Ch. 61..70

Chapter 61: Taking Charity Behind Her Back

After all, what Adolph wanted was the actual money instead of Jeffrey's life.

Hearing that Jeffrey's howling was becoming weaker and weaker, Adolph stopped his men.

He glanced at the almost dead Jeffrey and withdrew his gaze. He looked over at Stella. "I never expect that you'll be so heartless. You even stood and watched without doing anything. After all, he's your father, isn't he?"

Stella had a dried-out throat. After a few seconds, she answered, "If he still cared about my brother and me, he wouldn't have done such a thing."

Adolph didn't speak. He couldn't agree with her more.

He continued, "What do you plan to do now?"

Stella inhaled. "You can take this fifty thousand. As for the rest of the debt, no matter in what way you want him to pay back, it's between him and you only. It has nothing to do with me."

Only after cutting ties with Jeffrey completely would those debtors know that it was useless to ask her to pay the debt for her father.

After thinking for a few seconds, Adolph looked over at Channing and asked. "What about you? Don't you want to take care of it either?"

Channing looked quite cold. "He deserved it. It's none of my business."

As he spoke, he took Stella's hand. "Stella, let's go."

Watching them go out of the box, a man asked, "Boss, are we letting them leave like this? What about our money?"

Adolph turned around and hinted him to look at Jeffrey, who was lying on the floor. "Isn't the indebted still there?"

He recalled that Jeffrey had owed someone else earlier. Later, he managed to get two million from somewhere. Since Jeffrey was capable to do so, Adolph wasn't worried that he wouldn't be able to pay back his debt.

Adolph squatted down and said to Jeffrey, "I'll give you a few more days. You should know the interest increases every day. You'd better not escape. I'll ask my men to follow you all the time. If you dare to make a move, as long as I can't receive my money, you can't blame me for being cruel to end your life."

Walking out of the gate, Stella suddenly felt her legs weekend. If it weren't that Channing helped her up, she would probably fall on the ground.

After a long while, she said in a hoarse voice, "Chan, have I don't something wrong? After all, he is..."

Channing interrupted her, "Haven't you said that if he still cared about us, he wouldn't have done so? Since he could do something without any rock bottom, why can't we?"

Stella fell into the silence and didn't speak.

Although she had become numb for what Jeffrey did, when she saw him being beaten up by a group of men, she still felt quite upset.

Channing added, "No worries. He'll be fine. You've given them some money, haven't you?"

Fifty thousand wasn't a big amount, but it could save Jeffrey's life for the time being at least.

I hope so.

She had looked into Adolph's background in the past few days. He was a typical usurer, smart and thoughtful. He would never kill the indebted in anger just because he wouldn't receive the debt, which wasn't worthy for him at all.

Sending Stella home, Channing pulled out a bank card from his pocket and handed it to her.

Stella was stunned. Instead of taking it over, she asked, "What's this?"

There's some money in this card. It's useless for me for the time being. Please take it.

Aren't you going to college soon? You'll need to spend money. Keep it yourself. Why are you giving it to me?

Channing pressed the bank card into her hands. "I've saved the allowance for my school. This is for you. You are now pregnant and nobody is taking care of you. Take it and buy some nutritious food." Stella still didn't want to take it. "No, thanks, Channing. You..."

However, before she could finish her words, Channing turned around and ran away.

Looking at his back, Stella faintly smiled.

Since Modesty got the free lunch from Conrad Group, she had been in a super good mood in the following days. She believed that Mr. Conrad was kidding when he pretended he didn't know her. If Conrad Group didn't like her, they wouldn't have sent her to study in Paris three years ago, and nor would they provide her with such an excellent opportunity.

She knew that what Conrad Group had offered were all the top resources, which couldn't be obtained by the designers no matter how many decades they kept working hard.

However, Modesty's good mood was ruined when she passed by the lounge and heard that the opportunity from Conrad Group was originally for Stella, who had refused it, so it was offered to her instead. In an instant, Modesty pulled a long face.

It was Stella again!

Three years ago, Stella won the first prize and she refused it, so the study abroad chance was offered to Modesty. Now the same thing happened again. Modesty felt so annoyed to be the person who received Charity behind Stella's back.

Back to her office, Modesty pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Hello! I asked you to investigate who Stella Radomil's ex-husband is. How does it go?

I can't find any information. Are you sure she was married? Was it just her excuse?

It seems possible.

Although Stella used to clarify her private life to the media, Modesty believed that a mistress would never want to admit her identity in public so easily.

If Stella truly had got married, how would she hide all the details without telling others? Modesty was wondering if Stella deliberately wanted to mislead others to think that her ex-husband was a bigwig. In the afternoon, Modesty took her newly designed jewelry series to Stanford's office.

With the best resources, after studying design in France for such a long time, Modesty had her skills and abilities. However, she was too be anxious to achieve quick success and get instant benefits. All her designs emanated an eagerness that she wanted to suppress Stella.

Stanford rubbed his temples and said, "Modesty, your design looks fine. But, we have 'Puppy ' Series in SG Jewelry Magazine, why don't you try another style?"

Obviously, Modesty was well prepared. She retorted, "I admit that 'Puppy ' Series are still popular now, which means that the market likes such style. Besides, my design style is different from it. After my series are produced and available in the market, we can let the two series compete with each other. Then we will know which one the market would choose."

So you meant if your series is more popular than 'Puppy ' Series, we should stop producing and selling 'Puppy '?

Of course. Survival of the fittest.

Stanford suddenly laughed. "Modesty, I know you want to be better than Sharon in every perspective, but you should know you are working for SG Jewelry Magazine. We're making jewelry here not schemes in the workplace."

Although his tone was steady and gentle, his words sounded quite harsh.

Modesty, however, retorted, "It's just because SG Jewelry is the A-list magazine in our country, we should know 'survival of the fittest' better."☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 62: My Ex-husband’s Mother

When Stella arrived in the company, she saw Modesty walk out of Stanford's office with an annoyed look, her eyes full of willingness to submit.

Modesty took a few steps and saw Stella. In her high heels, she approached Stella. "I heard that you are the one who was offered the opportunity from Conrad Group originally, aren't you?"

Stella answered in a flat tone. "Probably."

Why did you refuse them?

If I got something that wasn't gained by my hard work, I'm afraid I can't fall asleep at night.

