Ch. 281..290

Chapter 281: He really Was One Smooth Talker

The two probably didn't expect her to mention Mr. Steward suddenly, and even at that say the name directly. They were a little flabbergasted for a while, but she was still a woman after all. If she really knew someone of such extraordinary status, they wouldn't have been here drinking and saving people.

It was a bluff at best.

One person said, "Don't use Mr. Steward's name to scare us. He won't care about people like you at all. If you still want us to help you, show some sincerity."

What you said is interesting. Once Charles brings out his people, I doubt any of you will dare to fight. A group of grown men falling down to the extent of harassing a woman just for amusement, are you guys not afraid that in the future your wives and daughters can also show up at such dinner parties?

The two men were angered by her words and one of them instantly replied with a cold face, "Don't be ignorant of others kindness. She came to us herself. No one forced her. Don't you know who am I! Show me some respect!"

At this moment, a low sneering voice came from behind them, "I was wondering who is being so loud here, it turned out to be Mr. Bernard!"

Armand Bernard, a deputy director, turned around looking impatient, "You can... Mr.... Mr. Conrad..."

Clarence stood there staring at him, looking tall and stern.

Armand's expressions changed slightly. He explained with an apologetic smile, "I didn't know that you were having dinner here too, Mr. Conrad. I didn't mean to incur any ridicule on you. These two are family members of Steward Group's employees. As you know there has been a little problem within the Steward group lately, it was related to these people. As a matter of fact, Mr. Steward just cleared up this mess and left but unexpectedly the family members came running to intercede and plea for leniency. How can I agree to their terms, you see, I also have no way..."

He implied that this was the internal matter of the Steward Group and had nothing to do with Clarence, hoping that he would leave it alone.

Clarence smiled deeply, "Listening to your words, Mr. Bernard, one might think I am being nosy."

Not at all, Mr. Conrad. It is just that this matter is really troublesome. After all, it is hard to deal with women.

I understand what you are trying to say, Mr. Bernard. But I am very curious about something.

Armand said hurriedly, "Mr. Conrad, please ask away."

Clarence paused for a moment and then said slowly, "When did my wife become a family member of an employee of Steward Group?"

Although his voice was dull, it was wrapped in an obvious layer of bone-chilling iciness.

Hearing this, Armand and the man next to him were both taken aback. They both whipped around to look at Stella in unison and broke into cold sweat, "Mr.... Mr. Conrad, this is a misunderstanding. I didn't know that this person is Mrs. Conrad. I...I..."

Armand stammered at 'I' for a long time, his legs trembling as if made of jelly.

After all, Clarence had once used his official social media account to snap at the person who had cursed out his ex-wife. It was something everyone knew about already and it was enough to show how much he doted on her.

The relations between the Steward group and Conrad group were already tense. If they offended Clarence and involved the Conrad group into it, then they were going to be completely finished.

Clarence said again, "Mr. Bernard, don't be so nervous. The one who wasn't aware is not considered guilty. As long as you kneel down and apologize to my wife, then this matter will be considered over and even I will not pursue it any further."

Armand's eyes widened suddenly, "This..."

Are you not willing to?

Beads of sweat began to accumulate on Armand's forehead. His legs felt so soft that he almost couldn't help but kneel down.

Clarence smiled deeply, "I am just joking. Mr. Bernard, you didn't take it seriously, right?"

Armand inwardly cursed Clarence's ancestors and managed to smile gratefully, "Mr. Conrad, you have a big heart, naturally you won't bother about me."

Mr. Bernard, you are flattering me. I don't have the final say in my family.

Armand's face became stiff again and he turned to look at Stella again. This time his smile felt a little more fake flattery than sincerity, "Mrs. Conrad, what happened just now was really a misunderstanding. I apologize, please forgive me for my rudeness. And about your friend's matter, I will try my best to do it for her..."

Stella's expressions were dull, "No need. I don't care about this."

Then, look...

How much wine did she drink just now? Stella's gaze swept over the two of them, How much did everyone drank at your table?"

The party culture really stank, especially if one enjoyed having girls pour them wine.

After a brief hesitation Armand immediately agreed, "Yes, yes. It is as you said, Mrs. Conrad."

Armand was thinking that Clarence had no way to know how much their table had actually drunk, nor would he have the time to continuously keep an eye at them while they drank, so when the time came it would just be a matter of drinking a couple of glasses symbolically.

However, what he hadn't expected was for Clarence to call a passing waiter over, "Go to private parlor number three with these two, ask the manager to watch them drink all the wine in the parlor without leaving a drop and then open all the wine that I have stored here and send it to their table."

After that, Clarence looked at Armand and said leisurely, "Thank you, Mr. Bernard, for giving me the honor. All of those wines my collection that I have treasured for many years, please enjoy." Armand was shocked, "Mr. Conrad."

No need to thank me for this. It is my pleasure.

If it wasn't for the wrong occasion, Stella would have burst out laughing.

She had to admit that the wretched man was really sassy. The way he played with those two with just a few words was worthy of applause. He made them unable to refute or reject.

After the waiter followed Armand and the other one, the manager of the restaurant also hurried over. Stella took the opportunity to hand Madison over to him and asked him to help her contact her family. After doing all this, she exhaled and turned around to meet Clarence's calm eyes.

Uncomfortable with his gaze, she touched her nose, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

You are so beautiful; how can I not look?

He really was one smooth talker.

Stella pulled him with the cuff of his shirt, "Okay, let's go eat."

She didn't get to eat much just now and she was starving.

After returning to the private parlor, Clarence asked, "How did you meet?"

Stella paused for a moment before realizing that Clarence was asking about Madison, "She was my university classmate."

Oh. Clarence continued, "Your university classmates are really full of talents. As if one Horace wasn't enough, and that Emmett. And now suddenly, there is another one of them..."

Stella was annoyed, "Shut up!"

Clarence really did stop talking.

After a while, Stella couldn't help but say, "Mr. Conrad, I have to correct you on something."

Clarence raised his eyebrows, "Say it."

Right now, we are already divorced. You shouldn't call me your wife anymore.

Clarence frowned deeply, as if a little displeased, “There is no problem in it."

Stella said rigorously, "It is a problem of legal common sense."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 282: Extremely Hypocritical

Clarence was quiet for two seconds. Then he looked at her, his black eyes deep and dark, "Then what should I call you?"

Stella opened her mouth, subconsciously wanting to speak, but as the words reached the tip of her tongue, she realized that it seemed like a trap for her.

She closed her mouth quickly, took a sip of the water in front of her and looked away as if nothing happened just now.

Soon, Clarence asked in a low voice, "Huh?"

At this moment, Stella's cellphone rang. She quickly picked up the call, "Hey, Sherry... what? There is a leak in the bathroom at home? Is it that serious? Then I will come back quickly!"

The telemarketer who was about to sell English learning material on the phone had no time to speak, "..."

Stella finished speaking, quickly picked up her things and said, "Mr. Conrad, something came up at home, I have to go back. You don't need to drop me. I will take a taxi."

Clarence leaned back in his chair, his arms resting on the armrests besides him, looking at her with a faint smile, "Do you know how to handle water leak?"

Seeing that the situation had already come to this, there was no use of crying over spilt milk. Stella could only open her eyes wide and spout nonsense, "Just... first do that... and then it's done..." Clarence asked unhurriedly, "Do what first?"

Stella was left speechless, "..."

She hated that wretched man!

She said, "I don't know that much. I will go back and take a look. And then I will call the handy man if I can. If I can't, then I can have Chan come and do it."

