.


    The perpetrator came in and hypnotized Sabrina, possibly while she was sitting on the couch.


    If Sabrina had any evidence, she¡¯d probably have stuffed it in a hidden ce.


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    Chapter 126


    Stephanie can her fingers along the gap of the couch and searched carefully.


    Suddenly, she touched something in the shape of a pen and took it out. It was a voice recorder


    Vincent returned from the balcony and was shocked to see the recorder in her hand. He asked, ¡°Where did you find that?¡±


    ¡°In the gap of the couch,¡± Stephanie told him.


    Vincent gave her a thumbs up. ¡°Did you sniff it out?¡±


    Stephanie red at him. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying!¡±


    Vincent smiled and sat beside her. ¡°Tenjoy teasing you; I¡¯ll never get tired of it.¡±


    ¡°What a smooth talker!¡± Stephanie curiously turned on the recorder. Then, a man¡¯s voice could be heard saying, ¡°See this pocket watch?¡±


    Sabrina said, ¡°Yes¡±


    The man instructed, ¡°You are now the culprit of the explosion on the film set. You need to write down everything I say.¡±


    Sabrina replied. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Next, the man dictated the contents of the note.


    Sabrina said in a dull voice, ¡°I¡¯ve finished writing.¡±


    The man replied, ¡°Great. Next, you will go to the balcony, stand on the stool, and take your own life by hanging. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Sabrina responded.


    Then came the sound of the stool tipping over, followed by the man¡¯s mockingughter.


    ¡°Idiot, you¡¯re dead now! Only your death will ensure the safety of my precious.¡± The man snorted coldly and then mmed the door shut.


    Vincent narrowed his eyes. ¡°So, this man must be the person responsible for the shooting. His precious must be the one behind the scenes, or he was avenging someone on their behalf.¡±


    SEND GIFT

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    The recorder confirmed Stephanie¡¯s suspicion


    on that Sabrina didn¡¯t end her life at all. It was a homicide.


    The man in the recorder was the key. Naturally, if she found him, she would find the woman he called ¡°Babe¡±, and the truth woulde to light when


    the time came.


    Vincent said, ¡°We¡¯ve investigated the surveince cameras. They were very professional and didn¡¯t leave any clues, whether at the film set or this building¡¯s surroundings.¡±


    Stephanie pondered, then said, ¡°Sabrina having the time to press record means she knew that man, so she wasn¡¯t randomly chosen as a scapegoat. She was involved in the bombing, I suspect she had something to do with switching out the guns and nting the explosives, but the surveince cameras were cut off hence, not recording it.¡±


    Vincent nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a reasonable spection. Nothing unusual turned up in our investigation of her, so she likely used another phone to contact the man or the person behind the scenes. That man most probably had taken that phone.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Stephanic pursed her lips. ¡°Our trip tonight isn¡¯t in vain. At least we found out Sabrina was murdered.¡±


    ¡°Justice may bete, but it¡¯lle.¡± Vincent held her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you home, then head over to the police station.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After they left, a man appeared in the hallway, gritting his teeth fiercely. He returned to check the scene to ensure he didn¡¯t leave any trace yet unexpectedly ran into them. Based on the body figure and voice, he recognized Stephanie but was surprised to find out the man was Vincent.


    Not expecting Vincent to be out of the wheelchair, he wondered, ¡®From his gait, he didn¡¯t look like a newly recovered patient, so why did he pretend to be disabled? Anyway, it seems they¡¯ve discovered a new lead. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be so happy. What have I neglected? How do I exin this to Babe?¡±


    After thinking for a while, he got in the car and made a call.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the voice on the other ended sounded.


    The man answered, ¡°I was at Sabrina¡¯s ce.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Megan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to leave Jacaster? Why are you still here?¡±


    ¡°I was worried about leaving a trace, so I came back to check,¡± the man exined.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you walking into a trap?¡± Megan nced at the door and whispered, ¡°Chandler, drop everything else. You should¡¯ve received the money, so leave Jacaster now.¡±


    ¡°Meg, Stephanie and Vincent seem to have found a new lead, the man, Chandler Leighton, informed.


    Megan w


    was stunned. ¡°What did you say? What new lead?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Chandler replied.


    Megan¡¯s temper s p i k d. ¡°Have you dealt with Sabrina¡¯s phone?¡±


    ¡°Everything has been dealt with. No one will know since she used another phone to contact us,¡± he reassured.


    ¡°Then, what lead did Stephanie and Vincent find? Guess,¡± she prompted..


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    Chapter 127


    ¡°really have no idea, but I¡¯ll find out Chandler said.


    Megan took a deep breath. ¡°Chandler, you know I¡¯m thinking about our future. You¡¯ll only be a part of the Jimenez family after I gain a firm footing. The people that should¡¯ve died this time didn¡¯t, not even one, so I¡¯m walking on eggshells every day.¡±


    go and kill Stephanie!¡± he dered.


    ¡°You think you can get close to Stephanie without the explosion? How about this? I need to deal with Christina¡¯s robot dog now since it has a recording of me and Florence. I¡¯ll ask to meet with Christina while you¡­ Once Megan finished giving her instructions, she coaxed, ¡°Chandler, we¡¯ll be set for life once we pet nd of Stephanie.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Meg. I won¡¯t fail this time. By the way, I nearly forgot to tell you that Vincent is not disabled. He has recovered long ago,¡± Chandler divulged.


    ¡°What?¡± Megan was shocked. ¡°He¡¯s been pretending to be disabled the whole time?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡± Chandler confirmed,


    Vincent¡¯s handsome looks shed across Megan¡¯s mind. She thought, ¡®I¡¯m sure he¡¯s tall when he stands with how long his legs are. Only men like him are worthy of me. Why should I let Stephanie have him?¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Megan held


    in the future.¡±


    dback her disgust and said. ¡°You¡¯re so good to me, Chandler, I remember everything you did for me, and I¡¯ll love you with all my heart


    ¡°Okay, Meg. Your promise is enough for me,¡± he said.


    After hanging up the phone, Chandler gritted his teeth and silently swore to kill Stephanie.


    Stephanie returned home, tore off the gauze, changed her dressing, and applied the scar gel, thinking. This gel is good. I should get one for Madeler. Her injuries are still too severe to treat with this gel, so she doesn¡¯t need this for now!


    She was about to make oatmeal when the doorbell rang. Wondering who her visitor was, she didn¡¯t expect to see Zane


    Zane handed a paper bag to her. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher, Mr. Fletcher informed me of your small appetite at dinner, so he asked me to buy you supper. Here are banana split oatmeal and an appetizer I got from Oatmeal Pce.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for going through the trouble, Mr. Quin,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. Mr. Fletcher said to get some rest and that he might be backte,¡± Zane ryed.


    Stephanie nodded.


    After closing the door, she sat before the coffee table and opened the paper bags. Then she set the containers on the table and opened the lids, taking a photo and sending it to Vincent with the caption: [Thank you for your supper of love.


    Vincent replied: [I¡¯m d you like it. Get some rest after you eat.]


    Stephanie responded: [Okay.]


    Despite her promise, she didn¡¯t follow through. After eating, she cleaned up the table first, washed up, nestled on the couch, and then fell asleep there.


    In the dream, she was tied to the operating table. Florence drew cut after cut across her face with a scalpel and then carved a long incision along her chest, removing her heart.


    Stephanie jolted awake, only to find that it was a nightmare.


    13:42 Mon, 3 Jun


    Chapter 127


    She hadn¡¯t had that dream for a long time and sensed something was about to happen.


    She checked the time, noticing it was already midnight.


    Then, a beep came from the door, and Vincent walked in. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you sleep in the bedroom?¡±


    Stephanie walked over to him quickly. ¡°I want to wait for you.¡±


    Vincent hugged her, feeling her pajamas were slightly wet. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Had a nightmare?¡±


    Stephanie recalled her tragic death and how Vincent died for her in her previous life. Feeling the k of tears in her eyes, she uttered, ¡°Yeah, I had aCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    terrible nightmare, but luckily it was just a dream¡±


    She knew it wasn¡¯t a dream, but an actual incident and was grateful for another chance in life and that she and Vincent were alive. Otherwise, sadness and guilt would gue her for the rest of her life,


    ¡°Tell me about your nightmare,¡± Vincent urged.


    Stephanie looked up at him, ¡°I dreamed that my heart was cut out and you died for me.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s body froze because he had the same dream before. Not wanting to scare her, he stroked her hair gently. ¡°It¡¯s just a dream. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯ll protect you and won¡¯t let anything like that happen.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s just a dream. Vincent, can you promise me something?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± he inquired.


    Stephanie looked into his eyes. ¡°Promise me first.¡±


    Vincent said, ¡°Say it first.¡±


    She urged, ¡°Promise me first.


    He smiled resignedly. ¡°Okay, I promise.¡±


    Stephanie said seriously, ¡°If something happens to me, don¡¯t die for me and live a good life.¡±


    Vincent pressed his lips, and his body trembled. ¡°I¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s stare was steady. ¡°You promised.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡± Vincent hugged her tightly. Despite his promise, he knew he would never live without her because he couldn¡¯t survive in a world without her.


    É«

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    Perhaps the topic was too heavy, for neither Stephanie nor Vincent slept.


    Stephanie knew many things had changed with her rebirth and couldn¡¯t predict everything Uneasiness filled her as if something was about to happen.


    Vincent confirmed he and Stephanie had the same dream. The dream was so real that he couldn¡¯t shrug it off. He felt Stephanie was hiding something. very painful from him, but he wouldn¡¯t force her to reveal it since she didn¡¯t want to. He swore to be her knight and silently protect her from harm.


    The night was so long. Yet, they were still as they looked at the bright moon.


    Keh, Annabelle, Sebastian, and Selena had found out about Madeline¡¯s ident and Stephanie¡¯s heroic feat.


    Thus, Stephanie was immediately surrounded when she visited Madeline with the scar gel.


    ch into the fire to


    Annabelle hugged Stephanie with teary eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not wrong about you. You¡¯re our family¡¯s savior, Stephile. I can¡¯t believe you would rush save others. It was so dangerous! I don¡¯t know how I should thank you!¡±


    Kehmented, ¡°We saw how dangerous it was through the camera. If you hadn¡¯t gone in to save Madeline, we would be holding a funeral by now I¡¯m willing to transfer five percent of Jimenez Group shares to you.¡±


    Jimenez Group was worth billions of dors, so five percent of the share was at least 1 billion dors.


    Stephanie was shocked by Keh¡¯s decision and she said, ¡°Madeline and I hit it off the second we met. I just wanted to save her and didn¡¯t want any


    compensation.¡±


    Selena held her hands. ¡°Stephie, thank you so much. We think words aren¡¯t enough to express how grateful we are, so the whole family agreed with the


    decision.¡±


    Sebastian also nodded. ¡°This is a small gift from our family.¡±


    Annabelle turned to Selena. ¡°Look how wonderful the daughter of my g**r is! Take her as your g**r already!¡±


    Selena had a great impression of Stephanie since the very first meating and didn¡¯t expect her to save Madeline, so she naturally wanted to take


    Stephanie as her g**r.


    Matthew, Melvin, and Malcolm, who hurried back from a meeting abroad, also agreed. Not only did they agree on the decision about the shares but also on Stephanie bing part of their family.


    Only Megan pursed her lips and watched with hatred.


    Her treatment in the Jimenez family wasn¡¯t better than Stephanie¡¯s. Upon finding out she wasn¡¯t the real youngdy of the Jimenez family, Keh and Annabelle only gave her ten percent of Jimenez Group shares, worth billions of dors. She felt they were too biased for giving Stephanie so many shares over saving Madeline.


    Megan thought, ¡°Sebastian and Selena are even more fake. They said they wouldn¡¯t take Stephanie as their g**r in consideration of my feelings. but I¡¯m sure they had such a thought a long time ago since they liked her from the first time they met. All theycked was a chance. Now that Stephanie has saved Madeline, no matter how the Jimenez family wants to repay her, nothing is too much since it can also silence her. What else can I do but pander to her!¡¯


    Megan suppressed her anger and smiled gently. ¡°Stephie, my whole family and I like you a lot, so please don¡¯t turn us down.¡±


    The whole family persuaded Stephanie, giving her the warmth of a family she had never felt before. She was moved. ¡°I can¡¯t ept the shares, but I agree to be a part of your family.¡±


    1/3


    13:43 Mon, 3 Jun


    Chapter 128


    Annabelle hugged her. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re such a good gil¡±


    She looked at Keh. ¡°Let¡¯s hold a reunion party to tell the world we have a new family member!¡±


    Having always indulged her, Keh smiled and said, ¡°Whatever you say.¡± The others burst intoughter.


    Intense hatred welled up within Megan. She mused, ¡°They¡¯re already so nice to Stephanie, not knowing she¡¯s the real youngdy of the Jimenez family. I can¡¯t imagine how they¡¯ll act once they find out. Are they going to serve Jimenez Group on a tter to her? What will I be left with by then? If they find out that the switch is a conspiracy, I might be implicated and lose everything in the end. Not I can¡¯t let that happen! Stephanie must die! I¡¯ve been trying to get Christina to meet metely, but she wasn¡¯t free. It seems I¡¯ll have to persist in asking her out and implement the n as soon as possible!¡¯


    Then, the Jimenez family asked Stephanie when she would be free, and Stephanie said she would be flying to Chueles for the International Golden Finger Contest the next day. Thus, the Jimenez family decided to hold the reunion party after she returned.


    Megan thought, ¡®Sabrina had stolen Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch and sold them to Flora Cooper, an A-ss designer from Dream Design Studio. As far as 1 know, Flora had filed for a patent with the Fashion Designer Association early on. Stephanie used to shame Florence simrly, now Flora would do the same to her. She¡¯ll embarrass Stephanie through this internationalpetition in front of the whole world! I¡¯ll see if the Jimenez family will still ept Stephanie as a part of their family! It¡¯ll be best if Stephanie¡¯s name gets dragged through the mud and then she dies!¡¯ Her imagination caused her to burst intoughter.


    Everyone turned to look. Only then did Megan realize herughter wasn¡¯t the happy kind. ¡°I¡¯m over the moon and filled with pride just thinking of Stephie as my godsister. After all, everyone wants to have a heroic sister,¡± she hurriedly exined.


    They didn¡¯t think much of it. After all, everyone was d that Stephanie saved Madeline.


    Stephanie chatted with them for a long time before giving Madeline e the scar gel, advising on the usage and dosage, and leaving the hospital.


    She returned to the design studio and started on the final preparation for thepetition with Julianna and the other designers.


    It was already nine o¡¯clock at night when she got back to her condominium.


    Vincent had a social gathering, so he wasn¡¯t back yet. Stephanie went into the kitchen to make him a hangover remedy.


    Once done, she went to shower to wash off her weariness. When she exited, her gaze met Vincent¡¯s drunken eyes as he leaned against the door frame.


    Vincent walked over, grabbed her waist, and kissed her lips. ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I want to go with you,¡± he said.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I can¡¯t look for a boy toy with you around,¡± she joked.


    Vincent narrowed his eyes. ¡°A boy toy!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you know. Pretty, younger men,¡± she exined.


    ¡°You like pretty boys?¡± he questioned.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just their looks. They¡¯re good at flirting too,¡± she said.


    Vincent¡¯s grip on her waist tightened. ¡°Not the type like me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like old men,¡± she teased.


    Mon


    Chapter 128


    ¡°Old?¡± Vincent Laughed with exasperation as he pulled her against his strong chest and humped her gently. ¡°Am I old?¡±


    Stephanie blushed instantly ¡°N No, you¡¯re not. I made you a hangover rentedy. I¡¯ll serve it now.¡±


    Vincent didn 1 stop her, Amused at her fleeing, he strode after her and watched her carefullydle the hot soup into aOriginally, Vincent wanted Stephanie and the team to take a private ne. However, wanting to keep a low profile, she chose to flymercial, not expecting to see a familiar face at the departure lounge.


    bowl.


    Stephanie turned around with the bowl. ¡°Here you go. Drink it while it¡¯s warm.¡±


    Vincent put his hands on the kitchen counter, trapping her in between. He leaned forward slightly. ¡°Feed me.¡±


    Stephanie held the bowl to his lips.


    Vincent sipped slowly, staring at her. Then he straightened, holding her hands as he downed everything,


    Setting the bowl aside, he ced Stephanie on the kitchen counter.


    The cold surface caused Stephanie to flinch. She wanted to get down, but his hands were on her butt,


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold,¡± sheined.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be hot in a while, so stay still,¡± he urged.


    The smell of plums and lemons permeated the air. Pheromones exploded when their mouths touched.


    The light overhead seemed to shake violently, so she clung to his neck tightly, falling into a daze.


    ¡°Babe, tell me. Are you still looking for a boy toy?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie refused to answer and bit her lower lip.


    Vincent chuckled as he would find a way to make her say it.


    Later, Stephanie cried and begged for mercy, promising he was the only man she wanted. Yet, he didn¡¯t stop.


    Stephanie was so tired that she nearly missed her flight the next day.


    79%


    Originally, Vincent wanted Stephanie and the team to take a p

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes at the smug Alicia, who acted like she was definitely going to win.


    Julianna sneered, ¡°Look at her triumphant expression, I didn¡¯t expect her to join Dream Design Studio. Seriously, why would they hire her? After all, she is friends with Florence. I don¡¯t believe that she didn¡¯t know about the giarism incident.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps she knew but didn¡¯t expect Florence to copy everything. But she¡¯s not innocent. She gave me a hard time while I was at Fantasy Boutique. I guess her role in Dream Design Studio will not be that of a designer. Maybe an assistant at best. After all, that ce has a high threshold for its designers. Famous design studios care about their reputation. Designers with criminal records will not be hired again,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Julianna crossed her arms and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true. I wonder what Dream Design Studio created this time. I heard that the third round of rough sketches was drawn by a woman named Flora, but she is an A-ss designer. Those two S-level designers were only responsible for the first two rounds of thepetition, which was quite surprising. It seems that thisdy will rank up from A to 5-ss after this.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Stephanie said meaningfully, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate Flora, as she¡¯s a nobody who defeated two S-ss designers.¡±


    The Dream Design Studio team, led by its vice president, Lisa, approached Stephanie and Julianna to shake hands. ¡°It¡¯s a great pleasure to participate in International Golden Finger Contest with Starlight Design Studio. It¡¯s our first timepeting in an international-levelpetition.¡±


    Julianna smiled. ¡°Yourpany performed well during the previous productunch. I think you¡¯ll achieve great results at this event, too.¡±


    Lisa nodded and pulled Flora over. ¡°She¡¯s this year¡¯s dark horse designer. Her ideas are great, and all her drawings are eye-catching. She¡¯s going to


    showcase her talent in the third round.¡±!


    Flora extended her hand politely. ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±


    Stephanie and Julianna shook hands with her.


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Dream Design Studio thinks highly of you by letting you join the finale. I look forward to your performance.¡±


    Flora nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll work hard.¡±


    Julianna looked at Lisa, raising her chin. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Alicia?¡±


    Lisa nodded. ¡°Yes, she is Flora¡¯s assistant. Alicia couldn¡¯t be a designer because of the previous incident. However, we showed her mercy because she¡¯s


    Flora¡¯s rtive.¡±


    Julianna smiled meaningfully. ¡°giarism is like stealing. It¡¯s addictive unless you cut off your hand. Lisa, please ensure she won¡¯t ruin yourpany¡¯s


    reputation.¡±


    Alicia¡¯s face paled. She retorted angrily, ¡°Everyone makes mistakes. You can¡¯t make presumptive guesses about others.¡±


    Julianna disliked Alicia greatly because she made things difficult for Stephanie. Later, she even giarized Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch. Although she wasn¡¯t the mastermind, she was still involved. ¡°Wrongdoing has its limits! Some people have low standards, ttering the powerful and stepping on the


    weak. giarism is nothing to them. Flora, be cautious who you work with. Don¡¯t let your softness lead to future criticism.¡±


    Flora forced a smile, suppressing her guilt. ¡°You¡¯re right, Ms. Saunders, but I believe Alicia will change her ways.¡±


    Julianna shrugged, thinking, ¡®Let¡¯s not waste my time talking to them. She said, ¡°Stephie, it¡¯s boarding time.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t bother to look at Alicia. She turned around, took her suitcase, and boarded the ne with her team.


    Meanwhile, Alicia gritted her teeth angrily. She whispered to Flora, ¡°We must ruin that b**h¡¯s reputation this time! As long as she is destroyed this time, Starlight Design Studio will fall. Then, Dream Design Studio will rise, and your dream wille true.¡±


    13:43 Mon, 3 Jun M.


    Chapter 129


    379%Á¿


    Flora actually felt uneasy white facing Stephanie. After all, she only slightly modified those rough sketches. It was basically Stephanie¡¯s work. Hence, there would definitely be conflict during thepetition. But she had made a foolproof preparation. The woman would deal with Stephanie the same way that Stephanie dealt with Florence. She needed to seed this time. With Stephanie gone, Flora would be the best designer in the country.


    Alicia held her hand and said, ¡°You can do it!¡±


    Flora nodded.


    Stephanie and Julianna didn¡¯t separate from the team but sat in business ss with them.


    Meanwhile, Lisa and several prominent Dream Design Studio designers sat in the first-ss cabin while the rest sat in business ss.


    The Dream Design Studio designers chattered, ¡°When did Starlight Design Studio be so stingy? Why are the bosses sitting in the business ss with


    their staff?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, are they trying to save money?¡± another replied.


    ¡°Ourpany will definitely beat Starlight Design Studio this time, Flora¡¯s designs are amazing¡± someone eximed.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little envious that Flora is going to be upgraded to S-ss this time!¡± another stated.


    ¡°Are you really envious? Not jealous? After all, she suddenly rose to the top. How did she be so talented suddenly?¡± another person asked.


    ¡°She worked hard. After all, she can¡¯t possibly giarize others for an internationalpetition, right?¡± one employee rebutted.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say, Alicia, the one who bowed to Stephanie at the productunch event, has a criminal record,¡± the other person replied.


    ¡°Well, now that you mentioned it, I¡¯m worried about Flora,¡± the employee voiced.


    ¡°Worried? Are you serious? You can¡¯t wait to get rid of her!¡± the other


    er person retorted.


    ¡°By the way, apparently, Star will be the judge this time,¡± the employee stated.


    ¡°Will Starlight Design Studio be favored?¡± the other person asked.


    ¡°Of course not. The whole world is watching! Who dares to take sides? I admire Star very much. Unfortunately, Star didn¡¯t show up anymore after Stephanie returned to Starlight Design Studio,¡± the designer voiced. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Star for an autograph, I can brag about it for a lifetime!¡±


    Julianna touched Stephanie¡¯s elbow and asked, ¡°Did you hear what they said?¡±


    Stephanie was messaging Vincent, so she didn¡¯t eavesdrop on the gossip.


    Julianna tutted, ¡°Dream Design Studio¡¯s designers said that Flora suddenly became talented, so she must have someone backing her.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she has been hiding her capabilities, and now she wants to show them,¡± Stephanie said, unbothered. ¡°If she wins thepetition, she will be another rising star in the fashion world.¡±


    Julianna curled her lips. ¡°You¡¯re so rxed!¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Text Graham now, okay? We¡¯ll be on a 12-hour flightter, and you won¡¯t be able to contact him.¡±


    Julianna slowly took out her phone and started typing in the chat box, only to delete the message repeatedly.


    79%1


    Chapter 129


    Graham texted her: [What do you want to say?]


    Julianna was shocked by his message.


    She replied: [Water my flowers!]


    Graham texted: I¡¯ll water myself too. I¡¯ll get wet and wait for you toe back.


    Julianna smiled and murmured, ¡°What a mboyant man!¡±


    Noticing the happiness on her face, Stephanie joked, ¡°It seems that you get along well with your roommate.¡±


    Julianna denied, ¡°He¡¯s annoying.¡±


    Stephanie smiled and replied to Vincent: [I¡¯ll inform you when I arrive.]


    Vincent said: [Okay, I¡¯ve got a little surprise for you. Let me know if you like it or not when you receive it.]


    This strongly aroused Stephanie¡¯s curiosity. She texted: [What is it?)


    Vincent responded: [My sincerity.]


    Stephanie stated: [You¡¯re cringey! I¡¯m going to turn off my phone. I¡¯ll miss you.]


    Vincent sent: [Me too.]


    Stephanie turned off her phone, put on an eye mask, and slept all the way. After all, she was sleep-deprived.


    When they arrived in Chueles, it was daytime, and it was evening back home.


    Stephanie turned on the phone and called Vincent. They chatted for a while before hanging up.


    The hotel they booked was beside the exhibition center where thepetition was held. At that time, the room price had reached 40,000 dors a night, and it was hard to find a room.


    A designer asked, ¡°Ms. Hayes, our room rate is high, right?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t know. Vincent booked it.¡±


    Everyone was envious. But what was more enviable was yet toe.


    The hotel manager was waiting at the door when Stephanie and the others arrived. He bowed respectfully. ¡°Mr. Quin sent me to wee you and your team on behalf of the hotel,¡±


    ¡°Mr. Quin?¡± Stephanie was surprised.


    The manager smiled. ¡°Yes, Mr. Vincent Fletcher is the founder of this chain hotel, owning 439 such hotels globally.¡±


    Stephanie mused, ¡°Is this the surprise? Can I stay for free?¡±


    The manager continued, ¡°But Mr. Fletcher said that he had transferred all his personal assets to you, so now the hotel is yours.¡±


    Everyone was taken aback by what he said.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    79%0


    Everyone present was amazed by Vincent¡¯s generosity toward his lover. Typically, when a woman married into a wealthy family, she might receive only a couple of houses and some money. It was usually impossible for someone to give awaypany shares or other significant assets. Hence, Vincent¡¯s decision to give all his personal belongings to Stephanie seemed unbelievable.


    The designers in Starlight Design Studio eximed in disbelief, ¡°Ms. Hayes, you¡¯re so lucky!¡±


    Anothermented, ¡°Come on, Ms. Hayes is excellent herself! She deserves it!¡±


    One said, ¡°Indeed. Let¡¯s not forget that Ms. Hayes is the Iconic Songstress, the prot¨¦g¨¦ of Mr. Zachmann, and also the founder of Starlight Design Studio!¡±


    Another spoke. ¡°I finally get it! Only when you¡¯re exceptional enough do you deserve your great spouse.¡±


    One said, ¡°Their public disy of affection is almost blinding!¡±


    Julianna was also shocked, but she soon understood. She said, ¡°Remember the video from Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party? Vincent loved Stephanie with his life. What¡¯s more precious than life itself? Money clearly isn¡¯t a big deal to Vincent. He¡¯spletely smitten.¡±


    Laughter filled the room as everyone expressed their genuine envy for Stephanie and Vincent¡¯s love, without any hint of jealousy or malice. Of course, some harbored negative thoughts. When Dream Design Studio arrivedter, their envy seemed even more palpable.


    Someone asked, ¡°Why do they bother with business ss if they¡¯re so wealthy? Wouldn¡¯t first ss be the obvious choice for them?¡±


    Another replied, ¡°Exactly! The richer you are, the more stingy you will be!¡±


    Onemented, ¡°They could even charter a private ne!¡±


    Alicia joked. ¡°Maybe they¡¯re feeling guilty about not being able to meet the other person¡¯s expectations, so they¡¯re trying to make up for it?¡±


    Alicia¡¯s voice lingered, so everyone around heard her.


    All eyes from Starlight Design Studio turned toward Alicia, and Adam Jung, one of the designers, appeared particrly displeased. He said, ¡°What the hell do you know? Ms. Hayes and Ms. Saunders initially booked first ss, but there were two celebrities on the same flight. They couldn¡¯t switch cabins to avoid stirring upmotion. So, in the end, they opted for business ss to stay with us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Shut up if you know nothing! I can almost smell your jealousy,¡± another colleague chimed in.


    ¡°Ms. Hayes exined to us that a private ne is too high-profile, and we¡¯d likely face a barrage of jealous remarks if we opted for it,¡± someone added.


    ¡°Why are the designers from Dream Design Studio so subpar? I wonder if their designs will be as disappointing as their behavior!¡± another echoed.


    Lisa didn¡¯t expect that her team would make such a big mess upon their arrival. She quickly apologized to Stephanie, ¡°Ms. Hayes, I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    Stephanie remarked casually, ¡°Some people wear lipstick on their lips, while others seem to be filled with something else entirely. They can throw around whatever they want, but at least, put it in a bag to avoid polluting the air.¡±


    Julianna said sullenly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being disabled? Can¡¯t they experience love too? If Vincent was here, I believe everyone here would fawn over


    him.¡±


    She looked at the manager and said, ¡°Hotel is a ce where people stay. Get all this rubbish out of here!¡±


    Chapter 130


    The manager nodded and immediately called the security guard. He walked up to Lisa. ¡°Ma¡¯am, please leave with your team immediately, or we¡¯ll have to escort you out.¡±


    Lisa felt very sorry. ¡°Ms. Hayes, I sincerely apologize for failing to supervise my team. However, as you can see, finding a room anywhere is incredibly challenging right now. We¡¯ve already made a reservation. Can you make an exception for us?¡±


    Stephanie was not a saint. She said, ¡°No.¡±


    The manager said, ¡°Your refund will be returned directly to your ount.¡±


    The designer from Dream Design Studio asked, ¡°You unterally breached the contract. Is there anypensation?¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Retrieve the surveince video and find out those who were gossiping. I¡¯ll take legal action against them.¡±


    Instantly, everyone from Dream Design Studio fell silent.


    Julianna raised her eyebrows, ¡°Come on! Keep the jealousying!¡±


    Dream Design 5


    Studio could only turn around and leave.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Stephanie opened her mouth.


    Everyone stopped. Stephanie walked up to Alicia and pped her in the face loudly. Alicia covered her face and red at Stephanie angrily. ¡°Why did you p me?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re such a b**h!¡± Stephanie¡¯s eyes were cold. ¡°If I hear one more insult aimed at my man, I¡¯ll ensure you won¡¯t be able to stay in Clusia.¡±


    Alicia¡¯s eyes filled with hatred as she contemted that it wouldn¡¯t be her who would be unable to stay in Cl


    but rather Stephanie.


    Everyone from Dream Design Studio left with their tails between their legs. They stood at the hotel entrance, unsure of where to go. The surrounding hotels were all fully booked due to thepetition.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Lisa seethed with anger as she red at Alicia. ¡°Are you happy now? Not only have the booking prices doubled, but now there¡¯s no room avable whatsoever. Because of your words, we¡¯re left with nowhere to sleep. Flora, you insisted so much on keeping her. If I had known she was like this, I would never have agreed!¡±


    Alicia voiced her discontent, ¡°I¡¯ve made significant contributions to thepetition draft. Without me, Dream Design Studio wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance against Starlight Design Studio.¡±


    Lisa, feeling a hint of unease at Alicia¡¯s confidence, retorted, ¡°How can you be so sure Dream Design Studio will win against Starlight Design Studio? Have you seen the designs from Starlight Design Studio? Exin yourself.¡±


    Alicia rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Of course not. But I have confidence in the d drawings designed by Flora and mel¡±


    Lisa suddenly recalled Julianna¡¯s words, ¡°giarism is akin to stealing. It¡¯s addictive unless you chop off your hand.¡± She frowned. ¡°Alicia, did your giarize again?¡±


    Flora¡¯s heart s k i p p e d a beat as she grabbed Alicia¡¯s arm. ¡°Lisa, I swear on my reputation that I designed the drawings myself, and Alicia contributed to the production. We¡¯ve discussed for a long time before making any decisions.¡±


    Lisa¡¯s unease lingered. She regretted to have agreed to Flora¡¯s request at that time. But on second thought, perhaps without Alicia, Flora wouldn¡¯t have produced such exceptional drawings. Ultimately, the relented, saying, ¡°Never mind. Let¡¯s just find a hotel.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s good mood was ruined, and everyone walked forward with their suitcases.


    Chapter 130


    Flora shot a re at Alicia. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you just keep quiet? If you¡¯re going to mock Stephanie, you should first see if you measure up.¡±


    Alicia fumed, ¡°Isn¡¯t she just so arrogant because she¡¯s shielded by Vincent?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that she has many identities!¡± Flora said.


    Alicia choked and eximed, ¡°D a m n it!¡±


    Flora warned her, ¡°Keep your mouth shut from now on. Don¡¯t make trouble for me!¡±


    Alicia stomped her feet in anger, but she could only follow Flora.


    In the hotel. Stephanie wiped her fingers with the white towel given by the manager. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. I¡¯ve arranged all your rooms in the presidential suite on the top floor,¡±


    the manager said.


    9%


    Everyone in Starlight Design Studio cheered and thought, ¡®d that we chose the right patreon.


    The moment. Stephanie entered the hotel room, there was a knock on the door. She opened the door and saw Julianna saying, ¡°I want to share a room with you.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Stephanie said. She sidestepped to make way for Julianna. Thetter walked in with her suitcase.


    Julianna sat on the couch and nibbled on the meticulously chosen fruit from the te. ¡°Alicia seems determined to win. Where does all that confidence


    come from?¡±


    Stephanie shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long she canst.¡±


    Julianna asked, ¡°Will you be judging from the start?¡±


    Stephanie pondered for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ll join in from the third round. Thepetition starts tonight, so I¡¯ll freshen up and catch up with the other judges first. It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen Jessica and the others.¡±


    Julianna yawned. ¡°I¡¯m going to nap the day away. I¡¯m feeling the jetg¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Nice n.¡±


    They unpacked their suitcases. Julianna nned to freshen up and head to bed, while Stephanie intended to apply some light makeup. It was considered etiquette in Chueles to always wear makeup when meeting others. When Stephanie opened the suitcase, a white box adorned with a red ribbon caught her eye.


