Ch. 241..250

Chapter 241: The Wretched Man Must Be Doing It on Purpose

Stella put the baby into the cot, and then nonchalantly asked Clarence to go out, "Mr. Conrad, can you leave? I want to sleep."

Clarence looked up at her and spoke slowly, "It is only called sleeping when two people sleep together. Otherwise, it is called resting. Are you saying this because you want me to sleep with you?" Clarence was speechless.

What kind of nonsense he was saying!

Stella was just about to tell him to get lost immediately when the phone in her bag rang.

She was afraid of waking up the baby and went to answer the call hurriedly.

After seeing the caller ID, Stella glanced at the man sitting on the sofa. Then, she walked into the bathroom.

Before the bathroom door was closed, Clarence heard her pick up the phone and the word "Emmett" came out of her mouth softly.

Clarence put down the book in his hand and pursed his thin lips together.

In the bathroom, Stella pushed the window open again after closing the door. Then, she said, "Is anything wrong?"

Emmett said, "I heard from Sherry that you went to Aqock. Did you have fun there?"

Stella smiled faintly, "I'm fine here. The pace of life here is a bit slower than at City N. It is comfortable staying here."

Hearing you saying like that makes me want to go and have a look too. Emmett paused and spoke slowly, stating her intention, "Stella, how long will it be before you... probably return?" "It should be two or three days."

Emmett continued, "They're organizing a class reunion during the weekend. Are you going?"

Stella said, "I'll see whether I'm free at that time. But... didn't we just have a class reunion not long ago? Why are we suddenly having another reunion again?"

Last time there were only a few of us. This time all our classmates are coming. If you are not going, I'm not going either.

Hearing his words, Stella was quite stressed. She thought about it for a while before saying, "Then I'll ask Sherry first and see what she says."

Stella wasn't a woman who liked to mess with many people. Moreover, most of her classmates were unfamiliar with one another and they didn't contact one another after graduation.

It should be the first time in the past few years that a large-scale party like this was held.

She wanted to ask Sherry first, to see if there was any reason why she had to go. If not, she would probably not go if it was just a simple party.

Okay. Emmett added, "Stella, when are you coming back. I'll pick you up from the airport."

No need, I...

Halfway through her sentence, there was a knock on the door from outside.

Before she had time to react, she could hear the wretched man's voice coming from outside. He was saying calmly, "Have you finished showering? I've been waiting for you for half an hour." Stella was speechless and she thought that the wretched man must be doing it on purpose!

On the other end of the phone, Emmett was silent for a while before saying, "Stella, I won't disturb you anymore since you are busy. Let me know when you've thought about it."

After hanging up the phone, Stella pulled open the door and stared fiercely at Clarence. When she almost spat out some words to curse him, she suddenly remembered that there was a baby inside the room. She gritted her teeth and could only suppress her anger.

Clarence leaned neatly against the door frame, putting his arms in front of his chest, "You've been dawdling inside for so long. I'm waiting to use the bathroom."

Stella said while gritting her teeth, "Mr. Conrad, don't you have your own room?"

The water heater in my room had spoilt. Clarence said, dragging Stella out of the bathroom, "Go get me a change of clothes. It's okay if you don't want to take them. I don't mind..."

Not waiting for him to finish his words, Stella directly pushed him inside and closed the door tightly again.

She took several deep breaths before allowing herself to calm down gradually.

It was only because she had tugged on his sleeve at twilight three years ago that things had come to this point.

In the end, she was the one to blame for causing this to happen.

As the saying goes, what you sow is what you reap.

Stella went to Clarence's room. She searched around but didn't see any suitcase, so she eventually opened the wardrobe.

The wretched man had a lot of clothes in the wardrobe. It seemed that he would occasionally stay here for a long time.

Thinking about this, Stella couldn't help but frown. Could it be that the wretched man had come back to stay here after he left with her last time?

However, Stella thought about it. Dolores was Clarence's mother. She stayed here and it made sense for Clarence to come back here from time to time.

She simply took a set of casual clothes from the wardrobe and was about to leave when she turned around with an expressionless face and looked into the wardrobe. She felt very annoyed at the moment. When she got back to her room, she put the clothes in the chair outside the bathroom and knocked on the door. She said as if she was annoyed, "Mr. Conrad, your clothes are here."

The sound of water in the bathroom paused for a moment before Clarence asked calmly, "Do you take a set of clothes for me?"

Stella was speechless. She clenched her teeth and said, "Yes!"

If it wasn't for the fear of Clarence doing something to her, Stella really didn't want to help him to take the clothes.

The wretched man was so annoying.

Stella did not want to bother him anymore and went straight to the bed. She took off her down jacket and wrapped herself tightly with the quilt.

In a short while, the bathroom door was opened and quickly closed then.

Stella could hear the rustling of clothes inside the bathroom even through the thick blanket.

After two minutes, the bathroom door was opened again.

Clarence came out while drying his hair. When he saw the quilt on the bed, he smiled.

Stella said as she was under the quilt to remind him, "Since Mr. Conrad has finished bathing, then please go back to your room. I want to sleep... and rest!"

Clarence said, "Don't you want to take bath? Go and bathe, I'll help you to take care of him."

... I don't want to bathe!

Don't you think that you are dirty after hanging around outside all day?

I know I'm dirty but you still take advantage of me.

Clarence said, "If you don't want to bathe now, I can take advantage of you now."

Stella sat up violently from the bed, wishing that she could kill him.

Clarence sat on the sofa and said indifferently, "I'll leave when you come out."

Really? I don't believe it.

Clarence looked at her and laughed lightly, "If I really want to do something to you, I do not need to wait until now."

Mr. Conrad, don't you feel ashamed of yourself when you say that?

The wretched man said like he was an innocent man.

Clarence crossed his long and slender legs, "I don't care if you believe me."

The wretched man just sat there and did not have the intention to leave the room.

Stella looked at the sleeping baby next to her and finally decided to be determined. She decided not to take a shower before he left the room. Then, she fell back onto the bed again, staying in the quilt. Clarence was speechless.

Just as he was about to say anything, Clarence said, "Mr. Conrad, no matter what you do, you must know my limit."

Although she had been tolerating him today, it didn't mean that the wretched man could go over her limit.

Clarence raised his hand and pinched his nose bone, "Am I so untrustworthy?"

It's not a matter of trusting you or not!

Then what is it?

Stella ignored him again.00000

Chapter 242: You Are Polite To Me Now?

When the sound of the door closing came, Stella nestled under the covers for a few more minutes. After making sure that he had gone back to his room, she poked her head out from under the covers and took a deep breath of fresh air.

She lifted the quilt, got out of bed, and went to the crib to check again. The baby was still sleeping soundly and showed no signs of waking up at all.

Stella carefully opened her suitcase and took out her pajamas before quietly heading to the bathroom.

Afraid of disturbing the baby, Stella did not dare to use the hairdryer, so she just did not wash her hair, but pulled it up and tied it at the back of her head. After the shower, Stella came out of the bathroom and saw the baby smacking his lips. His eyes were still closed, but his little hands were waving wildly in the air. Stella quickly walked over to him. Just as she reached her hand out, the baby grabbed her fingers.

Seeing this, Stella smiled gently, then sat down on the bed and lay down on the edge of the crib. She just looked at him quietly with gentle eyes.

In the middle of the night, when Stella was drowsy, she suddenly heard the baby grunting and crying in the crib next to her.