When Clarence heard these words, he got up, picked up his coat and said, "It is too much trouble to call a handy man for repairs. I will go with you."

Stella's eyes widened, "No... there's no need for that..."

Of course, I should. There is no need for formalities with me. You should get all the use out of your boyfriend that you can. The corners of Clarence's mouth lifted in a smile, "Am I saying it right now?"

Stella's face flushed and she remained silent for a while.

The wretched man was quite good at giving himself a title.

Clarence held her hand, "Let's go."

As she walked, Stella retorted in a low voice, "Wh... what boyfriend? I still haven't given you an answer."

Clarence said, "You did."

... You aren't going to say that you heard the voice of my heart again, are you?

Clarence raised his eyebrows but didn't comment.

Stella regretted saying it. Didn't she just confess without duress?

Forget it! She thought.

It was useless to want to quibble now.

When the car arrived below her building, Stella was about to open her door to leave when Clarence unfastened his seatbelt.

After meeting Stella's questioning gaze, he said calmly, "Isn't your bathroom leaking? I will help you check it."

Stella snorted disdainfully. That wretched man! He knew that it was her excuse, but now it had become his excuse.

After a few seconds, Stella said, "Mr. Conrad, I have to discuss something with you."

Clarence looked at her sideways and didn't answer. He didn't have to think about it, he knew that she wasn't going to say what he wanted to hear. Stella ignored him and continued, "I don't live in that house by myself. You can't come there whenever you please or you will end up disturbing others." Clarence's slender fingers tapped on the steering wheel and then said, "Then move out of there. I will rent you a house."

... Thanks, but no.

Hearing her refusal, Clarence said again, "Or you can move back to the Starry Lake Mansion."

Stella refused without thinking, "No."

Why? Don't you think it is uncomfortable to live with others?

Stella took a deep breath, "I just think it is inconvenient for you to visit. As long as you don't visit, I can live comfortably."

Clarence frowned and said in a displeased tone, "But I am not comfortable."

Oh! Then this is your problem, you can overcome it yourself.

Clarence,

While he was still processing this, Stella opened the car door and left quickly.

As she trotted towards the elevator, a light smile was still playing around Stella's lips.

However, when the elevator opened, she couldn't smile anymore.

Phoebe stood in the elevator with her arms crossed over her chest. She glanced at Stella indifferently. Seeing that she was standing still, she asked sarcastically, "Ms. Radomil, aren't you going to come in?" Stella pursed her lips. After two seconds of silence, she raised her foot and walked into the elevator.

As the elevator went up slowly, Phoebe said, "You have really good skills. I think about how much he hated you before you guys got divorced, but now everyone knows that he is pursuing you again. You must be feeling very pleased with yourself. But I must advise you not to be too happy too soon. Your remarriage is also not an anecdote passed on with approbation. One is an illegitimate child who receives disdain from everyone, and the other is the daughter of a gambling addict. It is a suitable match but it is just a joke at other people's dinner table.”

Hearing this, Stella couldn't help but laugh a little, "You talk so much about him being an illegitimate child, you really have it engraved in your heart through your upbringing, right? Don't tell me that you forgot how you used all methods necessary to try to get married to Clarence back then?"

Phoebe sneered, "My methods are not as brilliant as yours. I agreed to marry Clarence considering the Conrad family's reputation, that is all. Otherwise, would it have worked out just relying on an aggrieved illegitimate child like him?"

Just like you said, you and Clarence were to get married because of the Conrad family. However, he is not the only son of the Conrad family. So, why did you fancy him specifically? Stella didn't give Phoebe any respect and humiliated her as much as possible.

Of course, she knew very clearly what Phoebe thought. If she had no interest in Clarence and it was just a pure business marriage, she would not have deliberately said that they were originally set to get married but were forced to separate at that time.

When Clarence and Phoebe broke off their engagement, the Jason family wanted her to marry Justin, she clearly showed unwillingness.

Although Phoebe smiled gently on the surface and looked generous, she was extremely arrogant in her heart.

The reason why she chose to be close to Daniel now was not necessarily that she liked him. It was more likely that she enjoyed his pursuit. It was also plausible that she wanted to use Daniel to get rid of her future marriage in the Conrad family.

Phoebe was really smart and ambitious, but she liked to find her sense of existence through other people.

To use Sherry's words, she was extremely hypocritical.

At this time, the elevator stopped. Stella didn't speak anymore, just nodded slightly to Phoebe and left.

After returning home, Stella closed the door and took a deep breath as she stood there.

Hearing the noise of the door, Sherry poked her head out, "You are back? How was your date today?"

Stella made a shushing gesture towards her and looked out through the monitor on the wall. She saw Phoebe ring the doorbell to Daniel's house.

Seeing Stella look, Sherry also came over and saw this scene. She couldn't help but curl her lips in contempt, "Pah!"

Stella took her hand and pulled her into the living room, "Leave it!"☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 283: Filial Daughter

At the same time, next door.

Daniel turned his head and glanced at Phoebe, who was sitting on the sofa. He turned his gaze back and poured two glasses of red wine before walking over with the wine glasses.

He sat across from her with his slender legs crossed, "How come you suddenly thought about coming here?"

Phoebe took the wine glass and looked around as she said lightly, "I have never been to your place yet so just stopped by."

Daniel smiled and raised his glass to her in the air.

Phoebe continued, "I met Stella as I was coming up."

Phoebe smiled disdainfully, "Clarence is just an illegitimate child. Even if he inherits the Conrad group in the future, it would just be illegitimately conferred. What is she so proud about?" Hearing this, Daniel pursed his lips and said nothing.

After a while, Phoebe finally came down to business, "I came to ask you to check something that happened about twenty years ago."

Daniel raised his eyebrows softly and motioned for her to continue.

Phoebe took out a photo from her purse. It was clearly taken from her cellphone and then printed out.

She placed the photo in front of Daniel and pointed her finger at the man next to Charles, "Help me find out what this man did twenty years ago."

Daniel picked up the photo and glanced at it, "And this man is?"

He is my father's younger brother. I would call him Uncle.

How come you want to investigate him all of a sudden?

Phoebe smiled but didn't respond. She only said, "You don't need to care about anything else. I only need the complete information about all he did."

Daniel looked at her, "Since this is your father's brother, I think it would be way faster to just ask him."

I couldn't find any useful clues from my dad and what he was willing to tell me was limited. Phoebe said, "I feel that the crisis that the Steward group is going through must be related to the events that happened twenty years ago. As long as I find a clue and know what happened twenty years ago, I will have a way to turn it around."

Even if it wasn't related, she would still have been able to create some related information.

Once she could blame the things that were happening to the Steward Group to what happened twenty years ago, then Stella would turn into the best scapegoat and even Clarence wasn't going to be able to protect her.

Phoebe said, "You have a good relationship with Cameron. You should be able to ask him about something that happened a couple of decades ago."

He looked at her meaningfully and then put the photo down, "Of course, I can check it but I am afraid the truth might surprise you."

Phoebe frowned, "What do you mean?"

Daniel smiled, "Nothing. I am just saying, it might."

Phoebe stood up and said, "Then I will go now."

Do you want me to drop you?

Phoebe glanced at him and said indifferently, "No need. Help me deal with these things. After all this is done, I will give you what you want."

Daniel raised his eyebrows, "Then I will get on with it."

After Phoebe left, Daniel looked at the photo in his hand and dialed a number, "Phoebe just gave me a photo and asked me to help her find out the truth about what happened twenty years ago." There was a pause on the other end of the call before the voice said, "What truth does she want to know?"