    Julianna¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It must be the surprise Vincent prepared for me,¡± Stephanie spected as she opened the box, a glint of surprise shining in her eyes.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    Stephanie pulled out a slim shoulder white gown from the box. The neckline was adorned with Boguia diamonds, each boasting a uniform shape and size. Dark grains were delicately printed on the white fabric, barely visible unless scrutinized closely, lending a subtle sense of depth. Stephanie could pull off this style effortlessly with her t and straight shoulders¡­


    Julianna instantly porked up. ¡°Stephie, what a gorgeous dress! Who¡¯s the designer? Let¡¯s check for anybels.¡±


    ¡°It should be Vincent,¡± Stephanie guessed.


    ¡°Your man?¡± Julianna asked.


    Seeing Julianna¡¯s surprised expression, Stephanie couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°If you get even more shocked, you won¡¯t feel sleepyter.¡±


    Julianna raised her chin and said, ¡°Even though I was shocked, I¡¯m still feeling sleepy and need to rest. Go and give it a try.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. She didn¡¯t avoid Julianna and changed her clothes straightaway.


    Julianna tutted when she saw the mark on Stophanie¡¯s bum. She pped Stephanie¡¯s butt and eximed, ¡°Is Vincent a dog? Even here!¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s face quickly flushed. She fell asleep, tired, and didn¡¯t expect Vincent to leave a mark there. She was both ashamed and annoyed. She hurriedly changed into her dress, but there were also marks on her shoulders.


    ¡°Vincent is like a dog, marking his territory all over your body! Stephie, you two are inseparable. When are you nning to tie the knot?¡± Julianna asked.


    Stephanie pursed her lips and said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until his legs have recovered. Now is not the right time.¡±


    Julianna didn¡¯t press further, but she knew that there must be a reason why Vincent hid his recovery.


    Stephanic walked to the full-length mirror and looked at the dress, smiling slightly. Right then, her phone was vibrating Julianna handed the phone to Stephanie and said, ¡°It¡¯s Vincent the dog!¡±


    ¡°Vincent the dog!¡± Stephanie asked back.


    ¡°yes, look at the marks all over your body. It was as if you were bitten by a dog.¡± Yuliana said.


    Stephanle answered the phone, and a deep and melodious voice came. ¡°Have you seen it?¡±


    Stephanie hummed and couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°Thank you for your surprise. I like it very much.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like it. After all, I feel shy in front of a master like you,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°Vincent, to be honest, you have a talent for design,¡± Stephanie praised.


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°I must have learned it from you.¡±


    Stephanie felt that his words were a little p e r v y, so she c o o e d, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. Are you thinking something nonsense?¡± Vincent retorted.


    ¡°No!¡± Stephanie¡¯s voice rose a few decibels.


    ¡°Stephie, I guess your face must be yellow now, Vincent teased.


    1/4


    Chapter 131


    479%


    ¡°What? It¡¯s not yellow, but red!¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent burst intoughter. Stephanie realized that he was teasing her again, and she was a little annoyed. ¡°If you don¡¯t talk nicely, I will hang up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Vincent hurriedly apologized


    ¡°You¡¯re quick to admit your mistake. Well, I forgive you because the dress you designed is beautiful,¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent hummed, ¡°Stephie, I miss you.¡±


    The man¡¯s sweet voice danced in Stephanie¡¯s ears as if he were nestled in her neck, whispering how much he missed her. Stephanie felt the longing too, despite them only parting for a short while. She yearned for his clean, fresh scent, his warm body against hers, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat when they embraced. Biting her lip, she whispered softly, ¡°I miss you too.¡±


    Hearing Stephanie¡¯s words, Vincent couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Will you wear this dress tonight?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Will you watch the live-stream tonight?¡± Stephanie asked.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be there to witness the birth of th


    the champion with you,¡± Vincent assured.


    ¡°Okay. Deal!¡± Stephanie said.


    They chatted for a while, and before hanging up, Stephanie reminded Vincent not to drink too much alcohol.


    Julianna looked at Stephanie¡¯s happy face and tutted lightly, ¡°Vincent shoulde with you to relieve your lovesickness.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Graham should be here, too.¡±


    Julianna was stunned. ¡°Why should he be here?¡±


    ¡°As long as he is here, you will have no time to make fun of me,¡± Stephanie said.


    Julianna was dumbfounded.


    Stephanie changed into a formal white suit and grabbed her bag, ready to head out. Julianna lounged on the bed, striking a charming pose. ¡°Stephie, I¡¯ll be waiting for you toe back.¡±


    Stephanie giggled and said, ¡°Okay. Wait for me.¡±


    Julianna sent her a flying kiss.


    After Stephanie left, Julianna quickly closed her eyes and muttered, ¡°I¡¯m exhausted. Let¡¯s get some sleep.¡±


    Stephanie was immediately greeted by the manager as she descended the stairs. Upon learning that she was heading out, he swiftly arranged for a car.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    There were a total of five judges in International Golden Finger Contest, and they all resided in Westport Golf Club. The club was nestled in the suburban outskirts and was essible only to senior members. When the car arrived at the destination, Stephanie informed the driver that her excursion would span about half a day and instructed him to return. The driver left his contact information and asked Stephanie to call him for pickup before the day¡¯s


    end


    After Stephanie entered the clubhouse, the driver dialed Vincent to inform him of her whereabouts. Vincent was a bit surprised to learn that Stephanie was meeting with the judges, While it wasmon for designers to attempt to sway the judges with bribes beforepetitions, he trusted that Stephanie wouldn¡¯t resort to such tactics.


    The scene of Stephanie entering g the clubhouse was captured by Alicia.


    13:43 Mon, 3 Jun M.


    Chapter 131


    879%Á¿


    Since Dream Design Studio was expelled from Caesar Hotel, they searched for numerous hotels, all fully booked due to the event. They had no option but to settle for the distant and pricey Pennia Hotel, situated 20 miles away from the exhibition center, with rates double what they had paid before. All of them med Alicia ¨C if she hadn¡¯t spoken out, Stephanie wouldn¡¯t have kicked them out. Despite their grievances, they dared not express them openly. as the final design was made by Flora. If Flera emerged victorious in the firial, Alicia would bask in glory alongside her.


    Alicia, feeling bored, stood on the terrace of her room, gazing at the scenery. When she saw Stephanieing out of a luxury car parked at the clubhouse opposite, she felt a surge of excitement. She thought, ¡®Clearly, Stephanie is here to bribe the judgest if this is exposed during the final, Stephanie¡¯s design career will be in ruinst


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Flora, who was in the same room, asked curiously.


    Alicia hurried over to show her the photos, excitement gleaming in her eyes. ¡°Flora, I¡¯ve got evidence against that wretched Stephanie! If this gets out during thepetition, it will ruin her. She didn¡¯t do the design on her own. She relies on Vincent! Stephanie¡¯s design style is eerily simr to Star¡¯s. I bet there¡¯s something fishy going on between them. Stephanie¡¯s here to bribe Star and the other judges. I¡¯m going to expose her once and for all!¡±


    When Flora saw the photo, she was stunned at first, and then her eyes were filled with excitement. Sheughed and said, ¡°Stephanie is dead this time!¡±


    Stephanie, who was unaware she had been photographed, was having tea with Jessica and the other four judges.


    Jessica Woods asked, ¡°Star, are you going to design under the name of Stephanie from now on?¡±


    Brody Herrera took a sip of coffee. ¡°Star is Stephanie, and Stephanie is Star. What¡¯s the difference?¡±


    Jessica pouted. ¡°Star is a role model for all designers!¡±


    Vivian Hogart smiled and suggested, ¡°Stephanie could also serve as a role model for all designers. I believe she shoulde forward publicly under her


    own name.¡±


    Dawson Lecter nodded. ¡°She was once Star and is now Stephanie. I think that¡¯s a positive change. But Stephanie, in which round will you show up tonight?¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Round three.¡±


    Vivian asked, ¡°Then, will you wear a mask?¡±


    Stephanie nodded and said, ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t want anyone to think I¡¯m biased toward Starlight Design Studio because I¡¯m Star.¡±


    Jessica blinked. ¡°I¡¯ve read your initial draft. Could you show me the final product this time?¡±


    Stephanie nodded and disyed the photo to the four designers. ¡°Since I was designing a gown for a film crew, I¡¯ve incorporated some ssical elements into this costume,¡± she exined.


    The four designers all gave a thumbs-up:


    Jessica remarked, ¡°Stephanie, I believe this is your best work yet. I have high expectations for your design tonight.¡±


    Dawson nodded in agreement. ¡°Stephanie is truly a rare talent in the design world. I really admire her. I¡¯m eagerly anticipating tonight¡¯spetition.¡±


    Stephanie was brimming with confidence. She w as Stephanie, rather than as Star.


    was looking forward to the big game tonight, too. When she won, she knew people would remember her

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 1 3 2


    Vincent and his partner were discussing cooperation at the table at Millennium Hotel in Jacaster. During this time, a waitress identally spilled wine on Vincent¡¯s pants.


    The waitress wanted to help him wipe it off, but Vincent saw through her ulterior motive and refused.


    He asked Zane to fetch a spare suit, and he would be in the guest room upstairs.


    After Zane retrieved the spare suit from the car trunk and returned to the hotel, a woman stood beside him while he waited for the elevator.


    Ivy was on the phone, and her face could not contain her excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll watch the live broadcastter: I want to witness the moment Stephanie is exposed as a giarist. I won¡¯t let that b i t h off easily since she fired me. You can do it! You can sessfully kick her out!¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Ivy was still excited, even humming a tune. When she noticed a burning gaze, she looked to her side. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± However, Ivy¡¯s eyes instantly widened after she spoke. ¡°Y-You are.


    Zage spoke. ¡°I¡¯m Zane, Mr. Fletcher¡¯s assistant.¡±


    Terrified, Ivy turned around and wanted to run away, but Zane grabbed her hair the next second.


    He clicked his tongue. After all, it was uncouth to grab a woman by her hair, but Zane had no choice, as he was carrying a suit bag in his hand.


    In order not to cause a scene, he pulled her in front of him and whispered, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die,e with me to see Mr. Fletcher.¡±


    Ivy¡¯s heart was beating wildly. S arranged to meet.


    She didn¡¯t anticipate encountering Hades before she could even charm the tall, wealthy, and handsome man she had


    At this time, Vincent was in the guest room. When he heard the knocking on the door, he wheeled himself over to open it.


    Unexpectedly, the waitress who had spilled the wine was standing at the door. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯vee to apologize to you.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± After saying that, Vincent was about to close the door.


    However, the waitress dodged and darted into the room. She adopted a pitiful appearance and said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, although you don¡¯t need me to apologize, I still want to apologize. After all, those suit pants are expensive, and even cleaning them costs a lot of money.¡±


    Seeing her tuck her hair behind her ear pretentiously, Vincent pursed his lips tightly in irritation. ¡°Get out!¡± He lost his patience. ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself¡±


    The waitress knew this was her only chance. The reporter she arranged had already taken the picture of hering in. After this incident, her value would skyrocket. She knelt directly in front of Vincent. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, let me serve you. I¡¯m clean. I¡¯ve admired you for a long time. Really.¡±


    Vincent suddenly chuckled softly. ¡°Are you saying you have admired me for a long time?¡±


    The waitress nodded excitedly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Vincent reached out and grabbed her chin. ¡°Your admiration is truly disgusting!¡±


    C r a k!


    He dislocated the waitress jaw directly, leaving her mouth wide open and tears streaming down her face. ¡°Get out of here, or I¡¯ll break your limbs. I will


    do it!¡±


    The waitress didn¡¯t expect Vincent to be so ruthless. Terrified, she crawled to the door and fled. As she reached the elevator, the doors opened, and Zane


    was escorting by out¡­


    Seeing the waitress¡¯ dislocated jaw, Zane knew Vincent was behind it. He thought, ¡°How reckless! She really doesn¡¯t know her ce. How dare she throw herself at him?¡± Zane quickly led Ivy to the door of the guest room and knocked.


    The door opened, and Vincent was sitting in his wheelchair with a grim expression,


    When he saw yet another woman, his brows furrowed. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Zane pushed Ivy in and kicked her in the knee pit. She copsed to the ground. ¡°You tell him.¡±


    Ivy looked at Vincent¡¯s cold expression and trembled with fear. ¡°I-If I tell you, will you let me go?¡±


    Vincent sneered, ¡°Are you trying to bargain? It doesn¡¯t work with mel Either speak or die.¡±


    Ivy gulped. ¡°My name is Ivy. I used to work at Starlight Design Studio. Sabrina and I talked about Stephanie¡¯s private life, so she fired me.¡±


    At the mention of Sabrina, Vincent narrowed his eyes. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Ivy trembled with fear, and she continued tearfully, ¡°No design studio wanted us after we got fired. I¡¯m doing some designs for small workshops at home, and Sabrina was lucky enough to get a job helping actors try on costumes on the set. One day, she called me and told me Stephanie took charge of the costumes for the crew. Sabrina said she begged Stephanie, but Stephanie didn¡¯t forgive her. She held a grudge and thought about getting revenge one day. After a while, Sabrina suddenly called me and asked if I would buy Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch for 400 thousand dors. Naturally, I dared not buy it, and I didn¡¯t have the money anyway. However, the rough sketch was stunning, so I asked my cousin, Alicia. She formerly held the position of design director at Fantasy Boutique, the one who openly bowed to Stephanie during the previous productunch. Alicia was willing to pay for it. I asked for 600 thousand dors, transferring 400 thousand dors to Sabrina.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s voice was low and cold. ¡°Where is Alicia now?¡±


    She replied. ¡°5-She went to participate in International Golden Finger Contest. Alicia is working as an assistant for her distant rtive, and they used. Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch to make theirpetition costume.¡±


    Vincent remembered Dream Design Studio was in thepetition with Starlight Design Studio. He tapped his fingers lightly on the wheelchair armrest. ¡°So Dream Design Studio used Stephie¡¯s rough sketch for thepetition?¡±


    Ivy nodded. ¡°Yes. I think the design studio was kept in the dark. It was Flora and Alicia who giarized.¡±


    Zane frowned. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, should we inform Dream Design Studi¨® about this since thepetition is just around the corner?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile. ¡°Why should I inform them? Shouldn¡¯t the design studio be punished for its oversight? No s n o w l a k e is innocent in


    an avnche.¡±


    Ivy sniffed. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯ve told you everything. Can you let me go now?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s icy stare swept past, exuding a palpable sense of pressure. ¡°That depends on your performance.¡±


    The exhibition center was located in the bustling downtown area of Chueles


    The holding of thispetition attracted celebrities and powerful figures from all over the world. Ticket prices soared to 200 thousand dors each, but they were still hard toe by. In particr, celebrities from the entertainment industry and fashion circles gathered here, surpassing even the opening ceremony of the film festival.


    The design teams that made it to the finals appeared on the red carpet


    Stephanie and Julianna walked on the red carpet with their production team and the international supermodels they had invited, appearing at the


    Media reporters outside the security line raised their video cameras and microphones,


    Someone asked, ¡°Ms. Hayes, your design concept is very simr to Star. Some say that Star sold her sketches to you. What do you think?¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    One said, ¡°Ms. Hayes, Star hasn¡¯t been seen since e you joined Starlight Design Studio. Is it to pave the way for you?¡±


    Another asked, ¡°Ms. Hayes, Star is one of the judges tonight. Will she be partial toward you?¡±


    Stephanie took the microphone, smiling faintly. ¡°Star is Star, and I¡¯m me. No one can rece anyone. I can only say that I am true to my conscience, Starlight Design Studio, Style Jazz Couture¡¯s brand, and our vast fans¡±


    At this time, someone held up his phone. ¡°Ms. Hayes, there are news reports that your fianc¨¦ was caught cheating in a hotel. What are your thoughts?¡±


    Stephanie nced over, and the phone screen was ying a video. Shortly after Vincent entered the room, a woman knocked on the door and darted


    inside.


    Someone asked. ¡°Ms. Hayes, what are your thoughts?¡±

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    As the words fell, countless shes were aimed at Stephanie.


    Stephanie lightly curled her lips. ¡°Do you think my fianc¨¦ is so insatiable that any woman could catch his eye?¡±


    The reporter didn¡¯t stop there but continued. ¡°Ms. Hayes, do you trust men that easily? Most men tend to cheat¡±


    After saying this, many peopleughed.


    Stephanie spoke. ¡°A man will give his partner everything he has if he truly loves her. I believe such a man wouldn¡¯t do anything vile or betray his partner. Does that include you in the majority of men you speak of?¡±.


    The reporter was at a loss for words. He then exined, ¡°It¡¯s just a figure of speech. I am not included.¡±


    ¡°Being suspected is diforting, particrly for someone loyal. I don¡¯t want any more unfounded rumors to be spread. The low-quality videos and photos clearly stem from someone with malicious intent. Although I can¡¯t silence any of you, please consider whether your words are malicious before speaking.¡± Despite Stephanie¡¯s faint smile, her words sharply conveyed her displeasure.


    Julianna chimed in. ¡°The woman¡¯s attire should be that of a hotel waitress. I¡¯m not saying there¡¯s any distinction in professions, but this woman is nowhere near Stephie in terms of appearance, figure, or talent. How can a man like Vincent not be picky? Besides, anyone who is not blind can see that this woman quickly snuck into the room. It¡¯s likely she forcefully squeezed in after being rejected. Is there any indication of the time when this woman came outter? This is such crude and malicious filming. We will definitely hold the other party ountable once we return to the country.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°I hope everyone focuses more on thepetition because every designer and design team has worked hard. Don¡¯t focus on things that have nothing to do with thepetition. Thank you.¡±


    With that said, Stephanie and Julianna quickly walked into the exhibition hall with their team, followed by Dream Design Studio.


    Dream Design Studio also received a lot of attention as the second design studio representing Clusia.


    Someone asked, ¡°Excuse me, does Dream Design Studio have confidence in winning the championship today?¡±


    Another spoke. ¡°In Clusia, Dream Design Studio is suppressed by Starlight Design Studio. I wonder if you guys can turn the tables tonight?¡±


    Questions like these kepting.


    Lisa, the deputy general manager of Dream Design Studio, remained unperturbed. She smiled and answered, ¡°I¡¯m neither confirming nor denying anything. Starlight Design Studio undeniably possesses a distinctive ir in both design style and clothing quality. This is a quality that our design studiocks. Of course, we are fully prepared this time. I look forward to Dream Design Studio achieving excellent results in thispetition.¡±


    Lisa¡¯s answer was standard. It conveyed neither arrogance nor impatience, but it showcased her fighting spirit and confidence in her team.


    At this time, the reporter who had earlier questioned Stephanie spotted Alicia in the crowd. He asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Alicia, the former design director of Fantasy Boutique? Dream Design Studio actually hired such a designer with such a previous record, overlooking past grievances. Ms. Jones, aren¡¯t you afraid of a disaster?¡±


    The reporter was quite bold, and his every question was sharp.


    Lisa smiled. ¡°Alicia isn¡¯t a designer but an assistant. Everyone makes mistakes, but I believe in the ability to learn from them.¡±


    Alicia had put on exquisite makeup tonight, but she didn¡¯t expect to be publicly exposed.


    Chapter 133


    Alicia hated this reporter to the core, as he brought back memories of the humiliating ordeal where she had to bow 30 times to Stephanie.


    However, she despised Stephanie the most. Alicia thought, ¡®How could I have suffered such humiliation if it wasn¡¯t for that b i t c h?¡¯


    Alicia was indignant and stated, ¡°Everyone makes mistakes! Don¡¯t treat everything as longsting consequences. In tonight¡¯spetition, Dream Design Studio is going to win the championship. You snobs can see for yourselves what true skills look like then!¡±


    Lisa¡¯s expression tunned ugly. She didn¡¯t appreciate Alicia¡¯s attitude and tone, which offended everyone present.


    Even with their exceptional design, winning the championship wasn¡¯t assured. If they won, people might use Dream Design Studio of being arrogant. Conversely, if they lost, they¡¯d bebeled delusional.


    Lisa whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Thepetition is about to start.¡± She also signaled to Flora, indicating that Alicia shouldn¡¯t embarrass herself further. Alicia wanted to say more but was dragged away by Flora.


    There were 100 teams participating in thepetition, and each team had a considerable number of members. Therefore, the exhibition center arranged many dressing rooms of about 750 square feet, elegantly decorated andfortable.


    International Golden Finger Contest was organized by L Kiran, the royal family of Chueles. She was a big fan of Stephanie¡¯s design. Back then, Stephanie was Star, so she and Stephanie became good friends.


    Due to Florence. Stephanie could only work behind the scenes and couldn¡¯t use the name Star, as Star belonged to Starlight Design Studio. Stephanie couldn¡¯t use her name or the name Star, which put her in a passive position.


    Upon witnessing Stephanie¡¯s productunch in Clusia, L felt that Stephanie could finally make her mark in the industry under her real name. L was filled with excitement and emotion. Her beloved designer had finally demonstrated her prowess in the design world using her true identity. L was ?unconditionally supportive, so she had someone arrange a luxurious makeup room for Stephanie.


    Stephanie walked into the makeup room and knew it was L¡¯s doing. She texted her [Thank you, my dear L.]


    L replied instantly: It¡¯s the least I can do. I can¡¯t wait to give you the championship crownl


    Stephanie smiled and texted: [All right. I¡¯ll give you a surprise after thepetition ends.


    L responded: [I¡¯m eagerly waiting Go for it, Stephie! I¡¯ve already prepared your celebratory banquet.]


    Stephanie texted: [Thanks. I will!]


    Julianna nced at her WhatsApp and asked, ¡°Is it L?¡±


    Stephanie nodded lightly. ¡°She is very interesting. She even prepared a celebratory banquet for me in advance.¡±


    Julianna nodded. ¡°I¡¯m confident about thispetition too. Let¡¯s get drunk tonight!¡±


    Stephanie agreed, ¡°Okay!¡±


    Julianna asked, ¡°By the way, aren¡¯t you going to call Vincent?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I trust him.¡±


    Julianna clicked her tongue. ¡°If it were Graham, I would have called him and asked for a divorce. It¡¯s a perfect opportunity to end this sham marriage,¡±


    Stephanie smiled. She felt Julianna hadn¡¯t noticed the gleam in her eyes when she mentioned Graham.


    The designers were very focused as the first and second rounds of thepetition featured designs from other designers in the design studio. TheyOwned by N?velDrama.Org.


    13:44 Mon, 3 Jun


    Chapter 133


    could sell the copyright if their designs are chosen by someone.


    Although part of the copyright fee would go to the studio, they would receive a considerable amount.


    The crucial point was that Starlight Design Studio only took 30 percent, leaving the remaining 70 percent to themselves.


    Unlike other design studies, it was already considered good if designers could get 30 percent.


    Designers were inclined to join Starlight Design Studio because the studio respected their opinions. It prioritized enhancing their professional skills by focusing on their individual design traits, and they offered a generous sry.


    Stephanie and Julianna were very pleased to see all the designers being so focused. The future outlook for Starlight Design Studio would be increasingly promising.


    At this moment, the hall was packed with spectators eagerly waiting


    This year¡¯spetition was being broadcast live globally. The organizer, L, was not aiming to earn considerable broadcast rights fees but rather hoped to let the whole world see her idol, Stephanie, winning the championship through the live broadcast.


    The host announced thepetition process, ¡°Thispetition consists of three rounds. In the first round, 50 teams would be eliminated from the 100 teams. In the second round, 30 teams would be eliminated from the 50 teams. The remaining 20 teams would enter the final round. This year¡¯s champion would be presented with the crown by L.¡±


    The crowd instantly became lively. After all, it was a supreme honor to be awarded the crown by L.


    The host smiled. ¡°Now, let¡¯s wee the five judges of thispetition, who are world-famous designers, Jessica, Brody, Vivian, Dawson, and Star.¡±


    The four judges took the stage, except for Star.


    The host was somewhat surprised and quietly asked them, ¡°Is Star noting? I didn¡¯t receive any notice.¡±


    Jessica exined, ¡°I forgot to tell you that Star woulde in the third round of the finals.¡±


    The host nodded understandingly and smiled at the crowd. ¡°Star is probably experiencing dys due to the heavy traffic caused by therge number of audience members gathered here. Well, I know everyone is eager to see Star, but I believe Star should arrive before the start of the third round of thepetition. Of course, don¡¯t me me if Star doesn¡¯t make it.¡±


    The audience burst intoughter, and thepetition began.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    The first two rounds of thepetition were thrilling After the judges¡¯ scores and the audience¡¯s ratings werebined, the top 20 contestants were


    selected.


    Starlight Design Studio firmly held the first position, while Dream Design Studio ranked H.


    Stephanie¡¯s dressing room was echoing with cheers. All the designers chattered excitedly and brimmed with joy.


    ¡°Ms. Hayes, Ms. Saunders, we are so happy and excited!¡± someone cheered.


    ¡°Although other teams didn¡¯t show their trump card, we¡¯ve already outshone many teams!¡± another chimed in.


    ¡°We¡¯re so excited that we could cry,¡± onemented.


    With that said, everyone couldn¡¯t hold back their tears.


    Juliannaforted them, ¡°it¡¯s not a sin to cry. It¡¯s all the result of our hard work and tears. Thank you for your hard work these days! Stephie and I have decided that starting this month, we¡¯ll double your sries!¡±


    The excitement of the group soared. They surrounded Julianna with various hugs and kisses.


    Someone asked, ¡°Hey, where¡¯s Ms. Hayes?¡±


    Julianna thought, ¡°Of course, she¡¯s gone to be a judge.¡±


    Because Stephanie had never considered revealing her identity, she wore a white feather eye mask that perfectlyplemented her white gown.


    She took a deep breath and gently pushed open the double doors of the convention hall.


    Jessica signaled to the host, and the host¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Let¡¯s warmly wee our fifth judge of thepetition, Ms. Star!¡±


    All the lights, cameras, and viewers¡¯ eyes focused on her.


    ¡°Is this really Star?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful. She looks like a fairy!¡± anothermented.


    ¡°Star used to wear an eye mask, too! It must be her! Oh, my goodness! I finally get to see Star again!¡± the other said.


    Stephanie lifted her gown as she stepped onto the red carpet and the stage.


    The host looked at the extremely beautiful Stephanie beside him with admiration. ¡°Star, you¡¯re finally here. You made us wait so long! it seems that the bridge has been crossed!¡±


    Laughter erupted from the audience below.


    Stephanie nodded slightly and said to the microphone handed over by the host, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping everyone waiting. It¡¯s an honor to be selected as a judge for thispetition, especially since it was chosen by votes fromizens worldwide. I thank everyone for their great love and support. Due to personal reasons, I wasn¡¯t present for the first two rounds, so I apologize. But I hope that in the uing third round, we can all witness the birth of the champion together.¡±


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    Chapter 134


    Amidst the warm apuse, Stephanie took her seat among the judges.


    Jessica leaned in close and whispered lowly, ¡°Star, did you see the audience¡¯s faces when they heard you hadn¡¯t arrived yet in the makeup room? They were so disappointed.¡±


    ¡°I saw it,¡± Stephanie answered.


    ¡°I think the whole world wants to see your true face. Are you really not going to take off the mask?¡± Jessica asked,


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°Let Star be a thing of the past. From now on, let the world remember only Stephanie.¡±


    Jessica nodded. ¡°We all respect your decision.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    At the host¡¯s invitation, the person in charge of the 20 teams came on stage and drew numbers from a box to determine their presentation order.


    Such a method was considered fair. After all, no one liked to go first due to the tendency for lower scores.


    Julianna w


    was the first to draw; surprisingly, she got number 20.


    She winked at Stephanie to show that she had good luck.


    When it was Lisa¡¯s turn, cing fifth, she was also incredibly lucky and drew number 19.


    The other person in charge drew their numbers in turn. Those who got number one looked disheartened.


    Soon, thepetition officially began.


    As an international contest featuring top design teams from various countries, the level ofpetition was exceptionally high.


    When the model for team number 19 took the stage, Stephanie immediately narrowed her eyes. The other four judges were equally shocked.


    They had just seen Stephanie¡¯s design at the gathering during the daytime.


    Therefore, none of them doubted Stephanie¡¯s integrity.


    Jessica was angry. She whispered to Stephanie, ¡°Star, has someone stolen your rough sketch? It¡¯s the same!¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lips tightly, and her mind raced through the events since she had started working on the rough sketches.


    The condominium, the design studio, and the film set-of those, the only ce her designs could possibly be stolen was the makeup room on the film


    In addition to the actors, makeup artists and costume fitters could ess the makeup room.


    And Sabrina, with whom she had conflicts, was the most likely culprit.


    Although Sabrina was only a pawn, it didn¡¯t stop her from hating Stephanie, so the possibility of her stealing thetter¡¯s rough sketches was quite high.


    The only time Stephanie had left the makeup room unattended was on the day Madeline filmed the drowning scene.


    All the surveince footage from the film set had been destroyed, and therefore, there was no video evidence.


    It was


    hard to prove,


    Mon,


    Chapter 134


    Stephanie said, ¡°Someone must have taken photos of my rough sketch at the film set


    you have any other evidence?¡± Jessica asked.


    poy


    ¡°I do, but it will take some time,¡± Stephanie replied.


    Then, she pulled out a phone and sent a message to Glovanni.


    ¨C


    Thetter was assigned to take care of Charlton at Harmony Healthcare Hub, hence he hadn¡¯t traveled to Chueles with Stephanie.


    At that moment, he and Charlton were lounging around, munching on some popcorn and watching a live stream.


    He didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to give him such a task.


    He immediately stood up and headed out.


    Charlton frowned. ¡°Gio, where are you going?¡±


    Giovanni shook his hair. ¡°I¡¯m off to handle something important. You¡¯ll see soon enough!¡±


    Charlton scoffed. ¡°Important? What¡¯s m


    more important than Ms. Hayes? And what exactly am I supposed to see?¡±


    µÚ79%Á¿


    Giovanni sped to Stephanie¡¯s condominium, entered the password, and went inside. He made his way to the study, opened a drawer, and found the rough sketch for thepetition


    He put on gloves and carefully ced the rough sketch into a brown envelope.


    He then went to the police station and approached the police chief. I¡¯m Stephanie¡¯s assistant. She sent me to retrieve Sabrina¡¯s fingerprints. It¡¯s crucial for the investigation.¡±


    The police chief didn¡¯t dare dy and immediately took him to the forensic department.


    Meanwhile, in the makeup room of the exhibition center at Chuoles, all the designers from Dream Design Studio were cheering in excitement.


    ¡°Did you see the audience¡¯s reaction? They were amazed!¡± someone said.


    ¡°Yeah! Flora¡¯s design is stunning!¡± another agreed.


    ¡°It looks like we¡¯ll win the championship this time!¡± someone chimed in.


    ¡°Dream Design Studio is going to rece Starlight Design Studio!¡± the other said.


    ¡°But why do the judges look so serious?¡± another said.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re just stunned by our amazing designs. They¡¯ve never seen anything so innovative before!¡± the other replied.


    In the other makeup room, everyone fell silent and clenched their fists.


    ¡°Ms. Saunders, what¡¯s going on?¡± one asked.


    ¡°Yeah. Why do Dream Design Studio¡¯s designs look just like ours?¡± another asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re presenting after them, and everyone will think we copied them¡± someonemented.


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    13:44 Mon, 3 Jun


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    Chapter 134


    ¡°Where¡¯s Ms. Hayes? We need her to exin this!¡± the other said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Although we trust her, the judges and audience don¡¯t know that. This is really bad for us!¡± one said.


    79%


    Julianna crossed her arms, her expression cold and stern. ¡°It must be Alicia¡¯s doing. She looked so smug like she was sure she¡¯d win. That¡¯s suspicious.¡±


    by copied us?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°What should we do? Do we have any evidence to prove we¡¯re innocent and they o


    ¡°If we can¡¯t prove it, the reputation of Starlight Design Studio will be ruined another said.


    ¡°Ms. Saunders, please do something?¡± someone pleaded.


    Julianna took a deep breath. ¡°Stephie will figure out something.¡±


    ¡°But we haven¡¯t seen her so far,¡± someone said.


    Julianna suddenly chuckled. ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve been looking at her all the time.¡±


    Everyone was speechless.


    ¡°Has Ms. Saunders lost it under the pressure?¡± they wondered.


    Julianna looked at the models and ordered, ¡°Walk confidently and showcase the unique features of our designs. Just trust Stephie and me!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± the rest chorused.


    When the models of Starlight Design Studio took the stage, it caused an immediate uproar.


    While the five judges remained calm, the audience was abuzz with chatter.


    Even the team from Dream Design Studio was in an uproar,


    They all looked at Alicia and Flora.


    Lisa voiced what everyone was thinking. ¡°Flora, Alicia, as the designer of the rough sketch, can you exin this?¡±


    Flora shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know why Starlight Design Studio¡¯s designs are the same as ours.¡±


    Alicia snorted. ¡°Starlight Design Studio must have sent someone to steal our rough sketch. Think about how simr Stephanie¡¯s style is to Star¡¯s. She¡¯s a habitual giarist! Flora and I have already applied for copyright from the Fashion Designer Association. We need to stand firm that Starlight Design Studio is copying us!¡±


    Lisa found herself cornered. Despite not believing that Stephanie would giarize, the situation had escted beyond her control.


    If she showed any doubt, it


    it would be seen as an admission of guilt.


    No matter how she exined it, Flora and Alicia represented Dream Design Studio, and that would drag the studio to the abyss.


    Lisa pursed her lips and said, ¡°We are the original designers!¡±


    44


    Mon, 3 un


    Chapter 134


    ¡°Where¡¯s Ms. Hayes? We need her to exin this!¡± the other said,Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Although we trust her, the judges and audience don¡¯t know that. This is really bad for us!¡± one said.


    279%


    Julianna crossed her arms, her expression cold and stern. ¡°It must be Alicia¡¯s doing. She looked so smug like she was sure she¡¯d win. That¡¯s suspicious.¡±


    ¡°What should we do? Do we have any evidence to prove we¡¯re innocent and they copied us?¡± someone asked,


    ¡°If we can¡¯t prove it, the reputation of Starlight Design Studio will be ruined!¡± another said.


    ¡°Ms. Saunders, please do something?¡± someone pleaded.


