Ch. 211..220

Chapter 211: I Never Force Others to Do Something against Their Wills

"

On the next day, in the Conrad Group...

Stella had been walking slowly ever since she entered the building. She didn't want to go upstairs at all.

After a long while, the phone in her bag rang.

It was a call from Nathan.

But Clarence's voice sounded from the other end of the phone when she picked up the call.

He said in an indifferent tone, Are you only going upstairs after cleaning the floor tiles of the lobby?"""

Florence lifted her head and looked around. Were there surveillance cameras?

Clarence continued, "Hurry up. I have to attend a meeting later."

Stella shifted her gaze and walked into the lift.

In the office, Clarence threw the phone back to Nathan, "Go to the door of the lift to pick her up. Don't let her run away. Nathan, "..."

Why did he feel that it was like Stella was on the way to an execution ground?

Five minutes later, Stella showed up in the office.

Leaning against the sofa with his slender legs crossed, Clarence clicked one of his knees gently, looking indifferent and nonchalant. Stella walked towards him and stood in front of him, "Mr. Conrad."

Take a seat.

Stella moved her lips trying to say something. But in the end, she pressed her lips together and sat opposite to him.

Nathan entered the office with two cups of coffee after a short while and left quietly.

Stella lowered her head. She took a glance at the tea table and said seriously, "Mr. Conrad, I will be responsible for all the negative impacts on Winnie." Clarence picked up a cup of coffee. He took a sip and said in a flat tone, "How will you be responsible?"

I will try my best to be cooperative if you have any solution.

Stella Radomil, do you know why you create troubles frequently?

Clarence said in a calm voice, "It's because you always like to take the responsibility for some matters that have nothing to do with you."

Clarence looked at him and replied calmly, "Chan is not an outsider for me. He's my younger brother and his trouble is also mine. But I don't expect Mr. Conrad to understand it. After all, only human being would have such an emotion."

Clarence, "..."

,

He looked up and fixed his eyes on her, "Remember what you have said. You'll be responsible until it's solved."

I will not go back on my words as long as your requests are within an appropriate and reasonable range.

Clarence put down the cup of coffee and curled his lips into a smile, "Great.”

Stella inexplicably had a feeling that she had fallen into a trap.

She stood up and said, "Then I will go back first. Mr. Conrad, if you have any problem, you can ask Mr. Lance to contact me.”

Clarence said, "I have a problem now."

Please tell me.

Clarence lifted his hand and took a glance at his wristwatch, "I have to attend a meeting now. Wait for me in my office. You're not allowed to leave before I come back."

It doesn't matter if you want to leave. I never force others to do something against their wills.

Wouldn't he felt ashamed when saying this?

Clarence slowly shifted his gaze onto her and said word by word, "The one who created this trouble should be responsible for it."

Stella closed her eyes and sat on the sofa again, "Mr. Conrad, I will wait for you here."

Clarence asked slowly, "Why do I feel that you're not that willing?"

Stella forced a smile. She gritted her teeth, "Mr. Conrad. It must be your illusion."

That's good. Otherwise, someone will accuse me of pestering her again.

Fuck off, you wretched man!

Clarence turned around and took a glance at Stella when he walked out of the office. Stella immediately withdrew her gaze, looked at the place in front of her and straightened her back.

He said, "There's a lounge in my office. You can have a rest there if you feel sleepy."

Stella ignored his words, pretending that she didn't hear it.

When the door of the office was closed, she heaved a sigh of relief and leaned against the sofa.

She looked dejected.

After a short while, she received a call from Winnie.

Winnie said, "I'm so busy today and I saw your missed call just now."

Stella asked, "Is it solved?"

“Er... It's a bit difficult to solve it. Although the discussion on this matter has been cooled down, it still has some impact on my subsequent work."

Did it bring a big loss to the Conrad Group?

I'm not clear of it. But at present all of my work is suspended. Mr. Conrad asked me to go abroad for voca... exactly, to keep myself away from this trouble. Of course it will bring loss to the company when my work is suspended.

Stella nodded her head, "I see. Thank you for helping Channing."

You're welcome. Your brother is like my brother. How could I just stand by?

Then enjoy your holiday abroad. I will deal with this matter.

Winnie asked in a low voice, "Did you come to Mr. Conrad?"

I'm in his office.

Winnie coughed and found an excuse, "All right, I have to board the plan. Let's chat later."

Stella stayed in the office during the whole day. An assistant sent her a lunch at noon, but she didn't eat it.

She was a clear attitude now - she was here to cooperate with them to solve the problem and she would not have any entanglement with that wretched man again.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, Clarence finally came back from the meeting. He noticed that Stella was still sitting on the sofa with the same posture.

He strode towards her, "Have you eaten anything?"

Stella replied in a flat tone, "Mr. Conrad, do you have any solutions for this matter?"

Clarence pressed his eyebrows, "If you haven't had anything, eat something together with me."

Mr. Conrad, if you haven't figured out a solution, I can come here tomorrow.

What do you want to eat?

They were talking about two topics!

Clarence picked up his suit jacket, "Let's go to the restaurant."

After a short while of silence, Stella couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Conrad, I think you should go to the hospital to check your hearing."

Good idea. And you can check your conscience.

Stella didn't want to argue with him. She followed her out of the company and then stopped, "Mr. Conrad, I..."

Clarence looked askance at her and then tilted his head, "Get on the car first."

Stella took a deep breath and got on the car.

Clarence hadn't said anything after getting on the car. When Stella pondered that he was fooling her again, he handed her a document, "Winnie's personal image somehow represents the image of the Conrad Group. So it's a seriously negative scandal for both her career and the Conrad Group.”

Stella took the document from him and asked in a low voice, "Is it more serious than your regret of the engagement?"

Clarence looked at her emotionlessly, "I'm not joking with you."

Stella immediately became serious, "I'm sorry."

Clarence continued, "There's only one way to recover the damage at present."

Stella leafed through the document and heard it carefully. Clarence didn't deceive her. The document showed that Winnie's work had been suspended. Moreover, it also brought problems to several projects of the Conrad Group.

She looked up at him and asked, "Mr. Conrad, what should I do?"

Chapter 212: Have You Heard of the Story ‘The Snake and the Farmer’?

Clarence said flatly in a business tone, "I have a gambling party tonight. Can you go with me?"

Stella was a bit stunned. She then nodded her head, "Okay."

Can we have dinner now?

Stella laughed drily and returned the document to him, "Mr. Conrad, it depends on you."

Clarence leaned against the chair and closed his eyes.

Two minutes later, Stella's phone rang.

Stella turned her head to take a glance at Clarence. She didn't know whether he had fallen asleep or not. After hesitating for several seconds, she picked up her phone. Emmett said, "Stella, Sherry told me what has happened. Do you need my help?"

Stella subconsciously wanted to decline him, but she changed her mind at the next moment, "Okay, thank you."

Clarence slowly opened his eyes.

After ending the call, Stella turned to look at Clarence and her eyes met with his calm and unfathomable eyes in the air.

Clarence shifted his gaze and said in a flat tone, "We arrive. Get off the car."

Originally, Stella had planned not to eat anything. However, for a person who hadn't had lunch, watching another person having dinner in front of her was a total torture.

She took a deep breath and then walked out of the restaurant to buy something to eat.

Looking at her back, Clarence asked expressionlessly, "What's in her mind?"

Nathan, who stood aside, didn't know how to reply it.

Stella had showed her attitude clearly - she wanted to make a clear break with Clarence.

Even though Mr. Conrad tried his best to create a chance to get along with her, it wouldn't work for too much.

Stella's mind was simple. Now that she couldn't evade meeting that wretched man, she would face it calmly.