Stella didn't understand why Clarence would have offered such a chance. Once it was said that he would make Vivian famous, and later the official explanation was that Conrad Group liked her design abilities. Stella wasn't a naive or inexperienced young girl. How could she believe in such a high-sounding excuse?

Upon hearing it, Modesty misunderstood that Stella was mocking her for she had got the chance to study in Paris three years ago, which was not based on her own hard work but was snatched from Stella. Modesty said, "Stella Radomil, don't overestimate yourself. Think you are so aloof and different since you've rejected the chance from Conrad Group? For any designer, he or she wouldn't have given up such an opportunity that he or she could let the international shows know about his or her designs."

As she spoke, Modesty cast Stella a glance and smiled. "Oh, not really. I've almost forgotten. You also gave up such an opportunity three years ago. A person like who doesn't deserve to be a designer at all." Waiting for her to finish her words, Stella answered calmly, "If you truly don't think you deserve such a chance, you can give it up."

She felt so annoyed by Modesty's self-flattery.

After finishing her words, Stella walked away directly.

Modesty probably hadn't expected that Stella would have said so. Standing motionlessly for a few seconds, she finally came back to her senses. Biting her lower lip tightly, she looked quite reluctant. After Stella checked her working schedule with Stanford, she helped Sherry get a few more days off.

Stanford asked, "How's she doing now?"

Probably she still needs more time to let go of it.

Usually, Stanford didn't ask much about his employees' privacy, so he didn't ask much before Stella left his office.

Out of his office, Stella heard her coworkers discussing in low voices.

Before she heard what they were discussing about, a mid-aged man in a suit showed up in front of her.

Excuse me, Ms. Radomil. Ma'am wants to talk to you.

Stella hadn't realized who the Ma'am was, and then she saw Joanna standing not far away behind him.

In the meeting room. Joanna withdrew her gaze from the window. "I didn't expect that you're working here."

Stella sat down, her hands clenching together subconsciously. She was quite nervous. After a long while, she heard her voice, "Mrs. Conrad, what can I do for you?"

Joanna cast her a glance and said in a slight tone, "Clarence and you have divorced for a long while. As his mother, shouldn't I care about you?"

Honestly, Stella couldn't tell that Joanna came to her because she cared about the unreal marriage between Clarence and her. Instead, Joanna seemed to come to blame her for something. After a while, Stella said, "We've finished the divorce procedure already. I didn't take a penny. Mr. Conrad wasn't against it either."

Really? Joanna looked expressionless. "But it makes sense. You can't get anything from him."

Before Stella answered, Joanna asked, "How much monthly can you get from here?"

Mrs. Conrad, I...

I'm not going to negotiate with you. Joanna pulled out an envelope from her purse and smashed it onto the desk. "Here are a ticket to London and a ten million check."

Stella frowned. "I'm afraid I don't get it."

Joanna smiled. "I know you need money. You married Clarence for money, didn't you? Or, do you think it's not enough?"

Stella pressed her lips slightly. "Please rest assured. I've divorced Clarence Conrad, and I won't pester him any longer. I don't have any intention to covert the Conrad family's wealth at all."

You've misunderstood me. Joanna's tone was quite cold. "I don't care what happens between Clarence and you. I just want you to never meet Horace Jason again."

Stella had never expected that her purpose for coming to her wasn't for Clarence, but Horace. She asked in confusion, "Pardon me?"

I believe that you've heard Horace Jason is marrying Annie soon, but your existence seems to be not unpleasant. For the sake that you used to marry into the Conrad family, I came to you today to resolve the problem. Take the money and leave town. It's good for all people.

Soon, Stella calmed down. "Mrs. Conrad, I have nothing to do with Horace. I won't accept the money. Besides, please forgive my rudeness -- Horace doesn't like Annie Conrad at all. It doesn't make any sense that you came to me today."

Since he was born in such a family, he can't decide his own marriage by himself. You should know I'm telling the truth.

Stella's face turned pale when she heard it.

In the past, Clarence married her was because of his parents as well.

At that time, the Conrad family wanted a child. She wondered what they wanted now.

Besides, she was just guessing that Joanna didn't care about Clarence at all. After talking to her today, she could confirm her guess.

Joanna never cared about Clarence. No matter he was married or divorced and what kind of woman he married, Joanna didn't take it seriously at all.

Stella wondered why. Wasn't Clarence her son?

Joanna stood up. "I guess you need time to think about it. I can't get your answer so quickly. But you should know that nobody dares to hire you as long as I inform someone. Taking this ten million and leaving here is your best choice. How about this -- the day after tomorrow happened to be my birthday. You are invited to my birthday banquet. Then you can tell me your answer."

Stella's heart skipped a beat. When she was about to reject, Joanna had already left.

Stella had never wanted to socialize with those so-called uptown people, and she knew that no one from the upper-class liked her. She was afraid that they would try their best to humiliate her by then. However, Joanna knew it clearly but she still invited Stella over to attend the banquet. It was obviously a banquet with evil intention to her.

Picking up the envelope from the desk, Stella felt a faint migraine at her temples.

Walking out of the meeting room, Stella felt others' weird gazes on her.

One assistant to the cameraman, who got along with her well, approached and asked tentatively, "Excuse me, Sharon. Who was that just now?" Looking at their faces, Stella roughly knew what they were thinking about.

Although she had clarified, a lot of the coworkers in her company still said that she was a rich man's mistress. Since Joanna came to her, they were sure that it was the official wife of the rich man coming to teach the mistress a lesson.

Stella was angry and amused. She blurted out, "She is my ex-husband's mother."

Upon hearing her words, others believed her less.

Besides Joanna's appearance and temperament, the handbag in her hands was a tailed design from a certain luxury brand. If she weren't a VIP member who had spent tens of millions in that brand, she wouldn't have the qualification to get the handbag at all.00000

Chapter 63: To Celebrate His Last-place in Every Exam?

Hence, if Stella wanted them to believe that Joanna was her ex-husband's mother, her coworkers would rather believe that it was the official wife who came to teach Stella, the mistress, a lesson. Stella parted her lips, thinking that it would be useless for her to explain. Then she decided to just let it be.

She couldn't stop Clarence from talking, let alone hundreds of her coworkers.

After leaving SG Jewelry, Stella went to Conrad Group directly. She wanted to pass the envelope to Clarence. No matter what a farce their Conrad family would like to make, she didn't want to get involved at all.

When Stella arrived, she found that the receptionists in Conrad Group were changed. After she filled in the registration form, one receptionist said, "Excuse me, Ma'am. A few days ago, Mr. Conrad said he wouldn't meet any designer from SG Jewelry Magazine."

