Ch. 601..610

Chapter 601: He Was Framed

Stella was holding the slept little guy in her arms, wondering where she would be led to this time.

After half an hour, the car stopped in front of a white building.

The driver opened the door from the outside.

Stella got out of the car, glanced at the man walking ahead of her. She then looked down at the little guy in her arms thinking about what might happen, and simply followed up. After entering the white building, Stella found that this might be a laboratory, for it was filled with high-tech instruments everywhere.

While she was observing the layout of the laboratory, a man in a white coat wearing gold-framed glasses and a mask walked up to them, "Oh, wow... Why are you here?" Judging from the voice, it was the guy who brought her here.

The man glanced at her, not very friendly, "I am the one who's going to ask the question. And why the hell do you bring them to my place?"

The boy grinned and said, "Come on, I have a guest here. It is impolite to not let my guest stay in a shabby hotel."

Stella added, "The way you brought me here is not very polite."

The boy didn't feel embarrassed, but reached out to her, "Well, since what's done is done, let's forget what has happened before. Glad to meet you, my name is Archer James."

At this time, the little guy woke up, arched in Stella's arms, and groaned.

Archer said, "Let me hold him please, and I will take him to do a detailed inspection. It was supposed to be done tomorrow. But since you guys are all here, we shouldn't waste any time."

Stella hesitated for a few seconds, but held the little guy even tightly, "I'm coming with you."

Archer pointed at the man next to her, "He'll be here. If I run away with your baby, you can get even with him."

The man ignored him and walked to the window.

Archer whispered again, "Well, our laboratory usually does not allow outsiders to enter, and all the inspections are also very cumbersome. It is not that you are not allowed to come with me, but inconvenient for both you and me."

Stella said, "Fine, but you need to give me my phone."

Archer searched around his body, "Damn, I left the phone in the car. I'll ask them to bring it to you in no time."

Stella looked at the window, "What is the relation between him and you?"

He is my cousin.

Stella gave the child to him without looking at him.

After Archer left with the little guy in his arms, Stella walked to the window and slowly called out the name, "Darnell?"

The man turned his head around and lifted his eyebrows slightly, looking surprised.

He leaned on the window, "I don't remember I have ever told you my name."

When Stella was calling out the name, she wasn't sure about his name.

She had never thought the ruthless monster that Daniel had talked about before is the man in front of her. How could he be the one who had been such a cruel demon and a horrible enemy in others' eyes? But when he was still in the hallway, his staff called him Master James, and she could tell that he was Darnell.

And, judging from what Archer said just now, she could confirm that he is that man.

Stella said, "I really didn't know what on earth you want to do."

What do you mean about that?

Everything.

Darnell laughed, in a very faint voice, "If you are referring to me bringing you to Riverside, I can tell you the reason. But if you want to know something else, I can't tell you anything." Stella frowned, "Why?"

How can I tell you something that I didn't do?

You didn't do... Stella thought for a while, "You mean, what happened before and things about the Conrad family have nothing to do with you?"

Darnell's expression remained unchanged, "I'm not that nasty."

Stella said, "Since you didn't do it, why are you hiding from Clarence?"

Do you trust me?

Stella said calmly, "No, not quite."

Darnell said calmly, "How could he believe me if you don't even trust me? I'm not hiding from him. I am just trying to avoid unnecessary troubles before everything is solved." Stella was silent for a while, "What do you mean 'if I don't even trust you'?"

I mean what you are thinking right now.

Stella fell into silence, "..."

After a few seconds, Stella said, "If you did not do those things as you said, then why all the evidence points to Riverside and points to you."

Obviously, someone intendedly shifts the blame onto me.

Upon hearing this, Stella frowned.

Shift the blame onto him?

Was there such a possibility?

If that was the case, then who was manipulating all this?

She pursed her lips and continued, "Then can you answer me the question of why you brought us to Riverside?"

Darnell said, "First, now that all the shreds of evidence are indicating I am the guilty one, I have no reason to sit still. Second, the nutritional injection was developed from the Riverside Pharmaceutical Factory, and I have the responsibility to finish the aftermath."

Nutrition Needle was indeed developed by the Riverside Pharmaceutical Factory, but you didn't give it to Joanna. Is this what you mean?

Can you find out who gave it to her now?

That batch of nutritional needles supposed to be destroyed two years ago. All those who participated in the research and development of the injection have been investigated, and there is no clue. Hearing that, Stella thought of the most critical question, "How did you bring us here?"

Clarence's agent has been guarding the ward. They will never let any stranger get close to the ward.

Thinking of this, Stella suddenly realized, "City N...no, you have someone in Clarence's control?"

Darnell said, "This is not the question that I can answer you."

Although he didn't tell Stella anything, she could tell that she was right about this.

Otherwise, they would not be able to take her and the child away so smoothly.

She is still in a mess for the moment. What happened in City N before is somehow related to the Riverside, including the sudden illness of the little guy. She was even thinking they and Joanna have reached some kind of deal.

But now Darnell said that he was framed by others.

Stella couldn't believe this instinctively, but they seem to have no hostility.

And the condition of the little guy was indeed improved in the past two days.

She couldn't tell the truth at all for a while.

An hour later, Archer took the child out and put it in Stella's arms, but he was not as relaxed as before.

Darnell said, "How is his condition?"

Not so good, it is more serious than Adam.

Is the newly developed drug useful for him?

It can somehow work, but the effect is not that good. This medicine can only slow down the process. This medicine can't cure it.

Stella felt a bit astringent in her throat, and asked in a dumb voice, "Is there any other way?"

Archer looked at her and smiled, "Don't be so nervous, there must be a countermethod. Besides, as you can see, the entire R&D team is working overtime for it. We haven't even rested for two or three days. The little guy will be fine."

Stella was stunned. She did not expect that everyone in this laboratory was busy for it.

From this point of view, it seems like the whole incident wasn't because of them.

Chapter 602: Let him Find out the Truth of the Incident Years Ago

Standing in the hall, Clarence's facial features became even colder, and his whole body was exuding intent to kill.

They were one step behind.

Nathan said, "Mr. Conrad, it seems that Darnell is deliberately avoiding us."

Clarence's face was cold without a word.

At this moment, Nathan saw something reflecting on the rectangular dining table.

He walked over and picked it up, then turned around to look at Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, look at this. Can you confirm that whether this belonged to the young master?"

Clarence heard what he said and strode over.

What Nathan held in his hand was a longevity lock, which was put on by Mrs. Anderson.

Clarence took it, clasping it tightly in his palm.

They were taken away by Darnell as expected.

Nathan said tentatively, "Mr. Conrad..."

Clarence looked at the black car outside and said with a cold voice, "Tell the James family, if I don't see Stella and the child before 8 a.m. tomorrow, I will throw her into the river." "Okay, I will call them right now."

Not far away, Elaine James leaned on the car window, struggling to hear what they were saying, but she heard nothing for they are far away.

Seeing them coming, she asked, "Have you found Darnell?"

Clarence looked directed into her eyes, without any expression.

Elaine was puzzled, but couldn't help but shrug her shoulder.

Half an hour later, Elaine's father got the news that Elaine was in Clarence's control and asked the James family to hand over Stella before 8 am the next day.

Elaine's father Franklin frowned, "What's wrong with Clarence and when was Elaine taken away from the birthday party?"

The subordinate said, "I just checked. Clarence has been in Riverside for two days. He seems to have been looking for Darnell. Today he probably got the news that Darnell will go to Miss Elaine's birthday party, and then he went there. As for how the missy was taken away by him..."