Clarence suddenly stood up and followed Stella out of the restaurant.

Outside of the restaurant...

Stella just bought a packed food from a convenient store. When she sat at the table, split the disposable chopsticks and prepared to enjoy her dinner, someone suddenly pulled aside her food. At the next moment, he snatched her chopsticks.

Stella was astonished while at the same time annoyed, "Mr. Conrad, aren't you having dinner?"

It tastes bad.

It's such a high-end restaurant. How could its dishes not be delicious?

Clarence retorted in a flat tone, "Then why didn't you eat the food?"

Clarence ignored her and picked up the food she bought just now with the chopsticks he snatched from Stella just now.

Stella felt that she almost died of anger.

She pressed her lips together, walked into the convenience store and bought another packed food again. She then sat down at the other table.

Clarence put down his chopsticks and pressed the tip of his tongue against his teeth.

After the dinner, Stella felt a bit thirsty. When she was about to walk into the convenience store again and bought a bottle of water, someone placed a glass of warm water in front of her. Stella looked up at the man aside.

Before she could find an excuse to decline him, Clarence said, "Just regard it as a compensation for the food you bought. You can throw it away if you don't want it."

After finishing the words, he strode towards the Rolls-Royce that was parked by the roadside.

Stella took a glance at him and then at the glass of warm water on the table.

That wretched man was right. This was a compensation for her.

She shouldn't make things difficult for herself.

Stella picked up the glass, lifted her chin and then gulped down the water.

In the Twilight Club...

Stella had never dreamed of coming to this club together with Clarence one day.

It was weird that every time she came here before, she would be overwhelmed by despair and humiliation.

But this time, she didn't feel anything.

Maybe it was because those humiliating past had disappeared along with Jeffrey's death.

When Stella pulled herself back to the reality, she saw Clarence fixing his eyes on a corner not far away calmly. It seemed like he was thinking of something and it was hard for her to read through his emotion. Two minutes later, Stella couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Conrad, why don't you move forward?"

Clarence replied in a flat tone, "I recall something."

Stella regretted asking it, but it was too late for her to hold back her words.

Clarence said calmly, "A person grabbed my hand when I walked past that corner and begged me to save him before."

She had expected this.

It was proved that she shouldn't give Clarence any reply no matter what he said, because the subsequence would not be satisfactory.

Clarence continued, "Although I'm not a good man, sometimes I would do some good deeds."

... He must have many on his conscience.

But in the end, she becomes so ungrateful.

Stella Radomil, have you heard of the story 'The Snake and the Farmer'?

Stella gritted her teeth, "Mr. Conrad, can you please shut up?"

Clarence looked askance at her and said in a cold voice, "I'm talking about Nathan. Why are you so angry?"

Nathan, "..."

Nathan, who thought that he should have some professional quality, took a step forwards after a mental struggle, "Ms. Radomil, Mr. Conrad is right. I encountered a problem in this club before and Mr. Conrad happed to show up..."

Stella looked at him emotionlessly as if she was waiting for his ridiculous excuse.

Nathan continued, "It's a long story as for why I was here before. It all started from my mom's illness..."

Clarence said in a cold voice, "Shut up."

Nathan immediately replied, "All right."

It's unnecessary to explain it to her.

After finishing the words, Clarence went upstairs without turning around.

Nathan coughed, "Ms. Radomil, this way please."

Stella asked, "Mr. Lance, can I ask you a question?"

'Oh please, please don't continue that topic!' Nathan prayed in his heart.

He couldn't make up the story anymore.

Stella asked, "Did Mr. Conrad come back to the Conrads' Mansion several days ago?"

Ms. Radomil, do you mean...

The day when he came to have a talk with me.

Nathan nodded his head. But he hadn't expected that Stella would suddenly ask this.

Stella continued, "Did anyone say something to him?"

Nathan replied, "Young Master Justin asked Mr. Conrad to send him back after the Perez family brought Annie back. But I'm not clear of the details of their conversation."

Stella nodded her head when she heard the reply, "I see. Thank you."

Ever since that day, Clarence's attitude had been quite weird.

Although he would still say some annoying sentences to her and target at her deliberately, he looked indifferent and aloof.

He gave her a total different feeling.

And Stella even thought that he had schizophrenia.

It must be Justin Conrad.

Did he say something to Clarence that it affected him?

If that was the case, she should buy a cake to celebrate it.

Seeing that it was Stella who started this topic, Nathan said after hesitating for a while, "Ms. Radomil, maybe Mr. Conrad didn't tell you about this matter, but I think you should know about it..."

Mr. Conrad only learned about the truth that your first child was lost because you were pushed down the stairs by Miss Annie recently. I also encountered many obstacles when investigating this matter and I guess Madame Conrad was the person manipulating this. Therefore, Mr. Conrad misunderstood that...

Stella chuckled. No wonder that Clarence's behavior was so abnormal several days ago.

It turned out this was the reason behind that.000000

Chapter 213: A Long-term Plan

In the private room...

The temperature plummeted when Clarence entered the private room.

The whole room was shrouded in an oppressive aura.

A person at the gambling table asked, "What's wrong with Mr. Conrad?"

Vincent took a glance at the man who was sitting on the sofa and drinking wine alone, "Maybe he was bit again."

Another person said, "Oh, is he so unruly in bed? But I haven't heard that Mr. Conrad has a woman."

Vincent smiled, yet he didn't reply.

Right at this moment, the door of the private room was pushed open. The woman who bit Mr. Conrad walked into the room. Vincent looked up and felt a bit surprised when seeing Stella. He didn't expect that Clarence could bring her here.

Wasn't the two of them in dichotomy?

Stella's eyes met with Vincent's in the air. She slightly nodded at him as a kind of greeting.

Then she walked towards Clarence and sat down beside him.

Vincent raised his brows and shifted his gaze.

Right at this moment, a person asked, "Who's she? She's so beautiful. Is she a model or a entertainer in Mr. Conrad's company?" Vincent replied calmly while shuffling the cards, "Mr. Conrad's ex-wife."

Everyone was shocked.

Rumor had it that Clarence detested his ex-wife and they finally divorced. Why were they together again?

Clarence was still drinking wine calmly at a corner. He didn't say anything.

Stella also remained silent.

Anyway, he simply requested her to accompany him to this gambling party, but he didn't tell her what she should do.

Stella took a glance towards Vincent and noticed that the men around him were all dandies from rich families. She felt curious. Would this gambling partly help the projects that were affected by this scandal? When Stella became more and more suspicious of it, Clarence's voice sounded, "Do you want to drink?"

Stella shifted her gaze and looked towards Clarence. In the dim light, she couldn't see his face clearly and therefore she could see the emotions in his eyes. She could only see his chin. Stella was stunned for a while, but she came back to her sense soon, "No, thanks."

She seemed to hear the man's chuckle in the darkness. Clarence picked up his glass and gulped down the wine. His Adam's apple popped up and down along with his movements. He put down the glass and then walked to the gambling table.

Noticing that he was walking over, a man stood up, "Mr. Conrad, please sit here. I happen to have something to deal with and I have to go now."

Clarence sat on his seat. Then Vincent told him, "This position is quite unlucky today. He has lost for the whole night. Mr. Conrad, be careful."

Is it unluckier than you?

Vincent was rendered speechless.

Why was he so irritable today?

His words were so aggressive.

Therefore, everyone around the table reached a consensus - Mr. Conrad is in a bad mood now, so we'd better not offend him.

As what Vincent had said just now, Clarence lost for several consecutive rounds.

He put down the cards and tilted his head to look at Stella, "Come here."

Stella walked over and said after hesitating for a short while, "I don't know how to play this."

