Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11: Horace Had Been Looking for You

"That's right, as a girl, sometimes when she is angry, she wouldn't just express it directly. She might try to do things that can attract men's attention. Is your wife suggesting a divorce because she is waiting for

you to console and coo her?"

Clarence immediately let out a cold laugh, "Not a chance."

Didn't Stella know of her own worth? How could she have such unrealistic thoughts like that?

Nathan said, "Mar. Conrad, I don't think the young lady is someone who only sees value in money. When her father was making a scene at the Conrads today, the young lady has said that the money always belongs to you, and it is unrelated to her. And she even suffered a slap for it."

Clarence's brows couldn't help forming wrinkles, "She has been hit?"

Yes, and it was quite a serious one. A visible mark was left on her face.

After a few seconds, Clarence then said, "Go and find out how much that man has owed. Reimburse the leftover amount, and make sure he never appears in front of me again."

When the hands of the clock pointed to ten minutes past three, Clarence announced, "I'm going back to the company."

In the bedroom.

Clarence's gaze fell on the most conspicuous blue-and-white striped shirt hanging in the room, and his thoughts were thrown into disarray. If Stella continued to be unruly this time after returning from Belgium, he would blast both her and this shirt out of the room.

The press conference of SG Jewellery Magazine was imminent, and Stella was adjusting the length of the necklace for models at the backstage.

Stanford came in and said, "Sharon, there are many famous designers and big shots of the business industry out there. Your design will shine brightly on stage later, and by then many would have learned of your name."

Stella smiled briefly, "The honour belongs to SG Jewellery Magazine. I am just a catalyst."

She was merely stating the truth. Without the support of such a flashy coat like SG Jewellery Magazine, nobody would have even peeked at the work of such a no-name designer.

Sherry came in too at the moment and she overheard them, "Sharon, don't be too humble. This is our shared honour. Am I right, Mr. Leif?"

Stanford nodded with a smile, "You're right. We are two half of the same coin."

When Stanford left, Sherry pulled Stella over and whispered, "Sharon, I'm telling you something, but you have to be prepared." "What?"

I saw Horace just now.

With a clattering sound, the hair pin which was supposed to be used on a model was dropped from Stella's hand.

Sherry hurriedly picked it up, "In fact, Horace has been looking for you. In order to attract attention and clout, SG Jewellery Magazine has been advertising about the fact you have gone missing three years ago after winning the newcomers designer award, and you are now making a strong comeback with new works. Therefore, it is not a difficult thing for him to find that you are here."

Stella only came back to her senses after some time, but she didn't know what to say in return.

Sherry patted her shoulders and consoled her, "Nothing's going to happen. You don't have to worry. Just go with the flow. Anyway, you're divorced now, and who said that you can't start a new life?" "It's not that... I am thinking about the interviews surrounding the Puppy ' Series."

The term puppy love was a word that brought forth beautiful imagination but it was also a sensitive term.

Previously, she had told the magazine that they could interview her about the inspiration behind the work, but they shouldn't relate it to her own Puppy experience.

Once they crossed the line on this matter, those who were dragged into the story would have appeared awkward.

Putting aside the fact that she had gone through a divorce, if she were to happen to read this interview that Horace had a girlfriend now, she would have been frustrated.

Sherry hit her own head and exclaimed, "Oh right, I need to talk to the media about this. We must prevent that from happening at all costs. With me helping you, you have nothing to worry about!"

In the subsequent preparation, Stella looked a little absent-minded.

At the scene of the press conference, Stanford's words were proven as there were many affluent people from the business industry thronging the area.

This included Vincent and Clarence who had just returned from a business trip from Belgium.

When Stanford laid eyes on Clarence, he was a little perplexed. He couldn't understand the reason this bloke had to be here.

Vincent explained with a smile, "Mr. Leif, aren't you guys trying to debut the Puppy ' Series this time? Here is an exclusive news. I learned that they would be marvellous in design. Mr. Conrad wants to buy it for his wife."

Stanford laughed dryly as he was ready to announce that the items on display today were not for sale. However, he swallowed back his words.

It wasn't wise for him to offend the Conrads, which was the biggest cash cow here.

By the time the press conference had ended, if Clarence really wanted one of the items there, it was not like there wasn't room for discussion with the designer.

Then, I implore you guys to wait for a little more, Mr. James, Mr. Conrad. The show is about to start.

Vincent nodded, "Continue with what you are doing."

When Stanford left, Vincent turned around and asked, "You don't love your wife, do you? Aren't you afraid that she would misunderstand if you gift the titled "Puppy "?" Clarence answered casually, "If she misunderstands, that means she is thinking too much. I am simply buying something on a whim.

He really tried to sound very convincing.

After alighting from the plane, he came straight to the venue of press conference without even going home. If he was casual, then why not buying a rocket at the same time? When Vincent was about to say something, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure coming through the door, "Isn't that Annie? Since when did she come back to the country?" Clarence peeked in that direction and simply replied, "I don't know."

In comparison to Clarence's disinterest, Vincent found himself getting curious about Annie. The usually unreasonable and hard-headed Annie was now practically sticking to a man. She looked like she was sucking up to him.

After just a short a moment, Annie saw then too. She dragged the man beside her over to introduce him to them, "Clarence, Vincent, you guys are here too?"

Clarence gave a faint reply, "We have business here."

Vincent greeted Annie with a smile, "Annie, it's been a while."

Vincent, long time no see. Annie returned his greeting with her arms around the man's arm, "Right, allow me to introduce to you. This man here is Horace whom I have gotten to known when I was studying overseas."

Horace removed his arm from her grip and extended towards Vincent, "I'm Horace Jason."

Vincent accepted his handshake, "Hey, we have met before right? At Mr. Jason's birthday bash. I heard from him that you have gone overseas three years ago. Did you just return?"

Horace nodded before turning his attention to Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, it's an honour to make your acquaintance."

Clarence reached out and briefly shook Horace's hand but he didn't seem like he wanted to engage in this conversation.

For some reason, the moment he laid eyes on Horace, he suddenly felt an unfounded animosity towards him.

Annie found this chance to interject happily, "So you guys know each other? Horace is..."

Before Annie could finish her words, all the lights went off in the exhibition hall.

The host announced, "My distinguished guests please return to your seats. The press conference is going to start soon."

Annie saw that there were still empty seats in front of Clarence so she dragged Horace over, "Horace, let's sit there."

Horace was here to look for someone, so he didn't want to endlessly get stuck to her, "I have something else to attend to today. You should take a seat."

After saying that, he sat down on a chair which was a little far away from Annie.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 12: She Was Confessing Her to Me

He didn't expect Annie to follow him, "Horace, you shouldn't leave me alone. I will make sure not to bother you." Horace allowed a frown to set in to show his helplessness, but he didn't have anything he could refute her.

At the moment, a silence descended on the scene, and everyone had settled into their seats. He found it unsuitable to stand up again, so he could only allow things to be that way.

Annie had seen everything that unfolded between them, and she scoffed, "I can't believe that Annie has this obedient side to her, but I have always been curious about the reason she had ran off to another country without warning. She only came back after so long."

Clarence replied, "Ask her by yourself."

I just want to show my concern.

I don't know the reason behind her actions.

When Annie had gone overseas, he was on a business trip in the United Kingdom. When he got back, she was no longer in the country.

There was no reason for him to pry into this since it had nothing to do with him.

Very soon, the press conference started, and the founder of SG Jewellery Magazine took the stage and gave a speech about the beginnings of their company and then he was followed by Stanford who gave a speech about their future development directions. He also stated that the three renditions of the "Puppy ' Series" was only the beginning of a line of products that would feature more designs. New line of products would be created too.

After that, models started to catwalk to display the items.

Annie said, "Horace, this series is really nice. I really want it."

Horace wasn't paying any attention to her at all. Besides eyeing the items worn by the models, he also sneaked glances in the direction of the backstage.

The SG Jewellery Magazine had announced that the designer of this line of products would make an appearance today.

On the other side, Vincent commented, "Sharon is indeed the real deal. Her work is pure art and inspiration. All of items would capture the heart of any female. I can even feel an honest and sweet ambience that only belonged to someone basking in his or her Puppy here."

Clarence didn't seem to register his words. His eyes were fixed on the necklaces worn by the models.

He was thinking that Stella would look fine wearing those necklaces.

Nobody would be more suitable than her in wearing those necklaces.

Clarence's gaze fell upon the ring on the model's finger. If Stella knew how to hold back and be obedient, it was not a far-fetched idea to gift her ring too.