Franklin heard his pointless words, and sternly asked, "What the hell have you done at the birthday party? With so many people, and you just watched him take our missy away?"

No, the missy came with him voluntarily. We didn't get any news in advance and we didn't know what happened, so when the lady left, no one stopped.

Hearing that, Franklin sat on the sofa and took a deep breath, "Where is Darnell?"

As you know, we have not been able to locate the exact location of Darnell, so... I don't know how to find him.

Tell Darnell the news, if anything happened to Elaine, I won't let him walk away!

Soon, the news reached Darnell.

Several members of the James family, led by Franklin, all put pressure on him. They demand him to resolve the matter immediately and bring Elaine back to the James family. Outside the laboratory, Archer said, "What should we do now, Clarence is probably not kidding. According to his temper, he might really do it."

Darnell put away his phone, "Tomorrow morning, send Stella back."

Can it work? He wants both of them.

If it doesn't work, just let him do whatever he wants to do. The river won't kill Elaine anyway.

Archer got speechless, "..."

Archer said again, "But Stella definitely doesn't want to leave, how do you plan to convince her."

Darnell put one hand in his pocket, "She will go."

Let her take the child away and we will no longer provide any assistance. Or she can leave and leave the child here so that he can continue to receive treatment. What do you think she will choose. Archer said, "I think you underestimated the importance of a child to a mother."

Darnell chuckled lightly, "It is because of the importance that she will choose the best way for the child."

Not knowing what he was thinking, Archer didn't say anything.

Darnell said, "Go and tell her what I said. Tell her to think about it and come out here. No matter what choice she makes, no one will stop her."

Archer complained, "How could you always leave me to do all the chores."

After speaking, he turned and walked into the laboratory.

Darnell instructed his men on the side, "Get Vincent James here."

Vincent was not far away, and he came to Darnell in no time.

Vincent said, "How is the child right now?"

Just the way it is. The newly developed drugs can only suppress his symptoms, but cannot cure him. It is impossible to cure him at present.

Vincent frowned tightly, cursed, and then said, "Who the fuck did this?"

Darnell paused for a few seconds before saying, "You said that the medicine bottle was found in Joanna's room before?"

Vincent nodded, "That's what Clarence said."

That's interesting. Darnell said, "I became Joanna's accomplice. But now he's dead and there is no evidence. I really didn't know how to prove my innocence."

It's not just about this incident. When the child was taken away by the Conrad family, those men involved in that were also from Riverside. After returning to Riverside, they were nowhere to be found. Your suspicion is very serious.

Darnell snorted, "It seems that they have been planning for a long time."

Vincent fell into silence for a while, "I think someone deliberately place all the evidence around the Riverside. They brought Clarence here for one reason." Darnell's eyes narrowed slightly.

Vincent continued, "Let him find out the truth of the incident years ago."

Darnell looked at the distant scenery without speaking. He tapped his knees with his fingers, and then said, "How long have you been working for Clarence." Vincent said lightly, "Eighteen years."

Within two years after Clarence was taken back to the Conrad family, he was assigned to him in the name of transfer and has been working for him ever since. Darnell said, "You go back to City N secretly to find out how Joanna got the nutrition injection and who is behind all of this."

Okay, I get it.

Vincent was about to leave, Darnell stopped him, "There is one more thing."

In the laboratory lounge, Stella sat on the sofa, leaning against the crib next to her, staring at the sleeping little guy in a daze.

When she left, she put the lock of longevity that the little guy had been wearing in the private hall, and she didn't know if Clarence had noticed it or not. She could only indicate him in this way now.

Just when Stella was in a trance, the door of the lounge was opened and Archer walked in, "Hello, why are you still awake?"

Stella looked up and looked at him blankly.

Archer walked in, "So, here's the case, we don't think we can keep you here anymore."

I want to stay here.

Knowing that he was wrong, Archer repeated what Darnell asked him to say awkwardly.

Then he said, "You are allowed to make any choice. Even if you take the child with you, we won't stop you."

Stella's expression remained unchanged, "I don't trust you, so I won't choose either way."

Archer didn't expect her to answer like this, scratching his head worriedly.

Chapter 603: I Also Have One Condition

Archer thought for a while, and said seriously, "You now have no choice but to trust me. Because I am the only one that can cure him."

Hearing the words, Stella bit her lips gently, and her hand on the crib was tightly clenched.

I know that you can hardly accept everything that has happened recently at this moment. But now you should already know that all these things are manipulated by someone behind all of this, including the nutrition needles. We believe that they are responsible for that.

Archer continued, "If we want to hurt this child, why bother to get him to Riverside? We can leave him to you in City N."

I think the reason you bring us here is that you can threaten Clarence with his child in your hand, am I right?

Archer was taken aback, and suddenly realized, "Damn, we could have thought about this strategy earlier!"

Stella got speechless, "..."

Archer raised his hand, "I was just joking, joking, but you can think carefully about my words and decide whether it makes sense."

Stella looked at him, "I can trust you, but I have a problem."

I am listening...

Do you have anything to do with Clarence?

Archer was taken aback for a moment. He was a little surprised, probably because he didn't expect her to ask that way.

Stella slowly said, "As Darnell said, the whole thing is someone's frame against you. So why would they shift the blame to you? Why do they choose Riverside, a city that is thousands of miles away from City N?"

As long as you can answer this question for me, I can trust you and keep the child here.

Archer coughed and answered with a serious face, "I have not figured out this question yet. Maybe I am so good that some people are simply jealous of me."

Stella looked away speechlessly, "I'm sleepy, and now you can go out."

Archer hurriedly said, "Come on, you guys are really making a lot of trouble now. If you don't agree, I will be scolded. I will be in a bad mood when I am being scolded. In that case, I may not have the energy to give decent medical treatment to the little fellows."

Stella didn't change her mind.

Just as Archer was thinking about what else he can do, the door of the lounge was pushed open again, and Darnell walked in.

Archer got up immediately.

Darnell glanced at him, "How can you fail such an easy job?"

I'm not good at dealing with women. Besides, you are the one assigned me here.

After saying this, Archer slipped away immediately.

Darnell said, "The question you had just asked, I can answer you. However, I also have one condition."

Stella looked at him but didn't speak for a moment. She was really considering the bargain.

Darnell did not give her the chance to consider, and continued, "Just swear on your son, you can't say a word about what I told you tonight. Otherwise, his illness will never be cured." Stella frowned, "You..."

Darnell interrupted her, "This is just the consequence of your failure to keep your promise. You keep this secret and nothing will happen."

Stella said coldly, "Why should I make such a boring promise to you? No matter what the secret is, I will not swear on my child for such bargain."

Darnell didn't expect her to say that, looking surprised with his eyebrows lifted.

After a while, he said, "It was that thing that happened twenty years ago. As for how much truth Clarence can find out, it is his business and has nothing to do with me."

Stella was stunned, "Twenty years ago, then you..."

I have finished what I need to say, you make your own choice.

After Darnell finished speaking, he didn't stay any longer. He left the lounge without looking back.

Stella looked at the closed door and let out a long sigh.

She didn't expect that Riverside would be involved in the famous incident twenty years ago.

Clarence said twenty years ago, there was someone behind Lyndon Steward and they assisted him in the shadow. Justin's car accident may also be related to these people.

But at that time, Darnell should have been about ten years old, and this could not have been planned by him.

Was it the James family?

The original purpose of coming to Riverside this time was to find the cure of the little guy's illness and to find out the connection between Riverside, the Conrad family and Joanna. But before she could have any clue, the thread had already led to the incident twenty years ago.