    Julianna took a deep breath. ¡°Stephie will figure out something.¡±


    ¡°But we haven¡¯t seen her so far,¡± someone said.


    Julianna suddenly chuckled. ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve been looking at her all the time.¡±


    Everyone was speechless.


    ¡®Has Ms. Saunders lost it under the pressure?¡¯ they wondered.


    Julianna looked at the models and ordered, ¡°Walk confidently and showcase the unique features of our designs. Just trust Stephie and me!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± the rest chorused.


    When the models of Starlight Design Studio took the stage, it caused an immediate uproar.


    While the five judges remained calm, the audience was abuzz with chatter.


    Even the team from Dream Design Studio was in an uproar.


    They all looked at Alicia and Flora.


    Lisa voiced what everyone was thinking, ¡°Flora, Alicia, as the designer of the rough sketch, can you exin this?¡±


    Flora shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know why Starlight Design Studio¡¯s designs are the same as ours.¡±


    Alicia snorted. ¡°Starlight Design Studio must have sent someone to steal our rough sketch. Think about how simr Stephanie¡¯s style is to Star¡¯s. She¡¯s a habitual giarist! Flora and I have already applied for copyright from the Fashion Designer Association. We need to stand firm that Starlight Design Studio is copying us!¡±


    ????


    Lisa found herself cornered. Despite not believing that Stephanie would giarize, the situation had escted beyond her control.


    if she showed any


    y doubt, it would be seen as an admission of guilt.


    No matter how she exined it, Flora and Alicia represented Dream Design Studio, and that would drag the studio to the abyss.


    Lisa pursed her lips and said, ¡°We are the original designers!¡±

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 1 3 5Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    In the exhibition hall, the audience¡¯s emotions could not be suppressed.


    ¡°We need a reasonable exnation!¡± someone shouted.


    ¡°Yes! Why is the costume from Starlight Design Studio the same as Dream Design Studio?¡± another questioned.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe giarism happened in an internationalpetition. Disgusting!¡± someone else remarked.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s Starlight Design Studio that giarized. Didn¡¯t Stephanie¡¯s work look a lot like Star¡¯s?¡± someone said.


    ¡°Right, Stephanie needs to exin! Starlight Design Studio needs to exin!¡± the other said.


    ¡°Star, we need your exnation, too. Did you sell your rough sketches to Stephanie? Did her fianc¨¦ pay you off to make you step back from the scene?¡± they questioned.


    All kinds of questions and usations grew louder and more intense.


    The four judges turned to Stephanie, who calmly said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until all the models from Starlight Design Studio have finished their showcases.¡±


    Amidst the mor and insults, the models from Starlight Design Studio finished their presentation.


    The host looked ufortable. He had hosted many fashionpetitions and encountered giarism before, but it was usually just some simrities, never an exact copy. It was outrageous.


    It was clear to him that the audiences were using Starlight Design Studio.


    He asked, ¡°What do the five judges think about this?¡±


    Stephanie spoke into the microphone. ¡°Let¡¯sinvite the person in charge and designers from both design studios to the stage.¡±


    Soon, Julianna, Lisa, Flora, and Alicia stepped onto the stage.


    Many of the audience grew angrier when they didn¡¯t see Stephanie. They believed that her absence confirmed the giarism as if she were too guilty to show up.


    The host said, ¡°Since the works from both design studios are identical, one must have giarized. I never expected such an issue at an internationalpetition. This has turned into a giarism investigation. I want to ask the person in charge and designers from both studios, what was your design inspiration?


    Julianna took the microphone. ¡°Our design was inspired by the dress from the movie ¡°Dark War. For thispetition, we incorporated ssical and dress elements, which gave off a soft, beautiful feeling. The rough sketches were created by Stephanie, our S-ss designer, from Starlight Design Studio After she drew the initial drafts, we made revisions together. Following a full team meeting, we were all satisfied with the sketches, so we finalized them and began the detailed work of producing the garments. We are the original creators, and we did not giarize. The reason why Stephie isn¡¯t on stage is because she¡¯s busy¡±


    After Julianna had finished her speech, the audience remained unswayed, and their grumbling continued.


    The host turned to Lisa. ¡°Can you tell us about the inspiration and concept behind Dream Design Studio¡¯s designs?¡±


    Lisa smiled. ¡°Our designer for this round is my colleague here, Flora. I¡¯ll let her do the exnation.¡±


    Flora looked at the audience and the lights, momentarily lost in the adtion. She loved being the center of attention.


    Therefore, she reminded herself she had to appear wless, convincing herself that she was the original creator.


    78%


    Taking the microphone, she said, ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Flora, the designer from Dream Design Studio. My inspiration came from my mother, a graceful. woman. She loved wearing dresses, but sadly, she passed away this year. To honor her memory, I incorporated the dress elements into my designs for


    thispetition,¡±


    The audience, feeling her emotional story, began to calm down, finding her exnation more eptable.


    The stage had always been Alicia¡¯s dream, and she was greedy for such a feeling


    She knew her talent alone wouldn¡¯t have brought her there, so when Ivy found her, her dormant ambition reignited. That was her chance to reim her status as a designer, so she contacted Flora


    Not only did she ear a hefty sum of 200 thousand dors, but she also had that opportunity.


    Throughout the production process, she hade to regard those designs as her own creations, firmly believing they were co-designed by her and


    Flora


    There was no doubt!


    Holding the rough sketches, Alicia appeared quite emotional and burst into tears. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is happening. Flora and I worked tirelessly on these designs, and seeing them giarized is an insult to our hard work.¡±


    But Julianna interjected, ¡°This isughable. Have you forgotten the past, or do you think the inte has no memory? Everyone remembers what happened at the productunch back in our country. Alicia was the design director of Fantasy Boutique at that time, and she knew Florence¡¯s capabilities well. She¡¯s just turning a blind eye now. She made a bold bet and ended up getting humiliated!¡±


    Alicia loathed Julianna for mentioning that on the most important day of her life.


    But she couldn¡¯t afford to show her anger. She sobbed, ¡°I understand many kept the impression of me at the productunch. In fact, I was implicated because I trusted Florence too much. I wasn¡¯t involved in the design of those rough sketches. I know how it feels to have your work stolen, and my team and I would never do such a thing. We have proof.¡±


    Stephanie then asked, ¡°What evidence do you have? Please present it.¡±


    ¡°We applied for design protection from the Fashion Designer Association,¡± Alicia said.


    She had contacted the Fashion Designer Association and went through to Newton.


    When Newton heard that Alicia wanted to see the proof of the design protection, Newton was a little worried, knowing that Stephanie hadn¡¯t applied for


    such protection.


    Such a move was sure to bring heavy y criticism to Stephanie and Starlight Design Studio.


    But he couldn¡¯t show favoritism and had to make the protection proof public.


    Newton said, ¡°Dream Design 5


    entries.¡±


    Studio indeed applied for design protection. The sketches are on file with our association, and our staff found no duplicate


    Alicia looked at Julianna. ¡°What does your design studio have to say? Shouldn¡¯t you give the public an exnation? Where is Stephanie? Why is she hiding and not facing us? Is she feeling guilty? Stephanie is a habitual giarist! Her sketches look a lot like Star¡¯s! Star, you are my idol. Were you threatened by Stephanie¡¯s fianc¨¦, Vincent? Did they kick you out of Starlight Design Studio? Can you give the public a real exnation today!¡±


    Alicia¡¯s emotions were running high as if the one who had giarized was Stephanie.


    The audience, stirred by her fervor, began to chant in unison, ¡°Stephanie,e out! Stephanie,e out!¡±


    Meanwhile, the judges remained remarkably calm.


    Dressed in a white gown and wearing a feathered mask, Star slowly stood up. With a graceful movement, she removed her mask.

 Chapter 136

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>136</b>


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    The blindfold was removed in front of everyone. Except for Julianna and the four judges on stage, everyone was stunned<b>, </b>with their jaws and eyes wide open. For a brief time, the exhibition hall was filled with the sound of astonishment.


    Looking at Alicia, Stephanie curved up her lips and remarked, ¡°I heard that I¡¯m your idol.¡±


    Alicia shook her head in disbelief, denying. ¡°No, it¡¯s not true. It shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡±


    Flora unconsciously clenched her fists and wondered, ¡°How could Stephanie be Star?¡®


    <b>Lisa </b>was stunned at first, then enraged, and her body shuddered uncontrobly. She pondered, ¡°If Stephanie is Star, how could she have giarized Flora¡¯s work? That¡¯s impossible. She could only hope Stephanie wasn¡¯t Star now, but Julianna and the four judges on stage bore no <b>unusual </b>expressions, implying that they had long known Stephanie was Star,


    Panicked, Alicia quickly found an image on her phone and asked the staff to disy it on <b>the </b><b>big </b>screen. The staff then did <b>as </b>she requested <b>after </b>obtaining the organizer¡¯s consent. Alicia contended, ¡°Stephanie isn¡¯t Star, I have proof, Look, she visited Westport Golf Club today. She met secretly with the judges and bribed them. She knew that she would be exposed to giarism, so she went to <b>the </b>judges in advance. So they weren¡¯t surprised <b>to </b>learn Stephanie is Star. Have any of you seen Star? None, right? So Stephanie used this point to deceive people.¡±


    Jessica pounded the table in a rage and shot back, ¡°Nonsense! We¡¯ve known Star for years. Stephanie is unquestionably Star. She refused to appear as Star because she wanted to bring fresh fame to Starlight Design Studio under her own name. You horrible people, not only giarizing her sketches but also fabricating lies about her here and disparaging us. What a shameless woman!¡±


    Dawson¡¯s face darkened, too. He responded, ¡°How dare you im that Stephanie bribed us? You¡¯re spreading unfounded rumors. Stephanie is Star, and Star also serves <b>as </b>a judge. Isn¡¯t it normal for us to meet <b>before </b>thepetition?¡±


    Brody nodded in agreement and said, ¡°We swear on our lives that Stephanie is Star.¡±


    Furious, Vivian pointed at Alicia and retorted, ¡°You and your team giarized Stephanie¡¯s design, and now you¡¯re unfairly using Stephanie. You¡¯re absolutely shameless!¡±


    Alicia denied, ¡°You and Stephanie have teamed up. It¡¯s evident Stephanie bribed <b>you</b><b>.</b>¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s <b>eyes </b>were full of coldness, and she argued, ¡°Jessica, Vivian, Brody<b>, </b><b>and </b>Dawson are veterans in the design industry and internationally renowned designers. What you¡¯re saying now is insulting to them. I¡¯ll sue you <b>after </b>thepetition, even if they don¡¯t pursue you for defamation<b>.</b>¡±


    Aliciaughed and dered, ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be fooled by these capitalists. Money makes the world go round, so she bribed four <b>judges </b>with it.¡±


    ¡°How ridiculous! Did Stephanie bribe me, too?¡± L¡¯s voice came from the VIP private room on the second floor. Lifting her dress down the stairs, she red at Alicia and added, ¡°May I ask how much Stephanie paid to bribe me? Or are you trying to say that I¡¯m a hired substitute for Stephanie?¡±


    Alicia hadn¡¯t anticipated L to back up Stephanie. She twitched the corners of her mouth and was too stunned to say anything.


    L then went on stage and hugged Julianna. She looked down at the audience and <b>greeted</b>, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m L. I bet everyone here recognizes me, right?¡±


    Everyone knew the Princess of Chueles<b>. </b><b>She </b>was the future Queen.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    L exined, ¡°I¡¯ve known Stephanie for years and admire her designs. She¡¯s Stephanie and Star. I testify for her. She turned to face Alicia coldly before asking ¡°Tell me, how much did Stephanie spend to hire me?¡±


    Alicia gritted her teeth and shot back, ¡°So what if she¡¯s Star? You can¡¯t prove that she didn¡¯t giarize me.


    Jessica stood up and shouted, ¡°I can!¡± She called the staff and asked him <b>to </bunch her WhatsApp, retrieving the chat records between her <b>and </b>Stephanie, including the time Stephanie messaged her the first draft. ¡°If you <b>look </b><b>at </b>the time of production, it¡¯s a lot earlier than when you filed for


    13:45 Mon<b>, </b><b>3 </b>Jun


    Chapter 136


    design protection with Fashion Designer Association,¡± she stated..


    Alicia responded, ¡°This doesn¡¯t count. I applied for protection only after finishing my final draft.¡±


    <b>78</b><b>%</b>•ø


    Stephanie knew Alicia was disputing and said, ¡°You bought the rough sketches from Sabrina.¡± She was delivering a statement instead of a question.


    Alicia¡¯s heart skipped a beat from anxiety. She thought, ¡®Sabrina has died. The truth has never been exposed before. No way it¡¯ll be revealed now.¡® She snorted, shouting. ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsensel¡±


    The door to the exhibition hall was pushed open again, Zane then pushed Vincent in, with two bodyguards leading Ivy behind them. Vincent¡¯s eyes were frigid, and he remarked coldly, ¡°Nonsense? We¡¯ll let the witness prove IL¡±


    Stephanie was surprised to see Vincent show up. When their eyes met, Stephanie jumped out of her <b>seat </b>and dashed over to Vincent.


    As soon as Vincent moved and attempted to get up, Zane firmly grabbed his shoulders. Zane stopped him. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, you must keep yourposure.¡±


    Vincent was rendered speechless. At the moment, he had a strong desire to run to Stephanie.


    Stephanie approached him <b>and </b>inquired, ¡°Why are you <b>here</b>?¡± As she spoke, Vincent extended his hand, and she quickly reached out to grab it. Hisrge, warm palm made her feel warm and happy.


    ¡°I nned toe after attending the social gathering, but I didn¡¯t expect to see someone on the way. It should be an absolute surprise to you,¡± Vincent replied.


    Stephanie looked over and discovered that it was Ivy who had been dismissed by the former. Stephanie asked, ¡°So, you have something to do with giarizing my rough sketches?¡±


    Ivy sobbed and admitted, ¡°Yes¡±


    Stephanie turned to the two bodyguards, requesting, ¡°Please escort her onto the stage.¡±


    The <b>bodyguards </b>answered, ¡°Yes, Mrs. Fletcher.¡±


    Stephanie held Vincent¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Wait


    ¡°Wait for me. Let me finish this.¡±


    Vincent looked at her affectionately and nodded, his eyes gentle.


    Stephanie let go of his hand and walked on stage. She stood next to Julianna and sped hands with her.


    Watching that scene, Vincent pursed his lips with jealousy. Julianna was his greatest foe in his rtionship with Stephanie.


    After sensing Vincent¡¯s intense <b>gaze</b>, Stephanie smiled softly at him. Vincent was suddenly in a better mood and no longer felt offended by her holding hands with Julianna. He then took out his phone and texted: [After thepetition, take your woman away.


    On stage, Alicia trembled all over and had cold sweat on her forehead. She mused, ¡®How is this possible? What exactly <b>went </b>wrong? How did Ivy get exposed<b>?</b>¡®


    Flora had shortness of breath and couldn¡¯t feel any pain, even with the fingertips sunk in her palm.


    Lisa¡¯s heart sank when she noticed the two¡¯s anomaly. She realized that they had giarized Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches. She mused, ¡®It¡¯s over. All my efforts went down the drain. It¡¯s the end for Dream Design Studio¡±


    Stephanie looked at Ivy and <b>pressed</b>, ¡°Tell me all the details of what happened<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>


    SEND GIFT


    Chapter 136


    Ivy looked at Vincent fearfully, then lowered her eyes and <b>began </b>to say, ¡°I got a call from Sabrina some time ago. She stated she had Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch and nned to sell it for 400 thousand dors. Lasked her to send me one first, but when I received it, I was astounded by the sketch. First of all, I have no money, and second, I dare not offend Stephanie. So I thought about my cousin, Alicia. I called her, told her about it, and sold it to her for 600 thousand dors. Alicia agreed right away after reviewing one of Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches.¡±


    Alicia growled, ¡°Nonsensel There was no such thing at all!¡±


    Ivy said, ¡°I have the recording of our conversation.¡±

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    The phone recording was yed in the hall. In the recording, hvy stated, ¡°Alicia, I have Stephanie¡¯s rough sketch. It should be prepared for International Golden Finger Contest. Do you want it at the price of 600 thousand dors?¡±


    Alicia replied, ¡°Send me one. Let me have a look. Then, a WhatsApp image of Stephanie rough sketch was shown. She asked, ¡°Can it be cheaper?¡±


    Ivy responded, ¡°Alicia, you know how miserable I¡¯ve been since Stephanie dismissed me. Other designers refuse to hire ma. I need money. If you don¡¯t


    want it, I¡¯ll ask someone else.¡±


    I


    Alicia stated, ¡°Wait a minute. I don¡¯chave enough money, either. I¡¯ll ask Flora. To be honest, I hate Stephanie too. It would be amazing if we could utilize her rough sketch, submit it to the Fashion Designer Association for design protection, and then turn against her as she did to Florence. It must be fascinating to see Stephanie¡¯s reaction to being named a giarist in such an internationalpetition. I want her out of the design world.¡±


    Ivyughed and replied. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your good news.¡± Then, the call recording was cut off, and everyone knew the whole story.


    to


    me,


    hy was scared that people wouldn¡¯t believe her, so she hurriedly exined, ¡°You can check my ount. Alicia used her bank card to transfer the money but Sabrina was cautious and requested to transfer it to one of her besties. Sabrina assured me that she used temporary cards, and it wouldn¡¯t be traced back to me. I hadn¡¯t expected to be so unlucky. I met Mr. Quin while on the phone with Alicia, and things were exposed.¡± Her voice was filled with remorse. She didn¡¯t regret doing it, rather, she regretted her reckless actions, which led to her being caught by others.


    Alicia couldn¡¯t refute anymore. All the evidence was conclusive. Even if she created a scene, it was ineffective. They would know right away after the recording was authenticated. Alicia despised Ivy so much that the former grabbed her hair and dragged her madly, yelling. ¡°You idiot! It¡¯s all your fault! Why can¡¯t you just stay home? You insisted on h**i


    n g up w ith a rich man, but you¡¯ve gotten yourself into trouble and even dragged me in. If it weren¡¯t for you, I would have be famous tonight. I¡¯ll be the best designer!¡±


    Ivy: screamed in pain and shot back, ¡°It¡¯s your fault! You called me at that time to brag about Stephanie bribing the judges, which would be revealed tonight. You deserved it! A


    r e you saying you¡¯ll be the best designer? Stop dreaming! Ah!¡±


    They fought on stage, frantically scratching each other¡¯s faces until two bodyguards intervened to stop them. It wasn¡¯t because they were concerned the two could harm each other, but because Stephanie had something to say.


    Stephanie looked at the audience and dered, ¡°I still have proof that Sabrina secretly took photos of my rough sketches.¡± She connected to herptop¡¯s Bluetooth system and projected the pictures sent by Giovanni onto the big screen.


    That was a data report from Jacaster¡¯s forensic department. It disyed the fingerprints on the rough sketches. Sabrina was the fourth person present, in addition to Stephanie, Vincent, and Julianna. Thus, all of the data could be linked together. The truth was that Sabrina secretly took pictures of the rough sketches and contacted tvy. Ivy was worried that something bad would happen to her and contacted Alicia, who then associated with Flora.


    The fact was revealed and sparked outrage. The audience was enraged, if not for their upbringing, they would have rushed up and given the giarists at


    lesson.


    Flora pursed her lips, her face pale, and exined, ¡°Alicia stated she drew all those rough sketches. If I buy them, they¡¯ll help me attain my targets. She wants 800 thousand dors, and if we win, she can join Dream Design Studio as a designer. I looked through it and thought it was fantastic, so I bought it Jor the price she suggested. She kept me in the dark, too. I didn¡¯t know these were Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches. If I had known, I would never have allowed giarism to ur.¡± She attempted to absolve herself of her involvement, but all she could say was that Alicia was hiding the truth.


    Alicia became outraged upon hearing that. Because she had no way out, she wanted to drag Flora into mutual destruction. ¡°That¡¯s not true. I informed her at the beginning that they were Stephanie¡¯s rough sketches. I¡¯m not skilled enough to draw something like this, Flora won¡¯t believe me if I don¡¯t tell the truth.¡± Alicia then took out her phone to search their chat history. She added, ¡°Herel Look, Flora said Stephanie¡¯s drawings were excellent. What a


    Stephanie¡¯s. She was frightened of being held ountable, so she med me. Flora, let¡¯s be doomed skill! So she knew these rough sketches


    together.¡±


    The screenshot was shown on the big screen, and everyone saw it clearly.


    78%


    Chapter 137


    Flora¡¯s eyes burned with rage. She gritted her teeth and pped Alicia. ¡°You b i t c h! They sold you 600 thousand dors, but you sold me 800 thousand dors. You earned a price differential of 200 thousand dors, Am I an easy target for you? Why did you call Ivy? If you didn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t be found. It¡¯s your fault. I¡¯ll kill you, you self-righteous fool!¡±


    Flora and Ivy struck Alicia together, knocking her to the ground.


    The police soon arrived, separated them, and handcuffed them.


    Lisa, the person in charge of Dream Design Studio, appeared depressed. She bowed deeply before Stephanie and Julianna, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know they had giarized your sketches before. I didn¡¯t disclose anything when giarism arose because I had a fluke mind. After all, admitting it would harm the design studio¡¯s reputation. Stephanie imed that giarism is as addicting as stealing. I should have believed Alicia was such a person, but when she and Flora showed me the tough sketches, I became blinded by fame. Stephanie, I know how despicable I am. I¡¯m willing to resign as the vice president of Dream Design Studio. Can you spare the studio just once? I know I have no right to ask you for anything, but the studio employs many hardworking, innocent designers. Would you please show mercy?¡±


    Julianna said, ¡°It¡¯s toote now, and don¡¯t guilt-trip Stephanie with your innocent employees. giarism is a fact, and it involves the entire team rather than individuals. If you were the one who got giarized today, would you simply disregard it? I don¡¯t think so. Don¡¯t make things difficult for Stephie. At the very least, she suffered physical and psychological harm. None of you four can avoid your responsibilities. Let us wait until we return to discuss how we¡¯ll negotiate between Starlight Design Studio and Dream Design Studio. But for the time being, all four of you will be taken to the police station for questioning. You¡¯ll face consequences for causing amotion before L.¡±


    A farce had ended, and thepetition continued. To avoid suspicion, Stephanie and the four judges didn¡¯t provide a score and instead asked the audience to rate. Undoubtedly, the final winner was Starlight Design Studio.


    L hugged Stephanie, put the crown on her, and gave her a bouquet. ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re so beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness,¡± Stephanie said.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Don¡¯t forget about the celebration partyter,¡± L reminded.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Stephanie wanted to say she was going back to Vincent. She looked over and saw Vincent nod slightly, musing, ¡®Did he agree?¡± She then gave a speech on behalf of Starlight Design Studio. ¡°Once, I put Starlight Design Studio in a passive state due to a difficult family situation. I¡¯m sorry to Julia and my colleagues. When I returned to Starlight Design Studio, I wanted to be myself again, so I prepared to remove Star from public view. Unexpectedly, it drew criticism and created a scene tonight. But I think this year¡¯spetition is quite memorable.¡±


    The crowd burst intoughter.


    Stephanie smiled, adding, ¡°Star is about to be the past. I hope you¡¯ll remember me as Stephanie. Julia and i will lead Starlight Design Studio¡¯s designers to take bold steps forward. We can do it!¡±

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 1 3 8


    Although there were some twists and turns during International Golden Finger Contest, it ended sessfully.


    Starlight Design Studio bagged the champion of thatpetition, and Stephanie became the world¡¯s chief designer in her own name instead of Star.


    As soon as thepetition was over, a clothing copyright auction began.


    Other designers at Starlight Design Studio had also been rewarded greatly. They had sold their clothing rights for every piece on disy in the first and


    second rounds ofpetition.


    After the auction, everyone in Starlight Design Studio was ready to go to the celebration dinner in the hotel organized by L


    L wanted to go with Stephanie in a car, but when she saw Vincent there, she was very sensible and didn¡¯t y the third wheel.


    Then, she nned to go with Julianna, only to find that thetter got into a ck Maybach exasperatedly after answering the phone.


    L shrugged and could only leave with the rest of the designers of Starlight Design Studio.


    When Zane got in the car, he raised the partition.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Without waiting for Vincent to take the initiative, Stephanie sat on hisp.


    ¡°Are you so proactive?¡± The man smiled. His voice was deep.


    Stephanie got close to him and sniffed. ¡°I¡¯ll just smell if you have her perfume on


    nt was stunned and then understood what Stephanie meant. ¡°You know it?¡±


    Vincent was


    Stephanie tutted softly. ¡°I was told. When I walked down the aisle, some reporters put their phones in my face.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re asking for death wishes!¡± Vincent¡¯s eyes instantly became cold, and his body exuded hostility.


    He hated such things taken out of context.


    However, he quickly calmed down and held Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Stephie, trust me. I can exin it to you.¡±


    Stephanie pouted and withdrew her hand to cover her ears, pretending to be angry. ¡°I won¡¯t listen! I won¡¯t listen!¡±


    Looking at her cute appearance, Vincent couldn¡¯t help but hug her tightly. ¡°Sorry to make you suffer, but¡­¡±


    Stephanie looked at the man, whose eyes were turning red. She was stunned.


    Vincent gently leaned his head against her neck and said in an aggrieved voice, ¡°Stephie, I am also aggrieved. That woman tried to dirty me.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t expect Vincent to have such a pretentious side. He looked cute somehow.


    She burst intoughter and said, ¡°Uncle, can you st


    stop pretending to be cute and innocent at


    at such an old age?¡±


    Vincent was stunned. He looked up at her and asked, ¡°Am I that old?¡±


    Stephanie couldn¡¯t helpughing, thinking, ¡°What I wanted to emphasize is the first half of the sentence, but why does this man focus on the second


    half?¡±


    She said, ¡°Consider the seniority. Didn¡¯t I address you uncle in the past?¡±


    Vincent pinched Stephanie¡¯s chin with his long and clean fingers. He narrowed his eyes while gazing at her. ¡°Stephie, how many times should you call me uncle tonight?¡±


    Hearing that, Stephanie¡¯s lips twitched slightly. ¡°Well, I won¡¯t call you


    ¡°It¡¯s toote,¡± Vincent said.


    The burning kiss fell on her lips. As they made out, the kiss made her heart melt.


    It was only 24 hours of separation, and the surge of yearning instantly drowned their minds.


    In the confined space, there was only the sucking sound when they kissed each other intimately until the


    man¡¯s breathing gradually became heavier


    He buried his head in her delicate corbone and kissed it gently, for fear of leaving a trace on her neck.


    When he looked up again, he saw Stephanie¡¯s cheeks were red and her eyes blurred. She looked so cute and charming


    ¡°Have you decided what to call me tonight?¡± Vincent chuckled in a low voice.


    Stephanie¡¯s eyshes trembled. ¡°Honey.¡±


    Vincent cupped her small face with both hands and kissed her fiercely. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the celebration party, I would like to¡­ He whispered thest two


    words in her ear.


    Stephanie bit her lower lip and blushed.


    She said angrily, ¡°You¡­ You are a


    You are a polished scoundrel!¡±


    Vincent held her in his arms and said, ¡°Let me hold you for a while. I¡¯ll exin to you about that woman.¡±


    Stephanie stroked the buttons of his white shirt with her fingertips. ¡°I can figure out what happened.¡±


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Vincent said.


    ¡°The attendant dirtied your clothes and then tried to apologize while taking advantage of you. Then, she asked someone to take photos for setup.¡± Stephanie replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re clever, Stephie, Vincent praised.


    ¡°These are allmon tricks used by women to get ahead,¡± Stephanie scoffed.


    Vincent chuckled. ¡°You know it pretty well.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t read novels for nothing.¡± Stephanie chuckled.


    ¡°Do you still read that kind of novel?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie snorted, ¡°The heroes in the novels are all handsome, rich, and affectionate.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that about me?¡± Vincent asked.


    Stephanie held back herughter and said, ¡°Oh/they¡¯re not uncles. They are all young men


    Vincent tightened his grip on her waist and said, ¡°I have made up my mind. What should you call me tonight?¡±


    Stephanie was speechless. She cleared her throat and replied, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll stay with Julia tonight.¡±


    ¡°Your Julia has a date tonight,¡± Vincent said,


    It left Stephanie in utter silence.


    Meanwhile, Julianna looked sideways and saw Graham. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Graham nced at her. ¡°You don¡¯t wee me? Ain¡¯t I here to cheer for you?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you came here with Vincent!¡± Julianna scoffed.


    ¡°Why are you so heartless?¡± Graham grumbled.


    Julianna turned her face away from the window. ¡°Did you reallye to see me?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for me to visit my wife?¡± Graham asked in return.


    ¡°We are a fake couple,¡± Julianna reminded.


    Graham chuckled. ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to make it real tonight.¡±


    Julianna looked at him abruptly with her hands covering her chest and asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    Grahamughed. ¡°We¡¯re a legal couple. I talked about it before marriage.¡±


    Julianna gritted her teeth. ¡°You said it after we got the marriage license. It doesn¡¯t count!¡±


    Graham just smiled but didn¡¯t say anything. Julianna said a lot, but he turned a deaf ear to it.


    Soon, the car stopped at the gate of the hotel.


    Julianna got out of


    ut of the car and ran to Stephanie, who had just gotten out of the car too.


    ¡°It¡¯s terrible. Graham is going crazy.¡± She took Stephanie¡¯s arm and walked toward the hotel.


    Vincent was left with a gloomy face, cursing, Julianna is such an unnecessary third wheell


    He looked at Graham, who was walking slowly toward him with a sneer on his face. ¡°Can you stop Julianna from stealing Stephie?¡±


    Graham hummed. ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to give Julianna to your Stephie tonight.¡±


    Vincent was speechless.


    Walking through the hall, Julianna asked Stephanie, ¡°If I stay with you tonight, will Vincent end my life?¡±


    Stephanie thought for a while and replied seriously, ¡°He can¡¯t end your life.¡±


    Julianna breathed a sigh of relief and heard Stephanie continue, ¡°But he¡¯s determined to make you disabled.¡±


    Julianna was speechless.


    Since L arrived a little earlier with the designers, there was already an atmosphere of celebration in the banquet hall.


    Those who could attend the banquet were all nobles, celebrities, and the upper sses. They were discussing what had happened in thepetition that night, which was full of twists and excitement.


    Of course, they were all big fans of Stephanie and Julianna.


    As soon as Stephanie and Julianna walked into the banquet hall, they were surrounded by great apuse. Two beautiful young blondes gave them a wreath of lily-of-the-valley flowers to wear on their heads


    When L saw Stephanie and Julianna enter, she trotted up to them and hugged them. ¡°Let¡¯s get drunk tonight!¡±


    Stephanie smiled and agreed, but Julianna felt it would be dangerous to get drunk that night. Yet, they were happy. It wouldn¡¯t be fun without a few more drinks.


    L led them onto the stage and began to express her emotions. ¡°It¡¯s not easy for Stephanie to achieve what she has achieved today, and I have witnessed it all the way. After she and Julianna founded Starlight Design Studio, I was angry that this woman loved someone else behind my back!¡±


    The audience burst intoughter.


    She continued, ¡°But I¡¯m sporting. After all, they¡¯ve designed many beautiful clothes for me. Over the years, I¡¯ve received manypliments on my suits designed by them, I hope that when I am 80, 90, or even 100 years old, I can still wear the clothes designed by them beautifully!¡±


    Apuse rang out for the friendship between them.


    L smiled. ¡°Stephanie, please lead us to the opening dance!¡±


    At the same time, Graham held a ss of champagne and looked at Vincent, who was sitting in a wheelchair, ¡°Vincent, I bet you want to stand up and walk over to Stephanie to invite her to dance now, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Vincent pressed his lips and watched a tall man walk toward Ste

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    In the magnificent banquet hall, everyone¡¯s attention was on the stage.


    The man in a suit walked up to Stephanie and made an invitation gesture.


    Vincent naturally recognized that man. His name was Jonathan Kenan, the son of Count of Chueles. He was handsome and elegant and very popr


    amongst women.


    Jonathan¡¯s eyes were full of coldness


    Graham watched as if he was watching a show. ¡°Should the opening dance be carried on? With so many people watching, it¡¯s not good to refuse!¡±


    While Graham was gloating, Julianna put her hand on the man¡¯s palm and said, ¡°Let me dance with you. Stephie is married. It¡¯s not appropriate.¡±


    Stephie being married and hence inappropriate? Aren¡¯t you married too, Julianna?¡±


    Graham was speechless, thinking. ¡®What does she mean by St


    The smile on Graham¡¯s face disappeared, and his hand holding the ss tightened.


    A faint smile appeared on Vincent¡¯s face. ¡°Graham, I think Julianna is quite discerning. I¡¯ll forget about her harassing my Stephie.¡±


    Graham cursed inwardly, ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re a real scum!¡±


    Looking at Julianna and the man dancing on the dance floor, he gulped down the champagne in the ss, swearing that he wouldn¡¯t let Julianna off that


    night.


    After the celebration party, Julianna was drunk.


    Stephanie helped her walk to Graham and said, ¡°Take care of Julia.¡±


    Graham took Julianna and put his arms around her slender waist. He smiled warmly. ¡°Sure, don¡¯t worry. I take good care of her


    Then, he lifted her and walked out of the banquet hall.


    Stephanie looked at the man¡¯s straight retreating figure and felt a little strange.


    Vincent held her hand and asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°I feel that although Graham is smiling, he¡¯s gritting his teeth,¡± Stephanie said.


    Vincent rubbed her fingers. ¡°He is Julianna¡¯s husband. What can he do to her? Graham knows what to do. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°if you h


    have time to worry about others, it¡¯s better to think about how you will spend the night,¡± Vincent added.


    Stephanie was speechless. She blinked and said, ¡°I¡¯m not full. How about we change our clothes and go out to eat tonight?¡±


    Vincent pulled her into his arms to make her sit on hisp.