After all the models had completed their catwalk, he host introduced, "Let us welcome the designer of this "Puppy ' Series" from SG Jewellery Magazine, Sharon, with a huge round of applause." After a round of applause, a silhouette slowly appeared to the front of the stage.

Hello everyone, my name is Sharon. I am a contract designer working for SG Jewellery Magazine.

Vincent was completely shell-shocked, "My God, isn't that your wife?"

Clarence's brows were knitted as he just stared at the stage. He didn't say anything in response.

Under the lead of the host, Sharon started to share about the philosophy and creation behind this line of products.

The host asked, "As everyone knows, the main target audience of this "Puppy ' Series" is the youngsters. Then, in your eyes, Miss Sharon, how does Puppy feel to you? Or do you have any wonderful memories about it?"

Stella was in a daze at the moment with her gaze wandering, and she only came back to reality after being reminded by the host, "In my opinion, Puppy feels bittersweet, and sometimes when the memories resurface, it feels like a wine that has been preserved for a long time. Tasting it when it is more refined gives you a completely different sensation. I am of the opinion that the memories of Puppy should be well kept at the bottom of the heart. It feels the most wonderful."

Clarence who was silent all the time suddenly felt himself calming down. He said with certainty, "She is showing her love to me."

Vincent didn't understand what he was talking about.

Clarence sounded enthusiastic out of nowhere as he kindly explained, "Besides me, I don't think she has another Puppy ." "She is really... making a scene out of it."

Clarence lifted the corner of his lips as he watched the stage with interest.

It seemed like she was still a sensible and understanding person since she was able to come up with such a method to flatter him.

At the moment, a member of the media asked following their topic of discussion, "Then, Miss Sharon, when is your Puppy ?" This time, Stella only answered after a period of hesitation, "My university days."

Clarence was speechless this time.

Vincent didn't say anything either but he was exclaiming in his heart.

Another reporter asked, "Miss Sharon, since you still hold on to his memories after so long, I reckon he must be someone very outstanding?"

Sherry was shooting stern glances from the audience seats, and the host finally understood that he had to save Stella out of this awkward situation, "This concerns Miss Sharon's private matter, so I implore you not to pry any further. Please aim your questions at matters surrounding the jewellery itself."

After being steered clear of the previous topic by the host, everyone finally shifted their focus from Stella's Puppy to the press conference itself.

Among the audience, Annie was gritting her teeth vehemently, "How can it be her? This woman is so despicable. She has married my cousin, yet she is reminiscing about her Puppy !" When Horace heard that, he immediately spun around and asked, "What did you say?"

Horace, she is the one I have told you before. She was the one who forced a marriage with my cousin by faking her pregnancy. Don't get fooled by her appearance, because she is actually a very scheming woman. Even my cousin has been toyed with in her hands.

At one corner, the man who was the subject of deception had a chilly expression on his face. His lips were tensed, indicating that he was now suppressing his anger.

By Clarence's side, Vincent had been trying to not laugh out loud.

Just a moment before, Clarence had just blatantly announced, "She is confessing her love to me."

And the next second, his wife gave him a cold slap on his face mercilessly. He finally knew what it was like to be given a slap by reality in the face.

The press conference finally came to a conclusion after some time, and the lighting around the audience seats lit up to indicate that. Two figures stood up almost simultaneously.

Stella walked to the backstage with a pent-up feeling in her chest. Her stomach felt a little uncomfortable too.

She felt like vomiting.

When she had just taken a sip of water, Sherry came over in a hurry, "Sharon, this press conference is a huge success. The pre-sales volume is spiking crazily. And the sales volume of those three designs has just broken the one hundred thousand. It has only been a short while."

Stella heaved a sigh of relief. The outcome was very favourable.

Stella asked, "Is Horace still here?"

The lighting cast on the audience seats was quite dim. She couldn't make out anything at all.

I don't know about that, but I didn't see him just now. However, I don't think he will leave just like that. He usually will come looking for me at the backstage...

Just as Sherry had just finished her sentence, a long and slender figure appeared at the door.

Clarence had an unfriendly expression on his face, as if his whole body was shrouded in something chilly.

Stella and Sherry stared at each other with an inquisitive glance. They were wondering the reason he had appeared in this place.

After a few seconds, Sherry noticed that the surrounding temperature suddenly seemed to take a dive. She could even feel her teeth chatter, "I... Stella, I will wait for you at the door. You guys can have a good talk."

After saying that, she fled immediately.

At that time, only the two of them were in the dressing room.

Clarence's gaze fell on a few renditions of the jewellery on the table, and he strode towards Stella and asked, "Don't you think that you should give me an explanation?"

Stella couldn't comprehend the source of his menacing aura. As she watched him getting closer, she couldn't help taking a few steps back. Her back was pressed against the edge of a table, "What... What kind of explanation?"

Clarence stopped short in front of him, and then he picked up one of the necklace behind her and gazed at her dangerously, "What do you think?"☐☐☐

Chapter 13: Are You the Number One Protected Animal of This Country?

Stella thought that he was referring to her contract with SG Jewellery Magazine, so she replied, "As you can see, this is my profession anyway. Can't I resume my career?" He bellowed, "I am not asking about this."

Stella was perplexed, "Then, what do you want to ask about?"

I am talking about...

Clarence began his barrage but Stella suddenly felt nauseated. She covered her mouth quickly but she couldn't stop herself from making a vomiting sound.

Stella reached out and pushed him slightly, and she said with difficulty, "Mr. Conrad, I hope that you can leave me alone for now. I feel a little distraught."

Clarence gazed at her with cold eyes, "You're keeping up your act, I see."

Don't ever think that he couldn't see through that she was trying to get this over with as quickly as possible.

I didn't think you would see through me. Mr. Conrad, what do you want to ask about? If it's nothing important, I need to go to the toilet.

Ever since a few days ago, her symptoms of morning sickness had grown severe. She had the urge to vomit for some time before, and now she was really going to vomit.

Clarence clasped her wrist and said in an emotionless voice, "What is the deal with your Puppy ?"

Stella was stunned a little. She never expected that he would ask about this.

It's just... my Puppy . Stella replied while swinging her head up at him. She then seriously said, "Mr. Conrad, I hope you are not going to find fault with me about this matter. Don't you think that it would be just plain funny to talk about this, given our relationship?"

Clarence knitted h is brows and increased his grip on her wrist, "What is our relationship now?"

We are just waiting for notice to divorce.

Stella, you better don't challenge my bottom line.

Stella couldn't understand him. She was just waiting for him to have time to get this divorce going without making any troubles. She had been very reasonable, so she didn't understand how she was made out to be challenging him.

The discomfort rushed up once again. However, Clarence was stubbornly grabbing her wrist without letting go.

In the nick of time, Stella quickly grabbed a rubbish bin and bent over to vomit.

Although Clarence was quick to retrieve his hand, his sleeve couldn't escape the fate of getting stained with a little of her vomiting stuff.

Clarence immediately became upset as he gnashed his teeth, "Stella!"

After Stella finished vomiting, she took in some water to cleanse her mouth before smiling at him apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I can't hold it in."

Clarence removed his coat and put it to one side, and then he opened the window to allow the breeze to carry away the faint scent of vomit.

Mr. Conrad, if you really don't have anything else to talk about, I really need to go. Or perhaps... if you have time today to get the divorce proceedings going, I will inform Sherry about it so that I can go with you after finishing up some work in the company.

Clarence turned around and looked at her with a deadpan expression. It seemed that his face had become even colder.

Stella didn't know what to say.

Couldn't he wait for her given that it was going to only take a few minutes?

At that moment, someone knocked on the door, and Sherry called out, "Stella, are you done talking? Mr. Leif is looking for you."

Stella replied, "I'm done. I'm coming now."

Then, she added to Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, I need to go out for a while. Please wait for me outside."

After emerging from the dressing room, Sherry pulled Stella's hands and wanted to break into a run, but as she recalled the baby in her stomach, she could only scurry along instead of running. Stella asked, "Where is Mr. Leif? Didn't you say that he is looking for me now?"

That is all a line. Mr. Leif is busy chatting with those affluent people. If without any excuse, how can I save you from that devilish man?

She was right about that.

When she reached the door, she heard a voice from somewhere nearby, "Stella."

Stella and Sherry both stopped in their tracks.

They couldn't avoid what was going to hit them anyway.

At the entrance of the hotel, the two of them didn't say anything for a long time. In the end, Horace couldn't help breaking the ice, "Stella, how are you... recently?"

Stella pursed her lips and answered, "I'm doing quite well."

I have been back for half a month, and I have been looking for you. Everyone said they didn't know your whereabouts.