She hurriedly turned on the light and sat up. Seeing that the baby looked hungry, she lifted the quilt and got out of bed, opened the thermos to make milk powder. The baby got energized after he ate his meal. He opened his round eyes and looked around curiously.

At that moment, the door of the room was suddenly opened.

A gentle male voice came from outside, "What are you doing in the middle of the night without sleeping?"

Stella turned back with the baby in her arms, "The sound I made should not be too loud... Mr. Conrad, am I disturbing you?"

Clarence lowered his eyes and looked at the baby in her arms who was in high spirits and quietly licked his lips. Then he walked in and whispered, "Give me." Stella was puzzled.

Clarence repeated, "Give him to me. You go to sleep."

Stella obviously wasn't expecting him to say that. She froze for a few seconds before slowly saying, "No, I'll take care of him myself. Mr. Conrad, you can just go to bed." "You're polite to me now?"

Without waiting for Stella to continue to refuse, Clarence had gone to hold the baby in her arms.

Stella didn't dare to wrestle with him for fear of hurting the baby, so she let him carry the baby over.

Clarence turned around, sat on the sofa, and then without looking up, said to Stella, "You go to sleep."

Stella opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

Clarence was obviously doing something that did not fit in with him, but the scene before her looked unusually harmonious.

And the baby obviously didn't want him to hold him. He pouted and looked like he was going to cry out. However, Clarence whispered, "Shut up."

The baby sniffed with his little fists clenched, looking very aggrieved.

Stella couldn't bear to look at it, "Mr. Conrad, you'd better give him to me. He's not comfortable with you holding him."

Clarence said, "Don't spoil him."

Stella's mouth twitched. She didn't know when he spoiled the baby, and obviously, he scared the baby.

But surprisingly, the baby stayed reluctantly in his arms for a while, then slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Clarence put him back into the crib and said softly, "He will only wake up once in the middle of the night. You can go back to sleep now."

Stella looked at him, tilted her head, and suddenly asked, "Mr. Conrad, how do you know he will only wake up once in the middle of the night?" Clarence paused, looked up to meet her eyes, and said slowly, "You'll know if you ask Ms. Beckham."

She didn't expect him to be quite attentive and actually thought to ask Evelyn how many times the baby would wake up during the night. Clarence stood still for a few seconds before speaking, "I'm leaving."

Stella looked at him, feeling a little puzzled.

He could go now! Could it be that he still thought she would ask him to stay?

Seeing him standing there without moving, Stella said tentatively, "Well... Mr. Conrad, good night?"

Clarence's thin lips curled, "Good night."

After saying that, he lifted his leg to leave.

Stella looked at his back and suddenly felt funny.

He was so childish.

After midnight, the baby really did not wake up again, just like Clarence said.

Stella lay in bed, but tossed and turned, and couldn't fall asleep. She didn't know what was going through her head.

She just drifted off and looked quietly at the crib next to her in the hazy moonlight.

She didn't know how long it took for her to fall asleep.

By the time Stella woke up from a good night's sleep, it was very light.

She sat up in a hurry and looked at the time. It was eleven o'clock in the morning.

Stella rubbed her head and turned her head to find that the baby was no longer in the crib.

She changed her clothes and went downstairs. In the courtyard, the baby was lying in his crib and playing happily with his toys by himself. And next to him, Clarence was sitting at the desk working. Stella asked, "Where's Ms. Anderson?"

Clarence didn't even look up, "She went to the hospital with Ms. Beckham."

Stella was sitting in a chair and staring at a potted plant not far away. Obviously, she just hasn't woken up yet.

What do you want to eat? I'll have Nathan send it over.

After a few seconds, Stella slowly came back to her senses, "No. There should be some food in the fridge. I'll go cook it."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

Stella went over to the door and a young boy was standing outside, "Excuse me, does Mr. Conrad live here?"

Stella glanced back at Clarence and nodded gently, "Yes."

The boy took out a gift box from his bag, "I'm a staff member of Yue Lao Temple. This is the gift that we said we would give you last night."

Stella reached out and took it, "Thank you."

You're welcome. I'll leave then.

When the boy left, Stella closed the door, turned and placed the box in front of Clarence, and then went straight into the kitchen.

There were a lot of vegetables in the kitchen that Dolores had bought at the market last night. After steaming the rice in the pot, Stella wanted to make a spicy rabbit, but then she remembered that Clarence didn't eat chili and had to give up the idea.

Halfway through making the dish, Stella felt that something was wrong again. Why should she give in to his ideas?

Thinking of this, she deliberately took the rabbit again, but just as she picked it up, she put it down again.

Forget it. If she cooked too many dishes and they couldn't finish them, it would only be a waste.

Stella propped her hand on the dishwashing table, feeling as if she was a fool.

In the end, Stella made two dishes and a soup, which all tasted light.

By the time she got out, Clarence had put away the computer and the gift box had been opened. On the table were the photos they had taken last night at Yue Lao Temple.

The photos were in a frame unique to Yue Lao Temple. On the left side of the frame, it read "Wishing you a long and happy marriage" and on the right side, it read "Wishing you lots of love and happiness". At the top was a row of heart-shaped patterns, and at the bottom was a miniature cartoon image of Yue Lao.

As the saying went, "Being tacky to the extreme is fashionable."

Stella looked at the frame and the photo and instantly had the urge to fly back to City N overnight.0000

Chapter 243: Losing His Hair

The two days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time to leave. When leaving, Stella looked at the baby smiling happily at her in the crib, and her eyes were full of reluctance. Clarence said blandly next to her, "I've told you that if you really don't want to part with him, we can take him away secretly."

Stella's eyes twitched, "Shut up."

She took a deep breath, then looked at Dolores, "Ms. Anderson, I'll leave now. I'll see you again in a while."

Dolores nodded, "Be careful on your way."

Out on the courtyard, Stella saw Evelyn talking to a neighbor who hadn't moved out yet. She walked over and said, "Ms. Beckham, are you feeling better from the cold?"

Hearing her words, Evelyn immediately coughed, "I'm feeling better. Well, Stella, thank you for these few days."

Stella smiled and shook her head, "Ms. Beckham, don't be so polite. I feel like I'm having a great time."

She just felt so happy.

Evelyn looked at the suitcase in her hand and said, "You're leaving, right? Don't you want to stay for two more days?"

No. We have work to take care of, and we'll come back later.

That's fine, I won't delay you. Get home safe.

Stella nodded and then turned around to leave with her suitcase. She had not taken two steps when she heard the neighbor next to her whisper, "Stella is just leaving? She's just going to leave the baby here?" Stella paused. Before she could turn her head, she heard Evelyn coughing.

Evelyn deliberately raised her voice, "Hey, it is too torturous to have a cold. If it weren't for Dolores and Stella helping me with my grandchildren, I wouldn't know what to do."

Then there was no sound behind her.

Stella thought she had misheard.

After returning to City N, Stella grabbed her bags and headed straight out the door without looking back.

Clarence gave a sideways glance, then Nathan immediately understood and quickly stepped forward, "Madam... Ms. Radomil, I'll drive you home."

Thanks, but there's no need. My friend is coming to pick me up.

Just after Stella said this, Clarence's face instantly went cold.

Nathan tried to persuade her, "Ms. Radomil, why don't you ask your friend not to come? How serious the air pollution is now! It is the responsibility of each of us to protect the environment." Stella was speechless.

She turned her head to look at him, "Mr. Lance, have you ever considered changing your job?"

Well... I haven't considered it for the time being.