    He controlled the wheelchair toward the door of the banquet hall. ¡°Let the chef prepare it and send it to the guest room in the evening


    No more words were heard.


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    Chapter 139


    The door of the presidential suite was opened, Stephanie pushed Vincent in and shut the door.


    Before she could insert the door card into the slot, her back was pressed against the door panel.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    The man¡¯s hands sped with her fingers, and then he raised them above her head.


    Stephanie¡¯s body was soft and had a sweet scent.


    Vincent rubbed his nose against hers. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    Stephanie thought he was going to order food, so she hummed.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re hungry, I¡¯ll feed you now,¡± Vincent said.


    He kissed her red lips tenderly. As they both drank champagne, there was a sweet taste between their lips and teeth.


    Stephanie soon meltedi


    sited into Vincent¡¯s kiss. He loosened his hands and sped them around her waist, while her hands circled his neck.


    The straps of her dress slipped down, and the zipper on the side of her ribs was open. The white dress fall at her feet without her noticing.


    Stephanie felt that there was a wet sensation in front of her. She opened her eyes abruptly and put her hands on Vincent¡¯s head. ¡°Not. Not here.¡±


    Vincent hold her hips with both hands and walked toward the bed.


    That room was exclusively reserved by Vincent on the day when the hotel was established, so no one else had ever stayed in it. Someone woulde to clean it every day so it was very clean.


    When Vincent carried Stephanie onto the bed, Stephanie found herself lying in a spread of red rose petals.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I intentionally asked someone to prepare it,¡± Vincent replied.


    ¡°I want to see it,¡± Stephanie requested.


    Vincent agreed. He got up and went to the door to pick up the room card and insert it in the slot.


    The room suddenly became bright, and the whole room was filled with roses of various colors.


    Stephanie was stunned as if she were in a sea of roses. ¡°So beautiful!¡±


    Vincent knelt on the bed and leaned over to Stephanie. ¡°It¡¯s not as beautiful as you,¡±


    The rose petals fell to the ground, and the breeze blew up the curtain and dispersed the petals. The entire guest room was filled with the fragrance of


    flowers.


    In another room, Graham helped Julianna, who was flushed, to the bed.


    He stood by the bed and watched her roll overmely


    ¡°Drink up! Let¡¯s get drunk! Stephie, get rid of your Vincent. I¡¯ll also say goodbye to my fake husband Graham. Let¡¯s live together in the future! Forget it. You and Vincent are true lovers, so you¡¯d better have a good life. I¡¯m going to get rid of Graham!¡± Julianna said.


    Graham bent over and made her lie t. He patted her on the cheek. ¡°Open your eyes and see who I am.¡±


    Chapter 139


    Julianna struggled to open her eyes. ¡°What? Are you Graham? Why are you here? Go back to your den!¡±


    Graham¡¯s temples throbbed. ¡°Julianna, you are so¡­


    Julianna smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m so cute!¡±


    Grahamughed out of anger. ¡°Cute? You are annoying!¡±


    Julianna suddenly frowned and said, ¡°I feel a little ufortable.¡±


    When Graham heard that she was ufortable, he forgot about his anger.


    Frowning, he asked, ¡°Which part of you is ufortable?¡±


    ¡°I want to yomit,¡± Julianna said.


    Graham stood up, helped her up, and walked quickly toward the bathroom with his arm around her waist.


    Julianna stopped and turned around, holding his shirt with both hands.


    With the sound of vomiting, there was a damp and unpleasant smell in front of Graham the next second.


    Graham swore h


    he had never had such a bad experience in his whole life.


    When he thought Julianna was over, another sound of vomiting came.


    Graham was about to lose himself right now. It stunk!


    The culprit now raised her head with a smile. ¡°I feel better this time!¡±


    Graham closed his eyes, carried Julianna into the bathroom, stuffed her into the bathtub, and put some warm water in it.


    He took off his dirty clothes in disgust and threw them into the trash can.


    Standing under the shower, he turned on the k n b.


    After washing himself six times, Graham still felt he stunk.


    He then washed it ten more times before feeling better with his body.


    Looking at Julianna in the bathtub, her wet dress was tightly wrapped around her body, and her perfect curves were outlined.


    As she didn¡¯t throw up on herself, it was just the smell of alcohol all over her body, so Graham let her take a dip.


    After putting on his bathrobe, he picked up the woman in the bathtub and wanted to take off her dress.


    Julianna slowly opened her eyes and seemed to regain her consciousness. ¡°Graham, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What do you think I¡¯m going to do?¡± Graham asked in return.


    Julianna screamed and struggled, beating Graham with her hands.


    While struggling, she fell into the water with a plop.


    ¡°Help! Help!¡± Julianna thumped and choked on water.


    3/4


    45 Mon,


    Chapter 130


    978%


    When Graham reached out to fish her out, Julianna wrapped around his neck as if she had grabbed a lifesaving straw. ¡°D a m n you, Graham How dare you throw me into the water?¡±


    Graham had a headache, regretting bringing that drunkard back..


    He took a deep breath andforted her, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to throw you in. Good girl, let me change your dress¡±


    Julianna stopped crying. She sniffed and blinked her red eyes. ¡°Are you trying to sleep with me?¡±


    Graham paused before saying, ¡°Will you let me if I want to?¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Julianna retorted.


    ¡°Why do you ask then?¡± Graham scoffed with a sullen face. ¡°What¡¯s the point of getting married if I needed to be a priest?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so mean to me!¡± Julianna curled her lips and looked aggrieved.


    Graham sighed softly. ¡°I¡¯m not mean to you, but don¡¯t you have to change before sleeping? And also to wash up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to change clothes, but I won¡¯t wash up!¡± Julianna said


    Graham frowned. ¡°You vomited just now. How can you sleep without washing up?¡±


    Julianna snorted and let go of her hands around Graham¡¯s neck. She steadied her body and asked, ¡°Are you disdaining me now?¡±


    Graham wanted to say yes, but he wondered if Julianna would quarrel with him again, so he said no.


    Julianna smiled and asked, ¡°Really? Then, kiss me!¡±

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Graham narrowed his eyes and stared into Julianna¡¯s, trying to see if she was joking.


    After a long time, he smiled wickedly. ¡°Okay!¡±.


    Then, he gripped Julianna¡¯s slender waist firmly.


    Graham¡¯s handsome face was reflected in Julianna¡¯s dark eyes. At that moment, she panicked.


    She put her hands on Graham¡¯s chest and said, ¡°I-I¡¯m just kidding!¡±


    ¡°Have you sobered up?¡± asked Graham.


    Julianna smiled. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sober now. Did I say something nonsense just now?¡±


    ¡°You asked me for a kiss,¡± Graham replied.


    Sheughed awkwardly. ¡°Haha! How could I say such ridiculous things? Well, thank you for bringing me back. You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Not ridiculous. It¡¯s normal for a wife to ask her husband for a


    for a kiss,¡± Graham said.


    Julianna quickly covered her mouth and said, ¡°I vomited just now. It¡¯s disgusting. You go out first. I want to wash up.¡±


    Graham raised his eyebrows in disbelief.


    Julianna was truly afraid of what he might do, so she said in a dull voice, ¡°It¡¯s true. Go out and wait for me.¡±


    Graham smiled and nodded, then left the bathroom.


    After he went out, Julianna immediately climbed out of the bathtub and ran to close the door.


    She leaned against the door and tried to recall what had just happened. She seemed to have just thrown up on Graham.


    She patted her forehead and muttered, ¡°What a shame! How did I get so drunk? Why did Stephie leave me with him? Ahhh! Nothing¡¯s going to happen tonight, hopefully. What should I do if Graham loses his beastly temper? Oh my gosh, I¡¯m doomed!¡±


    She felt her breath wasn¡¯t fresh, so she hurried to take a bath and wash up.


    She changed into a bathrobe, dried her hair, and stood by the bathroom door, twirling her fingers nervously


    After dawdling for a long time, she finally thought of a good way. She intended to sneak away after leaving the bathroom.


    Julianna opened the door gently and peered outside through the c r a c k, hearing ne sounds. She pushed the door open further and slipped out.


    She looked around and didn¡¯t see Graham anywhere.


    She walked quickly to the door but suddenly stopped when she saw Graham leaning against the wall, smoking.


    The smoke obscured his outline, but his aura was impossible to ignore.


    Graham smiled and asked, ¡°Want to leave?¡±


    Julianna forced a smile and replied, ¡°No, just thought you were gone, so I wanted to find you.¡±


    13:45 Mon, 3 Jun M.


    Chapter 140


    Graham nodded, pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray on the chest of drawers with his fingertips, and then walked toward Julianna.


    Julianna stepped back subconsciously. ¡°W-What are you doing?


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you looking for me? Alone together like this, I know what you want even


    if you don¡¯t tell me,¡± said Graham.


    ¡°Y You don¡¯t know, I need you to get me a hangover remedy.¡± As Julianna spoke, she stepped back until her heels touched the edge of the bed and fell on


    Grahamn smiled and leaned over.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Julianna instinctively ced her hands on the bed, but Graham grabbed her legs and pulled her toward him.


    Julianna looked at Graham in horror. Her heart was beating wildly, almost jumping out of her throat.


    ¡°Y-You old creep, don¡¯t touch me!¡± she shouted.


    Graham narrowed his eyes. ¡°What did you call me?¡±


    ¡°O-Old creep!¡± Julianna said.


    Graham put the tip of his tongue against his back teeth and said, ¡°Am I old? I¡¯m just live years older than you. And how would you know if I¡¯m old or notif you don¡¯t even try?¡±


    Julianna¡¯s mouth twitched. She clearly wanted to call Graham a creep.


    His focus was indeed different, but it proved that he hated her saying he was old.


    When Julianna wanted to say something more, she felt Graham¡¯s soft lipsnd on hers.


    It was like eating marshmallows, sweet and soft with a faint taste of tobo, which made him irresistible.


    Unconsciously, she let out a soft snort.


    She suddenly opened her eyes and saw Graham looking at her with a yful face. ¡°Am I old? Don¡¯t you enjoy it?¡±


    Julianna¡¯s face bulged with anger. She pushed him away


    by and wanted to leave, but he hugged her. ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t touch you. You¡¯ve worked hard for so many days. Have a good rest tonight,¡± Graham said.


    Julianna was surprised by Graham¡¯s words. ¡°Y-You really won¡¯t touch me?¡±


    ¡°Why? Disappointed?¡± asked Grahamn.


    Julianna said angrily, ¡°No! I just can¡¯t believe it! After all, you¡­


    She pursed her lips tightly for fear of saying anything to annoy Graham. After all, there was a huge gap in strength between men and women. She couldn¡¯t beat him.


    Graham wasn¡¯t angry. He just raised his eyebrows and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like sleeping, we can exercise for a while.¡±


    Julianna was speechless.


    In the end, Julianna wrapped herself tightly in a nket and remained motionless with her back to Graham.


    Graham chuckled as he watched her wrap herself up tightly. ¡°Are you asleep?¡± he asked.


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    Chapter 140


    Julianna remained silent, her eyes darting around. However, after a while, the effects of the alcohol seemed to kick in again, and she drifted off into a drowsy sleep.


    Hearing the steady breathing, Graham leaned in to take a look.


    Under the moonlight, Julianna¡¯s quiet sleeping face looked gentle and serene. It wasn¡¯t as sharp as usual, but like a thomy rose


    Graham pulled the nket aside and noticed a thinyer of sweat on Julianna¡¯s body.


    He chuckled, pulled her into his arms, pressed against her forehead, and fell asleep together.


    Julianna found afortable position and put her long legs on Graham¡¯s waist.


    Soon, Graham lound out that Julianna didn¡¯t wear any underwear.


    She was soft and tender, and with the intimacy between them, Graham couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of desire.


    He gently pushed Julianna aside, got out of bed, and went straight to the bathroom for a cold shower.


    That night, Julianna had a dream. In the dream, she seemed to hold a stove, which was very hot and kept sshing mes that burned her hands


    It wasn¡¯t until the sky began to lighten that this feeling disappeared, and she finally slept soundly andfortably.


    She slept until the afternoon.


    When she woke up again, there was a moment of confusion.


    She suddenly opened her eyes wide and remembered what had happenedst night.


    She quickly looked down and saw that her bathrobe was loose. But fortunately, there were no marks, and she didn¡¯t feel anything strange.


    After a long sigh of relief, she found her hands somewhat sore.


    She didn¡¯t think too much and got up to wash.


    Aftering out of the bathroom, she saw Graham standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window making a phone call.


    He was tall and straight, looking good even in casual wear. He also had a nice voice and could kiss well¡­


    ¡®Ahhh?¡¯ Julianna shouted inwardly, thinking she must be crazy to think that way.


    ng up the phone, he saw a frustrated look on Julianna¡¯s face.


    Aher Graham hung up


    ¡°What? Are you upset because I didn¡¯t do anything with youst night?¡± he asked.


    Julianna opened her mouth in shock and thought, ¡°How could he say such things?¡¯ She felt like sewing his mouth shut!


    Graham chuckled. ¡°Your clothes are ready and ced at the bedside. Check if they fit. Have some food, then we¡¯ll head to Crescent Cove Ind. I¡¯ve discussed it with Vincent and Stephanie¡±


    ¡°What? Crescent Cove Ind? You¡¯reing too?¡± Julianna asked in surprise.


    ¡°Crescent Cove Ind is close by and we¡¯ll take a private jet. Besides, isn¡¯t it normal for me to go? I¡¯m your man. Just treat this trip as our honeymoon,¡± Graham said.


    Julianna was speechless, thinking. Who wants to go honeymoon with you!¡±


    Because she had promised to take the designers to Crescent Cove Ind for vacation before, going now or a few dayster was the same. But now, there was a deadweight going along.


    ¡°All right.¡± After saying that, Julianna went to the bedside to change her clothes. She looked at Graham and said, ¡°Go out. I want to change my clothes.¡±


    ¡°What haven¡¯t I seen before?¡± said Graham.


    Youl


    Julianna blushed instantly. ¡°You!¡±


    She was so angry that she went into the bathroom with the bag. When she took out her underwear, she found it just right in size,


    She muttered, ¡°Did he ask Stephie?¡±


    Graham¡¯s voice came from the door. ¡°I measured with my hands. Are the sizes right?¡±


    -Julianna was speechless.


    She put on a sports suit and walked out.


    ¡°It seems to fit you,¡± Graham said.


    Julianna was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    At the private airport, the designers from Starlight Design Studio had all boarded.


    Julianna didn¡¯t see Stephanie: Graham had said that Vincent and Stephanie had arrived at the airport, but Julianna did not see the two of them.


    Julianna nced at the man beside her and asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Stephie and the others had arrived at the airport?¡±


    Graham looked at the magazine in his hand and said casually, ¡°Yeah, but they went on vacation to Muprary, so they¡¯re not with us.¡±


    Julianna was furious. ¡°Then, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡±


    Graham nced sideways at Julianna. ¡°Tell you, so you could be a third wheel again?¡±


    Julianna was speechless.


    ¡°Enjoy this trip with your employees! Besides, you have me with you!¡±


    Julianna was speechless. She thought, ¡°Might as well don¡¯t apany me!¡±


    Julianna asked, ¡°Which city did they go to Muprary?¡±


    Graham shrugged. ¡°They kept it a secret just to avoid you bothering them.¡±


    Julianna was once again at a loss for words.


    ? ?Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Julianna snorted and grabbed a magazine to read but couldn¡¯t focus on a single word.


    ian next to Julianna seemed to be in a good mood.


    Julianna was dissatisfied. ¡°Why are you in such a good mood?


    Graham smirked knowingly. ¡°Because of physical and me n t a l happiness.¡±


    Julianna didn¡¯t think too much about it until sheter realized that Graham was definitely worthy of the name ¡°old creep,¡±


    Julianna muttered, ¡°I wonder where Stephie went in Muprary.¡±


    On another private jet, Stephanie and Vincent were lying on their beds in the lounge.


    Stephanie sneezed.


    Vincent covered Stephanie with a nket and asked, ¡°Did you catch a cold?¡±


    ¡°No, maybe Julia is talking about me.¡±


    Vincent also smirked. ¡°She¡¯s probably cursing me in her heart. Stephie, are you angry?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. Sometimes I prioritize romance over friendship.¡±


    Vincent pulled Stephanie close and kissed her cheek. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep for a while. I only slept at around three in the morning, and I¡¯mcking sleep.¡±


    Stephanie red at Vincent and said, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to speak!¡±


    86%ºÏ


    19 ??? stores


    ?????? ?? Road


    ¨C ?????


    ?? ????-


    Chapter 141


    Vincent smiled and agreed, then gently patted Stephanie¡¯s back. Soon, she fell asleep.


    Six hourster, when Stephanie woke up again, the ne had alreadynded at the airport.


    Stephanie rubbed her eyes and looked at the letters at the airport, surprised. ¡°Are we in Tyrandas?¡±


    Vincent ruffled Stephanie¡¯s slightly disheveled hair. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯ve never been around here? There are plenty of fun things to do. I¡¯ll show you


    around.


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll take some photos to send to Juliater. She¡¯ll probably be jealous, especially of the delicious food.¡±


    ¡°Be good. Send them to her after the holiday ends.¡±


    Stephanieughed out loud. She found that Vincent was very imitating


    If Julianna knew about that, she would be furious.


    The duo wore sporty casual outfits, donned baseball caps and sunsses, and carried backpacks for an impromptu trip.


    They went to Idouis, experiencing the heartbeat of the Epea and Aploth continent.


    In Capston, they saw the fantastical stone city.


    Strolling along the love valley in Citraine, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of white sandy beaches and the azure sea under the blue sky.


    Facing each other in the glow of the setting sun, they savored Tyrandas barbecue, apanied by a rich cup of coffee, feeling like they were in paradise


    on earth.


    Of course, what left the most profound impression on Stephanie was Capston. After touring around, they returned specifically to that


    ce to ride in a


    The colorful hot air balloons filled the sky, making it one of life¡¯s most romantic moments,


    Vincent hugged Stephanie from behind and put his chin on her shoulder. ¡°I really want time to stop at this moment.¡±


    Stephanie chuckled. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean we¡¯d have to stay on the hot air balloon forever?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that nice! Imagine the experience of being on a hot air balloon and¡­¡±


    ¡°Vincent Fletcher!¡±


    The man chuckled. ¡°Stephie.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Love you¡±


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°Vincent, I love you, too.¡±


    Vincent tutted. ¡°This time it¡¯s ¡®Vincent and not ¡®Vincent Fletcher¡¯?¡±


    Stephanie snorted lightly, but the sound was soon swallowed by the man. Vincent picked her chin with his fingertips and kissed her deeply and tenderly


    After the hot air balloonnded and Vincent and Stephanie walked a short distance, Vincent realized that his phone had fallen onto the hot air balloon


    Chapter 141


    ¡°Stephie, wait for me. I¡¯ll get my phone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    Watching the man¡¯s figure running ahead, Stephanie¡¯s eyes were filled with a smile.


    At that moment, a man in a dark green T-shirt, work pants, work boots, and a baseball cap, carrying a backpack, walked over.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    86%


    Stephanie looked at the man and nodded slightly. ¡°Hello.¡±


    The man held a map in his hand, pointing to the location of the hot air balloon. ¡°Excuse me how far is it to this ce?¡±


    Since there were hot air balloons everywhere around there, the ticket booth was hidden, so most tourists had to ask for directions.


    So, Stephanie didn¡¯t think the other person was trying to strike up a conversation. She pointed to an orange hot air balloon. ¡°It¡¯s right over there ¨C about a kilometer away from here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Did youe alone?¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°With my lover,¡±


    The man¡¯s deep brown eyes curved and made him look somewhat mixed-race. He nodded slightly. ¡°Wishing you a pleasant journey. See you again.¡±


    Stephanie was amused to see the man walking quickly toward the ticket office.


    Stephanie wondered, ¡°See you again? How could it be possible to see each other again when we met in a foreign country?¡±


    Stephane just thought he was saying goodbye politely.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t think too much of it, and the trivial matter was soon forgotten.


    At that moment, Stephanie had no idea that the man would bring her a huge disaster in the near future.


    Fearing that Stephanie might have to wait long, Vincent went back and forth running


    ¡°Getting impatient waiting?¡±


    Stephanie looked at the man running toward her, and she ran toward him as well. Then, they hugged each other tightly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I feel sorry for you.¡±


    ¡°What do you feel sorry for me about?¡±


    ¡°I feel sorry for you not being able to walk and run freely under the sun. How have you managed all these years? Vincent, I¡¯m sorry, It¡¯s my fault that I¡¯ve caused trouble for you.¡±


    Upon listening to the girl get choked up, Vincent kissed Stephanie¡¯s forehead tenderly. ¡°I¡¯m willing to use my life to protect you.¡±


    Thank you.


    86%


    10:48 Tue, 4 Jun


    Chapter 141


    ¡°Silly girl, why thank me? You can thank me in other


    ways.


    Stephanie looked up at Vincent and asked, ¡°What ways?¡±


    ¡°There are many positions, and I¡¯m eager to try them all.¡±


    Stephanie knew Vincent couldn¡¯te up with anything good to say, so she blushed and yfully punched the man¡¯s chest. ¡°Are you annoying or what?¡±


    Vincent chuckled softly. ¡°You¡¯re quite strong. My bad,¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not serious!¡±


    at 80.¡±


    ¡°Thope I can still be unserious at 80,¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say 100 years old?¡±


    Vincent thought for a while and said seriously, ¡°Well, that¡¯s not impossible. But you should start exercising now, so your body can handle it when you


    reach that age.¡±


    Stephanie was speechless.


    Upon seeing Stephanie¡¯s speechless look, Vincent couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. ¡°Stephie, if you really want to thank me, then stay with me for the rest of my life.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes were full of determination. ¡°Okay.¡±


    They were about to eat Tyrandas barbecue when they received a call from Christina


    ¡°Christie?¡±


    Func


    t, my father told me you and Aunt Stephanie went on a trip to Tyrandas. When are youing back?¡±


    ¡°It might take some time. What do you like? Il bring it back for you.¡±


    ¡°Tyrandas raisins are good. Bring me some. I¡¯ll bring some for Megan as well.¡±


    Vincent frowned and asked, ¡°Megan? Did she contact you again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been busy with intensive studyingtely, so I didn¡¯t have time to meet up. I was nning to meet up with her during these days!¡±


    Vincent and Stephanie felt that something was off with Megan. Why would a celebrity want to hang out with a high school student frequently?


    They didn¡¯t sharemon social circles, friends, interests, or hobbies, so they found it unusual.


    *You can meet her when we go back.¡±


    ¡°All right, I got it.¡±


    Alter hanging up the phone, Vincent and Stephanie talked about that. Stephanie also felt that there was something wrong.


    ¡°Shall we go buy some local specialties now and then head back?¡±


    Vincent nodded and said, ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go now¡±


    10:48 Tue, 4 Jun J


    Chapter 141


    At the same time, Christina hung up the phone and left the self study room to buy hot chocte.


    86%1


    Christina ordered a cup of coffee and ssic hot chocte. With one cup in each of her hands, she was ready to wait for the driver to pick her up on the


    roadside.


    At that time, a white Porsche stopped in front of Christina. The window was lowered, and Megan said smilingly, ¡°Christie.¡±


    Christina smiled. ¡°Meg, what a coincidencel¡±


    ¡°Where are you going? I¡¯ll drive you there.¡±


    Christina remembered what Vincent had just said to her, ¡°No need. The driver will pick me up soon.


    Megan had been rejected several times and was already very unhappy, but she still suppressed her emotions. ¡°It¡¯s getting cold. Let me drive you back. I


    have a favor to ask you as well.¡±


    After repeated invitations, Christina felt too embarrassed to refuse again, so she nodded and got into the car.


    The car drove toward the Fletcher residence. Christina called the driver and asked him not to pick her up.


    Megan smiled. ¡°Christie, I want to borrow the robot dog from you. My brother said there were some issues with the program installedst time.¡±


    Christina frowned. ¡°Was there a problem? I didn¡¯t notice it! The robot dog was borrowed by my ssmate this morning. She should be studying at the tutoring center near the school at this time. I¡¯ll give her a call and ask her to bring it over.¡±


    Megan¡¯s heart s k i p e d a beat, and she couldn¡¯t imagine the consequences of those words being overheard.


    Megan smiled hard and said, ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s wait in a caf¨¦ near the school¡±


    ¡°Okay¡±


    §®§Ö§â§Ñ


    Saround and headed back to school. They sat in the caf¨¦ waiting for their ssmate.


    After a while, Megan excused herself to go to the restroom.


    Megan dialed a number with another mobile phone. ¡°Hello, Chandler. Come over quickly. I¡¯m in an emergency¡­¡±


    At the same time, Christina¡¯s ssmate hurried into the caf¨¦ and handed the robot dog to Christina. ¡°I have to go to ss now-see youter!¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±


    Christina greeted her ssmate and sat down to study the robot dog.


    Christina pulled out a recording.


    ¡°You¡¯re really lucky! You actually swapped with Stephanie, that t c h! If I had been the one to swap back then, how much better off would I be now? wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this!¡±


    ¡°You are stupid and ipetent, so you can¡¯t me anyone else.¡±


    ¡°You are my own sister. How can you say such a thing? Megan, don¡¯t forget your roots!¡±


    Christina¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Her face turned pale, and she hurriedly took out her phone to call Vincent.


    Jun

 Chapter 142

    <b>Chapter </b><b>142</b>


    When Christina opened her eyes again, she found herself in a ce where she couldn¡¯t see anything in front of her.


    The musty and damp smell filled the air.


    Christina¡¯s hands and feet were tied behind her back, her mouth was gagged, and she could not move.


    Megan must <b>have </b>asked someone to do that because Christina knew the secret recordings in the robot dog.


    Christina didn¡¯t expect Megan and Florence to be real sisters, while Stephanie was the true daughter of the Jimenez family who was swapped.


    That could exin why the Hayes family disliked Stephanie so much.


    Stephanie was really pitiful and unfortunate, being swapped at birth and then oppressed by the Hayes family for so many years.


    sted that m


    Christina deeply regretted moment. Why didn¡¯t she listen to the recording earlier?


    Christina wondered, ¡®If I had heard it earlier, Stephanie¡¯s true identity would have been exposed, she would have had <b>a </b>family that loved her, and the Jimenez family would have been reunited.


    Currently, Christina was tied up in a ce like that.


    Megan would definitely not spare Christina¡¯s life.


    Thinking about how she was pushed down the stairs by Olivia at such a young age, then poisoned into a <b>even </b>after waking up, tears welled up in Christina¡¯s eyes.


    a three¨Cyeara, and then faced an early death


    Christina <b>had </b>so many unfulfilled wishes.


    For example, going to university, traveling the world, trying out different jobs, taking care of her parents, and marrying Malcolm.


    Even though the <bst </b>one was impossible to achieve, at least, there was still a chance to have a meal with the man of Christina¡¯s dreams.


    Christina thought, ¡®Boohoo! I¡¯m really miserable!¡±


    With a creak, the <b>door </b>was pushed open.


    Christina was too frightened to move or make a sound.


    Chandler was puzzled. ¡°Hasn¡¯t the drug worn off yet? If it wasn¡¯t for you being able to lure out Stephanie, I would have <b>killed </b>you immediately! Once you wake up, I¡¯ll hypnotize you!¡±


    Christina was so frightened that her <b>heart </b>beat wildly. She pressed her lips tightly, for fear that the man would find out that she had woken up.


    Stephanie and Vincent arrived at Jacaster¡¯s private airport the following morning,


    On the ne, they received news that Christina had been kidnapped with Megan.


    Of course, there was also very unfortunate news that Shonda, the female ssmate delivering things to Christina, was involved in a <b>car </b><b>ident</b>. Shonda suffered multiple fractures all over her body, severe head trauma, and underwent intracranial debridement surgery, but there <b>was </b><b>a </b>high <b>probability </b>she was in a vegetative state. Right then<b>, </b>Shonda was in the ICU.


    Vincent and Stephanie checked the surveince camera of the cafe as soon as <b>they </b>received the news


    <b>86</b><b>%</b>


    Chapter 142


    The surveince <b>footage </b>was deleted, but the method <b>used </b><b>wasn¡¯t </b>very sophisticated, so it was easily recovered.


    The surveince footage showed that <b>Megan </b>and Christina entered the cafe. Megan went to the restroom while Christina sat outside waiting.


    After a while, Christina¡¯s ssmate came to deliver something for her.


    Christina yed with the robot dog curiously, and then her face suddenly changed as if she had heard something shocking.


    The surveince cameras were distant, so they didn¡¯t capture clear audio.


    Before long, a man dressed in ck clothes and pants, wearing a baseball cap, sunsses, and a mask, walked into the coffee shop and stood next to


    Christina.


    The man raised his hand and knocked Christina unconscious, then helped her out of the <b>cafe </b>and stuffed her into the backseat of the car


    At the same time, Megan chased after <b>them</b>. When she was about to drag the man, he threw Megan into the trunk in the same way.


    The entire process took less than a minute, which was astonishingly <b>fast</b>, indicating that the man was very professional.


    The waiter didn¡¯t even have time to react. By the time he did and called the police, the kidnapper <b>had </b>already left.


    Stephanie and Vincent had always suspected that this kidnapping case was rted to Megan. After all, how could it be so coincidental that they were kidnapped together?


    However, judging from the kidnappers¡®ck of mercy toward Christina and Megan, it seemed that Megan was also a victim.


    Without concrete evidence, it was impossible to determine someone¡¯s guilt. Everything was just suspicion.


    The kidnapper drove a decoy vehicle and was very familiar with the terrain of Jacaster, managing to avoid various surveince cameras


    That caused a lot of interference and difficulties for Stephanie and Vincent. Eventually, the car vanished on a stretch of provincial road.


    Provincial roads were smaller and oftencked surveince coverage, so even the state surveince cameras would be ineffective.


    As for Christina¡¯s ssmate, Shonda, she was hit by a private car after leaving the tutoring institution.


    The driver of the private car wanted to run over Shonda again but was <b>stopped </b>by some people and dragged out of the <b>car</b>


    The driver had a somewhat nk <b>look </b>in his eyes, and his responses to questions were a bit stiff


    The police suspected that he <b>was </b>under the influence of drugs, so they conducted a urine test, which came back positive.


    The driver said he was told to do it by a woman who gave him 20,000 dors.


    Later, the driver retracted his confession and said that that was the only sentence in his mind at that time. He didn¡¯t know what was happening


    The police believed he was being evasive and trying to shalt me.


    Stephanie and Vincent¡¯s first reaction was that the man had been hypnotized.


    They suspected that the kidnapper was likely the same person who killed Sabrina. As for why they kidnapped Christina, it might have been to lure Stephanie out.


    The person on the other end of the <b>line </b>was very calm. He <b>was </b>probably waiting for the right time to contact Stephanie.


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    However, they couldn¡¯t figure out whether or not Megan knew the kidnapper, the man who killed Sabrina.


    It was quite perplexing. If they followed that line of thought, then the ¡°precious¡± mentioned by that man was most likely Megan.


    It was terrifying to think about. They wondered, ¡°If that was the case, why would Megan want to kill Stephanie? Would she disregard her years of sisterhood with Madeline just <b>to </b>lure out Stephanie? There was no <b>good </b>reason to kill Stephanie!¡±


    86%


    The reasoning was stuck there. Why did Megan frequently invite Christina out? How did she end up getting kidnapped so coincidentally? And why did Shonda hurriedly deliver the robot dog to Christina? Could there be a secret inside the robot dog?


    Right then, the answer given by Shonda was particrly important.


    However, Shonda was still in the ICU, and her condition was critical


    After getting off the ne, they didn¡¯t rush to the police station but went to the hospital immediately.


    <b>+5</b>


    The second branch of the Fletcher family and <b>Shonda¡¯s </b>parents were both there. When they saw Vincent and Stephanie, they were very excited because Vincent said he would ask Miracle Doctor Summer to re¨Coperate on the injured patient


    Frederick asked, ¡°Vincent, where is Dr. Summer?¡±


    Stephanie released Vincent¡¯s wheelchair and said firmly, ¡°I am Dr. Summer.¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Everyone was speechless.


    The sentence happened to be heard by Melvin, who hade to check on the post¨Cheart surgery patient. He was quite surprised because Stephanie was so young yet had such achievements.


    Miracle Doctor Summer had never revealed their true identity. If it weren¡¯t for the urgency of time, Stephanie might have had to disguise herself further.


    Vincent exined that to the hospital¡¯s director and the family of the victim in advance. The hospital was willing to cooperate, and their families were also willing to take the risk, so as soon as they <b>arrived </b>at the hospital, Stephanie could immediately perform surgery on the injured person again.


    Stephanie turned around and saw Melvin. After a quick greeting, she followed the medical team sent by the hospital to the operating <b>room</b>.


    At the same time, another group of medical staff transferred Shonda from the ICU to the operating room.


    In the operating room, Stephanie wore surgical attire, including a specialized cap, mask, and gloves, while the medical team cooperated fully to perform surgery on Shonda.


    Outside the operating room, the second branch of the Fletcher family and Shonda¡¯s parents were waiting anxiously.


    Vincent was smoking with Melvin in front of the window.


    Melvin looked at Vincent. ¡°I remember you don¡¯t smoke.¡±


    Vincent looked at Melvin. ¡°Only one asionally. Does the Jimenez family have any leads?¡±


    Melvin shook his head. ¡°For now, there are no leads. I suspect this <b>person </b>is the same as the mastermind behind the film set explosion. But we just couldn¡¯t figure out why this person was targeting our Jimenez family so specifically.¡±


    The haze veiled Vincent¡¯s handsome face for a while before he asked, ¡°Do you know Megan?¡±


    Melvin had <b>a </b>faint feeling that Vincent was beating around the bush. ¡°Vincent, just say what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    Chapter <b>142</b>


    Vincent flicked off the cigarette butt with his fingertips and recounted the multiple times Megan had invited Christina.


    Just before the incident, Vincent <b>had </b>advised Christina not to <b>see </b>Megan alone.