Stella didn't say anything to that. Three years ago, not only he had cut off her ties with Horace, she also cut off her ties with all of her classmates.

She didn't want her embarrassing stories to spread among those whom she knew.

She was still a human after all, and even though it was laughable, she wanted to preserve her last remaining sense of dignity.

After some time, Stella put on a smile, "Then, will you be gone once again after coming back this time?"

Horace stared at her and shook her head, "Stella, I..."

Horace!

Annie shot out of nowhere all of a sudden, and she was now in between them.

Stella didn't expect her sudden intrusion, which caused her to stagger backwards. Luckily, there was a wall behind her, which allowed her to steady herself in the nick of time. She tried to calm her furiously beating heart now, "Annie!"

Annie turned her head and glared at her, "Stella, do you think that you are so great with that loud voice of yours? My cousin is just inside there, but you are here seducing other man. Aren't you feeling shameful?" Stella's already pale face became even paler, and her blood from her leg to her head seemed to freeze.

She never intended to hide the fact that she was married from Horace, but she never expected that this fact would come out into the light by way of Annie's exposure.

Horace who was always composed was visibly shaken. He flung Annie's hand to one side and howled, "Annie, what the hell are you doing here?"

Annie never expected Horace to roar at her, which caused her eyes to redden. She then said with a feeling of wrongfulness, "Horace, I'm doing is for your own good. You can ask for yourself what type of methods this woman had used in order to marry my cousin! Do you think she would admit to it?"

Stella interjected calmly, "There's nothing I wouldn't admit, but Annie, let me give you a warning. If you don't even know how to walk in a straight line, I don't mind teaching you just that."

At the moment, Annie was very heated due to jealously, and there wasn't any trace of sensibility left in her mind. She had never seen Horace saying anything so gently to herself, and at the same time the one at the receiving end of Horace's kindness was none other than Stella!

Why, do you think you are the number one animal protected by the country? You can't get offended or being talked to?

As she said that, Annie was about to push Stella, but she was stopped by Horace.

Annie, enough is enough.

Horace, how long has it been since you know her? It's not long, right? Yet, you choose to believe her rather than me...

I have known Stella since three years ago. I don't need to learn from you how she is as a person.

Annie widened her eyes in disbelief, "You guys..."

Is that so? Tell me, in the eyes of Mr. Jason, how is Stella as a person?

A voice devoid of any warmth sounded from behind. It was a cold and mechanical voice.

Stella shut her eyes in despair. What kind of pandemonium was this?

Seeing that Clarence had stepped into the fray, Annie finally tried to keep her behaviour from going out of control, and at the same time she felt that a backer had appeared. She was even more outlandish, "Clarence, you should hold the reins on Stella. She has become unbelievably shameless now."

Clarence's emotionless gaze swept over Stella.

Horace positioned himself in front of Stella the moment Clarence started to glare at her.

Clarence couldn't help snickering, "Mr. Jason, just what do you think you are doing?"

Horace couldn't come up with any answer to Clarence's probing.

He still couldn't pull himself out of the disbelief feeling that Stella was already a married woman, and her partner was none other than Clarence.☐☐☐

Chapter 14: Didn’t You Reject That Proposition?

Stella reached out and gently shoved Horace to aside. She started to explain after laughing dryly, "Nothing is going on here. He is an old friend of mine, and we are just shooting the breeze. If there's nothing concerning me here, I think I should make a break for it."

Stella was only able to take a few steps before her wrist was grabbed by someone.

She was very reactive as she immediately feigned vomiting.

That hand immediately retrieved itself.

Stella had escaped in an unbelievably fast speed.

In the car, Sherry was enjoying music with her eyes closed, and suddenly the car door was opened, "That didn't take very long! I thought you guys are going to go at it for a while."

Stella said tiredly, "Don't mention it. Annie is his acquaintance too, and Clarence came to the scene too. Luckily, I am able to flee in the nick of time, or else I think my life would end there." Sherry frowned deeply, "Annie? Are you talking about that Annie..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Stella nodded to affirm that she understood Sherry's unspoken words.

When that incident happened, didn't she run to another country first thing first? I can't believe that she has the guts to come back here. Aren't she afraid of karma?

Stella made a vomiting gesture at this point, and she quickly produced a plum and swallowed it, "Sherry, let's go to the hospital."

Have you... thought about this thoroughly?

After doing a check-up for Stella, he announced, "Your vitals are fine. You are having such intense morning sickness because of your own health. You should eat healthier and also walk around more, that would help ease your condition."

Stella nodded, and then doctor continued, "Nothing else is wrong. You can come for a pregnancy check-up and update your profile when twelve weeks are up.”

I got it. Thank you.

After exiting the doctor's office, Sherry hurried over and asked, "Stella, what's the verdict?"

The doctor said that everything is fine with me.

Sherry heaved a sigh of relief, and all of a sudden she realized that she wasn't asking about that. However, seeing that Stella didn't look like she was in great health, she didn't probe further, "Then, let's get back."

While they were on the way back, Sherry received a call from the magazine that informed her of the news of the sales volume reaching the millionth mark. The caller said that Mr. Leif had declared that Stella would be the central attraction at the celebration party later on at night. He was asking about her whereabouts now.

Sherry replied, "She is feeling a little unwell, so I have sent her home. Pass on the word to Mr. Leif that we are not going to the celebration party anymore." After hanging up the phone, Sherry turned her attention to Stella, "Stella, are you alright?"

Stella was leaning against the car window in deep thought, but she couldn't be seen through. She only responded after a while, "I want to have this child." When she was lying in the hospital bed earlier on, she saw a pea-sized object being displayed on the monitor. A strange feeling enveloped her heart.

It felt like that child from three years ago had returned to her side.

How could she have the heart to kill him off again this time?

Sherry replied cheerfully, "That's fine, you can give birth to him and we will raise him together. By the time you remarry, we will let that bastard's child call other man his father. That would definitely rile him up!” Stella's pale face produced a smile finally, "That's right, every time I think about that bastard's face if that happens, I would feel strangely elated."

When she decided to have this child, her first instinct told her that she couldn't disclose this decision to Clarence.

At least, she wouldn't say anything for now.

Although their marriage was one marred by complications, she still hoped that they could settle things cleanly when they parted ways.

When the car arrived at downstairs, Stella's phone rang. She caught a glimpse of an unfamiliar number before answering, "Hello, may I know who you are?"

Stella, it's me.

Stella held her phone in silence.

Horace continued, “Everything happened so fast just now and I didn't have the chance to tell you anything yet. Can we meet up?"

Horace Jason. Stella called out his name, "What Annie said just now was all real. I was really married, and I indeed used some methods to marry into the Conrad family."

Stella, I know that's not who you are. I won't believe a single word Annie has said, and I don't care that you have married Clarence. I just want to know, what happened three years ago? Why did you refuse the chance to further study in Paris? I thought we had an agreement.

Stella simply answered, "What happened three years ago is in the past now. Let's change topic."

Does that mean... that everything about us has changed too?

I am married now.

I know that there is no love in your relationship with Clarence. Stella, I will wait for you.

At this moment, Stella suddenly felt her phone burning up in her palms. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she was only able to produce a response after a while, "Don't wait for me. I am not worthy." With that as her last sentence, she hung up the phone without hesitation.

Horace was like a ray of light that shone into an empty space called her life. He was loyal, outstanding, dazzling, and he would always light up the fire of hope in her every time she was facing despair. Perhaps, she was befuddled with such a beautiful illusion that sometimes she even thought that she could be together with him.

The Jason family stood head to head to the Conrad family, with the both of them in the noble families ranking. How could someone from that family accept someone with her background? What happened three years ago not only snatch away her dream, it was a dream she had entwined herself in for a long time.

This was the first time SG Jewellery Magazine had debuted their own brand, and their launch into the jewellery industry was a commercial success.

All the critics showered them with praises.

Therefore, not only were those critics marvelled by this strategic move by SG Jewellery Magazine, they were also engaged in discussion about the lead designer this time, Sharon.

When she won the newcomers designer awards three years ago, the people in the industry started to take notice of this young and aloof designer.

This time, with the launch of the "Puppy ' Series" by the SG Jewellery Magazine, she was once again put in the spotlight in the designing world.

Her comeback this time was a major success. It was a beautiful move.

However, what everyone had been speculating about was her whereabouts in the past three years.

As the outsiders tried to come up with all kinds of speculations, in the Twilight Club, Vincent was sitting on a sofa and fidgeting with his phone with a satisfied expression on his face.