Stella said seriously, "I suggest you change a job before it's too late. Otherwise, you are too stressed out at such a young age that you will lose all your hair."

After saying that, Stella turned around and left quickly.

Nathan coughed and could only silently retreat to Clarence's side, "Mr. Conrad..."

He did his best.

Clarence looked at Stella's back and licked his lips, "Forget it."

It wasn't the first day he'd seen Stella's eloquence.

By the time she exited the terminal, it was already dark.

Stella had just been standing for two minutes when Sherry's car appeared in front of her.

After putting her luggage away, Stella pulled open the passenger door and got in, "Have you been waiting long?"

Sherry said, "No, I just got here a few minutes ago. How was your trip? Did that wretched man give you a hard time?"

Stella shook her head, "No."

Except for that day when he took her to the Yue Lao Temple by force and did some crazy things, Clarence was quite normal in the past two days and spent almost all of his time with her at home taking care of the baby.

Sherry sighed as she drove, "I didn't expect him to finally behave like a normal human being. He's finally not sneaking around anymore."

Stella didn't quite get it, "When did he sneak around?"

Sherry realized she had slipped up and laughed awkwardly, "No... I was just talking nonsense. By the way, how does your trip over there? Is it fun?"

This time, it was Stella's turn to fall silent.

After a while, she said, "I'm not having fun. I'm taking care of a baby."

Sherry's eyes widened in disbelief, "Taking care of a baby? What baby?"

Stella let out a long breath, "There is a neighbor next door, and her son had a son, but she didn't have time to take care of him, so she sent him to us. When I went there, Ms. Beckham was sick and was afraid of infecting the baby, so she left the baby in Ms. Anderson's care. It just so happened that I was there, so I also helped take care of him."

This excuse was too outrageous.

Sherry asked, "Stella, how old is the baby?"

I didn't ask. But it looks tiny, so it must be just a month old.

Sherry was even more puzzled, "What? A newborn baby, his parents feel at ease to leave him alone to his grandmother? They should have waited for the baby to be weaned, right? And in this case, shouldn't they have picked up the grandmother? How could they bear to leave the child alone with his Grandma?"

Hearing that, Stella was also a bit stunned. If Sherry hadn't mentioned it, she hadn't thought about it at all before.

During the past two days, the baby had been with Ms. Anderson, while Evelyn would occasionally come over to check on him. But she always felt that she and the baby were not very close, and instead, Ms. Anderson was a little more skilled in taking care of the baby.

Although Evelyn had a cold, it didn't seem to make sense.

This question haunted Stella until she came home and was cleaning out her closet when she saw the little clothes in the corner and a terrible and crazy thought came to her mind.

A baby without a name, and Ms. Anderson's house was full of baby stuff, and...

Clarence had asked twice if she wanted to take the baby away.

According to Clarence's character, he certainly did not like children. But this time, he was able to quiet down and be there with her for two days to take care of the baby without any resentment or complaints. And there was the fact that he seemed to be very familiar with how to hold the baby.

On top of that, there were the clothes in the closet and even what the neighbor next door said to Evelyn when she was leaving.

There was just too much suspicion in all of this.

It made her wonder about a certain possibility...

Stella hurriedly grabbed her coat and turned to stride out the door.

Sherry was brushing her teeth. After hearing the movement, she came out of the bathroom and saw Stella putting on her shoes, so she asked, "Stella, it's so late. Where are you going?"

Stella said hurriedly, "I have to go to Aqock again."

Didn't you just get back? Did you forget something?

No. There's something I need to make sure of.

It was the first time Sherry had seen her in such a hurry, so she hurriedly took off her toothbrush and ran to the bathroom, "It's too late to take a taxi. Wait for me. I'll go with you."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 244: I’ve Been too Sensitive

Stella booked two fastest flights to Aqock while in the car. Yet it had already been 6am the next day when they got off the plane. Stella's heart raced like never before when she stood in front of Dolores's house She took a deep breath and after making herself calmer, she extended her hand and knocked the door.

Dolores just woke up. Seeing Stella standing outside the house after opening the door, she asked with surprise, "Stella, why..." Stella pursed her lips and said, "Mrs. Anderson, I still want to take another look a the child." Dolores was startled and she did not speak for a moment.

Stella was not patient enough to wait for her reply and she ran into the house while taking large strides. Sherry immediately followed her. Yet the little fellow seemed to vanish into thin air. Not a single thing was left in the house. As Stella was standing there in a daze, Dolores came over and said softly, "Hasn't Mrs. Beckham not recovered from her cold yet? Her son and daughter-in-law had come over and took the child away last night."

Stella opened her mouth yet she was at a loss for words. Tears welled up in her eyes. Dolores sighed and knew what she was thinking. Yet she could not tell her the truth. She could only pat her shoulder. "Stella, you're still gonna have children in the future."

Stella bit her lower lip and held back her urge to cry. She murmured, "I thought...I could almost be sure that..." Yet it turned out she had thought too much in the end. Dolores spoke, "Stella, if you want to see the child, I can ask Mrs. Beckham her house address." Stella shook her head. "It's okay."

I'm sorry Mrs. Anderson, I have to leave now. Stella turned and headed out, she looked inexplicably desolate from her back. Sherry let out an awkward smile and after nodding at Dolores, she followed her

out.

The sun had just risen and the streetlights along the brook were shining with orange light. The light was faint and the surrounding looked chilly. Stella lowered her head and walked silently. Sherry caught up with her and said after scratching her scalp, "Stella, it's all my fault. If I haven't told you that nonsense, you won't misunderstand and..."

Stella shook her head lightly. "It's not your fault, it's mine. I've been too sensitive." It could be after spending so much time getting along with the kid these two days, she started to hope for more. Yet having thought of that, how would the child survive after getting involved in such a terrible car accident? Stella exhaled. "Let's go back, Sherry."

Dolores only made a call to Clarence after Stella left. "Clare, Stella's left."

Got it. Clarence paused and continued, "I'll let someone escort you for the afternoon flight. Since she's started being suspicious, you can't live there anymore." Dolores sighed. "Oh... Stella's gonna hate you if she knows the truth."

It's not the only thing she's gonna hate me. Stella would not only hate him, she might kill him too. After hanging up, Clarence kept away his phone and got out of the house after grabbing his jacket.

Stella and Sherry did not fall asleep during their long arduous journey of going back and forth. Upon reaching City N, Sherry was yawning all the time. "Stella, let's take a nap back home, we have Chan at the studio anyway..."

Stella regained her mind and said, "You can go back and rest. I'm not sleepy, and we're two days behind work." Sherry knew no one could change her mind when she had made a decision, and she knew Stella must have had a mixed feeling now. It was impossible for her to fall asleep. She then took another yawn. "Alright, you can go to the studio first. I'll get a designated driver." Stella nodded. "Then please excuse me first."

Stella only arrived at the studio at 3pm. Channing asked, "Where have you been? I can't contact you for the whole day, and Sherry's nowhere to be found too." Stella replied, "She's with me, we were dealing with something." Channing still wanted to say something, but Stella interrupted him, "I'll go make drafts in the office, call me if you need anything."

Stella sat on the chair after entering the office, yet she could not stay calm no matter how, and she kept on looking out of the window absent-mindedly. Not knowing how long had passed, she took out her phone and looked at the pictures she took for the little fellow two days ago. He looked so adorable in every photo. Stella lied on the table listlessly and looked lethargic.