    +6


    Melvin found it somewhat unbelievable<b>, </b>considering Megan was <b>raised </b>by the Jimenez family. It was difficult for anyone to ept the idea of suspecting


    <b>Megan</b>.


    What Vincent said <b>did </b>make sense. It was understandable if Megan was close to Stephanie, but getting close to Christina was indeed questionable.


    ¡°Megan had been well¨Cbehaved at home and hadn¡¯t done anything repulsive. However, ever since she found out she was not the Jimenez family¡¯s biological daughter, there had been some psychological changes in her, making her more sensitive and anxious. If you ask me to consider her as a kidnapper or a murderer, I find it hard to believe.¡±


    Vincent smiled and said, ¡°If Megan really <b>had </b>issues, would the Jimenez family protect her?¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>143</b>


    <b>86</b><b>%</b>


    Melvin did not hesitate at all. He said decisively, ¡°If there¡¯s something wrong with Megan as you said, we¡¯ve all be pawns at her mercy in her plot. The Jimenez family will never indulge her! Madeline hasn¡¯t fully recovered, and her lungs aren¡¯t breathing as well as before. No one in the Jimenez family is <b>a </b>saint. We won¡¯t do stupid charities.¡±


    Vincent was satisfied with Melvin¡¯s answer. ¡°The Jimenez family is very reasonable.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Melvin sighed before adding, ¡°I thought we could hold a reunion party when youe back and acknowledge Stephanie <b>as </b><b>a </b>member of the Jimenez family, but I didn¡¯t expect such a thing to happen. It seems that we have to postpone it.¡±


    Vincent said tly. ¡°It¡¯s not toote when the truthes out.¡±


    Melvin nodded, ¡°Fine.¡±


    A nurse ran over. ¡°Mr. Jimenez, we have a car ident victim in the emergency room. Their heart seems to have suffered a blow.¡±


    Melvin looked at Vincent. ¡°Feel free to contact me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡°Vincent looked at Melvin¡¯s back and narrowed his eyes. He was not sure what the Jimenez family would do if they found out that something was wrong with Megan. However, he then confirmed the Jimenez family would not favor Megan even if they found out.


    Frederick walked <b>over </b>to him. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to be Dr. Summer. Did you know when she first came to the Fletcher residence?¡±


    Vincent answered, ¡°I didn¡¯t know. She just felt familiar.¡±


    ¡°I wondered why <b>she </b>rejected my treatment fee. It turns out she¡¯s my sister¨Cinw! What clues do we have <b>now</b>? Edith didn¡¯t sleep all night. Her eyes <b>are </b>already swollen from crying,¡± Frederickmented.


    Vincent exined his analysis to Frederick<b>, </b>who <b>was </b>shocked. ¡°Assuming that Megan did it, what is the reason she set up Stephanie?¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes were solemn. ¡°Maybe she has some secret.¡±


    It was four hourster when the metal door of the operating room opened again and Stephanie walked out of it. Frederick, Edith, and Shonda¡¯s parents gathered around her. ¡°How did it go?¡±


    Stephanie nodded with a smile. ¡°The operation was sessful, and there will be no after effects.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡± Shonda¡¯s mother cried tears of joy <b>and </b>almost fell onto the ground.


    Stephanie hurriedly held her. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Hurry and get up. Shonda still needs to be observed in the ICU for a few days. After her condition is stable, she will be transferred to the <b>general </b>ward so that you can apany her.¡±


    Shonda¡¯s mother La knew that it would cost a lot of money to hire Miracle Doctor Summer. She did not have much money, but she was willing to take out all her money. ¡°I only have 100 thousand dors¡­¡±


    Stephanie actually wanted to say that the ident was probably a premeditated murder, but they could not say anything until the truth was found out. They could not alert the adversary. If they found out everything started because of her, Stephanie would apologize to Shonda and her parents and make adequatepensation. Although Shonda would not have any after¨Ceffects, she had experienced pain that she should not have suffered.


    Vincent wheeled over in his wheelchair. ¡°My <b>friend </b>runs this hospital. Since she¡¯s Christie¡¯s friend, the fee will be waived.¡±


    Shonda¡¯s parents were very grateful to Vincent and Stephanie, but they could not afford <b>it </b>and even felt guilty.


    <b>.86</b>%


    Chapter 143


    They would have to wait until the investigation wasplete. The only thing they could do then was wait. Vincent and Stephanie left the hospital for their apartment and waited for a call from their adversary.


    At the same time, Stephanie¡¯s identity as Miracle Doctor Summer was exposed and instantly became a trending topic online. Manyizens leftments on Stephanie¡¯s Twitter


    [Stephie, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re Miracle Doctor Summer! How many hidden identities do you have?]


    My goddess is full of surprises! I wonder if Florence knows about her identity.]


    I¡¯ll answer the previousmenter¡¯s question. That pretentious bitch, Florence, must not know, or she will definitely call herself a miracle doctor!<b>]</b>


    {Agreed. Florence is so shameless that she will do it!


    [Tell me why the twins are so different. One is beautiful, talented, and kind while the other is <b>ugly</b>, shameless, and <b>wicked</b>!]


    What the previousmenter wrote is true. That¡¯s indeed what Florence is like. But if she hadn¡¯t ndered Stephie, she wouldn¡¯t have made so many hidden identities. Any one of them could defeat Florence!


    Twitter is going to break down again today!!


    [My goddess is so excellent. Let me check how many hidden identities Stephie has: singer, Mr. Zachmann¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦, <b>a </b>world¨Crenowned chief designer, and Miracle Doctor Summer. My goodness! She¡¯s amazing!]


    I think Stephie still has other hidden identities. What do you think?]


    [I think so, too. Stephie, what other hidden identities do you have? Hurry and expose yourself!]


    Vincent sat on the couch, reading thements and pursing his lips.


    Stephanie rested on hisp and saw his solemn face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? it seems serious.¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°I can¡¯t believe they call you ¡®Stephie.¡°¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Stephanie tried to suppress herughter. She sat up, leaned on his shoulder, and looked at his serious side profile, ¡°Even that isn¡¯t allowed?¡±


    ¡°Only I can call you ¡®Stephie,¡± Vincent replied seriously.


    Stephanie found him childish sometimes. It was just a name, but he insisted on iming ownership. ¡°Then, I only reply to you when you call me ¡®Stephie.¡± I won¡¯t pay any attention to others<b>.</b>¡±


    Vincent retorted, ¡°But I don¡¯t want to hear them call you that.¡±


    Stephanie was rendered speechless.


    Meanwhile, Florence sat cross¨Clegged on the bed in a motel. She read thements on Twitter and gritted her teeth angrily, thinking, ¡°Why are these idiots toadying and bullying me? Every time that bitch Stephanie got the limelight, I suffered the most. I was criticized every now and then, I want to kill Stephanie. Why am I not <b>as </b>good as that bitch?


    Just then, her phone vibrated. She picked <b>up </b>the phone angrily. ¡°Hello? Who are you?¡±


    Megan answered, ¡°it¡¯s me.<b>¡±</b>


    2/3


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    Chapter 143


    Florence <b>asked</b>, ¡°Megan?¡±


    Megan asked, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Florence lied, Tm in Cramur. What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Megan answered, ¡°I have a way to get <b>Stephanie¡¯s </b>heart and transnt it to you.¡±


    Florence¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? When?¡±


    86%•þ


    Megan exined. ¡°It will take four hours from Cranur to Jacaster. Hurry back to Jacaster and wait for me under Sunshine Bridge. I¡¯ll send a car to pick you up and arrange for the doctor to give you a transnt as soon <b>as </b>possibile.¡±


    Florence said, ¡°Thank you, Megan, That bitch, Stephanie, <b>has </b>pissed me off recently.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your sister. We¡¯re rted by blood. I will never forget you,¡± Megan replied.


    Florence hummed in reply. ¡°Do Mom and Dad know about this?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t tell them. After all, their phones are being monitored now. Don¡¯t contact them. After your heart is reced, I¡¯ll help you get stic surgery, and you will be reborn again. Il take you into the entertainment industry and make you a superstar,¡± Megan said.


    Florence¡¯s eyes lit <b>up</b>. ¡°Okay, s


    <b>see </b>you at four o¡¯clock in the afternoon!¡±


    ¡°Okay, see you!¡± Megan answered.


    Florence hung up the phone andughed excitedly. She could not suppress her joy at the thought that Stephanie¡¯s heart was about to be transnted into her body. ¡°Stephanie, you bitch! You¡¯ll soon be a corpsel¡±


    Çú


    COMMENT


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    Chapter 144


    86%%%


    ward


    Although the news that Stephanie was Miracle Doctor Summer was quickly purged from the inte, it still spread widely


    even abroad


    In theboratory, Sable looked down at Dous who had just been injected with the antidote. Dous¡¯ eye color gradually returned to normal from scarlet. Sable asked, ¡°Are you awake?¡±


    Dous¡¯ eyes were full of despair. ¡°Please just kill me!¡±


    Sable chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll do that even without you asking. After all, we¡¯ve developed the antidote sessfully, so you¡¯re no longer useful.¡±


    Although Dous wanted to die, he was still terrified when he was really going to die.


    Sable took out a


    out a syringe filled with green liquid from the refrigerator and yed with it. ¡°You know what? Stephanie is also Miracle Doctor Summer!¡±


    ¡°What? 5-She¡¯s Miracle Doctor Summer?¡± Dous remembered how she had tortured him and thought of how he should have suspected Stephanie.


    ¡°How stupid should you be to mistake gold for garbage? If you had chosen Stephanie over Florence, you wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this,¡± Sable said.


    Dous regretted it to his core, but it was useless. If Stephanie had not given all the credit to Florence, he would not have chosen Florence. If Stephanie told him all about her hidden identity, he would choose Stephanie without hesitation. He could then make use of all her hidden identities and be at the top of the pyramid. He would never lose to Vincent.


    Sable¡¯s eyes were full of sarcasm. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve an excellent woman like her.¡±


    Hearing that, Dous widened his eyes in shock. ¡°D-Do you like her?¡±


    Sable stabbed the needle into Dous¡± vein. ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth. Who wouldn¡¯t be charmed by an excellent woman?¡±


    Just then, theboratory door was pushed open, and a delicate woman walked in. She came to the operating table and looked at Dous. ¡°Dous.¡±


    Dous was shocked, ¡°Olivia? W-What are you doing here?¡±


    Olivia smiled. ¡°Oh, looks like my cousin didn¡¯t tell you who we are.¡±


    Sable nced coldly over at her, and Olivia instantly shut up. He said, ¡°I¡¯ve forgiven you once. If I hadn¡¯t found a substitute for youst time, you would have brought Vincent back! Remember, it doesn¡¯t matter whether you live or die.¡±


    Olivia looked down and pursed her lips, her eyes full of fear. ¡°Got it. I just think he¡¯s dying, so he won¡¯t tell anyone even if I tell him.¡±


    ¡°Say goodbye to him.¡± Sable¡¯s hazel eyes were extremely icy as he turned around and left theboratory.


    Olivia stood in Sable¡¯s previous position and slowly pushed the liquid into Dous¡± vein. ¡°Who are you to go after me? Look at you!¡±


    She pulled the needle out and threw it into the trash can. She looked at the closed door of theboratory, leaned over, and whispered in his ear, ¡°Didn¡¯t you always want to take over the Fletcher family and make Vincent submit to you? We¡¯ll do it for you! Rest in peace!¡±


    Dous felt his blood freezing and he had trouble breathing. ¡°W-Who the hell are you two?¡±


    Olivia said hostilely, ¡°The glory that now belongs to the Fletcher family is previously ours!¡±


    Dous suddenly remembered what K¨¦vin had told him before. ¡°You¡¯re the Fletcher family¡¯s¡­¡±


    Oliviaughed. ¡°Yes. You didn¡¯t expect it, did you? We¡¯re all alive! You can go to hell and reunite with your mother


    Chapter 144


    Dous¡¯ pale face turned purple from suffocation. He breathed out hisst breath, and his pupils dted.


    Olivia snorted coldly. ¡°What a fool! He has no value staying alive.¡±


    She made a phone call. ¡°Toss the body in theb into the incineratori¡±


    People¡¯s lives were nothing to her. She turned around and left while stepping on high heels. Unexpectedly, she received a loud p on her face as soon as she walked out of theboratory. Olivia covered her face and looked at Sable in horror. ¡°Sable¡­¡±


    Sable¡¯s eyes were as dangerous as an abyss. He said coldly, ¡°You told him after all.¡±


    Only then did Olivia realize that he was testing her and had never believed her. ¡°Sable, I won¡¯t do it again.¡±


    Sable grabbed her chin and shoved a white pill into her mouth. ¡°Watch your mouth, or you¡¯ll fester to death. I¡¯ll give you the antidote once a month, but it depends on your performance.¡±


    Olivia was tossed aside. She wanted to cough violently, but she realized the pill had melted and absorbed. Looking at Sable¡¯s back, she realized she was asking him for something against his interests. She caught up with him. ¡°Sable, you promised me to let me deal with Vincent. Why did you let Nancy tamper with my ns?¡±


    Sable looked back at her. ¡°You don¡¯t want your mouth anymore?¡±


    Olivia immediately shut up. Looking at his b


    back, her heart filled with hatred as she thought, ¡®Sable Fletcher is a devil¡¯


    Sable returned to his room and entered the bathroom. He took off his shirt and looked at the whish scars all over his body in the mirror, and his eyes filled with hostility. He closed his eyes and all he could see was his grandfather whipping him


    His grandfather reminded him, ¡°Sable, you have to remember our hatred of the Fletcher family! What you¡¯re suffering now is all because of the Fletcher family! Everything they owned should be yours too!¡±


    Sable opened his eyes abruptly and pressed his lips. After a while, he smiled and said, ¡°Vincent, will Stephanie still want you if you¡¯re tainted? You will be miserable! And then you¡¯ll be Olivia¡¯s ything. It¡¯s exciting just thinking about it


    Vincent was patting Stephanie to sleep, and the vibration of his phone spoiled the mood.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Stephanie immediately woke up. She opened her eyes and sat up.


    Vincent answered the phone. The person on the other end said, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Florence left the motel and took a taxi to Sunshine Bridge.¡±


    Vincent ordered, ¡°Follow her.¡±


    The caller replied, ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Stephanie heard the conversation and frowned. ¡°What is Florence doing there?¡±


    Vincent narrowed his eyes.


    yes. ¡°We¡¯ll fine


    find out soon


    At the same time, Stephanie¡¯s phone also vibrated She and Vincent looked at each other before she answered the phone and recorded it. ¡°Hello¡±


    A voice changed by a voice changer rang. ¡°Bring 2 million dors by yourself to exchange for Christina! By the way, there¡¯s another one called Megan. If you want to save her too, give me another 2 million dors!¡±


    ???


    10:48 Tue, 4 Jun ?


    Chapter 144


    Stephanie replied,


    d. ¡°I can¡¯t prepare that much cash on such short notice.¡±


    86%


    +4


    The caller was angry. ¡°Don¡¯t brush me off! I¡¯ll call you back in two hours! Remember not to call the police!¡±


    The phone was hung up. Vincent transferred the recording to theputer to restore the voice.


    Five minutester, a man¡¯s voice came, Vincent and Stephanie looked at each other as the voice was the one who hypnotized Sabrina. Therefore, it was the same guy who killed Sabrina and set up the film set bombing. Once they caught him, they would find the treasure he talked about.


    Vincent tried to trace the location of the phone call but failed because the phone call was too short. ¡°He¡¯s professional.¡±


    Stephanie held his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle it.¡±


    Before that, Stephanie and Vincent had discussed it for a long time before Vincent agreed to let Stephanie deliver the money if the kidnapper asked for


    her.


    Vincent held her in his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Stephanie answered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. I know how to protect myself.¡±


    Vincent pursed his lips. The guy had a clear purpose, which was to kill Stephanie: Vincent wondered what kind of hatred would make him do anything to hurt her and even implicate so many innocent people.


    Stephanie drove to the bank alone and put five suitcases containing 4 million dors into the trunk of her car. As soon as she got in the car, she received an unfamiliar call. ¡°Get rid of the people following you. If you don¡¯t do what I say, will cut off Christina and Megan¡¯s fingers!¡±


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>145</b>


    Stephanie greeted Sabrina¡¯s suspected aggressor on the call and started the car. ¡°Where can I meet you?¡±


    The man snorted<b>, </b>saying, ¡°Get rid of the car tailing you first.¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d spy on me. He¡¯s probably just tricking me,¡± she thought. However, she still did as he asked, losing the car Vincent sent to follow her from her tail.


    The bodyguard <b>in </b>the car tailing Stephanie called Vincent and apologized, ¡°Mr. Fletcher, I¡¯m sorry. We weren¡¯t able to follow Mrs. Fletcher


    They knew Stephanie wanted to get rid of them, but they didn¡¯t dare mention that to Vincent, so they just <b>said </b>it was their fault.


    Of course, Vincent understood. ¡°It has nothing to do with you. She wanted to get rid of you, so how could you have caught up?¡±


    The bodyguard asked. ¡°Shall we track the location from Mrs. Fletcher¡¯s phone?¡±


    Vincent wondered. ¡®If I already tried to track Stephanie¡¯s phone before and failed, then how could they? Then, he answered, ¡°No need, but always be on


    standby.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the bodyguard answered.


    Aher Vincent hung up, Zane called.


    ¡°Mr. Fletcher, Ms. Florence Hayes was picked up by a gray van with ck tinted windows. We didn¡¯t dare to get too close, but the car¡¯s heading in the same direction as the people who kidnapped Ms. Christina Fletcher,¡± Zane informed.


    ¡®Florence¡­ kidnapped? That makes sense! So it¡¯s not Megan, but Florence? Vincent analyzed internally before he worded coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll link to your real- time location and follow you there.¡±


    ¡°Are youing here personally?¡± Zane asked<b>.</b>


    ¡°Florence¡¯s repeatedly testing my patience. Before this, I just thought she¡¯s jealous of Stephie and that was fine, but now she clearly wants Stephie¡¯s life, so she deserves to die.¡± Vincent dered.


    <b>Zane </b>knew


    w well that Florence was a troublemaker with no limits. ¡®How could twins be so different?¡® <b>he </b>wondered.


    After driving around town for an hour, Stephanie got the fifth call from the kidnapper.


    He asked her to park in a designated spot without surveince cameras, take a burner phone from a trash can, <b>and </b>throw away her existing phone. Then, he wanted her to move her suitcase of cash to a ck pickup truck and drive it along the state highway.


    Stephanie sighed and thought, ¡°This man¡¯s really professional <b>and </b>cautious. He¡¯s afraid that my phone and car would have location trackers, but at least, I know that I¡¯m finally going toward the kidnapping site this time.¡±


    Forty minutester, she saw a gray van with ck tinted windows. The man called her to follow it.


    An hourter, both vehicles stopped in front of an abandoned hospital.


    The hospital was very tattered. The windows were all broken with sharp fragments and whenever the cold wind entered, it sounded like <b>a </b>person¡¯s cries.


    When Stephanie exited the car, it was already dark, but she still <b>saw </b><b>a </b>man and a woman getting out of the van at a nce.


    The man was well¨Carmed and didn¡¯t show his face, while the woman gave Stephanie an odd <b>sense </b>that her appearance was both reasonable and


    Chapter 145


    unreasonable.


    ¡°It¡¯s reasonable because Florence did have a reason to kill me. After all, she did that to me in my previous life, so it¡¯s very likely that she¡¯d do all this. However, it¡¯s also unreasonable. I never knew Florence had such a loyal fan since he¡¯d never <b>appeared </b>before in my previous life. Could it be that things <b>have </b>changed because I was reborn?¡® Stephanie wondered.


    Florence was particrly excited when she saw Stephanie ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re here! i didn¡¯t expect you toe alone!¡±


    At that, Stephanie knew that Florence must¡¯ve known about the kidnapping, so this was surely rted to her. She red at her, ¡°I¡¯ve brought the money


    Let Christina and Megan gol


    The man threw Stephanie a white handkerchief. ¡°Cover your mouth and nose. After that, rl naturally let them go.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hypnotizing her. I can¡¯t get close to her now because she might be concealing a weapon,¡± he thought cautiously.


    Stephanie looked at the handkerchief, which smelled of ether.


    ¡°Hurry up! Otherwise, I¡¯ll have them killed right now!¡± the man threatened.


    Stephanie muttered softly, ¡°This is ether. I¡¯ll lose consciousness quickly after I cover my nose and mouth with it. How can I be sure you¡¯ll let them go?¡±


    ¡°Do you think you still have any bargaining power now?¡± the man scoffed,


    Stephanie was unsure if his aplices were there, so she had toply. Before covering her face with the handkerchief, she asked Florence, ¡°So you¡¯re the mastermind behind this? You tried so <b>hard</b>, involving and hurting so many innocent <b>people </b>just to kill me?¡±


    Florence didn¡¯t deny it. She just smiled. ¡°The lives of Christina and Megan are in your hands. It¡¯s up to you now.¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lip andplied.


    Soon, her hand dropped, and she fell backward on the van bo. Then, she fell to the ground.


    The man and Florence watched and waited until Stephanie was motionless before walking over.


    Florence stepped forward and kicked Stephanie¡¯s arm, ¡°Bitch, you deserve this! Your heart will be transnted into my body tonight.¡±


    To prevent Stephanie from escaping, the man tied her up with a rope and carried her into a <b>dark </b>storeroom. Then, he brought Florence to a room far <b>away </b>and pushed the door open.


    While entering, Florence saw Megan tracing Christina¡¯s face with a dagger.


    Christina was cowering in the corner with her hands and feet bound. Her mouth was stuffed with a cloth, and her eyes were swollen red.


    Hearing the door open, Megan looked over and stood up. ¡°She¡¯s here?¡±


    Florence nodded excitedly. ¡°Megan, that bitch Stephanie¡¯s passed out. When are you going to do my heart transnt?¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Megan walked over and thrust the <b>dagger </b>into her hand. ¡°You kill her, then I¡¯ll take you for your transnt!¡±


    Florence clutched the dagger, her heart pounding


    She had never killed someone before, but at the thought of how if she killed Christina, she could have a healthy heart, most importantly Stephanie¡¯s heart, she became bold. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll kill her right <b>now</b>!¡±


    Christina looked at Florence, who <b>was </b>inching closer to her in horror, shaking her head and letting out muffled screams


    Chapter 145


    Right then, the door was kicked open.


    The man reacted instantly and kicked on the emergency shlight. The light:


    showed their silhouettes on the wall <b>as </b>he fought someone.


    Megan didn¡¯t expect Stephanie to wake up so soon. She almost gave herself away. She rushed to Florence, grabbed the dagger, and whispered to her, ¡°Flore, go kill Christina. I¡¯ll fight Stephanie. We can¡¯t let her escape. alive!¡±


    Florence thought it was nice of Megan to take on the most difficult task herself. She nodded solemnly and rushed toward Christina. When she saw the rock on the <b>ground</b>, she grabbed it and mmed it at Christina¡¯s head once, then twice¡­


    Simultaneously, Megan held the knife with both hands and stabbed hard into her belly. She looked pained as she fell to the ground and curled up. Watching Chandler being utterly defeated by Stephanie, she pressed her lips together. ¡®This idiot can¡¯t even beat Stephanie. What a loser!¡± she thought.


    Stephanie kicked Chandler in the chest, causing a <b>loud </b>bang as he mmed against the door. Then, she looked back and saw Megan in pain while Florence was killing Christina, She rushed over and grabbed Florence¡¯s hair, tossing <b>her </b>away with all her might.


    Stephanie bent down to check on Christina. In the dim light, she saw her face bloodied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Christie. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital¡± She nced at Megan and asked, ¡°How are you?¡±


    Megan endured


    d the pain. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m fine.¡±


    Florence gritted her teeth in pain and was stunned when she heard Megan¡¯s words. She wondered, ¡®What does Megan mean? Is she trying to turn against


    me?¡®


    Just <b>as </b>she was about to speak, a cold tingling feeling came from her back. She looked down at the prating knife and spat out a mouthful of blood. Then, she mumbled, ¡°You¡­¡±


    Chandler cursed, ¡°if it weren¡¯t for your heart transntation, I wouldn¡¯t have <b>done </b>all these illegal things! I was such a fucking blockhead having fallen for you. I hate you so much!¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes and watched the scene thoughtfully. She did not miss Florence¡¯s slow look toward Megan in shock.


    At the same time, Vincent rushed in with a group of people.


    Vincent kicked Chandler away<b>, </b>and he hit <b>the </b>wall before falling to the ground with a thud. Vincent¡¯s bodyguard then stepped forward to hold Chandler


    down.


    Vincent bolted to Stephanie and asked, ¡°How are you? Are you hurt?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not, but Christie¡¯s seriously injured and needs surgery immediately.¡±


    Vincent carried Christie and ran out.


    Stephanie nced at Zane. ¡°Send Megan to the hospital¡±


    Zane spected internally, ¡®Wasn¡¯t Megan suspected of being a part of this? What¡¯s going on now? Was it just a wrong call? Without thinking further, he hurriedly picked up Megan and sprinted out.


    Christina and <b>Megan </b>were sent to the operating <b>room </b>40 minutester. If it hadn¡¯t been for Vincent, who informed the police in advance that the road to the hospital needed to be cordoned off, they would¡¯ve taken an hour and a half to arrive.


    Christina¡¯s operation was performed by Stephanic/herself andsted a full six hours due to severe intracranial bleeding and shattering of the skull.


    After Stephanie came out, the Fletcher family surrounded her.

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    Chapter 146


    The waiting area before the operating room was full of people.


    When the red light outside the operating room was turned off, the metal doors opened, and Stephanie stepped out with a tired expression.


    With teary streaks on her face, Ellen took Stephanie¡¯s hand and asked about Christina¡¯s condition.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°It was sessful.¡±


    Ellen was so relieved that she fell backward and fainted. Fortunately, Frederick, who happened to be standing behind her, managed to catch her.


    Stephanie felt Ellen¡¯s pulse and breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s just because she suddenly rxed after being anxious for so long. It¡¯s part of the process of releasing stress. Just take her to rest for a while.¡±


    Hearing that, Zane arranged for Ellen to rest in an unupied ward.


    Keyin was still serious but nervous. He asked, ¡°Stephie, Christie¡¯s life isn¡¯t in danger now, but are there any after-effects?¡±


    Stephanie pursed her lip and exined truthfully, ¡°Christie was hit on the head by a rock, which caused extensive brain contusions. The part of the hippocampus that controls memory function was also affected, so she may have amnesia, which could either be temporary or permanent. It depends on how well she recovers. However, I can assure you that she¡¯ll have no problems with physical coordination or cognitive learning.¡±-


    Relieved, Kevin still sighed sadly. ¡°What a misfortunate child. After being pushed downstairs by that ingrate Olivia, she was in aa for three years, then not long after waking up, this happens to her again.¡±


    Meanwhile, Edith¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. In just two days, she seemed to have aged years. ¡°This conclusion is already good. At least Christie¡¯s still alive, otherwise, I really don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll be able to live.¡±


    Frederick put his arms around her shoulders and let her lean on him. ¡°Yeah, the heavens are protecting us.¡±


    Stephanie felt ufortable because she was the one who brought Christina to this disaster. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Frederick and Edith.¡±


    Frederick shook his head. ¡°me only the evildoers, Stephanie. Don¡¯t me yourself. Edith and I understand that. By the way, Florence was stabbed in the lung and died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Megan was stabbed in the abdomen, right in her uterus, and her left ovary was shed so she had to have them removed because of a massive hemorrhage. The Jimenez family has sent her back to the ward.¡±


    ????????


    She expected this to happen to Florence. After all, the kidnapper was determined to kill her. As for Megan, she saw the injured part but didn¡¯t expect her to be stabbed exactly in her uterus. ¡®I can¡¯t forget Florence¡¯sst look at Megan. There was puzzlement, unwillingness, and resentment in her eyes. There must be some kind of connection between the two of them. Until now, I still feel like Megan has something to do with this. I suspect that she stabbed herself so that we¡¯d stop suspecting her. If my suspicions are correct, Megan¡¯s actions are her karma, she rationalized internally.


    Stephanie nodded slightly. ¡°Christie still needs to be monitored closely in the ICU. I¡¯ve already informed the nurses. If you want to go in, just tell them, You¡¯ll need to change into protective suits, and only two can enter at a time. Vincent and I still have to go to the police stationter.¡±¡±


    Hearing this, Frederick and Edith hurried to the ICU with Kevin.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie walked to Vincent, who sat in a wheelchair near the window.


    He reached out his hand to her, and she held it, Thank you for your hard work,¡± he expressed.


    Stephanie shook her head and spoke solemnly. ¡°Christie got hurt because of me. It¡¯s the least should do. I¡¯m very grateful to Frederick and Edith for not ming me, but I also feel very guilty.¡±


    Vincent caressed her fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


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    After watching the restaurant¡¯s surveince video, where the kidnapper rendered Christina and Megan unconscious by covering their mouths and noses with ether, she was sure he¡¯d use this method again, so she took the antidote in advance. However, she didn¡¯t expect the kidnapper to tie her up, so it took her some time to free herself.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t take down the kidnapper and Florence on the spot because she was afraid their aplices would do something drastic in their desperation, causing Christina greater danger.


    When Stephanie heard the kidnapper say they were going to see Christina and Megan, she regretted not acting immediately. In the end, she was toote, and Christina got hurt.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the police station and meet that kidnapper, Vincent suggested.


    Stephanie nodded and agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    At the police station, Chandler was in handcuffs and shackles, sitting in the interrogation chair with his eyes closed and feigning sleep. He refused to answer whatever the police asked him.


    When Vincent and Stephanie came in, they saw Chandler acting brazenly.


    The police chief, Norman, permitted the police officer to leave, leaving only Vincent, Stephanie, and Chandler in the interrogation room.


    Chandler sneaked a peek, ncing at them and then closing his eyes.


    Stephanie sat down and observed his emotions. ¡°Florence is dead.¡±


    He didn¡¯t react at all.


    Stephanie continued, ¡°Megan was stabbed in the uterus, and one ovary got out. She had her uterus and ovaries all removed because of a massive hemorrhage. She¡¯ll never be able to be a mother again.¡±


    Chandler clenched his teeth. He tightened his fists so hard they paled, and his fingernails sunk into his palms as he was trying hard to hold back his emotions. He was about to burst into uncontroble anger, but he knew that Stephanie was deliberately provoking him with these remarks. It meant that Stephanie suspected Megan, so he couldn¡¯t slip and reveal the truth. He slowly opened his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s pretty good. At least one survived. I was nning to kill both of them.¡±


    Stephanie nodded nomittally. ¡°Rtively speaking, it¡¯s indeed a good ending, but it¡¯s a pity that she won¡¯t ever be able to have children of her own In this life.¡±


    Chandler asked, ¡°Is the woman whose head was smashed open dead?¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°No. After my treatment, she¡¯ll wake up in a few days, and then everyone will know the truth¡±


    ¡®D m n it! She didn¡¯t die! That means Christina will wake up and tell everyone that Megan¡¯s the mastermind behind this, he thought as his chest heaved up and down violently. His eyes were filled with resentment and hatred.


    Stephanie squinted. ¡°What? You seem happy that Megah is alive, but angry that Christina is too, so¡­ Megan¡¯s the one behind this kidnappingi


    ¡°No!¡± Chandler almost shouted. He took a deep breath to calm down despite his overbearing emotions and said calmly, ¡°The truth is I was Florence¡¯s die-hard fan. Because she hates you, I wanted to help her with revenge and kill you for her, so I nned this kidnapping, but when i saw her smashing the hostage with a stone crazily, it ruined the impression I had of her, and I felt deceived. I can do it all for her, but she can¡¯t do it herself¡±


    Stephanie snorted lightly, saying, ¡°Chandler, even if you take all the me and pin it on the dead Florence being the mastermind, the truth will eventually be revealed. The person you¡¯re trying to protect will still get caught eventually.¡±


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    Chandler suddenly shut his eyes. ¡°I told you that Florence¡¯s the one behind it! This kidnapping was to lure you into our trap, so we could cut your heart out, I said I liked Florence¡¯s gentleness, but she wasn¡¯t who I thought she was. She lied to me, so I killed her.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not only involved in the kidnapping,¡± Stephanie stated.


    Chandler suddenly looked at her, vaguely sensing that she knew something. Nevertheless, he was certain he didn¡¯t show any ws in his acting, otherwise the police would¡¯ve gone searching for Megan. He thought Stephanie was tricking him. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Stephanie took out her voice recorder and pressed it.


    Chandler heard his voice and pressed his lips.


    His voice sounded from the recorder, ¡°That m n Sabrinal Even when she¡¯s dead, she lets people catch onto her secrets. Anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s allon Florence.¡± Then, admitted, ¡°That¡¯s right. I did it to get rid of you!¡±


    Stephanie smiled triumphantly. ¡°Chandler, you¡¯ve been caught!¡±

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    <b>Chapter </b><b>147</b>


    The atmosphere in the interrogation room was tense. Chandler stared fiercely at Stephanie, the veins <b>on </b>his forehead were bulging, He said viciously, ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Stephanie leaned back in <b>her </b>chair and chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re contradicting yourself. It¡¯s clear that you intended to kill me with the bombing on the film set, and also when you kidnapped Christina to lure me out. Florence was overjoyed anticipating that she could get my heart for the transnt. Your <b>sole </b>purpose was to kill me and you never considered Florence¡¯s heart transnt. So Florence wasn¡¯t the precious you were talking about. Only a few people are involved, so Megan is your precious one! Megan is the mastermind!¡±


    Chandler¡¯s clenched fist trembled slightly, and he uttered a few words through his gritted teeth. ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Your death sentence is pronounced. Megan will reap what she sows. It doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re defending her now because the truth will be revealed when Christina and Shonda wake <b>up</b>. Justice may bete, but never absent.¡±


    Stephanie stood up slowly with her hands on the table as she slightly leaned forward to look at Chandler¡¯s ferocious face. <b>She </b>smiled provocatively <b>and </b>said, ¡°Can you guess what will happen to Megan?¡±


    Chandler¡¯s eyes were full of viciousness. He wanted to tear Stephanie into pieces, but now<b>, </b><b>as </b>a prisoner, he was helpless to do anything to her.