Stella realized that the wretched man was getting more and more short-tempered.

She pressed her lips and took out the envelope. "Could you please pass this to him for me?"

The receptionist said, "I'm sorry. I can't take any gift for Mr. Conrad."

This isn't a gift. It's...

I'm sorry, Ma'am. It's our company rule. I can do nothing.

Stella could only put the envelope back into her bag. "Okay. Thank you all the same."

She could only leave with such trouble.

In the CEO's office of the Conrad Group...

Nathan knocked at the door and walked in. "Excuse me, Mr. Conrad. I've prepared the birthday gift for Mrs. Joanna Conrad. Would you like to take a look, please?" Without raising his head, Clarence answered, "No."

Okay, Nathan answered.

He didn't leave right away. Instead, he stood at the spot and wanted to say something, but he hesitated.

Clarence looked up at him slightly. "What else?"

The security found a sneaking man on the second floor...

Clarence looked at him with a cold face, as if he was asking why Nathan would be useful if he had to deal with such a trifle himself.

Nathan coughed and continued, "It's Mrs. Conrad's father."

Clarence's expression didn't change. His tone became cold. "Don't you know I'm divorced?"

Nathan suddenly felt the cold sweat ooze on his back, wondering what Clarence was thinking about. Immediately, he changed, "Yes... It's Ms. Radomil's father. He wants to see you." "What does her father have anything do with me? After catching someone suspicious, you should take him to the police station. Should I teach you such a simple lesson?" "Yes, Mr. Conrad. I'll do it right away."

After leaving the CEO's office, Nathan felt as if he had got in and out of Hell and managed to survive.

He wondered what Stella had done to offend Mr. Conrad, who seemed to be so angry.

In the office, Clarence put down the pen in his hand, rubbing his temples.

Shortly, his phone rang. He swiped to answer and heard Vincent's voice. "Dude, come out for a drink?"

Where?

When Clarence arrived at the box, a group of men was opening a bottle of champagne for celebrating. He sat on the sofa with his long legs across. He asked casually, "What's up?" Vincent raised his flute. "I don't know either. It seems that the useless son of the Lewis family is going to college soon. His father has invited a lot of people to celebrate it for him." "Celebrate for what? To celebrate his last-place in every exam?"

As they talked, Antonio saw Clarence and came over with a flute in hand. With a bright smile, he said, "Mr. Conrad, I didn't expect that you would come here. It's a great honor. Come on. Let's have a toast." As he spoke, he raised his head and gulped down the champagne.

Right then, someone came over and put his arm around Antonio's shoulder. "Hey, Antonio, I heard that your son is going to University A. He's awesome!"

The Lewis family was nouveau riche, and none of their family members was well-educated. They were always mocked by the upper-class. However, Antonio only had one son. No matter how bad his exam results were, they couldn't do anything. They couldn't send him back to his mother's belly and let him be born again, could they?

However, when everyone looked down on them, Antonio suddenly declared that his son had got admission to enter the nationwide number one university. He also invited so many people to celebrate it with him.

Vincent's company cooperated with Antonio's in business, so he received the invitation. He didn't want to come here alone to listen to others flatters, so he asked Clarence over.

Antonio answered modestly, "My boy looks playful all the time, but he didn't disappoint me this time. Finally, he didn't disgrace our family."

It seems your son truly amazed the world with a single brilliant feat.

You're flattering me. Fortunately, I always keep an eye on him and educate him myself. Otherwise, how could he get such a high mark?

While they were flattering each other, Clarence cast a cold glance at Vincent. The latter looked away quickly.

With impatience written all over his face, Clarence stood up and was about to leave. He heard the two men's conversation continuing, "Since your son is going to UNIVERSITY A, he must have got a high mark."

Antonio smiled deeply. "Just so so. It seems he got over seven hundred forty points, almost the full marks. It's so unfortunate that he hasn't got the full mark. He didn't work hard enough."

Over seven hundred forty? That's a brilliant score. I heard the student ranked in the first place in our province also got that mark. Is it your son actually?

Clarence, who had already reached the door of the box, turned around and looked at them.

Antonio sensed that he exposed something. Then he laughed and changed the subject, "Gee, what era are we in now? Exam result means nothing. Come on. Let's keep on drinking." Vincent walked up. "What's wrong?"

Clarence said in a flat tone, "Do you think his son can enter a college with his exam results?"

Not mention the college, Antonio put his son into the high school after he had donated several buildings.

Then how could he enter UNIVERSITY A?

Vincent couldn't find his tongue. "Well..."

Clarence frowned and said in a cold tone, "Find me the manager here."

After five minutes, the manager pushed open the door of another box. He asked gingerly, "Good evening, Mr. Conrad and Mr. James. What can I do for you?"

Clarence looked up at him. "Why did Channing Radomil ask you for help a few days ago?"

Mr. Conrad, you've asked me that evening. Chan needed some money...

Has he got the money?

The manager answered after a long while, "Yes, he has."

Clarence looked colder. "Who gave it to him?"

The manager felt his legs weakened. For a moment, he couldn't find his tongue.

Channing came to ask him for help because he wanted to sell his university admission letter. Although it was illegal, a lot of rich families were willing to do this kind of trade. After they got the admission letter, the rich had their own ways to resolve the consequential problems.☐☐☐☐

Chapter 64: Is It Worth Me to Favor Them?

The manager stammered for a moment but still didn't know how to answer. He wondered why Mr. Conrad cared so much about this matter. Last time, when he asked and knew that Chan needed money, he

didn't say anything, did he?

Clarence pulled a long cold face. He had known the answer already. "You may leave now."

Yes, Mr. Conrad.

The manager breathed a sigh of relief and left the box, feeling as if he had returned from Hell and managed to survive.

After the door of the private box was closed, Vincent asked, "Did your brother-in-law sell his admission letter?"

Clarence looked at him expressionlessly.

Vincent immediately changed and corrected his words precisely, "Your ex-wife's younger brother."

Clarence withdrew his gaze and poured himself a glass of wine. He said in a flat tone, "None of my business."

Upon hearing it, Vincent couldn't help but click his tongue. If he didn't care, Clarence wouldn't have called the Twilight Club's manager over once he got a wild guess.

Right then, Nathan knocked at the door and came in. "Excuse me, Mr. Conrad. Mrs... Ms. Radomil's father followed you here. He made a fuss and said he wants to see you and his debtors asked him to pay the debt in three days."