Channing only realized she had slept on the table when he went in to call her at night. Channing pursed his lips and closed the door once again. As he just turned around, Winnie asked, "Is your sister still working?"

She's fallen asleep.

Asleep? Winnie looked baffled. "Then wake her up and ask her to sleep at home, what if she catches a cold?" Winnie was about to step forward, but Channing seized her arm. "Let her rest. The air-con's on, she won't catch a cold."

Alright. Winnie could only give up. She had received a new mission assigned by that atrocious capitalist upon finishing a photoshoot for a magazine this afternoon. It looked like that wretched man had irritated Stella once again. There were only both of them in the studio and the atmosphere became a little awkward when they fell silent.

As Winnie racked her brain to find a topic of conversation, Channing spoke, "Do you want to drink some water?" Winnie replied, "... Yeah, sure." She took out her phone and secretly delivered the news when Channing went to fetch water. Channing put the mug in front of her two minutes later. "Thank you, for what you did last time."

Winnie quickly put down her phone and only replied after two seconds, "Oh, oh. It's nothing. It's a good thing that we met, or else I can't help you too." She then took her mug. "Stella's brother is my brother, so you don't have to be so polite to me."

Just then, Winnie's phone vibrated. She took a look at it while drinking water. After thinking for several seconds, she asked with caution, "Well...you haven't eaten, should we go out and grab something? We could buy some food for your sister along the way too."

Channing glimpsed at her phone quickly without notice and did not expose her. "Alright." Winnie instantly put down her mug and stood up. "Great! Let's go." Channing pursed his lips and could not help but say, "I heard that you got the best actress award?"

... Did he mean her acting was too dramatic? Winnie coughed. She evaded his question and gave a perfunctory reply, "It's just rumor, there's nothing special to talk about." Channing did not speak any longer and he strode out. Winnie quickly followed him.

She really was the most dedicated artist of the Conrad Group. Not only she had done her best during her photoshoots for magazine and advertisement during the day, she had to act for her boss's drama when she finally had her own time at night. Clarence really should give her an annual leave that lasts over ten days.

Chapter 245: Give Birth to One more Child

Stella had no idea when she had fallen asleep. The sky was already dark outside when she woke up. The moment she sat up and tried to move her stiff neck, she heard a crack. She massaged her neck while opening the office door, heading out. "Chan, find me the first aid box please, there's tincture inside, I seemed to hurt my neck..."

Before she finished her words, she saw the man on the couch. At that moment, she felt not only her neck hurt, her head too. Clarence slightly looked up at her. "You're awake?" Stella asked, "Why are you here?" Clarence glimpsed at the gift box on the table and said, "I see that you like the photo last time very much, therefore I ask someone to photocopy the photo. I'll be kind to give you the original photo."

... No, thanks. How on earth could that wrecked man tell that she liked it! Clarence got up and approached her slowly. "Someone told me if a woman says no, that means yes. I'll look for the one who said this. Stella burst out laughter. "That someone could be Vivian Sean or Miss Steward, it won't be me at least."

Clarence stopped and looked at her with an unhappy face. Stella ignored him and headed to the store room to look for the tincture. Yet out of her expectation, the first aid box was put on the highest rack and since she had hurt her neck, she could not reach for it after tipping her toe several times.

As she was going to get a chair, Clarence was supporting himself at her side while taking the first aid box down effortlessly from the rack, over her head. Stella turned around and leaned against the rack behind her. She secretly blamed him for coming too close to her. Seeing her look, Clarence raised his eyebrow. "What are you scared of?"

Who...who's scared? Being reluctant to argue with him anymore, she seized the first aid box from his hand and returned to her office, locking the door up, not offering him any single chance. She took off her jacket, tilted her head and sprayed some tincture on her neck. She pulled her high-necked sweater. Yet as she was going to massage her neck with another hand, she realized she had pulled a muscle whenever she moved her arm. Not only the pain of her neck was not relieved after massaging, it was even aggravated.

As Stella was feeling frustrated of it, she heard soft knocking sounds of the office door from the outside, and there was Clarence's voice afterwards. "Need any help?"

No, thanks!

Then I'm leaving. Yeah, hurry up and get lost!

After sitting there simmering in her anger for a while, Stella put the tincture back, took the jacket and got up, ready to go to the hospital for a checkup. Yet the moment she opened the office door, she saw the man who had kept on saying he wanted to leave was leaning against the wall, looking at her with a relaxed look.

Stella said peevishly, "I thought you said you're leaving?" Clarence replied without changing his facial expression, "Didn't you make me stay?"

When had I... Stella quickly understood what he meant. "Did you read my mind again?"

Kind of. He held her wrist and pulled her into the office, making her sit down on the chair. He took out the tincture once again and leaned against the office desk. "What else are you good at besides scolding me? You can't even do such a simple thing." Stella said, "I'll release different potential, depending on which person I met."

Clarence sneered and pulled her sweater's collar. Stella backed up in reflex. Clarence grabbed the handle and pulled the chair back easily. "You don't have to give me such a huge response, save your energy for something else." He once again pulled her collar and sprayed the tincture on her neck as he spoke. The chill made Stella inevitably frowned. When she prepared to speak, Clarence had already extended his hand and massaged her neck gently and firmly.

Clarence only spoke after a while. "You went back again today?" Although he did not mention the location, but the answer was clear to the eye. Stella pursed her lips and did not speak. Clarence continued blandly, "I've asked you before, if you like him, we can take him away secretly, now we don't have the chance."

Stella still ignored him. "But there's still a way. I can sacrifice myself and help you give birth to one more child." Stella gritted her teeth. "Could you shut your mouth up?" Clarence stopped his movement. He caressed her neck and stooped. His eyes were dark and calm. "I'm serious, could you have a thought about it?”

I thought you said you don't want to have children within these two years? Stella teased. "You only want to sleep me, there's no need to find such brilliant excuses." Clarence licked his lip and backed up slightly. He sprayed the tincture once again and continued massaging her neck. "You don't let me sleep you anyway, isn't it pointless no matter how many excuses I seek?"

.." That wrecked man finally admitted his filthy little thought. Clarence spoke softly, "Stella, I just dealt with Annie Conrad, the Conrad's and the Perez's are looking for my weakness all over the place. Give me some time, and I'll give you a child afterwards."

After listening to his words just now, no matter what he said, Stella still felt he was finding excuses in order to achieve his purpose. Just like what he promised her back then, saying that he could give her a child two years later. Stella slapped his hand hard with impatience, wanting to toss his hand away. "Even if I do want to give birth to a child, I don't need you." Did he think he was the only man in this world?

As expected, Clarence pulled down his face at once. "Then who do you want to give birth with? Emmett Carter?" Stella teased him on purpose, "Anyone who doesn't have to let me wait for two years." Clarence squinted and his hand which was massaging her neck unnoticeably moved down.

Stella was fast to react. She leapt back and covered her chest with her hands, scolding, "You're ridiculous." Clarence chuckled. "If I am, you won't be sitting here, scolding me, you'll already be lying down and crying." Stella felt speechless. She felt that if she said one more word to him, she would die of rage.

Stella held her jacket which was thrown to the side by Clarence and took two steps out with rage. She then took a deep breath and said, "Are you leaving? I'm gonna lock the door." Clarence only then stood straight, put down the tincture on his hand and slowly walked out of the office. He glanced at his wristwatch and said, "I'm hungry, let's eat something."