She added rigorously after a short while of silence, "Nor do I have money."

She would by now means give her hard-earning money to these hideous capitalists.

Vincent laughed, "It doesn't matter. Mr. Conrad is a philanthropist. Recently, he increased the greening rate of the city, saying it was to protect the environment..."

Before Vincent could finish his words, he felt a cold gaze and immediately shut up.

Stella sat on the chair that Clarence sat just now, "But I really don't know how to play this."

Clarence said in a calm voice, "Aren't you so capable? How could it be possible you're stumped by this?"

Vincent, who sat opposite to him, coughed to remind him that enough was enough.

Clarence always criticized indiscriminately when he was angry.

It would be late if he regretted it later.

If this happened in the past, Stella would have started a quarrel with him. But this time, she kept reminding herself that she was here to solve the problem, not to quarrel with this wretched man. When she was about to lose temper, Clarence finally said something that wasn't annoying, "Let me teach you."

Stella replied with a nasal sound indifferently.

Maybe it was because Jeffery was a gambler, Stella show no interest in gambling since childhood. She didn't understand the pleasure of it.

She acted like an emotionless robot during the whole process and she simply played the card that Clarence instructed her to play.

However, ever since Stella sat down on this chair, this position became lucky.

As she won for several consecutive rounds, the atmosphere around the gambling table became more and more exciting. But Stella felt sleepier and sleepier.

Play that card.

Maybe it was because Clarence didn't express it clearly, or maybe it was because Stella misunderstood it... She picked up a card, but when she was about to put it on the table, Clarence suddenly grabbed her wrist.

His palm felt warm and dry and Stella felt it burning the moment he grabbed her. Her sleepiness was all gone instantly and she subconsciously wanted to withdraw her hand.

However, Clarence let go of her before she took action, "I didn't mean this card. You should play the card near it."

Stella could only put the card back into the line and played another card.

When this round was over, Stella stood up and said, "Mr. Conrad, can you play it? I want to go to the toilet."

After finishing the words, Stella quickly left the room regardless of whether Clarence had agreed to it or not.

After her leaving, other men around the table all found an excuse and left the room one by one.

Today was not a good day for gambling because they would offend Clarence negligently.

Seeing that they all had left, Vincent clicked his tongue and put the cards in his hand on the table, "Are you here to play cards, or to ruin this game?"

Clarence sat on the sofa again and poured himself a glass of wine, "I didn't drive them out."

You didn't drive them out verbally. Vincent said beside him, "Did anyone provoke you today? Did I tell you that you're so sharp-toned and it works better than any other approaches if you can talk less?" Clarence swirled the glass in his hand and said indifferently, "Although she's heartless, she has ears."

Vincent continued, "What happened? You were so confident and enthusiastic not long ago. What's wrong with you now? Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

Clarence lifted his head and gulped down the wine. He didn't answer him

Vincent continued, "Clarence, when you're pursuing a girl, you should be patient. It hasn't been a long time, right? Moreover, you misunderstood her several times before. Remember, haste makes waste." "If I don't hurry up, you may take part in her wedding two months later."

Vincent, "..."

He heard from Nathan that Stella had been close with Emmett recently.

But he hadn't expected that their relationship would progress so quickly.

Vincent was a bit confused, "Then why do you have such an attitude towards her?"

Did those approaches work?

I guess they didn't work.

Otherwise, Clarence would not be so upset and drank wine here.

Fixing his black eyes on the glass in his hand, Clarence curled his thin lips into a smile and said word by word, "It's a long-term plan."

Chapter 214: Verbal Apology Is Not Honest

Maybe it was because he had cornered Stella that she turned to Emmett.

If so, he could only change his strategy.

Vincent laughed drily, "Then... I wish it a success."

Clarence looked askance at him and said dissatisfiedly, "Is your expression showing a blessing?"

I think that this approach may not work. Clarence, in a work, you don't know what are in girls' minds.

Clarence replied, "But I know what's in Stella's mind."

Vincent thought his words made sense.

Stella walked out of a toilet compartment and ripped down a paper to wipe her hands. When she was about to walk out of the toilet, a person walked past her. Then a female voice sounded from behind, "Stella Radomil?"

Stella paused and turned around.

After a short while of astonishment, Madison Taylor crossed her arms in front of her chest and said arrogantly, "Why are you here? Did Emmett come with you?" "Nope."

That's weird. This place has high consumption standards. Come on, are you here to gather with your friend?

Madison's lines of words were full of disdain.

Stella replied in a flat tone, "Does it have anything to do with you?"

Probably Madison hadn't expected to hear this answer from Stella and there was a slight change in her expression. She then snorted scornfully, "I reminded you well-intentionally. You may know that a glass of wine here is priced at least ten thousand. I'm afraid that your hard-earned money after a long period of work would be gone in one night. After all, it's not easy for people in the service industry like you to earn money."

You talked so much with me. Are you planning to treat me a glass of wine tonight?

Madison moved her lips, yet was lost for words for a long time.

Her husband and his friends had a party here tonight and he finally agreed to bring her here as she kept begging him.

Of course Madison couldn't invite Stella.

Seeing this, Stella chuckled, "Mind your own business and don't intervene in other people's affairs."

When Stella was about to leave, Madison's voice sounded, "Stella, I remember that you got divorced, right? An employee in my company also divorced recently and I think you two will be a good match. Do you want to get to know him?"

Without waiting for Stella's answer, she continued, "People should look forwards. You marriage is a failure because your ex-husband is not a good man. I've investigated him. Although he has two children, he's an honest man. Most importantly, he will pamper his wife and has an awesome annual salary. After marrying him, what you need to do is only to take care of the children at home and enjoy your life. Generally I won't introduce such a man with good marriage conditions to others easily."

Since he has such good conditions, I should leave him to you.

Stella ignored her. She threw the paper that she used to wipe her hands just now into the bin and then left.

Madison stood there, stomping her feet resentfully.

She's just a woman who just got divorced, how could she be so arrogant? Did she think that she was still the woman who was surrounded by many pursuers?

After coming back to the private room, Stella noticed that many of them had left and only Clarence was sitting on the sofa and drinking wine.

It seemed like that he had drunken a lot.

Stella asked, "Mr. Conrad, is it finished?"

Clarence glanced over her, "Why don't you come back until tomorrow?"

Stella's mouth corners twitched. She picked up her bag, "Now that it's finished, I have to go first."

Come here.

Stella didn't move. She asked, "Mr. Conrad, is there any other matter?"

Clarence said in a flat tone, "Sit down."

After a short while of hesitation, Stella sat down on the sofa yet kept a meter away from him.

Clarence pushed a glass of wine to her, "Have a try."

Stella declined, "Thank you, but I don't drink."

It's sweet with light alcohol strength.

It seemed like Stella was not convinced. She stared at him with vigilance written all over her face.

Clarence said, "Is it necessary for me to find an excuse if I want to do something to you?"

His words made sense.

This wretched man was cold to her today and she guessed it was because his patience had run out as he told him last time.

Stella picked up the glass and took a sip of it. She then licked her lips. It was true that it was sweet.

She lifted her chin and gulped down the rest of the wine.

But when she put down the glass, Clarence pushed another glass of wine to her.

Didn't he think that he had gone too far?

Clarence said nonchalantly, "I've told you, if you want to beg me, you should have corresponding attitude. To prevent you from going back on your words in the future, and to prevent you from owing my favor again, we should get even with each other now.

Stella took a deep breath. All right!

She gulped down several glasses of wine consecutively and wanted to go to the restroom again.

But she hadn't expected that she would feel dizzy when she stood up.