Take a look at them. They are spreading such rumours as if they are real. Check out this one, it's too outrageous. Someone accused her of getting pampered and provided for by a rich businessman after her reputation spread, and they have made her out to be a mistress in the past three years. She was discovered by the businessman's wife and had been shunned by her after a beating. They thought that she came back to the scene because she lost her only source of income, which was the rich businessman.

On his side, Clarence was sipping alcohol under the shine of a dim light. He didn't say a word as his jawline protruded with sharpness.

At that moment, someone asked, "Mr. Jason, Mr. Conrad, do you want to have a go at games?"

Vincent looked up from his phone and smiled, "You guys can go ahead. Mr. Conrad just came back from a business trip and I'm sure he is tired. I will accompany him for a while."

He was immersing himself in the playfulness of those rumours as he enjoyed being an onlooker. He wouldn't be in any mood to play some mere games.

These baseless assumptions were able to easily keep him entertained.

After some time, Clarence suddenly spoke, "You told me before that she has requested the organizer of the competition to cash out her scholarship money?" "That's right. Didn't you reject that proposition?"

Clarence didn't say anything more while holding his glass of wine. His brows had turned into wrinkles, and his thoughts couldn't be seen through.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 15: A Sudden Blow to the Face

After some time, he summoned Nathan from outside, "Go and ask Francis about this. Investigate what was going on back then." "Roger."

Nathan left with his head drooped.

He only knew that Stella needed money at that time, which was the reason he had deliberately set up a trap. However, he didn't know that there had been some incidents before that.

If Stella had known that the sponsor of the new designer competition was the Conrad family, then it was very likely that her intrusion into his life was no mere coincidence.

In the resting room of the Twilight Club, a few waiters were preparing for shift change. One of them said, "Hey, I saw Vivian coming in just now. She seems to be visiting this place pretty often." "Didn't you know who is visiting today too? It would be strange if she doesn't appear."

Another chipped in, "Did you see what happen in front of the Twilight Club a while ago? Vivian was really fearless. Not only she is bearing Mr. Conrad's child, she even flaunted herself in front of Mrs. Conrad. She was making such a huge scene as if she wanted everyone to know that she is the mistress."

In one corner, a figure froze.

You have to figure out why she is willing to be the mistress. Being able to suck up to someone like Mr. Conrad, not to mention bearing his child, it is obvious Vivian is mustering all of her strength to bring Mrs. Conrad down. She wants to make her way into the noble family. If she could marry into the Conrad family, she would suddenly become a phoenix from a pigeon. She would be the official lady of the family instead of being the mistress.

I noticed something weird about him too. Mr. Conrad always visited the club with his band of brothers, but I never saw him bring along Mrs. Conrad. Do they not have a harmonic relationship?

You wouldn't know the truth if I don't tell you now. Back then, the current Mrs. Conrad was able to marry into the family because she had employed some scheming methods. I heard about this from my previous manager that she was sold to the Twilight Club by someone, and for some reason she was able to lie in the same bed as Mr. Conrad. She used the child she was bearing at that time to threaten him so that she could become part of the Conrads, and the Conrads didn't want the escalation of this sort of thing to affect their reputation, so they allowed her to get her way to marry into the family. After that, for another strange reason, it was said that she no longer had the child.

That's right, I heard about the same thing too. I heard that Mr. Conrad was annoyed by her, and he wouldn't even touch her normally. Otherwise, what could explain the fact that they didn't even have a child despite being together for three years? You must be aware that reputable families always prioritized the carrying on of their bloodline. Now that Vivian was pregnant, I have a feeling that she could no longer keep her place in the family.

With a loud bang, the door of one of the locker was slammed shut with force.

A youngster with an unfriendly expression emerged from a corner and gazed at them coldly. Then, he left with no discernible emotion on his face.

A voice complained, "What tantrum is he throwing? It's not like anybody has offended you."

He's just a part-timer here. He sees too highly of himself just because the manager has taken a liking to him.

Don't mention it. The manager told me that he's the top ace of the district, and he is also a locker in his own right. It's not weird for the manager to be crazy about him.

Channing headed to the bar, and the manager was summoning someone to send over some alcohol to the suite where Clarence was in. He volunteered, "Let me do it."

Coincidentally, one of his colleagues had a stomach ache, so he handed the alcohol to him, "Channing, I heard that Mr. Conrad is in a bad mood today. You need to watch out. Just get out of there after sending these in."

Got it.

When Channing pushed the door of the suite open, Vivian was seated next to him, and she looked like she wanted to plaster herself all over him.

Channing abruptly placed the alcohol bottles on the table and said with a mechanical voice, "Your wine is here."

Vivian was startled by his movements, and she stopped short on what she was doing.

Ever since that last time, Vivian never got the chance to meet Clarence. Today, she learnt that he was in the Twilight Club, albeit a rare occurrence, she came over in a hurry.

Even until now, she was still perplexed by what Clarence was really thinking. It was obvious he had given her a chance and allowed her to be by his side, but it was just that. They never got things going. When the matter about her fake pregnancy was exposed last time, Vivian thought that Clarence would be fuming with fury, but in the end he just gave her some warning. She was still enjoying those resources he had given her, so to her that meant she still had a chance.

Now that everyone was taking her as a fool and labelled her as a temporary plaything of Clarence. They said that she was not worthy to sleep in the same bed as Clarence, therefore she was here today in the hopes of altering those public opinion. She needed to achieve something.

After being spooked by Channing, she suppressed her anger and prevented herself from running amok. She said to Clarence gently, "Mr. Conrad, you look pretty drunk now. Shall I drive you home? Ah!" Vivian was soaking wet now after some alcohol had been poured onto her body. She stood up while screaming, "What the hell are you doing?"

Channing looked unconcerned as he picked up the glass on the table, "I'm sorry, my hand slipped."

Vivian saw that this waiter looked a little handsome, and she couldn't bring herself to lash out at him. Just as she was about to take a shower in the washroom, Vincent who was watching this spectacle suddenly spoke, "Young man, why in such a foul mood? I have seen everything just now."

Oh, I did that on purpose.

This time, not only Vivian reignited her flames of anger, Clarence raised his eyes slightly and shot a glance at him too.

Vivian cursed at him, "Are you nuts? Did I offend you in any way?"

You...

Vivian was so furious that she couldn't produce any response at the moment. Her face was looking very ugly and contorted.

At that moment, the manager came in because of this commotion, and he immediately bowed to apologize, "Mr. Conrad, Miss Sean, please accept my apologies. This young man here is a new part-timer, and he has offended you because he's not familiar with the ways here."

Not familiar with the ways? Look at him. Do you think he's not familiar with the rules? He has said so himself that he had done that on purpose. If you can't explain things until I'm satisfied, don't think you can just get away with it!

I'm really, really sorry, Miss Sean. This is indeed our wrong. The manager continued to apologize while pulling Channing on the side, "Channing, come, apologize to this miss here."

Channing said nothing as he stood there without moving an inch. He just stared at the man on the sofa.

Clarence stood up without any interest in the matter in front of his eyes. He simply said to Vincent, "I am leaving now."

Mr. Conrad, let me send you off...

When Vivian saw that he was about to leave, she suddenly felt panic. She couldn't care about retaliating against Channing as she scurried forward to catch up to him.

However, after just taking a step, her feet were tripped by something. Just as she was about to fall down after losing her balance, she was prevented from crashing to the floor by a hand grabbing her.

She looked up and realized that it was the same young man. He was smiling smugly with the corner of his lips lifted, and there was no warmth in his eyes at all.

He was the one who had tripped her, and he was also the one who had helped her to stand.

Vivian was on the verge of exploding, and just as she was about to launch into a frenzy, he suddenly flung away her arm and walked forward in big strides.

Vivian couldn't find an outlet for her anger. She could only stomp the floor vehemently before breaking into a chase.

Outside the suite, Clarence was holding a phone with one hand, and he had typed a number on his dial. However, he didn't call the number.

At the thought of Stella's reminiscence of her Puppy at the press conference, he couldn't help feeling that this woman was really unruly.

With the age she was at now, it was laughable for her to still talk about her Puppy .

With this thought in mind, he felt even more and more reluctant to call this number. Clarence shoved his phone into his pocket, and in the next second, a blow suddenly landed on his face.

He staggered backwards while trying to wipe off the blood stain on his lips. He looked up coldly.

Chapter 16: Vivian Wasn’t Actually Pregnant

It was the same part-timer from before.

The two of them simply locked gaze with their chilly eyes. None of them spoke.

Just as Channing was about to move forward again, Clarence's bodyguard appeared out of nowhere and apprehended him.