Clarence didn't raise his head at all. He said in a cold tone, "Ask him to fuck off."

Nathan walked out and the door of the box was closed again. Clarence pinched the goblet with his knuckled fingers, his handsome features seeming to be covered with a layer of frost. He looked expressionless. "Do you still think I like her until now?"

Vincent was taken aback. "Pardon?"

Three years ago, she gave up the opportunity of going to Paris for money. Three years later, her brother gave up his university admission letter for money. For those people who are mercenary, is it worth me to favor them?

"Well... The matters happened for some reasons, didn't they?

Clarence snorted. No matter what the reasons were. They have given up their own futures. How could others pity them?"""

At home, Stella hung up the phone. Sherry walked in with a pack of snacks. She looked envious and said, "How wonderful! I also want to have a younger brother who could be a straight-A student. If I can't rely on my boyfriend or husband, I can rely on my brother at least. What did Chan tell you on the phone?

Stella smiled. "He said he's going to college tomorrow. Then they would have a half-month military training. He asked me to take care of myself."

Oh, right! I've almost forgotten about the military training. It was just a nightmare for me. Sherry thought for a moment. "How about we send Chan to college tomorrow together? In that case, we can also look around his university and see if his roommates are handsome."

Stella was amused. Then she said, "Forget it. Chan won't be willing to let us do that."

Sherry lay down on her bed. "I think so, too. Sometimes, he's way too stubborn, just like you. We can go there in the future when we have a chance."

After a short while, Stella asked in a gentle voice, "Has Liam Keith come to you recently?"

I've already blocked all his contact ways. I guess he must be enjoying his life with that hypocritical woman Jolie Young. I wish they loving each other, happy ever after, and leading a life in hell.

Stella fell into the silence. Then she asked, "If... Liam Keith's mother invited you to attend her birthday banquet, would you go there?"

Sherry sneered. "Of course! Why wouldn't I go? I'll tell her mother what a scumbag she had raised in the presence of all his friends and relatives. Then I'll print his affair on the posts and deliver one copy to each of the attendees."

She heaved a sigh and gave up her idea.

She wanted Sherry to give her some valuable suggestions, but seemingly she wouldn't.

Joanna seemed to be quite aggressive, so Stella didn't think that she could skip the birthday banquet.

It seemed all the members of the Conrad family were the same -- they always criticized others from their own subjective angle of views and forced others to do something others' were unwilling to. Stella guessed that probably all the rich were like this -- unreasonable and self-centered.

In the afternoon of the next day, when Stella was drawing a draft, she received a call from an unknown number. "Hello, Ms. Radomil, Mrs. Conrad asked me to pick you up for her birthday banquet. Shall I wait for you to come downstairs or shall I go upstairs?"

Stella pressed her lips. "I will go downstairs myself. Please wait for a moment."

All right.

After hanging up the phone, she looked at the untouched envelope and took a deep breath. Then she picked up her handbag and left the office.

Stella arrived downstairs. The mid-aged man cast her a glance. "Ms. Radomil, are you going to attend the banquet in such outfit?"

Stella was wearing a loosened dress and light makeup for being polite. She said, "I'll just say happy birthday to Mrs. Conrad and return something to her. Then I'll leave."

The mid-aged man nodded slightly. He didn't speak anything else and opened the door of the car for her.

Joanna's birthday was held in the Conrads' Mansion. Different from the quietness, a lot of luxurious cars were parked in there. A lot of guests attended the banquet, quite lively.

After getting off the car, Stella looked at the place that she didn't fit in, lowering her head.

She turned around, only to find that the mid-aged man who took her here had vanished.

She could only meet Joanna after going across the yard where a lot of attendees were gathering.

When things came to this far, Stella clearly understood Joanna's purpose to invite her here -- only after seeing the difference between herself and them, Stella wouldn't be trying to get something that would never belong to her.

With each step she took, she sobered up more.

Stella clenched her fists, walking in step by step.

All the guests around her were well dressed. Seeing her wearing such a casual outfit, a lot of people looked at her weirdly and discussed her.

Some of them recognized that she used to be Clarence's wife. And some of them didn't know who she was.

After going across the yard, Stella stopped her pace. Standing in front of the door, she pressed her lips slightly. Right then, she heard a gentle voice from her back. "Hi, Stella?"

Stella turned around. "Good evening, Mr. Conrad."

Justine smiled faintly. He operated his wheelchair to approach her. "Did you come here with Clarence?"

Stella shook her head. "No. I'm here for Mrs. Conrad."

Upon hearing it, Justine looked a bit surprised.

Stella pulled out an envelope from her handbag. "Mr. Conrad, it's so nice to meet you help. Please help me return this to Mrs. Conrad. I won't go into the house then." "Well..." Justin didn't reach out and get it over. He asked, "Has my mother talked to you? About Annie's matter?"

Yes. Horace and I are just friends. We don't have any affairs. It's unnecessary for Mrs. Conrad to such a thing.

Justin looked around and said calmly, "It's so rare for you to come here. Don't leave in such a hurry. Please push me to wander around in the backyard."

Since he requested so, Stella couldn't refuse. She could only put the envelop back into her handbag and pushed Justin's wheelchair to be garden in the backyard.

The farther they went, the fewer guests there were.

Suddenly, Justin said, "I guess you must be quite curious why my mother didn't object when you married Clarence. Instead, she made the trouble to you because of the marriage between Annie and Horace Jason."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 65: Killing Him at the Sore Spot

Stella pressed her lips and didn't answer.

She couldn't understand it indeed, but she wasn't in the mood to care about the Conrads' family business.

Justin added, "I guess Clarence hasn't told you something before. He's just my half-brother from a different mother."

Stella was startled, losing her tongue for a moment.

Clarence is my father's illegitimate son. Justin operated the wheelchair to turn around and said calmly, "When I was ten, I had a car accident, and I couldn't stand up again. The Conrad family needs a successor, so my father took Clarence in. He was only seven at that time. My mother always thought that Clarence has snatched something that should originally belong to me. Hence, she disfavors Clarence a lot."

As he spoke, Justin smiled. "Clarence shouldn't be blamed for my car accident, but my mother went too extreme. All I could do was to make them get along. Additionally, after Clarence became the CEO of Conrad Group, the company developed rapidly. Now even my father started to be afraid of him. They are so eager to let Annie marry Horace Jason because they wanted to borrow the power from the Jason family so that they could transfer the shares from Clarence's hands."

