Ch. 191..200

Chapter 191: I Told You Not to Move

With Phoebe Steward's words came nothing but awkwardness.

Stella wanted to say something, but no words came out of her mouth.

But that could be for the better, if William saw how messed up Clarence's private life was, he might start having second thoughts, and refrain from cooperating with Clarence. That probably counted as a comeback, right?

Her wish was fulfilled.

Clarence's gaze was darkened and he narrowed his eyes, not saying a thing.

Then, William looked towards Phoebe and said suddenly, "I'm sorry, who are you?"

Phoebe smiled and introduced herself, "My name is Phoebe Steward, pleased to make your acquaintance."

William nodded lightly and said, "Ms. Steward, I see."

Phoebe replied, "I will leave you all to it now. I have things to tend to for now."

She then told Daniel, "Let's go, Mr. Daniel."

Daniel looked at Stella, nodded and left with Phoebe.

After Phoebe and Daniel were out of earshot, William said, "I assume that Ms. Steward is the daughter from the Steward Group?"

Clarence looked at him and said, "Do you know her?"

William smiled, "I don't, but I've heard of her before."

After they left the restaurant, Stella said goodbye to William, then turned around and stared at Clarence for quite a while.

Clarence matched her gaze, his mysterious expression showing no emotions.

He asked, "What are you trying to say?"

Stella licked her lips. Since Clarence started it, she might as well seize the chance.

I've told you so, Mr. Conrad, don't treat relationships haphazardly. Look at you now, getting ridiculed by your fiancé in public and unable to do anything about it. Clarence replied, "Who do you think I did that for?"

Stella chuckled and said, "Who knows?"

... Clarence was speechless.

He pressed his tongue tip against his teeth, and asked, "Does Miss Steward meet with you often?"

You know, I agree with Miss Steward on one of the points she made, which is why you care so much about the private life of your ex-wife...

Before Stella could finish her sentence, she felt that someone was holding her waist.

Her body was pulled towards Clarence, and right before their bodies could make contact with each other, she extended her arMs. and prevented that from happening. Stella frowned angrily and asked, "What are you doing, Mr. Conrad?"

Clarence glared at her, "I did not answer Phoebe's questions because her private life is none of my business and is out of my jurisdiction. You, on the other hand, are different." "Everyone's equal, so why am I different?"

Your name was filled in on the 'Partner' section of our marriage certificate for three years. In other words, you've slept with me for three years. Are these two reasons good enough for you? If they aren't, I can provide other reasons.

It was Stella's turn to be speechless.

She was well aware that Clarence's foul mouth wouldn't say anything resembling nice things, so she chose to ignore him.

Not far away, Phoebe was standing outside of the restaurant, spying at the couple.

She recalled Stella claiming that she doesn't want to have anything to do with the Conrad family.

It would appear that she underestimated just how cunning Stella was.

Phoebe turned around and left.

Stella used all of her body strength to try to break free from Clarence's grasp.

No matter how hard she tried, that bastard Clarence never loosened his grip. He instead strengthened his grip around her waist.

The snow had stopped falling by then and the streetlights cast a warm orange on the snow.

It provided a sense of warmth on this cold winter day.

Clarence maintained eye contact with her and said with a low voice, "Don't move."

Obviously, Stella would not listen to his commands at all. She continued to struggle and said, "I will stop moving if you let go of me."

Clarence's lips twitched lightly and he stopped talking.

Stella kept struggling and she suddenly realized that something was wrong.

No one on earth knows better than Stella about how Clarence behaved when he was aroused.

She froze in place, lifted her head in utter disbelief, looked at him and said, "What the hell is wrong with you!? You're in the middle of a goddamn street!" Clarence said with an even lower voice, "I told you to stop moving."

This bastard really knew how to shift the blame.

Now he made it look like it was her problem.

After a while, Clarence's Adam's apple rolled back as he smothered the fire inside his body. He eventually let go of her and said, "Get in the car." Stella did not dare to have any objections. She pulled open the door and got in the car quickly.

On the way back, the car was overwhelmed by silence.

Other than silence, there was some subtlety sprinkled in as well.

Nathan was at the front of the car and he also felt the atmosphere in the car was curious.

These two were at each other's throats on the way here, and now they were somehow ambiguously at peace with each other.

Stella felt the stuffy air eating at her mind, so she lowered the car window and let in the cold air.

She let the air circulate in the car before closing the window again.

Stella exhaled, and when she instinctively turned her head, she saw that Clarence was looking out from the window calmly.

His jawline appeared distinct under the low light conditions in the car.

She kept looking at him, lowered her line of sight until she reached his legs. When she did that, she felt as if something had stabbed her eyes, so she immediately averted her eyes and started feeling uneasy. Clarence seemed to detect her uneasiness, and shifted his gaze to her.

Stella regained her composure and asked Nathan, "How long until we arrive?"

Nathan replied, "There's snow on the road, so I'll have to drive slower. It shouldn't take longer than thirty minutes."

Noted, thanks.

Stella sat back up straight, and placed her hands on her knees.

That interaction broke the weird atmosphere that was present in the car ever since it started moving.

Clarence said flatly, "If Phoebe bothers you in the future, pay her no mind. If she doesn't stop bothering you, tell me immediately."

Stella replied without as much as a thought, "That doesn't count as her bothering me..."

She turned her head and stared at him as she was speaking.

Clarence matched her gaze, presenting a cold look.

Stella gave him a perfunctory smile in return.

After half an hour, the car came to a halt in front of Stella's apartment.

When Stella went to leave the car, she suddenly recalled something, and she turned around to tell Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, please wait for a while, I have something for you." Clarence lifted his eyebrows and seemed content.

In her residence, Sherry Perry was being a couch potato and watching television. She heard the door opened and looked towards the door and said, "Stella? You come home so late tonight...And why are you wearing this stuff?"

Stella took off her high heels, her coat, tied up her hair, walked into her room and changed her clothes, "I'll tell you all about it later, Sherry. Can you give me a hand in gathering all of the jewellery that Clarence gifted me? Put them all in a pile, I'll return them to him."

Sherry started walking and asked, "Is that bastard downstairs?"

Chapter 192: What Will She Gift Me

Stella said, "Correct."

Sherry replied, "You got it, I'll start packing them up for you."

When Stella finished changing, Sherry had already finished stuffing all of the jewellery in a box.

Stella, now wearing sweater pants and a fur coat, carried the box and said, "Much obliged, Sherry. I'm gonna go down and give this to him."

Sherry sighed, walked to the study, leaned out the window and looked downwards.

Just as she expected, a familiar Rolls-Royce was right there.

In said Rolls-Royce, Clarence tapped his knees with his fingers, and asked Nathan Lance, "Say, what she will gift me?"

Nathan did not reply immediately.

His answer to that question could very easily piss off Clarence. Nathan tested the waters by answering, "Could it be that Mrs. Conrad had gotten her hands on the custom made necklace?" Clarence frowned; he seemed to be unsatisfied with Nathan's answer.

He replied, "Don't you think that it's too early for the necklace to be completed?"

Nathan matched his statement and said, "It won't be that quick, you're right. It's probably something else."

Clarence did not say anything after that, and waited patiently for Stella.

Ten minutes later, Stella ran towards the car with a cardboard box in her hands.

She tapped on the car window to alert its occupants.

Just as Clarence lowered the windows and before he could say anything, Stella gave him the cardboard box.