While the bodyguard was consulting Clarence's opinion on how he should handle this young man,, both Vivian and the manager of Twilight Club arrived at the scene too.

Clarence seemed like he wasn't having the best of patience as he ordered curtly, "Call the police."

Upon seeing this, the manager swiftly came over, "Mr. Conrad, Mr. Conrad, there must be some misunderstanding here. Channing isn't like that normally. Hey, Channing, faster apologize to Mr. Conrad..." Although Channing's movement was being constricted, he didn't look fazed or embarrassed in any way. He simply replied without any emotion, "I won't apologize. He knows full well what he has done before." "Then, enlighten me on what I have done before."

Channing shifted his gaze on Vivian before returning it to him. He then chuckled, "Everyone knows about your embarrassing stuff. Do you still want me to put it into words?"

Vivian looked like she wanted to refute him, but before she could say anything, she suddenly met Clarence's cold gaze. She could only swallow her words.

The manager said awkwardly, "Mr. Conrad, previously when you and Vivian did that... in front of the Twilight Club, a lot of people have witnessed that scene." Clarence glanced at Channing a few more times before ordering his man to bring him away.

Clarence said to the manager, "Give me his details."

With how this young man was behaving, he couldn't be a kind man who wanted to dabble in other's business because of injustice.

When the manager hurried off, Vivian anxiously said, "Mr. Conrad, I..."

I am not that kind and patient. You should keep to yourself what I have given you, and those that I have not given you, you don't even try to challenge my limit.

After saying that, he immediately went into an empty suite just beside him.

Vivian stood rooted to the spot with her teeth gnashed. How could this be? How could Stella end up in the Conrad family just because she had used some methods, but how could she end up with nothing here?

In no time, the manager came over with Channing's information, "Mr. Conrad, these are everything you have asked for."

Clarence glanced at the documents and said in a faint voice, "Channing Radomil."

Right... Mr. Conrad, Channing is...

Does he have a sister?

The manager looked confused, "I had never heard him mentioning about it."

Clarence put down the documents and gave the manager a number, "Call to verify."

Eleven o'clock at night.

Stella was lying in bed after a bath, and when she was about to enjoy some music before sleeping, her phone suddenly rang.

A voice asked her at the other end, "May I know is this Miss Stella Radomil?"

I am. May I know who is speaking?

I am the manager of Twilight Club. Miss Radomil, is Channing your brother?

When she heard the words "Twilight Club", she suddenly felt a head ache. At the mention of her brother's name, she hesitated slightly before answering, "Yes, what happened to him?"

The manger was very polite, "Channing is one of our part-timers here, but he has hit a customer just now. I might need you to come here."

Stella answered while shoving aside her blanket, "I'll be there soon!"

Miss Radomil, you don't need to hurry over. Take your time.

15

After hanging up, Stella hastily changed her clothes and as she dashed out of her bedroom, Sherry asked, "Stella, where are you going now at such a late hour?"

Stella updated her with the situation, "Channing has beaten someone. I need to go take a look."

What the...? Sherry sounded alert immediately, "Wait me for a moment, let me get a change of clothes. I'll send you there by car."

After twenty minutes, a car stopped right in front of Twilight Club.

Stella and Sherry made their ways inside with one in front of the other. They walked all the way to a VIP suite on the second floor. The manager standing outside said, "Only Miss Radomil is allowed to go in." Sherry wasn't all too reassured letting Stella going in alone, and when she wanted to raised her concerns, Stella interrupted her, "Sherry, just wait for me here." After saying that, she looked at the always smiling manager and felt that something was amiss here. So, she added in a whisper, "If I don't come out in ten minutes, call the police."

The manager pushed the door of the suite open, "Miss Radomil, this way."

After Stella entered, the door was slammed shut.

Stella gazed at the now shut door and her hand subconsciously tightened around her phone as she made her way deeper into the suite. After only taking a few steps, she saw a man with his eyes lightly shut sitting on a sofa.

Stella didn't say anything at the moment.

She stopped short and said, "Mr. Conrad."

The man didn't stir, as if he had fallen asleep.

After waiting for close to thirty seconds, she then began again, "Mr. Conrad, if nothing concerns me here, please allow me to... take my leave."

Stella.

Clarence slowly opened his eyes and revealed a chilly gaze directed at her, "At first, it was your dad. Now, it's your little brother. Why don't you tell me what do you actually want from me?"

I don't know what you are...

If you can come out straight with what you want, perhaps I would still be in the mood to fulfil your cheap wishes. But if you still can't be satisfied and plan to continue this farce, then don't blame me for being heartless.

Stella bit her lips, not knowing what to say to that.

Just now when she saw Clarence, coupled with the manager's strange attitude, she thought that Clarence wanted to lure her here purposely.

However, after hearing what he had to say, that was obviously not the case.

Under the glow of the dim lighting, Stella finally discovered that Clarence's lips were slightly chapped at the edges. There was a light red scar there. After a brief silence, she began, "Did Channing come to meet you?"

Clarence stood up and approached her in large strides, "What do you think?"

Stella was forced to the corner of the walls, which allowed her to get a good look of the wound on her mouth and some bruises on his skin.

Clarence's black eyes were narrowed, and his long fingers lifted her chin upwards, "Do you think I will trust you?"

Stella met his emotionless gaze and stammered, "There's nothing I can do even if you don't believe me. Channing knows that I am going to divorce you, and maybe he thought that you had done something unforgivable towards me. That's why he..."

Then, please tell me, what kind of unforgivable things I have done to you?

Stella was once again silent. She averted her gaze away.

Didn't he know full well what he had done? Did he really want to hear it from someone's mouth?

Or did he feel proud of his past actions?

Clarence saw that she couldn't bring herself to answer, so he answered in her place, "Your little brother thought that I have cheated on you with Vivian, and I even made her pregnant. Do you think so too?" Stella let out a perfunctory laugh after an awkward silence, "Mr. Conrad, you must be kidding me. I never think like that."

For someone like him, even if he really cheated, that wouldn't count too. People would say that he was going after his true love. She wasn't qualified to criticize him in any way.

Clarence let go of her and turned towards the sofa, "Come here."

Stella was in the wrong here, so she could only follow him.

Clarence once again sat down on the sofa and crossed his long legs. He glanced at a first-aid kit on the table and jerked up his chin lightly at it.

Stella twitched her mouth as she took out a cotton swab and iodine. She dutifully treated his wound, but she couldn't help muttering, "If I came late just now, your wound would have healed." Clarence looked up at her faintly and said all of a sudden, "Vivian is not pregnant.”0000000

Chapter 17: Shall We Give It to the Wife?

Stella's movements seemed to stop for a second, but her expression was well-maintained. "Previously I had some negotiations, and I was just bringing her along to some events."

Oh.

Clarence grabbed her wrist impatiently, "I have made things clear to you, but you are still going to show me this attitude?"

Stella stared at his eyes and said seriously, "I am really grateful that you go out of your way to explain things to me, but... You don't actually need to explain anything to me since we are going to proceed with divorce proceedings."

Isn't the reason you wanted to divorce me because you thought that she was pregnant and I had cheated on you?

In the past, he always assumed that Stella had her own motives for going after a divorce, but Nathan had suggested that she might be throwing a tantrum in this regard, and he had advised him to make her feel better.

At that time, he couldn't think of any reason she could use to throw a tantrum.

That stayed true until the appearance of her little brother.

Seeing that Stella didn't say a word, Clarence added, "Stella, is it so hard to trust me? I won't let any woman to bear my child, including you. Do you understand?"

His last sentence was like a sharp needle that silently tore through Stella's heart.

Of course, she understood that.

In the past three years of their marriage, no matter the situation, he would never forget to do every measure to evade pregnancy.

Stella understood very well that his action not only meant that he wouldn't want a child. It was a mockery to the measure she had used back when she wanted to marry him. After a few seconds of silence, Stella suddenly announced, "I'm pregnant now."

Clarence's pupils immediately contracted, and he instinctively increased the strength in his hand. His voice suddenly became chilly, which seemed to cool down the temperature in the suite, "Stella!" "Don't you always want to know what I am thinking? Clarence, I am pregnant, and I need to plan for the future of my baby. I want half of your inheritance, and also the stock of the Conrad Group..." Clarence flung her away violently, "That's enough!"

Stella knew that he wouldn't believe her just yet, so she took out a pregnancy test result to show him.

As expected, Clarence tore the piece of paper into pieces without even so much as glancing at it, "How many times do you plan to use this reason? Stella, do you really think that I am so stupid that I would believe the same lie by you?"