After a while of dizziness, Stella slumped into the sofa again, looking at the front blankly with a pair of watery eyes.

Clarence supported his head with one elbow on the edge of the table and fixed his eyes on her silently, as if he had been waiting for this.

He raised his eyebrows and called her name in a low voice, "Stella Radomil."

Stella turned around with confusion written all over her small face.

Clarence asked slowly, "Do you remember me?"

I'm drunken, not stupid.

Stella picked up her back. She wanted to stand up again, yet only to find that she was had no strength.

When she finally stood up for a little bit with the support of the table, someone grabbed her wrist and used a slight force, and then she fell down again.

But this time, she didn't slump into the sofa but the man's embrace.

Stella reached out to push him away, but she was so feeble that it looked like she was flirting with him.

Clarence put his hand on her waist and confined her effortlessly.

He asked again, "Stella, I will ask you again. Who am i?"

Looking at the annoying face in front of her, Stella's mind became messier and messier. Out of the instinct, she landed a slap on his face and whimpered in an aggrieved tone, "Wretched man!" Clarence, "..."

He pulled down her hand and grasped it in his hand, "Have a closer look. I'm your husband."

You're not. I've divorced.

Nope. Your memory is not true.

Stella became more confused when hearing this.

They hadn't divorced? How could it be possible?

She remembered that she had divorced him.

Clarence continued, "It's the one-year anniversary of our wedding. You're so happy that you drank too much."

He said as if it was the truth. As Stella was so dizzy, she was gradually convinced by his lies.

Stella, it's our wedding anniversary today. Did you prepare a gift for me?

Oh... Stella looked around and rummaged her pocket. She then lowered her head, "Sorry, I forgot it."

Clarence said, "Verbal apology is not honest."

Stella looked up at him and hesitated for several seconds. After making sure that there was no detest on the man's face, she leaned forwards tentatively and gently landed her lips onto his, "Is this enough?"☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 215: Sweet-talking Me More Frequently Is Enough

Clarence's black eyes became more sexual and his Adam's apple popped up and down, "It's not enough." Stella tilted her head, seeming to be pondering what she should do to show her sincerity.

After a short while, she circled her arms around his neck and kissed him again. She licked his thin lips carefully. Clarence's tightened his grip on her waist instantly, put one hand on the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

At the beginning, Stella was a bit unaccustomed to it and felt her lips ached a bit. But at a second thought, she thought it was reasonable for him to be angry as she didn't prepare a gift for him on their wedding anniversary.

She then replied his enthusiasm slowly and gently.

She had a feeling that Clarence was so different today. He was excessively gentle today.

She was intoxicated by his gentleness.

Right at this moment, the door of the private room was suddenly pushed open.

Emmett was stunned when he saw this and his hands that were placed at each side were gradually clenched into fists.

Two seconds later, he quickly turned around and left.

When hearing the sound of the door closing, Stella pushed Clarence away reflectively. With a red face, she stammered, "Someone... Someone is here..."

Don't be bothered.

Clarence pulled down her head and kissed her deeply again.

After a long while, Clarence finally let go of her.

Nesting in his embrace silently, Stella breathed deeply. Pulling his cloth, she asked dizzily, "Don't we go back?"

Meeting her watery eyes in the air, Clarence replied in a low, husky voice, "What do you want to do after coming back, huh?"

Stella felt guilty under his gaze. She shifted her gaze, feeling her heartbeat accelerating.

Clarence curled his lips into a smile and gently rubbed her hair, "We can't go home today."

It was already enough. If he took more advantage of her when she was drunk, when Stella became sober, she would not only become angry.

He carried her up into his arms and said in a low voice, "I will send you home."

Stella replied with a nasal sound and grasped the cloth in front of his chest tightly.

When they were downstairs at the Twilight Club, Stella had fallen asleep. Clarence put her into the car and said in a flat tone, "Turn up the temperature."

Okay, Nathan replied and then asked, "Mr. Conrad, Mr. Carter has left."

Clarence replied nonchalantly with a nasal sound. He put the jacket onto Stella and embraced her in his arms.

Nathan coughed, "Mr. Conrad, what should we do if Mrs. Conrad knows about the truth?"

She won't remember it, Clarence added, "And Emmett won't ask her about this."

Nathan sighed in his heart: Mr. Conrad was so wicked that he adopted such a dirty trick to force his love enemy to give up.

Nathan asked, "Mr. Conrad, will shall we go?"

Clarence took a glance at the woman in his arms, "Send her home."

Clarence said, "There have been some changes in the Conrad family recently. Send more men to watch them."

What... what kind of changes?

Clarence replied in a calm voice, "Phoebe will probably engage with Justin."

Nathan looked astonished, "Did Young Master Justin agree to it?"

It doesn't matter no matter he agrees to it or not. This marriage is in nature a bridge to consolidate the relationship between the Conrad family and the Steward family.

Moreover, it was Charles who proposed the engagement.

Nathan replied, "I will arrange some men to watch them. And I will also continue to investigate the Steward family."

Clarence didn't say anything again. With his arm around Stella's shoulder, he looked calm, seeming to be pondering something.

Sherry was enjoying her time with a facial mask on her face. The doorbell suddenly rang and she hurriedly ran to the door, "Stella, why do you come back late? Did that wretched man..." She paused and swallowed the rest words 'go hard on you again'.

Standing at the door with Stella in his arms, Clarence looked at Sherry expressionlessly.

She was scared to death!

Clarence asked, "Which one is her bedroom?"

Sherry stepped backwards stiffly and then pointed at a room.

Clarence then strode forwards.

When the door of the bedroom was closed, Sherry panted desperately, feeling that she was doomed.

In the bedroom...

Clarence put Stella onto the bed and fixed his eyes on her. After a short while, he prepared to leave. But Stella circled her arms around his neck, opened her eyes, and stared at him drowsily, "Did I anger you again?"

Stella's nose looked a bit red. She asked in an aggrieved tone, "Then why do you leave?"

"

Clarence said, I will not leave if you can ask me a question."""

Stella gently nodded her head.

Am I good to you?

Stella shifted her gaze, not wanting to reply to this question.

But Clarence pinched her chin and forced her to look at him.

Clarence said, "Answer my question."

Sometimes you're good to me... But sometimes you're bad to me.

Stella didn't want to answer this question again.

Didn't this wretched man know about the answer? Why did he keep asking this?

Clarence continued, "Then what should I do to gain your forgiveness?"

Stella replied in an extremely low voice, "Sweet-talking me more frequently is enough."

Yep... Stella looked down again, "But you never sweet talk me, you would only criticize me and detest me. I didn't lie to you. Nor did I want to threaten you with the child. I can have an abortion if you don't want it. I haven't expected that they would..."

Stella's eyes were teary with tears on her eyelashes.

Clarence comforted her gently, "All right, I know it. I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

When Stella fell asleep again, Clarence kissed her forehead affectionately and then stood up and left.

When Clarence walked out of the bedroom, Sherry, who had been waiting at the door for a long time, bowed at him and said loudly, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Conrad!"

Clarence smoothed his sleeves and said in a calm tone, "No need for such a solemn salute."

Sherry hurriedly straightened her back and asked tentatively, "Was Stella drunken?"

Sherry asked in confusion when hearing the answer, "It's weird. Stella seldom drinks in usual times and even if she has to, she would drink appropriately. She has never gotten drunk..." Before she could finish her words, Clarence glanced over her nonchalantly.

She immediately said, "Mr. Conrad, rest assured, I will take care of her."

Clarence took two steps and turned around again. He looked at Sherry silently.

Sherry felt so nervous, "Mr... Mr. Conrad, do you have any other matter?"

Don't tell her that it was me who sent her back.