    Vincent, who <b>had </b>been silent the whole time, suddenly said, ¡°Stephie, you should leave now.¡± Stephanie nodded, turned around, and left the interrogation room. Only Vincent and Chadler were left in the interrogation room. Chandler <b>gave </b>a sinister smile and roared, ¡°What? Do you still want to kick me? Then do it!¡±


    Vincent stepped onto the ground with his polished leather shoes. He stood up with his hands on the handrail and removed his ck cashmere coat. Rolling up the sleeves of his light gray sweater, he approached Chandler step by step, looking down at him with disdain.


    Chandler raised his head, revealing a defiant expression. ¡°Stephanie deserves to die¡­ Before he could finish his sentence, Vincent grabbed his neck. Vincent¡¯s knuckles were bulging, and the cyan blood vessels on the back of his hands were tense. Seeing Chandler¡¯s face turn bluish, he had no intention of losing his grip. Chandler¡¯s eyes began to roll back as the whites of his eyes reddened from the pressure. Only then did Vincent stop and throw him


    <b>aside</b><b>.</b>


    Chandler gasped for breath. He did not doubt that Vincent would kill him if it weren¡¯t for thew. He backed away and smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t dare to kill me after all.¡± Vincent wore a cold and stem expression, anger boiling in his gaze. He walked over to Chandler and kicked him in the stomach. He didn¡¯t say a word the whole time. Chandler felt like his body was falling apart. He spat out a mouthful of blood. ¡°You¡­ You are torturing me!¡±


    Vincent stared at him as if he was staring at a lump of meat. He stepped on Chandler¡¯s face and ground it fiercely, ¡°Don¡¯t you believe I can change the word ¡®torturing¡® with ¡°killing?¡±


    At that moment, Chandler realized Vincent was not joking. Though facing imminent death, he wished for a quick death. He had never thought of being tortured to death. ¡°You, you can¡¯t¡­


    o a life worse than death.¡±


    Vincent said coldly, ¡°I can¡¯t? I¡¯ll try it, then! I¡¯ll let you feel what it¡¯s like to live a <b>life</b>


    Chandler felt a shiver went down his spine as he watched Vincent leave. ¡°It¡¯s impossible. I¡­ I need to apply for protection. Vincent wants to kill me¡­


    After Stephanie and Vincent left the interrogation room, the police chief instructed someone to turn the surveince camera back on.


    Dawn had already broken when Vincent took Stephanie back to the condominium. Neither of them had slept since Christina was kidnapped<b>, </b><b>and </b>Stephanie had undergone two major surgeries, so she was <b>exhausted</b>. She went into the bedroom and fell asleep right away. Vincent looked at her in distress. As he changed her pajamas, he noticed bruises all over her arms and legs. Those were the traces left when she fought with Chandler, Although Chandler was no match for Stephanie, he inevitably left some marks. Vincent felt that he should have been harsher on Chandler as he believed such a <b>person </b>would never repent. Then, Vincent called Zane. ¡°ce Megan under 24¨Chour surveince.¡±


    <b>¡°</b>On it!¡± Zane said dutifully.


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    Chapter 147


    It was said that taking a bath would relieve fatigue, <b>so </b>Vincent filled a warm bath for Stephanie. Stephanie was so tired that she stayed asleep while he helped her wash and dry her hair. Vincent also took a shower, then dried his hair,id down beside Stephanie, and held her in his arms.


    On the other side, Horace and Matilda were notified by the police to im Florence¡¯s body. Matilda <b>nearly </b>fainted when they saw Florence lying motionless on the morgue table, with arge gash in her chest. ¡°How did this happen? How did Florence die?¡±


    Horace questioned the police, ¡°You must give us <b>a </b>reasonable exnation¡±


    The police recounted the whole story. Matilda couldn¡¯t ept that Florence was the mastermind of the bombing, Sabrina¡¯s death, and the kidnapping, ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense! Florence is so obedient. How could she be the mastermind behind instigating others to kill? I¡¯m going to <b>sue </b>Stephania. <b>She </b><b>must </b>have set <b>this </b>trap!¡±


    The policeman frowned. Given that the affairs of the Hayes family were well known, he couldn¡¯t understand why a mother could treat her twin daughters so differently. ¡°Stephanie is the victim and Florence is the perpetrator. Have you got it wrong?¡± The police felt a sense of injustice <b>and </b>couldn¡¯t help but remark, ¡°Both of them are your daughters. How can you treat them differently?¡±


    Matilda stomped her feet in frustration and said, ¡°Stephanie is not my daug-¡±


    Horace covered her mouth and hurriedly apologized to the policeman. ¡°Sorry, <b>she¡¯s </b>spouting nonsense because she¡¯s overwhelmed by the shock.¡±


    The police nodded. ¡°After you sign, you can im the body.¡±


    Horace nodded. After watching the police leave, he lowered his voice and said, ¡°Are you crazy? You almost spilled the beans! Are you trying to get Megan into trouble? Now she¡¯s in the hospital and we don¡¯t know how badly hurt she is. Keep your mouth shut and stay out of <b>trouble</b>! Do you understand?¡±


    Matilda nodded, only then did Horace put his hand down. She looked at Florence¡¯s body and couldn¡¯t help crying, hugging her and wailing. ¡°My poor child! How could you die so miserably? You¡¯ve left me heartbroken! It¡¯s <b>all </b>because of that bitch Stephania! It¡¯s all because of her! She will die <b>a </b>miserable


    death.¡±


    Horace also felt deep sorrow. He had raised Florence for more than twenty years and she died so suddenly in such a tragic manner. He swore that he would never let Stephanie, the murderer, get away with it.


    After signing the documents, they arranged <b>for </b><b>a </b>funeral home car to take Florence¡¯s body. Horace and Matilda opted to cremate Florence without a proper funeral, given her disgraceful death. They were deeply resentful as they watched Florence¡¯s body turn into <b>a </b>shovel of ashes. Matilda said viciously, ¡°I¡¯m going to kill that bitch Stephanie!¡±


    Horace red at her and said, ¡°What¡¯s the point of saying that? Will Vincent even give you a chance to get close to her?¡±


    ¡°Then what do you suggest? Who¡¯s going to bring Florence back? I think Stephanie must have known Flore wanted to transnt her heart, so she killed herl I have raised that bitch for so many years. So, what¡¯s wrong with giving her heart to Flore?¡± Matilda <b>said</b>.


    Horace sighed. ¡°Flore must have been the mastermind, but Stephanie killed her instead. However, why was Megan at the scene?¡±


    Matilda <b>was </b>stunned and stopped sobbing. ¡°Maybe she just happened to have something to discuss with Christina?¡±


    Horace narrowed his eyes. He felt that this matter was not as simple as it seemed, and he was going to find an opportunity to ask Megan.


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    <b>Chapter </b><b>148</b>


    Stephanie slept until half past three in the afternoon. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. When she looked down, she noticed she was wearing her pajamas, with a faint smell of shower gel lingering. She thought, Vincent must have bathed me.¡± She took the phone from the bedside table and replied to Julianna. Then she went to the restroom wearing her slippers.


    After washing up.


    <ol>


    <li><b>p</b>. she walked out of the bedroom and smelled the scent of ribs from the kitchen. Looking at Vincent¡¯s tall and straight figure, she walked over to hug him, pressing her face against his <b>back</b>. Vincent smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get more rest?¡°¡±</li>


    </ol>


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ve slept enough,¡± Stephanie replied.


    ¡°For what?¡± Vincent fried the ribs in the pot, then put down the spat and covered the pot. He turned around and hugged her. ¡°Tell me, what are your thanking me for?¡±


    Stephanie raised her head and smiled brightly. ¡°Thank you for bathing me.¡±


    Vincent said, ¡°Then, <b>I </b>have to thank you too.¡±


    Stephanie was confused. ¡°Why?¡±


    Vincent bent over and gently <b>kissed </b>her forehead. ¡°Thank you for letting me feel your beautiful body.¡±


    Stephanie nced at him and said, ¡°Stop spouting nonsense all the time!¡±


    Vincent chuckled. T¡¯m telling the truth.¡±


    Although they shared many intimate moments, Stephanie still blushed and her heart raced. ¡°Stop talking!¡± She felt she was speaking seriously, but all <b>he </b>heard was her sounding cute. ¡°Okay, Stephanie has the final say. Are you hungry?


    Heating this, Stephanie raised an eyebrow and waited for his response. After all, whether she answered ¡°hungry¡± or ¡°not hungry,¡±Vincent would intentionally misinterpret it. Once she answered ¡°hungry,¡± Vincent carried her directly into the bedroom to ¡°feed¡± her. The next time she answered that she was ¡°not hungry,¡± Vincent still carried her to the bedroom and said he was ¡°hungry¡± So, this time, she chose to remain silent.


    Vincent knew what she was thinking and couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°What are you thinking about? Let me guess.¡± He pretended to check and butted softly. ¡°It seems that your mind is full <b>of </b>dirty thoughts.¡±


    Stephanie snorted and pretended <b>to </b>leave angrily, but Vincent hugged her tightly with his chin resting on her head. ¡°I¡¯ll stop teasing you. Let me hold you for a while.¡± Stephanie stopped struggling. She put her arms around Vincent¡¯s waist and leaned against his chest obediently, listening to his strong heartbeat.


    Vincent said, ¡°I know you can protect yourself, but I¡¯m still terribly worried. I want to kill those people!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± she replied.


    Vincent said, ¡°Stephie, I dreamt you were lying on the operating table. Dous and Florence cut your heart open and blood dripped from it. They wanted to transnt your heart. I killed them, brought you to the seaside, watched the sunrise with you, and I followed you<b>.</b>¡± Then, he <b>noticed </b>Stephanie trembling in his arms. He hurriedly let go of her and held her shoulders. ¡°Stephie, what¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling ufortable?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head, her heart aching when she recalled the moment when Vincent was willing to die for her. She felt distressed for him and hugged him tightly ¡°Vincent, I¡¯ll be good to you for the rest of my life.¡±


    Vincent thought she was crying because of the dream he had. ¡°Dreams are fake. Your heart is <b>still </b>in your body, and Florence is dead, while I am <b>standing </b>well in front of you. Don¡¯t cry, I shouldn¡¯t have mentioned it.¡±


    Stephanie shook her <b>head</b>, her voice muffled.No.


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    Vincent asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Tears welled up in Stephanie¡¯s eyes, and her nose tingled. When she was about to say the dream <b>was </b><b>real</b>, the phone in her pocket began to vibrate. She sniffed and took out her phone, seeing unfamiliar numbers on the screen. She frowned and answered the phone. A piercing female voice <b>rang </b>out, ¡°Stephanie, you bitch! It¡¯s all your fault that Flore is dead! Why couldn¡¯t you just give her your heart? Why did she <b>die </b>instead of you? Bring Flore back. Go to hell¡­¡± It was Matilda. Stephanie didn¡¯t want to hear her curse anymore, so she hung up the phone and blocked the number.


    Even if Florence was not the mastermind of the kidnapping, she still was involved. After all, whether in her previous life or this one, Florence had coveted her heart. At the thought of her and Vincent¡¯s tragic deaths in her previous life, she felt that Florence deserved to die. Stephanie pondered, ¡®Although we are sisters, why couldn¡¯t Matilda do the right thing if Florence was in the wrong? I¡¯m not a saint I won¡¯t be held hostage by morality. It <b>makes </b>no sense that I have to give up on my heart just because I¡¯m healthy and <b>Horace </b>and Matilda favored Florence!


    Vincent gently ruffled her hair. ¡°Stephie, are you <b>okay</b>?¡±


    Stephanic nodded, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Vincent cupped her face and said, ¡°Don¡¯t pay attention to those who don¡¯t care about you and hurt you intentionally. And as for that dream, don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s all fake. However, if anyone dares to hurt you, I will never let them off the hook.¡±


    Stephanie originally wanted to tell him that she was reborn, but on <b>second </b>thought, she couldn¡¯t instill the idea that if something happened to her, he would die for her. ¡°Vincent, if one day one of us dies first, the one left behind should live well, okay<b>?</b>¡±


    Vincent frowned and asked, ¡°Why are you bringing up such a heavy tople?¡±


    Stephanie replied, ¡°Birth, aging, illness, and death are normal. After this kidnapping case, I have a deeper understanding of it. Promise me that if I leave first, you will <b>live </b>well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never live without you!¡± Vincent shouted.


    Stephanie¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she heard what she feared most from him. So she asked seriously, ¡°If you die first, do you want me to go with you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Vincent frowned and pondered. ¡°I don¡¯t want you toe with me. I want <b>you </b>to live to see the beautiful things in this world for me. When you¡¯ve seen enough, I¡¯lle for you.¡±


    ¡°Vincent, you¡¯re being hypocritical. I don¡¯t care. Promise me, or I will never talk to you again!¡± Stephanie¡¯s expression darkened.


    Seeing that she was really angry, Vincent said perfunctorily, ¡°I promise you.¡± Stephanie <b>said</b><b>, </b>¡°You¡¯re not taking me seriously!¡± Vincent remained silent.


    ¡°Swear on it!¡±


    Vincent was helpless and raised three fingers. ¡°<b>Okay</b><b>, </b>I swear that no matter which one of us passes first, the other will live well for the deceased until the end of his life.¡±


    With tears in her eyes, Stephanie threw herself into Vincent¡¯s arms and said in a muffled voice, ¡°Vincent, <b>you </b>must do as you say. Do you hear me?¡± Vincent acknowledged. ¡°In this life, I will give birth to two children,¡± she <b>said</b>.


    ¡°Only two? I thought you were going to give me a football team!¡± Vincent joked. Stephanie chuckled bitterly and gently pounded his chest, replying, ¡°Do you want to work me to death?¡± Vincent wiped the tears on her check and said, ¡°Why are you taking it so seriously?¡± Stephanie said, ¡°When ites to you<b>, </b>I¡¯m taking everything seriously!¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± He took her into his arms again and said, <b>¡°</b><b>Got </b>it.¡± For some reason, Vincent felt that Stephanie was sad today. Perhaps it was because so much had happened these days.


    <b>Later</b>, whenever he recalled that scene, he felt a deep <b>sense </b>of mncholy. At that time, Stephanie was feeling distressed for him.


    Stephanie said, ¡°Vincent, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Vincent similed and looked at the <b>pot</b>. Then he stirred it with a spat and turned off the fire. The ribs are <b>ready</b>.


    We can eat now.¡±


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    Stephanie grabbed his cor and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be serving the dishes now.¡± Stephanie took Vincent¡¯s arm and led him to the bedroom. ¡°When I say I¡¯m hungry, I mean I¡¯m hungry for this.¡± Vincent followed Stephanie into the bedroom and closed the do

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    Stephanie was awakened by hunger and realized Vincent was missing. She turned and looked out of the window. The silver moonlight shone down gently, making everything look soft and beautiful. She put on her nightgown and slipped out of the bedroom.


    Vincent sat on azy chair before the floor-to-ceiling window and smoked in the dark. Hearing footsteps, he turned around and saw Stephanie approaching him. He quickly snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray. He reached toward Stephanie and coaxed, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to sleep a bit more?¡±


    Stephanie took Vincent¡¯s palm and let him pull her onto hisp. She wrapped her arm around his neck and asked, ¡°You rarely smoke. What¡¯s the matter? Something troubling you?¡±


    Vincent h o k e d a strand of Stephanie¡¯s hair and gently twisted it. ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m thinking of ways to expose Megan,¡± he said.


    Stephanie thought briefly before voicing ¡°After this, she will be extremely cautious and won¡¯t make unnecessary moves. But why is she targeting me?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you,¡± reaffirmed Vincent.


    Stephanie gazed at Vincent and concluded, ¡°Let me guess. She fell for you?¡±


    Vincent chuckled helplessly. ¡°Fell for a cripple like me?¡±


    ¡°But you are wealthy and handsome! Perhaps Megan feels that since she is not the Jimenez family¡¯s heiress, she needs to find a strong backer for herself Assuming that¡¯s true, you are one hell of a babe ma, Vincent,¡± teased Stephanie.


    However, right then, another idea shed through Vincent¡¯s mind, but he didn¡¯t tell Stephanie. He smiled. ¡°If it was really because of me, what would you do?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll put you away in my pocket so that one can take you away from met dered Stephanie.


    ry too.


    Vincentughed and grazed her face with his fingers. ¡°Weren¡¯t you hungry? I¡¯m going to warm up some food for you. I¡¯m hungry


    Stephanie hummed in reply and demanded, ¡°Then carry me.¡±


    Vincent carried her and stood up. He jolted her andmented, ¡°You barely weigh anything. You should eat moreter, or it¡¯ll be hard for you to keep up in our exercise session.¡±


    ¡°Vincent! Talk about the pot calling the kettle ck! Clearly, you¡¯re the one thinking of it!¡± eximed Stephanie,All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Vincent smirked and carried her toward the kitchen. ¡°I meant jogging tomorrow morning I was worried you wouldn¡¯t be able to wake up or even move.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s obvious lie rendered Stephanie speechless.


    It was 10:40 pm, and Megan was lying in Room 1503 at the gynecology ward. She looked at Selena and mumbled weakly. ¡°Mom, there are caretakers here. You haven¡¯t slept for days. Go home and rest¡±


    Selena shook her head. ¡°You have suffered so much. My heart hurts looking at you.¡±


    Tears rolled down Megan¡¯s eyes, and she sobbed, ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll just feel worse if you stay here. I want to be alone for a while.¡±


    Selena could see that Megan wanted to be alone, so she nodded. After instructing the caretakers, Selena went home with Matthew, who was standing


    outside.


    The sadness in Megan¡¯s eyes instantly turned into resentment. She didn¡¯t expect the knife to pierce the uterus and damage her ovary, resulting in a massive hemorrhage. ¡®How did I get so unlucky? Everything is Stephanie¡¯s fault. Plus, that idiot Chandler didn¡¯t even the Stephanie up properly! And that dumbass Florence, why didn¡¯t she kill Christiga? Christina is and mine. Once she wakes up, she will reveal that I¡¯m the mastermind. Then everything


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    4 Jun af


    86%1


    will be overt Not only will I lose everything, but I¡¯ll be imprisonedt if the Jimenez family realizes Stephanie is their long-lost daughter, they will want to get her back immediately. They¡¯ll love and spoil Stephanie and give her the best of everything! Why was I born as a Hayes? fumed Megan inwardly as she sobbed and endured the ment al and physical pain and torment¡­


    The caretaker thought Megan was in a terrible mood because of the operation, so she advised her, ¡°Ms. Jimenez, don¡¯t be sad. You don¡¯t have to give birth to be recognized as a woman. Look at you. You are young, beautiful, and talented. You¡¯ll surely meet a man who won¡¯t be bothered by this one day.¡±


    Megan, who had no way to vent her anger, was even more furious when she heard this. She shouted, ¡°I¡¯m not a healthy woman anymore! What kind of man would want me? Get out! I don¡¯t want to see you! Get lost!¡±


    The caretaker didn¡¯t expect that Megan, who looked gentle, would be so irritable. Although the caretaker felt troubled, she could understand Megan¡¯s feelings. The caretaker nodded and left the ward. She hadn¡¯t eaten yet and nned to have pasta at the cafeteria. She didn¡¯t notice the janitor who passed by was covered fully, with eyes darting all around,


    The janitor came to Room 1503 and looked through the small window. Seeing that there was only Megan in the hospital bed, the janitor pushed open the


    door and entered.


    Megan red at the janitor. Her wound hurt so much that she started yelling, ¡°Get out! Who let you in?¡±


    Instead of leaving, the janitor closed the door. She hurried toward the hospital bed, took off her mask, and said, ¡°Meg! It¡¯s me, Mom!¡±


    When Megan saw


    an saw Matilda, the resentment in her gaze deepened as she screeched, ¡°Mom? Why are you my mother?¡±


    Matilda was stunned, her eyes filled with shock as she asked, ¡°Meg, what are you talking about?¡±


    Megan endured the pain and pushed herselfup. Her pallidplexion and disheveled appearance were miles away from her usual elegance. ¡°Why are you my real mother? Why am I not the Jimenez family¡¯s daughter? I hate you so much!¡±


    ¡°Meg, are you disdaining me?¡± Matilda choked out.


    Megan red at her and spat, ¡°I hate you so much!¡±


    ¡°Meg, how can you say that? I¡¯m the one who gave you life!¡± Matilda said between sobs,


    ¡°The only thing you have given me is trouble! Would I be lying here if it weren¡¯t for Florence?¡± demanded Meg.


    Matilda stammered, ¡°D-Did Stephanie kidnap you and me it on Flore?¡±


    Megan snorted. ¡°Florence visited me during Mrs. Jimenez¡¯s birthday party, and my conversation with her was recorded by Christina¡¯s pet toy. Christina and I met that day so I could borrow her pet toy. I didn¡¯t expect Florence to be foolish enough to want to transnt Stephanie¡¯s heart. She sent someone to kidnap Christina and I ended up being dragged in tool Florence went crazy and tried to kill Christina. She even stabbed me. I hurt my uterus and ovary. which had to be removed because of a massive hemorrhage! It¡¯s all because of Florence. If it weren¡¯t for her, I wouldn¡¯t have be like this!¡±


    ¡°H-How could this have happened?¡± stammered Matilda, trembling all over.


    Megan closed her eyes and continued, ¡°Christina knows Florence and I were working together, and we¡¯re siblings. When she wakes up, I¡¯m done.¡±


    Matilda¡¯s eyes widened in horror as she blurted, ¡°Then what should we do? We need to ensure she doesn¡¯t wake up!*


    Megan sneered, ¡°And Stephanie. She has doubts about my identity.¡±


    Matilda shook her head. ¡°No, this can¡¯t be happening. Otherwise, what was the point in swapping you both all those years back?¡±


    Megan seethed, ¡°So you should have strangled that t h Stephanie to death!¡±


    10:49 Tue, 4 Jun 25


    Chapter 149


    ¡°Flore had a weak heart. Stephanie¡¯s heart waspatible with hers, so we kept her alive!¡± exined Matilda.


    86%1


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve left a ticking time bomb that will erupt at any moment alive! Think about it. When Christina wakes up and bs about my rtionship with Florence, won¡¯t the Jimenez family suspect Stephanie is their biological daughter? How would they treat me after that?¡± Megan continued her tirade.


    Megan reached out, held Matilda¡¯s cold hands, and cried, ¡°Mom, I am the only daughter you have left. You wouldn¡¯t want the Jimenez family to disown me, right? I shouldn¡¯t have said those things to you earlier. Please don¡¯t be mad. I was in a terrible mood and so scared!¡±


    Matilda gripped Megan¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±


    Megan replied, ¡°If you want me to live, they must diel¡±


    Matilda gritted her teeth and agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll discuss this with your father¡±


    Megan was afraid Matilda would go back on her words. She pleaded, ¡°If Christina and Stephanie die, they won¡¯t be obstacles for me anymore, Mom. Then I will be the Jimenez family¡¯s daughter again, and the Hayes family can make aeback.¡±


    Matilda was tired of her current shabby life. She couldn¡¯t wait to live as a wealthydy. She nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Meg. I will make a thorough n when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± responded Megan.


    Matilda looked toward the ward door, fearing she would be discovered, and said, ¡°Meg, I¡¯m leaving then. Wait for my message.¡±


    Megan nodded in assent. Seeing Matilda hurriedly leave, Megan¡¯s gaze turned cold as she thought, ¡°Horace and Matilda are still useful. Hopefully, they can kill Stephanie and Christina.¡±


    The following day, Vincent gazed at Stephanie, who was still asleep, before taking a hair off her pillow and putting it into the transparent evidence bag, He called Zane and told him to take it to Matthew¡¯spany, reminding him not to hand it over to others but to personally pass it to Matthew.


    É«

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    When Stephanie woke up, she saw Vincent lying on his side and looking at her.


    ¡°Awake?¡± asked Vincent.


    ¡°Yeah. What time is it now?¡± mumbled Stephanie, rolling into his arms and closing her eyes.


    Vincent replied, ¡°It¡¯s 7:50 am.¡±


    Stephanie instantly opened her eye and said, ¡°Time to get up. I need to go to the hospital to check on Chri


    Christie and administer acupuncture.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Frederick and Edith have been there since early morning. ording to them, Christie¡¯s vital signs look stable,¡± informed Vincent.


    Stephanie nodded and went to wash up. She changed her clothes and had breakfast with Vincent before leaving for the hospital.


    Outside the ICU ward, Frederick and Edith smiled when they saw Stephanie and Vincent, Edith happily came forward, held Stephanie¡¯s hand and gushed, ¡°Stephie, we just saw Christie and she looks much better. Thank you, Stephie.¡±


    Hearing that, Stephanie¡¯s guilt deepened. ¡°Edith, Christie was injured because of me, so please don¡¯t thank me,¡± she said.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We are family. How can we be resentful toward you? What happened to Christie was unavoidable. You don¡¯t need to be stressed or burdened by it,¡±


    consoled Edith.


    Stephanie was touched by Edith¡¯s words. This was something she had never experienced before with the Hayes family.


    She nodded gratefully. ¡°Have Shonda¡¯s parentse by yet?¡±


    Edith replied, ¡°La called to say that Shonda¡¯s grandmother, Abigail¡¯s brain tumor has aggravated. They went back to Cutvine after ensuring that Shonda was stable and they asked us to take care of her.¡±


    Aher thinking for a while, Stephanie suggested, ¡°Edith, please contact La and ask her to transfer Mrs. Moore to this hospital. The medical equipment in Curvine isn¡¯t as cutting-edge as that of Jacaster. I will take responsibility for Mrs. Moore¡¯s condition for free once they have transferred her here.¡±


    Edith nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll call her right now.¡±


    into the ICU to check Christina and Shonda¡¯s condition, after which she administered them Stephanie nodded and put on the protective suit to go acupuncture. Looking at the two young girls who fell victim to the incident, she felt guilty and resentful of the mastermind.


    Aftering out, Stephanie asked Frederick and Edith to go home and rest as she would be sending people over and strengthening the security.


    After Frederick and Edith left, Vincent apanied Stephanie to Megan¡¯s ward. Vincent stayed outside the ward to avoid any awkwardness. When Stephanie entered, only Selena and Megan were in the ward. The caretaker seemed to have gone for breakfast.


    Selena came forward and held Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Stephie, it¡¯s good to see you,¡± she whispered.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Meg¡±


    Selena sighed. ¡°Meg¡¯s in a terrible mood. Why don¡¯t you talk to her while I take a look at the flower shop downstairs?¡±


    Stephanie nodded. After Selena left, she walked to the hospital bed and sat beside it.


    Megan¡¯s eyes and nose were red as she croaked h o a r s e l , ¡°Luckily you came in time, otherwise Christie and I would have been killed by Florence. But how did you escape? I heard Florence tell the kidnapper she had tied you up.¡±


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    Stephanie answered indifferently, ¡°I was prepared in advance. Through the surveince footage, I realized the kidnapper was using hallucinogenic drugs, so I took the antidote in advance. As for the rope restraining me, I cut it with a mini-de (carry around.¡±


    Megan¡¯s expression filled with admiration, but in her heart, she cursed Stephanie for her c


    u ng n s s. Chandler is such an idiot! He is the reason for Stephanie getting away. Megan knew Stephanie woulde and Vincent would send someone to protect her that night. She had nned to draw Stephanie there and drug her into unconsciousness, before using Florence¡¯s obsession over transnting Stephanie¡¯s heart to let Florence kill Christina. That way, the fact that Florence was the murderer would seem more real and convincing. After that, Megan nned to get Chandler to kill Florence and stab herself before finally killing Stephanie before Vincent¡¯s anival. Megan¡¯s survival would have been written off as luck and she wouldn¡¯t have been suspected of involvement either. Unfortunately, Stephanie¡¯s escape disrupted Megan¡¯s ns, and Megan identally stabbed her uterus in panic. ¡®1 should have let Chandler directly kill Stephanie, Florence, and Christina and made it seem like Florence killed them. If I could go back in time, I would have done that!¡± thought Megan as she smiled and said, ¡°Stephie, you¡¯re amazing! You even managed to predict the kidnapper¡¯s n.¡±


    Stephanieughed. ¡°Careful observation can produce quite excellent results. Meg, how did you cut your rope?¡±


    Megan had run through all possible loopholes plenty of times in her mind. She sniffed, ¡°At that time, Florence untied my rope and asked me to kill Christie, I stood there scared witless. She threatened to kill me if I didn¡¯t do it. And that¡¯s when you showed up. As I fought against the kidnapper, Florence stabbed me and hit Christie with a rock. I was so freaked out I didn¡¯t think Florence would be so crazy¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°It¡¯s good everyone is fine. Christie and Shonda will wake up in about a week. Then Christie can testify against the kidnapper.¡±


    Megan¡¯s heart s k i p e d a beat, but she calmly replied, ¡°That¡¯s great! One reaps what one sows! I don¡¯t know if Florence was worth the kidnapper¡¯s love, but I didn¡¯t think he would end up killing her.¡±


    Stephanie sighed. ¡°I was surprised too. By the way, the kidnapper was also the one who bombed the film set and killed Sabrina.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± shouted Megan in surprise.


    ¡°Before Sabrina died, she managed to record the kidnapper hypnotizing her. So, it seems like Sabrina didn¡¯t kill herself but was murdered. He even said ¡°My baby will be safe once you¡¯re dead.¡± The kidnapper really loved Florence but too bad he killed her in the end. Actually, I don¡¯t understand why he tried to kill me first before kidnapping me for a heart transnt for Florence, It¡¯s quite contradictory. Don¡¯t you think so!¡±


    Megan was stunned as she mumbled, ¡°I think so. But the kidnapper did look slightly unhinged and was always bbing nonsense.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°Unhinged? bbing nonsense? Meg, be careful with your words. After all, we can¡¯t hold an unhinged personwfully responsible for murder. When the case is filed, your testimony will be crucial, too.¡±


    Megan only said that as she was worried Chandler would drag her down with him. In truth, she wanted him dead. After all, only the dead wouldn¡¯t betray or tell on her.


    She hummed and uttered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t repeat what I said earlier. The kidnapper is quite ruthless and he deserves what he gets.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, evil people will get what they deserve,¡± said Stephanie, looking at Megan unblinkingly. ¡°By the way, Meg. Where¡¯s Christie¡¯s robot dog? I think Shonda was dragged into this as she was the one who gifted Christie the robot dog. I suspect that the robot dog had recorded some secrets.¡±


    Megan shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I have never seen that robot dog before.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll have the police interrogate the kidnapper again. Rest well, alright? Don¡¯t worry about losing the ability to have children. After all, women are not fertility machines. If a man really loves you, he won¡¯t care about such superficial stuff. Just like Florence, someone is willing to kill for her. Although she was tragically killed in the end.¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Stephanie stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now. I¡¯ll visit you another day.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you, Stephie,¡± replied Megan


    Chapter 150


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± said Stephanie. She walked to the ward door and suddenly looked back. ¡°I hope you can keep Vincent¡¯s recovery a


    ¡°I will. Since you guys didn¡¯t disclose it to the public, I assumed it¡¯s a secret reassured Megan.


    Stephanie smiled and left.


    ya secret.


    The smile on Megan¡¯s face instantly vanished as she thought, ¡°Fortunately, I smashed the robot dog or there would have been evidence to implicit me. The most important thing now is killing Christina, I need to get Matilda to move quickly!

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    The November chill was growing more biting, with the first snow arriving earlier than usual this year.


    Indoors, the warmth was akin to spring, a stark contrast to the world outside.


    A thinyer of mist clung to the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    Vincent¡¯s slender and clean fingers gently brushed the window, revealing a corner of the nightscape.


    He chuckled softly. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Matthew pressed his lips together and uttered two words.


    After receiving Vincent¡¯s confirmation, his hand trembled as he held his phone.


    A long silence followed. After listening to Vincent¡¯s words, Matthew responded coldly, ¡°I got it.¡±


    After the call ended, Vincent lit a cigarette and quietly reflected on a series of events, unearthing a bold hypothesis that unraveled a shocking secret from


    22 years ago.


    He realized this was n


    was not a coincidence, but a conspiracy.


    After smoking two more cigarettes, Vincent finally formed a rough outline of his thoughts.


    tray and went to the guest bathroom to shower. After drying his hair, he returned to the master bedroom


    He stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray


    As he watched Stephanie¡¯s serene sleeping face, he saw traces of the Jimenez family in her features. His heart ached for her. He couldn¡¯t help but pull her tightly into his arms


    Meanwhile, Matthew repeatedly scrutinized the DNA test before he burst intoughter. ¡°Finally found it, finally!¡±


    Melvin nced at his watch. ¡°I¡¯m wondering if we should announce this now. If people knew, they¡¯d be too excited to sleep tonight.¡±


    Matthew looked at him. ¡°We¡¯re not telling anyone else for now. Only you, me, and Vincent know.¡±


    Melvin was puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to uncover the true mastermind behind the explosion on set and the recent kidnapping¡±¡± Matthew asked.


    ¡°What do you mean? The masterminds are either dead or caught, aren¡¯t they?¡± Melvin sounded confused.


    Matthew pressed his tongue against his mrs. ¡°We¡¯ve been thinking too simply and underestimated that person.¡±


    Melvin seemed to understand. ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡±


    In response, Matthew¡¯s gaze fell on the report again and uttered, ¡°Wait.¡±


    Four dayster, Abigail was moved from the ICU to a special care ward.


    La stayed to care for her, while other rtives returned to Cutvine due to work and familymitments.


    Wed, 5


    Chapter 152


    Since La also had to work, she needed to hire a caretaker.


    Matilda applied for the job as a caretaker but was rejected due to herck of expertise by La.


