Ch. 131..140

Chapter 131: Mrs. Conrad was Taken Away by Someone from the Conrad family

As soon as Stella walked out of the office of SG Jewelry Magazine, a black car was pulled over in front of her. Subconsciously, she took a few steps back, her heart hammering. The bad hunch became stronger in her heart.

Soon, the door of the car was open. The butler of the Conrad family, Nolan Conrad, got off.

He said, "Good day, Ms. Radomil. Please come back to the Conrads' Mansion with me."

Although he sounded quite polite, his tone was cold and determined.

Stella shook her head, "No, I won't go. I've divorced Clarence Conrad. I don't need to..."

Nolan said, "Ms. Radomil, it's Mr. Dempsey who sent me here. If you don't care about yourself, please think about the baby in your belly. The baby couldn't be tortured."

Two bodyguards were standing behind him.

Stella looked pale instantly. She felt as if her blood was solidified, her all fours going icily cold.

She had thought about this day before. But much to her surprise, this came could come so soon.

She wasn't prepared at all.

Nolan said again, "Please, Ms. Radomil. Mr. Dempsey is waiting for you."

Stella bit her lower lip tightly, shivering all over her body.

However, she couldn't do anything.

After they were gone, Modesty walked out of the wall behind. She frowned slightly, wondering who on earth Stella had married.

On the way to the Conrads' Mansion, Stella kept lowering her head. She clenched her hands tightly, out of breath.

Nolan was sitting in the passenger seat. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror, "Ms. Radomil, you don't need to be so nervous. Mr. Dempsey just wanted to ensure if Mr. Clarence is the father of the baby in your belly. If so, you only to feel easy and give birth to the baby. Before that, Mr. Dempsey would never let anyone harm you."

Stella felt that her throat was dried out in pain. She didn't speak and nor could she.

She guessed that Clarence must hate her to the core now.

She closed her eyes, her hands covering her belly. She felt extremely desperate. Probably, she couldn't keep the baby eventually.

Nathan knocked on the door of the CEO's office, panting, "Mr. Conrad, bad news..."

Clarence looked up at him impatiently, "What trouble has Stella made again?"

Mrs. Conrad... was taken away by the Conrad family.

Clarence's face turned cold. He uttered a few words, each of which was icily cold, "When did it happen?"

Ten minutes ago. Our men were nearby, but it was Nolan who went there... Besides, Mrs. Conrad is pregnant. If we fought against them, we were afraid that Mrs. Conrad would be injured, so... Clarence stood up and strode out. He said in a cold tone, "He took Stella away because he wants to control me with the baby in her belly. Stay in the company and keep an eye on them. If his men take any move, you can directly fire them and kick them out."

Nathan answered in a hurry, "Yes, Mr. Conrad."

Clarence added, "Call Phoebe Steward. Tell her that I agree with her requirements. Ask her to go to the Conrads' Mansion now."

Dempsey was sitting on the sofa. He looked at Annie unhappily, "It's such big news. Why did you tell me?"

Annie looked quite aggrieved, "Uncle Dempsey, I have just heard about it not long ago. Besides, that woman is a slut. Who knows if Clarence is the father of her baby or not..."

Joanna chimed in gently, "Isn't it too late to look into this matter? It's not Annie's fault anyway. Why are you venting your anger on her?"

Dempsey inhaled and didn't speak while holding the walking stick.

If it weren't that the girl from the Jason family came over today and he hadn't found that Stella was pregnant when overhearing the conversation between Rebecca and Annie, Dempsey believed that he would never know it even if the baby was born.

In silence, Annie stood behind Joanna. She deliberately called Rebecca over and asked her about her baby. Then she purpose led the topic, Rebecca mentioned Stella, so that Dempsey could overhear it. Also, Joanna helped.

In the future, no matter how Clarence would question her, it wouldn't be her business.

Besides, the incident that Stella was drowned last time was also arranged by Rebecca. If Clarence wanted to get even with someone, he must go to Rebecca.

Shortly after, Stella was taken into the mansion.

She stood there in embarrassment and nervousness, exactly the same as she was taken here for the first time. After three years, she was taken here again for the same reason.

Dempsey cast her a glance and said in a cold tone, "I only ask you once - is Clarence the father of the baby in your belly?"

Stella gritted her teeth without speaking. Once she admitted it, there wouldn't be any way back. What if Clarence would help her? What if...

Seeing that she kept silent, Dempsey sneered, "It's alright if you don't admit it. You'll give birth in a few months anyway. After that, we can take the DNA test. Before giving birth, you are not allowed to leave here. Our Conrad family could afford to keep you here."

Stella inhaled deeply. She said in a trembling voice, "You can't do it."

Right then, not only Dempsey but also Joanna and Annie looked over at her.

Stella added, "I've divorced Clarence Conrad. You don't have any right to restrain my freedom."

Don't you think it's quite hilarious for you to stand here and say those words to me? If you want to give birth to the baby smoothly, you'd better behave yourself. Otherwise, you can't blame me for being ruthless.

Right then, Joanna chimed in, "Clarence shouldn't be on the way here. Why don't we ask him about his opinions? If he's sure that he's not the father of the baby, it's meaningless for us to keep her here." Annie added fuel into the flames, "I agreed. Nobody knows the father of the bastard in her belly... It might not be Clarence's. If we still keep her here, she'll stain our house."

Dempsey didn't speak as if he tacitly approved.

Nobody spoke again in the living room. It quieted down completely.

Stella was standing there as if she was waiting for her sentence.

Shortly after, Justin went downstairs. Since there was such a scene downstairs, he had known it probably. Operating his wheelchair, he approached Stella, “Stella, take a seat please.” Annie said, "Justin, don't mind her. Let her stand. She deserves it!"

Justin shook his head, "Annie, stop making trouble. No matter what, Stella is your cousin's wife. You should respect her."

Annie retorted, "Clarence has divorced her a long ago. She's just a shameless bitch..."

Joanna said in anger, "Annie Conrad."

Annie shushed.

Justin repeated to Stella, "Stella, please sit down. Clarence would arrive shortly."

With a big belly, Stella felt quite uncomfortable after standing for a long time. She whispered to thank him and sat on the couch next to her.

Justin said to a servant standing aside, "A glass of warm water, please."

The servant answered and left.

Ten minutes later, Clarence showed up at the gate.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 132: Wait Until the Baby is Born

As soon as Clarence entered the living room, the temperature dropped immediately. Everyone felt stressed.

Although Annie was fully prepared, she still couldn't help being nervous, afraid that Clarence would find out the truth.

After entering, Clarence sat directly opposite Dempsey. He looked cold and aloof, expressionlessly.

Dempsey wasn't certain about Clarence's attitude to Stella. With uncertainty, he said in a deep voice, "Clarence, since you've come back, let's make everything clear."

Clarence looked up and said in an extremely cold tone, "Good. I also want to announce something."

Dempsey stroke his walking stick and thought for a moment, "Since Stella is carrying the baby of the Conrad family, we can't let our later generation outside. You divorced her so suddenly back then. I didn't agree with you. Now, it's a good chance for you to remarry."

Upon hearing it, Clarence cast Stella a glance. Then he asked indifferently, "Said who I'll remarry her?"

Dempsey frowned unhappily, "Then what are you planning to do? Are you the father of the baby in her belly?"

Clarence said, "Only she knows if I'm the father or not."

Since Clarence entered, Stella was sitting there, lowering her head.

Upon hearing his words, she subconsciously clenched her fingers. Blood was drained from her face.

It wasn't the first time that she heard Clarence doubt if he was the father of her baby. However, for some reason, in an instant, she felt as if she was poured by a basin of cold water. Her only hope was gone. She felt as if she was dragged into an endless abyss, and she couldn't see any light.