Sherry nodded her head without hesitation, "How should I tell her?"

Tell her that she was the only person in the private room when you came to the Twilight Club to pick her up.

I understand. I remember.

Clarence asked again, "Are you sure?"

He said the three words calmly, but Sherry felt a gush of chill from her back.

It was not a question, but a threat.

She swallowed salvia, "I'm sure. Mr. Conrad, please rest assured, I promise I will not screw it."

Clarence withdrew his lines of sight and strode out of the house.¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 216: How Did I Come Home Last Night

When Stella woke up, she felt too fragile to move. Opening her eyes, she struggled to sit up. In an instant, she felt the whole world spinning.

She shook her head with strength. Suppressing the urge to vomit, she rushed to the bathroom.

After a long while, Stella rubbed her tummy and walked out of the bedroom. She looked quite weak, feeling quite uncomfortable.

Hearing the sounds outside, Sherry stuck her head out of the kitchen. "Stella, you are awake. I'm cooking the hangover soup for you. It'll be ready soon. Just wait for a bit." Stella pulled a chair from the dining table and sat down. She lay prone on the table weakly and answered, "Okay..."

A few minutes later, Sherry came out with a bowl of hot hangover soup in her hands. "Stella, drink it."

As soon as Stella took over the bowl, she felt her stomach turning again. She retched several times, but her tummy was empty so she couldn't throw up anything.

It took her a long while to drink the hangover soup in difficulty.

Stella felt that she wasn't so uncomfortable even when she had the morning sickness for the pregnancy before.

After finishing the soup, she lay prone on the table again as if she was about to sleep.

Sherry was sitting opposite her with both her arms on the table. She asked tentatively, seemingly she was gossiping, "Stella, do you still remember how you got drunk last night?"

Stella opened her eyes gradually, trying her best to recall. "The wretched man asked me to attend a card game with him. He also asked me to play cards on his behalf..."

Sherry continued to ask, "Then?"

What happened the previous night started flashing through Stella's mind. She remembered that she had been to the ladies and encountered Madison there. When she went back to the box, everyone else had been gone except for Clarence.

She wanted to leave as well, but he said that she must have the right attitude when begging someone. Hence, he asked her to drink.

Stella didn't know how much she had drunk. Anyway, she couldn't remember anything afterward.

Recalling about it, suddenly, she supported her head with her hand and asked, "By the way, how did I come home last night?”

Sherry coughed and answered according to Clarence's answer. "I went to pick you up."

Stella was confused. "Did I call you?"

Nah. A waiter called me. He said you blacked out in a box after getting hammered and asked me to go pick you up.

Stella supported her chin with a hand in a daze, looking forward aimlessly.

After a long while, she said, "I see."

To complete the show perfectly, Sherry patted the table angrily. "That wretched man is a jerk! You have been hammered already, but he left you alone there. What an asshole!" Stella shook her head, exhaling. "That's good, then."

It seemed that Clarence had lost interest in her now.

Sherry whispered, "Stella, that wretched man treated you this way. Aren't you feeling sad?"

Upon hearing it, Stella faintly smiled. "It's just cutting the loss in time."

Honestly, what they had done last night was nothing compared with those things that happened in the past.

If they kept pestering like this, Stella didn't know what would be happened in the future.

Hence, she was quite happy with the current ending.

Stella held the table and stood up. "Sherry, please wait for me for a moment. I'll get changed and we can go to the studio together."

Sherry said, "You'd better take a rest at home today. Please leave everything in the studio to me. I don't think you can work in such a status."

As soon as she stood up, Stella felt her brain buzzing. She didn't insist stubbornly but nodded in agreement. "Okay. I'll go back to sleep then."

All right. There is some food in the fridge. You can heat them after getting up.

Stella didn't get up until four o'clock in the afternoon.

She sat up and rubbed her temples. She didn't feel so dizzy as earlier.

After taking a hot shower, she felt much better.

Moving her neck gently, Stella walked out of the bedroom. After grabbing something to eat, she pulled out her cell phone to check. Then she decided to check on Channing in his school. On the phone, Chan didn't tell her what exactly happened to Winnie, but she felt quite uneasy for some reason.

It was the last day of the final exam of this term. A lot of students who had finished exams were leaving the college while pulling their suitcases.

Stella asked one student about Chan, only to find that Channing had finished the exams of his major in the morning. Then she went to the cafe where he worked part-time.

The cafe owner said, "He went to the police station."

Stella was taken aback. "The police station?"

Yeah. For the incident that happened the day before yesterday. It seemed a high school student wanted to set him up... Fortunately, it was exposed by others. Hasn't he told you about it? Stella shook her head. She asked again, "Which police station?"

After the cafe owner told her, Stella thanked him and immediately left.

She had guessed that things weren't so simple as what Channing mentioned to her on the phone. However, she had never expected that it would be so serious.

When Stella arrived at the police station, Channing was watching the surveillance video of that evening with the police.

Seeing her, Channing frowned. "Why are you here?"

Stella answered crossly, "Why didn't you inform me about such a serious matter? Why can't I be here?"

As she spoke, she said to the policeman, "I'm his older sister and custodian."

The policeman nodded at her as a greeting. "Let's watch it together, then."

Stella looked over at the screen. After watching for a while, she frowned deeply. "Could you playback the scene just now?"

After the video was backed up, she said, "Could you please zoom in the scene a bit, please?"

Although on the video, the light was dim and the scene was blurred, Stella recognized that girl.

Seeing that, the policeman asked, "Do you know her?"

Upon hearing it, Channing looked over at her as well.

Stella pressed her lips and said slowly, "A few days ago, her mother kept making trouble in my store."

The policeman asked, "Do you have their identifications?"

I called the police. There should be a record.

The police asked her which local police station they had been to. Then he asked them to remain seated. He went to contact the police station for more information.

After the police walked out of the room, Channing asked, "When did it happen? Why didn't you tell me about it?"

Stella answered, "You were having exams back then. Besides, it's not a big deal."

However, she had never expected that this matter had dragged Channing into the mere.

She had guessed that there must be a conspiracy behind them. However, the mid-aged woman didn't show up again. Stella thought that she had overthought. But now, she changed her mind. Besides, people who manipulated and did those things didn't know Channing's relationship with her but also had done those things deliberately aiming at them.

To be exact, they had done those things to aim at her.000

Chapter 217: It Must Not Be My Problem

Since the police needed to do some investigation and get the evidence, Stella and Channing were told to leave. Once the police had anything further, they would be informed again. Out of the police station, it was quite dark outside.

Stella said, "Chan, do you still plan to stay on campus during the vacation?"

Channing didn't answer immediately. After a thought, he said, "From tomorrow on, I'll go to your studio."

Pardon? Stella was taken aback. Then she understood that Channing was worried about her because of the things happened recently. "No, thanks, Chan. No one is making a scene again. I'm worried about you, though. How about I rent an apartment for you off-campus during the school break?"

Not necessary, Stella. I'll rent it myself.

Upon hearing it, Stella was amused. She asked, "Would there be any difference?"

Channing turned to look at her. "I can make money myself now."

Stella smiled and didn't insist on discussing who should pay for the rental with him. She asked, "Where would you like to stay then? Shall I go house hunting with you tomorrow morning?"

No, thanks. I've found a suitable apartment already.

Two hours later.

Daniel opened his door, looking at the two standing outside his apartment. He asked in confusion, "Yes? How may I help you?"

Stella rubbed her nose. "Sorry for interrupting you, Daniel. My brother is on school vacation now. He wants to rent an apartment. Would you mind having a roommate?" "Well..."

Channing chimed in, "I'll pay the rent."