Although Justin didn't tell her anything too straightforwardly, Stella understood something. Clarence was an illegitimate child of the Conrad family and he didn't have a good life in this family. On the surface, he was the powerful CEO of Conrad Group, but in fact, his father was afraid that he would be out of control and aimed to get someone else to replace him.

Suddenly, Stella understood why Clarence's parents would let her marry into their family no matter how much Clarence was against it.

What they truly wanted was the baby in her belly.

Stella subconsciously put her hand on her belly, cold sweat oozing on her back in fear.

No wonder that Clarence wasn't willing to have the baby. If the Conrad family knew that she was pregnant, Stella believed that they would try every possible means to...

Justin added, "I watched Clarence grow up. Although he looks aloof and has a sharp tongue, he isn't so scheming and ruthless as other men in this circle. In such a place where others might skin him alive, he always keeps sobering and knows what he wants.

Probably it's because he has grown up in such a different environment, Clarence always evilly sees people. Hence, even if he truly cares about someone, he always speaks harsh words to the person. Sometimes, you can't judge him from his words, but you should look at what he has done, which represents his true thoughts.

Stella wanted to retort him that Clarence didn't do anything better than what he spoke.

All he had done to her were nothing that a human could do.

Stella realized that Justin, as Clarence's brother, was still too generous to Clarence.

Seeing that Stella kept silent, Justin continued, "I know it's quite inappropriate for me to tell you such words, but I don't think Clarence would tell you those things himself. I just hope you don't misunderstand him, which would lead you both..."

Stella smiled and interrupted him, "Mr. Conrad, I know what you are trying to tell me. Thank you for trusting me so much and telling me the biggest secret of your Conrad family. However, Clarence Conrad and are divorced. No matter if he looks aloof but is warm-hearted or he has a harsh tongue but is soft-hearted, it has nothing to do with me. Mr. Conrad, please rest assured. I won't tell anyone else anything you've told me."

Justin, the servant told me you came here. You...

Joanna was talking to Justin while walking towards them. Then she saw Stella standing behind Justin, her face turning cold instantly.

Stella said, "Good evening, Mr. Conrad."

Joanna cast a glance at Justin and looked over at her. "It seems you've made up your mind already."

Mrs. Conrad, when you came to my office last time, I've said that Horace and I are not in such a relationship as you've thought. I can't do anything about the marriage between Annie Conrad and him. Stella was about to pull out the envelope, but Justin said, "Stella, Clarence didn't give you anything when you divorce. Please take this money as compensation from the Conrad family to you."

It was fine if he hadn't said so. However, upon hearing his words, Stella felt that the envelope was burning her hands.

Without hesitation, Stella immediately said, "No..."

However, her refusal was too late.

It turns out you came here today for this.

She heard the man's cold an ironic voice behind her.

Joanna obviously was unwilling to meet Clarence. As soon as he came over, she turned around and left.

Justin heaved a sigh in silence. "Clarence, you've misunderstood her. Stella didn't come here for this. I was forcing her to keep the money."

Clarence stood motionlessly and upright. His tone was extremely indifferent. "You don't need to put on good words for her. I know what kind of person she is." "Clarence..."

Before Justin could finish his words, the butler came over. "Excuse me, Mr. Justin. Mr. Conrad wants to see you."

Justin said before leaving the garden, "Clarence, please talk nice."

In an instant, there were two of them left in the big garden.

Stella slowly turned around and pressed her lips slightly. "Hi, Mr. Conrad."

Clarence cast her a glance and his gaze fell on the envelope in her hands. "How much this time? Is it enough to pay back how much you owed me?" Stella clenched her fingers tightly, her face turning pale.

I agree with your words -- we've divorced. I don't want to see you again either. Give me back my money. Don't ever show up in front of me again. Clarence's tone was quite calm. He even didn't mock her, but his words made her frozen as if her bones were chilled as well.

Seeing that Stella didn't answer him for a long while, Clarence said again, "Why? Haven't they given you enough money? You asked me for the half property of Conrad Group. How can you be so satisfied with such a small amount of money?"

After a long moment of silence, Stella answered in a flat tone, "Mr. Conrad, stop making wild guesses. The money in my hands was offered by Mrs. Conrad to ask me to leave Horace. It's has nothing to do with you at all."

Clarence was choked up by her words.

Stella knew that he said those words to poke at her sore spot, but she could kill him at his sore spot as well, couldn't she?

As she expected, Clarence's expression changed to extremely gloomy. He emanated coldness all over his body.

Stella felt sickened. She wasn't in the mood to be stalemated with him any longer. She put the envelope on the tea table. "I'm putting it here. Mr. Conrad, I don't give a shit if you want to send my message or not. You can take that I've kept the money. Anyway, you guys always prejudged others with your own thoughts."

When Stella just took a step, she heard Clarence's cold voice behind her. "You don't care about the money so much, but does your brother know it?"

Stella paused her pace, turned around, and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

Clarence curled up his lips. "Why don't you guess with your pure and innocent mind?"

She couldn't help cursing the wretched man.

Chapter 66: Making the Silliest Choice for the Sake of Money

Clarence took a glance at the lobby calmly and said, “The banquet is going to start.”

He walked towards the second floor after finishing the words.

Stella felt more flustered when she heard his words, "Mr. Conrad..."

Clarence didn't turn around and she could only see his indifferent back.

Stella gritted her teeth, clenched her fists and then followed him.

Clarence walked upstairs to the second floor, pushed open the door of the bedroom and then directly walked to the cloakroom.

Stella followed him without a second thought, "Mr. Conrad, what's wrong with my brother? Please make it clear!"

Clarence, who was picking neckties, said in a cold voice, "This is my private space, Miss, please leave right away. Otherwise, I'll call the police."

Stella was rendered speechless. "Clarence, are you insane?" She asked in her heard.

Mr. Conrad, please tell me what happens to my brother. I promise I will leave here right away if you can tell me and I won't stay in this place for a single more second.

Your brother? Like you, he made the silliest choice for the sake of money.

Stella recalled that Channing gave her a bank card before and felt overwhelmed by uneasiness. She didn't have any mood to care about any other things and grabbed Clarence's arm, "Mr. Conrad."

Clarence looked down at her hand. Stella hastily took back her hand. When she was about to say something, Clarence pressed a necktie on her palm.