She said, "I'm sorry for taking so much of your time, Mr. Conrad. You guys can leave now."

Clarence looked at the box and asked, "What is this?"

Stella gave him a sweet smile, waved to him before turning around and leaving.

When Clarence saw the contents of the box, his expression changed.

He immediately yelled, "Stella!!"

Stella ignored his outrage and ran away quickly.

Looking at her silhouette, Clarence was so angry that he would make a swarm of wasps appear calm.

Nathan, in the driver's seat, was trying his absolute hardest to not laugh at his boss' misery.

Stella opened the door and saw a gossipy Sherry leaning on the shoe rack.

She unnaturally asked her, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Sherry replied, "Don't tell me ... that you went out with that bastard Clarence tonight?"

Stella immediately denied, "Of course not!"

Then why is he the one to send you back, and why did you dress like that?

Stella blushed as she heard Sherry's rebuttal, she stuttered and was unable to answer her.

Sherry pushed her advance, "It seeMs. that something that only adults do happened tonight, then?"

... No!

Really? I am not buying it.

Stella was speechless once again.

She was guilty, and to dodge Sherry's barrage of questions, she gave her an excuse, "I'm gonna go and take a shower."

Saying that, she rushed into the bathroom.

After she had finished showering, her lowered her shutters, and found out that it had started snowing again, coating the branches in a thin layer of snow.

The whole world was silent, only the snow falling could be heard.

Stella dried her hair. When she got out from the bathroom, Sherry was sitting on the sofa and waiting for her.

Her plan of sneaking back to her bedroom was a failure.

So, she sat on the sofa, coughed and said, "Sherry, things are not as it seems, I...”

Sherry got closer, and asked, "Stella, can I ask you something?"

Stella replied, "Huh?”

Is there still a chance for both of you to get together again?

Hearing that, Stella was startled, "Why do you ask that?"

Because I saw that he started coming over to find you more often lately. He appears to be confident, too, Sherry said. She hugged a pillow, and said in a serious tone, "Stella, I don't mind whoever you decide to be with in the end as long as you are happy. If you're happy, so am I. It's just that..."

Stella knew what she was worrying about, she smiled and replied, "There's zero chance for me and Clarence to get back together."

There were just way too many problems. between her and Clarence.

It's not something as simple as divorcing and then marrying again could fix.

Not only that, the Conrad family hated her guts.

Stella said, "I don't know what's wrong with him lately, I guess we'll just wait until his craze is over."

When Sherry heard that, she breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good. I'm just afraid that you'll fall into that rabbit hole again."

Even though Clarence had been slightly humane lately, and he had started treating Stella better.

"

But she knew that deep down, that bastard won't just change his roots on a dime. And the Conrad family was already such an utter mess to begin with, so why would she willingly get back to that hellhole after she clawed her way out of it.

Stella slapped her legs, got up and said, Don't worry; I know what I'm doing."""

Just as she was about to go back to her room, the doorbell rang all of a sudden.

She got to the door slowly. She learned her lesson last time, and peeked through the peephole before opening the door.

Stella said, "Mr. Daniel, is there anything you want to talk about this late in the night?"

Daniel lifted the cake in his hands, lifted his eyebrows and said, "I bought this on the way back. If I recall correctly, your friend likes to eat this kind of cake."

Stella turned around and saw Sherry as she stood up and looked at Stella with eyes full of excitement.

Stella stepped to the side and said, "Please, come in."

Stella shut the door behind him, somewhat confused by Daniel's unannounced visit.

Daniel placed the cake on the coffee table, sat on the single sofa and said, "I apologize for disturbing you this late in the night, but the owner of the cake store said that the cake is best eaten fresh, and I couldn't finish it tonight by myself. I figured that you ladies would help me finish this cake tonight."

Sherry smiled from ear to ear, "No worries, we as neighbours should help each other anyway. As for the cake, I'm delighted to help myself with it."

Daniel smiled, "I'm happy to hear you say this, Ms. Perry."

After he thanked her, he added, "After listening to Ms. Steward today, are you friends with her? Ms. Radomil?"

I'd say we're acquaintances, I was fortunate enough to help Ms. Steward design a necklace.

Sherry did not catch their drift and asked, "Which Ms. Steward? Did you meet Phoebe Steward today?"

Stella nodded, "We met when we had dinner earlier today."

Sherry frowned and said, "Did she say pretentious things to you, then?"

Fortunately, she did not say that much to me. She had her sights on a different target.

Daniel lifted his eyebrows and asked, "May I ask what's the relationship between Ms. Radomil and Mr. Conrad?"

Some time had passed, but both Stella and Sherry were still silent.

He raised his eyebrows, "It seeMs. that it was wrong of me to ask that question. I apologize, Ms. Radomil."

Stella smiled and said, "It's fine, he is my ex-husband."

I see. I'm sorry that was ignorant about it

Sherry asked softly, "Do you know Clarence?"

Daniel replied, "I wouldn't say I know him. It's just that I've heard of him as he is very popular."

Then why do you know Ms. Steward?☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 193: This Is The I Want To Give You

After going back, Daniel looked at the room door behind him, as if thinking of something.

At this moment, his phone rang.

The call was from Emmett, he asked, "How're things?"

Daniel sat on the sofa, he crossed his long and slender legs, "I did it myself, of course it was successful."

Emmett said, "Phoebe is smarter than you think. As for the things that had happened in the Conrad family recently, she was largely involved."

I won't take it lightly, what's more... Daniel paused, and said, "He came back earlier."

When?

Should be today.

Emmett asked, "He's seen Phoebe?"

Daniel got up, pulled open the fridge door, and took out a can of beer, "Seen, I intentionally brought Phoebe out."

Then should we move forward the plan.

No need. Daniel added, "Oh right, I met Stella today, she was with Clarence."

Emmett stayed silent.

Daniel said, "There are so many pretty girls, why do you only want Clarence's."

You wouldn't understand.

Without waiting for Daniel's answer, Emmett had already hung up.

Daniel held his phone and tutted, he raised his head and downed half a can of beer.

The initial plan today was that he would go get acquainted with Phoebe, so to ease their future plan, but he hadn't thought that...

Looking at the situation, Phoebe still held a grudge towards Clarence.

If not, she wouldn't have said all those things in public to make things awkward for him.

Daniel finished his beer, with a single hand he crushed the can, and raised his hand to throw it into the bin.

The can felt into the bin.

Sherry looked at the half of the leftover cake, and gave a burp, "I really can't eat anymore."

Stella looked at her, "Put it in the fridge then."

No, didn't Daniel say that it wouldn't be good anymore if we leave it overnight. Sherry wanted to take another bite, but she was so full that she really couldn't take it anymore, she instead fell straight on the sofa and said, "He's quite strange, bringing over a cake but not eating any himself. All these were eaten by me."

Stella stayed silent, she realized, the reason Daniel came today.

It was to catch wind from her the relationship between Phoebe and Clarence.

But Stella couldn't think of the reason he would do this. After a moment, she got up and said, "I'll head to bed, you stop eating, go rest earlier."

Sherry gave another burp, and stood up with difficulty, "You go sleep first, I need to go for a walk, this is making me very bloated."

There's some digestion medicine in the drawer, take some of that.

Days passed peacefully.