It's not that thing, boy. It has nothing to do with whether you'll pay the rental or not. Daniel thought for a long while and found an excuse. "I grew up abroad since I was born. Probably my personal habits and diet might be quite different from yours. I'm afraid you would feel quite uncomfortable when staying here. So..."

It's alright. I like canned food as well.

Daniel choked up.

That was the lames excuse he had made all his life.

Watching Channing pull his suitcase into the apartment, Stella pulled the door and said apologetically, "Daniel, I'm quite sorry for that. Recently, something bad happened to me. My brother is worried, so he wants to stay here. Please rest assured. I'll try to convince him as soon as possible and he will move out soon."

Daniel came back to his senses and asked, "Ms. Radomil, what happened? Do you need any help?"

Nothing serious. It's almost resolved. I do apologize for the inconvenience.

Ms. Radomil, please don't mention it. Your brother could stay here during his vacation. I don't need him to pay the rental, either. We're neighbors and we should help each other.

Stella said, "I'm sorry for troubling you. If you don't mind, you can always come to our apartment for meals."

In that case, I'm taking advantage of you. Daniel looked back. "Ms. Radomil, I'll take your brother to the guestroom first. Let's chat later."

All right. All right. Thank you, Daniel.

After closing the door. Daniel walked to the living room and pointed to the rooms. "Choose either of those two rooms to be yours."

Channing nodded. "Okay. Thanks."

Soon, he added, "I won't move any single thing in your apartment, and nor will I peep into your privacy. I'll stay here for one month at the most. As for your compensation, you can make a request to me, anything."

With hands in his pockets, Daniel said with a smile, "Don't be so restrained. Since you've moved in, please make yourself home. Go ahead to put your stuff."

Channing nodded at him. "Thanks."

After then minutes, he came out from the guestroom.

Daniel got a can of beer from the fridge and tossed it to him. "Does your vacation start from today? How did your exams go?"

Not bad.

I heard that you were a top student. You are too modest.

Channing twitched his lips without answering.

Daniel sat opposite him and opened his own bear. "May I know what kind of trouble your sister has encountered recently?"

Someone deliberately made a scene in her studio.

Do you think those people would go back to her again?

Probably. Channing pressed his thin lips. "They have come to find me as well. Although their plan failed, they would take other actions."

Daniel didn't expect that had happened. After a pause, he continued, "In your family, besides your sister and you, do you have any other family members? I've never heard her mention it." Channing answered expressionlessly, "Nope."

Daniel sensed that he wasn't willing to continue the subject, so he didn't ask more questions. He stood and said, "I'll go out. You can use anything here."

Before he left, he also told Channing the passcode of the lock.

Star Ferry Technology.

Daniel waved a hand in front of Emmett. "I'm talking to you. Did you hear me?"

Emmett was a bit dizzy. Rubbing his nose bridge, he said, "Come again?"

I said the thing that happened to Stella smells fishy. Have you looked into the matter?

Yes, I have, but I didn't find anything useful.

Daniel said slowly, "I don't think it was a simple incident. Stella is a girl. She shouldn't have done anything to offend someone."

Emmett didn't understand what he meant until he was lost in thought for a while. "You meant the manipulator behind it actually aimed at Clarence Conrad, right?"

That's just a wild guess. Daniel knocked on the armrest of the sofa, squinting. "Clarence Conrad called off the engagement with the Steward family, so the latter must feel disgraced to a certain extent. Since they couldn't do anything to Clarence Conrad, they might have vented the anger on Stella."

Do you think possibly Charles Steward has done it?

Yeah, that's quite possible. I'll also test what Phoebe Steward thinks about this matter later. Emmett didn't speak. Lowering his head, he was lost in thought.

Daniel sensed that he looked abnormal today, so he asked, "What's wrong with you today?" Emmett shook his head. "Nothing. Probably I didn't sleep well last night."

I also heard another piece of news -- Phoebe Steward will probably engage to Justin Conrad.

Justin Conrad... Clarence Conrad's brother?

Daniel hummed. "But this news hasn't been verified yet. I couldn't understand why Charles Steward would have such a request at this moment. We haven't done anything yet. Hasn't he reacted too soon?" Emmett cast him a glance. "Probably he doesn't think you are a reliable man."

Daniel denied affirmatively, "I don't think it's my problem."

Emmett didn't speak.

Something must have happened to frighten Charles Steward. Or, there might be some crisis, so that he had to show his kindness to the Conrad family and stabilize the current situation.

As soon as Daniel finished his words, his phone started ringing.

He waved his phone screen at Emmett. "Look. Told you it's not because of me."

Emmett said, "You'd better figure out how to stop Phoebe Steward from marrying into the Conrad family. Although the Conrad family's power is still in Clarence Conrad's hand, once she married his brother, it wouldn't be so easy for us to continue carrying out our plan."

Daniel smiled and said, "No worries. Phoebe Steward thinks highly of herself. She would never marry Justin Conrad."

Chapter 218: That Kind of Feeling Is Not

In the evening, Stella received a call from Emmett.

Emmett said, "Stella, Daniel said Chan has moved into his apartment. How's everything going with you? My friend said Winnie Truman's PR team is dealing with that matter, trying to reduce the impact to the lowest."

Stella answered, "Thanks, Emmett. I'm pretty well here. Nothing else happened. Chan moved in because he's worried about me."

For a whole day, Nathan didn't call her to follow up on the case. It seemed that she wasn't needed any longer.

After a while, Emmett said slowly, "Stella, do you have time this weekend? It's our company's annual party. We're going to a resort nearby City N and stay there for two days and one night. I want you to go with me."

Stella thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Sure."

Emmett breathed a sigh of relief, seemingly his mood became better. "I'll go pick you up on Saturday morning, then."

As soon as Stella hung up the phone, Sherry approached her. She asked joyfully, "How's it going? Did Emmett ask you out for a date?"

Upon hearing it, Channing who was next to them also looked over at Stella.

Why did they react so dramatically?

She answered, "It's not a date. He asked me to attend his company's annual party with him."

Isn't it a date? Sherry said while munching the potato chips, "You'll be his date to attend such an occasion. Besides, even you are not his girlfriend now, you have a certain relationship already. It's just a matter of time when you two would progress."

Stella pressed her lips and didn't speak.

Channing withdrew his gaze on his sister and kept browsing his book. "I'm not against it."

Sherry raised both hands to agree. "Me neither."

I still feel a bit dizzy. I'll go to bed now.

After going back to her room, Stella lay prone on the desk. Her fingers kept poking at the ornaments in front of her from time to time.

In fact, Stella had thought about what Sherry said just when she agreed to Emmett.

She was ready to restart her life, and also, she wanted to get to know more about Emmett.

That was why she still agreed to him when she knew what it means by her agreement.

Although it seemed quite difficult for her to take this step forward, no matter what, she needed a start.

Stella heaved a sigh slightly. Opening her draft book, she looked at one page for a long time. Then she tore it into pieces bit by bit, folded the paper, tore it into pieces, and tossed them in the garbage can.

She believed that should be an end.

The next day, Stella received a call from the police station.

They had found Bernice and her daughter. However, when they found them, Bernice was in a coma because of a car accident, lying in the hospital now. Her daughter said that Bernice was manipulated by someone, but she didn't know anything else.

The girl was still a high school student, and she was forced to do such things. Hence, Stella and Channing didn't hold her accountable.

Upon hearing the investigation result from the police, Sherry said, "I can sense there's something wrong. How coincident she had a car accident! I don't believe it wasn't planned by someone."

Stella said indifferently, "The police also looked into the car that hit Bernice Young. Everything was normal. It was just because she ran across the street, she was hit."