If the explosion and car accident happened 20 years ago were done by the James family, then the James family and the Conrad family, including Joanna, were all their enemies. Then why would they help Joanna?

If the incident weren't conducted by them, what did it have to do with them? Why do those behind the scenes point all the evidence to Riverside?

Stella felt that her head was about to explode.

She couldn't figure it out at all and didn't even understand the relationship between those shreds of evidence.

Stella rubbed her temples, feeling that her mind went all blank.

However, what Archer said is rational. If they really intend to take advantage of her and her child, why would they bother to take them to Riverside?

Riverside is under the control of the James family. Even if Clarence comes over, he can't use all his connection and power. Staying here for a while and trying to rescue them was his extreme, and he can't leave everything in City N alone.

It won't take a long time before he had to return to City N.

So, in fact, the assumption that they use his child to threaten him can't actually work out.

More importantly, Darnell seemed unwilling to confront him head-on.

Otherwise, they won't stay in the darkness for so long.

Besides, if they want to part her from the little guy, it's actually very simple easy.

But the most unbelievable thing was that Archer and Darnell ran over to reason with her and try to persuade her. Darnell came to her with no pleasing word, but it was also obvious that he didn't intend to hurt her nor the little guy. Stella put her head on the crib, dazing...

After a long time, she relaxed her eyes and got up to check out the cute sleeping little guy.

The rash on his body has all gone away, and he had already taken the milk as usual amount without vomiting.

It's much better than the condition in City N.

After a while, Stella leaned down, lowered her head and kissed his forehead lightly, "Baby, mom will come and pick you up very soon."

The sleeping little guy seemed to sense something, and his little mouth smashed.

A lump came into her throat. Tears soaked the corners of her eyes.

She has never been a qualified mother, neither before nor now.

But her wish is also very simple, she just hopes that he can survive and grow up safely and healthily.

Even if this would cost everything she had, she is willing to do it.

Getting out of the lounge, she found Archer was waiting there. He said in surprise, “Eh, are you crying?"

Stella sniffed and looked away, "No!"

Come on, I see your eyes are all red... Oh, don't worry about it, he will definitely get better with my treatment.

Stella went silent before saying, "When can I see him again."

Well, I'm not sure, you should ask Darnell. But as soon as the treatment makes progress, I will definitely notify you! Stella said numbly, "With an email?"

Archer patted his head, "I'll take you to get your phone now. It's in my car."000

Chapter 604: Woke up, but Not Fully Awake

After Archer gave the phone to Stella, he saved his number in her address book, and then dialled the number. He then raised the phone and showed her the flashing screen. Simply verify the authenticity of this number.

Stella took the phone and pursed his lips before saying, "He would cry if he wakes up and finds that I am not around... But he likes small toys, as long as you can patiently coax him for a while and distract him... Please don't be angry with him. He will cry even harder...He is very cute, as long as he feels that you are friendly to him, he will gradually approach you..."

While speaking, Stella also said a lot of tips. Archer listened carefully and opened the memorandum to take notes.

After Stella finished speaking, he put away his phone, "I get it, there is a shopping mall nearby. I will buy the necessity when the sunrise."

Stella nodded, turned to look at the white building behind her, and hesitated to leave.

Archer glanced at the clock, "I have to go in."

After speaking, he looked at the black car not far away, "Darnell is waiting for you in the car. Please proceed."

Stella stopped him and tried to say something. But her voice choked a little, "Please, he must be cured."

Archer said, "Don't worry, I will try my best. I just have to go, and see you later."

After watching Archer enter the laboratory, Stella withdrew her gaze. She stood for a few minutes with her head down, then walked to the black car and opened the door. The weather of Riverside in the early morning was a bit cold. The street lamps closely swaying, and their reflection on the river was sparkling and flickering.

Stella leaned against the car window, staring at the scenery outside without any focus. Her hair was somehow messed up by the wind.

Darnell looked at her sideways, his slender fingers were tapping his knees lightly. There was no conversation at all.

After a while, the car stopped in front of the bridge.

At this time, the dawn has come and a ray of sunlight shot out silently through the clouds.

Stella finally retracted her thoughts, turned her head over and said, "When can I pick him up?"

Darnell said lightly, "Anytime you want, but still, you won't receive any medical assistant from us after you take him away. You can also tell Clarence my word."

Stella looked out the window again, and now it seemed that only the truth of twenty years ago was found out will all this mess be solved.

She opened the car door and got out of the car. She had walked for a few minutes before she confirmed the figure leaning on the car in the distance. Finally, she saw him again.

At the same time, Clarence also noticed her. He strode over, pulled her into his arms, and hugged her tightly. His voice was slightly cold, "what had they done to you." Stella shook her head slightly, put her hand on his waist, and said with difficulty, "Don't hug me so tight, I'm... almost out of breath."

Clarence closed his eyes and hugged her tighter. "I'm the one who's going to suffocate."

Stella said slowly, "I am just fine, alright? Don't worry."

Clarence let go of her, carefully checked her, and kissed her on the forehead again. His nervousness finally relieved, "where's the baby? Wasn't he with you?” "He is under medical treatment, I..."

Stella was halfway through speaking and suddenly felt dizzy without any strength. And then she lost consciousness.

Clarence held her in his arms and strode to the car.

Upon seeing this, Nathan immediately went to pull the car door open.

Looking at her bloodless face, Clarence said anxiously, "Go to the hospital."

In the other car by the bridge, Elaine leaned in the seat and slept comfortably. Because the sun gradually became dazzling, she scratched her face, turned around, buried her head in her shoulder and continued to sleep.

For a long while, she faintly heard a knock on the door.

Elaine closed her eyes and muttered, "Can't you hear someone knocking on the door? Just go get the door."

There was no answer from the servant, and the knocking just kept going every once in a while.

She got up with impatience and anger. She said with a little more irritable, "Stop knocking! Don't you sleep in the morning!"

Knocking on the door kept going on.

Elaine opened her eyes suddenly but found that she was in a car near the river instead of her bedroom.

She thought for a few seconds before she came back to herself. She then moved her stiff neck, opened the door of the car, and looked at the man sitting in front of the car, who was the instigator of the annoying knocking sound.

Elaine couldn't help but felt astonished. Although she should call him uncle according to seniority, she didn't even say a few words to him.

It's not that she didn't want to, but she dared not.

This man seemed to have a kind of innate majesty, indifferent and alienated.

She even heard rumours that the red wine bottles in his house were filled with human blood.

When someone told her that Darnell was going to marry her, her first thought was to refuse. She didn't want to married to such a terrible person!

Elaine hesitated and said, "Uncle...James..."

It seems to be inappropriate to call him with any title.

Darnell turned his head to look at her, and said nonchalantly, "You are awake now?"

Elaine lowered her head, "I woke up, but I am not fully awake."

Darnell said, "I can tell. If you have been awake all this time, it is impossible to leave with the person you met for the first time."

Elaine refused to accept this accusation, "What's the big deal even if I have only met him once? I heard them discussing him. He is from City N, and he is not a bad person. What's more, he is so handsome. I left with him because I am into him."

Darnell gave her a look.

Elaine's scalp was tingling, but she still said somehow resolutely, "Anyway...I like him anyway! I won't marry you! Don't even think about it!"

After speaking, Elaine hummed, turned and left without looking back.

After she left, some of his men stepped forward and said, "Master James."

Darnell said, "Send two people to follow her back."

Wait. Darnell said unhurriedly, "Who said that I will marry her."