Stella looked at the pieces of paper scattered on the ground and she forced a smile, "You are able to expose me in such a short time. It seems that I need to think of another way next time." "There is no next time anymore."

Clarence stood up, and his voice was devoid of any feelings, "Tomorrow at nine in the morning, meet at the Civil Affairs Bureau. I hope you don't have any excuses this time."

Stella didn't say anything and only until Clarence had disappeared from the suite, she slowly picked up the pieces of paper on the floor.

In her three years of marriage, it was not like she didn't learn anything. At the very least, she understood Clarence pretty well.

She knew very well that... the pregnancy topic was always a taboo for him.

Anybody who broached the topic would be like setting off a TNT bomb.

At the door of the suite, Sherry's heart was racing like she was an ant scurrying around on a hot frying pan. It had been ten minutes, and the manager who was standing beside her was so cautious of her as if she was a thief. The door had been guarded well, and she saw no opening to intrude into the suite.

Sherry wanted to take the opportunity to call the police at this critical timing, but suddenly the door swung open and out came Clarence. He had a chilly and emotionless face, and he was exuding a cold aura. He was leaving this place while taking huge strides.

She wasn't the only one who couldn't produce any words. Even the manager seemed like he had a difficult time to begin a conversation.

Not long after Clarence had gone, Stella finally emerged from the suite.

Sherry finally let out a huge sigh of relief, "Stella, what is going on? That dog... Why is Clarence inside there?"

I'll tell you all about it when we get home. Stella looked at the manager and asked, "Where is my brother?"

The manager replied, "Miss Radomil, follow me."

After creating that fiasco, Channing had been confined in a store room in the Twilight Club. However, he didn't make a fuss out of it.

He only stood up when he heard the sound of the door opening. He didn't expect to see Stella standing at the door.

He frowned, "Why are you here?"

Sherry who was following behind Stella came forward and sucked in a gasp, "My Channing baby, why are you injured like this? Did that bastard do this to you?"

Channing turned his face away without saying anything.

Stella simply looked at him. Instead of saying that Clarence had hit Channing, the truth was Channing had failed to beat Clarence up, and in return he was beaten to a pulp by his bodyguard. The wounds on Channing's face were more severe than those on Clarence's face.

Stella said lightly, "Channing, let's go."

Before leaving, Channing packed up his stuff in the store room and went to see the manager.

Although the manager was surprised that he was going to resign, it was still something reasonable.

After this fiasco tonight, he finally understood how they were connected in a web of messy relationships. Previously, he was in the dark about Channing's identity as the brother of the wife of Mr. Conrad, and now that he finally knew about this, he wouldn't want him to continue working in the Twilight Club. Doing that would be same as tarnishing the name of the Conrad family.

Channing began, "I was too hasty and aggressive today. I'm sorry. I will bear all the damages."

The manager patted his shoulders and replied, "Channing, you don't have to say all of that. The only wrong you have done was landing a punch on Mr. Conrad's face, and this matter could head in any direction. Since Mr. Conrad doesn't seem like he wants to pursue this matter, we can consider this case closed. I will still make sure you get your salary for the time you have worked here."

Channing pursed his lips, but he didn't reject the manager's offer. He simply bowed and thanked the manager again before turning around to leave.

After coming out of the Twilight Club, he saw Stella and Sherry waiting at the entrance.

Channing headed towards them and apologized with his eyes on the ground, "I'm sorry."

Stella smiled, "Why are you apologizing to me? It's not like you are completely in the wrong here."

Isn't the reason you are planning to divorce him because he has cheated on you?

How should I start... That's not really the reason, but he explained to me just now that he didn't have that kind of relationship with Vivian.

Channing frowned and replied in an incredulous tone, "Do you really believe in his words?"

Stella answered, "It's not important whether I believe in his words or not. We are going to divorce each other soon anyway."

At that moment, Sherry tried to improve the atmosphere, "That's enough. Let's stop talking about that despicable person. Channing, I heard that you have gotten the number one spot in the recent district exams, and I haven't had the time to celebrate for you yet. Why not make it today? You can choose a place, I'll treat you!"

Channing answered without passion, "It's okay, I need to start finding job after returning home."

There was only a month left until school reopening, and since he had lost his job here in the Twilight Club, he had to find another job soon.

Sherry wanted to argue that he could have just stopped finding jobs and gotten money from her. She would have given him any amount he had wanted. However, Stella nudged her arm imperceptibly, which changed what Sherry said in the end, "That's fine too. Then, we just leave it for next time."

She almost forgot that Channing was always the headstrong one since he was a child. Let alone giving him some money, he didn't even accept anything from Stella.

Stella reminded him, "Remember to tend to your wounds when you get back. Don't let them get infected."

Sherry chipped in, "Let's go, get in the car. I'll send you home."

I am not staying at home now. Jeffrey is gone.

Stella said after a moment of hesitation, "Aren't those debt collectors pursuing him anymore?"

No. It seems that he has repaid all his debt.

Where did he get the money?

I don't know, but I can see that he looks happy nowadays. He must have some money on him. Channing put on his bag, "I'm going now. You guys should go home."

After saying that, he headed in an opposite direction to where they were leaving to.

Sherry sighed while looking at his back, "This little one is becoming more and more stubborn, just like you."

Stella simply smiled, "Let's go."

In the Rolls-Royce, Nathan glanced at a figure on the opposite street before shirting his gaze to a delicately-decorated gift box sitting on the passenger's seat. He asked in a soft voice, "Mr. Conrad, shall I give that to the wife now?"

Chapter 18: Never Thought That the Designer Is Someone like This

In the backseat, Clarence didn't even open his eyes as his cold voice came, "Throw that to the dogs."

Nathan reminded him after a moment of silence, "Mr. Conrad, dogs can't eat chocolate."

In the Civil Affairs Bureau, Stella had calculated all the possible misgivings and the traffic and in order not to be late, she arrived at the entrance an hour before the stipulated time.

Compared to the section where pairs of sweet couples finally became husband and wife, it was much more desolate in the divorce section here. A few divorcees here had a look of numbness and resentment on their faces, and even the workers working here had a kind of indifference to his expression.

At this sight of this, Stella tried to force a rigid smile on her face. She never had any grudge against Clarence. They didn't start their marriage in a good ambience, so she hoped that she didn't have to be consumed with too much hatred as if the whole word was her enemy while she was going through this divorce.

At the thought of this, the smile on her face grew wider.

She wanted to be the happiest divorcee today.

Clarence happened to arrive at this moment and saw her face. He stopped in his tracks and he silently watched her from a far.

After some unknown period of time, the smile on her face eventually became unnatural. She took a look at the time and cursed softly, "This bastard, how can he be late for a divorce? Even the president of the country isn't as busy as him."

Clarence's temples jumped slightly upon hearing that. With his lips pressed into an indifferent line, he strode towards her.

Stella heard the sounds of footsteps and when she saw him, her eyes seemed to light up, "Mr. Conrad, you're here."

Clarence mumbled a response and asked, "Have you been waiting for a long time?"

Not at all, I am actually touched by your investment of time in this divorce matter, seeing how busy you can be. I can wait as long as it takes.

Seeing that she was putting on such a hypocritical face, Clarence couldn't help snorting.

It was a waste that she didn't dabble in the show business world.

They sat down on a window for divorce registration, and Clarence swept his gaze over Stella who was signing her name. He suddenly tightened his grip on the pen when he asked without any warning, "Stella, I will give you one last chance. Is it true that you are really pregnant?"

Stella froze for a second before looking up to meet his eyes. A smile formed on her face, "Didn't I show you my pregnancy report not long ago?"

Under the glow of sunlight, her smile was charming and dazzling.

Clarence felt that he couldn't discern the authenticity of her smile at that moment.

His voice gradually became cold, "Three years ago, you gave me the same thing. I trusted you at that time."

Stella looked a little astonished and the smile on her face gradually faded. She didn't refute him as she replied, "Didn't you make sure to avoid pregnancy every time we do that?"

It was precisely because of this that he couldn't tolerate her using him and lying to him time and again.

If she could come clean with him and tell him that the pregnancy was a lie, he would have been able to forgive her.

However, she didn't seem like she would change her ways. She continued to make the same mistakes over and over again.

Clarence retrieved his gaze and signed his name without hesitation.

After exiting the Civil Affairs Bureau, Stella carefully kept her divorce certificate and with her palms clasped together, she said with a wide grin, "Mr. Conrad, happy divorcing." Clarence stared at her without any expression.