These few days, not sure if it was because Clarence was busy with discussion about the cooperation, but he finally stopped looking for trouble with her. Stella's uptight mood relaxed a little.

When she was looking out the window and zoning out, Sherry's voice passed through from outside, "Stella, quick come and look."

Stella got up and headed out of the office, "What's wrong?"

The environment protection project outside has completed. Sherry exclaimed, "After this project, the view is indeed not bad, the air has also gotten a lot better. And guess what?"

What.

Besides the greenery, baby breaths are planted all over outside in so many different colours. The meaning of baby breaths is that I am missing you, that you are innocent and pure, giving me a dreamlike state I really like you, having you makes me happy, and this is the romance I want to give you.

Sherry continued, "Are you really not curious on who is the philanthropist that did this without leaving his name."

That's too bad.

At that moment, Emmett came in from outside. Hearing the conversation, he asked, "What's too bad?"

Sherry gave a dry laugh, "Nothing, nothing at all."

Speaking of this, Sherry continued, "Emmett, are you very busy recently, I haven't been seeing much of you."

Emmett nodded, "I went overseas for a work trip, just got back."

No wonder, I noticed you've even gotten thinner recently.

Emmett laughed, "Tomorrow is winter solstice, do you guys have any plans?"

Sherry sighed, "I don't have a boyfriend, how do I make plans. But we are planning to make hotpot at home, do you want to come?"

While speaking, Sherry was desperately trying to hint at him.

As if slightly hesitant, Emmett looked at Stella and said, "Can I?"

Anyway she had also invited Chan and Winnie, it doesn't matter if there's one more person.

Emmett breathed a sigh of relief, "Then do I need to bring anything."

Sherry said with melancholy, "Bring me a boyfriend."

Emmett, "..."

Stella covered Sherry's mouth, laughed and said, "She's just joking."

After that night of finishing half the cake, Sherry had already thought things through, and had officially given up on Daniel.

Since she had already decided to become the king of the seas, how can she still be stuck with a fish.

Emmett lowered his head to look at his wristwatch, "Then I'll see you guys tomorrow, I have something on, I'll head off first." Sherry asked, "So rush?"

I was just passing by here, so I dropped by to visit you guys.

Stella said, "Alright then, see you tomorrow."

Emmett nodded slightly, and turned to leave.

After a few steps, he realized his surroundings had changed, those greenery seemed like they had sprouted out of nowhere. Standing in front of him, it was as if they were silently declaring war on him. After Emmett had left, Sherry said, "Chan, Winnie, and Emmett, we already have five of us, looks like it will be busy tomorrow."

Stella said, "Do you want to call Daniel?"

Forget it. Sherry said softly, "Compared to hotpot, I think he prefers canned food."

Clarence put down the pen in his hand, and pinched his nose bridge, "Is there anything else for today."

Nathan said, "Nothing else, but we have a meeting tomorrow at 9 in the morning, we have to come to the company early tomorrow."

Clarence acknowledged that, got up and said, "Go back then."

Nathan followed behind him, "Mr. Conrad, there's one thing..."

What?

There's a dinner tomorrow with Winnie, but she said she's not going.

Reason.

Nathan couldn't answer, Winnie didn't mention specifically too.

Clarence reached out his hand, "Give me your phone."

Nathan quickly searched for Winnie's number and called her, then passed the phone to Clarence.

The phone rang for a while before she answered.

Clarence said, "If you're not going for the dinner tomorrow, then treat it as you're absent."

Winnie, "..."

She said, "Mr. Conrad, this is unreasonable, I was only informed of the dinner this afternoon, and I had already promised my friend to celebrate the festival with them." Hearing this, Clarence paused for a second before saying, "Which friend."

A pretty girl.

แต่

Clarence paused in his tracks, after a few seconds, he said, "Where is that."

At her house.

You can choose to not go for the dinner tomorrow, but I have a condition.

Chapter 194: I Feel That He Really Wants To Come

Without thinking Winnie had already knew what he wanted to say, "Mr. Conrad, aren't you being too..."

Clarence replied coldly, "What? Forget it, you better come for the dinner."

No, no, no, Mr. Conrad I'll promise you!

Clarence hung up and threw it at Nathan, "Arrange someone else to go for the dinner tomorrow."

Pausing for a moment, Clarence said, "Do I have plans tomorrow?"

Yes initially... Nathan quickly changed his words, "But not anymore."

Clarence acknowledged that, and continued walking forward.

At the car, Nathan said again, "Mr. Conrad, there's another thing."

Tell me.

Recently Ms. Steward and a foreigner called Daniel have been very close.

Clarence asked, "Stella's neighbour?"

Nathan nodded, "Yes."

What are his background and qualifications, have you investigated.

He's a Chinese-Italian mix with no parents, he's a cello performer, and is quite reputable internationally. A few months ago he organized a concert tour, and City N was the final stop. Clarence said, "How did he and Phoebe meet?"

Last week at Ms. Steward's birthday party, he was invited to perform. Nathan continued, "Before that, the two of them had a few private dates, looks like..."

Alright. Clarence cut him off, "I don't care about those, monitor her, and don't let her go look for Stella."

On winter solstice, it started snowing since morning, and the temperature was dropping quickly.

Stella and Sherry went out early in the morning to buy the ingredients for the hotpot. Just when they reached the doorstep, they saw Channing waiting there. Opening the door, Stella said, "Didn't I ask you to come over in the afternoon, why are you here so early."

Channing took the vegetables in her hands, "The lecturer had something on suddenly in the morning, so she took the day off."

Sherry said in envy, "That's great, I really hope that my boss has something on too, so that I can take the day off as well."

Stella laughed and said, "You are the boss, what are you talking about."

Oh right, too bad.

Just when they were talking, the door next door opened.

Daniel stood at the door, after sweeping his gaze through the three of them, his gaze fell on Channing.

He asked, "This is?"

Stella said, "This is my brother."

Daniel laughed, "So Ms. Radomil still has a brother."

Speaking, he nodded at Channing, greeting him.

Channing nodded his head slightly as a reply.

Daniel said again, "Is it your house gathering today."

It's winter solstice today, I got some friends over for a meal.

Daniel raised his brows, as if a little confused, "Winter solstice?"

At the side, Sherry explained simply, "It's a Chinese traditional festival, after we celebrate winter solstice, this means that it will get colder after this."

Daniel understood, "I see, it's my first time hearing of this festival, how embarrassing."

Sherry said in surprise, "I see your Mandarin is really good, I thought you have a lot of understanding on the Chinese culture."

I've been living under a rock.

Oh right, since you don't know about winter solstice, I think you wouldn't know what we eat over here during winter solstice right?

Daniel asked for guidance humbly, "What do you eat?"

Sherry said with a serious face, "Canned food."

Daniel, "..."

Stella couldn't help bursting into laughter.

Daniel gave a cough, as if wanting to say something, but not sure how to put it.

Stella said, "Emmett will be coming tonight too, Mr. Daniel do you want to join too?"

Since Ms. Radomil had already said this, it would be rude to refuse. I'll see you guys tonight.

Stella smiled and nodded.

After closing the door, Sherry pursed her lips and asked, "Stella, why did you invite him.”

Stella replied, "I felt that he really wanted to come."

Really?

Channing said, "I could feel it too."

Sherry touched her nose, "Why didn't I realize."