His men also had no idea what's happening, "..."

He whispered, "No... No one knows where this rumour came from. It has spread all over the James family."

Darnell looked at the river view in the distance, wondering randomly. After a few seconds, he said, "I see."

Soon, his cell phone rang.

Darnell glanced at the screen and answered.

The other end of the phone said, "I heard that Elaine was kidnapped last night, what happened?"

Darnell said lightly, "Nothing, just a misunderstanding."

What the hell are you talking about misunderstanding? Elaine is your fiancée, and it is your responsibility to protect her. How can you be so negligent? "I said, I won't marry her."

This has already been set, and I had also talked to her father. Now, all we need to do is to choose a wedding date. Besides, make yourself prepared for this. Darnell said, "I haven't finished what happened in City N. We'll talk about it later."

It's what happened in City N that affected our marring process. Haven't you noticed it? Obviously, someone was countering you by planning all these.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 605: Did He Bully You?

When Stella woke up, the room was dark with heavy curtains.

She just thought of getting up. One hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her back.

In the next second, she fell into the warm chest of the man.

Clarence's low-pitched voice sounded, "Why don't you keep on sleeping?"

I am getting a headache because of sleeping.

The doctor said that you are overly tired. Just sleep for a while. What do you want to eat? I will ask Nathan to bring it over.

Stella said, "I have no appetite."

Clarence said, "You have to eat whether you have an appetite or not. You don't want to pass out again, right?"

Stella was silent and did not say anything.

After a short while, she felt the people behind her move slightly. The wall lamp was turned on, and the faint orange light spread out without a trace.

When Clarence got up, Stella also sat up. And she asked, "What time is it?"

Clarence lowered his head and glanced at his watch. "1:30 in the afternoon."

Stella rubbed her head, "I have slept for so long?"

Nah, not long enough. Just get more rest, and I will wake you up for the meal.

After the conversation, Clarence walked out of the room.

Stella really couldn't fell asleep. She lifted the quilt and got out of bed, only to find that she was wearing a men's shirt.

Stella got speechless.

In the living room, Clarence is calling Nathan.

Stella passed by him, walked to the table and poured a glass of water.

Clarence turned around, staring at her, with his eyebrows raising unconsciously.

When she brought her back from the hospital, Stella smelled of disinfectant, so he put his clothes on for her directly.

On the phone, Nathan said, "Ms. James, I have prepared Madam's clothes, and I should deliver them now."

Nathan didn't understand.

Clarence slowly said, "Send the meal over, I'm hungry."

I have prepared the clothes, so I can send them with the meal...

Halfway through the conversation, Nathan keenly noticed the key factors of the conversation, and immediately changed his word, "Okay, I'll go and prepare the lunch."

Clarence put away the phone with satisfaction, he walked to Stella, watched her finish her drinking, stretched out his finger to gently wipe the water droplets on her lips, and his fingers stayed on the corners of her lips for a few seconds.

Stella looked up at him as if looking at a pervert, "What are you doing?"

Clarence lifted his eyebrow, took the empty glass from her hand, and poured water into it, "Nothing. Do you want to drink more?"

Upon hearing this, Clarence put down the glass kettle and drank the rest of the water.

Stella didn't bother to pay attention to him and went to find her clothes.

Clarence followed her, "Your clothes haven't been dried after the washing. I have asked Nathan Lance to get it done. They'll be delivered it in a while."

Stella turned her head, found her mobile phone on the sofa, charged it and turned it on. After thinking about it, she stared at Clarence, "I have something to tell you."

Clarence sat next to her, "Huh?"

Stella didn't know how to speak out what's in her mind.

These things are so complicated that she didn't even understand them now.

After a while, Stella said, "Our child...I left him with Darnell. They may have the cure for his illness. Darnell said that he had nothing to do with what happened in City N before. Someone framed him up. Eh. I... I don't know if I should trust him, but the little guy did get better with their treatment."

As she said, she lowered her head and her voice was dull, "I have no other choice but to..."

Clarence held her in his arms, gently rubbed her head, and whispered, "I know, this is not your problem. You don't have to feel guilty."

When did you know?

After coming out of Darnell' private club, he received a call from Donald.

He also sent his men to investigate. There were some similar cases in Riverside two years ago. That's Darnell's team who took over the case.

When sending Stella to the hospital, he received the report and information about finding the nutrition needle in Joanna's room, which was supposed to be destroyed two years ago.

All of this shows that someone deliberately led him to Riverside, and provoked a conflict between him and Darnell.

Clarence said, "Apart from this, did he say anything else?"

Stella thought for a while, "He said that all these things are related to that incident twenty years ago, but you have to investigate that by yourself."

Did he bully you?

No... But can you stop touching me while speaking?

Clarence got choked.

He slowly retracted the hand caressing her lap.

Stella got out of his arms and put a pillow on her lap.

At this time, the doorbell rang, and it was Nathan.

Clarence walked to the door, opened the door with only a small slit, took the food in, and said, "Where are the clothes?"

Clothes? Nathan was at a loss, but when his eyes met Clarence's emotionless gaze, he quickly realized, "Ah...clothes. There have been a lot of kinds of stuff. I haven't had time to prepare the clothing, I will go and get them ready now."

Clarence hummed, "Hurry up."

Closing the door, Clarence carried the food container and placed it in front of Stella, "The clothes will still take a while, let's eat first."

Stella originally had no appetite. After the food container was opened and the smell of food came out, she felt her stomach growl twice.

She took the chopsticks from Clarence and bent over to get the food container.

In the opposite, Clarence paused slightly, for he caught a glimpse of the amazing view under the shirt collar.

Seeing he paused there, Stella looked up in confusion. After realizing where he was looking, she quickly sat up, picked up the pillow and smashed it over.

Clarence easily caught the pillow, "Let's be reasonable, I didn't mean to see them. How could you blame me for that?"

Stella said faintly, "Don't be such an animal."

Clarence's lips twitched slightly and put the pillow aside, "Let's eat."

After dinner, it was already 2:30 in the afternoon.

Stella looked at Clarence, "What are your plans now."

Clarence confronted her gaze, "Five pounds."

Stella was at a loss

Clarence said, "You have lost a lot of weight during this period. Let me help you put on five pounds first."

What's wrong with this guy?

Clarence continued, "Seven or eight pounds will help too. Come on. Just eat more."

Stella couldn't bear it, "Shut up!”

A smile appeared on Clarence's face, "A few more days later, there'll be the James family's semi-annual family gathering. I will take you there then."

Upon hearing this, Stella frowned, "But family gatherings, can I go in?"

How can you know if you don't try it? Clarence said, "Since we need to check what happened 20 years ago, how can we find out the truth if we don't go inside the James family?" Stella said, "Then don't you go back to City N?"

You are all here, why should I go back?

What's more, since those people have tried so hard to bring him here, he wanted to see what will happen.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 606: You’ve Cursed Me and Bit Me

Stella became sleepier even after sleeping for a long time. After finishing the meal, she yawned lazily, feeling her whole body weak. She sat on the sofa, hugging her knees, and looked out of the windows dully having no focus for her gaze.

Clarence shifted his gaze away from the computer and landed on Stella. He then asked in a low voice, "Are you sleepy?"

Stella rubbed her sore eyes and replied, "Not that sleepy."

Go to bed if want to sleep. I will wake you up when it's time for dinner.

She murmured to herself, "How can I go to be right after finishing a meal and eat right after waking up? I'm not a pig."

Clarence curled his lips into a light smile and put a thin blanket on her legs, "Even if you're a pig, you're the cutest and the best-looking one."