I don't know. It looks like she has guessed that what is happening this time is related to what happened twenty years ago. She is trying to find the crucial points so everything can be traced. Daniel had some suspicions, "But looking at her, I already have a plan."

What did she say?

She said that as long as she knows what happened twenty years ago, she will have a way to turn the situation around.

Soon, the voice on the other side of the phone said, "Phoebe is very smart. Be careful that she doesn't find out about you."

Daniel said, "I definitely won't get exposed, but..."

Seeing Phoebe looking like she was holding a winning certificate in her hand, she must have had some crucial evidence or clue in her hand.

First, look into what she really wants and find the right time to tell her the truth.

All of it?

Tell her everything that she wants to know.

After hanging up the phone, Daniel looked at the photo thoughtfully.

He had the feeling that she wanted to do more than just wanting to know the truth.

Even if the Steward Group pushed a few senior executives to take the blame, temporarily suppressing the public opinion, but it resulted in many loopholes being coming to the surface. Not only that, but many people from the outside world have their sights set on the Steward group and among them was Clarence.

If Phoebe failed to handle this matter well, or was a bit thoughtless, the Steward Group was going to have to change its name. Charles, the biggest shareholder and the chairman of the group, was going to face imprisonment.

Once this happened to Charles, Phoebe's life would not be easier.

But she wanted to find out the truth about twenty years ago at a time like this.

Daniel laughed lightly. She was a really filial daughter, not knowing how Charles would react.

At night, Stella sat at the desk, holding a pocket watch, not knowing what she was thinking.

It had been so long that she wasn't able to find any useful information.

Stella took a deep breath, put down the pocket watch and reopened the draft sketch. When she turned over the previously designed pocket watch necklace, her eyes glimmered slightly.

Since the scene Modesty made at the charity banquet, the necklace had disappeared into thin air.

Speaking of it, Phoebe had also approached her at that time.

Only Modesty knew where the necklace was now.

Stella closed the draft and laid down on the bed. She closed her eyes, preparing to go to sleep.

As soon as she fell asleep, she had that dream again. The monstrous fire and deafening explosions, along with the horrible and terrifying screaming, all if it was exceptionally clear in this slow and long nightmare.

She woke up suddenly, gasping for breath and feeling that her back was slick with sweat.

Stella turned her head and found that her phone on her nightstand was shaking.

She picked it up and looked at it. It was Clarence.

After calming down for a few seconds, she picked up the call, "It's so late, Mr. Conrad did something happened?"

Nothing. I was missing you.

Her heart, which she had calmed down with difficulty, began to beat fast again.

Clarence asked, "When are you going to move out?"

I have no such plan for the time being.

On the other end of the call, Clarence was silent.

Stella was about to speak, but when she heard a faint cry of a baby through the call, she paused and asked, "Where are you?"

At home.

It is the sound of my TV.

After a brief moment, the baby's cries ceased.

Stella responded, "Oh." Then she glanced at the time and said, "You don't want to sleep?"

Clarence said, "Can't sleep."

Stella said in all seriousness, "But I am going to sleep."

You sleep. I will stay with you through the phone.

Chapter 284: Go Somewhere with Me Tomorrow

When he said it like that, Stella felt a little embarrassed and blushed a little, "I am not a kid who needs your company." After that she said, "Okay then, I am hanging up." At the end, she quickly added, "Good night!"

After Stella hung up the phone, Clarence slowly put down his phone and his lips curled into a slight smile.

At this time, a young woman walked up to Clarence from behind, "Mr. Conrad, the doctor said that the baby's fever has subsided and he has just fallen asleep."

Clarence hummed in response and walked into the bedroom next to him.

In the bedroom, the doctor had just left and Dolores was sitting next to the crib looking very much distressed.

After a while, Clarence slowly said, "It is just a little fever and cold. It's normal.”

Dolores sighed silently. The little guy's physique was much worse than other children of his age. During the first two months of his birth, he had suffered from a serious and minor illnesses alike which didn't let her feel at ease. However, compared to before, it was really much better.

Dolores looked at the crib. The little guy wasn't sleeping well and there was a fever reducing patch on his forehead. He looked very small.

She said, "Until when are you going to hide Channing?"

Clarence stood on the side, with one hand in his trouser pocket. He pursed his lips and then said, "It will soon be over."

Dolores said, "Anyway, you can figure it out on your own. I won't be helping you persuade her. this incident was originally your fault."

Dolores looked at him, "Everything is fine here, you can go back."

Soon, Clarence's voice sounded, "Joanna is looking for you."

Hearing this, Dolores was taken aback for a moment. Then her expressions became indifferent, "What for?"

Clarence retracted his gaze, looking anywhere but her and said lightly, "Nothing much. Just trying to use my identity of being an illegitimate child and trying to raise up a storm again, that's all." Dolores face changed slightly, "Clare, what happened back then was not..."

I don't care what happened back then. Clarence said coldly, "I only want her to pay for what she did."

How can I help you?

The incident caused by Selina was completely over. Not only did the studio remained unaffected, but it got more popular and many well-known jewelry bloggers contacted them for advertising collaborations. Even SG Jewelry Magazine published a special piece showcasing the designs by the studio.

In less than half a month, the studio's orders increased sharply.

Sherry fell on the sofa extremely tired, "There are too many orders, and Chan has started school again. It looks like we have to recruit more people."

Stella replied as she sorted out the orders, "Don't worry, I have already posted a job ad online. Someone will come for the interview."

Hearing this, Sherry's spirits soared again, "Really?"

Stella nodded, about to answer, but she noticed an envelope among the bunch of orders.

She picked up the envelope and looked at it. Her expressions changed when she opened it.

Upon not hearing her voice, Sherry looked at her, "Stella, what's the matter?"

Stella put down the letter and shook her head, "Nothing. It's late, let's go back."

Sherry got up from the sofa, "Okay."

On the way back, Sherry said, "Oh, right! I haven't seen that wretched... I mean I haven't seen Clarence come to meet you lately."

He has been busy with the Steward group's matter. He went on a business trip last week, still hasn't come back.

Sherry couldn't help but sigh, "Reunion after a brief parting is as sweet as a honeymoon."

Stella was lost in her thoughts and didn't say anything.

Sherry thought she was being weird. When she used to make such jokes before, Stella always got embarrassed and told her to stop talking nonsense. But today, she didn't react at all.

Sherry asked tentatively, "Stella, what is the matter with you? Are you not feeling well?"

Stella withdrew from the train of her thoughts and pressed her temples with her fingers, "I feel a little dizzy."

Do you want to buy some medicine?

No need. I just need to sleep then I will be fine.

Sherry said, "Alright then, I will drive faster."

After returning home, Stella went straight to her bedroom without even washing up.

Sherry scratched her head and poured a glass of water.

In the room, Stella sat at her desk and took out the envelope from her purse.

Inside the envelope, there were several photos and a blackmail letter.

When she saw those photos, Stella couldn't help but turn pale. Her fingertips trembled slightly.

Three years ago, she was sent to the twilight Club that night and after struggling desperately she was finally able to escape the room and met Clarence.

She did not expect that photos of what happened before she escaped the room were taken.

The blackmail letter said that she had to prepare five million yuan and bring them to the designated address tomorrow.

Stella took a deep breath and put the photos back into the envelope.

After thinking for a long time, she took out her cellphone and called Clarence.

Soon, the man's deep voice came, "What's up?"

I... can't sleep. Are you busy?

Clarence said softly, "In a meeting. I will call you after it ends."

Stella said, "Don't bother. I will be asleep after you finish. Continue your work."

Saying that Stella hung up the phone.

After a while, the door of her room was knocked and Sherry's voice came, "Stella, are you asleep?"