After a moment of silence, Dempsey added, "No matter what, if there's any possibility, I can't let the Conrad family's later generation wander outside. Before the baby is born, she..."

Right then, a woman's gentle voice was heard at the gate, "Excuse me. Am I interrupting?"

Dempsey looked over. Originally, he was quite unhappy that Phoebe and Clarence had attended the charity banquet and ruined his plan last night. Seeing her show up, he was more impatient, looked extremely annoyed.

Joanna said, “Hi, Phoebe. If you have anything, could you please come over later?"

Right after she finished her words, Clarence stood up and said, "I called her over."

Joanna's expression changed when she heard it.

Phoebe smiled and nodded at Joanna as a greeting. Then she took Clarence's arm, "Uncle Dempsey, Aunt Joanna, Clarence and I are getting married." Dempsey stood up immediately, "I don't agree."

Clarence withdrew his hand from Phoebe's arms. He wrapped his hand around her waist and said indifferently, "That's what I want to announce."

Phoebe didn't expect that he would do so. After a short moment of daze, she put back on her smile.

Dempsey paced the floor with the walking stick violently, "You are making trouble. You know Stella is pregnant with your baby, but you..."

I've said only she knows if I'm the father of her baby or not, Clarence said in a cold and heartless tone, "Even if I were the father, but so what? Said who I must remarry her since she has my baby?" Justin shook his head, "Clarence, please stop saying that."

Clarence said, "I'm telling the truth."

Dempsey was furious, "You..."

Phoebe chimed in, "Uncle Dempsey, I know that Ms. Radomil is pregnant. As long as it's confirmed that Clarence is the father of the baby, I'm willing to bring up the child. Ms. Radomil, I can promise you here, I'll treat the baby as my own. If you miss the child, you can always visit us."

Phoebe's tone was quite gentle, but she sounded extremely determined. She even promised that she could bring up Stella's child. Dempsey's face changed between livid and darkened. He was so furious that he couldn't utter a word.

Originally, he wanted to mention that Stella was pregnant so that Clarence had to break up with the Steward family. Phoebe was a spoiled woman from a rich family, so how could she bear it? Much to Dempsey's surprise...

Joanna said, "Phoebe, the marriage is a big thing. You should think twice. Please decide after talking to your father."

Phoebe answered with a smile, "Aunt Joanna, my father has already known it. He also likes Clarence very much."

As she spoke, Phoebe looked up at Clarence, "Clarence and I love each other for a long time. I've been waiting for this day."

Clarence didn't look at her. He was expressionless.

No matter what they were talking about, Stella sat there and looked down. Nobody could tell any emotion in her eyes.

She was just an outsider isolated by them. Meanwhile, she was waiting for the final pronounce judgment.

The scene looked extremely ironic.

Clarence said, "If there's nothing else, we'll leave now."

After finishing his words, he turned around and cast Stella a glance. The latter seemed to sense something and met his eyes. She was startled for a few seconds. When she was about to stand up, Dempsey sat down, "Stella, you'll stay here."

Clarence paused his pace, his cold features looking as if they were covered by a layer of frost.

Dempsey added, "Although Clarence doesn't care about you, you used to be one of our Conrad family. Your baby is probably the later generation of our family. We have the responsibility to take care of you." Stella pressed her lips, "I..."

If you insist on leaving here, nobody around you could take care of you and you might have an abortion. In that case, you'll drag other innocent people into the mere. Just stay here and wait to give birth. Everything will be fine after the baby is born.

Stella stiffed. Dempsey was threatening her. Once she left the mansion, he would do something to people around her...

Subconsciously, she looked over at Clarence. Her lips parted. She wanted to say something but couldn't utter a sound. She felt a sharp pain in her throat.

Phoebe sensed his pause. She gently called, "Clarence?"

Clarence remained expressionlessly, leaving with her while wrapping around her waist.

Until his figure disappeared at the door, Stella gradually withdrew her gaze. She twitched her mouth corners, but she couldn't smile at all.

Dempsey snorted. With his walking stick, he left.

Justine operated the wheelchair and looked over at Stella, "Stella, just stay here. I promise nobody would hurt you."

After that, he said to a servant, "Please prepare a room for Ms. Radomil."

The servant cast Joanna a glance. She didn't answer until Joanna nodded, "Yes, Mr. Justin."

Shortly after, Joanna left.

Only Stella, Annie, and Justin were left in the living room.

Annie breathed a sigh of relief. Looking over at Stella, she was quite delighted, "Now, Clarence is marrying Phoebe. Now you should know what kind of person you are. Phoebe is the beloved daughter of the Steward family. She was born noble. Somebody even couldn't compare..."

Annie, stop it, Justin interrupted her in a deep voice.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 133: The Vulgarity and Misdeeds in the Bone Cannot be Changed

Annie said, "Justin, Clarence doesn't care about her. Why do you care? She deserves everything that happened today!" "Annie, stop it," Justin said, "From now on, Stella will stay here for a while. Stop making trouble."

Annie snorted, turned around to glare at Stella, and went back to her room.

Right then, the servant came over to report, "Mr. Justin, the room is ready."

Justine nodded. He said to Stella, “Stella, let's go. I'll show you the way."

In front of the guestroom door, Justin said, "Stella, please don't take what Clarence said seriously. He said it... for your good."

Stella slightly smiled, "Probably."

You know, Clarence wasn't close to us. The scene today was indeed...

Stella said gently, "We've divorced long ago. He doesn't have any reason to care about me, and nor does he need to care about my opinions. I got to know Miss Steward before. They are truly a perfect match. Justin sighed, "You'd better take a good rest. I'll talk to my father about your staying here. Please don't worry."

Thank you, Mr. Conrad.

Except for thanking him, Stella didn't know what else she could say.

Only Justin treated her as a human being in such a big Conrad family.

Seeing that Stella walked into the guestroom, Justin operated his wheelchair and left.

Stella closed the door and looked at the completely unknown environment, a trace of helplessness surging from the bottom of her heart, her mind going blank. She felt quite exhausted, extremely weak.

In the black Rolls-Royce.

Phoebe asked, "Clarence, what you've done today was for Ms. Radomil, right?"

Clarence clenched his fingers and pressed them against his temple. His expression remained unchanged, "You've overthought."

Then, why did you suddenly agree to marry me?

Because I want to. If you are against it, we can cancel it as well.

Phoebe laughed, staring ahead. After a moment, she said, "Aren't you afraid that Ms. Radomil would misunderstand us and think that there's something between us?"

Clarence was annoyed by her questions. He said impatiently, "We're getting married. If there's nothing between us, it's weird."

I meant whether you are afraid that she would be heartbroken.

Clarence didn't answer. He snorted. That woman didn't have a heart. How could she be heartbroken?

Seeing that he didn't answer, Phoebe continued, "No matter why you agreed to marry me, I'm quite delighted now. After getting married, I'll take the responsibility as a good wife and take good care of your child born by Ms. Radomil."

Clarence said indifferently, "Just don't beat around the bush. I know exactly what's in your mind."

Phoebe smiled. She didn't deny it. Instead, she said, "Clarence, what makes me curious is that you know this baby would become the biggest chip in your father's hands, but why did you take the risk to keep him?"

Clarence curled his thin lips into an ironic smile, "You also think I'm heartless and ruthless, don't you? You think that I can sacrifice anything for the power, right?"

Phoebe was a bit taken aback. She realized that she had said something wrong, "I didn't mean it..."

Clarence seemed to have no intention to listen to her explanation. Instead, he looked out of the window with a cold face, lost in thought.

Phoebe bit her lower lip in secret. If she didn't mistake, Clarence kept this baby wasn't because of the kinship at all.