"Well, on this point, it made sense. She's a shameless and unreasonable woman. She could ignore the rules and regulations and run across the street. Probably it's the karma.”

Channing chimed in, I don't think this matter would end like this. Let's be careful in the future."""

After skipping this subject, Sherry asked again, "Stella, it's Saturday tomorrow. Have you decided what to wear?"

Stella was confused. "Should I pick up some clothes?"

Of course! Sherry patted her own thighs. "On such an occasion as the annual party, all girls would show their most beautiful makeup and outfits. Besides, Emmett is so young and outstanding. As their handsome and rich boss, there must be a lot of girls having crushes on him just like Gollum sees the precious ring. Although you are quite beautiful without dressing up, at this moment, you should be cautious and defend to the last."

As she spoke, Sherry pushed Stella into her room, started to choosing her outfits.

However, Sherry couldn't find satisfying ones at all. "They are not hot enough. Let's go out shopping for more."

Stella immediately stopped her. "It's all right. I like those dresses. Besides, it's so late now. The stores are closed already."

Sherry sighed. "Okay. You can only make do with it. Fortunately, you are born beautiful. You'll look stunning even if you were wearing a gunnysack."

Stella raised her brows. "I might not come back until the evening after tomorrow. If you feel bored when staying home during the weekend, why don't you come with me?"

After thinking for the past two days, Stella still felt somewhat embarrassed to go there alone.

However, she had said yes to Emmett, so she couldn't go back on her words.

Are you kidding me? I don't want to be the third wheel. Besides, I want to spend my weekend in the bar to see if I can meet any handsome young man. Don't look down upon me. I might not be able to come home tomorrow evening either.

Sherry yawned. "I'm going back to my room. You'd better go to bed early as well. Bet your beauty sleep and stun Emmett tomorrow!"

Stella smiled. "I'm not a bulb."

Although you are not, you are more stunning than a bulb.

Stop it, Sherry. You're too exaggerating!

After Sherry went to bed, Stella walked out of her own bedroom.

In the living room, Channing was packing up his belongings.

Stella poured a glass of water. "Chan, are you going back to next door?"

Channing nodded. "Yeah. It's quite late now."

All right. Good night.

Channing walked to the door and then came back. Standing in front of Stella, he said after a hesitation, "Have you made up your mind?"

Stella didn't get him. Putting down the glass, she asked, "On what?"

Being with Emmett Carter.

After a few seconds, Stella said with a faint smile, "I haven't decided to be with him yet. I just want to try to date him and see if we fit. If yes, probably I will. If not, we can..."

Channing frowned slightly. "Do you have a crush on him?"

Stella parted her lips. For a moment, she couldn't answer.

After a long while, she said, "Chan, a crush never comes easy. If two people fit, gradually they will also have feelings for each other."

That kind of feeling is not love, is it?

Stella lowered her head. Pinching the glass tightly, she didn't answer.

Channing continued, "Although I hope you could meet someone who loves you wholeheartedly, I hope more that you could be with someone you love. He doesn't have to be Emmett Carter."

Channing asked again, "Do you still love Clarence Conrad."

Stella answered slowly, "It's getting quite late. Go to bed."

Chapter 219: A Movie Star

In the early morning of Saturday, Sherry dragged Stella out of the quilt and asked Stella to make up well. Stella was sitting in front of the window. The sunshine was so dazzling that she could hardly open her eyes. Sherry said, "It's such a beautiful day today! Quite suitable for dating. I'll also dress up and go out for fun." Stella yawned. "It's so early now. Where are you going?"

All schools are on winter vacation now. I'll go around the colleges nearby and see if there's any college student who needs a helping hand to carry his suitcase. If I could meet one, that would be perfect. It's a rare chance.

Stella lost her tongue in amusement.

After she straightened herself up, Emmett called.

Sherry walked her downstairs. On the way back to their apartment for sleeping in, she encountered Daniel, who just finished jogging, while waiting for the elevator.

They greeted each other and fell into the silence.

When the elevator went up, the atmosphere in the narrow space became more and more embarrassing.

Daniel coughed and found a topic at random. "Emmett said Ms. Radomil has gone to the annual party of Star Ferry Technology."

Sherry nodded. "Yeah. I just walked her downstairs."

Then they were quiet again.

As soon as the elevator door was opened, Sherry strode out immediately. When she opened the door of her apartment, Daniel said behind her back, "I'm quite sorry for the thing that happened last time. If you have time, I want to treat you for a dinner tonight."

After a pause, Sherry curled up her lips into a smile. She looked back and pretended to be quite calm when saying, "Only the two of us? I don't think..." She didn't think it was proper.

As well as Ms. Radomil's younger brother.

Sherry coughed a bit. "That's much better. All right."

Daniel nodded slightly. "Okay. See you this evening."

Emmett noticed that Stella had been staring out of the window, lost in thought. Her eyes were dull as if she was still sleepy.

With a smile, he said, "Stella, you can take a nap. It'll take us two hours to arrive there. I'll wake you up when we got there."

Upon hearing it, Stella returned to her senses. She patted her cheeks, trying to sober up. "No, thanks. I'm not that sleepy. I'll be fine soon." Only Emmett and she were in the car, so she felt ashamed if she took a nap and let him drive such a long way alone. It was too inappropriate. Emmett suggested, "How about we have a chat?"

Stella yawned. "Why not?"

After a thought, Emmett said, "Stella, I've never heard you talking about your family. May I know more about your family, please?"

Stella didn't expect that he would chat with her about this subject. After a pause, she answered, "Sure. My younger brother and I are the only two left in our family. You've met my brother last time."

I met him before last time.

Did you? When?

Emmett said, "In the past, he occasionally went to the university to find you. I met him from afar. At that time, you have another man beside you."

Stella smiled faintly, looking out of the window again. "It turns out so many years have passed."

After two hours, their car was stopped in the resort.

All employees of Star Ferry Technology were taking a bus, so they would arrive here later. They were still on the way right now.

After parking the car, Emmett asked, "Stella, would you like to have a rest in the room or go around here?"

Stella answered, "Let's have a walk around here. The air here is quite fresh."

The suburbia's air was indeed fresher than it was in the city. There were also no honks from the vehicles. Stella could only hear the sound of the breeze.

Next to the hotel, there was an artificial lake.

Under the sunshine, the water in the lake was sparkling.

Such a landscape could delight others.

However, for some reason, Stella was in a daze. Particularly, when she saw a boat that was parked at the river bank, she couldn't help but recall the time she spent in Anqiao Street.

It was also a sunny day with a breeze. A boat swayed on the water. She leaned against a man's shoulder, falling asleep. The whole world was quiet without any noises. All she had heard was the sound of the gurgling water.

And she heard her heartbeat when it got hammered.

Emmett followed her gaze and asked, "Would you like to go over there?"

Stella was brought back to reality. "No, thanks. We can keep walking."

As soon as they turned around, they saw a group of people walking towards them from a bridge not far away.

Seeing the man walking in lead, Stella was taken aback for several seconds. She subconsciously looked over at the boat parked at the riverbank. In a daze, she thought she had an illusion. How could this be possible?

Soon, the group of people approached them closer and closer.

However, probably Clarence hadn't seen Emmett and Stella, or probably he pretended not to see them. Without sparing a single glance at them, he strode away with others.

Stella was still lost in thought after he had gone for a long time.

She had never expected that the man that appeared in her mind just now would show up in front of her the next second.

For some reason, she felt a sense of guilt.

Emmett said gently, "Stella?"

Stella immediately came back to her senses. "I'm sorry. I..."

It's alright. Let's go back to the hotel.

Stella nodded slightly. "Okay."