I'm not hungry, enjoy your meal. After finished, her stomach growled. It was then she realized she had not taken even a sip of water since last night.

Chapter 246: Perish Together

One of the bodyguards reported, "Mr. and Mrs. Conrad, we've been searching for two days. We also hired a professional search and rescue team in the sea area but still failed to find Miss Conrad. Probably she has been..."

Before he finished his words, Dempsey waved at him irritably to let him go.

Annie's mother collapsed on the sofa while weeping, "It must be done by that bastard! It must be him. Our Annie is so unlucky. She's so young. She hasn't done anything. But now we don't know if she's alive o not. She's my only daughter. How can I live without her?"

Dempsey sat on the sofa, frowned, and said in a sinking voice, "I've told you long ago not to provoke him. You didn't believe me. Now, this thing happened! As long as Annie stayed in the Conrads' Mansion and City N, he wouldn't have been able to do anything to her. But you insisted on sending her away. You gave him a chance!"

I don't care! The bastard must die! Even I'll lose everything, I won't let him go!

Justin chimed in calmly, "Annie's life should be treasured. How about Clarence's unborn children? Weren't their lives precious?"

Upon hearing it, Annie's mother insisted more, "Justin Conrad, what are you talking about? Annie is your younger sister. How can you take the bastard's side?"

I've warned Annie a lot of times before. She deserved her ending today. You can't blame others.

Annie's mother suddenly stood up. The sorrow of losing her daughter had taken away all her reason. Without caring about the consequences, she said ironically, "In this case, you ended up to be a cripple because you were unlucky. You can't blame others!"

Joanna said coldly, "Have you done?"

Haven't you heard what your son said? I'm telling you all. Now my daughter is gone. I don't care about anything. Let's perish together. With the whole Conrad family to be buried with me, it's worthy!

Annie's father, who kept silent all the time, stood up to pull her, "All right. Stop it! Isn't finding Annie the most important thing now?"

Annie's mother patted his hand away, "Finding her? Are you deaf or blind? Your daughter is dead. She has been killed by that bastard!"

Joanna said, "Even it was he who did it, so what? Do you have any evidence? You'd rather think about how to avenge Annie instead of complaining here." Annie's mother sneered, "Now I understand. Annie's life means nothing in your heart. You were using her from the beginning to the end. I'll avenge her myself!" She picked up the bag and left the mansion without looking back.

Annie's father could only fawn on Dempsey and Joanna with a flattering smile. He didn't know what else he could say and followed his wife in a hurry.

After they were gone, the huge mansion was deadly silent.

Dempsey frowned while pressing on his walking stick, lost in thought.

He had never expected that Clarence could have done such a thing. Their arrangement for Annie's departure was quite confidential. Nobody except Charles and he had known it. In order to hide from Clarence's sphere of influence, they deliberately arranged for her to detour to Aqock. However, Clarence had still found her trace.

Dempsey realized that Clarence had become more and more difficult to be dealt with.

Right then, a bodyguard came in, bent over, and whispered in Joanna's ears.

Joanna asked, "Are you sure?"

The man answered, "Yes, Mrs. Conrad. Although they have moved away when we got there, it was truly her."

Send our men to ask around to see if we could find any clues.

After the man left, Dempsey asked with a frown, "What's the matter?"

Joanna said coldly, "I've found Dolores Anderson."

Dempsey looked obviously unhappy, "Why are you looking for her?"

I have my own plans. It has nothing to do with you.

Since Clarence was arrogant and self-righteous, and he always disdained others, Joanna wanted to see what he could do when watching Dolores dying in front of him.

Being retorted by Joanna, Dempsey was quite annoyed, but he couldn't retort her. Frankly speaking, they were all on the same boat now. Although the Perez family was declining, they still could linger on with their last breath of life.

Moreover, he had put all his bargaining chips on the marriage between Justin and Phoebe.

After a while, Dempsey said, "I don't care about those matters. Justin, your engagement date has been decided - it's the fifteenth of next month."

Before Justin answered, he continued, "As the first son of the Conrad family, it's time for you to take the responsibilities. You should know this marriage is not only your own business. It's relevant to the future o our family."

After a few seconds, Justin said helplessly, "Clarence has the Conrad family's blood. He's not our enemy."

Dempsey paced the floor with his walking stick violently, "It's just because he has our family's blood, he had become a bigger and bigger threat to us. He has become uncontrollable long ago. He can do whatever he wants. This time he could kill Annie. Whom do you think he would kill next?"

Justin closed his eyes and didn't speak.

Dempsey stood up and added, "That's it. We must use the Steward family's power to grab Conrad Group back. Otherwise, what happened to Annie was just a beginning."

After Dempsey left, Joanna said, "Phoebe has grown up with you since childhood. I won't be worried if you get married."

Justin smiled with self-mockery, "Do you think she's willing to marry a cripple?"

Joanna's expression changed slightly. She became more emotional, "Since your engagement has been decided, it means she's willing to. You are more competent compared to that bastard! How could she not agree?"

You don't have to comfort me. I know my own status.

After finishing his words, Justin didn't stay any longer. He operated the wheelchair and left.

In the restaurant, after ordering the dishes, Stella lowered her head to play on her phone. She didn't want to face the wretched man opposite at all.

Clarence's fingers knocked on the water glass slightly. He gazed at her with his black eyes, lost in thought.

After a moment, Stella couldn't keep ignoring him any longer. She put down the phone and asked, "Mr. Conrad, what do you want to talk to me?"

Clarence picked up his glass and took a sip of the water. He answered indifferently, "I have a lot to talk to you, but you might not be willing to listen." Stella was speechless.

She felt like the line sounded quite familiar.

She answered, "Okay. Forget it. I'm truly unwilling to listen."

Clarence said, "In the following few weeks, I'll send someone to follow you. Don't go to any places alone. If you need any help, call me."

Clarence said calmly and slowly, "They might vent their waves of anger on you for what has happened to Annie Conrad."

Stella choked up in confusion.☐☐☐

Chapter 247: Others Got Harmed

Upon hearing his words, Stella felt quite inexplicable.

However, his words made sense - those people were all insane. They couldn't do anything to Clarence, so they could only make trouble for her. What an undeserved catastrophe!

Stella was silent for a moment before saying, "Mr. Conrad, how did you deal with Annie Conrad?"

Clarence answered steadily, "Only my wife can know such confidential matters."

She gave up to know the answer.

Seeing that she was silent, Clarence added, "No worries. She's still alive."

He still had other plans to keep Annie alive. How could he let her die so easily?

Stella didn't care much.

Soon, their dishes were served.

When Stella was about to fill her bowl with the soup, Clarence had already picked up the serving spoon and took her bowel from her hand. He acted quite naturally.

Stella had never seen that the wretched man knew how to take care of others.

Sure enough, it was not that a man couldn't do certain things for a woman. It only depended on if he loved her or not.

When Clarence put the bowl of soup in front of her, Stella said politely, "Thank you, Mr. Conrad."

Clarence said indifferently, "You should know I don't need your appreciation in the verbal form."

Stella ignored him. The wretched man should focus on eating.

After dinner, Stella was about to leave. Just after taking a few steps, she bumped into someone she knew.

Daniel greeted her first, "Hi, Ms. Radomil. Good to see you here. Have you just finished dinner?"

Stella nodded at him. Before she spoke, she saw someone walking toward them.

Phoebe stood next to Daniel and said with a faint smile, "Ms. Radomil, nice to see you again. Why did you come here alone? Didn't you invite Clarence?" Her words were full of sarcasm. Stella just pressed her lips into a slight smile without speaking.