It was all because of Stella.

Clarence was born cold-hearted and ruthless. Although he wasn't so cruel that he could kill his child, he wouldn't like the child at all. Probably he was still unwilling to admit, but he treasured Stella more than his own life.

Phoebe believed that otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to marry her.

She exhaled. Fortunately, someone was more eager to get rid of Stella than she was.

Stella lay in her room for the whole afternoon, but she didn't even close her eyes for a second.

In the past, when she was in Starry Lake Mansion, she still had certain freedom. Although Clarence sent someone to follow her everywhere, he wouldn't restrain where she would go.

Right now, she couldn't even go out of the door of the Conrads' Mansion. However, she'd rather no to go out of the door of her room.

She had just begun her escaping plan. She needed to carefully plan for her escape from Clarence's villa, but here, it would be even impossible for her to do it.

This place was a hazardous spot indeed.

There were also dogs.

She covered her head with the quilt, wishing that she could sleep and never wake up.

After a long while, she heard the knocks on the door.

Stella got up and opened the door, only to find the servant, who got her room prepared, stand at the door.

The servant said, "Ms. Radomil, this is the necessities that Mr. Justin asked me to prepare for you, including the wash supplies and your clothes.

Stella took them over, "Thank you."

You are welcome, Ms. Radomil. If you need anything, please feel free to let me know.

Before leaving, the servant added, "Ms. Radomil, we always have dinner at half-past six. If you want to eat something particular, please tell me one day ahead." Stella nodded, "Okay. I got it. Thanks."

Back to her room, Stella checked the time - it was five to six. That meant in another half an hour, she would need to go to the cold place where she found it hard to breathe.

It was just the first day and she suffered so much.

Stella believed that she would probably go insane before giving birth to her baby.

When it was time for dinner, probably Annie was still angry, so she didn't come downstairs.

Dempsey and Joanna didn't speak at all. Occasionally, Justin talked, so that the meal didn't seem lifeless.

However, Stella didn't have any appetite. She forced herself to take a few bites and then sat over there in silence.

Justin noticed that she didn't each much. He asked gently, "Stella, don't you like the dishes?"

Stella looked up and shook her head, "I like them. I just don't have any appetite..."

Dempsey chimed in aggressively and coldly, "You are pregnant now. Even if you don't have any appetite, you must eat."

Justin, however, smiled at her and said, "It's alright. Don't force yourself. If you are hungry at night, you can ask the cook to prepare the night snacks for you."

Stella pressed her lips. She picked up her tableware again and continued to eat.

Justin was the only one in the Conrad family who treated her very well. She didn't want to let him annoy his father.

Dempsey said unhappily, "Now you can eat it, can't you?"

Joanna wiped her mouth with the napkin. She said indifferently, "If a person has grown up in a different environment and accepted different education, no matter how he or she pretends, the vulgarity and misdeeds in the bone cannot be changed."

Justin frowned and said in a deep tone, "Mom, please!"

Joanna cast him a glance, "What's wrong? I didn't mean her. I'm just stating a fact."

Stella kept silent. She knew that Joanna wasn't referring to her. Instead, Joanna was implying Clarence.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐--

Chapter 134: Does It Has Anything to Do with Me?

After dinner, Stella was about to go back to her room. Justin said, "Stella, would you please have a walk with me in the garden?"

Stella paused and nodded in agreement, "Sure."

Right then, it wasn't completely dark. The whole sky was gray. All dark clouds were gathering. It was quite humid. There should be a thunderstorm at night. When Stella was looking at the distance in a daze, Justin said, "You are not used to staying here, are you?"

Stella withdrew her gaze. Pressing her lips, she didn't deny.

Justin continued, "My father is quite stubborn. I need more time to convince him. Stella, I'm sorry but you have to bear such a life in the following days."

After a moment of silence, Stella said, "Thank you, Mr. Conrad."

Not at all. I fully understand how you feel when being trapped without a chance to go out. Justin looked up at the dark sky, "But, please don't worry. Clarence wouldn't leave you alone and ignore you." "Yes, he would ignore me."

Clarence had said that once the Conrad family found out about her pregnancy, she must take the consequences all by herself.

He wasn't wrong. She insisted on giving birth to the baby. No matter what happened, it had nothing to do with him.

Justine faintly smiled, shaking his head. He said steadily, "Clarence is always easy to lose temper and calm down. In the current situation, he needs some time to deal with other things. Please give him more time, Stella."

Stella looked over at Justin. Suddenly, she felt quite sorry for him.

In terms of temper, character, and manners, Justin was way too excellent. He was a perfect man.

If he hadn't had the car accident, how outstanding he would have become.

Even if Justin could only be trapped by the wheelchair all his life, he still attracted a lot of women. However, it seemed that he had trapped himself.

After a while, Stella said, "Mr. Conrad, it's going to rain. Let's go back."

Justin nodded in agreement, "Okay. Let's go."

Lying on her bed, staring at the strange room, Stella couldn't fall asleep at all.

The thunderstorm came as expected. The raindrops smashed onto the window like beating a drum, making noises in her quiet room.

The worse was, Stella found that she was starved.

It almost killed her.

She lifted the quilt and sat up, looking out of the darkness outside the window, lost in thought.

No matter what she did, it couldn't stop the baby's objection in her belly.

When she was wondering if she should sneak downstairs to find something to eat, Stella saw a light flash outside the window. In an instant, she couldn't open her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder who had come in such a late stormy night.

Stella also decided to give up the idea to sneak downstairs for food. She could just bear it.

Tomorrow, she would ask the cook in the kitchen if she could have some snacks and fruits prepared.

Stella pulled over the quilt and covered her head. She rubbed her belly, aiming to calm down the little fellow. Shortly after, she heard footsteps in the corridor. However, they stopped right in front of the door of her room. Stella was taken aback. For some reason, she suddenly had a hunch, wondering if the person coming over was... She immediately got up, put her feed into the slippers, rushed to the door, and opened it quickly. However, when she saw the person at the door, the hope and light in her heart were gone gradually. Phoebe looked at her and slightly smiled, "Good evening, Ms. Radomil."

Stella was silent for a moment. She asked, "Good evening, Miss Steward. Why are you here?"

Phoebe lifted an insulation pail in her hands, "You are pregnant, so I'm sure you'll get hungry easily. It might not be quite convenient here for you, so I brought you some food."

Stella pressed her lips and she didn't take it over.

Phoebe explained, "I'm always with Rebecca Jason during her pregnancy, so I know such things more or less."

Miss Steward, thank you for your kindness. But, it's not necessary.

As if she had read Stella's mind, Phoebe said, "Ms. Radomil, what I said earlier today wasn't to snatch your baby from you. In that circumstance, I'll make Uncle Dempsey rest assured by saying that. After you've given birth to the baby, no matter you or Clarence will raise the child, I won't intervene in your decision."

Stella said, "Miss Steward, you've misunderstood."

Phoebe was a bit surprised, "? Did I?"

No matter what, I'm Clarence Conrad's ex-wife. For you, I'm the ringleader who has taken your beloved man from you. You don't need to be so kind to me, Miss Steward.

Upon hearing it, Phoebe smiled, "Ms. Radomil, I've said that I only believe what I've seen on you. Besides, we are friends now. We should help each other, shouldn't we?" Stella pressed her lips and didn't speak.

In this world, she feared that she would owe Phoebe any favor the most.

Phoebe pulled her hand and pressed the insulation pail into them, "Please take it. Don't make me come here in vain."

She continued, "Ms. Radomil, if you feel quite bored here, you can call me over to accompany you. Or, if you need anything, please let me know. I'll bring them to you. I've been here a couple of times before. I don't think Uncle Dempsey and Aunt Joanna would be against it."