Stella added, "Mr. Conrad, in order to show that this is a peaceful parting, shouldn't you say something similar and wish me happiness?"

You can be happy on your own.

After saying that, he immediately left her and got into his Rolls-Royce which was parked near the entrance.

Stella raised her brows as she once again took out her divorce certificate. She said to herself in a serious tone, "Stella, I wish you happiness after this divorce."

No matter how deep Clarence's misunderstanding was towards her, and no matter how scheming he thought she was by carrying out their divorce, she finally was able to arrive at the end of the road. Time would prove to everyone that she simply wanted a divorce, nothing more.

In the afternoon, Stella arrived at the office of SG Jewelry Magazine.

She came here this time to discuss about the aftermath of her "Puppy ' Series" with Stanford. The pre-sales of the first three designs was doing very well, and SG Jewelry Magazine intended for her to add to the collection with new designs to ride the wave of this hot debut.

In the middle of the meeting, an employee suddenly came in and whispered something by Stanford's ears. His expression changed slightly as he stood up and said to Stella, "There's an emergency situation. I need to take my leave for a moment."

Stella nodded, "Alright."

The moment Stanford left, Stella suddenly felt that the noise outside the meeting room suddenly became louder. The other employees had various expressions on their faces and some of them were even glancing in her direction while engaging in little talk.

The glass walls separating her and them allowed her to feel the scrutinizing and teasing gaze directedat her.

Stella messaged Sherry to find out what was happening.

After around ten minutes, Sherry didn't reply.

Stella had a feeling that something major had happened.

Half an hour ago, the originally rising pre-sales data of the "Puppy ' Series" not only stopped, the data actually showed that the sales volume had dramatically dropped.

Not only that, a huge wave of refund had been requested.

In order to make sure the sales volume could be maintained, SG Jewelry Magazine had contacted several OEM factories to start the production, and they had been rushing with the production since the press conference last night. If the orders were cancelled in large volumes, it would no doubt be a huge loss on SG Jewelry Magazine's part.

The whole explosion began from a single post that appeared on the internet an hour ago.

Compared to the speculations by everyone that didn't have any basis, this post detailed the story with time stamps, which in turn increased the authenticity of the whole story.

The post detailed the reason for the disappearance of Sharon, the newly signed designer of SG Jewelry Magazine, three years ago—

Ever since she had won the award, she hooked up with a wealthy man in no time. After learning that this wealthy man was a man with family, Sharon didn't give up just yet. She got herself pregnant after putting in a lot of effort and forced the hand of the rich man with her huge belly. The rich man's wife couldn't take on this humiliation, so she had parted ways with him, which allowed Sharon to be his official partner.

However, after marrying into the rich man's family, the baby in Sharon's stomach was suddenly no more. The rich man felt cheated by her, which caused his attitude towards her to become cold and indifferent. He no longer cared and talked to her, which began his parade out there fooling around with women. The reason Sharon had decided to make a comeback was because the rich man had grown completely tired of her, and he had blasted her away from his family.

In the last part of the post, it said that ever since SG Jewelry Magazine had signed her, her first line of product which had "Puppy " as their theme was simply a humiliation and let down to the concept. For someone so shameless and unruly like her, someone who had hooked up with married man, she was not worthy of talking about Puppy , let alone becoming a jewellery designer in the first place. Although Stella was not a member of the entertainment circle, the SG Jewelry Magazine was a well-known magazine in the nation, and it often times collaborated with the top artists, which meant the magazine was involved in some way with the entertainment circle.

Besides, in this day and age of social media, nothing could escape the scrutiny of the public. There was never a lack of busybodies wanting to watch interesting scandal explode in front of their eyes.

I used to love the 'Puppy ' Series', and I have pre-ordered the first three designs. However, I never thought that the designer is someone like that, and it makes me sick whenever I think of her. Luckily, I am able to get a refund as soon as possible.000

Chapter 19: She was Not My Canary in Any Way

Has the SG Jewelry Magazine gone mad? Why didn't they do a background check on their signed designer in the first place? The fact that the woman who has designed the 'Puppy ' Series' was a woman who used to be a mistress is a sick joke to this day.

They have failed to get anything going this time despite having a hand full of nice cards. I have a feeling that this incident might become the greatest tragedy in Sg Jewelry Magazine's history.

"Isn't there anybody who continues to expose that Sharon? I am really enjoying myself in this scandal. We should find out who that rich person is too. We need to make sure their reputations are beyond repair! The post had garnered traction on the internet, and Sharon's background was finally put in the spotlight. However, that rumoured rich person's details couldn't be found no matter what netizens did. Stanford was gathering his employees in an urgent meeting. They were trying to find a way to fan down the flames of this incident in the shortest amount of time possible.

Obviously, there was a perpetrator to this incident. When they made sure that post was not trending anymore, immediately someone was able to create new trending posts by using key words to make that topic ever so popular.

They probably wanted to an announcement detailing the termination of Sharon's contract with SG Jewelry Magazine. Otherwise, they didn't seem like they would stop their efforts in ruining her career. Stella could see at first glance that someone was obviously targeting her. Of course, the SG Jewelry Magazine could see that as well.

In the end, terminating Stella's contract was just a small matter that didn't resolve the whole problem. If they couldn't find out the truth and resolve this problem, SG Jewelry Magazine had to shoulder this accusation forever, which would affect their reputation.

However, no one could control public opinion on the internet. No matter what SG Jewelry Magazine did, the public would interpreted them as siding with Stella.

Often times, people wouldn't care about the truth of the matter. They just wanted to see the wishes in their hearts manifested.

Throughout the whole afternoon, Stanford was buried in his office without being able to come out, and there were countless calls by the media coming in too. They were all asking about Stella's story, and some of them even wanted to book their slot to be the first media to interview the company.

Stella was seated in the meeting room, and as she scrolled the internet and read the comments, she suddenly felt that she had a lot of fans, although those fans were haters.

In fact, this matter was simple in its nature. She could even guess who was behind this, trying to bring her down.

There were only a handful of people who knew her and the fact that she had married someone.

Coupled with the fact that even the casino Jeffrey often visited had been exposed too, it was obvious she was the one being targeted and humiliated here. They didn't even mention anything about that wealthy person, which showed that the person who started this post not only knew her, they knew Clarence too.

Since that person wanted her to go into ruins but didn't want Clarence's identity to get exposed, they labelled her as a mistress who had hooked up with a married man.

Clarence didn't marry anyone before that, so no matter what, he wouldn't be involved in this scandal in any way.

At the same time, in the president's office in the Conrad Group.

Clarence was browsing the breaking story on the internet, and his eyes were cold and emotionless, which were devoid of any feelings.

After a while, he broke his silence, Does the SG Jewelry Group respond?"""

Not for now. I think it is because this incident is so sudden and so widespread that they are caught off-guard.

Clarence said nothing to that, and he looked undecipherable.

Nathan added, "Mr. Conrad, although this scandal wouldn't affect the Conrad Group directly, the young lady's information has been leaked somehow. We can't guarantee that the Conrad Group won't be dragged into this mess in the future."

Go on.

Nathan tried to go along his line of thoughts, albeit everything was just his conjecture, "We have collaborated with SG Jewelry Magazine before this, and we share a decent business relationship with them. If we could help them go over this obstacle, not only we can stop this matter from going out of hand and making the public opinion less arbitrary, we can make sure the young lady can come out of this alive. The SG Jewelry Magazine has to owe us this one time. No matter how you look at it, helping them brings us more benefits than losses."

Clarence mumbled a response and shut off the website, "Send the publicity department over."

If not for the fact that the SG Jewelry Magazine had collaborated with the Conrad Group in the past, he would have no problem seeing Stella going into ruins by herself.

Nathan heaved a sigh of relief. He was really treading the thin line here. In order to make sure his boss could keep his face, Nathan had no choice but to dish out such a noble-sounding excuse.

Just when the whole internet was in a huge uproar, Stanford suddenly received a call from the publicity department, informing them that the PR department of the Conrad Group had contacted them. It seemed like they wanted to offer a helping hand to the company to overcome this juncture.

The PR department of the Conrad Group was one of them in the nation. Although the Conrad Group had businesses in the entertainment circle, its PR department never worked with any artists before. Their only job was to maintain the company's image.

Stanford felt pleasantly surprised at this sudden gesture of kindness. Although he had crossed paths with Clarence before, he knew that Clarence was not someone who would be so charitable all the time. Seeing that they were in a pinch, they couldn't come up with any good ideas anyway.

Just as Stanford was about to accept the offer of the PR department of the Conrad Group, Stella suddenly appeared at the door of the meeting room. She said in a soft voice, "Mr. Leif, I am willing to be interviewed by the media so that I can give a thorough explanation of this matter."