Stella got up and opened the door, "Not yet."

Sherry handed her a cup of warm water, "I am making some porridge. It will be done in a while. would you like to eat some before sleeping?"

Stella accepted the cup and shook her head.

Seeing her complexion look weird, Sherry said, "Stella, you... did something happen? Did that wretched man cheat again? Tell me, I will help you curse him out!" Hearing this, Stella smiled, "No, I am just not feeling well."

Seeing that Stella insisted on wanting to share, Sherry didn't press too much and just said, "Well then, you should sleep early."

Stella turned around and was about to close the door, but she hesitated for a few seconds and then said, "Sherry."

Sherry turned around, "What?"

Stella didn't know how to say it.

No matter how much time had passed, the things that happened at the Twilight Club were horrible nightmares that she didn't want to remember.

She didn't know how these photos suddenly appeared after all these years, nor did she know who was holding on to these photos. All of her forgotten anxiety and fear seemed to have resurfaced from the moment she saw those photos.

After a long time, she said, "Go somewhere with me tomorrow."

Sherry was a bit startled when she heard this, but she did not ask much and nodded, "Okay."

Under normal circumstances, Stella would have told her everything. Generally, what Stella didn't want to say was either something she didn't know how to say or something unspeakable. Sherry knew she had to wait until tomorrow to find out.000

Chapter 285: If You Are Going To Act, It Must Look Real

After returning to her room, Stella laid on her bed. Even though she felt exhausted all over, she didn't feel sleepy.

After half an hour, the phone on the nightstand vibrated a few times.

Stella picked it up and saw that it was Clarence.

She did not connect the call until the phone was about to stop ringing.

Soon, Clarence's voice came, "Are you sleeping?"

Stella said, "No."

Still can't sleep?

Stella said nothing.

There was a pause on the other side and then Clarence said, "I will be back by tomorrow afternoon's flight."

After a long while, Stella hummed in response.

Clarence said, "Did something happen to you?"

Stella said, "No. What would happen to me?"

You don't seem right.

... Stella said in a bad mood, "You don't seem right."

At this moment, there seemed to be someone calling Clarence on the other end of the call. He whispered, "If something is wrong then wait for me to come back tomorrow, then you can tell me. If it is something urgent then go to Vincent, don't take risks alone."

Clarence on the other end seemed very anxious as he said again, "I will have Vincent call you in a while. Don't turn off your phone."

After hanging up the phone, Stella let out a long sigh as if all her anxiety and fear had just disappeared.

Stella didn't sleep much that night.

The time ultimatum written on the blackmail letter was eight o'clock in the evening of the next day and Stella had prepared an empty bag instead of five million yuan.

She kept feeling like the person who was blackmailing her had to be somehow related to the person who sent her in to the Twilight Club three years ago.

Otherwise, that person wouldn't have been able to get those photos.

Most of the people there at that time were Adolph's people. Since Adolph sent her to the hospital last time, those people disappeared completely and never appeared in front of her again.

It was a group of good and bad people jumbled together and the photos might not be in one person's hand.

Thinking of this, Stella was filled with a sense of powerlessness.

It was useless to report those people. They were not afraid of the law at all.

In the afternoon, Vincent was very late. He stood in the studio, looking around and finally found Stella, "Now that I think about it, I should have come over with a gift for you when you opened the business. But I think you were reluctant to see me at that time."

Stella smiled half-heartedly. If she was being honest, she didn't want to see him even now, Clarence's good-for-nothing advisor.

Vincent leaned on the front desk, "I heard Clarence say something happened to you. What's up?"

Stella said, "It is not a big deal."

After thinking for a while, Stella spoke again, "Can you lend me some people?"

Of course, I can lend you some people. But Clarence asked me to follow you until he comes back. You tell me first, if it is nothing serious then I will just give you some people and not go with you. Stella looked at him, frowning as if she was hesitating.

Vincent noticed her worrying and tapped his fingers on the desktop a few times, "Do you not want Clarence to know?"

In the beginning, Stella hadn't wanted to tell Clarence about this matter. However, she also knew very well that if she called Sherry to accompany her, just the two of them alone were no match for the other party.

So, when Clarence had asked Vincent to contact her, she did not refuse.

After a while, Stella gave him the blackmail letter from her purse and declared emphatically, "I didn't plan to actually give this person money, let alone ask Clarence for it. I just wanted to go there first, assess the situation and find any opportunities to call the police."

He completely understood Stella's apprehensions.

After all, in Clarence's eyes not too long ago, Stella was still the woman who regarded wealth as life and never compromised to achieve her goals.

If this matter was to happen before their divorce, then Stella wouldn't have been able to explain this even if she had ten mouths.

Vincent glanced at the content of the blackmail letter and then asked, "You have the photos?"

Stella pursed her lips and nodded gently.

Vincent asked again, "Are you sure they were taken at that time?"

Stella took a deep breath, "Yes."

This is weird.

What is weird?

At the Twilight Club, everyone who was involved in this matter were dealt with cleanly. There is no reason for any photos to be left.

Upon hearing this, Stella was slightly startled, "Dealt with?"

Vincent put down the letter and looked at her, "You were Clarence's wife at that time. Even if he always said he hated you, how could he have let this matter slip out?"

Therefore, everyone knew that Stella was sold to the Twilight Club, but no one knew who she was sold to and what happened that night.

Even Stella herself had never thought about it.

After a long time, she said, "Anyway... don't tell him. I will check it out at night. If the other party only wants the money, then I will think of a way."

Since the other party sent her these photos, it meant that they must still have the negatives. If she rushed too much to call the police, she might end up ruining her chances and the photos might get leaked. Vincent said, "I will go with you."

Stella said, "But the letter said only I have to go alone."

Just say that I am your driver. Vincent looked at the bag besides her, "If you are going to act, it must look real. You can't leave any room for negotiation like this."

Vincent handed the bag to his men behind him and asked them to prepare before continuing to say to Stella, "Don't worry. I won't tell Clarence. I will accompany you tonight to ensure that everything is handled properly."

Stella nodded, "Thank you."

At night, the car stopped in front of a residential building near a middle school.

As soon as Stella got out of the car, she heard the hoarse voice of a man in the dark, "Go to the roof over there."

Stella looked over and saw a large flat area on the second floor of a building not far away.

At this time, Vincent got out of the car.

The man immediately said, "Didn't I tell you to come alone?!"

Vincent raised his hands, "I just brought her here, my friend. It is not safe for girls to go out alone at night. Why are you worrying so much when all you want is money? The negatives of the photos are still in your hands, what can we do to you?"

In the darkness, the man seemed to have paused and then said, "Just stand there. Don't move. Don't move even one step!"

Okay, fine! I won't move. With that Vincent glanced at Stella, who carried the bag and walked over to the area the man had pointed.

Stepping up on the last step, Stella heard the voice of the man in the distance again, "Didn't I ask you to bring five million? How much is in there? Are you fucking playing with me?"

Stella's voice was calm, "This is just half of it. I will give you the rest when you give me the negatives."

Hah! Don't try to play tricks with me. Hurry up and get the rest of the money or I will post your photos online and you won't be able to raise your head with respect ever! Stella looked into the darkness and frowned slightly.00000000

Chapter 286: He’s Still Alive

The man in the darkness seemed to be very anxious. Without giving time for her to consider it, he intimidated her in a ferocious voice again, "Hurry up. I'm not that patient. It's just five million. Are you in short of this amount of money?"

Stella felt confused and shocked before, but when hearing the last sentence, she suddenly chuckled. She moved her lips yet didn't say anything in the end.