Miss Steward...

Please don't say thanks to me. I'm willing to do it for you. As she spoke, Phoebe smiled at Stella and left.

Stella held the insulation pail, exhaling. Then she turned around and walked into her room.

Sitting on the couch, she thought for a while before opening the insulation pail. When she saw the food inside, she was a bit taken aback.

After sitting in the car, Phoebe looked at the man next to her, "I've met Ms. Radomil. She should be fine."

Clarence's face was cold and gloomy, "No matter if she's fine or not, does it have anything to do with me?"

Phoebe said, "Clarence you care about Ms. Radomil, don't you? Otherwise, why would you be afraid that she's hungry at night and deliberately send her..."

Phoebe felt fortunate that she went to his house. Otherwise, it would be Clarence who sent the insulation pail to Stella.

Clarence interrupted her with an indifferent tone, "Someone asked me to send it to her."

Phoebe didn't insist on asking who the person was. However, she could guess that the answer might not be quite pleasant to know.

Half an hour later, the black Rolls-Royce stopped at the gate of the residence of the Steward family.

Phoebe reached out to push the door. After a few seconds, she looked back, "Clarence, would you like to go in and meet my father?"

Clarence answered expressionlessly, "It's quite late. Your father must have gone to bed."

Phoebe understood that he refused her. With a smile, she said, "It's alright. After all, we're getting married soon. You'll have a lot of chances to meet him in the future." As soon as Phoebe got off, the servant came over to pick her up with an umbrella.

Clarence said to the driver, "Drive."

Chapter 135: Am I Forbidden to Come here

Stella looked at the fish soup in the insulation pail and then looked out of the window subconsciously.

Although there was a heavy storm, she calmed down a lot

Not so many people would put the houttuynia cordata in the fish soup. Since she came back from Anqiao Street, whenever Alisa was making the fish soup, she would put this kind of herb in. In other words, if she didn't mistake, the soup should be delivered from Starry Lake Mansion.

She picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup. It warmed up her tummy. The baby in her belly calmed down as well.

After finishing a bowl of fish soup, Stella felt that she was energetic again. She lay on the bed and suddenly felt that she wasn't fighting alone anymore.

Looking at her cell phone, she hesitated for a moment. She recalled that Clarence warned her not to call him again at midnight, so she texted him: "Mr. Conrad, are you awake?"

Clarence didn't reply to her, so she thought he was sleeping.

Stella exhaled. She put away the phone and closed her eyes.

However, before she almost fell asleep, her phone on the nightstand started vibrating.

She opened her eyes and swiped to answer.

On the other end of the line, Clarence's voice was like being soaked in the cold rain. He said coldly, "What's the matter?"

Stella bit her lower lip. After a moment of silence, she said, "Mr. Conrad, I'm terribly sorry."

Can your apology change anything?

Then does it make any sense?

Stella pinched her phone, her knuckles going white, "Mr. Conrad, I know you won't forgive me. Since it has already happened, no matter what I said, it couldn't be changed at all. Mr. Conrad, if you would vent your anger by scolding me, please go ahead. I'll never retort."

He said coldly, "Do you think I'm quite idle? Do you think I call you so late at night just for scolding you?"

Stella asked in a low voice, "Or what?"

She guessed that Clarence was so pissed by her that he couldn't fall asleep tonight, so he called her.

Clarence sneered. He asked rudely, "Do you have anything? If not, I'll hang up."

What? For a moment, Stella didn't return to her senses. After a pause, she said, "Mr. Conrad, please send my thanks to Alisa for the fish soup she made."

After a moment of silence, Stella continued, "I know I've broken the agreement between us, but... I'm trapped in the Conrads' Mansion, and I'll try my best to get out of here. I would never let the baby in my belly become your trouble. Mr. Conrad, I want to beg you..."

Clarence was impatient, "Is that all that you want to say?"

I know I'm quite shameless to make another request, but it's still a life. I don't want to omit the baby's right to come over to this world...

Upon hearing her sobbed and hoarse voice, Clarence pressed his thin lips and said, "Stella, did I say anything? Why are you directing and acting the show suddenly?"

Stella said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it..."

Save it. I'm going to bed now.

"Okay, Mr. Conrad. Good night.”

After finishing her words, Stella hung up the phone directly.

Clarence listened to the beeps on the phone and suddenly sneered.

Stella stayed in the Conrads' Mansion for a week. Every day, she would go downstairs for meals on time. In the evening, she would have a walk with Justin in the garden. She planned to ask the servant for some fruits on the second day when moved in, but before she said anything, the servant would send her a midnight snack at ten o'clock every evening.

What surprised her the most was that Annie, who disliked her the most, was extremely quiet in the past few days. Even they occasionally encountered each other, she didn't overreact and take any action against Stella.

Hence, the whole mansion was so depressing as a jail.

Every day when Justin took her to the garden, it felt like letting the jailbird out for exercise.

When Stella thought that she would spend every day in such an endless and boring way, Clarence suddenly decided to move back without informing anyone ahead.

Since he had taken over Conrad Group, he didn't stay a single night in the Conrads' Mansion.

Annie was quite worried because Dempsey had known about Stella's pregnancy, so she didn't make trouble for Stella. As soon as she heard that Clarence had moved back, she panicked. Tugging Joanna's sleeve, she asked, Aunt Joanna, what should I do?"""

Joanna didn't take it seriously. She asked calmly, "Why are you so worried? Haven't you planned everything?"

But... But I...

Clarence is quite busy now. He wouldn't look into the matter who had exposed the news. By then, you just refuse to admit it. What can he do to you?

Joanna put down the teacup in her hand and added, "Do you think he moved back for Stella Radomil?"

Annie was confused, "If not, then why did Clarence..."

Stella is in your uncle's hands now. The baby in her belly was relevant to the future of Conrad Group. How could he leave her alone here and ignore her? Annie whispered, "Aunt Joann, didn't you say that Clarence wouldn't let Stella give birth to that child?"

Joanna smiled, "Annie, don't do things in a hurry. This matter has just begun."

Justin was called away by a servant. Stella was sitting on the bench alone, watching the sun go down and the evening glory fade.

When it was completely dark, she returned to her senses. When she was about to leave, a figure sat down next to her.

She heard a man's indifferent voice, "It seems that you adapted the life here quite well."

Clarence cast her a glance, "You also enjoyed the meals."

She knew that the wretched man couldn't speak nicely.

In the past few days, Stella's belly started to become bigger and bigger. She put on some weight and her face became rounder.

She was now in a late pregnancy, so it was normal for her to gain some weight.

Stella didn't plan to talk to this mean man, but she still wanted to ask him for help, so she tolerant it, "Mr. Conrad, why are you here?" Clarence looked at the distance and answered flatly, "Am I forbidden to come here?"

Stella quieted down for a while and then she burst into laughter.

Hearing her laughter, Clarence turned around, "What's funny?"

Nothing.

Stella looked at the street lamps in front. She just felt that the depression and upset that kept surging in her heart in the past few days suddenly faded.

She didn't need to be careful and be silent, and nor did she need to obey all the rules and let others disdain her.

One could realize how good his or her original life was only after experienced a worse life.

Although Clarence could never talk nicely, in the Conrad's Mansion, which could utterly destroy someone, he was like a thorn out of thin air. He made them hate him to the core and want to get rid of him, but they could only end up with injured bloody hands.

Clarence snorted. He wasn't in the mood to keep asking.

Under the night breeze, Stella felt chilly. She stood up and said "Mr. Conrad, I'm going back to my room. Please excuse me."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 136: I’ll Send You Out by Then

Dempsey was the one who disliked that Clarence had moved back. He looked extremely annoyed, but he couldn't say anything.