He said in a cold voice, "The most urgent thing now is the banquet downstairs."

Stella gritted her teeth and had an impulse to strangle him with the necktie in her hand.

When he tied the necktie for him, Clarence landed an emotionless gaze on her face, "Horace will engage today. He will be happy if he sees you here." Stella finally failed to suppress her resentment and abruptly tightened the necktie.

Clarence slightly knitted his brows.

Stella hurriedly adjusted the necktie, "Sorry, sorry, I'm not skilled in this."

Clarence found out her small tricks soon. He sneered and casually took out a dress from the wardrobe, "Wear it."

Stella was a bit stunned, "Me?"

Clarence became impatient, "It's that for me?"

Stella was rendered speechless and pondered why Clarence was so temperamental today.

After a long while, she said, "Mr. Conrad, I just want to know what happens to my brother. If you can answer my question, I will leave immediately."

I don't want to talk about this now. Clarence continued, "If you're impatient, you can go and directly ask your brother."

Stella felt that her mind was going to explode. If Channing could tell her when asked, why did she have to beg Clarence now?

She pondered for a while and said, "Mr. Conrad, I don't want to take part in the banquet, you..." Stella wanted to ask him to make the other request. Clarence, who was leaning against the wardrobe, spoke after several seconds, "You think I want to take part in it?"

Stella was silent and recalled what Justin said before.

She doubted that Clarence asked her to go to the banquet with him with a purpose of using her as an excuse to deal with Joanna.

Stella said in a low voice, "This dress is not suitable to me."

Each of the clothes here is of your size.

Stella blushed, "I... I have gotten some weights recently."

Clarence was rendered speechless.

He sneered, "Looks like that you have been living a happy life after divorcing me."

As a matter of fact, Stella didn't gain weight on her arms and legs. It was just that the dresses for banquets are basically tight-waisted and her budging belly would be obvious if she wore the dress. Stella seized her pants, "I think I don't need to change my clothes."

They would tease at her regardless what she was wearing.

As you like.

Clarence walked out of the room after finishing the words.

Stella kept a distance away from him and followed him out of the room.

The guests gathered in the lobby and toasted each other. The banquet looked lively.

As there were many guests in the lobby, Stella soon found that Clarence had disappeared in her sight. Looking at the direction that he disappeared, Stella moved her lips trying to say something. But in the end she simply found a corner to reduce her sense of presence, hoping that this banquet would end soon.

After a second thought, she took out her phone and called Channing, yet only to hear a string of busy tones from the other end of the phone.

Stella pressed her lips together. She then sent a message to Sherry, asking her to go to Channing's school to find him.

Although Stella didn't know what happened to Channing, judging from Clarence's tone of voice, she was certain that it must be a bad thing.

After a short while, Stella suddenly felt stomach-churning. She guessed that the baby in her bully was making a fuss again.

After making sure that no one was paying attention to her, she went to the toilet of the first floor.

When Stella was washing her hand, a girl who just walked out of a compartment, took several glance at her.

Stella didn't remember this girl and felt a bit strange. When their gazes met in the air, she nodded at her as a greeting politely and then turned around and left.

Phoebe gradually withdrew her gaze when Stella left the toilet.

Right at this moment, Rebecca, who had a big belly, walked into the toilet, "Phoebe, you've staying in the toilet for so long."

Phoebe turned around and smiled at her, "Nothing. I saw something incredible just now."

Rebecca heaved a long sigh, "Will Horace's engagement ceremony be smooth today?"

Although it was a birthday party for Joanna, today's banquet was more like an opportunity that the two families had arranged in advance to declare the engagement in front of those guests.

Although both Horace and Clarence would be in a dilemma after the declaration, their main target was not Horace, but Clarence.

Even though the two families had reached an agreement on the engagement, the Conrad Group was basically controlled by Clarence for the time being.

It was a union of the two families on the surface, but the nature of this engagement was the cooperation between the two companies.

Phoebe said, "Horace has tacitly approved this. Otherwise, he won't come to this banquet today.”

Rebecca looked a bit helpless, "Based on the situation of the family, this seemed to be the only way for us to get out."

The outsiders might not be able to perceive this, but they were quite clear that the Jason family had been going downhill over the past two years. Rebecca's father had tried many approaches, yet they were all proved to be useless. Therefore, when they got the opportunity to build connection with the Conrad Group through marriage, they agreed with it without hesitation and regardless of Horace's opinion, even though they knew that Annie was an unruly and self-willed woman.

Last now, Horace's parents invited Horace to the study and they talked for the whole night. For commercial marriages, there was always a clear distinction between interests and affections. If Horace really didn't like Annie, he could divorce her when the cooperation between the two companies came to an end.

So far, commercial marriage was the plainest excuse.

Both Clarence and Annie were all Dempsey's chess pieces.

When he lost control of one chess piece, he would immediately use the other one to achieve his purpose.

Phoebe sent Rebecca back to the lobby of the banquet. When she was about to find Stella, she saw Annie walking to her with a gloomy expression.

Phoebe asked, "What's wrong?"

Annie squeezed out the words from between her teeth, "That shameless woman also takes part in this banquet. She knows that I will engage with Horace and she must be here to make a fuss. If Clarence is not here, I will directly drive her out of this place!"

Chapter 67: We Will Not Contact Each Other Again

Phoebe seemed to think of something, "I remember that your cousin Clarence doesn't like her, right?"

Yeah, but I don't know what's wrong with him recently. He warned me not to go hard with her several days ago.

Phoebe picked up a glass of wine and said nonchalantly, "Maybe it's because she's pregnant."

Annie widened her eyes, "What? But she..."

Phoebe said in a gentle voice, "I saw her in the hospital before and it seemed like she was here to have a pregnancy inspection. I asked her tentatively for several times later and I guessed that she's probably pregnant. Annie, don't tell others about this. I know that she has divorced Clarence, but so far and don't know who the father of the child in her belly is..."

Phoebe's words were so euphemistic, but she explicitly expressed the key information. Hatred towards Stella immediately appeared in Annie's eyes.

That shameless woman had been pestering Horace recently and she showed up in this banquet out of the blue today. Annie guessed that Stella was probably planning to threat Horace to marry her with the child in her belly. She would not allow this to happen.

Annie turned around indignantly and went to find Stella.

Looking at her back, Phoebe slowly finished the wine in the glass.

On the other side, Stella was still waiting for Sherry's message. She became more and more flustered and uneasy.