She guessed that the one who sent the ransom note to he might be Adolph or his subordinate, or even the one who wanted to kill her before. But she hadn't expected that it would be him. Yep, how could she think of this?

He should have died in the prison before. Stella had called him 'dad' for twenty years. Yet he was now intimating her with these photos.

Stella suddenly felt tired. She said in a calm voice, "I don't have that much money. This is all my money. Leave it if you don't want it."

She then put down the suitcase and prepared to leave.

Seeing this, Jeffrey became anxious, "You're now running such a big store and the store makes great profits every day. How could it be possible that you even don't have five million? Are you fooling me? Aren' you afraid that I will..."

Whatever. I'm not afraid of anything. You're the one who should be frightened, Jeffrey Radomil. Stella stared blankly at the darkness, "Even though you managed to escape from the prison, once they find out that you're still alive, you will be a prisoner wanted by the whole country. Do you think that you can escape to other place?"

Jeffrey hadn't expected that Stella would find out his real identity and he was silent for a long while.

He then said fiercely, "Don't try to frighten me with those words. Since I could escape from the prison, it means I'm confident that they won't be able to catch me. Alas, my dear daughter, you're living a gorgeous life now. You established your own company and became a boss, so you must have earned a lot, right? Shouldn't you give some money to your father?"

Stella retorted, "Speaking of this, I have a question. I saw the things in the suitcase before. What happened twenty years ago? Why did my mother marry you with me in her belly?"

The man in the darkness became quiet when hearing the questions. After a long while, he laughed hysterically and raucously.

Stella simply stood there silently. There was not a slight change in her expression.

Vincent, who hided himself in the building, thought it a good chance to catch Jeffery when seeing this scene.

But as Jeffrey was fully prepared and had been standing in the darkness, no one knew his specific position. When he heard the slight noise from behind, he immediately jumped down of the second floor and ran away.

Vincent's subordinates tried to chase after him, but they were stopped by a swarm of middle school students who just finished their night classes.

They failed to catch Jeffrey and didn't even see his face.

Seeing this, Vincent rubbed his nose and walked to Stella, "My mistake. Don't worry. I will arrange more men to deal with this matter and we will find out his whereabouts as soon as possible."

Stella gently shook her head, "It doesn't matter. He will come to find me again."

Stella was so nervous before because she didn't know who the person behind those things was.

But now, she knew that the one threatened her before WAS Jeffrey and what Jeffery wanted was simply money.

Moreover, judging from the place he chose to meet her tonight, he was so vigilant. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen the time that the student were about to finish their night classes. It was convenient for him to run away at this point of time.

Stella picked up the suitcase from the ground and returned it to Vincent, "Thank you. Let's go back."

Vincent learned that Jeffrey was still alive several days ago, but it was a piece of novel news for him that Jeffery was not Stella's biological father, so he was so curious. But under such condition, apparently it was not a proper time to ask about this. Therefore, although he was overwhelmed by curiosity, he didn't ask any question.

Stella was silent on the way back. Leaning against the chair of the back seats and looking out of the window quietly, she seemed to be pondering something.

Vincent didn't know what he should say. Stella was not his wife, so he should wait for Clarence to comfort her.

After a long while, the car stopped at the downstairs of Stella's home.

Stella shifted her gaze and slightly nodded at Vincent, "Thank you."

You're welcome. Feel free to call me if you have any problem.

Stella replied with a light smile. She opened the car door and got off the car.

Sherry immediately walked to her when she entered the house, "Stella, how's it? Did they catch him?”

As Vincent would go with him, Stella didn't ask Sherry to accompany her and asked her to go back home first. But Sherry also roughly knew what was going on based on Stella's conversation with Vincent this afternoon.

Stella shook her head, "He ran away?"

Ran away? Sherry couldn't help but furrow her brows, "Why is Clarence's friend so incapable? Before setting off, he was so confident. How could he be so useless?"

It has nothing to do with him. Stella sat on the sofa and said in a tired voice, "Sherry, Jeffrey is still alive."

Sherry widened her eyes when hearing the words, "He's still alive?"

She then asked in confusion, "Why do you suddenly mention him now? Could it be that he's the one who sent the ransom note to you before?"

Before Stella could answer the question, Channing's cold voice sounded from the door, "He's the one who intimidate you before?"

Stella and Sherry looked towards the door simultaneously. Stella was a bit surprised, "Chan, why are you..."

She suddenly realized something and turned around to look at Sherry. Sherry coughed with guilty, "Today is weekend and he went to the studio to find you tonight. So I told him about this."

No one had expected that Jeffery was the one who sent the ransom note to Stella before.

What a tragedy!

Stella looked towards Channing again and smiled at him, "Chan, I'm fine. It has been solved. Moreover..."

It's solved?

Channing interrupted Stella.

His face was hideous with blue veins standing out on his neck. It seemed like he was trying to suppress his anger and would lose control of himself anytime.

Stella stood up, walked to Channing, grabbed his arm and said in a gentle voice, "Chan, calm down please. We're all clear of his characteristics. What he wants is just money. He's now driven to a corner. Even though he luckily ran away this time, he will be caught soon."

Channing said in a cold voice, "He's like a maggot in the sewer that will never appear in the daytime. How will you catch him?"

Stella moved her lips yet was lost for words. She vaguely felt that something was weird. Judging from Channing's reaction, he seemed like that he wasn't surprised that Jeffrey was still alive.

Stella asked, "Chan, you know that Jeffrey is still alive earlier, right?"

Channing pressed his thin lips together and replied several seconds later, "We examined the DNA on the cigarette butt in the cemetery before and found out that it was Jeffrey's."

Stella was a bit stunned. She felt that it was reasonable at the moment. After all, except for them, no one would come to Jeffrey's grave.☐☐☐☐

Chapter 287: Similarity

Stella only spoke after a long while, "Well, Chan, like you said just now, he won't have the guts to show up. What he wants is just money and he won't post any threat on me. Don't worry about me. Moreover,

I'm doing well now."

Channing didn't reply, his face still cold.

He said after a long while of silence, "I will find him out."

Stella shook her head, "Chan, don't get yourself involved in this matter. I will deal with it."

Channing replied, "You don't have to worry about my feelings. He's not a father in my heart. He's just a scumbag. I wish so much that he has died."

Stella heaved a sigh, "Chan..."

I know what I should do. As for you... Channing continued, "Well. Clarence will protect you."

She asked tentatively, "How do you know?"

Channing replied, "Isn't it obvious?"

Stella didn't say anything again.

After Channing's leaving, Stella sat back on the sofa and hugged a cushion.

Sherry sat, "My bad. If I have expected this, I would not have told Channing about this. He must be so sad now."

Stella said, "He will know about it even if you don't tell him."

Will Jeffrey come to find you again?

Of course he will.

Jeffrey didn't get the money from her today, so he would come to find her again.

Sherry furrowed her brows, "But he still keeps those photos. What if he loses patience and publishes those photos?"

Stella replied lightly, "It depends on whether he wants the money or wants to ruin me at the cost of his life."

Noticing the worries in Sherry's tone of voice, Stella turned to look at her and smiled at her, "Look at your expression. Don't worry. I'm alright. I've been accustomed to it over the years. Sincerely, I felt relaxed when I knew that Jeffrey was the one behind all those things. At least I know what he wants. If it were the other person, maybe I will be sleepless tonight."

Sherry heaved a long sigh. She didn't know how to comfort Stella now.