Obviously, the atmosphere in the Conrads' Mansion had become more stressful and tense.

When Annie was about to go back to her room, she was stopped by Clarence in front of the stairs.

She was so frightened. Looking back at him, she tried her best to be calm, "Yes... Yes, Clarence?"

Clarence cast her an expressionless glance. He said flatly, "I remember I've warned you."

Annie knew that he was getting even with her. In a hurry, she explained, "That woman... Stella's pregnancy wasn't exposed to me. I swear."

Upon hearing it, Clarence looked at Annie coldly. She didn't know if he bought it or not, but she just felt her hair stand on end, wrapped over by the fear.

Annie gritted her teeth. She knew if she didn't tell him the truth now, he would sooner or later find it out. She whispered, "It's Rebecca. She mentioned that Stella is pregnant, and Uncle Dempsey overheard her..."

Clarence asked, "How did she know?"

I... I don't know either. However, Rebecca said that she knew Stella has been pregnant long ago. She should get to know it on Aunt Joanna's birthday. However, she always thought that Stella was pregnant with Horace's baby...

Annie was quite smart when speaking. She pulled Rebecca into the mere and also reminded Clarence that the matter Stella was pushed into the pond wasn't an accident. She completely got away from being suspected.

Clarence suddenly chuckled. When he looked up, his black eyes were full of coldness. He said, "Annie Conrad, don't play any tricks in my presence. I'll look into the matters you mentioned one by one." Annie tried hard not to let out a trembling voice, "Clarence, I've told you the truth. I didn't lie."

After Clarence walked away, Annie trotted into her bedroom quickly. All her back was covered in a cold sweat.

Nathan walked behind Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, shall we look into the Jason family?"

Clarence said, "Not necessary."

After a pause, he asked, "Has Rebecca Jason given birth?"

Yes. She gave birth five days ago.

Send her a gift for me.

Nathan nodded, "What should I write on the card?"

Clarence said indifferently, "It's getting cold. Stay away from the cold water."

Okay, Mr. Conrad, Nathan answered.

Then he walked away quickly.

When passing Stella's door, Clarence paused a bit and cast a glance at it.

While Stella was sitting in front of the desk, drawing drafts to kill time, she heard the knocks on her door.

She checked the time. It was nine o'clock.

Usually, the midnight snack would be delivered at ten.

She glanced at the door and roughly figured out who was outside.

She put down her brush, stood up, and walked to open the door. She said crossly, "Why are you..."

Before finishing her words, she saw the person outside the door, her expression slightly changing. Joanna said indifferently, "Do you think it was Clarence Conrad?"

Stella pressed her lips, "Sorry, I..."

Let's talk inside.

After finishing her words, Joanna bypassed her and walked into her room.

Stella closed the door, turned around, and followed her.

Joanna sat on the sofa and looked around, "Are you used to staying here?"

Stella nodded slightly. She knew that Joanna wasn't here for caring about her.

She asked, "Mrs. Conrad, you came to me. Is there any..."

Before she finished her words, Joanna interrupted her, "You should know clearly about the current situation in the Conrad family."

Joanna said, "It's alright if you don't know. Let me tell you. Clarence can't get along with his father. Conrad Group has been divided into two power groups. Clarence's father is worried that he couldn't control his son. After the baby in your belly is born and confirmed to be Clarence's child, he or she must be the future successor of Conrad Group. Clarence's father will use this child and take away the power from Clarence step by step."

Joanna paused a bit. Then she added steadily, "I guess, even if Clarence hasn't told you such information, you should know that he wouldn't allow you to give birth to your baby."

Stella was silent for a moment. Then she said, "Mrs. Conrad, I don't understand why you came to talk to me about those matters."

Joanna said, "Do you think I would be benefited no matter Conrad Group falls in Clarence's or the baby's hands?"

Stella looked up at her. Her lips parted, but she didn't answer Joanna.

The latter knew what she was thinking about, "I don't need to hide the matter that Clarence isn't my biological son. Moreover, if the matter that he was an illegitimate child is exposed, I won't be the one who will feel humiliated."

Mrs. Conrad, what's your point then?

Next week, we'll hold a birthday banquet for Dempsey. There will be a lot of guests. I don't think he has the energy to keep an eye on you at that time. I can send you out. However, you can't let anyone else know the plan, especially Clarence.

Stella had been waiting for a chance to escape. However, much to her surprise, this chance would be offered to her by Joanna.

However, standing in Joanna's shoes, Stella thought that her words did make sense.

Joanna didn't like Clarence, the illegitimate child. Even if Dempsey wanted to control Clarence with the baby in Stella's belly, it was still Clarence's child. For Joanna, nothing would be changed. After the baby was born, she would feel more annoyed.

Stella knew that Joanna was willing to help her all because of Joanna herself.

Stella was convinced.

She thought for a moment and asked, "Mrs. Conrad, what do you need me to do then?"

Seeing that she agreed, Joanna smiled. She stood up and said, "Just be yourself as usual in the following days. On the day of Dempsey's birthday banquet, you need to eliminate Clarence's suspicion and walk to the back door all by yourself. My men would be waiting for you there."

By the way, she reminded Stella, "After I send you away this time, you can never return to City N. To avoid that Clarence would find your trace, you can't keep in touch with your family and friends. Whether to keep the baby and bring it up alone or you are not reluctant to give up what you currently have, it all depends on you."

Without any hesitation, Stella answered, "I can give up on contacting them. Mrs. Conrad, thanks for helping me."

Joanna curled up her lips. She added, "This is only between the two of us. If you told others and exposed the news, you can't leave and I can do nothing about it."

I won't tell anyone else.

Upon hearing her guarantee, Joanna nodded and walked away.

The room was silent again. Stella, however, could feel that her heart was hammering violently.

No matter what purpose Joanna had to help her or what other plans she got, Stella didn't think she would get another choice.

Lying on the bed, Stella tossed about and couldn't fall into sleep at all. She couldn't trust Joanna completely, and nor did she know where Joanna would send her to. Hence, she must have her escaping plan.

Chapter 137: I Asked Them to Come Here

As soon as Rebecca came out of the bathroom, she saw her mother holding a flower basket at the door. She asked casually, "Who has sent it?"

Tabitha pulled a long face and looked a bit annoyed, "It's from Clarence Conrad."

Upon hearing it, Rebecca said surprisingly, "Clarence Conrad? Hasn't the Conrad family sent us a gift? Why did he..."

I don't know what he meant. He sent it over in his name.

Rebecca was more confused. Clarence never was friendly to her whole family. Although they had become in-laws because of the engagement of Annie and Horace, it was decided by Dempsey. Hence, they couldn't get along with Clarence more.

In such a circumstance, how could Clarence send her a gift deliberately for her childbirth?

Tabitha said, "Isn't he getting married to Phoebe? Would it be possible that Phoebe asked him to do so?"

Rebecca shook her head, "How could Phoebe ask Clarence to do anything?"

The more she thought about it, the weirder Rebecca felt. She didn't want to overthink, but the matter that Clarence sent her a gift was way too creepy.

While she was trying hard to figure it out, Tabitha suddenly said, "Rebecca, look. There's a card."

Let me take a look.

Rebecca took it over. When she opened the card and read the line, she suddenly looked pale.

Tabitha noticed it and asked, "Rebecca, what's wrong? What's on the card?"

Rebecca returned to her senses. Immediately, she shook her head and pressed the card behind her back, "Nothing, Mom. It's just some wishing words."

Right then, her baby woke up and started weeping. Tabitha rushed to coax the baby.

Rebecca sat on the bed. Although there was a heater in the room, she felt extremely cold as all fours were frozen.