Sherry who was beside her was trying to stop her, "Stella..."

Stella continued, "I have thought through this well. I know that this might not be the best way to deal with the situation, but if this matter continues to spread like wildfire, the image of the SG Jewelry Magazine would suffer greatly."

Stanford agreed with her suggestion.

The SG Jewelry Magazine was a big shot magazine in the nation. They were not a musical group or artist, so while faced with accusations out of nowhere, the best way to resolve the issue was to provide an explanation by the person involved in it.

Very soon, the SG Jewelry Magazine started a press conference.

After receiving a phone call, Nathan knocked on the door of the president's office with a catch in his throat.

Clarence didn't even look up as he spoke calmly, "Has the matter been resolved?"

Mr. Conrad, the SG Jewelry Magazine has rejected our offer for help. They said that they have come up with a way to deal with the situation.

Clarence shut the documents in front of him and raised his head slowly. There was no expression on his features, "What kind of way have they come up with?"

They are hosting a press conference to clear up this mess.

Clarence put down his ballpoint pen and couldn't help chuckling.

This matter had its roots on Stella. Other than her, he couldn't think of anyone else giving the explanation to the media.

Was she that fond of being scrutinized under the public's eyes? Didn't she know that all of her information had been spilled to the internet?

Just when Nathan thought that his boss would become enraged, Clarence uncharacteristically said, "I got it. You can leave now."

Nathan left promptly, and Clarence's phone began to ring. It was a call from the Conrad family house.

What is the deal with that rumour on the internet?

Clarence replied faintly, “It's just as you saw. Everything is just rumours.”

Dempsey growled, "Of course I know that it is a rumour. I am asking about the reason as to why Stella isn't behaving herself at home. Why is she creating such a big ruckus in the first place?" "She is not my canary anyway. She can do whatever she likes."

Dempsey didn't call to just shoot the breeze with that topic. He said after a moment of hesitation, "Clarence, I heard that the woman by your side has become pregnant. Since there isn't anything new from Stella's side after marrying into the family for three years, you should find a time to divorce her. This is to prevent her from maintaining her position as the young lady in the family while doing nothing useful."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 20: Blacklist His Phone Number

Clarence's voice became colder by the minute, "In your eyes, do you really think that any woman with my baby is allowed to marry into the family?"

I am doing all this for your own good! Or do you want your child to become an orphan out there? Back then, you...

You don't need to remind me of that. I won't allow that kind of thing to happen.

After saying that, Clarence directly hung up the phone.

He gazed at the divorce certificate on the table for some time, and then he suddenly stood up and placed it in his pocket. Then, he marched out of his office.

...

In the SG Jewelry Magazine, Stella had been maintaining her composure throughout the whole press conference. She didn't avoid any of those sharp questions thrown at her by the reporters.

She was not a star, so she didn't need clout to support her, and she didn't have any stakes on herself too. She just wanted to make sure that the damage could be reduced further before everything was too late. She just wanted to clear her name and SG Jewelry Magazine's name.

One of the reporters asked, "Miss Sharon, since you said that the story of you interfering with another's marriage is just a rumour. Can you provide an explanation for your disappearance three years ago?" "I got married."

"Then, is your husband that rich man as depicted by that post...'

Stella interjected, I'm sorry but I can't disclose any information about my ex-husband to you. What I am trying to say is, before me and my ex-husband got together and got married, we were both single man and woman."""

Another reporter was quick to grasp that she was using the word "ex-husband", so he dished out several questions concerning her marriage as well.

Stella simply laughed and began to explain, "The reason we are here is to clear that rumour hanging around on the internet. I don't think I should explain more about my personal life."

Her sentence successfully shut those reporters up. Her reasoning was indeed convincing.

Stella was not a public figure, so she didn't have the duty to expose her personal life to the public. Things developed to this state because everyone thought that she was a shameless mistress. That was why everyone started to boycott her in the first place.

Now that she had personally cme to explain, and she was also backed by SG Jewelry Magazine, the reporters who attended the press conference had a good relationship with the magazine. Naturally, no one wanted to offend them.

After the press conference, news about it was published in no time.

The SG Jewelry Magazine made an announcement at the same time that the rumours on the internet were baseless. The magazine would pursue this matter and sue the perpetrator of this rumour, and they would accept all refunds. They hoped that everyone would continue supporting their work in the future.

After that announcement, a plethora of fashion blogger and artists reposted the news to show their support.

In no time, the three designs of the "Puppy ' Series" had their sales volume ramping up again instead of dropping further, and the rate of sales increase was three times more compared to the rate before that incident. The new orders completely filled in the void created by the previous refunds.

After the press conference, Stella dashed to the washroom first things first.

Although she looked calm and composed in the interview, her stomach was another picture of turmoil.

Sherry had to wait for more than ten minutes to see her reappear from the washroom. She asked worriedly, "Stella, are you alright?"

Stella shook her head, her face a little pale, "Help me to inform Mr. Leif that I am to blame for today's incident, and that I am really sorry. If the magazine wants to terminate me, I am ready to sign my name anytime."

What nonsense are you spouting now? Any sensible person would see at a glance that someone is purposely targeting you. There is no way Mr. Leif would terminate you just because of this. Moreover, if he really wants to terminate you, he wouldn't have to go through the trouble of holding a press conference for you. He could have announced to the public that you are responsible for everything.

Stella wanted to say something, but she was once again overwhelmed by a nauseating feeling. However, she wasn't able to pour out anything from her stomach this time.

She rubbed her stomach helplessly. This little one was really a hot-tempered one.

Sherry brought her a cup of warm water, "Stella, let me send you home for now."

At this time, a few employees of the SG Jewelry Magazine went past them. They were engaged in a hushed discussion.

What do you think is the reason the Conrad Group is willing to help us this time? They are even prepared to send out their ace, the PR department. Not even Winnie could make this happen.

That's right, no matter what happens, Winnie is still the ever popular actress. She is also the number one looker under the Conrad flag. Back then, when her scandal was permeating, the Conrad Group didn't even send out their PR team.

"I heard from a friend that Winnie's team had asked for help from the president of the Conrad Group. They wanted the PR team to lend them a hand, but guess what did the president say? 'You should resolve your own problems, if you can't do that, just leave the entertainment circle.""

That is way too cold."""

Hey, you guys are talking about something that is so out-dated. Winnie's incident happened two years ago. Now, that president of the Conrad Group is someone who values and treasures women. A few other employees had their attention captured by these gossips.

Even Stella and Sherry were attracted by what they were saying.

One of them revealed, "You guys know about Vivian, right? She is the latest model being backed by the Conrad Group, and it turns out that she is actually Mr. Conrad's favourite. A while ago, Vivian's team wanted to occupy the cover page of our magazine, but Mr. Leif thought that she wasn't suited for that, so he had refused them. However, when the "Puppy ' Series" was in preparation stage, Vivian got news of it and she wanted the magazine to collaborate with her and make her the cover girl."

I heard the same thing too. In the end, Mr. Leif has rejected her. However, Mr. Conrad is present at the press conference yesterday. I heard that he wanted to buy the Puppy ' Series" as a gift. Do you think he is going to give it to Vivian? He must be trying to fight for her chance to be the cover girl."

Following that line of thought, does that mean the Conrad Group is trying to help us by sending their PR team this time because that wanted the SG Jewelry Magazine to owe them one. Maybe he is doing this to make way for Vivian's future? Mr. Conrad is really a thoughtful one.

They continued to gossip as they disappeared out of sight.

Sherry couldn't help cursing, "I can't believe that despicable couple is blatantly showing off their love. That's disgusting!"

Stella put her hands on the divorce certificate in her bag and thought that the saying was true: A man's words are full of lies.

If one could really rely on men, even a pig can climb the trees.

If he really didn't have any intimate relationship with Vivian, she would rather cut off her own leg.

Stella pulled herself out of her thoughts and said, "Sherry, go back to your work. I have something else to attend to, so I need to go somewhere."

Although she came out of this incident alive, and the conclusion was satisfying, she still had a score to settle with someone.

However, the moment she exited SG Jewelry Magazine, her phone immediately rang.

She stared at the blinking screen without accepting the call.

After a while, the phone finally died down.

She had made it clear last time that no matter the reasons, there was no reason for her to meet and contact with Horace again.

When Stella was about to hail a taxi, her phone rang again.

She was even more reluctant to answer this call.

This bastard was really a liar. He was very annoying.

Stella directly blacklisted his phone number.