Although Jeffrey had successfully ran away, he broke one of his legs when jumping down the second floor. He ran while kept turning around, fearing that they would catch him. When he ran across a street with an injured leg, a car suddenly galloped in his direction. When seeing the dazzling light, Jeffrey pretended to fall down.

The car stopped when it was half a meter away from Jeffrey, but Jeffery hugged his leg and screamed miserably.

The driver immediately got off the car and asked politely, "Mister, my car didn't hit you."

Jeffrey took a glance at him and then at the license plate. He screamed more miserably, "How could you say these words? You're so mean. You broke my leg yet refused to admit this? How will my leg be broken if you didn't hit me?"

The driver replied, "I promise that I didn't knock you down just now."

Of course Jeffrey wouldn't listen to his explanation. Hugging his leg, he kept cried loudly.

Although there were just a few cars on the road now, since Jeffrey was now blocking the way, they could by no mean leave now.

It seemed like the driver didn't know how to deal with this. He walked to the car, knocked at the window near the back seats and asked, "Sir?"

William replied in a clam voice, "Give him money."

The driver replied, "Okay."

The driver walked to the driver's seat and took out a wallet, "How much do you want?"

Jeffrey rolled his eyes, "My leg was broken and I have to go to the hospital. You should give me eighty thousand at least."

The driver took a glance at the blood stains on the ground and handed a bank card to him, "There's one hundred thousand in the car. It should be enough."

Hearing the words, Jeffery jumped up from the ground regardless of his broken leg. He grabbed the bank card without a second thought while saying, "It will be barely enough. You're really lucky. If it isn't that I have to deal with other things now, I will ask you to go to the hospital with me. There will be many expenses, like the check-up expense, expense of nourishment and charge for loss of working time. This amount of money is far from enough to compensate me."

The driver shot a glance at him, yet he didn't say anything. He turned around and got on the car.

Jeffrey flipped the back card at his hand, curled his lips into a smile and then hobbled along the road. When he walked past the window near the back seats, he deliberately took a glance into the car. William looked askance at him. Their eyes met in the air.

Jeffrey couldn't help but curl his lips into a sarcastic smile when seeing William.

The car was then started slowly.

Standing on the spot, Jeffrey spat at the car and continued to hobble forwards.

William suddenly ordered after a short while, "Stop!"

The black car instantly came to a halt. The driver asked in confusion, "What's wrong, sir?"

William looked slightly tensed up. He quickly opened the car door and strode towards Jeffrey's direction.

When hearing the noise from behind and seeing that William was chasing after him, Jeffrey misunderstood it and thought that he regretted giving him money. He quickly ran to the bush by the roadside. He was nowhere to be found soon.

William stopped when seeing this and slightly knitted his brows.

The driver quickly ran over. He took a glance at the direction that Jeffrey disappeared just now, "Sir, should I arrange some men to chase after him?"

William raised his hand to stop him, "No need."

The driver asked tentatively, "What's wrong with that man?"

William pulled himself back to reality and replied in a flat tone, "It's just that I feel him familiar."

The driver continued, "Sir, let's go. Mr. Thomas is waiting for you."

William replied with a nasal sound and got on the car again.

Jeffery only appeared from behind the bush when the car disappeared in his vision. He waved the back card at his hand triumphantly and hobbled in the opposite direction while humming a song. Twenty minutes later, in the tearoom of Cameron's home...

When hearing some footsteps from the door, Cameron took out a new tea cup and put it opposite to him.

When he just poured a cup of tea, William appeared at the door.

Cameron asked, "Did you arrange them properly?"

William sat opposite to him and nodded his head, "Yep."

I guess that Charles is now trying all possible means to find out who's targeting at him. But no matter how hard he tries, he won't be able to find it out.

William said, "Under such conditions, it will be very difficult for him to turn the tables. When the right time comes, the Steward family will disappear in the world."

Cameron furrowed his brows when hearing the words, his hand that was holding the tea cup stiffened. He asked, "It's enough to eliminate Charles. Do you want to ruin the whole Steward family?"

I've lost the most important people for me, so what matters even if I want to ruin the whole family. The Steward family has been damaged under Charles' pernicious influence. It will collapse from inside easily. Is it necessary to retain the family?

Cameron continued, "But you should be clear that not only a company is pay attention to the Steward family. Especially Clarence, he's eyeing covetously at the family."

William chuckled, "It true that it will be beneficial to Clarence if he mergers the Steward Group. But if he wants to obtain the shares before the disappearance of the Steward family, he will have to engage with Phoebe. Otherwise, he will only get a shell company."

Speaking of Clarence, I think his ex-wife looks similar to Miranda. What do you think?

Many things are similar in this world, so do people.

He knew what happened in the past and it was impossible to say THAT Miranda and her daughter were still alive.¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 288: I Want to See You Right Away

At three o'clock in the early morning, when Stella was still in sleep, she suddenly heard a string of vibration from the phone on the bedside table. She thought it was her alarm clock, so she picked up her phone and randomly closed it. She put her phone on the bed and then fell asleep again.

But after a short while, the phone vibrated again. Stella was finally woken up. With a pair of drowsy eyes, she grabbed her phone and took a glance at the screen. She then found that it was not the alarm clock instead, it was a call from that wretched man.

Stella received the call, put the phone near her ear and asked in a husky voice, "Hello?"

Clarence's voice sounded from the other end of the phone, "Are you sleeping?"

With her eyes closed, Stella even felt it annoying to speak, "It's already three o'clock? What should I do if I'm not sleeping? Mr. Conrad, it's in the midnight now. What're you doing?"

I just got off the plane.

She instantly became sober. God, she almost forgot that he would come back from abroad today.

Having not received any reply from the other end of the phone, Clarence asked, "Do you fall asleep again?"

Not yet. Stella slowly sat up and leaned against the head of the bed, "Then Mr. Conrad, have you arrived home?"

I'm now at the downstairs. Go downstairs.

Stella was stunned. She came to her own sense after a short while and realized that he meant he was at the downstairs of her how.

Stella ended the call, wore a coat and walked out of the house.

Although it was already spring, it was still cold in the evening. When the cold breezes flowed over her face, she felt it cold.

When Stella went downstairs, she saw a tall man leaning against a car. He looked so handsome yet indifferent.

Ever since having a meal with him last time, Stella had never seen him again.

She gently heaved a sigh and slowly walked towards him.

She stood in front of Clarence and asked, "It's in the midnight? Why don't you go home and come to find me instead?"

Clarence inexplicably raised his brows. He reached out, poured her into his arms and then whispered in her ear, "I want to see you right away."

Stella felt her heartbeat accelerating. She only replied after several seconds, "You can see me tomorrow, oh, exactly today. You can see me several hours later."

Clarence didn't say anything. He simply hugged her tightly.

After a long while, Stella asked, "You know about it, right?"

What should I know?

Stella immediately shut up.

If he didn't know about it, why did she tell him proactively?

Stella said in a dejected voice, "Nothing."

Clarence gently patted her back, "Then what do you want to say to me?"

Oh, Stella paused and then quickly added, "Mr. Conrad, I want to go back to sleep, can you let go of me now?" Clarence, "..."

He said in a displeased tone," You should tell me that you miss me. I don't want any other answer except for this."

Please ask it again.

Never mind. You're so insincere.

Stella twitched her mouth corners, "If I'm not sincere, I would not have gone out in the midnight regardless of the cold breezes."

Clarence tightened the grip on her waist, "Do you feel cold?"

Don't hug me so tightly, I feel breathless.

Clarence looked down at her and then lowered his head and landed a kiss on her lips. When Stella was caught out of the guard, he stuck his tongue into her mouth and flirted with hers. It was a long kiss. When it was over, Stella panted, "You..."