Clarence wouldn't have written such words for no reason. She guessed that he must have known she made Stella drown.

She also knew that according to Clarence's character, he wouldn't let it go so easily.

On the second day during breakfast, Dempsey was still angry. He pulled a long face without saying a single word.

Joanna still looked expressionless. Annie lowered her head and held her breath.

Only Justin said, "Clarence, you haven't stayed home for several years. Since you moved back this time, please stay here longer." Upon hearing it, Dempsey didn't speak, but he looked quite annoyed obviously.

Clarence curled up his lips. He said calmly, "Yeah. I'm not quite busy with my work recently. Otherwise, I wouldn't have this chance."

Right after the last syllable fell from the tip of his tongue, Dempsey smashed his tableware onto the table and walked into the study with the walking stick. Shortly after, Joanna wiped her mouth and left as well.

Seeing that, Annie followed her immediately.

Justin said, "Clarence, it's good that you've moved back. You can accompany Stella. She's living here alone. I don't think she feels quite easy."

Clarence cast a glance at Stella, who was drinking the porridge in silence, "? I can tell she enjoys living here a lot."

Justin smiled. He patted Clarence on his shoulder and operated his wheelchair towards the garden, "It's a nice day. I'll go out for a walk. Suit yourselves."

Stella didn't want to talk to Clarence. She wanted to lead a happy life.

After breakfast, she was about to return to her room as usual. However, as soon as she stood up, a servant brought in two persons, "Mr. Clarence, they said they are employees of SG Jewelry Magazine." Stella looked back, only to find Sherry standing next to the servant blinking at her.

Upon hearing the sound outside, Dempsey walked out of the study. With a frown, he said, "Who allowed them to come in? What are they doing here?"

Clarence stood up and said in a cold tone, "I invited them to come here."

Dempsey was extremely unhappy that Clarence had moved back without noticing him. Upon hearing his words, Dempsey looked more annoyed, "What are you doing?"

Clarence answered indifferently, "I accepted to take an interview."

Dempsey wondered if Clarence was mentally ill. Usually, he didn't care whatever this disobedient son was doing. However, today, Clarence asked the magazine employees back to the Conrads' Mansion for an interview.

Dempsey was pissed off by Clarence. For a moment, he couldn't utter any word. He could only pace on the floor with the walking stick violently. Then he turned around and walked back to his room. Watching the unexpected scene, Stella was a bit taken aback.

Sherry looked around and found that nobody else was with them. She walked up and tugged Stella's sleeve, "What are you thinking about?"

Stella was brought into her senses, "Sherry, why are you..."

Before Sherry answered, Clarence looked over at the editor from the magazine who came over together with Sherry, "Let's go."

The editor immediately followed him.

Sherry whispered to Stella, "Which room do you stay in? Let's talk in your room privately."

Stella took Sherry into her room and asked, "Sherry, what's going on? How come suddenly Clarence has accepted an interview with SG Jewelry Magazine? And you are..."

Sherry answered, "Since you were taken away by the Conrad family, I've been worried about you. So on the day before yesterday, I went to Conrad Group and have a try..."

Stella contacted Sherry after being taken away and she told Sherry that she had to stay in the Conrads' Mansion for the time being. Probably she had to quit from SG Jewelry Magazine as well, and she asked Sherry not to worry.

However, she was pregnant and was taken away. Sherry knew what kind of place the Conrads' Mansion was, so she was still quite worried about Stella.

That was why she went to meet Clarence.

Much to her surprise, Clarence agreed to come over and meet Stella.

Sherry said, "Honestly, sometimes he's truly a wretched man, but at the critical moment, he's quite reliable. Besides, he used the interview as an excuse. In this case, no one in the Conrad family will trouble you."

That made sense, but Stella wondered why Clarence would have done it.

Before she could figure it out, Sherry added, "Stella, what's your plan now? Are you going to stay here all the time?"

Stella shook her head. After a thought, she said, "A few days later, it'll be Clarence's father's birthday banquet. It's a chance for me."

What's your plan then? What should I do to help you?

Stella said, "Nothing. Thank you, Sherry."

After a pause, she added, "Sherry, you can't let anyone else know about my escaping plan this time."

Even not Chan?

Stella nodded. Once she successfully escaped, Clarence would suspect Chan and Sherry first, so he would investigate starting from them certainly. Hence, she absolutely couldn't ask them for help this time.

Otherwise, she would pull them into the mere.

Stella added, "After it becomes peaceful in City N, I'll contact you guys, Sherry."

Chapter 138: How Do You Know it without Telling Me?

After a moment, Sherry asked, "Well... Are you planning not to meet Clarence again in the future?" Stella was silent for a moment. She answered, "No. I won't meet him again."

The marriage between Clarence and her was a mistake. It was time to end this mistake completely.

"But I always sensed that Clarence shouldn't be willing to let you go. Besides, he likes you, doesn't he...”

After a long while, Stella smiled, Even if he likes me, it means nothing. Besides, he's getting married soon. How could he have the energy to care about me?"""

Sherry heaved a sigh, "That's right. Those rich and powerful families get married as if they were playing games. You can't take it seriously."

Afraid that people from the Conrad family would find out, Sherry couldn't stay in Stella's room for a long time. Soon, she went downstairs. Meanwhile, Clarence had finished the interview.

After Sherry and the editor of SG Jewelry Magazine left, Clarence asked a servant, "Where is Stella?"

Ms. Radomil is in her room.

Clarence walked towards the garden while saying, "Ask her to come downstairs."

The servant nodded, "Yes, Mr. Clarence."

In Stella's room.

Stella was looking out of the window in a daze when hearing the knocks on the door.

She reluctantly walked to the garden. When seeing Clarence, she walked over slowly, "Excuse me, Mr. Conrad. What can I do for you?"

Clarence sat at a round table and took a sip of the coffee in his mug. He said indifferently, "Isn't it good to have a walk?"

In the past few days, Stella also wanted to take a walk outside. However, she knew clearly that except for Justin, people in the Conrad family all disliked her and disdained her. Hence, she almost stayed in her room all the time except to take a walk with Justin in the evening.

Clarence was almost in the same situation as her.

However, he could speak and behave quite naturally and unrestrainedly, which displeased all people in the Conrad family.

Stella guessed that in this world, only Clarence could make those people who disliked him uneasy because of his existence. Thinking about it, Stella admired Clarence somehow.

Meanwhile, a servant served a plate to them.

Stella sat opposite Clarence. After the servant left, she continued, "Mr. Conrad, don't you need to go to work?" Clarence put down the coffee mug, "I'm taking a break."

It was quite rare that the wretched man talked in such a normal tone. Stella couldn't get used to it for a while.

She lowered her head and took a bite of the fruit. Then she said, "Mr. Conrad, thank you."

Clarence looked up at her slightly. Stretching his arms on the back of his chair, he said casually, "What for?"

Mr. Conrad, thank you for making Sherry meet me today.

In the past few days, she was quite depressed when staying here. She couldn't find anyone to talk to. After talking with Sherry, she became happier. Clarence said indifferently, "? I thought she's named Sofia Cooper."

It seemed that he wouldn't forget about this matter.

She wanted to correct her comments on him just now. The wretched man was still fond of tricking others as usual.

In distance, the sunshine was exposed behind the layer of clouds. It fell on and the whole garden seemed to be gilded.

Under the warm sunshine, Stella was a bit sleepy. She yawned.

Right then, she suddenly felt a kick from the baby in her belly.

Then the little fellow became quite spiritual and started to make a fuss.

Hence, Stella wasn't sleepy at all. She touched her belly, curling up her lips into a smile.

When she subconsciously looked up, only to find Clarence was staring at her in silence. His eyes were deepened.