Stella couldn't help but kick him, "Can you please don't sweet-talk me? It's disgusting."

Clarence raised his hand and grabbed her ankle effortlessly, "Why are you angry at me? I'm complementing you."

Thanks. But I don't need it.

Stella gritted her teeth angrily. She wanted to withdraw her foot, but Clarence tightened the grip on it.

Looking at her fair calf, Clarence subconsciously raised his brows.

At the next second, he leaned forward, pressed her leg with one leg and pinned each of her hand on one side of the sofa. His eyes turned unfathomable and his voice became husky as he asked, "You don't want to sleep?"

Perceiving his intention, Stella cursed him, "Bastard."

Clarence retorted, "You like me even if I'm a bastard."

Who likes you? I...

Before he could finish the words, Clarence put his hand on the left side of her chest.

Stella was stunned for a moment. Then she slapped him on the face without hesitation.

He pinned her hand back on the sofa, clicked the hurting mouth corner and called her name in a deep voice, "Stella Radomil!"

Stella also realized that she had used too much strength just now. But she thought Clarence should blame himself for suddenly taking advantage of her, and it was just that she subconsciously tried to protect herself.

With that thought, she said in a weaker voice which somehow carried some guilty, "I... I took you not to paw me. You seek for it."

It was you who said you didn't like me first.

I did say that, but does this mean you can paw me? Shameless!

Clarence tried to suppress his anger, "I just want you to feel your heartbeat."

Stella suddenly realized that he was touching the position beneath which her heart lay just now.

Clarence continued, "You did similar things to me, didn't you?"

Stella retorted righteously although she was not well-grounded, "You still cannot do that to me! There's a difference between female and male. You're pawing me!" "Everyone is equal."

Stella just wanted to condemn him at the moment.

She struggled and said, "Let go of me. I want to sleep."

You look excited. Don't sleep.

Stella turned her head to look at his arm which was so close to her. There was suddenly a surge of strength from her body, which drove her to bite his arm to vent her anger. Clarence didn't make any sound. He simply knitted his brows and let her bite him.

Stella finally came to her own sense when she tasted the blood in her mouth. She then slowly relaxed her bite.

She though Clarence would be infuriated and slam close the door, but unexpectedly, he simply stared at her and asked, "Are you still angry?"

Stella closed her eyes, not giving him any reply.

Clarence got up from the sofa, pulled her into his arms and rubbed her hair, "Well, you're cursed me and bit me. Aren't they enough to mollify your anger?"

He knew that Stella had been suppressing her worries ever since the child was hospitalized.

When having a check-up for her today, the doctor said that except for excessive fatigue, she also had much pent-up worries, anger and depression. If she didn't release those negative emotions, she would get sick.

Feeling a lump in her throat, Stella had tears in her eyes. She continuously hit his chest with her fist and said with sobs, "Bastard! Damn you! Why did you lie to me? You had been lying to me for a long time... You refused to tell me no matter what I asked you..."

Tears streamed down Stella's cheeks nonstop. She continued while choking with sobs, "I took him back several days ago, but now I have to part him... I didn't take good care of him, nor did I protect him. I'm not a qualified mother... I'm not qualified to be his mother..."

Clarence kissed her forehead, "It's my bad. You're not to be blamed."

Stella cried more sorrowfully, "It's originally your fault."

Clarence gently patted her back, "Can you please give me a chance? You can't directly sentence me to death, right?"

I've shown mercy to you that I didn't execute you right away.

Clarence chuckled, "Well, looks like I got a punishment like the death sentence with reprieve. Now my dear Stella, my dear judge, can you change it into a life sentence?"

How can it be possible? How can sentence of death be commuted?

Clarence replied after a while of silence, "I think this metaphor is not that appropriate."

Stella choked with sobs, "Wasn't it you who started this?"

My bad. Let's stop this topic here.

Just as Clarence had finished the words, Stella kicked him down the sofa, collected the thin blanket, turned her back to him, covered her head and fell asleep.

Looking at her back, Clarence curled his lips into a smile. He sat on the carpet, took his laptop here and continued to deal with his work.

Half an hour later, he received a call from Nathan.

Looking at Stella who was sleeping soundly, Clarence lowered the think blanket, after which Stella's mouth and nose was exposed. He then walked to the bedroom and answered the call. Nathan reported, "Mr. Conrad, we've found out their exact location. Should we break in and take out Noah?"

Don't do it now. Clarence asked, "Do you have the list of the members of the medical team?"

Yes. I will send it to you right away.

Clarence put down his phone, amplified the voice of the phone and clicked the document sent by Nathan.

Nathan continued, “The James family has been cultivating this medical team and many of its members are prestigious and well-known doctors in the world. Their main task is to develop and research new medicines. However, they found many problems in the later examinations of the nutrition needle they developed two years ago."

During the examination stage of the product, the wife of a member of the laboratory had a premature delivery and the child was on the verge of death. Therefore, he stole a nutrition needle and gave the child an injection. It was true that the child's health condition was improved at that time, however, half an hour later, the child had some symptoms which were the same as Noah's. The employee asked the doctors of the laboratory about it and they got to know what he had done.

Look at the list of the members of the medical team, there was a person called Archer James. It's said that he's a disciple of a prestigious doctor called Clifford Breton. He has shown outstanding medical skills since young and is also an attending doctor of the symptoms caused by the nutrition needle. Meanwhile, his mother and Darnell's mother are cousins, so he's a relative of Darnell.

When Nathan finished the words, Clarence turned to the page on which Archer's information was shown.

Clarence ordered, "Send some men to keep an eye on the laboratory. Find an opportunity to take him out. I want to meet up with him."

Clarence added, "Take a doctor to that child's home and confirm his condition. Then you shall report it to me."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 607: They’re Jealous of Me Because I’m Hugging Such a Beautiful Woman

When Stella woke up again, she felt her whole body feeble. She stretched lazily with her eyes closed. Her face seemed to rub against something, and it felt like a suit jacket. Stella twisted her neck. At the next moment, she felt a strong aura aside.

Stella then opened her eyes. When she was about to yawn, she saw the man's jaw.

Stella was stunned for several seconds as she couldn't figure out why she would see this scene when she woke up. She remembered that she slept on the sofa just now. When she gradually came to her sense, Stella finally realized what posture she had at the moment when she saw the man's popping Adman's apple. Stella abruptly sat up and widened her eyes.

Clarence closed the document and crossed his long legs, "Oh, you woke up.'

Stella asked, "Why did I sleep on your legs?"

You should ask yourself. I have been sitting here, but why did you suddenly move here and put your head on my legs?

It was not the first time for Stella to witness how this man shifted the blame. It must be Clarence who put her head on his legs when she was sleeping. Moreover, he even...

How indecent!

Clarence leaned backwards with his arms stretched on the sofa and looked towards her, "Did you have a good sleep?"

I think you must have had a good dream. What did you dream of?

Stella denied it without a second thought, "Nothing. I didn't dream of anything."

Clarence curved up his lips, leaned towards her and asked in a low, husky voice, "Really? But why did you droop just now?"

Stella hurriedly raised her hand and wiped her mouth. Only then did she realize that he was just joking. She picked up a pillow and hit him several times.

When she was satisfied, Clarence took the pillow from her while pulling her into his arms and placing her on his legs, "Well. Don't you know that you love to move here and there when you're sleeping? I was so uncomfortable."

It was you who...

Before Stella could finish the words, Clarence grasped the back of her head.

At the next second, he landed a kiss on her lips.