    Determined, Matilda sought out a janitor she had contacted before. She offered the janitor 400 dors, saying she wanted to experience life.


    The janitor, pleased with the easy money, agreed readily.


    82%


    While a caretaker had ample opportunity to act and was allowed to be in the ward at all times, ajanitor could only enter in the morning and evening


    Matilda found no chance to act for two days and grew increasingly frustrated under Megan¡¯s constant pressure.


    As Matilda cleaned the ward one morning, the caretaker went to the restroom. She thought that was the perfect chance to act on her n.


    Seizing the opportunity, she took out a white pill from her pocket. She walked to the bed, preparing to feed it to Abigail, Just then, the ward door swung


    §à§â§Ö§á.


    Stephanie walked in. Shocked, Matilda¡¯s pupils contracted and her hand trembled, causing the pill to fall and roll under the bed.


    Her heart pounded, and she swallowed nervously, ncing at the bed before attempting to leave with her broom,


    As she brushed past Stephanie, thetter stopped her. ¡°Wait a moment.¡±


    Matilda¡¯s eyes darted around, her grip tightening on the broom.


    ¡°You look familiar,¡± Stephanie remarked.


    Matilda clenched her teeth and lowered her voice. ¡°I¡¯m new here.¡±


    Stephanie scrutinized her before smiling. ¡°You resemble someone I know. Sorry, my


    my mistake.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Matilda replied, quickly exiting the ward. She retreated to the cleaning supply room and closed the door before leaning against it.


    She thought, ¡°I was so close, just a little more, and I would have seeded. Stephanie, the d m n c h, is surely my nemesis! She even almost recognized me! But what about the pill? That¡¯s the only one and it costs 20,000 dors. Will Stephanie find out?¡¯


    Matilda could only hope no one noticed the pill until she could return at night to finish the job.


    Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. The text read: [Did you seed?]


    It was from Megan. Seeing her messages or calls now brought immense pressure on Matilda.


    She pressed her lips as she replied: [Not yet. I¡¯ll try again tonight.]


    Megan texted: [Hurry up, I hear those two are recovering well and could wake up anytime. The Hayes family¡¯s future is in your hands.]


    The text made Matilda feel the heavy burden and responsibility on her shoulders.


    She replied: [Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯llplete the task tonight.]


    Matilda was brimming with confidence, unaware that Stephanie had picked up the pill from under the bed as soon as she left.


    Stephanie examined the white pill thoughtfully and whispered instructions to the caretaker once thetter had returned


    The caretaker, momentarily startled, apologized profusely and promised to watch Abigail closely


    10:31 Wed, 5 Jun


    Chapter 152


    After checking on Abigail, Stephanie took the pill and found Melvin. ¡°Can you help me analyze the ingredients of this pill?¡±


    Melvin looked at her tenderly. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll get a colleague from theb to help.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Thank you. And please, keep this confidential¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Melvin promised. ¡°How about we have lunch together? I have a few academic questions I¡¯d like to ask you.¡±


    Stephanie nodded, feeling it would be rude to refuse him after asking for his help. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Melvin smiled. ¡°I have a house call to make. See you at noon.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± With that, Stephanie left Melvin¡¯s office and headed to the ICU to check on Christina and Shonda.


    Christina¡¯s eyes had been rolling recently, indicating signs of regaining consciousness.


    Meanwhile, Shonda¡¯s fingers and toes moved.


    When


    Stephanie was about to give them another acupuncture, Shonda opened her eyes.


    Surprised, Stephanie quickly checked on Shonda¡¯s condition. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    Muddled, Shonda murmured, ¡°Where am I?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in the ICU. Wee back, Shonda,¡± Stephanie said.


    Shonda¡¯s mind raced through her memories. Tears welled up as she recalled the car ident. ¡°It hurts so much.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt anymore,¡± Stephanie reassured.


    82%Çú


    Post-surgery drowsiness would soon take over, so Stephanie took advantage of Shonda¡¯s brief wakefulness. ¡°Why did Christie ask you to bring her the robot dog?¡±


    Shonda pondered. ¡°She said something was wrong with the robot dog and needed to be repaired and asked me to bring it to her. But I didn¡¯t think there was anything wrong with it.¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes and thought, ¡®Sure enough, it has something to do with the robot dog. There must be some secret in it.¡±


    Only when Christina regained consciousness could the truth be known.


    Soon, Shonda drifted back to sleep.


    Two hourster, Stephanie received a call from Melvin. The analysis report was ready, and it was lunchtime, so they arranged to meet on the first floor of the outpatient building


    you feel like eating?¡± Melvin asked.


    ¡°What do you


    ¡°Anything is fine, you decide,¡± Stephanie responded.


    ¡°Do you


    like lobster? Melvin asked.


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    She hesitated to admit that she loved lobster.


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun


    Chapter 152


    ¡°Let¡¯s take my car. There¡¯s a great lobster roll eatery on West Avenue,¡± Melvin


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    They drove off together, and a discussion erupted among the nurses,


    n suggested.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mr. Jimenez and Dr. Hayes? They make such a good couple,¡± a nurse eximed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! Dr. Hayds is engaged. She has a fianc¨¦,¡± another nurse chimed in.


    ¡°Why is she having lunch with Mr. Jimenez, then? Shouldn¡¯t she avoid such situations?¡± the first nurse retorted.


    ¡°You¡¯re so bitter! Friends can have lunch together. Stop thinking the worst of people,¡± a third person piped up.


    ¡°Exactly! Stop jumping to conclusions. Don¡¯t you have male friends?¡± some other nurse remarked.


    Meanwhile, Nancy, who was at the hospital for a check-up, snapped a photo of them. ¡°This promiscuous woman, how can she be worthy of Vincent?¡±


    With gritted teeth, she sent the photo anonymously to Vincent.


    She sneered, ¡°Vincent, look how blind you are, getting cheated on right under your nose!¡±

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Vincent was reviewing documents in the CEO¡¯s office at Fletcher Group when his phone buzzed with an iing message.


    He nced at it and saw a photo of Melvin and Stephanie,


    The text was sent from an unfamiliar number.


    Few people had his private number, and the person sending such a photo must have a grudge against him or Stephanie.


    Considering the possible culprits, Nancy came to mind.


    Vincent scoffed, deleted the photo, and blocked the number.


    Such a person wasn¡¯t worth


    his response.


    Earlier, Stephanie had informed Vincent she would be having lunch with Melvin. She needed Melvin¡¯s help, and a lunch meeting seemed reasonable.


    Since it was Melvin, Vincent was at ease.


    He texted Stephanie: [Eat well at lunch.]


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Stephanie smiled and replied: [Sure, I¡¯ll eat your share too. Your favorite Crab Rangoon!]


    Vincent chuckled at her message, but his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± he said, and then Zane entered.


    Zane¡¯s expression was grave. ¡°Mr. Fletcher, we have a problem.¡±


    Vincent-narrowed his eyes, and his rxed demeanor vanished. ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Olivia has been swapped. The person we¡¯ve been monitoring is a surgically altered decoy. Last night, she got drunk at a nightclub and confessed she was a stand-in. We then discovered that the real Olivia had already escaped,¡± Zane exined.


    ¡°Did the stand-in reveal who orchestrated this?¡± Vincent asked.


    Zane took a deep breath. ¡°No, she self-destructed shortly after confessing, obliterating her head. We found an explosive chip in the remains, likely hidden


    in her teeth or under her skin. Twilight Corpsmonly uses this method. I suspect Olivia has close ties with them.¡±


    Vincent pursed his lips together, his face bing a mask of icy determination. ¡°Ask Twilight Corps leader for an exnation, or we¡¯ll be enemies.¡±


    Zane nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Send someone to investigate the whereabouts of Nancy. I don¡¯t want to see her in Jacaster again, Vincent instructed.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Zane replied.


    He wondered if Twilight Corps dared to oppose Storm Corps so tantly.


    Thest sh between the two organizations was because Hayden sold confidential information to Twilight Corps under another identity. The leader of Twilight Corps had since exined, quite earnestly, that he was unaware of Hayden¡¯s other identity.


    Chapter 1531


    Vincent had always doubted Hayden but never found solid evidence until thetter was fatally shot while saving him.


    He felt a sense of unease as if an unseen hand was constantly manipting the chessboard, making them mere


    pawns


    82%


    Meanwhile, near the lobster roll eatery on West Avenue, Nancy was observing from a ck car


    She saw Stephanie and Melvin talking seriously over some reports, and Stephanie seemed solemn.


    ????


    After that, they chatted for a long time. When the lobsters were served, Melvin even deshelled them for Stephanie.


    Nancy was full of jealousy and hatred in her heart. She thought, ¡°How could Stephanie enjoy Vincent¡¯s love while flirting with another man?¡±


    Furious, she called a p a p a r a z z o, hinting at a scandalous scoop at the lobster roll eatery.


    However, upon hearing it involved Stephanie and Melvin, the p a a z z o declined, ¡°It¡¯s over for me if Mr. Fletcher feels offended.¡±


    Incensed, Nancy snapped photos herself and uploaded them online.


    She used a SIM card that was not registered under her ID card. Hence, nobody could trace her.


    After that, she broke the SIM card and discarded it before driving away.


    She expected the scandal to spread online. To her dismay, when she checkedter, the inte was filled withments condemning her as a schemer and delusional


    Soon, the photos andments were quickly removed.


    Nancy was furious and certain this was Vincent¡¯s doing. She couldn¡¯t believe how besotted he was,pletely under Stephanie¡¯s spell


    In a fit of rage, she smashed her phone to pieces.


    She was determined to win Vincent back.


    It was 9 p.m. at the hospital Disguised as a janitor again, Matilda sneaked into the hospital ward while the caretaker was away.


    She quickly checked under the bed for the hidden pill and, finding it still there, felt a rush of triumph.


    Swiftly, she retrieved the pill and checked for anyone around.


    Once she confirmed there wasn¡¯t anyone around, she immediately moved to the bedside and pried open Abigail¡¯s mouth to stuff the pill into it.


    Just then, the door creaked open.


    Matilda immediately assumed a sweeping pose.


    The caretaker frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Swallowing hard, Matilda replied, ¡°I thought I saw Mrs. Moore open her eyes,¡±


    The caretaker looked surprised, ¡°Really? Let me check¡±


    As the caretaker moved closer to examine the patient, Matilda stepped aside.


    82%


    Chapter 153


    ¡°You must have been mistaken,¡± the caretaker said.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Matilda replied. ¡°I¡¯ve finished cleaning. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    The caretaker nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Once Matilda lelt, the caretaker swiftly took out her phone and sent a message.


    The next day, Abigail was moved to the ICU.


    Matilda approached the real janitor. ¡°What happened to the olddy in that ward?¡±


    The janitor answered, ¡°I heard her condition suddenly worsened. She¡¯s in the ICU now, and even Dr. Summer can¡¯t help her.¡±


    Matilda¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Are her family ming Dr. Summer?¡±


    ¡°No, considering her age and malignant tumor, they knew it was a long shot.¡± The janitor then asked, ¡°Are you quitting the cleaning job?¡±


    Matilda scoffed, ¡°Crazy! Anyone who wants it can have it!¡±


    Bewildered, the janitor stood there, watched Matilda walk away, and spat, ¡°You¡¯re the crazy one!¡±


    Back home, Matilda eagerly reported the news to Megan.


    Reclining against her pillows, Megan¡¯s lips curled into a sinister smile. ¡°Excellent. Call La in an hour.¡±


    Matilda nodded. ¡°Got it. By the way, Meg, I¡¯m a bit short on cashtely.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Megan rolled her eyes. ¡°Once it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll give you 2 million dors¡±


    Matilda was shocked, thinking, ¡°2 million dors?¡±


    Once dismissive, Matilda now saw it as a fortune.


    She agreed with a grin..


    An hourter, using a new SIM card, Matilda called La. ¡°Do you want to save your mom?¡±


    La furrowed her brows as she asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Your mom is suffering from severe a n failure, isn¡¯t she? And she has high cranial pressure. She¡¯s in grave danger now,¡± Matilda said.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± La inquired.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m the one who poisoned your mom. If you want the antidote to save her, do as I say. Otherwise, she will die in less than half a day,¡± Matilda


    dered.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± La asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a pill. You must feed it to Christina,¡± Matilda instructed.


    ¡°No way,¡± La refused without hesitation


    ¡°Then, prepare for your mom¡¯s funeral!¡± Matilda smiled.


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun


    Chapter 153


    She hung up the phone immediately and broke the SIM card in half.


    Meanwhile, Stephanie was tracking the call¡¯s lecation on herputer while La sat quietly beside Stephanie in the ward.


    The signal traced back to an old neighborhood where Horace and Matilda once lived.


    Stephanie had previously noticed the janitor and found her familiar. After discreetly following the janitor, she discovered that it turned out to be Matilda.


    A chemical analysis of the pill confirmed Matilda¡¯s intention to harm Abigail.


    Since Stephanie didn¡¯t fully grasp Matilda¡¯s motive for targeting Abigail, she devised a n. If Matilda believed her scheme had seeded, her true intentions would eventually be revealed.


    Hence, Stephanie, the caretaker, the real janitor, and La orchestrated a ruse to unearth Matilda¡¯s true objective.


    To their surprise, Matilda wanted Christina dead.


    Logically speaking, if Matilda wanted to avenge Florence, she would have gone after Stephanie.


    The fact that she was now focused on Christina was utterly perplexing.


    Given these strange circumstances, their only option was to turn the tables and bring Matilda to justice.


    La asked, ¡°Will this person call again?¡±


    Stephanie narrowed her eyes and replied, ¡°Definitely will. Now she¡¯s more afraid you won¡¯t agree to her demands.¡±


    É«

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    An hourter, Matilda changed to another phone number to call La, but no one answered. She dialed five times and didn¡¯t get through until the sixth Feeling exasperated, she questioned loudly, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering your phone? Do you want your mother to die sooner?¡±


    La pretended to be scared. ¡°My phone was on mute.¡±


    Matilda gritted her teeth angrily. ¡°I left a small blue box in the corner of the storeroom. There¡¯s half of the antidote in it. Give it to your mother, it can prolong her life.¡±


    La hurriedly did as instructed. Half an hourter, Matilda called again and asked about Abigail. After learning that Abigail¡¯s condition was indeed getting better, she began to manipte La. ¡°Eating only half the antidote will speed up the death process. In four hours, your mother will die. If you don¡¯t believe me, just wait and see her condition get worse soon. I have the remaining hall. If you want it, go to thestpartment of the women¡¯s restroom on the first floor right now. There¡¯s a transparent stic bag stuck inside the toilet tank with a ck pill in it. Make Christina eat the pill, and once I get the news of her death, I¡¯ll give you the antidote.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Before La could respond, the call was hung up. Matilda was utterly excited, feeling she could control other people¡¯s lives and deaths at will. She sent a message to Meganc (It was a sess. Wait for the good news.


    Megan replied: [Leave Jacaster immediately. Once you


    u arrive in another city, contact me. I¡¯ll transfer the money to you.]


    Matilda replied ¡°OK¡± but didn¡¯t do as Megan said. Instead, she went to the hospital in disguise because she wanted to witness the results of her control over people¡¯s lives. She felt a great sense of achievement after hearing that Christina was sent to the emergency room, and knowing that Christina wouldn¡¯t survive, she prepared to leave. What she said about giving La the other half of the antidote was naturally a lie, as she didn¡¯t have it at all. This was a trick the seller used when the antidote was provided to her.


    When she opened the elevator door, a group of men in police uniforms came out and pressed her down directly. Matilda didn¡¯t react for a moment, with her face rubbing against the floor. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±


    A policeman stated, ¡°You¡¯re suspected of poisoning Christina Fletcher. Now that the evidence is conclusive, we, the Jacaster police, will be arresting you.¡±


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t do anything! I¡¯m innocent!¡± shouted Matilda


    The police pulled her up and handcuffed her hands behind her back. Matilda¡¯s face twisted in rage. ¡°Let me go! You¡¯ve caught the wrong person!¡±


    Just then, she saw Stephanie and La in the crowd.


    ¡°B i t c h! It must be you! You framed me!¡± She rushed past them frantically but fell and knelt before Stephanie due to her hands getting handcuffed. ¡°B i t h, I raised you. Is this how you treat me?¡±


    Stephanie looked at her indifferently. ¡°The Hayes family raised me for 14 years, and Florence has enjoyed my glory. We¡¯re even now.¡±


    ¡°You still dare to mention Flore? If it weren¡¯t for you, how could Flore die? Why weren¡¯t you the one who died?¡± shouted Matilda.


    Looking at Matilda¡¯s angry and hateful eyes, Stephanie stepped forward and looked down at her. ¡°I really doubt whether I¡¯m actually your biological daughter.¡±


    Matilda winced, her mind buzzing momentarily. ¡°Of course you are! I really regret giving birth to you and not strangling you to death. Youpeted for Flore¡¯s nutrition when you were in my belly. Flore is in poor health, so you¡¯re born to pay debts!¡±


    Stephanie questioned, ¡°If you hate me this much, why didn¡¯t you kill me instead of going through all the trouble to kill Christina?¡±


    Matilda knew that no matter how she argued, it would be useless. Thinking that the police wouldn¡¯t arrest her if they didn¡¯t have certain evidence of the crime, sheughed. ¡°I can only target those around you because there are too many people protecting you. Christina is from the Fletcher family, so once she dies, there¡¯ll be a c r a c k in your rtionship with Vincent. Let¡¯s see how you can still be with him against your conscience.¡±


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun M.


    Chapter 154


    ? 82%


    Matilda¡¯s words made sense, which could exin her motive for murdering Christina. However, it was different from what Stephanie thought, and she guessed that something must have gone wrong with Christina¡¯s robot dog.


    ¡°Robot dog, Megan, Florence, Matilda¡­ she thought quickly about the connection between the names.


    She looked at Matilda abruptly. ¡°What¡¯s the connection between you a


    and her?¡±


    Matilda pursed her lips, not knowing who the ¡°her¡± Stephanie was talking about, but she had a vague feeling that something could no longer be hidden. She cursed inwardly, ¡°Damn it! I can¡¯t let this happen. Meg¡¯s life will get ruined if things get exposed!¡¯


    She stopped talking, but a n was brewing in her mind. Stephanie looked at her with narrowed eyes. seen, something she didn¡¯t have in her memory.


    Sensing something fishy, she went on tentatively, ¡°Are you protecting her?¡±


    Matilda stared at her fiercely. ¡°If I could have a chance to redo life, I would never let you live!¡±


    This was Matilda¡¯s quietest moment she had ever


    Stephanie had long been immune to her verbal abuse, and she felt even more that Matilda was suspicious. When the police escorted Matilda into the elevator, she whispered something to another police officer after handing over the evidence.


    The police nodded. ¡°Got it¡±


    The moment the elevator door closed, Matilda¡¯s resentful re was blocked out. Stephanie contacted Vincent and told him about Matilda¡¯s motive


    Vincent asked, ¡°Do you believe what she said?¡±


    ¡°Intuitively, I don¡¯t believe her,¡± replied Stephanie.


    Vincent stated, ¡°Then do what you think in your mind.¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°Do you know something?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± replied Vincent.


    He had never lied to her, so Stephanie trusted him deeply. She murmured, ¡°I just suspect that Megan controlled everything behind this to win you.¡±


    Vincent¡¯s hand holding the coffee cup shook, and the coffee almost spilled out.


    ¡°You see, Megan has fallen for you, so she called Christie out to make it look like she¡¯s being kidnapped and then called Florence to be her shield. The kidnapper killed Florence, and Megan then used Matilda to kill Christie, which is a perfectly closed loop.¡± Stephanie continued, exining, ¡°Although you¡¯re known to be disabled in public, your face is truly handsome, so it¡¯s possible that Megan fell for your face. Now that she knows you¡¯re not disabled, will she covet you even more? Once the seeds of desire are nted in her heart, her desire to obtain you will be more urgent, so will I encounter some danger again?¡±


    was correct. He smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Vincent was shocked by Stephanie¡¯s thought, but apart from the motive guessed differently, everything else was


    ¡°I trust you.¡± Stephanie looked at the time. It was already ten o¡¯clock at night. ¡°I¡¯m gonna give Christie and the others another checkup before going


    home.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± said Vincent.


    Stephanie then ended the call and went to the ICU


    Meanwhile, the police escorted Matilda out of the inpatient department¡¯s entrance. After struggling violently, Matilda rushed out to the road, trying to crash into cars. However, her hair was pulled instantly, which made her scalp numb, causing her to grit her teeth in pain.


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun


    Chapter 1541


    (82%ºÏ


    The police sneered. ¡°Thankfully Dr. Hayes told me you might do this, otherwise who knows what would happen. If you want to die, don¡¯t drag others in. Prepare for the legal punishment!¡±


    In the darkness, a woman with her body covered tightly watched the scene, her eyes looking fierce. ¡°This trash can¡¯t do anything right, just like Florence! Looks like only Horace is useful now.¡±

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    While giving Christina a checkup, Stephanie realized that her eyes reacted to light, feeling overjoyed that she was going to wake up soon. She held Christina¡¯s hand. ¡°Christie,e on! You can do it!¡±


    After that, she also checked in on Shonda and Abigail, expecting them to wake up in three days. She gave them acupuncture before leaving the hospital, and just as she left the inpatient department entrance, she saw a ck Bentley parked outside.


    Zane hurriedly opened the rear door, nodding slightly. ¡°Mrs. Fletcher¡±


    Stephanie was surprised because Vincent said he would wait for her at home, so she didn¡¯t expect him toe pick her up.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Quin,¡± she said smilingly.


    Zane nodded slightly. ¡°You¡¯re wee. It¡¯s my job, after all.¡±


    Stephanie got into the car and threw herself into Vincent¡¯s arms. ¡°Why did youe?


    ¡°To take you home,¡± said Vincent.


    Stephanie said, ¡°What a h s l e! I can just drive back myself¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°Wanna see you sooner.¡±


    Stephanie pinched his chin and kissed him. ¡°How long have you been waiting? Did youe right after we talked on the phone?¡±


    ¡°A little longer than that,¡± uttered Vincent.


    Stephanie smelled coffee. ¡°It¡¯s not the coffee freshly ground from thepany, Smells like the cappino from that new coffee shop.¡±


    Vincent grazed her nose. ¡°Your nose sure works pretty well¡±


    ¡°You came to wait for me right after work?¡± asked Stephanie.


    Vincent hummed softly. ¡°I had a video conference until around seven o¡¯clock beforeingAll content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    With the thought of Vincent waiting here for more than four hours, Stephanie felt happy but also somewhat guilty. ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡±


    Vincent uttered, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m willing to wait for you forever.¡±


    Stephanie smiled. ¡°Have you secretly learned to sweet talk behind my back?¡±


    ¡°I just said what I thought and expressed the true feelings from my heart. It¡¯s unfair to say I learned them.¡± Vincent smiled while rubbing Stephanie¡¯s fingers.


    Stephanie muttered, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. Maybe you¡¯ve read some.


    Vincent hummed softly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter as long as you¡¯re happy. Are you hungry?¡±


    Stephanie raised her eyebrows. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°What are you even thinking about?¡± Vincent poked her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m taking you to have some freshly baked cherry cakes.¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Cherry cakes? Are there any shops selling thiste?¡±


    82%1


    Chapter 155


    ¡°Of course. As long as you want to eat,¡± replied Vincent.


    Stephanie¡¯s tiredness for the day was gone, and she felt particrly at ease nesting in Vincent¡¯s arms.


    When they arrived at a pastry shop, they entered through the back door and into the kitchen. At this time, the shop had already closed, but since Vincent had a good rtionship with the owner, the door was left open for him. The owner, Peter Mitchell, was waiting there with various ingredients on th table. After the three greeted each other, Stephanie was slightly surprised. ¡°The owner is making the cakes for us?¡±


    This


    Vincent smiled and took off his coat. After rolling up the sleeves of his sweater, he went to the sink to wash his hands before wiping them dry. ¡°To be exact, Mr. Mitchell will instruct me to make the pastries.¡±


    Stephanie couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Since he¡¯s personally instructing you, you mustn¡¯t fail then!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you give me some encouragement?¡± asked Vincent.


    Stephanie whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a reward once we¡¯re home.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Vincent smiled charmingly


    Peter clicked his tongue lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to eat tomorrow. You¡¯re making me full with all your affection.¡±


    Vincent replied gently, ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t need to eat the day after tomorrow either.¡±


    Peter turned speechless.


    Under Peter¡¯s guidance, Vincent began to knead the dough and roll it repeatedly, ttening it and then rolling it again. Meanwhile, Stephanie recorded the whole process of Vincent making pastries.


    At nearly midnight, Peter received a call. Vincent asked smilingly, ¡°is it from your wife!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s from my daughter. She wants me to go home and put her to bed.¡± Peter looked at the oven. ¡°The timer has been set. The pastries will be ready in 20 minutes. I won¡¯t be staying here tonight.¡±


    Stephanie hurriedly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for dying you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just give my daughter some gifts when you two get married,¡± said Peter.


    Vincent raised his eyebrows ¡°That¡¯s a little shabby. The shop in South Port was already transferred in advance. I¡¯ll have Zane send agreement tomorrow.¡±


    you


    the transfer


    Peter nodded. ¡°Thank yo


    you. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    After he was gone, Vincent and Stephanie were left in the kitchen. Stephanie showed Vincent the video. ¡°Look how professional you are. If you don¡¯t wanna be a CEO anymore, you can be a pastry chef in the future.¡±


    Vincent stood behind her, his hands propping up against the table and trapping her in between. He put his chin on her shoulder, watching the video with her. However, the atmosphere slowly changed while they were watching, and when Stephanie looked sideways slightly, Vincent kissed her.


    The faint aroma of cherries from the oven filled the kitchen, and Stephanie felt the kiss was even sweet-scented. With a beeping sound from the oven, the two separated, leaving a thread of saliva connecting their lips. Stephanie pursed her lip with blurred eyes. ¡°The cherry cakes are ready.¡±


    Vincent hummed. ¡°I¡¯ll take them out.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Stephanie.


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun MD


    Chapter 155


    82%


    Vincent took out two trays of cherry cakes with gloves and put then on the counter for cooling. Stephanie looked at the cakes with great appetite and reached out to get one but ended up burning her hand,


    Vincent hurriedly checked her fingers and felt distressed when he saw them redden. ¡°I ask Zane to buy you some ointment.¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just finse them with cold water. Why are you so panicked?¡±


    Vincent took her to the sink and rinsed her hand with cold water, taking a long while before finally stopping. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    Stephanie twirled her fingers. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±


    Vincent sighed in relief. ¡°Don¡¯t move your hand. Let me feed you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think the cakes are hot?¡± asked Stephanie.


    Vincent said, ¡°I have thick skin.¡±


    Stephanie stared at his tender skin, which looked better than a woman¡¯s. She was careless just now, and she didn¡¯t want Vincent to get burned. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful from now on.¡±

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    After seeing Christina in the hospital ICU, Stephanie performed a series of tests on her and confirmed she could be transferred to the general ward Christina looked somewhat dazed when she woke up, which worried Frederick and Edith.


    Edith pulled Stephanie out of the ward and whispered, ¡°Stephie, why do I feel something is wrong with Christie?¡±


    ?


    Stephanie looked at Christina leaning against the bed through the small window on the ward door. ¡°Edith, Christie might have lost her memory. She can¡¯t remember what happened to her. Don¡¯t let her think about it for now.¡±


    ¡°Will she lose her memory forever?¡±Edith asked.


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t be sure of that, We have to wait and see.¡±


    Edith sighed softly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter even if she has lost her memory. The most important thing i


    g is that she is still alive and healthy.¡±


    Stephanie squeezed Edith¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Christie won¡¯t have any otherplications aside from amnesia.¡±


    Edith hold Stephanie¡¯s hand gratefully. ¡°Thank you, Stephie.¡±


    Stephanie held Edith¡¯s hand in return. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Edith. It was because of me that Christie ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. We¡¯re family. Let¡¯s go see Christie together.¡± After Edith said this, Stephanie nodded and followed her into the ward.


    Christina looked at Stephanie, her eyes full of strangeness and surprise. ¡°Uncle Vincent said you were his wife. I didn¡¯t expect Uncle Vincent¡¯s wife to be such a beautiful doctor!¡±


    Stephanie smiled faintly. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Stephanie.¡±


    Christina smiled. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Christina. You can call me Christie.¡±


    Stephanie nodded slightly. ¡°Okay, Christie.¡±


    Edith sat on the edge of the bed and asked, ¡°Christie, do you remember me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. You¡¯re Mom!¡± Christina took Edith¡¯s arm with a smile. ¡°Where are Dad and Olivia?¡±


    These words startled everyone present. Christina¡¯s memory stopped at the time befo


    before Olivia had pushed her down the stairs. This time span was long.


    Olivia was missing, and she was an extremely dangerous person. Therefore, Vincent directly told Christina how Olivia had pushed her down the stairs and drugged her, causing her to fall into aa for three years.


    Upon hearing what Vincent said, Christina fell silent and quickly racked her brain. She knew Vincent would not lie to her, but she couldn¡¯t remember anything. She frowned and felt a headache as she began thinking about things.


    Stephanie advised, ¡°Christie, all you need to do now is rest well. Don¡¯t try to recall what happened in the past. Just take it easy. Perhaps you will remember it someday.¡±


    Christina pursed her lips. ¡°What if I can¡¯t remember it?¡±


    Edith gently stroked her thin face. ¡°Your health is more important than anything else. I will tell you the parts that you don¡¯t remember.¡±


    Christina nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun MD


    Chapter 156


    Because Stephanie had told everyone after surgery that Christina had injured the hippocampus and would likely have amnesia, they had been prepared. They just hadn¡¯t expected Christina¡¯s memory to stop at 15 years old. Thus, there might be no way of knowing how Christina had been kidnapped at this point or even in the future, After all, the structure of the human head was soplicated that no one could guarantee anything.


    However, ording to Shonda¡¯s words, it could be inferred that this kidnapping case was likely rted to the robot dog. But the robot dog had never been found and might have been destroyed. The whole thing seemed to get stuck at this dead end, and all clues came to an abrupt halt with Christina¡¯s


    amnesia.


    Of course, a certain someone was relieved that Christina had lost her memory. After all, the person didn¡¯t have to worry about being exposed and losing everything for the time being. But there was still a certain risk. Christina was a great potential threat to the person. Christina might never remember anything, but once she did, it would be disastrous for the person. The person wanted to get rid of Christina, but now was not the right time. The person had to wait for the right opportunity and do it perfectly.


    A weekter, Christina, Shonda, and Abigail were discharged from the hospital one after another.


    At the same time, the trial for the film set explosion case and kidnapping case were also officiallymenced. Because the case involved the Fletcher family, the Jimenez family, the Hayes family, and the families of the casualties on the film set, the courtroom was full of people.


    Christina couldn¡¯t be a witness because of amnesia, but that didn¡¯t affect the verdict on the kidnapper Chandler. Stephanie, Madeline, Megan, and the crew on the film set all gave a detailed ount of the incident. Chandler confessed everything and did not appeal.


    Given the heinous nature of his crime and conclusive evidence, Chandler was sentenced to death with immediate execution and deprived of his civil rights for life. The family members of the casualties of the film set explosion could not control their long-suppressed emotions. They rushed over to surround Chandler and beat him up despite the police¡¯s obstruction


    After everyone was pulled away, Chandler was in a mess with a bruised face and bleeding mouth and nose. He looked in the direction of Megan with greedy eyes. He knew there would be no future for him and the woman he loved. This was hisst time protecting her. He didn¡¯t me her for using him in court. After all, she had given him her precious virginity, and he had no regrets.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    On the contrary, Megan avoided Chandler¡¯s eyes for fear that others would discover something. She had finally steered clear of the matter and couldn¡¯t let anyone catch her.


    Stephanie didn¡¯t miss Chandler¡¯s affectionate look. She turned to look at Megan, who had already left in her suede boots.


    Shonda nudged Christina¡¯s arm with her elbow and asked in a low voice, ¡°Christie, you and Megan used to have meals and coffee together. You even. made an appointment with her in a caf¨¦ before you were kidnapped. Why didn¡¯t you even say hello to her now?¡±


    Christina pursed her lips as she watched Megan disappear at the courtroom entrance. After losing her memory, she had no impression of Megan, but her family had told her something and asked her to stay away from Megan. Besides, she intuitively didn¡¯t like Megan after seeing her.


    At this time, a tall and handsome man walked toward Christina. Christina¡¯s heart beat wildly, and she eximed inwardly. This is my idol!¡± She had been paying attention to this talented young man since junior high school, so she hadn¡¯t forgotten him.


    ¡°Youngdy, is your robot dog okay?¡± Malcolm asked.


    Edith had told Christina all about her lost memory, so Christina knew the robot dog was most likely to be responsible for this disaster. But all this was just spection. She had no recollection of the robot dog, and had only found its packaging box and product manual in a drawer in her bedroom. She blinked. ¡°My robot dog disappeared after the incident.¡±


    Malcolm thought for a moment. is there anything important inside? I can help you recover it.¡±


    Christina was surprised. ¡°Recover? But my robot dog is gone!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Thest time I helped you recover it, I installed a new software i designed. This software works regardless of the product¡¯s location. As long as we know the serial number of the product, it can be recovered,¡± Malcolm exined.


    10:32 Wed, 5 Jun MD


    Chapter 156


    Coming over, Stephanie happened to hear this. She was surprised. ¡°I never knew it could be recovered like this


    82%


    Vincent frowned and added, ¡°This software is very simr to cloning technology. The memories of the original owner are transferred into a new carrier¡±


    Malcolm nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. But this technology is not allowed in the world, so I neverunched it. I tried it the other day when I was helping this youngdy with her robot dog


    I


    Vincent nodded and said. ¡°Then let Christie check the serial number back home. How long will it take to restore the content?¡±


    ¡°Four hours,¡± Malcolm answered.