Right then, they all heard a man's indifferent voice, "Did you want to see me?"

Phoebe saw him and her expression slightly changed, her hands clenching tightly.

Sure enough, Clarence and Stella were reconciled.

Stella didn't want to get involved in their conflicts. She nodded at them in response, "Daniel, Ms. Steward, I need to go back to my work. See you."

After that, she left without looking back.

Seeing that, Clarence wanted to follow her. Phoebe asked, "Clarence, don't you have anything to talk to me?"

With one hand in his trousers pocket, Clarence looked back slowly. His face was quite expressionless. After casting a glance at Daniel next to her, he looked at her, "Should I congratulate you for finding your true love or your engagement next month?"

Phoebe smiled with self-mockery, "If you didn't call off our wedding so sudden, we should have married already. I won't be stuck in such a situation."

Phoebe was always proud and self-conceited. Even if Clarence called off their engagement, she had never wanted to marry a disabled man.

However, she could never understand why her father asked her to think twice when she wanted to marry Clarence because he wanted her to be happy, but after a few months, he decided to let her marry Justin without considering her own opinion.

She didn't agree at all, but her father was so determined without giving her any chance to reject.

If it were in the past, she might have compromised.

However, it was different not. Since she met Daniel, she gradually understood what she wanted. She had a better choice, so why would she be willing to bound with a cripple for the rest of her life?

Don't blame me for everything. You know what you've done. After a pause, Clarence added, "Besides, you shouldn't have said so in front of Mr. Daniel. What do you think, Mr. Daniel?"

Daniel kept a proper smile on his face all the time as if he had a mask. Nobody could tell what exactly was in his mind.

He said, "Mr. Conrad, I don't mind. We're all friends. Nothing is inappropriate."

Clarence withdrew his gaze and asked indifferently, "Really?"

Clarence looked over at Phoebe and said, "Don't come to this kind of restaurant next time. Mr. Daniel enjoys the canned food."

Daniel was speechless.

The smiling mask on his face almost cracked.

After finishing his words, Clarence walked away directly.

Phoebe frowned. Turning to look at Daniel, she asked, "What did he mean?"

Daniel immediately adjusted his expression, "Nothing. I went to Ms. Radomil's apartment for a meal before. Mr. Conrad happened to be there as well." "Are you quite close to Stella Radomil?"

Not bad. We're neighbors next door. Emmett is also chasing after her.

Upon hearing it, Phoebe sneered inwardly.

Looking in the direction that Clarence was gone, Daniel squinted, "Well, it's just that Emmett will be disappointed."

Exactly. They made such a big scene but eventually, others got harmed.

Daniel looked over at Phoebe, whose eyes were full of hatred.

Out of the restaurant, Stella happened to see a taxi, so she sat in and left.

It was a surprise for her that Daniel and Phoebe were together.

If she hadn't encountered them today, she would never expect that would happen.

Stella pressed down the car window and heaved a sigh. Fortunately, Sherry hadn't fallen in love with Daniel.

When she got home, Sherry just woke up. She walked into the kitchen while yawning, "Good morning, Stella.” "It's ten o'clock in the evening."

Sherry widened her eyes instantly, "Holy shit! Did I sleep for such a long time?"

Stella changed into her slippers, "There should be no food left in the fridge. What would you like to eat? I'll order the takeout for you." "Everything is fine." Sherry drank some water and nestled on the sofa, "The more I slept, the more sleepy I got. I'm totally sobered at night." Stella sat next to her and quickly ordered Sherry's favorite dishes.

By the way, Stella, I suddenly recalled that my friend is holding a party tonight. I'm awake now and I can't go to bed. Would you like to join us? Stella moved her neck, "No, thanks. My neck got twisted. It would become worse if I stayed up overnight."

Sherry turned to look at her and asked in confusion, "Why did you suddenly get it twisted?"

As she spoke, she added, "Oh, I see. Probably it has something to do with that wretched man, doesn't it?"

She believed those inexplicable and weird things would always have something to do with Clarence.

Not at all. I fell asleep in my office while lying prone on the desk. When I woke up, my neck was stiffened. Then it was twisted.

Did you just return from the hospital?

Stella was silent for a moment, "Not really."

Sherry sniffed, "Why do I smell the medicinal liquor from you?"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 248: You Are Doing a Good Job

Stella rubbed her neck awkwardly and coughed, "Well... I'm taking a shower."

Sherry gazed at her figure, feeling there must be something wrong. If not mistaken, she believed that the wretched man took advantage of Stella again.

Shortly after, the takeout ordered was delivered.

When Stella walked out of the bathroom after a shower, Sherry had just begun to eat. She asked, "Stella, do you want some?"

No, thanks. Enjoy yourself. Wiping the hair, when Stella was walking towards her bedroom, she recalled something suddenly. She returned to sit on the sofa and asked, "Sherry, have you heard anything about the classmate reunion?"

Sherry answered, "Yes, I have. It's organized by Madison Taylor this time. Probably she wants to show off her senior executive husband. We'd better not to join the fun."

Stella nodded in agreement, "Okay."

Back to her room, Stella texted Emmett, telling him that Sherry and she wouldn't go to the classmate reunion at weekend.

Soon, Emmett called her.

He asked calmly, "Hello, Stella. Have you come back to City N?"

Yeah. I came back yesterday.

If you are free this weekend, I have two tickets to a stage show. Shall we go together?

Well, Emmett. Stella pressed her lips and continued, "I don't like the stage show. Probably you can ask someone else to go with you."

On the other end of the line, Emmett fell into the silence before continuing, "It's alright if you don't like it. We can watch other shows. By the way, some recent movies are not bad, we..."

No, thanks, Emmett, Stella continued, "For the past few weeks, I do appreciate your accompany. I also want to apologize to you as well. No matter what, I must make it clear to you..."

Emmett interrupted her, "Stella, I know what you want to tell me. Please don't apologize to me. I've done everything at my own will. I just hope you could give me another chance. Please don't make a decision so soon."

Stella looked out of the window, "It's my own problem. I probably could never..."

As soon as you've ensured that you'll reconcile with Clarence Conrad, I'll leave you in peace and send you my best wishes. However, before that, I will never give up.

Stella suddenly lost her tongue.

Emmett added, "Stella, please don't feel stressed. I just want to fight for my happiness. I've missed a chance several years ago. This time I don't want to miss the chance again." After hanging up the phone, Stella was sitting on the edge of her bed, lost in thought.

Soon, her cell phone started ringing again. It was a call from Channing, asking her if she had gone home.

Channing moved out of Daniel's apartment and rent a new apartment in the same building.

Stella answered, "Yes, I'm home."

After a pause, she asked, "Where have you been? Did you just get home?"

Channing was quiet for a few seconds. Then he said, "Winnie came to find you in the studio earlier." "Then?"

I saw you napping, so I went out for dinner with her.

Stella smiled, "I see."

Channing explained, "Last time you said the thing that happened to me caused her a huge loss. So I should thank her, shouldn't I?"

Stella admitted and encouraged him, "Yes, that's what I said. You are doing a good job."

Channing didn't speak.

Stella added, "All right. Go to bed early."

Channing asked, "Did Clarence Conrad bother you again?"

How did you know?

Stella rubbed her nose awkwardly. She gave him a lame explanation, "He was delivering something to me."

After getting the answer, Channing didn't insist on asking for more details. He hung up the phone.