She suddenly heard someone shouting at her, "You, come here, clear this place."

Stella looked over following the sound and found the red spills on the ground. She guessed that maybe a child was playing there before and accidently knocked over the glass.

Seeing that Stella was still motionless, the man shouted again, "Are you dumb? Do you know how distinguished the guests of today's banquet are? If one of them falls down because of this, will you be held responsible?"

Horace's voice suddenly sounded.

The man, who was so cocky and overbearing just now, immediately changed his attitude when he saw Horace. He walked over to greet Horace, "Mr. Jason, I've been admiring you. I'm..."

Horace looked askance at him, but the gentleness that he always wore disappeared. He pulled Stella out of the lobby.

They stopped beside a swimming pool. Horace asked, "Stella, how comes that you're here?"

Stella replied, "For some matters."

She paused and then asked, “Are you going to engage with Annie?"

Horace was amused, "Clarence told you about that?"

He shifted his gaze to the other place when speaking. After a long while, he finally replied, "For me, if I can't marry the girl I like, I will not care a scrap about which woman I'm going to marry in the future." Stella was lost for words, "Horace..."

If the one he engaged was the other person, she would send her sincere blessing to them as she regarded Horace as her friend. But since Stella was so clear of Annie's personality, so no matter what, she hoped that Horace could consider it carefully.

Horace said, "Stella, you don't need to blame yourself. I only knew about this last night. It was not Annie who insisted on engaging with me, it was the Jason family that calls for the commercial marriage with the Conrad Group."

Stella suddenly didn't know what to say. It was true. Did feelings matter in front of a commercial cooperation worthy of hundreds of millions of RMB?

Rich families seemed to be glory on the surface, but it was indeed a cruel place.

Stella, I hope you can marry the one you like and I hope that he will also love you.

He and Stella were the same. They missed the opportunity to be with each other again and again.

Horace often thought that if he was not that composed and reasonable and confessed to Stella before, maybe things would be totally different today.

After a long while, Stella gave him a light smile, "Maybe this will never happen."

Horace was silent. He then asked, "You and Clarence..."

It's impossible for us to be together. I haven't gotten even with him. When those problems are solved, we will not owe each other anything any longer and we will not contact each other again. "That's good. The Conrad family is far more complicated than you've imagined. And Clarence is not suitable for you."

Horace had to deal with many matters tonight, so he didn't stay with Stella for too long.

Stella didn't want to come back to the lobby because she felt it oppressive. Standing beside the swimming pool, she enjoyed the gentle breezes and was lost in her thoughts when looking at the glimmering pool. But he didn't notice that Clarence was looking at her at the distance with coldness written all over his handsome face. He was enshrouded in the dark night and was expressionless.

How dared to think like this? Could she clear what she owed him by simply giving back his money?

After a long while, Clarence coldly shifted his gaze and left.

At the same time, Stella received a call from Sherry.

Sherry went to Channing's school, but the school told her that Channing was not its student. Sherry didn't believe in it and asked many people.

Channing ranked the first in the province in the national college entrance examination and his grade ranked the first in this school. It should be easy for Sherry to get his information. But when she came to the 'list of top students' of the school, she found that the one ranking first had the same grade as Channing's. And Channing was not on the list.

A manager of the school rushed over when he heard about this. When he learned that Sherry was here to find Channing, his attitude immediately became weird. He told Sherry was not a student of the school and called the security guards to drive Sherry out of the school.

Stella held her phone tightly and closed her eyes. She could roughly guess what was going on.

But Sherry still couldn't figure it out. She asked, "Stella, what the hell is going on? I can't get in touch with Channing. What I learned from the school made me doubt whether if I've mistaken it."

I will explain it to you later. Stella pressed her lips together, "Can you please go to the convenience store that Chan worked for before. I want to know whether he's there or not."

Okay, I will go there now.

Stella suddenly felt feeble when she hung up the phone.

She hadn't expected that Channing would sell his admission letter to the other person. Was he clear about what this meant?

Right at this moment, Stella suddenly heard some footsteps from behind and felt that the air around her inexplicably became colder. Her heart missed one beat. When she wanted to turn around to have a look, she was knocked down by someone.

The wind breezed through the swimming pool in front of her.

Stella then fell down into the pool. She felt the water pouring her ears and her nose.

She struggled out of the instinct. Yet she was surrounded by water and she couldn't catch anything.

She gradually sank into the pool and all her strength was gradually drained out of her body. Out of no reason, Stella suddenly wanted to give up everything when sensing the endless darkness. Sometimes she felt it really tiring to live in this world.

When Clarence walked to the lobby, he heard a maid shouting from behind, "Someone falls into the water."

He paused. When he turned around, he found that the woman standing beside the swimming pool before was nowhere to be found now.

Clarence's black pupils abruptly shrank and he rushed towards the pool.

When he arrived there, the surface of the water had become calm.

He jumped into the water without hesitation.

Stella vaguely felt someone pulling her into his arms and giving her an artificial respiration.

Chapter 68: As Expected, It Was That Double-minded Man Again

After a long while, she gained her sights and breathed the fresh air again.

Clarence gently patted her face, his brows furrowed tightly, "Stella, wake up."

But Stella who was lying on the ground didn't response.

Clarence leaned forward to check her breathes and pressed her chest again. Stella coughed out a mouthful of water. When Clarence was about to press her belly to let her spit out the rest water, Horace, who got the news not long ago and rushed to here, suddenly grabbed his hand.

Clarence said in a cold voice, "Fuck off."

Many people walked over to watch this when they heard the commotion. Horace pressed his lips tightly. He didn't explain it and simply said, "The doctor will be here soon."

Clarence shoved off his hand, "I have to repeat my words. Fuck off."

Right at this moment, Stella weakly grabbed Clarence's hand, "I... Cough... I'm fine..."

Clarence looked down at her and found that Stella had waked up and her face was bloodless. She slightly knitted her brows, seeming to be uncomfortable at the moment.

After two second, Clarence withdrew his gaze and took back his hand. He shot an emotionless glace at Horace and then stood up and left. After Clarence's departure, Horace walked over and supported Stella in his arms, "Stella, let me send you to the hospital."

When Horace just held Stella in his arms, Rebecca emerged from the crowd and stopped him hastily, "Horace, what are you doing?"

I have to send her to the hospital.