Stella beat her chest, but her hand was then grabbed by Clarence. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he deepened the kiss.

When the long kiss finally ended, Stella felt a bit breathless and her eyes became a bit watery.

Clarence placed his chin on Stella's shoulder and said in a charming voice that was so low that only both of them could hear, "Honey, can you compensate me?"

Stella suddenly pulled herself together, "You..."

Why was he still thinking of those dirty things at this point? How shameless he was!

Clarence replied with composure, "You haven't allowed me to make out with you for a month."

Stella was infuriated, "Do you mean it's my responsibility?"

I can't shift all the blame to you. Otherwise, you won't be as simple as it is now.

Oh, should she thank him?

Clarence bit her ear softly, put his palm on the back of her hand and said in a husky voice, "Hurry up. Or shall we change a place?"

Stella struggled, yet she couldn't withdraw the hand that was grabbed by Clarence no matter how hard she tried.

He really deserved the nickname "wretched man"!

When it ended, Stella couldn't raise her arm as she was so tired. She directly walked into the bathroom to take a bath.

When she was taking a bath, someone knocked at the door of the bathroom and there came Clarence's voice, "I put your clothes at door."

Clarence continued, "After a second thought, I think that you don't need them, so I will take them away."

Put them there!

The smile on Clarence's face became brighter as he said, "Alright. They're at the door."

Stella finished the bath angrily and then slightly opened the door. She reached her hand out of the door and rummaged for her clothes. After a long while, she finally found the paper bag and then she abruptly pulled it into the bathroom.

When she went out after changing her clothes, she found Clarence had changed his clothes and was waiting for her at the door.

Clarence said, "Let's go."

Stella sat down on the sofa, "I will not go with you."

Clarence walked to her in strides, "Go out for dinner. Let's walk around. Didn't you say you feel uncomfortable after sleeping for a long time?"

You can go first. I will go out for a walk later, alone!

He stooped, carried her into his arms and strode towards the door.

Stella struggled, "Let go of me!"

Clarence ignored it. He opened the door and said to Nathan who was waiting for them outside, "Take the shoes at the door."

When seeing this scene, Nathan widened his eyes in shock and several seconds later, he returned to be a qualified, professional assistant who would remain composed no matter what was happening. He received the order, picked up the unopened paper bag which had a shoebox in it near the door, closed the door and then followed Clarence.

It was time for dinner and there were some staff on the corridor. They were on the way to sending dishes to the guests and some guests were having dinner downstairs.

When seeing this scene, they locked their eyes on them with curiosity and gossiped about it.

In case that they would attract more attention, Stella gave up on struggling. She gritted her teeth and said, "Didn't you notice that other people are looking at us? Put me down!"

Clarence asked, "Don't you know that their gazes are bearing jealousy?"

What the heck...

They're jealous of me because I'm hugging such a beautiful woman.

Stella, who prepared to curse him, suddenly swallowed her criticism.

She was so angry, yet she wanted to chuckle. This man was so cheeky, but now he thought it was merit and even tried to give full play of it."

When they stopped in front of a lift, Stella finally made a compromise, "I can walk myself. Put me down."

Clarence turned around and gestured to Nathan with his eyes. Nathan immediately walked over with the shoes.

After putting on the shoes, Stella tucked her messy hair and fixed her eyes on the lift. She didn't want to talk with him now.

The lift arrived soon.

There were two persons in the lift.

Stella couldn't imagine how horrible and embarrassing the scene would be if Clarence refused to put her down and carried her into the lift.

This man was sometimes annoying.

Clarence followed her into the lift.

The two girls, who were already in the lift, approached each other and whispered excitedly, "He's drop-dead handsome."

Come on. Ask him about his number.

The girls nudged each other. After a while, one of the girls took a step forward and said to Clarence, "Excuse me, can I have your contact method?" Clarence turned his head to look at her. He took the phone handed by the girl and quickly entered his number with his slender fingers.

The girl's friend covered her mouth with excitement written all over her face.

Leaning against the wall of the lift with her arms crossed in front of her chest, Stella showed no expression on her face.

After entering the number, Clarence returned the phone to the girl. The girl asked shyly, "Thank you. Hmm, can you invite me to drink a..." "This is my wife's number. I think you will have a pleasant talk."

Both the girl and Stella were rendered speechless.

Nathan looked up at the ceiling and sighed in his heart for the girl's superficial understanding of that man.

Mr. Conrad had been sharp-toned and merciless when refusing his wooers.

Right at this moment, the lift came to a halt. Clarence grabbed Stella's wrist and left in strides.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 608: Come on? Is That a Hunk?

Riverside City had a beautiful night scene, and the scene near the river was especially beautiful. They could even see the reflection of the city's night scene on the surface of the river. And the night breezes were so pleasing.

The restaurant was near the river, and when they looked over, they could see the wrinkled, glimmering surface of the river caused by the wind.

As Stella had slept for the whole afternoon, she wasn't that hungry and felt full although she didn't eat too much. Seeing this, Clarence ordered a dessert for her.

Stella declined, "I'm too full to eat it."

You just ate a little and you'll easily get hungry tonight. Clarence pushed the dessert to her, "Hurry up to finish it. Otherwise, you'll not be able to gain 1 kilogram, not to mention 5 kilograms." "It's you who said that. It has nothing to do with me."

Clarence curled his lips into a smile, "Yep, it's me who said that."

As Stella was full, she couldn't eat anything else. Therefore, they packed the dessert and took it back to the hotel, preparing to eat it when they were hungry.

Clarence didn't have any objection.

After dinner, they walked by the riverside. Stella leaned forward with her hands on the handrail lazily, enjoying the pleasing breezes.

My legs feel weak. I don't have any strength.

She had slept for the whole day and didn't do anything, but she inexplicably felt tired.

Clarence turned his back to her and squatted down, "Get on my back."

Stella looked around and found there were many people in the surrounding. She asked in a whisper, "What do you want to do?"

Didn't you say you don't have any strength? I will carry you back.

I... I just want to have a rest. It's not that exaggerating. I can still walk.

Clarence turned around and pulled her arm.

Being caught out of the guard, Stella pounced on his back.

Clarence then stood up with Stella on his back, "You should have gotten on earlier."

Although there were many people in the surrounding, most of them were here for a walk and none of them carried a person on the back. Therefore, many people looked at them curiously and gossipingly. Stella put her head on his shoulder and urged him in a low voice, "Come back to the hotel, come back."

Don't you want to continue the walk?

Am I walking?

The smile on Clarence's face became brighter. He then walked towards the hotel with Stella on his back. There was only a walk of dozens of minutes from the riverside to the hotel.

Looking at their low shadows under the street lamps, Stella suddenly called his name, "Clarence."

Hurry up to tell me. What do you think the truth of the accident twenty years ago would be?

When finding her mother's corpse, Clarence told her that the persons who helped Lyndon finish that plan twenty years ago and the persons who caused Justin's car accident might be from the same group. Before coming to Riverside City, Stella thought all these must be done by the James family.

But out of no reason, this feeling had weakened and it was not that strong now.

It was based on the way how she got along with Archer and Darnell and the words they said.

She had a hunch that they despised such tricks.

No matter it was twenty years ago or now.

The James were not as heinous as she had imagined.

Clarence said in a flat tone, "No matter what it would be, it must be unpleasant."

What was the James' role in the accident twenty years ago? What do you think of it? "Not a positive role."