Stella said, "Daniel is alone in City N, I think he should be quite lonely too, didn't you say neighbours must take care of each other. Just so happened that Emmett will be here too, so it won't be too awkward." "Did I say that before?" Sherry mumbled to herself softly, "But I think he should enjoy eating canned food by himself."

If you don't want him to come, why not I go let him know...

Forget it. Sherry pulled Stella back, and said righteously, "Words can't be taken back once they are said, let's leave it like it is."

Stella laughed, took the vegetables from her and entered the kitchen.

Sherry stood on the spot for a few seconds, and then speedily went back to her room to change.

After a moment she ran out, "Chan, does this look good?"

Channing, "... No."

OK, then I'll go change to another outfit.

In the afternoon, Emmett arrived, and brought with him a bouquet of flowers.

Hearing sounds from outside, Channing turned around to take a look, then asked Stella quietly, "Is this the one Sherry said was chasing you?"

Stella hit his shoulder, and brought the vegetables to wash, "Stop talking nonsense, it's not like that."

I think he's not bad, why don't you consider him?

Then why don't you consider the many girls who are chasing after you?

Channing fell silent and went to cut the vegetables.

Not long after, Emmett's voice rang from outside the kitchen, "Can I help with anything?"

Stella turned around and smiled, "No need, you take a seat outside, we're almost ready."

Emmett nodded, and turned to look at Channing, "This must be Chan, this is the first time I'm meeting you, nice to meet you."

Hearing this, Channing was a little surprised, "You know me?"

Emmett initially wanted to say that he had seen him together with Stella during university, but when the words reached his mouth, he changed it to, "I heard Sherry mention before." Channing said, "I thought you heard from... other people."

Stella coughed, and passed the vegetables in her hands to him, "Chan, help me wash this." Seeing this, Emmett said, "Then I won't disturb you guys, if there's anything give me a call." Stella smiled and nodded, "Alright."

Not long after Emmett arrived, Daniel came too, bringing with him a bottle of red wine.

The skies were turning dark, the snow outside was getting heavier and heavier.

With everyone arriving, the house started feeling a lot cosier.

This was Stella's first time having such a merry gathering with her friends.

Looking at this scene, the corner of her lips raised, her mood couldn't help but feel better.

At this moment, Sherry leaned on the door and asked, "Stella, how long more, Winnie hasn't arrived, should I ask her?"

Stella said, "I'll be done in five minutes, you give her a call."

But they didn't realize that once Sherry's words finished, the doorbell and her phone rang at the same time.

Stella said, "You pick up your phone, I'll go get the door."00000000☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 195: If I Can’t Get It Neither Can You

When Stella opened the door, she saw Winnie standing outside and waving at her.

Stella laughed, when she was just about to say something, she saw a man's silhouette appear slowly behind Winnie.

Clarence stood still, and turned his head towards her, his expression as if unhappy, "What's that expression?"

Winnie gave a dry laugh, and explained, "It's like this, I bumped into Mr. Conrad in the lift just now, isn't it such a coincidence! Mr. Conrad is here to look for a friend, but that friend is not here, such a pity, so 1..."

Stella's expression remained unchanged, she stared at Clarence and said intentionally, "Didn't expect Mr. Conrad to even have friends over here."

Hearing the sarcasm in her voice, Clarence said calmly, "If I have money, would I not have friends?"

Damn it, it's really a sentence that left people speechless.

In the current situation, she couldn't straight away chase him out, what's more even if she chased him away, it might not even be effective. Stella inhaled deeply, and made way for them, "Come in."

When they were going in, Clarence said in a low voice to Winnie, "Not bad acting skills."

She really had to thank him for his compliment.

Following Clarence's arrival, the originally cosy atmosphere quickly turned to one of ice.

As for Clarence himself, he seemed to not have detected the unwelcoming atmosphere surrounding him, his expression calm and collected. Stella even felt awkward for him.

Emmett probably didn't expect him to appear here too. After being stunned for a second, he recovered very quickly and greeted him politely, "Mr. Conrad."

When Sherry finished her call and came out to this scene, she was stunned. She went next to Winnie and asked, "What happened, that dog... Mr. Conrad, why is he here?" Winnie took a deep breath, unable to explain her reasons.

In the kitchen, Channing looked at what's happening outside, and frowned deeply, "Why is he here? Did you invite him?"

Stella said, "No, but..."

But what?

Stella laughed, and shook her head lightly.

Even if he hadn't come with Winnie today, he would have found another way.

Sure enough, it couldn't even last for two days.

After a moment, Channing said again, "Has he been pestering you lately?"

Sherry told you this?

I guessed.

He was good at guessing.

Stella stopped her thoughts, "Let's eat."

On the table, Winnie and Sherry sat together. Daniel, Emmett and Clarence sat on one side each.

Once Channing went out, she was dragged by Sherry to sit next to Daniel.

The leftover seats were next to Clarence and Emmett.

This meant that Stella had to choose between the both of them.

Seeing this scene, Stella wanted to just disappear into thin air.

What was this battlefield?

She turned around and looked at the person that caused this situation. Without thinking she already knew that it was Sherry.

Seeing that the situation had escalated very quickly, Sherry immediately said seriously, "This... Stella, you sit next to Emmett, don't squeeze next to Mr. Conrad."

Stella's temples were pounding, she would settle this with Sherry later.

Just when she was about to sit down, her wrist was pulled by someone.

Clarence raised her head to look her, his gaze calm, "I'm not afraid of squeezing, you sit here."

Winnie couldn't bear to continue looking at this situation. She had brought Clarence here today without informing everyone, she indeed felt very bad. She got up and said, "Stella, you sit here, Clarence and I... Before she even finished her words, a cold gaze turned to her.

She quickly sat down, and rubbed her neck awkwardly, pretending as if nothing happened.

Using this opportunity, Stella quickly found an excuse, "I suddenly recalled that something is still cooking in the kitchen, you guys eat first."

Finishing her words, she quickly pulled away Clarence's hand, turned ound and ran back to the kitchen.

Clarence gazed at her back for a while, as if calculating the possibility of them sitting together.

A few seconds later, he turned to look at Emmett.

Emmett, "?"

Under everyone's astonished eyes, Clarence emptied out a seat, and moved to sit next to Emmett. Everyone, "..."

Sherry said quietly by the side, "Is this what people meant by, if I can't get it, neither can you?”

Winnie nodded in agreement, "This is what they meant by war makes both parties lose out."

Stella stayed in the kitchen for over ten minutes. She finally decided to go out and get Chan to swap seats with her.

Clarence's threat wouldn't work on Chan.

With this decision in mind, she felt that she had finally let go of the rock in her heart.

But what she didn't realize was that the seats outside had been swapped, and left her a single seat.

This was even better, it would prevent a lot of awkwardness.

Clarence's gaze swept across the house, his eyes finally fell on the bouquet of flowers on the coffee table. His brows frowned slightly. He said quietly, "Was that flower given by Mr. Carter?"

Emmett said, "Yes."

Clarence replied, "Doesn't Mr. Carter know that Stella is allergic to flowers. Mr. Carter your enthusiasm is given to the wrong person." Before he even finished his words, Stella looked at Emmett and smiled, "Not true, I love flowers, thank you very much."

Emmett smiled and nodded his head slightly.

Clarence pursed his lips slightly, and looked at her from the side of his eyes.

Stella quickly averted her gaze, and lowered her head to eat something.