Clarence said, "Didn't you say that you're breathless? I'm giving some oxygen to you."

She said sulkily, "You're so disgusting."

It was you who said that.

Stella didn't have the mood to talk nonsenses with him, "I have to go to sleep now. Otherwise, I will not be able to wake up tomorrow."

Clarence said, "You can keep sleeping."

Unlike you, who have a great fortune, I'm not that free. I'm woken up y my poorness every morning. How will I earn money if I don't go to work? "Remarry me. Then my money will be yours."

No, thanks. I don't intend to do so temporarily.

Stella left his embrace, "I have to go. Mr. Conrad, please go home earlier."

Clarence grabbed her wrist, refusing to let go of her.

Clarence fixed his black eyes on her, "Can't I go upstairs with you?"

Stella gritted her teeth, "No way!"

What was this wretch man thinking again?

Then can you come back to the Starry Lake Mansion? I will send you back tomorrow morning?"

Stella reminded him, "The day will be breaking several hours later."

Clarence pressed his thin lips together. He didn't speak, nor did he let go of her.

It was the first time for Stella to realize that Clarence was a clingy person. She was in a dilemma about whether to come back or not.

It seemed like what Sherry said before was right - absence make the heart grow fonder.

In the end, both of them make a compromise.

Stella didn't go upstairs and Clarence didn't require her to come to the Starry Lake Mansion with him.

Time passed second by second and the sun rose slowly.

Stella looked up and rubbed her eyes. Then she saw a person who was looking into the car window.

She was startled and subconsciously wanted to sit up. But she was pressed into his arms again. At the next moment, the man's husky yet charming voice sounded, "Sleep for a more while.”

Stella was so frightened that she woke up immediately. She didn't have the mood to sleep now. She took away his hand and pulled open the car door, "Go back home to sleep later. I have to go to work now." After finishing the words, she hurriedly got off the car.

Clarence opened her drowsy eyes, looked down and pressed his eyebrows.

When Stella got off the car, Sherry leaned forward and chuckled, "Awake?"

Stella's face got red when she heard the question. She held up her hand, pulled her towards their hold and asked, "Why did you look into the car window just now?"

I didn't see you when I woke up and I couldn't reach you when I called you. When I went downstairs, I saw Clarence's car. But I didn't expect that... With curiosity written all over her face, Sherry nudged Stella, "What happened in the car last night? You were so tired and directly slept in the car?"

She gritted her teeth and squeezed out several words, "Nothing has happened. We simply slept in the car."

Stella pressed a button of the lift and said righteously, "Nothing has happen. What're you always thinking of dirty things?"

She slept with Clarence in the car for several hours. Although when sleeping, that wretched man's hand tried to cruise her body, he was stopped immediately.

Stella took a shower after going back home, changed her clothes, and then went to the studio together with Sherry.

When they got off the car, they saw a familiar person standing outside of the studio.

Sherry took a glance at Stella and asked surprisingly, "How comes she's here?" Madison looked towards then when hearing her voice.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 289: Did She Go Hard with You?

It seemed like she was not as high-spirited and swaggering as before and she didn't even wear a make-up. There was only tiredness on her face.

Madison walked to Stella. When she prepared to speak, she turned around and looked into Sherry's curious eyes. She snorted, "What are you looking at? Haven't seen a beauty who doesn't where any make- up?"

Sherry was rendered speechless.

She wished so much that she hadn't seen such a 'beauty'.

It seemed like Madison wanted to have a private talk with her. Seeing this, Stella said to Sherry, "Sherry, please go in first."

Sherry nodded her head and then looked towards Madison, "You'd better not play any tricks. Otherwise, I won't let go of you easily."

Unexpectedly, Madison didn't retort Sherry. She turned around and ignored her.

When Sherry walked into the studio, Stella broke the silence, "Why do you come to me?"

Madison asked, "May I treat you a cup of coffee?"

Seeing that she was so sincere, which was quite different from how she acted before, Stella didn't refuse her again. They found a café near the studio.

After seating themselves, Madison asked, "You must be very happy when seeing my current appearance, right?"

Stella was amused, "Why should I feel happy? Does it have anything to do with me?"

Madison continued, "Why didn't you tell me before that your ex-husband is the CEO of the Conrad Group. When seeing me showing off in front of me like a fool, you must be very triumphant, right?" "If thinking in this way will cheer you up, please go on."

Right at this moment, a waiter came over with two cups of coffee.

Madison took a sip of the coffee and said slowly, "My husband is now put in jail. I've turned to many people for help recently, but no one has showed any respect to be. I finally understand the proverb - human relationships are superficial. I will cup the craps. I'm here mainly to express my gratitude to you. After all, you will not care about the formality except for my sincere thanks."

Stella said in a serious tone, "If you want to thank me, you should not have come today."

You... Madison wanted to say something, yet she swallowed the words in the end. She snorted, "Whether to express my thanks to you, it's my own business. As for whether to accept it, it depends on you." "You don't need to thank me and I will not accept it either. Based on the condition that day, I would not stand aside even the victim were a pig, not to mention it was a human being. I just did a thing that I think right. And I don't need any gratitude."

Madison's expression changed quickly when she heard the words. She was not a fool, so of course she knew that Stella was implicating that she was even inferior to a pig.

She took a deep breath, "There are all I want to say. Don't expect any other words from me. I will never apologize to you."

Stella curled her lips into a light smile. She didn't say anything.

After Madison's leaving, Stella came back to her studio.

Sherry ran to her, "Stella, how's it? Did she go hard with you?"

Stella shook her head, "Nope."

Sherry continued, "I also don't think that she's here to seek troubles for you. Have you found it? She looks totally different. In the past, she was like a peacock in her pride. But she looks dejected and low- spirited today.

Stella moved her lips trying to say something, but in the end, she still didn't tell Sherry that she bumped into Madison and helped her before. She patted Sherry's shoulder, "I will go on with my drawing. Call me if there's any problem."

Sitting in front of the office desk and looking at the drafts on the desk, Stella found it hard to calm down herself.

Although she knew that Jeffrey just wanted money from her, she felt more fretful since she could only wait for him to contact her aimlessly.

Furthermore...

Stella recalled Jeffrey's reaction when she mentioned her mother and their marriage last night. She felt very unease.

She had a hunch that Jeffrey must know some inside stories. Moreover, he must know more than her imagination.

After a short while, Stella stood up.

Sherry asked when seeing her, "Stella, what's wrong?"

Stella replied, "I have to go to a place. Sherry, can you lend me your car?"

Sherry tossed the car key to her, "Where are you going?"

Go to find Adolph Miller.

Stella was stunned, "Can you find him?"

As for the people like Adolph, once they hided themselves, it would be very difficult for others to find them. Clarence's men also tried to find him before. They took great efforts yet still failed to get a single clue." Stella replied after a short while of silence, "I got an idea."

Every human being has a soft spot.

Adolph was not an exception.

After leaving the studio, Stella directly navigated to a place.

The car finally arrived at the destination after about an hour later.

This place was surrounded by old residential buildings and there were wastes and sewers everywhere, which looked incompatible with the prosperous city. It was like this place was forgotten when the city was developing, so it could only decay alone and even disappeared silently.

Stella scrolled her phone and found an address. She asked two passengers and then walked in the direction they pointed for her.

She took many detours and finally saw the person she wanted to find at the mouth of an alley.

It was Modesty's father.

When the police was investigating Modesty before, she saw this address on the documents. And when she came back from the Anqiao Street before, Sherry told her that Modesty's father came to find her. Stella put her phone into her pocket, walked over and stood in front of the man, "Mister, nice to meet you. I'm Stella Radomil and I was once Modesty's colleague."