The James are not allowed to leave Riverside in their whole life. However, they were involved in the accidents twenty years ago, like the big file in the Stewards' Mansion, Lyndon's fraud of stealing Charles' identity and Justin's car accident. Except for the possibility I mentioned just now, could it be that they came there to carry out some good deeds?

Stella moved her lips trying to say something, yet was temporarily lost for words.

Clarence continued, "Maybe the James were not the persons behind all these, but these accidents must have some relationship with them." "But I still can't figure out a question."

Clarence replied, "I can't either. But I guess we will get the answer soon."

The question was: Since the James were not allowed to leave Riverside, why did they break the rule and involve in those things in City N?

After coming back to the hotel, Stella lay on the bed after some simple washing procedures as she had taken a bath before going out. She turned on her phone which was fully charged and called Stella to tell her that she was safe.

Sherry immediately received the call and said hurriedly, "I'm so scared that you've been missing for two days. Luckily, Mr. Conrad called me this morning."

Stella paused when she heard the words and then asked, "Did he call you?"

Not me exactly. It was that Daniel sent his men to find you and Mr. Conrad told us about the condition concisely, telling us not to find you. Sherry then asked, "Stella, what happened? Why did you suddenly disappear from the hospital?"

Stella slightly pressed her lips together, "I was taken away by Darnell's men."

Darnell? That monster who's rumoured that he would eat people? Oh gosh. Tell me, does he look horrifying and gloomy? Did he do anything to you?

Stella chuckled, "Not so. I saw him and he looks different from the rumours. He looks..."

An idea flashed across her mind when she recalled the person she saw at the door, but it slipped away.

Sherry asked in confusion, "Is he handsome?"

It's true that he's handsome.

How handsome is he? Is he more handsome than Clarence?

Stella's hand which was holding the phone froze in the air and she recalled the scene when she first met Darnell.

She finally caught the idea that flashed across her mind just now.

Several seconds later, Stella replied, "Yes."

Sherry didn't believe it, "Really?"

Yes. They're evenly handsome.

Sherry finally exclaimed, "Oh gosh! I can't believe there's a person who's as handsome as Mr. Conrad in the world. Oh, I also want to see him. Can you secretly take a picture of him and send it to me?" Stella replied, "It's hard."

Right at his moment, Daniel's voice came from the other end of the phone, "I'm by your side. Don't you think you've gone too far?"

Sherry retorted, "I was telling the truth. Although Mr. Conrad has a sharp tone, he's more handsome than many men. When he remains silent, he looks drop-dead handsome."

Stella was amused and smiled when she heard the words. When she looked up, however, she noticed the man who was leaning against the door frame.

She coughed, "Sherry, actually, I think..."

Sherry sighed emotionally, "Mr. Conrad is a good man. Unluckily, he has a mouth."

Clarence walked over in strides.

Stella quickly ended the call, hid the phone under the quilt and looked out of the windows calmly, wanting to pretend that nothing had happened.

As Clarence approached her step by step, Stella suddenly felt that the temperature in the room was dropping dramatically and she felt somehow breathless because of his aura. Stella chose to break the silence, "Sherry was joking just now. It's a compliment."

Clarence stopped in front of her, "I perceive it. But..."

When speaking, Clarence grabbed her wrist, pressed her onto the bed and narrowed his black eyes dangerously, "Evenly handsome? What do you mean?¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 609: They Look Somehow Alike

Stella looked away to evade his gaze, "Er... what else can it mean?"

Clarence pinched her chin, forcing her to look at him, and said slowly, "Seems like you don't have a clear understanding of me."

When he prepared to kiss her, Stella pushed him away, "Get up. I have something to tell you."

What do you want to tell me? And why do I have to get up?

She tweaked his waist and Clarence let out a stuffy moan.

Stella took the opportunity to get rid of his confinement. She turned over and got out of the bed.

Stella tried to find a pen and a paper in the room, yet failed.

Sitting on the edge of the back, Clarence leaned backwards with his hands on the bed to support his body and closely fixed his eyes on Stella, "What are you looking for?"

Pen and paper. Do you have them?

Nope. You can call the reception and ask them to send some over.

'Oh, that's true.' Stella thought to herself.

Stella walked to the bedside table and dialled the reception.

Ten minutes later, a staff of the hotel sent them a pen and some paper.

Stella sat down on the sofa, calmed down herself and then quickly drew on the paper.

After a short while, Clarence sat down beside her, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and put his chin on her shoulder, "What are you drawing? Didn't you say you have something to tell me?" Stella replied, "It will be finished soon."

When speaking, she patted the hands on her waist and said seriously, "Let go of me."

Clarence could only withdraw his hands, leaned against the sofa behind him and watched her drawing the picture.

About twenty minutes later, the outline of a man's face was shown on the white paper and Stella began to add details carefully.

Clarence landed his gaze on the paper and then narrowed his black eyes.

He suddenly said, "You were not so serious and careful when portraying me."

Stella took a glance at the picture which was almost finished and put it in front of Clarence, "This is Darnell James."

I've guessed it. So it's really hard for me to understand why you said he's as handsome as me.

Stella's eyelids twitched as she was very speechlessly. She then looked at him expressionlessly.

Clarence said, "Go on."

Maybe it's because I failed to portray his temperament, but I think... Stella continued after a while of silence, "You two look somehow alike from some aspects."

Come on, are you telling me that he's another illegitimate son of Dempsey?

Then he should be like Justin. Does it have any relationship with you?

Clarence raised his brows, "Really?"

Stella ignored him and continued, "I heard from you before that except for Ms. Anderson, you haven't seen other relatives. So I guess..."

Clarence rubbed her hair, "Honey, you've thought too much of it. I haven't seen them because they're all dead."

Stella was stunned for several seconds, "But didn't you say that you never asked Ms. Anderson about this?"

I never asked her about this. But I investigated it.

Stella replied with a nasal sound after a long while and then said, "Maybe I've thought too much of it."

She had only seen Darnell several times and only at the moment she first saw him did she feel he looked like Clarence. Maybe it was just an illusion.

It's late. You should go to bed early.

Clarence looked towards the picture on the tea table, his eyes turning gloomy, and slightly pressed his thin lips together.

Stella had done a good job and actually, she even showed Darnell's temperament in the picture.

As Clarence had to deal with some work, he directly went to the living room outside.

Lying on the bed, however, Stella couldn't fall asleep.

After turning over on the bed several times, she got her phone and dialled Archer.

Archer said, "We gave him another examination today and his condition has been stabilized so far. We're now working on a treatment plan. This can be regarded as a piece of good news, right?" "Yes. Thank you."

You're welcome. I have to deal with other matters. Let's stop here.

Stella, who had been restless before, put her phone back on the bedside table, looked out of the window and finally calmed down.

At least, everything was progressing positively.

Several minutes later, Stella's phone rang. She turned on her phone and found it was a message from Archer.

They were two photos of the baby.

In one photo, he was pulling a toy's ear in a crib.

In the other photo, he was sleeping with his small fists clenched.

Stella saved the two photos and studied them for a long time. Then she finally felt sleepy.

After making sure that Stella had fallen asleep, Clarence put down the documents, stood up, walked to the balcony and dialled Dolores. But the busy tone reminded him that Dolores had turned her phone off. Clarence's face turned seriously cold. He then dialled Nathan, "Is there any news from Whalegrove City?"

Nope. Mr. Conrad, did anything happen to Mrs. Conrad?

Send someone there tomorrow morning.

Clarence added after a while of silence, "Let our men in City N investigate my mother's family background and her relationship with the James family." Nathan, who was at the other end of the phone, was stunned for a while. He immediately replied, "I will arrange it right away."