At this moment, Daniel opened his mouth and said, "Mr. Conrad, don't you bring anything when coming to people's house?"

Hearing this, Sherry quickly used this opportunity to agree, "Yes, Emmett brought flowers, Daniel brought red wine, Mr. Conrad what did you bring?" Clarence, "..."

He licked his lips, and looked towards Winnie, "She didn't bring anything too right?"

Daniel smiled, "Winnie is a girl, Mr. Conrad why are you comparing yourself with her."

Clarence asked him back, "What's the difference with being a girl, everyone is equal."

With these words, Stella choked on her food.

This son of a bitch really learned fast.

Daniel must not have expected Clarence's skin to be so thick, after being stunned for a bit he stopped talking.

After a few seconds of silence, Clarence looked at the oily food in his bowl, and his brows furrowed.

Stella was just sitting by his side, and she noticed his slight change in expression.

She almost forgot, this son of a bitch didn't like eating oily food.

And in his bowl, was quite a lot of oil.

Stella pursed her lips, but in the end she didn't do anything.

Good that he didn't like it, then just stop eating and leave.

A few seconds later, Emmett that was sitting next to him noticed too. He asked, "Mr. Conrad do you not like to eat hotpot."

There were so many people around now, hence Sherry wasn't afraid, she quickly added, "Mr. Conrad is used to eating delicacies, I think this doesn't cater to his appetite." Channing said calmly, "If that's the case, better not force yourself, what's more we're not from the same walk of life."

Chapter 196: Considering Giving Him a Second Chance

As soon as Channing finished, everyone at the table showed their attitude clearly.

Stella was embarrassed again, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

On the contrary, Clarence sitting next to her seemed to hear nothing. He acted as if nothing had happened and as if he was not the one whom they were targeting.

Looking at the scene, Stella couldn't help scratching her own eyebrows.

He obviously knew that he was not welcomed here, but why did he come and bring this trouble to himself.

It was so annoying.

Clarence was about to take the chopsticks, but Stella abruptly took away his bowl to pour half of the oil in it away into an empty bowl, and then she said in a flat voice, "Mr. Conrad, please rough it. If you don't like the food, then ..."

Who told you that I don't like.

As he finished, he reached out to get the food and then ate it without any hesitation.

Stella raised her eyebrows, and then she turned her gaze back at the table but to find the other people were all staring at her.

Noticing that she was looking at them, they coughed and looked away with some lowering their heads to eat and some holding their glasses to drink. Stella pressed her lips slightly but didn't explain.

Just save it. The more you say the more mistakes you'll make. She just wanted to finish this meal as soon as possible and then say goodbye to all of them.

The room was quiet for a while, and then someone started a conversation to break the awkward and suffocating silence.

After the meal, Sherry volunteered to wash the dishes. When Emmett offered to help her, she rejected, "Daniel and I can handle it. You ..."

Sherry kept saying while making him a sign to keep Stella company and keep Clarence away from Stella.

Emmett stalled as if he was considering if he should go or not.

Sherry lowered her voice, "You should take the initiative at such moments. You can't chicken out at this key moment! Come on, come on!" Sherry pushed Emmett while she was whispering, and then took Daniel who was watching them into the kitchen.

Daniel tried to get rid of her, "I don't know how to do dishes..."

You can learn it and I'll teach you. How can you eat but not do dishes?

In the living room, Stella was cleaning the table. Clarence was about to come to her when Channing held his arm, "Have a talk with me."

Clarence turned around looking coldly, "What do you want to talk about?"

Soon, Clarence followed Channing to the balcony.

Emmett walked to Stella and called her in a soft voice, "Stella."

Stella looked up and smiled at him, "What's up?"

Emmett was in silence for a while. At the end, he didn't ask what he really wanted to know but made up an excuse, "Are you really ... allergic to flowers?" "No, he talked nonsense."

Emmett was about to continue when Winnie showed up in a sudden and apologized with a smile, "Sorry, I need to talk to Stella. Please give me a few minutes." Winnie finished and took Stella away.

All of a sudden Emmett was left alone in the living room.

He turned around and then gazed at the flowers nearby in an absent mood.

When they came into the bedroom, Winnie clasped her hands in front of her and apologized, "Sorry, sorry, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have taken Mr. Conrad here."

If she had known what would happen, she would never compromise no matter how the wretched man threatened her.

Stella smiled, "I thought you were going to talk about something important. He has been acting like today recently. Even if you hadn't taken him here, he would have figured out another way."

Stella didn't blame her though, Winnie felt sorry, "I really had no idea that so many people were invited today, including your suitor."

There was a throbbing in Stella's temples, "Don't believe Sherry's nonsense ..."

It's not nonsense. Didn't you find the way Emmett looking at you was different, and Mr. Conrad was so jealous that everyone could see it. If there were no one else in the room, the two of them would have a fight.

Stella pressed her lips in silence.

Winnie continued, "Stella, I'd like to say one more thing. I don't know what happened between you and Mr. Conrad, but I have been working for him for many years and I know something about him. He has a sharp tongue, but he is not a bad guy."

He has been involved in a lot of affairs, but none of them is true. I can guarantee that. My point is ... based on my observation, he worries you and cares very much about your feelings. Why don't you ... consider giving him a second chance?

Stella shook her head gently, "There is no possibility between me and him."

Winnie took a breath and then smiled, "Then I didn't say anything. Let's forget about it."

Stella responded with a smile, "OK."

When they came back to the living room, Channing was the only one there.

Stella looked around and asked, "Where are they?"

Left.

Left together?

Channing nodded, "Yes."

Winnie murmured, "Are they going to have a fight?"

On hearing that, Stella ran out the room before she could have a second thought.

Channing frowned looking at her back. He seemed to want to say something, but he didn't speak anyway.

At this time, a soft female voice sounded beside him, "What did you say to Clarence Conrad?" Channing looked at her instinctively but soon looked away before Winnie noticed, "Nothing." Winnie doubted him, "If you said nothing, why did he leave directly?"

I told him that he was not welcomed here. If he leaves voluntarily, he can keep his decency.

Winnie was shocked, "You really said that?"

Channing seemed to feel her admiration in her eyes and became shy. He touched his neck, "Not the exact words, but the same meaning."

That was awesome!

Winnie patted him on his shoulder and praised generously, "Well done, younger brother. You are brave and have the guts." Channing, "...."

Stella ran downstairs and searched around, but neither Emmett nor Clarence was there.

She took a breath slowly. It was fine as long as they didn't fight.

It was not until Stella trembled in the freezing wind that she realized that she left in a rush and forgot to take her coat.

She rubbed her arms with both hands, and when she was about to turn back to the house, she felt something on her shoulder. A warm coat was put on her.

Stella turned around and was stunned looking at the man in front of her, "Didn't you leave?"

Clarence fixed his black eyes on her. He didn't answer her question but asked her instead, "What are you doing here?"

I... Stella thought fast and then answered, "I am looking for Emmett."

Sorry to disappoint you, but he has gone.

Stella was silent for a while and then asked cautiously, "What did Chan say to you?"

Clarence asked, "What did you want him to tell me?"

Chapter 197: I Never Evade My Responsibilities

Stella was not going to waste her time on arguing with him, so she talked back immediately, "Never mind if you don't want to tell me."

Clarence grabbed her shoulders and asked word by word, "Stella, do you like Emmett?"