The middle-aged man hurriedly stood up when he heard the words. He gesticulated her, gesturing her to come into the house and prepared to pour a glass of water for her.

Stella was stunned when seeing this. She then curled her lips into a smile and handed the fruit basket to him, "Mister, no need. I come here to ask you some questions."

The middle-aged man made some gestures again, but Stella couldn't understand it. Seeing this, the man took out a piece of paper and quickly wrote down some words on the paper.

When seeing the words on the paper, Stella finally realized that he wanted to ask her about the current situation of Modesty.

It seemed like he didn't know what had happened to modesty. He went to SG to find Modesty before, but Modesty cursed at him and forced him to leave. Since then, he didn't come to find her again. Stella replied, "I... I'm not clear of her current situation. But I guess she must be living well."

Modesty was a designer who studied abroad before. Therefore, even though she was fired by SG, she could go to other company based on her ability and even design jewelry for customers privately. Judging from her characteristics, Stella guessed that she would be living well.

The middle-aged man heaved a sigh when hearing the words. He then wrote down a line on the paper, asking Stella what she wanted to know.

Stella pressed her lips together. After a long while, she asked, "Mister, do you know where's Adolph?"¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 290: Why Do you Think That I Will Help You?

There was a slight change in the man's expression when he heard the question. He picked up the pen, trying to write down something on the paper, yet still didn't write anything. When Stella prepared to give up and leave, a cold voice sounded from behind, "Why are you here?"

Stella turned around and found that it was Adolph. There was a scar on his face, which seemed to be resulted from the car accident. The scar started from his left cheek and ended at his chin. He looked more ferocious than in the past.

Stella said, "Let's have a talk at the other place."

When they walked out of the alley, they bumped into five children who were running towards them and one of them accidently knocked onto Stella.

The little boy wiggled his fingers. When seeing the ball of dusts on Stella's cloth, he became so nervous, "I'm... I'm sorry..."

Stella chuckled and gently rubbed his head, "It doesn't matter. Enjoy your time."

The boy looked towards her timidly and then looked towards Adolph.

When seeing Adolph nodding his head at him, he smiled again and ran away.

Adolph shifted his gaze and said, "This play is messy and disorderly. Yet you come alone. Aren't you afraid?"

Stella replied in a clam voice, "It's less horrible than human beings."

Adolph was silent.

They walked out of the alley and came to a lawn. Adolph asked, "Why do you come to find me?"

No matter it be the debts of Jeffrey or the matter related to Modesty, they all had been a past long time ago. So Stella wouldn't pay a special to him simply because of the above-mentioned matters. Stella looked towards him, "I want to know about Jeffrey's whereabouts. And I guess you can find him."

Jeffrey? Adolph knitted his brows, "Didn't he die in the prison?"

Stella chuckled, "Yeah, maybe he wasn't dead as a doornail and he comes back again."

Adolph could roughly guess what Jeffrey would do after coming back.

To be Jeffrey's daughter was so disgusting.

Adolph asked, "Why do you think that I will help you."

You're not helping me, you're helping yourself. Stella fixed her eyes on the rustling leaves and continued after a long while of silence, "Jeffrey threatened me with the pictures taken when I was sold to the Twilight Club three years ago. Do you think that you'll be able to evade the responsibility if I report it to the police?"

Adolph frowned. He didn't reply.

Stella continued, "I feel thankful that you sent me to the hospital before, so I will not probe into this matter as long as you can help me find out Jeffrey. In addition, you will get the corresponding reward. You effort will not be in vain."

Although Stella had gone to the police to cancel the suitcase against Adolph before and the police had stopped chasing him, the Conrad family didn't plan to let go of him. Therefore, he didn't dare to appear in the public and could only hide himself in such a place.

Apparently, Stella didn't give a shit to her relationship with Jeffrey now. Once she called the police and once the police began to investigate the past, the situation will be worse.

Adolph said after a long while of silence, "I can help you find out Jeffrey. But I want a reward of one million."

Deal.

The studio had been making profits during the past several months, so she could afford the reward.

Adolph continued, "I will find him in one week. Then I will contact you."

Stella gently nodded her head, "Thank you."

Adolph was stunned when he heard the two words. He hadn't expected that Stella would say 'thank you' to him.

As Stella had achieved her goal, it was unnecessary for her to stay here. She slightly nodded at Adolph and then left. Adolph fixed his eyes on her back, seeming to be thinking of something.

When Stella came back to the studio, it was already the noon.

She wanted to ask Sherry whether she had lunch or not, but Sherry tipped her a wink and looked towards the office.

Stella was confused and then quickly understood it at the next moment.

She walked to the office, opened the door, and then saw Clarence sitting in front of the office desk.

The man was studying her drawings with his head lowered while gently clicking the desk.

Stella closed the door of the office, "Mr. Conrad, why are you here?"

Clarence looked up at her, "I miss you."

Stella replied after a short while of silence, "Mr. Conrad, can you not sweet talk me? It's greasy."

Clarence turned the office chair to face Stella, grasped her wrist and then pulled her into his arms, “I just wanted to tell you about my inner thought. Why is it greasy?"

Stella struggled to stand up and said sulkily, "We're now in the office. Don't be unruly."

Clarence curled his lips into a smile. He then saw the dust on her cloth and asked, "Where did you go?"

I just walked around. Where else could I go? I won't go to the club for a drink after all.

Clarence retorted, "Your wish."

Stella twitched her mouth corner and took a glance at the clock again, "Mr. Conrad, have you eaten lunch? If you haven't..."

If you haven't had lunch, you can go back home and ask Alisa to cook for you.

He exerted some forces on his wrist and pulled Stella into his arms again. Squinting at her dangerously, he asked, "Are you fooling me?"

Stella suppressed her laughter, "I'm serious. Mr. Conrad, you're so picky in food, so the dishes outside will not be up to your taste. You can go home..."

Right at this moment, there came a knocking sound on the door. Then Sherry's voice sounded. "Stella, someone is coming for you."

Stella replied, "I see. I will be there soon."

She took away Clarence's hand, straightened her cloth and hurriedly walked to the door.

Seeing this, Sherry reminded her, "Your hair is messy."

Tsk, it's still in the daytime. Why are you doing?

Stella's face got red when she heard the words. She pulled Sherry towards the door while combing her hair.

She took away Clarence's hand, straightened her cloth and hurriedly ran to the door.

Seeing this, Sherry couldn't help but remind her, "Your hair is messy."

Stella's face got red when she heard the words. She pulled Sherry towards the door while combing her hair. She was a bit surprised when she saw the person in the lounge, "Mrs. Carter."

It was Emmett's mother.

Emmett's mother stood up and smiled at Stella, "I come here without informing you. Did I bother you?"

Nope. Stella turned around and said to Sherry, "Sherry, can you please pour a cup of tea for me?"

When Sherry prepared to go out, Emmett's mother said, "No need to trouble her. I just want to have a small talk with you and then I will leave."

Seeing that they wanted to have a private talk, Sherry sensitively left the room.

Stella said, "Mrs. Carter, please take a seat."

Oh, okay.

After seating herself, Emmett's mother said, "Stella, I come here to apologize to you on behalf of Emmett. He did have done it wrong. I and his father had excoriated him." Stella replied, "Please don't say this, Mrs. Carter. It's me who should apologize to you. I shouldn't have cheated you."

Emmett's mother held up Stella's hand, "Silly girl, you're not to be blamed. You had a good intention."☐☐☐☐☐