Clarence replied with a nasal sound and put his phone back into his pocket, looking at the distance.

At this point, there were just a few people by the riverside and only the ships at the distance were glimmering.

At midnight, Stella felt a person lying down beside her. She opened her eyes in a daze, not clearing whether she had forgiven Clarence or not.

Before she could take any action, Clarence had pulled her into his arms and said tiresomely, "Close your eyes and continue to sleep."

Stella closed her eyes in a daze, and the man wanted more. He reached his hand into her pyjamas and wrapped his arm around her slender waist. Maybe it was because she had slept for long in the past two days, Stella woke up at dawn. She felt weak yesterday, but today she felt strong and highly spirited. Looking at the man near her who was still sleeping, Stella gently caressed his wrinkled brows.

What could she blame Clarence for?

She was also clear of it.

After all, she was angry that she was so close to the truth numerous times, but he still deceived her and persuaded her that it was her illusion effortlessly. She was also on the verge of mental breakdown several times.

However, even if she picked the baby back at that time, she could not protect the baby like Clarence did.

In the past, she frequently thought that the child's existence was meaningless to Clarence and that he was a burden or a yoke to Clarence, and a burdensome existence that he urgently wanted to get rid of. Until the baby got sick and then came to Riverside...

Only then did she realize that Clarence had much more care towards the baby than she knew.

It was just that they had different ways to express their love.

Clarence had been like this since childhood - he was sharp-toned, yet had a soft heart.

Although he despised it verbally, he had done many more things for him than others.

It was Clarence who had overtaken everything since the child's birth.0000000

Chapter 610: When Did You Ever Regard Me as a Human Being?

Stella was at a loss when looking at him. And Clarence's eyelashes fluttered.

Seeing this, Stella prepared to withdraw her hand, yet her wrist was grabbed by a hand

Clarence opened his eyes and fixed his black eyes on her. He asked in a husky voice, "What are you doing?"

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Stella shifted her gaze, "Nothing. I have to get up. You can continue to sleep." Before she could take the next action, she was pressed onto the bed by the man.

Clare...

At the moment Stella uttered his name, Clarence lowered his head and took a bite on her neck.

The strength he used was just appropriate.

Stella felt slight pain from her neck, and it felt somehow stingy and somehow numb.

Stella slightly furrowed her brows and hit his waist with a fist, "Are you a dog?"

Clarence replied in a husky voice, "You only know it today?"

When Stella was silent, Clarence had reached his hand into her pyjamas and his big palm moved upwards.

As his finger cruised on her body, she shivered all over.

Stella gasped and pressed her hands against his chest, "Don't..."

The baby was in that condition, and she was not in a mood to have sex with him.

Clarence knew what she was thinking and bit her ear, "Do you think I can control this?"

You should suppress it?

Clarence leaned downwards and they became so close. "Do you think I can suppress it?"

Stella's eyes became watery. She grabbed his hand that was cruising on her body, "Don't paw me."

I'm not a gentleman. It's unreasonable.

But Clarence didn't take the next action. Instead, he asked, "Honey, satisfy me like you did yesterday, okay?"

Grabbing her hand, Clarence moved down bit by bit.

However, apparently, Clarence was deceiving her.

What he did later was much more than yesterday and every time he almost thrust his thing into her private part.

When it was over, the sky had been bright and the sunlight had broken through the clouds.

Stella felt it hurt when putting on her underwear in the bathroom and looked down at the teeth marks on her body, feeling a fit of anger.

Clarence said before she got mad at him with a composed and righteous expression, "You bit me yesterday. We're even."

Stella, who prepared to say something, was choked and immediately blushed, "Are you still a human being?"

'Can you please not be so shameless? How could you say that so righteously?' Stella added in her heart. "When did you ever regard me as a human being?"

Stella felt a headache.

She couldn't refute it.

Clarence helped her buckle the bra from behind and rubbed her head, "I will wait for you outside."

Fuck off.

The moment when Clarence walked out of the bathroom, he received a call from Nathan.

Fluttered, Nathan reported, "Mr. Conrad, our men went to the villa to have a look just now and found Ms. Anderson missing."

Clarence's face turned slightly cold. He clenched his phone, seeming not to be surprised.

Nathan continued, "The men guarding in the surrounding said they didn't see any strangers entering or exiting the villa."

Of course, it was not a stranger. It was Vincent James who sent Dolores to that place before, and he knew the surroundings best.

Mr. Conrad, should we send our men to find her?

He wanted to know what they planned to do.

Nathan continued, "By the way, Mr. Conrad, I took a doctor to that child's home and confirmed the news we got before."

Clarence replied with a nasal sound, "What about the laboratory?"

The laboratory is strictly guarded and outsiders are not allowed to enter it. We can just wait outside. Archer didn't leave the laboratory yesterday and we haven't found a chance.

After ending the call, Clarence looked at the scenery at the distance with a cold face, seeming to be pondering something.

Sitting in a lounge chair on the balcony, Stella was drawing design.

While Clarence was sitting on the sofa behind her and dealing with the documents sent from City N.

Luckily, the Conrads couldn't stir up any troubles now and Justin had taken Dempsey to Canada for treatment.

Otherwise, City N would be in a mess now.

Looking at the sunset in the distance, Stella paused, seeming to be at a loss.

She dialled Archer every day in the last two days, asking him about the baby's condition.

However, Archer had always been busy and she didn't dare to take too much of his time and ended the call after several sentences.

She also wanted to see the baby, but Archer refused it.

Stella didn't know when this would come to an end.

She heaved a sigh and lowered her head in low spirit. "What's wrong?"

Clarence's voice sounded from behind.

Stella pulled herself back to reality, "Nothing."

Clarence sat beside her, "Do you want to go back to City N?"

Stella shook her head, "I'm just thinking when the baby will get better."

He must feel better than yesterday now.

Stella was stunned and turned her head to look at him.

Clarence continued, "He will feel better tomorrow. He will get better day by day."

Stella simply looked at him silently.

Clarence clutched her chin and slightly raised his brows, "Why are you looking at me like this?"

I didn't expect to hear these words from you. It's somehow incredible.

Stella chuckled, lowered her head and continued to draw the design.

After a short while, Clarence's phone rang.

Nathan said, "Mr. Conrad, we're now following Archer James."

Clarence said, "I will go there right away."

He put his phone back into his pocket and said to Stella, "I have to go out. The hotel will send dinner to you later. Don't go out."

Stella slightly nodded, "I see."

After Clarence's leaving, the sunset also gradually disappeared.

And it was dark soon.

Stella rubbed her tired eyes, put down the drawing paper, walked to the sofa and sat down.

She turned on her phone and found a missed call from Sherry.

Stella dialled her, "Sherry, what's the matter?"

Sherry replied, "Today is Saturday and Channing came to me. I told him that you and Clarence took the baby out for fun. But I think he didn't believe in it. Would you like to call him and tell him about the condition?"

Sherry continued, "Stella, when will you come back?"

Stella heaved a sigh, "I don't know either."

It's okay. It's not in a hurry. After all, Daniel is helping you take care of the studio and there's nothing to be worried about. You can stay there and slowly solve the matters.

Stella said, "Sherry, I drew several designs in these two days. I will send them to you later."

Okay, we have several new designs plus those we designed before. I will arrange the new arrival of these products tomorrow and we've found a model.

Okay. Thanks for your hard work.

Sherry, who was eating an orange, said, "Don't take me as an outside. I'm paid it's what I should do."

Sherry chuckled, "Have a good rest. I will call Channing."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