.." Stella frowned, "What a weird question."

Just answer me.

Stella answered after a while, "No."

Clarence tightened his grasp and asked again in a soft and low voice, "Then do you like me?"

You stopped me here for asking these boring questions?

How could they be boring?

Stella raised her voice, "They are totally boring! And, I have been wondering why did you come to my party with my friends. Don't you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable?" "Not at all."

But Mr. Conrad, have you found that everyone else was upset by your present?

Clarence responded in an unemotional voice, "I don't care others' opinions. I only care you."

Hearing his words, Stella couldn't help laughing, "Mr. Conrad is serious?"

"If Mr. Conrad really cares what I think, haven't you figured out that I hate you? Your appearance upset not only my friends, but also me....'

Clarence interrupted her, Stella, this is your answer?"""

What ....

Stella realized what did he mean as soon as she uttered the first word.

He referred to the question that if she liked him.

Stella looked at him calmly, "I thought you knew the answer."

Clarence asked, "Now that you hate me, why did you help me today?"

I simply considered that since you were one of the guests joining us for dinner, we shouldn't destroy the atmosphere because of you. And, I owed you a lot, so I want to seize every opportunity to return your favor. That's it.

But Stella had to admit that she was soft at that moment.

Clarence, the wretched man had been mean to her most of the time, but he was nice to her sometimes.

Those days living at the Anqiao Street was the most peaceful and comfortable time in her life.

At that time, although Clarence couldn't cook, he cooked fish soup for her without any complaints.

At the expense of a ruined kitchen though.

Although he always complained that she was a trouble, when there was a power blackout, he would take out the coal burning oven to heat water so that she could wash her hair.

Even though the electricity supply was restored before he could do that.

Although he asked her to have an abortion, but he still accompanied her to see the doctor.

Although ....

Stella sighed and stopped recalling it.

Clarence said, "Stella, you like me. It's a fact that you can't deny."

So what? Stella looked calm, "Mr. Conrad, we are both grown-ups. There's more than like in our world. Let me tell the truth. From the moment when I asked to divorce you, I have never had the idea that we would get back together someday."

Clarence pressed his lips and the apple of his throat moved up and down. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't open his mouth.

Stella continued, "I know it was disgusting that I threatened you with the baby to make you divorce me. You should hate me. I deserve it. I will take the consequences with no complaints whatever they will be. However, the past three years might be nothing to you, but I had a hard time."

We have been divorced for six months. And the baby's gone as you wished. We are even now. Why don't you let me go?

When she finished, Clarence said in a low voice, "You think that what I have done is annoying you?"

Yes. Stella answered firmly, "I only want to live my own life. If it is possible, I hope Mr. Conrad would never show up in my life again."

Clarence continued after a few seconds, "If we had kept the baby, would you have a different answer?"

If we had. Stella sighed in silence, "Clarence, you should know that the problem between us is more than the baby."

Clarence let her go slowly, "I see."

Hearing that, Stella was relieved, but she felt something else too.

She was flooded with mixed feelings.

She made it so clear, allowing for no possibilities. He had to stop pursuing her this time.

When Stella was about to bid the last farewell to him, she was in darkness all of a sudden. Clarence kissed her lips with his cold and thin lips.

Stella, "...?"

Before she could push him away, Clarence took a step back first.

Stella held her anger, "Clarence ...."

Clarence explained, "I understand what you said. But it doesn't matter to me. It's enough to know that you like me."

Stella really wanted to crack his skull to see what was inside.

Clarence continued, "It was my fault that you didn't have a good time in the past three years, but I never evade my responsibilities."

?

I'll keep finding ways to compensate you till you can leave the past behind and forgive me.

No, you misunderstood. I didn't mean that....

Yes, you did.

This wretched man imposed his own thought upon others as usual.

Seeing that she couldn't come up with a retort, Clarence smiled and reached out to fix her hair spreading around her ear, but she avoided his hand.

Clarence said, "As for the other things, you don't have to worry. I'll take care of them."

Stella looked at him alertly, "What are the other things?"

Stella, trust me. You'll be willing to remarry me one day.

I don't.

Clarence stepped forward, "How about a bet?"

Stella rejected, "I don't make a nonsense bet with ...."

If I win, you have to promise something. Whatever it is.

What if you lose?

It's impossible.

Stella,

LL

She couldn't stand it anymore, "Get off."

Clarence smiled slightly in a good mood, "Have an early night. Good night."

What the hell. How could she able to fall asleep after hearing what he said.

Clarence left soon after he finished. He moved his long legs and walked toward his Rolls-Royce by the street.

Stella rubbed her temples vigorously. She was about to go home but to find that she was still wearing Clarence's coat.

She turned around abruptly, but Clarence had already driven away.

Stella looked at the empty street having no idea what she should comment.

She thought after hearing what she said, Clarence should have been pissed off and left right away as he was bad tempered.

But to her surprise, he got a such thick skin.

But it did make sense because he managed to keep calm and show nothing in front of those people who hated him. Anyway, she was too naive to compete with him.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 198: It Proves that He Mean It

When Stella was back home, Sherry finished cleaning the kitchen and Daniel was gone.

The noise from the door attracted Sherry's attention. She immediately looked toward the door being ready to ask questions, only to find that Stella was covered by a male coat, looking not in very good conditions.

Well, no need to ask.

Seeing the scene, Winnie raised her eyebrows and got up holding her handbag, "Well, I should go now. Have an early night."

Stella pulled herself together, "Clarence has left, so how are you going to go home?"

Take a cab. Winnie put on her coat with a cap and then wore a mask. She covered herself completely with clothes and then winked at Stella, "Will I be recognized this way?"

Winnie smiled, "That's fine. I gotta go, bye."

Shery saw her off at the door, "Hey, have a safe trip. Let me know when you are home."

OK.

After Winnie left, Channing turned to Stella, "You ...."

Stella coughed, "I go to the bathroom."

She ran away as soon as she finished.

Channing didn't move but frowned looking at her back.

Sherry came to him and whispered, "Chan, don't ask her. She knows what she is doing."

Channing was in silence for a few seconds and then turned to Sherry, "It's late. I gotta go."

Fine, go home now.

Hearing the door closing, Stella poked her head from the bathroom and asked in a low voice, "Chan is gone?"

Sherry stretched herself on the sofa, "Yes."

Stella took a breath and walked out slowly. She took off the coat putting it on the arm of the sofa and poured herself a full glass of water.

Sherry held a pillow and asked curiously, "What did you talk about?"

Talk... what?

You and Clarence had been downstairs for a long time, but you said nothing?

Remembering what happened downstairs, Stella paused for a second, then pressed her lips slightly and said through gritted teeth, "He is insane!"

Sherry continued, "Tell me the details."

Stella, "...."

She slowly sat down beside Sherry and speak in a low voice, "Sherry, in fact, I suddenly find that it's more and more difficult to read Clarence's mind. I know him well, but what he had done was often out of my expectation. It's really confusing."

You think he has changed?

Stella shook her head. She didn't think Clarence has changed, but... sometimes he was lees mean than before and even showed to be gentle occasionally.

Sherry became more interested and moved closer to Stella, "I told you that the wretched ... Mr. Conrad is like a primary school boy who would do something childish and stupid in front of the girl he likes to attract her attention. But according to my recent observation, in terms of dealing with relationships, he has graduated from the primary school and become a middle school boy."