Listening to the beeps from the phone, Stella exhaled deeply.

Holding a pillow, she lay prone on the bed and looked ahead. Her mind was messy.

A few clients requested to have the end products before the New Year. Hence, Stella quickly adjusted her status and returned to work.

She decided to take things that happened in the two days in Anqiao Street as a dream instead of being bothered by it all the time.

In the afternoon, Sherry went out for shooting photos. Channing went to deliver the end products to the clients. Stella stayed in the studio, sorting things out.

Right then, she heard a woman's harsh voice behind her back, "I wondered how busy you are and you won't even come to the classmate reunion. It turns out you don't have a single customer in your shabby studio."

Stella recognized who was there even without turning around.

Madison crossed her warms on her chest and glanced around the studio. Then she looked at Stella again and said unhappily, "Stella, are you humiliating me, or do you look down on your college classmates?" Stella looked at her and smiled perfunctorily, "You've got the answer already. Why would you still ask me?"

You... Madison wanted to blow up, but she held her anger back, "Forget it. I'm not in the mood to argue with you. After all, you've divorced and you have such a shabby studio. I know you must be quite stressed. It's normal that you feel too ashamed to attend the reunion."

Stella said, "You are right. I can't make much money by running my studio. Usually, I don't have customers. Since you've come here today, I guess you want to let me make some money, don't you?" Madison held her arms across the chest and raised her chin arrogantly, "Of course. You don't care about our friendship as classmates. I will."

Oh. That's great. Thank you in advance, said Stella with a smile, "Currently, I only have the private custom service here. The design fee starts from a hundred thousand per piece, excluding the material and labor cost. For your identity, you must need top jewelry. I happen to have a gem that could be made for earrings. It's sold at three hundred thousand in the market. Since you came here deliberately to bring me profits, I won't charge the labor cost from you. I'll also give you a discount. Three hundred and eighty thousand in total. What do you say?"

As soon as Madison heard that the design fee would cost a hundred thousand per piece, his expression slightly changed.

When Stella told her the total, Madison couldn't keep calm any longer, "Stella, are you robbing? What kind of thing will costs hundreds of thousand? I can buy something from other stores at..."

Stella smiled and said, "Well, that's who my studio works. Although I don't have many customers usually, I could still afford the rental after getting an order."

Madison made an excuse, "How would I know if you have raised the price when I'm here? It always happens that the business owners have framed their acquaintances in business."

You can completely rest assured. I haven't charge you an extra penny. Do you know Winnie Truman? She's my loyal customer. Besides her, a lot of movie stars also ordered some jewelry from my studio, including...

Enough. Enough. Madison realized that her excuse didn't work, so she had to find a new one, "My husband doesn't like me to wear earrings. Do you have other kinds of jewelry?"☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 249: Can’t a Divorce Woman Live on

Before Stella answered, Madison looked at a necklace in the display rack. Immediately, she said, "I want that one. It looks good."

Stella shook her head slightly, "I don't think that one fits your charisma."

Madison tossed her hair behind her ear and snorted, "For a woman like me will always have a charisma no matter what I wear, unlike others who need the magnificent accessories."

If you truly like that necklace, I can give it to you as a gift. It's not costly anyway.

Upon hearing it, Madison was annoyed, "Am I such a kind of person who wants to take advantage of you? Since I said I want to buy something here, I must pay for it. Your studio doesn't have good business. Don't puff yourself up at your own cost."

As she spoke, Madison pulled out her bank card from her purse, ready to pay.

Since she was so determined, Stella raised her eyebrows, "All right."

After scratching the card, Madison stared at the messages. When seeing that only eighty was deducted from her card, she felt deeply humiliated.

Stella said affirmatively that all things in her studio would cost over hundreds of thousands earlier. Madison thought that things in her store cost at least several thousand for a piece.

However, she hadn't expected that the necklace turned out to be so cheap.

She realized that Stella was mocking her by using that necklace. She hated Stella to the core.

Just when Madison prepared to blow up, a mid-aged man in his thirties or forties walked in.

Madison rolled her eyes and walked over, "Logan, here you came! I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Logan said, "I'm sorry. There was traffic on my way here."

As he spoke, he looked at Stella, "I guess you are Ms. Radomil, whom Madison always mentions to me."

Madison said, "Why so rush? I haven't made an introduction to you guys yet."

She looked over at Stella while holding her own arms, "This is Logan Johnson that I mentioned to you earlier. He's my husband's coworker. Manager Johnson is a capable man and a quite outstanding talent." While introducing Stella, Madison curled her lips, "This is Stella Radomil. As you know, she's my college classmate. She's quite good-looking, but her relationship was less rewarding. She didn't meet the right man. Now she's running this studio."

Logan reached his right hand to Stella, "Ms. Radomil, nice to meet you"

He gazed at her, making Stella sickened.

Stella didn't shake hands with him. Instead, she slightly nodded in response, "Hi."

Seeing that, Madison added, "Since you don't have any customers here, why don't you close the store? Let's go out for a cup of coffee. You can talk to Logan more."

Stella refused, "No, thank you. I have nothing to talk to him."

Madison said, "Stella, alas... I'm not blaming you, but you've divorced once. Why are you so reserved? Logan has lowered himself to come to meet you today. You'd better don't push your luck too far. You can't pretend to be superior!"

Logan tugged Madison to stop her, "Please don't say that. It's my pleasure to meet Ms. Radomil. Besides, I'm just a manager of a company. I didn't low myself to come here." Madison cast Stella an unhappy glance, "Look at him!"

Stella believed that she was so polite since she hadn't kicked out Madison directly. This was the first time that she encountered someone who was more shameless and able to distort truth than Clarence could. Stella inhaled deeply. Ignoring Madison, she said to Logan, "Mr. Johnson, I don't know what Madison has told you. I never agreed to let her arrange a blind date for me, and nor did I have this plan. Nice meeting you."

Logan paused a bit and then smiled. He said, "It's alright. It's always a good thing to know a new friend."

As he spoke, he pulled out a business card from the pocket of his suit jacket.

On the business card, Stella saw Steward Group.

It turned out that Madison's husband was working for Steward Group.

Stella thought for a moment and said apologetically, "Mr. Johnson, I'm sorry. We don't know each other at all. I don't think it's necessary to be friends."

Madison seeing that, feeling Stella deliberately wanted to humiliate her. Let alone the necklace, Stella made her so embarrassed in Logan's presence. Hence, she said rudely, "Stella Radomil, do you think you are still the spoiled princess by Horace Jason in the past. Wake up. You are just a dumped divorced woman. It's your honor that Logan wants to friend with you. You'd better appreciate it."

Stella said with a smile, "What hilarious things are you talking about? I didn't provoke anyone. You came to my store and made a fuss. Now it turned out to be my own bad. Besides, so what I'm divorced? Can't a divorced woman live on? Should I find a place to commit suicide?"

Obviously, Madison had never expected that Stella had such a sharp tone. She kept stammering but couldn't utter a complete sentence.

Right then, Logan said, "Ms. Radomil, I agree. It's nothing for someone to divorce. Besides, you are so charming and smart. Even you are divorced, you should have a lot of admirers."

As soon as he finished his words, they heard a man's voice from behind, "Hey, Stella."

Madison looked over and frowned, "Emmett Carter? Why are you here?"

Emmett cast her a careless glance, "I'm here to find Stella."

Since when did you guys become so close?

Emmett said, "I'm pursuing Stella. Can't you see it?"