She whispered, "Mr. Conrad, what are you looking at?"

Clarence asked instead of answering, "What are you laughing about then?"

Stella immediately put away her smile. Pressing her lips, she said, "Mr. Conrad, you wouldn't want to know it."

Clarence frowned unhappily, "How do you know it if you don't tell me?"

Stella wasn't in the mood to argue with him meaninglessly. She said, "The baby moved. The little fellow is having fun in my belly."

Clarence didn't react.

Stella clicked her tongue secretly. She knew that he wouldn't want to know.

She planned to go back to her room.

When she was about to stand up, she felt a big palm gently covering her belly.

Clarence slightly looked down and asked, “Isn't it moving now?"

Stella was taken aback. Then she returned to her senses and said gently, "It's not there."

Clarence moved his hand, "Here?"

Nope... Stella didn't know how to tell him, so she could only pull his hand and move it down, "Here."

When Clarence moved his palm over the place she mentioned, he felt a kick.

The little fellow seemed not to stop at all, so he felt continuous kicks.

Clarence asked, "Does it often move like this?"

Not quite often... Just recently, it moves quite frequently. After making a fuss for a while, it'll rest when it's tired. "Usually how long?"

Stella didn't know as she didn't check the time.

Without receiving her answer, Clarence didn't insist on asking her. He stared at his palm without a blink.

The little thing in Stella's belly would turn and move around. He would find a different corner to make a fuss.

Hence, Clarence followed the baby's trace and moved his hand.

He kept the gesture for at least ten minutes.

In the beginning, Stella didn't feel anything wrong. After all, Clarence was the father of the baby. Although he never took the responsibility as the father and he'd rather that the baby didn't come at all, Stella couldn't kick him away at this time in this place under such a circumstance.

After he kept doing it for a long time, Stella started feeling quite uneasy.

Let alone how close they were to each other, his current posture was quite ambiguous.

She couldn't help but say, "Mr. Conrad, my... my legs are numb."

Upon hearing it, Clarence looked up at her, "What?"

Stella said, "I want to stand up."

Clarence withdrew his hand finally. He stood up and reached out his hand to her.

Clarence said impatiently, "Aren't your legs numb?"

Stella finally understood that he wanted to help her up. After a hesitation, she reached out her hand.

As soon as she stood up, she whispered, "Thank you."

Clarence withdrew his hand and put it into his trousers pocket, ignoring her.

Stella moved her all fours and saw Phoebe come over. The latter greeted her with a smile, "Good morning, Ms. Radomil."

As she spoke, she looked over at Clarence, "Hi, Clarence. Here you are as well."

Clarence hummed indifferently without speaking anything else.

Stella, however, felt a bit awkward. She also felt fortunate that she made an excuse to stand of. Otherwise, if Phoebe saw the scene just now when walking over, it would be true...

Stella nodded at Phoebe as greeting, "Hi, Miss Steward. I'm taking off now. Please suit yourselves."

Phoebe looked at Clarence and smiled. She said, "Ms. Radomil, you are pregnant, and you need to be careful. Please let me walk you to your room."☐☐☐☐

Chapter 139: No Conflicts between the Two

It would take Stella around ten minutes from the garden to the main house.

Phoebe added, "I'm quite busy recently, so I couldn't make time to visit you, Ms. Radomil. Do you like staying here?"

Stella smiled faintly, "Not bad."

She could still eat, drink, and sleep.

Phoebe looked at Stella's belly and said, "I haven't seen you for a few days, but your belly grew so big now. You'll give birth pretty soon, won't you?"

Stella didn't tell her about the exact date, and she only nodded.

Actually, Stella couldn't quite tell how she felt about Phoebe.

She only knew that no woman in this world would not mind her fiance's ex-wife and be so considerate and caring.

Phoebe was truly a gentlewoman from a rich family. She was graceful and well-educated. She was not so arrogant and rude as Annie. However, for her care and consideration, Stella always felt quite uneasy.

Firstly, Stella believed that her relationship with Phoebe was quite awkward. Secondly, Stella was quite certain that Phoebe had her plan to treat her so well.

How could one person treat the other very kindly for no reason? Besides, they didn't meet each other for a long time. Stella even didn't think they were friends yet. The most important was that Clarence was between them.

However, Stella thought probably she herself was quite narrow-minded and thought Phoebe evilly. If she were Phoebe, she wouldn't have done such things.

Arriving at the door of her bedroom, Stella said, "Miss Steward, thank you."

Phoebe said with a smile, "You are welcome."

After a pause, she added, "By the way, I will go shopping with Annie this afternoon. Ms. Radomil, would you like to join us?"

No, thanks. As long as Annie meets me, we'll get into a fight.

I've forgotten about it... Phoebe added, "I just think that you've been staying in this house for so many days, so having a walking outside should be good for you. Ms. Radomil, please rest assured. As long as I'm here, Annie wouldn't trouble you. You can think about it. We won't leave until the afternoon."

Stella smiled politely. After nodding at Phoebe, she walked to her room and locked the door.

Phoebe turned away. Before she took a few steps, Annie showed up from the corner. Unhappiness was written all over her face, "Phoebe, why did you invite her? I don't like her."

Phoebe said, "Annie, no matter what, Ms. Radomil is Clarence's ex-wife. You can't insult her."

Annie smiled disdainfully, "She's just his ex-wife. If she didn't pregnant with this child, does she still think that she could enter our Conrads' Mansion? Besides, Clarence is getting married to you soon. She should get out as soon as possible."

Since Clarence was in the garden now, Annie had been suppressing her anger for so many days. Right then, she blurted them out without any restrain. She was afraid that Stella couldn't hear her, so she raised her voice deliberately.

Phoebe looked a bit helpless, "Annie, please..."

Stella was sitting in her room. She pulled out the earplugs and started listening to the music, isolating herself from the outside.

No matter what Phoebe aimed to do by approaching her, Stella believed that she was leaving soon. She should be safe and sound for the rest few days and not let anything unexpected happen.

During lunch, because of Phoebe's existence, the atmosphere at the dining table was quite weird.

However, except for Stella, all of them didn't feel anything. Stella felt quite uneasy.

She could only lower her head and take small bites on her food, trying her best to make others ignore her.

She wished that they could finish lunch as soon as possible.

However, things didn't go as she had expected.

While they were eating, Phoebe looked over at Clarence, "Clarence, since you are taking a break today. I'm going shopping with Annie this afternoon. Could you come with us, please? We can shop for some wedding things."

As soon as she spoke, the air in the dining room seemed to be solidified.

Of course, Dempsey was the unhappiest one.

Before Clarence answered, he put down the tableware and pulled a long face, "Phoebe, the matter that you'll marry Clarence was decided too hurriedly. Besides, the situation is quite complicated now. Just wait until the baby is born."

I know it, Uncle Dempsey. We'll get married after Ms. Radomil has given birth to the baby. However, the time is up. It's not early for us to get prepared right now.

You'd better discuss this matter with your father again. Since you are sure to get married, you don't need to be so hurried.

Upon hearing it, Phoebe bit her lower lip secretly. Then she put on a smile, "Uncle Dempsey, you are right. We don't need to be so hurried. After all, we've waited quite a long time already."

Right then, Joanna suddenly uttered a few words, "Clarence, what do you think?"

All people at the table including Clarence had never expected that she would suddenly ask Clarence for his opinion.

Clarence looked up at Joanna expressionlessly.

Joanna continued, "I watched Phoebe grow up. She's almost my half-daughter. If you get married, I'll put in some effort. If you want to hold the wedding in advance, you can let me handle this matter. I can arrange everything very well."

Justin said, "Mom, let's talk about this matter later."