Stella lowered her head in silence.

She had always thought that Clarence liked her on a whim. He liked her now, but he would like someone else in the future. When he lost his interest in her, everything would go back to square one. However, she was surprised to find that Clarence's interest in her could last for such a long time and showed no recline but kept going up.

Noticing her silence, Sherry said in a soft tone, "Stella, you know it clearly that Clarence likes you more than your expectation."

Stella was confused, "Huh?"

Sherry began to analyze, "Haven't you discovered that since you got divorced Clarence has been messing you up? But it's more like that he was trying to create opportunity to see you." "But...."

Think about it. He went to Aqock for you and helped you move back to Starry Lake Mansion. He asked you to have an abortion, but he never took any measures to force you to do that. When you were stuck in the Conrads' Mansion, he allowed me to visit you. And the most important thing is that he broke off his engagement to Phoebe Steward.

Sherry continued, "What you may not know is the fact that the cancellation of the engagement impacted the Conrad Group to some degree. The Steward family didn't make it clear, but those companies cooperating with the Steward Group purposely made difficulties for the Conrad Group's programs now and then. I acknowledge that Clarence is capable and powerful, and these troubles are no big deal to him, but he should be busy finding new partners...."

Stella understood what she meant. What mattered most now for Clarence was to cope with the mess in his company, but he still managed to find time to see her.

It proved that he meant it.

Stella rubbed herself between the eyes, "I don't want to talk about it now. Let's go to bed."

Well. Sherry added, "Would you like to call Emmett? I feel he has been hurt today."

Stella nodded slightly, "I'll take a shower first and then call him."

Ok, I continue to clean the house.

After half an hour, Stella walked into her bedroom while drying her hair with a towel.

She sat on her bed staring at her phone hesitant, and then she dialed Emmett's number.

The phone rang for a while, but no one answered.

Stella hung up and put her phone down slowly. She came to her desk and sat down. She took out a pocket watch from box and then staring at it quietly, lost in her thought. While she was looking at the watch, Clarence's words suddenly came back to her mind.

Stella took a deep breath and then put her head on the desk listlessly.

She never took what Clarence said serious before, thinking he was totally insane, but today, she was somehow overwhelmed by mixed feelings, and she could tell what the feelings were. After careful consideration, she admitted that what Sherry said did make some sense.

When she was informed of the news that Clarence had broken off his engagement to Phoebe Steward, she was confused and couldn't figure out why did he do that.

But at that time, she was not in the mood to care about it and it had nothing to do with her.

When Stella was completely immersed in her own thoughts, her phone on the desk vibrated.

She sat back immediately and saw Emmett's number flashing up on the screen.

She picked up the phone and heard Emmett's voice, "Sorry, Stella. I was in a meeting. What's the matter?"

Stella paused for a while before she uttered, "Am I interrupting you?"

No, the meeting is over.

Stella was relieved and said, "I am so sorry. I invited you to have dinner tonight, but something unhappy happened."

Emmett replied, "I am the one that should apologize. Something came up in my company, so I left in a hurry without saying goodbye to you and Sherry."00000

Chapter 199: It Doesn’t Matter If You Want to Vent Your Anger

Learning that Emmett left because of the business of the company, Stella silently heaved a sigh of relief.

She said, "Then I will not bother you. I..."

Stella, Emmett interrupted her in a gentle voice.

What's the matter?

He curled his lips into a light smile, "Nothing. Have a rest early. Good night."

He didn't ask the question although he was so curious about it.

After ending the call, Stella put her head on the table again.

She didn't know whether she should make it clear with Emmett or nor. It was just that Emmett had never confessed his feelings to her and it would be very weird if she suddenly told him that she didn't love him Stella thought that she would be sleepless for the whole night and opened her drawing book.

But she unconsciously sketched Clarence's contours on the paper.

When she realized this, the painting was almost finished.

She subconsciously wanted to tear off this picture, yet paused at a second thought.

Never mind.

She could keep this to remind herself not to make a wise choice.

Stella turned to the next page. She patted her face to sober up herself and then began to draw a new picture.

At the same time...

In the Steward family...

In the study, a man reported to Charles, "Master Steward, we've investigated it and found that it was a boy who offered the photos to the newspaper."

Charles inexplicably knitted his brows, "Boy? What's his information?"

His name is Channing Radomil. He's 19 years old and is a freshman of University A.

Did you find out how he got the photos?

The man slightly nodded his head, "Channing has a sister and her name is Stella Radomil."

Charles abruptly stood up, "What?"

I've verified it. Stella is Clarence's ex-wife.

Charles, who used to be elegant, failed to maintain his composure any longer, "Are you sure?"

I'm sure. I've confirmed it with the employees of that newspaper office. It was Channing who gave them the photos and asked them to publish a notice. Moreover, having not found the man through publishing notice on the newspapers, he posted the photos to other platforms. But we've intercepted all of them.

Charles gave an order after a short while, "Go find out Stella and Channing's background right away. I want to know all the details ever since their births. One more thing..."

Right at this moment, there was a string of knockings on the door.

Phoebe pushed open the door, "Day, why do you call me here?"

Charles sat back on the chair and waved his hand to gesture his subordinate, "You can leave now."

After the man's leaving, Phoebe closed the door, walked into the study, and then sat opposite to Charles, "Dad, I heard your mention 'background' when I was outside. Is there any problem?”

Charles replied calmly, "There're some problems in the company. It's not a big deal. I've asked my subordinate to deal with it."

Phoebe nodded her head.

Charles paused. After several seconds, she continued, "I heard that you're so close to a foreigner recently. Is that true?"

Rigorously he's not a foreigner. He's a half Chinese.

After her birthday party, Daniel would date her from time to time.

Phoebe didn't understand it. If this happened in the past, she would refuse it without a second thought.

But ever since her engagement with Clarence was cancelled, some people were waiting to have a good laugh at her even though they didn't say it openly.

But now, Daniel, a person who was renewed internationally, was pursuing her. Naturally she would not refuse it.

Charles said, "Have you investigated his background."

Yep. It's very normal. He came to City N to have a concert and many of my friends know about him.

Phoebe, Charles said, "I won't oppose it if you want to have a boyfriend. But you should clear that your husband-to-be cannot be a musician." "I know it."

I'm also responsible for the engagement with the Conrad family. I knew deep down about Clarence's personality, but I still allowed you to marry him. Phoebe shook her head, "Dad, please don't say this. It was me who insisted on marry him because Clarence is the best choice for me in every aspects." Charles heaved a long sigh and asked inadvertently, "By the way, how's Clarence's ex-wife."

Phoebe didn't expect that her dad would suddenly ask this and was a bit stunned. She then replied, "She established a studio with her friend and is quite close to Clarence recently. I saw them having dinner together on the date of my birthday party."

Charles said in a deep voice, "I've expected it. It's a good thing that you didn't marry him."

Phoebe didn't reply.

Charles continued, "I remember that you said Clarence's ex-wife was sold to Twilight Club before. Is her family so in short of money?"

I didn't probe into it. Maybe.

Does she have any family?

She has a younger brother. As for others, I'm not clear of it. Phoebe then asked, "Dad, why did you suddenly ask this?"

Charles replied, "Nothing. It's just that I'm curious about her since she is so important to Clarence."

Phoebe's face turned cold when she heard this.