Madison's expression changed dramatically, widening her eyes in disbelief.

Logan returned to his senses first. He walked up and said, "Excuse me. Are you Mr. Carter from Star Ferry Technology? I'm a project manager from Steward Group. My name is Logan. Nice to meet you." As he spoke, he bowed at Emmett and gave him his business card.

Emmett took the business card over and slightly nodded at him, "Hi, Mr. Johnson. I've heard about you for a long time."

Logan looked quite delighted, "Mr. Carter, do you know me?"

Madison had been showing off her husband to Emmett. Much to her surprise, she witnessed Logan's attitude to Emmett, feeling as if her husband was at a lower level.

She said casually, "Emmett and we are college classmates. Since you both know each other, why don't we go out to have a talk?”

Logan looked over at Madison, "Are you Mr. Carter's college classmates?"

Madison raised her chin, "Of course. We're always pretty close to each other."

Logan thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Carter, it's so nice to meet you here. I want to invite you, Ms. Radomil, and Madison for dinner today. What do you think, Mr. Carter?" Emmett said, "No, thanks."

He looked over at Madison and said indifferently, "Stella and I don't know her much."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 250: Mr. Thomas’s Birthday Banquet

After Emmett finished his words, Madison's face kept changing between red and livid. She felt extremely embarrassed.

Logan looked at her meaningfully. Then he said to Emmett, "I see. Mr. Carter, I'll visit you alone in the near future. I'm not holding you up today. Nice meeting you." Then he turned to Stella and nodded at her, "Ms. Radomil, see you around."

After Logan left, Madison glared at Stella in anger, "Are you two in collusion? You deliberately embarrassed me, didn't you?"

Stella asked in amusement, "Did I invite you here?"

You... Madison bit her bottom lip tightly, "Wait and see!"

After that, she stomped violently, turned around, and strode away.

Emmett withdrew his gaze. He looked at Stella, "Stella, she's always like this. Just ignore her."

Stella faintly smiled, "I know."

Madison came here to sicken her on purpose. If she got angry, wouldn't she have fulfilled Madison's wish?

After a moment, Stella asked, "What brought you here, Emmett?"

Emmett pressed his lips and said, "Stella, tomorrow Mr. Thomas will hold a birthday banquet. He wants me to take you to attend it."

Stella was a bit taken aback, "Me?"

Yes, Emmett said, "If you are not willing to attend it, it's alright. I can make an excuse to tell him that I can't make it."

Please don't... Stella thought for a moment and asked, "What time tomorrow?"

The last time she went to Cameron's house for dinner, and she hadn't had any chance to thank him yet. Now Cameron invited her to attend his birthday banquet. She couldn't have any reason to turn him down.

Besides, if Emmett wouldn't attend it because of her, it would be quite embarrassing.

Emmett breathed a sigh of relief secretly, "At seven tomorrow evening. I'll pick you up at six o'clock."

Stella nodded slightly, "Okay."

Since Emmett had other things to deal with, he didn't stay in the studio long. Soon, he left.

Stella stood motionlessly for a while. After heaving a sigh, she bent over to pick up the necklace that was tossed on the ground by Madison.

Soon, Sherry came back. With a gossiping expression, she said, "I saw Emmett's car has just left. What did he say to you?"

Stella answered, "He invited me to go to a birthday banquet with him tomorrow."

A birthday banquet? Whose banquet is it?

It would be quite complicated for Stella to explain clearly. At least she needed to mention Annie.

Stella briefed the story, and Sherry was enlightened. Then she hit the nail on the head, "That means Clarence the wretched man was also there when you went to the old man's house. He knows that old man. I'm sure he will also be in the birthday banquet tomorrow evening."

She wondered why she hadn't thought about it earlier.

Sherry made hay while the sun shone, "Stella, have you made up your mind?"

Stella didn't get it, "On what?"

Of course it's on your choice between Emmett Carter and Clarence Conrad. Which one would you choose?

Stella parted her lips, but she couldn't utter a word.

Sherry put her arms on the cashier machine, supporting her cheeks, "If I were you, it would be quite difficult for me to choose as well. One is the ex-husband who has realized the love and started pursuing you and the other is the business young talent who had been secretly admiring you for six or seven years."

Stella said crossly, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

After a long moment of silence, she continued, "I've considered trying to start with Emmett, but..."

But you've realized that Clarence the wretched man was the man whom you like truly. Also, you don't think you could let go of those things that happened between you two and you can't be reconciled with him. Right?

Stella didn't nod until a long time later.

Sherry heaved a sigh, “I'm not experienced in such a matter, so I can't give you any practical suggestions. However, please don't rush to make your decision. Probably there would be better men in the future. You should be patient and cast your net widely. You can't miss any good big fish."

Stella laughed, "Yes, I agree with you."

Sherry patted her on the shoulder, "Good. That's what you should be like. You are a playgirl. How can you give up the whole forest just because of a single tree?"

After arriving home in the evening, Stella took a shower and came out of the bathroom. She was fumbling for something while bending over next to the desk. By accident, she knocked over a gift box next to it, and something dropped.

Stella turned around and saw the frame of best wishes was lying on the carpet.

Her temples popped. Then she squatted down to pick up the frame.

In the photo, Clarence slightly bent over. He tilted his head while talking to her. His face looked rarely tender.

But the premise should be if Stella hadn't remembered what he was whispering in her ears at that time.

She stared at the photo for a while, then put the frame back into the box. Then she put the box at the bottom of the closet.

After it was done, Stella wanted to heat a glass of milk. Her cell phone on the desk started ringing.

She walked over and cast a glance. Thought of the devil and he came.

Stella didn't swipe to answer the call after several seconds later, "Hello, Mr. Conrad. It's so late now. What's up?"

I miss you.

Mr. Conrad, if you don't have anything else, I've gotta go.

Clarence said, "Stella, to be police, you should answer 'I miss you, too' instead of making an excuse."

Stella was reluctant to show weakness, "To be police, I don't think you should make such a call, Mr. Conrad."

After a moment of silence, Clarence continued, "It's just a prologue. I have something else to talk to you about."

Stella let out a hollow laugh, "Mr. Conrad, if you need to talk about something with me next time, you can speak directly. You don't need such a scary prologue." Clarence pressed his thin lips and said, "Attend an event with me tomorrow evening."

I'm sorry but I have an appointment already.

Cancel it.

I can't.

Clarence asked unhappily, "You don't want to see me so much, do you?"

Stella opened the window to get some fresh air, "If I admitted it, will you stop showing up in front of me, Mr. Conrad?"

Do you think it's possible?

The wretched man answered so naturally, and Stella was amazed.

She said, "Mr. Conrad, I need to go to bed now. See you."

After that, she hung up the phone directly.

Listening to the beeps on the phone, Clarence creased his handsome brows. He asked in a cold tone, "When was Mr. Thomas's invitation sent here?" Nathan answered, "About two hours ago..."

When did Emmett go to her studio?

Probably four or five hours ago.

Clarence pressed his thin lips and didn't speak.

It meant that Emmett got to know about Mr. Thomas's birthday banquet earlier than he did.

Moreover, Emmett went to see Stella and invited her to be his date earlier than he did.

Nathan added, "Mr. Conrad, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Carter are close to each other, so it's normal for Mr. Cater to know it earlier."

Clarence gently knocked on the desk with his fingers, "Will Charles Steward attend it tomorrow evening?"

According to our investigation, he will.000000