Joanna ignored him and added, "It's so rare for us whole family to sit down and have a meal. Since Phoebe is here, how about we take the chance and made a decision. This is the first time that Phoebe gets married. The wedding should be well prepared."

As for the baby. As she spoke, Joanna cast a glance at Stella, who was silent in the corner, "They divorced long ago. There should be no conflicts between the two."

Clarence didn't answer, looking extremely cold.

Phoebe chimed in to meddle, "Aunt Joanna, thank you so much. But what Uncle Dempsey said was right. Since Clarence and I are surely getting married, it's alright no matter when the wedding will be held." Joanna continued, "It matters, Phoebe. It could show how much a man loves you."

The whole dining table fell into silence again.

Even Stella didn't raise her head, she still could feel the intentional and unintentional gazes at her when they were talking.

She even thought that she should hide under the table. Hence, the show would be more wonderful.

In that case, they wouldn't need to imply something because of her existence. They could talk directly.

Probably this lunch with evil intentions was aimed at her purposely.

They kept reminding her how much they disdained and disgusted her marriage with Clarence every second, just like how much they disliked her.

When all of them thought that Clarence wouldn't answer. He said indifferently, "There are no conflicts indeed.”

He said, "It doesn't matter if it's held earlier or later. But I always like things to happen in advance."

His implication was quite obvious - he had agreed to hold the wedding as soon as possible.

Chapter 140: He Is so Good at Multitasking

When Joanna was about to add something, Dempsey said unhappily, "All right. Are you done yet? Could you let us have lunch in peace?" The dining table finally quieted down.

After lunch, when Dempsey and Joanna were gone, Stella stood up. When she was about to go to her room, Phoebe stopped her. Phoebe stood in front of her and smiled faintly, "Ms. Radomil, what do you think about the matter I mentioned to you in the morning?" Stella said, "Miss Steward, thanks a lot for your kindness. Please have fun. I won't join you."

Ms. Radomil, are you worried that Uncle Dempsey isn't willing to let you go with us? Or are you worried about Annie? I...

Miss Steward, Stella interrupted her in an indifferent tone, "Getting married is a big event. You need to prepare a lot of things. If I go with you, your time would be wasted, Miss Steward."

Phoebe paused, looking a bit awkward, "I'm sorry, Ms. Radomil. I didn't mean to raise that topic at the dining table just now. It's because..."

Miss Steward, please. You don't need to apologize to me. I don't think you've done anything to offend me. Before finishing her words, Stella felt quite helpless. She didn't know how to explain. She said gently, "I just want to take a rest. I should apologize for letting you down, Miss Steward."

After finishing her words, she nodded at Phoebe slightly as goodbye and went upstairs.

Back to her room, Stella stood in front of the window for a while. When she saw the black car out of the Conrads' Mansion, she sat down on the edge of the bed, exhaling.

After a while, she heard faint knocks on her door.

Stella returned to her senses and adjusted her mood. Then she stood up and walked to the door.

When she opened the door, she saw Clarence standing there with both hands in his trousers pockets. With an aloof look, he gazed at the corridor.

She closed the door without any hesitation.

When the door was about to shut, Clarence reached out and stopped it. He looked at her quite unhappily.

Stella asked patiently, "Yes? Mr. Conrad, what's the matter?"

Clarence withdrew his hands and put them back in the pockets, "You didn't eat much for lunch. I asked the cook to prepare two dishes. They'll be delivered to you later."

I see. Thank you, Mr. Conrad.

As she spoke, Stella was about to close the door again.

Clarence gazed at her coldly.

Stella didn't know what he meant.

He asked, "Is that your response?"

Stella pressed her lips, "Mr. Conrad, thank you so much for your kindness. I'll eat properly."

She indeed hadn't had enough for lunch, so she didn't need to be polite and refuse it.

Clarence gazed at her with his black eyes without a blink. After a few seconds, he said, "Why do you blow up on me?"

She wondered what misled him that she was angry with him.

She inhaled deeply, "Mr. Conrad, you must have misunderstood. In my opinion, since you are getting married, you shouldn't have shown up at the door of your ex-wife and said something nonsense. If your fiancee knew it, she would be quite upset."

Clarence was still expressionless, "Would you be upset or would you be afraid that she's upset?"

Stella didn't think she could continue the conversation with him.

The wretched man truly annoyed her.

He was getting married soon and his fiancee also came to his house. How could he still expect to have two women at the same time?

However, this time, Stella found that she had become the potential mistress.

The more she thought about it, the more annoyed Stella became. She said impatiently, "Mr. Conrad, what the heck would you like to talk about? If there's nothing else, I need to go back and take a nap." Clarence stared at her and didn't speak.

Stella was about to shut the door, but he suddenly uttered a few words, "What would you do if I truly get married to Phoebe?"

After a few seconds of silence, Stella answered, "Mr. Conrad, as long as you won't ask me for the wedding gift, everything would be fine."

She emphasized, "I'm not rich."

Clarence fell into the silence.

Then he sneered and suddenly turned around. After he entered his room, he smashed his door close.

Stella stood at her door and could even feel the shake from his door.

She hadn't closed her door yet, but the wretched man smashed his door close.

Lying on the bed, Stella felt annoyed and her mind was messy.

He asked her what she would do. She couldn't stop him from getting married, could she? Would he listen to her if she truly said so?

The wretched man always spoke ambiguous words to her and misled her. Then he would say that she flattered herself and always had daydreams.

Recalling that he said he noticed that she hadn't had enough for lunch, Stella had to admit that the wretched man was way too good at multi-tasking. On one hand, he was discussing with his fiancee about the wedding, and on the other hand, he cared about his ex-wife who hadn't eaten much for lunch.

Stella couldn't help but wonder how come such a disgusting wretched man named Clarence could appear in this world.

Probably Justin had also heard the shake, so he went to find Clarence later.

When Clarence opened the door, his room was full of smoke from the cigarette.

Justin operated his wheelchair and entered. With a helpless smile, he asked, "Did you fight with Stella again?"

Clarence sat on the sofa, poured some water into the ashtray, and stub out the cigarette.

Meanwhile, he said, "She's so sharp-tongued. How can I win against her?"

Stella has been staying here for a whole week. Although she didn't tell me, I can feel that she's quite lonely. After you moved back, she looked much better, said Justin, "But you've done something wrong as well. Stella is pregnant. Why do you always provoke her?"

Clarence pressed his lips slightly, "I didn't provoke her."

He noticed that during lunch, Stella kept lowering her head and looked quite pale. Hence, he wanted to explain to her about his wedding.

However, the ungrateful woman acted as if she had eaten the gunpowder. Her attitude pissed him off.

Justin added, "No matter what, Stella should be the one in the most difficult situation now. She got your baby but you're getting married to Phoebe. You guys discussed things about your wedding in her presence. Whoever in Stella's shoes wouldn't feel happy when listening to it."

Clarence kept silent for a moment and said, "That's what she couldn't ignore."

But, Clarence, Justin continued, "You can talk about a lot of things in a mild and roundabout way. You don't need to talk to her in such a ruthless way."

Clarence said, "But the fact is indeed cruel. If she thought that everything was so beautiful as she imagined, she wouldn't know that something would be more painful than things that she had experienced." Justin heaved a sigh in silence, "Clarence, you've been too extreme when thinking about things. Actually, the reason that Dad wants to keep Stella's baby just because he doesn't want the later generation of the Conrad family to wander in the outworld."

Clarence didn't take it seriously. With a faint smile, he said, "He just wants to create another puppet, who could listen to him and be controlled by him only. However, this puppet must have the blood of the Conrad family."

For the wealthy and rich families like the Conrad family, they look upon their blood inheritance very much. Otherwise, they wouldn't have taken him in although he was an illegitimate child.