Yep. I underestimated her schemes before, otherwise, it won't be like this now.

Charles said, "Phoebe, Clarence was unfair to you on this matter. If you feel aggrieved, you can vent your anger. It doesn't matter."

Dad, do you mean...

Dad will support you no matter what you want to do. I believe that the Conrad family will not have any objection to it.

Thank you, dad.

Charles stood up. When he was about to walk out of the study, he suddenly recalled something. He turned around and asked, "Phoebe, is the designer who designed the necklace for you before Clarence's ex- wife?"

Phoebe was stunned. After a long while, she curled her lips into a smile, "Dad, why do you ask..."

It's just a casual question. Have a rest.

Phoebe's reaction had fully answered it.

After coming back to his bedroom, Charles locked the door, walked to the wardrobe and opened a drawer. He took a box out from it.

There were several yellowed documents in the box and below them was a pocket watch that was deformed by fire.

He took out the watch and stared at it for a long time.

At the next moment, his phone rang.

Charles picked up his phone. His subordinate's voice sounded from the other end of the phone, "Master Steward, I found out that Stella Radomil and her brother Channing had a father who was a gambler. He often came to the underground gambling houses, big or small. When he ran out of money, he would resort to usury. Three years ago, he sold Stella to the Twilight Club."

What about their mother?

We didn't get too much information about this. It seems like that their mother died when giving birth to Channing.

Charles asked, "What's her name?"

...0000000

Chapter 200: You’re Immoral

As the New Year was coming, the weather was also getting colder and colder. But their studio became more and more prosperous.

Except for customized products, Stella and Sherry's studio also provided some original accessories, which greatly expanded its client base and received many positive comments.

Stella even received many invitations from investors. Some of them wanted to use the title 'Miss Radomil' to market their brands, and some of them wanted to increase the popularity of Stella's studio and increase the production.

But Stella refused all of them.

The studio was now in the start-up stage and its major concern was the quality of the brand. As for others, she would like them to develop in natural progress.

Stella had been concentrated on drawing ever since she came to the studio today. In the afternoon, she stood up, stretched her arms lazily and then pushed open the window to enjoy the fresh air. When the window was open, Stella saw the starry sky.

She had to admit that the air condition in the vicinity had been greatly improved.

Looking at the stars in the sky, Stella was a bit absent-minded.

It had been half a month after that thing and Clarence would come to find her from time to time. But he didn't harass her with unreasonable again and would leave after a short while.

Sometimes he would ask his subordinate to send her some things, like dishes and drinks.

Stella never ate them and gave them to her employees.

Clarence came to find her several days ago and told her that he had to go to Italy for a business trip and would only come back at least a week later.

Stella thought that this was good because she could finally enjoy the peace during this period.

When Stella was about to continue with her drawing, there came a commotion from outside.

She closed the window and walked out of the office.

A middle-aged woman, who pulled the cloth of a girl in school uniform, was cursing at the door, "You're so immoral that you earn money from kids. She's still a high school student. Does she have much money? She took my heart-earned money! Businessmen are all evil, from inside to outside!"

The girl dealing with her complaint just graduated from university. It was the first time for her to be cursed like this and she was completely at a loss.

Seeing this, the middle-aged woman raised her voice, "Don't pretend to be pitiful. It doesn't work on me. Return my money!"

The girl stammered, "Your daughter has worn the necklace and earrings for a long time, which brings some damages to it. I'm sorry I can't return it."

Hearing the words, the middle-aged woman pushed her with great force.

Being caught out of the guard, the girl lost her balance and her head hit on the cabinet aside.

Stella hurriedly walked over and supported the girl up from the group. She asked with her brows furrowed, "Are you all right?"

The girl shook her head. But tears streamed down her face.

Stella took a closer look of her and found that the skin on her forehead was broken and the wound was bleeding.

She pressed her lips together. Stella turned around and looked at the middle-aged woman who didn't seem to be apologetic at all, "I'm the boss of this studio. You can tell me if you have any complaints. Why did you hit her?"

So what? When speaking, the middle-aged woman pushed Stella on her shoulder for several times, "You're so heartless. You earn money by some wicked means. You deserved to be beat. It's good. You're the boss here, right? Hurry up, return my money and compensate for my spiritual damage. Otherwise, I won't get even with you today!"

When speaking, she slammed the things in her hand to Stella's feet.

Stella looked down and then took a glance at the girl who was hiding herself behind the middle-aged woman. She then turned around and asked her employee, "Did she buy these from us?"

The middle-aged woman felt unhappy when hearing the words and shouted, "What do you mean? Do you think that I'm blackmailing you?"

The girl replied in a low voice, "We have many customers every day and I can't remember it. But I promise that I haven't sold our products to students."

The original accessories in Stella's studio were priced from dozens of yuan to several hundreds. They were not that expensive, but for students who still needed to ask their parents for money, they had exceeded their standards of consumption.

The key was that there was no school around Stella's studio and no student would come here to buy things.

The middle-aged woman spitted, "Yuck, what nonsense are you talking? If she didn't bought it from your store, where could she buy them? Come here to have a look, this heartless merchant doesn't want to admit her fault now. My daughter bought the accessories from her studio, but the boss doesn't want to admit it now."

When the woman made a fuss here just now, she had attracted the attentions of the guests in the studio. Now she even attracted the attention of those passengers who walked past the studio.

The girl added in a low voice, "I swear that I haven't seen a girl in school uniform walking into our studio. If there is one, I will definitely remember her."

Bullshit! Who would wear school uniform all day long? Apparently she bought these things on holiday.

What can I do then? It's just worthy of two or three hundred yuan. Should I ask my guest to show their ID cards when they buy things here?

No matter what, you should return the money to me today. If you refuse it, I will smash your store and report it to the police. Let's see which one is reasonable later. How dare you to cheat a student out of her money? Your store will close down sooner or later!

The onlookers discussed it in whispers and mostly of them thought that the middle-aged woman had gone too far.

But a small part of them thought that Stella should return the money because it costed little to stop the woman to make a fuss in her store.

Stella looked at the little girl who had been lowering her head and asked in a gentle voice, "Can I ask you some questions?"

The middle-aged woman hurriedly hided the little girl behind herself, "You can directly talk to me. Don't try to scare my child."

Stella said, "I just want to ask her several questions. I will bear the responsibility if it's our fault."

How will you be responsible?

I told you that I'm the boss.

The middle-aged woman rolled her eyes. It seemed like she was estimating Stella's status in the store.

After a short while, she said, "I will only give you five minutes. Moreover, I must accompany my daughter. Who knows what you will do to my daughter? Except for returning me the money in full, you have to compensate me for my spiritual damage and loss of working time. Furthermore, ..."

Stella replied with a smile, "Okay."

Her employee pulled her cloth, "Ms. Radomil..."

Stella turned around and comforted her, "It doesn't matter. I will handle this and you should go to the hospital to check your wound first."

I can go later.

She and Stella were the only two persons in the store now and she was afraid that Stella couldn't handle it if she left.

Rest assured. I guess that Sherry will come back soon.

Well.

Before leaving, the girl evacuated the onlookers in the store.

The middle-aged woman sat down on the sofa with arrogance written all over her face, "What do you want to ask?"

Stella looked towards the little girl and asked in a soft voice, "When did you come to our studio to buy these accessories?" The girl replied timidly, "One... one month ago. No, it should be half a month ago..."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