When they went back to the hotel, all employees of Star Ferry Technology had arrived. They were chitchatting in groups.

Seeing that Emmett came in with Stella, they all stopped chatting and looked at them from afar.

After Emmett's assistant reported their activities, Emmett lowered his head and checked the time on his watch. Then he said to his assistant, "Ask them to put down their belongings in their rooms. Let's gather in half an hour and head to lunch."

Okay, Mr. Carter.

Emmett took the room cards from his assistant and Stella's belongings from his car trunk.

After they left, the employees who had been exchanging glasses started to discuss.

Is that Mr. Carter's girlfriend? She's so beautiful!

I've never heard Mr. Carter has a girlfriend. Don't gossip! What if she's his cousin? I still want to dance the first dance with Mr. Carter tonight.

Oh, come on! She should be his girlfriend. Who would have brought a cousin to such an occasion? Stop deceiving yourself.

Hey, didn't you see Mr. Carter's girlfriend looks quite familiar? I might have seen her somewhere.

Yeah, she looks quite familiar to me as well. Is she a movie star?

Stop your wild guess. I know who she is.

In an instant, everyone gazed at the person who spoke.

She's a designer from SG Jewelry Magazine. She also won the first prize in some kind of designer contest. Her name is... What's her name? Someone echoed, "Ms. Radomil, isn't it?"

Exactly! It's she!

But... isn't there a rumor that Ms. Radomil is someone's mistress?

Chapter 220: It Couldn’t Be Described as a Coincidence

Emmett walked Stella to her room door and gave her the room card. "Stella, I'm staying opposite your room. I'll come to find you if it's time to go downstairs." Stella smiled and nodded in agreement. "Okay. Thanks."

After entering her room, Stella put down her suitcase, washed her face in the bathroom, and walked to the balcony to enjoy the breeze.

Her room was facing the artificial lake. From afar, the lake looked prettier. Under the sunshine, it looked as if there were countless small diamonds on its surface, dazzling. Stella shook her head to get those messy thoughts out of her mind.

Under the bright sunlight, she stretched, feeling quite cozy. When she turned around, she found a man standing on the balcony next door.

Stella gaped.

Her stretch was stopped halfway and her hands were in the mid-air. She stiffed.

However, Clarence seemed not to see her at all. He looked ahead expressionlessly.

Stella slowly put down her hands. Her lips parted as if she was wondering if she should greet him.

For such a matter that happened with an extremely small possibility, Stella didn't think it was a coincidence.

It happened as if someone had done it so deliberately.

She couldn't help but wonder what the wretched man doing again.

He couldn't stop it, could he?

Stella walked up to him. "Mr. Conrad..."

By the way, Mr. Conrad, these are the annual financial statement of this retort and the development plan next year. We want to build a water amusement park next to the artificial lake, increasing more facilities, a man reported to Clarence.

Stella gaped at the scene.

Right then, the man also seemed to have seen her. He turned around and asked politely, "Excuse me, Ma'am. I'm the manager of this hotel. What can I do for you?"

Oh, no. Thanks. Sorry for interrupting you.

Stella immediately ran back to her room, feeling extremely embarrassed.

She felt so fortunate that she hadn't finished her words to Clarence.

Otherwise, that wretched man would ironically mock her for flattering herself.

On the balcony.

Clarence read through the financial statement in front of him. Then he handed it back to the manager.

The manager added, "Mr. Conrad, what do you think about our water amusement park?"

Give me a detailed project plan. As he spoke, Clarence glanced at the empty balcony next door. Then he looked at the lake afar and added flatly, "Adding an area for children."

The manager hadn't expected that Clarence would give this suggestion. After a short period of surprise, he reacted quickly and answered, "Yes, Mr. Conrad. I'll ask them to finish the project plan as soon as possible."

Clarence tidied his sleeves and walked back to his room.

Shortly after the manager was gone, Nathan knocked at the door and walked in. "Mr. Conrad, I've found the detailed schedule for Star Ferry Technology's annual party."

Clarence sat on the sofa, his slender fingers knocking at his knees. "Go ahead."

At noon, they'll have lunch at the lake restaurant. In the afternoon, they'll go boating and do other activities, which are not mandatory. At seven o'clock, they'll hold the annual party in the banquet hall. Tomorrow morning, they'll go climbing. After lunch, they'll go back to City N.

Clarence asked, "Have you arranged everything?"

Nathan nodded. "Mr. Conrad, please rest assured. I've already informed all different departments."

Clarence raised his brows and turned to look out of the window, lost in thought.

Stella didn't feel less embarrassed until she had soaked her face into the cold water. She wondered probably it was because of herself or the room, she found it quite difficult to breathe.

She put on her clothes and aimed to take a walk downstairs, taking some fresh air.

However, much to her surprise, she happened to meet the hotel manager who just finished reporting his work status to Clarence.

The manager also recognized her, slightly nodding at her.

Stella pressed her lips into a smile. Leaning against the wall, she watched the floor numbers go down.

After a moment, she asked, "Excuse me, Sir. Is your hotel run by Conrad Group?"

Upon hearing it, the manager turned to her and answered, "Yes, it is."

Then he recalled what had happened on the balcony. With uncertainty, he asked, "Ma'am, do you know Mr. Conrad?"

Stella let out a hollow laugh. "I've met him before."

The manager guessed that she must come here for Star Ferry Technology's annual party, so it wasn't weird for her to know Mr. Conrad. He stopped asking more and change the subject at random, "Besides the hotel, the whole resort is run by Conrad Group. Mr. Conrad came here to inspect the annual work status as usual."

Stella nodded. After a hesitation, she asked, "When did he arrive here?"

Last night.

However, the manager didn't tell her that Mr. Conrad had never been here personally for the inspection before.

At the midnight last night when Mr. Conrad arrived, all employees of the retort went panicked, wondering if something happened. However, according to what happened in the morning, everything was fine. Mr. Conrad only asked them to report their work status.

After Stella heard that Clarence had arrived the previous night, the last doubt in her mind faded.

However, she had encountered him on such a small possibility. She felt so unlucky.

The manager also briefed Stella about the landscape nearby and where they could go.

When they reached the first floor, Stella thanked the manager and walked out of the lobby.

However, she didn't go to the places that the manager told her, just wandering around aimlessly. Unconsciously, she walked to the artificial lake.

Standing on the bridge and enjoying the breeze, she was lost in mind.

Probably it was because of the environment, since she had come here, she couldn't help but recall the period when she stayed in Anqiao Street.

She wondered if the street had been changed and all the neighbors had moved away.

Also, she thought about Ms. Beckham and Ms. Anderson...

She wondered if they were doing fine.

Stella believed that it would be quite difficult for her to find such an ancient and peaceful place again in her life, and nor would she have such idle and comfortable life. After a long while, Stella's phone started ringing.

Hello, Stella. You are not in your room, are you?

No, I'm not. I'm outside the hotel. Sorry. I forgot to tell you. I'll be right back.

Emmett answered, "It's alright. I'll wait for you at the hotel lobby."

After hanging up the phone, Emmett walked away from the door of Stella's room. He went to press the button for the elevator.

Right then, Clarence appeared from a corner, standing next to him.

Emmett said, "Mr. Conrad, it shouldn't be a coincidence for you to show up here. I never expected that you would set up such a big scene just for meeting Stella."

Clarence retorted indifferently, "Mr. Carter, I also didn't expect that you don't have any self-esteem. Or, probably you haven't understood anything from what you saw that night, have you, Mr. Carter?"

Upon hearing it, Emmett clenched his fists. He turned to look at Clarence with suppressed anger written all over his face.

Clarence met his gaze, curling up his thin lips into a sarcastic smile.