    Christina took out her phone and asked, ¡°Can we add each other as friends? I¡¯ll send you the serial number,¡±


    Malcolm smiled gently. ¡°Of course.¡±


    This scene was seen by Megan, who had turned around to pick up her leather gloves left on the seat. She froze, thinking, ¡®No way!¡±

 Chapter 157

    <b>Chapter </b><b>157</b>


    Christina searched for the packaging box and manual for the robot dog the first thing she got home. When she took a picture of the serial number and was about <b>to </b><b>send </b>it to Malcolm, a <b>call </b>came from an unfamiliar number. Since her original phone had been smashed by the kidnappers, and all the contact information stored in it was lost, her newly bought phone only had a few people¡¯s numbers on it. She picked up the call and said hello,


    A gentle female voice sounded on the phone. ¡°Christie, this is Meg. Are you home?¡±


    Christina recognized Megan¡¯s voice but pretended otherwise. ¡°<b>Meg</b>?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Megan! We were close before. It seems you have forgotten me,¡± Megan said.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Christina hummed a response. ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t remember many people. What can I do for you, Meg?¡±


    Megan chuckled, ¡°Malcolm asked you to pass the packaging box and manual to me. I¡¯ll take them home.¡±


    Thinking of her family¡¯s suspicions about Megan, Christina naturally wouldn¡¯t trust her. ¡°Meg, I¡¯m so sorry, I can¡¯t find the packaging box or manual. It seems the housekeeper has thrown them away as trash.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Megan had doubts, but could do nothing about it<b>. </b><b>She </b>chuckled and replied, ¡°All right then. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal next time.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s contact each other again.¡± Christina hung up the phone with a chuckle, Then, she sent a message to Malcolm: [Mr. Jimenez, Megan just called me and said you asked her to pick up the packaging box and manual.]


    Malcolm frowned and replied: [ didn¡¯t ask her to get it.]


    Christina quickly typed: [So she was lying!]


    Malcolm pursed his lips and wrote: [Don¡¯t worry about her. Just take a picture of the serial number and send it to me.)


    Soon, a photo was sent over. Malcolm responded with an okay and fell into deep thought with a solemn look.


    In the Bentley, Matthew was driving, and Melvin was sitting in the passenger seat. Madeline and Malcolm sat in the back seat.


    Madeline nced at Malcolm. ¡°What¡¯s <b>wrong</b>?¡±


    Malcolm asked, ¡°Do you guys think Meg has any problems?¡±


    Matthew and Melvin locked at each other and remained silent.


    Madeline thought for <b>a </b>while and said, ¡°Maybe she doesn¡¯t like to be in contact with others after the surgery.¡±


    Malcolm didn¡¯t say anything else and just nodded slightly. <b>¡°</b>Indeed, it seems <b>so</b>.¡±


    At dinner, the Jimenez family sat together.


    Keh said, ¡°The reunion party <b>has </b>been dyed for so long. It¡¯s time to hold it. Matthew, I¡¯ll leave this to you


    Matthew nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandpa. I will also invite Granddad and Granny¡±


    Annabelle smiled and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Stephie saved Madeline. They <b>can </b>thank her for saving <b>their </b>granddaughter. Although <b>we </b><b>are </b>only adopting a goddaughter and <b>god</b>¨Cgranddaughter we have to make it a grand ceremony.¡±


    Annabelle looked <b>at </b>Selena and said, ¡°Selena,e with me to order two sets of clothes.¡±


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    Chapter 157


    Selena asked, ¡°Where would you like to order them?¡±


    Annabelle answered, ¡°Starlight Design Studio<b>, </b>of course. I¡¯ll increase Stephie¡¯s sales.¡±


    Madeline looked toward the absent¨Cminded Megan. ¡°Meg, why don¡¯t you go with them?¡±


    Megan forced a smile. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The family was thinking about what to prepare for the reunion party throughout dinner, while Megan kept observing Malcolm from time to time.


    Seeing that everyone was chatting enthusiastically without the intention to dismiss, Malcolm said he had something to do and went upstairs. As soon as he returned to the room, he began working on theputer.


    It would take four hours to restore the content, so Megan began to count the time after Malcolm went upstairs. She had to find the recording of her and Florence in the restored content, or everything would be over.


    She paced back and forth in the room and fellt utterly miserable in these four hours. As the estimated time approached, she made <b>a </b>call and uttered, ¡°it¡¯s time.¡± The other party replied, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Megan stood in front of the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, watching Malcolm rush to the garage. Once the car left the mansion, she hurried to the door and opened it slightly. Seeing no one around, she quickly went up to the third floor and snuck into Malcolm¡¯s room.


    Megan¡¯s heart beat wildly as she watched the progress bar on theputer screen reaching 98%. She bit her lip and nced at the door from time to time<b>, </b>fearing someone mighte in at this time. Finally, the progress <b>reached </b>100%, and all the content was restored to a file named ¡°DOG.¡±


    She opened the file and searched for the recording. She clicked on the recording for the birthday party, and what <b>was </b>ying was exactly the recording of her conversation with Florence. This recording was enough to make her lose everything.


    Overjoyed, Megan immediately deleted the recording She took a deep breath, set theputer to screensaver mode, and left quickly. What she didn¡¯t know was that a micro camera on the curtain rack <b>had </b>recorded everything.


    In the silver sports car outside the mansion, Malcolm¡¯s eyes darkened as he watched the surveince footage uploaded to his phone.


    Malcolm had received a call from his student earlier saying theboratory system had been hacked and asking him to go check it quickly. He had expected something to happen tonight, so he had installed a surveince camera before leaving


    He was reassured about theboratory system because he had spent 20 million dors to hire Hacker Yern to install a firewall, which was absolutely safe. After all, Yern was the world¡¯s number one hacker. He <b>just </b>wanted to see what was going on. As expected, Megan had sneaked into his room shortly after he had left. After <b>the </b>content had been restored, she had deleted a recording.


    ¡®Why did Megan go to great lengths to delete that recording? What secrets are hidden in it? Malcolm wondered. He narrowed his eyes and vaguely felt that something could no longer be concealed.


    An hourter, Malcolm returned home as usual. When he went upstairs, he met Megan, who headed downstairs to drink water.


    Malcolm, did you go out?¡± Megan <b>asked</b>.


    Malcolm smiled faintly. ¡°Yeah. A student called me just now and said there was a problem in theboratory. I just came back after solving it.¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°Then go to bed early.¡±


    Malcolm replied, ¡°Okay, you too.¡±


    As Malcolm walked past Megan, the smile on his face faded. He hurried upstairs to his room and locked the door behind him,


    10:32 Wed, 5 <b>Jun</b>


    Chapter 157


    82%


    He restored the recording that Megan had deleted and clicked on the y button. The voices of Florence and Megan came. Malcolm¡¯s pupils trembled violently, and he frowned. He was shocked and finally angry. He pursed his lips and listened to the recording ying over and over again.


    He couldn¡¯t believe there would be such an absurd thing. He closed his eyes and thought about one thing after another. Everything seemed to form a


    loop.


    Malcolm called Matthew and Melvin and asked them toe to his room. Soon, they arrived. Malcolm couldn¡¯t wait to y the recording for them, but they looked more angry than shocked.


    Seeing their reactions, Malcolm frowned. ¡°Aren¡¯t you shocked? Did you know something before?¡±


    Matthew cleared his throat. ¡°Melvin and I can exin it.¡±


    Malcolm¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°So you already knew? How long have you been hiding it from me? Why?¡±


    10:33 Wed, 5 Jun M.

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    Chapter 158


    se I was worried about being exposed due to your poor acting skills,¡± Matthew argued as he scratched his nose.


    ¡°Not long. Mostly because i v


    Malcolm snorted, ¡°My poor acting skills? What about Madeline? She won best actress!¡±


    Melvin said, ¡°If Madeline knows that Stephanie is our sister, no best actress can suppress that joy. She won¡¯t be able to hide the spark in her eyes.¡±


    Malcolm¡¯s mouth twitched and thought there was no way he could win the argument.


    Meanwhile, Matthew narrowed his eyes and said, ¡°After listening to this recording, we know that Megan has already reunited with the Hayes family. However, she¡¯s been keeping it a secret because she¡¯s worried about losing her position. Over the years, we¡¯ve been helping her find her family but failed. It turns out we couldn¡¯t find anything because they were prepared. That¡¯s also why we couldn¡¯t find Stephanie. Since Megan and Florence were sisters, Megan¡¯s kidnapping was fake. The truth should be that Megan and Florence kidnapped Christina together to force Stephanie out so that they could get rid of the two. Megan seems like a gentle soul, but she¡¯s heartless deep down. Although I don¡¯t want to judge people by their genes and trust that one could change based on their environment, the Hayes family truly seems rotten after what Megan did.¡±


    Melvin nodded and said, ¡°Who would switch a child if they¡¯re not? Stephanie had suffered immensely in the Hayes family. On the contrary, Megan had been spoiled with all the love of the Jimenez family since childhood. The reason Stephanie was still alive was probably only because her heart was a match with Florence¡¯s¡±


    Malcolm agreed, ¡°If Stephanie wasn¡¯t a match, chances are, she would¡¯ve been long gone.¡±


    The three of them were terrified at that thought. After all, Stephanie was their biological sister


    They were distressed to think of what had happened to Stephanie.


    At the same time, they also couldn¡¯t help but think Stephanie risked her life to save Madeline because of their blood ties.


    Malcolm narrowed his eyes and said, ¡°Judging from the recording, Florence is very passive. Megan has been controlling her, so Megan must have nned the kidnapping. The kidnapper must also be Megan¡¯s and not Florence¡¯s. Otherwise, why would the kidnapper hurt Florence? He was clearly protecting Megan.¡±All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Melvin nodded and chimed, ¡°If the kidnapper was Megan¡¯s, then she must have nned the explosion on the set too. She¡¯s so ruthless for the sake of protecting herself. To think she even killed her beloved sister.¡±


    Matthew pressed his tongue against his back teeth and said, ¡°Yeah! She did everything she could to achieve her goal.¡±


    Then, Malcolm asked, ¡°So what are you two going to do? When are you going to tell the truth?¡±


    Matthew chuckled and replied, ¡°We don¡¯t have to cover for her since she¡¯s so cruel Wouldn¡¯t it be better to expose her disgusting act publicly?¡±


    The three exchanged nces tacitly.


    ¡°Someone hacked into the school¡¯s systems tonight and distracted me. That¡¯s how Megan got into my room. Someone else is helping her. We need to find that out so that we can do a clean sweep,¡± said Malcolm.


    Meanwhile, thinking she had nothing to worry about, Megan dialed a number with another phone.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s settled. What¡¯s your condition?¡± asked Megan.


    The woman smiled and replied, ¡°Help me get Vincent¡±


    Megan frowned and asked, ¡°What?¡±


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    Chapter 158


    ¡°Are you refusing to help because you¡¯ve fallen for Vincent?¡± asked the woman.


    Megan denied, ¡°Of course not! What do you want me to do? I¡¯ll try my best to cooperate with you.¡±


    The woman replied, ¡°This is what you¡¯ll do.¡±


    Isaid, ¡°You want me to do it at the reunion party?¡±


    Megan pursed her lips after listening to the woman and said,


    ¡°That¡¯s the best time! I¡¯ve helped you, so of course you have to give back. Remember, we¡¯re in the same boat now. Don¡¯t think about dumping me after using me,¡± the woman said.


    Megan gritted her teeth and replied, ¡°Fine.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Megan¡¯s eyes turned red. ¡°How could this b i t c h covet Vincent? Despicable! I must think of a way to make Vincent mine,¡¯ she thought.


    On a quiet winter night, the phone on the bedside table vibrated. Vincent instantly opened his eyes, reached out for the phone, and ended the call.


    Vincent pulled his arm out from under Stephanie¡¯s pillow and got out of bed carefully. Then, he went to the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room and dialed back.


    It was Matthew.


    When Vincent heard about the recorded message, he was also shocked.


    Vincent never imagined that a secret kept hidden for 22 years was involved.


    Vincent asked, ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    Matthew told Vincent about his n.


    Looking at the dark night, Vincent replied, ¡°Do as you wish.¡±


    ¡°Someone is still helping Megan. You take care of Stephanie and Christina,¡± Matthew added.


    Vincent replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Then, Vincent stood by the window for a long ti


    time before he returned to his bedroom.


    Looking at Stephanie¡¯s delicate features, Vincent held her in his arms.


    The reason why Vincent and Matthew didn¡¯t tell the secret was that they didn¡¯t want to alert the adversary. After all, words could spread. If it were leaked, their efforts to expose Megan¡¯s horrible actions would be ruined. Secondly, they wanted to surprise Stephanie and the Jimenez family


    Vincent patted lightly on Stephanie¡¯s back, hoping that Stephanie would like the surprise.


    The next day, Stephanie arrived at Starlight Design Studio, yawning


    Julianna stopped Stephanie as soon as thetter got out of the elevator.


    Julianna held Stephanie¡¯s arm and walked toward the conference room, saying, ¡°The Jimenez family hase to ask you to design for them.¡±


    ¡°The Jimenez family?¡± asked Stephanie.


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    Chapter 158


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s for the reunion party. Mrs. Jimenez really adores you. Not only is she taking you as her grand-g o d d a u h t e r, but she¡¯s even asking you to design the outfit,¡± said Julianna.


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°Are we still charging then?¡±


    Julianna nced at Stephanie and replied, ¡°Why


    ¡°Why are you so annoying? Of course noll Do you even need to ask? Are you looking down on me?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you my partner? Half of the design fee is yours,¡± said Stephanie.


    Julianna held back herughter and said, ¡°Troublemaker¡±


    The two entered the design studioughing. Inside, Annabelle, Selena, Madeline, and Megan were sitting on the couch.


    Annabelle stood up immediately and stepped forward to hold Stephanie¡¯s hand. ¡°Stephie, we¡¯re here today to ask you to design gowns for us,¡± she said.


    Stephanie smiled and replied, ¡°Sure. You can tell me what style you like and what details you want. I will draw the designs and show them to you. We¡¯ll make them once you¡¯re happy with it.¡±


    Annabelle nodded and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll start then.¡±


    There were pens and paper in the conference room. Starting from Annabelle, everyone introduced their preferences and details. Stephanie noted down everything. Then, she drew a simple draft based on their description.


    Selena couldn¡¯t help but praise her, saying, ¡°Stephie is such a genius. You¡¯ve finished two designs per person in such a short time, not to mention they¡¯re in the styles we asked for. You¡¯re a world-renowned chief designer indeed.¡±


    Madeline nodded and chimed in, ¡°Stephie is very tallented. No matter which of her identities you¡¯re referring to, it¡¯s unattainable for most, even with a


    lifetime of hard work.¡±


    Megan also echoed, ¡°Stephie is a few days older than me. I¡¯ll have another sister after the reunion party. The thought of having an award-winning actress, a designer, and a skilled doctor as a sister makes me extremely happy.¡±


    Stephanie smiled and said, ¡°A doctor can only cure diseases, but not evil hearts. That often worries me.¡±


    Megan¡¯s smile froze as she said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Stephie. Good and evil always exist. It¡¯s beyond anyone¡¯s control.¡±


    Stephanie nadded slightly and replied, ¡°Indeed, but I believe in karma, just like that kidnapper who reaped what he sowed.¡±


    Madeline agreed. ¡°I think that Florence had it easy. She deserves a fair trial, considering how many people were killed and injured in the explosion! Fortunately, she was cremated. Otherwise, people might dig out her body if she was buried tosh out at her, Florence¡¯s mother was even more shameless. She even tried to hurt Christina as a way to break Stephie and Vincent up! Luckily, Stephie had cut ties with the Hayes family. I¡¯ve never seen such a biased family! They¡¯re just horrible. The whole family is rotten to the core!¡± she said.


    Selena sighed, ¡°Stephie, we¡¯re your family from now on.¡±


    Annabelle also nodded and said, ¡°Yes. Stephie will be the Jimenez family¡¯s little princess from now on.¡±


    Meanwhile, Megan was smiling, but she resented everyone in her heart. ¡®What am I now that Stephanie is a member of the Jimenez family?¡± she thought.


    At that moment, the urge to destroy Stephanie and get Vincent grew stronger in Megan¡¯s heart.

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    Chapter 159


    After seeing off the Jimenez family, it was already noon.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Stephanie followed Julianna back to her office. Together, they shared Crab Rangoon and milk tea that Julianna ordered.


    Sitting on the carpet beside the coffee table, they rolled up their sleeves and began to peel shrimp.


    As Julianna sucked her fingers, she said, ¡°The Jimenez family is so nice. Seems like they really like you. Stephie, I don¡¯t know how you survived your time at the Hayes manor. Honestly, are you sad about Florence¡¯s death and Matilda¡¯s imprisonment?¡±


    Stephanie¡¯s hands paused.


    She thought, ¡°Sad?¡±


    At the thought of her tragic death in the previous life and Vincent sacrificing for her, her heart was filled with hatred. How would she be sad?


    As for Matilda, Stephanie yearned for maternal affection from her, but much to her disappointment, she had never received it.


    Florence wanted Stephanie to die. There was no way Matilda and Horace wouldn¡¯t know about it.


    They just chose to turn a blind eye to it


    She would never feel sorry for the people who wanted her dead.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Stephanie replied as she put a peeled shrimp on Julianna¡¯s te. ¡°Julia, do you believe in past lives?¡±


    Julianna was taken aback by the question. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. We only get to live once. How can there be a chance to start over a new life?¡±


    Stephanie thought most people would think that way too. If she hadn¡¯t been through it, she wouldn¡¯t have believed it was possible.


    Smiling, she continued, ¡°If¡­ Hypothetically, if your family betrayed you and were responsible for your death in your previous life, and this, in turn, caused a man who loved you to sacrifice himself, will you forgive them in your next life?¡±


    Julianna scoffed, saying, ¡°Forgive them? I¡¯ll make sure to seek revenge on them! I¡¯ll make them pay for every bit of pain they inflicted on me. I don¡¯t care if they are rted to me. The moment they decide to betray me, they are no longer family. Even if it were my own mother, I wouldn¡¯t let her off! As for the man who sacrificed himself for me, I¡¯ll marry him and cherish him forever. We¡¯ll make a lot of babies together!¡±


    Stephanie could not help butugh at Julianna¡¯s angry expression.


    Julianna took a sip of the coffee and asked, ¡°Why do you ask this, Stephie?¡±


    Stephanie shrugged. ¡°Because I was reborn.¡±


    Julianna chuckled. ¡°If you say so, so am I.¡±


    Stephanie didn¡¯t exin further, so Julianna thought she was just joking.


    After the meal, Stephanie went back to her office and started designing gowns. After all, the reunion party was happening soon.


    Around eight o¡¯clock, Stephanie finally finished all the designs. Then, she sent the rough sketches to the group chat she had with Annabe, Selena, Madeline, and Megan.


    Seeing that everyone was satisfied, she texted the group: We will start tailoring and sewing tomorrow. After the gowns are done, I will send them to the


    10:33 Wed, 5 Jun MD.


    Chapter 159


    Jimenez residence for all of you to try on.]


    Then, she texted Vincent: [I¡¯m done here.]


    Vincent replied immediately: [I¡¯m waiting for you downstairs. The night sky is looking beautiful tonight.)


    Knowing that Vincent had arrived, Stephanie hurriedly packed her bag and walked out of the office in her brown knee-length boots. She was also wearing a pearly white cashmere coat and a red scarf that day.


    At that moment, there were still designers working overtime in Starlight Design Studio. Upon seeing Stephanie leave, they all greeted her


    Stephanie pointed at the refrigerator and said, ¡°I bought all kinds of desserts and juice for everyone. They are in the refrigerator. Help yourselves.¡±


    They replied, ¡°Thank you, Ms. Hayes!¡±


    Stephanie waved her hand as she left.


    As soon as she walked out of Starlight Design Studio, she saw a ck Maybach parked under the steps.


    Zane swiftly exited the car to open the back door


    Just as Stephanie walked over to the car with brisk steps, a figure suddenly darted out from behind the doorframe.


    The person was about to throw a ss container at Stephanie when Zane rushed forward and knocked him down.


    The ss container crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces and releasing a pungent odor into the air.


    At the same time, Vincent got out of the car and shielded Stephanie with his arms. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ring at the masked man who was pinned on the ground, Stephanie muttered coldly, ¡°Horace, is this your idea of taking revenge for your wife and your daughter?¡±


    Zane took off the man¡¯s hat and mask. The culprit was indeed Horace.


    Initially, Zane couldn¡¯tprehend why the Hayes family treated Stephanie like she was an enemy despite her remarkable qualities. It wasn¡¯t untilter that he discovered Stephanie had no connection to the Hayes family whatsoever.


    Pinned to the ground by Zane¡¯s knees, Horace bellowed, ¡°You jinx, Stephanie! If it weren¡¯t for you, Flore wouldn¡¯t have died, and Matilda wouldn¡¯t be in jail. It¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    Vincent¡¯s eyes, dark with hostility, bore into Horace. ¡°You brought this upon yourself. Who else is there to me?¡± Vincent said coldly.


    Horace shivered upon hearing that.


    Vincent let go of Stephanie and approached Horace slowly.


    Zane backed away from Horace and stepped aside to call the police.


    Vincent watched Horace turn over before stepping directly on his hand and crushing his fingers with his shoe.


    ¡°Do you intend to disfigure Stephanie and condemn her to a lifetime of suffering? How cruel can you be? There¡¯s no redemption for the likes of you and your family.¡±


    Horace let out a shrill scream, but Vincent didn¡¯t intend to spare him at all. He stomped hard on Horace¡¯s chest.


    10:33 Wed, 5 Jun MP


    Chapter 159


    Horace spat out a mouthful of blood. ¡°Your. Your leg¡­¡±


    ¡°Surprised that I¡¯m not a c r i p pl e, aren¡¯t you? if it weren¡¯t for some considerations, I would have taught you a lesson long ago. This is self-defense! You can rot in jail together with Matilda now!¡± Vincent bent down slightly and whispered. ¡°What do you think will happen to your other daughter?¡±


    Horace widened his eyes in horror. ¡°¡­I have no idea what you are talking about! One of my daughters is dead, and the other one is a jin


    Vincent kicked Horace in the chin, instantly knocking out a few of his teeth, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the satisfaction of sending all of your family to prison, wouldn¡¯t have let you live to see another day!¡±


    Horace had


    d never seen Vincent so violent before.


    it


    was as a


    as if Vincent knew something, which was what Horace feared most,


    After the police arrived, they took Horace away.


    Vincent and Stephanie went to the police station together to make a statement.


    The incident rmed some of the employees at Starlight Design Studio. They all witnessed Vincent teaching Horace a lesson.


    After the people involved in the incident left, the employees began gossiping among themselves.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Mr. Fletcher always in a wheelchair? Since when did he recover?¡±


    ¡°He was walking so smoothly just now. He must have recovered for a long time.¡±


    say that Mr. Fletcher¡¯s face is perfect despite his disability, but now that he¡¯s no longer disabled, isn¡¯t he even more perfect!¡±


    ¡°People used to say


    ¡°He must be at least six feet three inches tall. Oh my! Isn¡¯t he the perfect embodiment of a tall and handsome CEO that you see in the movies?¡±


    ¡°Okay, stop being so infatuated with him! Ms. Hayes is the only one who deserves this kind of man!*


    ¡°Whoever took photos or videos just now, do not upload them to the inte! If he chooses not to announce his recovery, he must think it¡¯s not the right time yet. Let¡¯s help keep it a secret!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Ms. Hayes is always so nice to us. We can¡¯t cause trouble for her!¡±


    Since the employees of Starlight Design Studio knew to mind their own business and not to bber about what had happened, news about Vincent¡¯s recovery didn¡¯t spread.


    After making a statement, Vincent left the police station with Stephanie.


    Vincent took Stephanie in his arms and said, ¡°I¡¯m here, and I will always be with you.¡±


    Stephanie looked up at him. ¡°Are you worried that i¡¯ll be sad?¡±


    Vincentpursed his thin lips and said nothing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Stephanie assured him. ¡°From the day cut ties with them, I won¡¯t feel sorry for them anymore.¡±


    Vincent nodded and stroked Stephanie¡¯s face. ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± he asked.


    Stephanie suggested, ¡°How about barbecue?¡±


    Vincent replied, ¡°Sure. We¡¯ll eat whatever you like.¡±


    10:33


    Wed, 5 Jun


    Chapter 159


    Vincent took her to a popr barbecue ce, but they didn¡¯t dine in there.


    Instead, Stephanie bought raw skewers and took Vincent to a mansion in the suburbs.


    The mansion was bought by Stephanie two years ago. Although she only stayed there a few times, she made sure it was regrly taken care of.


    After taking out a stove and setting it up in the yard, she started burning coal.


    At that time, Stephanie¡¯s phohe vibrated. It was a call from Julianna,


    +5


    As soon as she picked it up, Julianna¡¯s concerned voice came from the phone. ¡°Are you okay, Stephie? I just finished taking a bath when I saw someone in the group saying that you almost got into an acid attack. Is that true?¡±


    When Stephanie finished recounting the incident, Julianna almost exploded in anger. ¡°The Hayes are all jerks!¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m not angry anymore.¡±


    Julianna asked, ¡°Where are you now?¡±


    Stephanie replied, ¡°I¡¯m at the mansion at Starry Bay. Vincent and I are preparing skewers.¡±


    Julianna¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing that. ¡°Can I join you? I¡¯m feeling rather hungry now.¡±


    Stephanie agreed, ¡°Sure! You cane with Graham.¡±


    Julianna nced at the guest room. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go with him, Wait for me. I¡¯ll be there in half an hour. By the way, do you want me to get anything


    else?¡±


    Stephanie said, ¡°No, we¡¯re good.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± After drying her hair, Julianna hurriedly put on her clothes and prepared to go out. To her surprise, she saw Graham walking over just as she reached the door.


    Graham raised his eyebrows. ¡°Going out?¡±


    Julianna nodded.


    Graham spoke. ¡°I think we¡¯re headed to the same ce. You can drive us there.¡±


    Julianna was speechless by his entitlement.


    SEND GIFT

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    Chapter 160


    After Stephanie and Vincent put out the fire, they sat on the swing in the yard as they waited for Julianna and Graham.


    As Stephanie gazed up at the night sky, she grasped the rope firmly with both hands and began to gently propel herself on the swing.


    Stephanie spoke. ¡°When I was a kid, I always envied Florence. She had all the things I didn¡¯t have. I could only stand by and watch her count the rows of dolls she had. I didn¡¯t have my first doll until Grandpa came. The doll was rather ugly, but chose it because I didn¡¯t think anyone would like it. That night, Islept with the doll in my arms. We were like two lonely souls leaning on each other for warmth. The next day, I went to kindergarten while Florence stayed at home because she was ill. When I returned, Hound that the doll had one of her eyes buckled off, one of her legs broken, and her face painted with eye shadow, which made it even uglier.¡±


    The haze obscured Stephanie¡¯s face, but the helplessness and faint sadness she felt wasn¡¯t hard to discent.


    She looked at Vincent, who was sitting on the swing. It was weird to see him sitting on a swing because his legs were too long


    She asked, ¡°Can you guess who did it?¡±


    Vincent guessed, ¡°Florence?¡±


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°It was Matilda. She said I didn¡¯t deserve the doll, even if it was an ugly one. I didn¡¯t cry, but I couldn¡¯t understand why Florence and I were treated so differently when we were both her children. I thought maybe did something wrong that upset my mother. After that incident, I wouldn¡¯t ept anything that Grandpa wanted to buy me. I studied harder and tried to be better, but Matilda still gave me the cold shoulder. Even when I was the one who got good grades and not Florence, I was the one who was scolded.¡±


    Vincent felt a pang of sorrow as he listened to Stephanie recalling her childhood. She should have had a happy childhood, but it was ruined by the greed, selfishness, and shamelessness of the Hayes family.


    ¡°Do you still feel sad about it?¡± Vincent asked the same question as Julianna, All this time, they cautiously probed her feelings and avoided talking about- her family issues for fear of hurting her.


    Stephanie shook her head. ¡°No. As a matter of fact, I felt relieved that I was never loved by them. Regardless, I¡¯m happy with the world I live in right now. I get to see the sunrise and sunset every day. I have Starlight Design Studio, and I have you.¡±


    Vincent got up from the swing and came behind Stephanie. I¡¯ll be with you forever. Till death do us part.¡±


    Stephanie looked up at him. ¡°Okay¡±


    When Vincent looked at how brightly Stephanie was smiling, he couldn¡¯t help but lean over and kiss her.


    He asked, ¡°Do you want to go higher?¡±


    She agreed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    He said, ¡°Hold on tightly to the rope then. I¡¯m going to swing you.¡±


    Stephanie tightened her grip on the rope. She felt Vincent¡¯s broad palm resting reassuringly on her back as he propelled her toward the star-studded sky


    above.


    Sheughed out loud. It had been a long time since she felt so rxed.


    As Julianna and Graham entered the yard carrying the appetizers they had bought on the way, they spotted Vincent gently pushing Stephanie on swing


    Caught up in the joyous atmosphere, Julianna looked at Graham and said, ¡°I want to y like that too. Push me.¡±


    the


    Chapter 160


    ¡°Beg me, then.¡± Graham arched his brow.


    Julianna¡¯s mouth twitched. This man should be mute!¡± she thought.


    After letting out a snort, she thrust the food she was holding into Graham¡¯s arms before darting toward the swing and plopping down onto it.


    Graham sighed, thinking. ¡®She will never give in, will she?¡±


    He ced the items on the table, then walked behind Julianna and gave her a push.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    However, before Julianna could hold on to the rope, she lost her bnce and was pushed to the ground by Graham.


    She eximed, ¡°Ugh! Graham! What the hell?¡±


    Stephanie let out a snort. ¡°Sorry, Julia. It¡¯s kind of funny.¡±


    Julianna stood up and red at Graham. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to push me. I can do it myself. Go and grill the skewers!¡±


    Stephanie turned around and looked at Vincent. ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± she said.


    Vincent nodded, ¡°Okay, Graham and I are going to grill the skewers now. You guys have fun.¡±


    Stephanie nodded in agreement.


    The two men went to grill skewers, Meanwhile, Stephanie and Julianna continued ying on the swing together.


    The mansion boasted a s p a i o s courtyard, which was adorned with two tall, sturdy sycamore trees. The yard was lush with greenery in the


    summertime.


    During the house viewing, Julianna suggested cing a swing under the trees so they could y on it together.


    So, Stephanie bought the property.


    Stephanie looked at Julianna, who was still sulking. Holding back herughter, Stephanie said, ¡°He didn¡¯t push you on purpose.¡±


    ¡°He annoys me every time!¡± Julianna huffed.


    ¡°I thought you two had made progress since you went to Crescent Cove Ind after the game?¡± Stephanie asked with a smile.


    Julianna pursed her lips. They were on good terms during the holidays. She thought, ¡®When did it start to get worse?¡±


    It was a few d


    days after they returned. Graham had gone to a social gathering.


    That night, no one knew how much he had drunk. When he came back, he fell directly onto the couch without even taking off his shoes.


    Julianna mumbled to herself as she took off Graham¡¯s shoes and jacket. Then, she noticed a red lipstick mark on the cor of his shirt.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but she was very upset at that moment.


    She kicked the man hard and went back to her bedroom.


    However, she couldn¡¯t fall asleep. Later in the night, she left her bedroom and found Graham sleeping on the carpet.


    Although the room had floor heating, Julianna gouldn¡¯t bear to leave him there. She helped him up and brought him back to the bedroom.


    10:33 Wed, 5 Jun M


    Chapter 160


    82%


    She looked at his peaceful sleeping face, with his long, thick eyshes and prominent nase. Almost involuntarily, she reached out to caress his face. However, when she saw the lipstick mark again, a surge of anger welled up inside her.


    She ripped off his shirt and pinched his arm hard. Then, she stormed out of the bedroom and threw his shirt into the trash can.


    That night, she was so angry that she couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Despite acknowledging their fake marriage, the thought of Graham talking about turning it into a real rtionship made her see him as a massive hypocrite.


    As Stephanie observed Julianna¡¯s angry expression, she couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Julia, are you in love with Graham?¡±


    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Julianna raised her voice to disguise her feelings. ¡°There¡¯s no way I will fall in love with that kind of mant¡±


    Stephanie chuckled. She lifted her gaze to the night sky, where several stars t w i k e d brightly above.


    ¡°Julia, it doesn¡¯t matter who falls in love and admits it first. The most important thing is to be with the person you love. Life is short. Don¡¯t let go of him just because of some temporary argument or misunderstanding. It¡¯s unfair to either of you.¡± She looked at Julianna and uttered seriously, ¡°Julia, you are my best friend. I hope the best for you.¡±


    Julianna stared into Stephanie¡¯s sincere eyes and smiled. ¡°I, too, hope the best for you, Stephie.¡±


    Stephanie nodded. ¡°I believe that will happen for us.¡±


    Not far away, Vincent sprinkled seasoning on the meat while Graham grilled chicken wings beside him.


    ¡°Why are you acting so mysterioustely? Is something big going to happen?¡± Graham asked.


    Vincent nodded. ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with Joseph to the reunion party? Something interesting is going to happen.¡±


    Graham squinted slightly, sensing a hint of conspiracy from the way Vincent said it. ¡°Well, you know I love drama. I¡¯ll inform Joseph about it. He should


    be back soon. Since your problems are solved, you don¡¯t need to use a wheelchair anymore, do you?¡±


    Vincent lowered his gaze and chuckled. ¡°Yeah. Atst, I don¡¯t have to sit in a wheelchair anymore.¡±


    Grahammented, ¡°You sound like you¡¯re going to miss it.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Vincent nced at Stephanie as he said, ¡°I¡¯m just d that she is by my side on the day I can finally stand up.


    Graham flipped the chicken wings over and sighed, ¡°You¡¯ve made it, after all!¡±


    Vincent released a sigh, his gaze tenderly fixed upon Stephanie¡¯s face. ¡°Atst, I¡¯ve found my moon¡±


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