To hospital? Do you know what today's banquet is for? Rebecca took a glance at the woman in his arms, "She's Clarence's woman, but he doesn't want to intervene in this. Why do you get yourself involved? It's none of your business. Don't forget what promise you made to father and mom before. If you screw up today's banquet, the Jason Group will be all up."

Rebecca continued, "She has waked up and I guess that her situation is not that serious. She just needs to have a check-up in the hospital. Leave her to me and rest assured, I will take good care of her." When speaking, Rebecca's security guards took Stella from Horace's arms.

When they were about to bring away Stella, Horace's voice suddenly sounded, "Sister, you're also a mother and you must have resonance for her feelings."

Rebecca froze when she heard the words, "Horace, what did you mean?"

Nothing. I can give her to you, but if the child in her belly is aborted without her knowing, I will not agree to this commercial marriage even if I have to offend the Conrad family openly. "She really... Horace, you..."

Horace continued, "It's not my child. It's just that I don't want anything bad to happen on her."

The ambulance arrived soon.

Horace watched Stella being carried onto the car and then slowly withdrew his gaze.

In the car...

Sitting beside Stella, Rebecca subconsciously bit her lower lip.

Twenty minutes ago...

Annie had been looking for Stella among the crowd for a long period of time, yet still couldn't find her. When seeing the fuming Annie, Rebecca walked over and asked her what was going wrong.

Annie told her that Stella managed to marry into the Conrad family by fake pregnancy and she flirted with Horace after divorcing Clarence. Now she wanted to use the trick she used before and was planning to use the child in her belly as a bargaining chip to make a fuss in their engagement banquet, so that she could stop her from marrying into the Jason family.

Rebecca was older than Annie after all and she was not as impetuous as Annie. She asked Annie not to be worried and comforted her that the engagement celebration would be held as scheduled tonight. She asked Annie to leave the other things to her.

After consoling Annie, Rebecca asked a security guard to come over and asked him whether he knew about Horace's whereabouts or not. The security guard said that he saw Horace walking towards the swimming pool together with a woman.

Rebecca immediately had a plan in her heart. Originally, she planned to save Stella at an appropriate moment because she just wanted to kill the child in her belly and didn't want to kill Stella.

This plan was made on the spur of the moment and she didn't have time to plan it in detailed. She hadn't expected that the maid would happen to see Stella falling into the water. Moreover, she hadn't expected that Clarence would come to the pool so soon.

Luckily, it seemed like Clarence really didn't like his ex-wife and he left soon after pulling her out of the water.

Before Horace said those words, Rebecca even planned to secretly abort the child in her belly after sending her to the hospital. She would tell a lie that it was miscarried by drowning and it was quite reasonable.

But she hadn't expected that Horace would see through her little game.

After coming back to his room, Clarence pulled off the necktie, took off the wet shirt and walked into the bathroom.

When he walked out of the bathroom, he saw Justin waiting for him on the corridor.

Clarence asked in a clam voice, "What's the matter?"

Justin looked at him, "Clarence, I learned from others that Stella fell into the water just now. How's she?"

She has waked up. She won't die.

Feeling a bit helpless, Justin chuckled, "You don't want to come to see her?"

Clarence replied in an indifferent voice, "I'm not a doctor. Will my visit help?"

That's different. Justin sighed, "Clarence, don't act on impulse and do something that you will regret in the future."

Regret? The most regretful thing in my life is to get to know Stella. It seemed like Clarence didn't want to discuss on this topic. He said in a flat tone, "I gotta go."

He just needed to show up for a while in this banquet and it would be hypocritical if he stayed here for longer because it would only disgust the both of them. "Clarence." Justin's voice sounded from behind, "Rest assured. Even though Annie engages with Horace, it can't affect your position in the Conrad Group." Clarence curled his lips into a disdainful smile, "Undoubtedly."

He never gave a shit to the Jason family. No matter what Dempsey wanted to achieve by making use of the Jason Group, he would not care about it.

The black Rolls-Royce slowly drove out of the manor. Nathan secretly took several glances at Clarence from the rear-view mirror. He wished to say something but stopped on a second thought because he didn't dare to ask Clarence.

Clarence, who was having a rest with his eyes closed, rubbed the bridge of his nose and said impatiently, "Spill the beans."

Nathan immediately straightened his back. He hesitated for a while and then asked, "I... I heard that Mr. Conrad you walked out of the swimming pool with wet clothes just now. It has been chilling recently and it's apt to catch cold in such weather. Mr. Conrad, shall we go to the hospital to have a check-up?"

Clarence replied in a cold voice, "No need."

Nathan didn't dare to say anything else and remained silent all the way.

When they were about to arrive at the Starry Lake Mansion, Clarence slowly opened his eyes and pressed his temples, "Turn around."

Nathan didn't hear it clearly and asked, "What?"

My head is aching. Go to the hospital.

Roger.

As expected, Mr. Conrad was really double-minded.

Rebecca left after sending Stella to the hospital.

When Clarence arrived at the hospital, the doctor happened to send Stella back to her ward and was telling the nurse about the matters needing attention.

Clarence just stood at the door of the ward. He didn't walk into the ward and simply looked into the room with an expressionless face.

Stella, who was lying on the bed, was breathing evenly in her sleep. It looked like she had lost much weight recently.

She said that she had gained some weight recently, but Clarence doubted that.000000☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 69: You Don’t Have Any Reason to Keep It

When the doctor and the nurse left the ward, they saw Clarence. The doctor asked, "Are you her family. The patient..."

Clarence withdrew his lines of sights and replied coldly, "I'm not."

Then you...

I just walked pass here.

The doctor was rendered speechless.

How could you stand at the door and look into the ward for a long while if you just walked pass here? The doctor thought in his heart.

When the doctor was about to leave, Clarence suddenly spoke, "She always has problems with her stomach. Please have a check on it."

The doctor was stunned, "Stomach upset? What are the specific symptoms?"

Nausea and keck.

The doctor smiled gently, "Although it was the symptoms for stomach upset, I have to say that nausea and keck are the normal reactions of pregnancy since the patient has been pregnant for four months. Don't be so nervous."

Clarence, who was originally fixing his eyes on Stella, narrowed his eyes when he heard the words. His eyes became cold, "What did you say?"

Nau... Nausea and keck are the normal reactions of pregnancy. Don't... don't be so nervous.

Others?

The doctor replied tentatively, "The patient has been pregnant for four months?"

Clarence was suddenly lost in thoughts and the words that Stella said to him before popped into his mind.

'Don't you always want to know what I am thinking? Clarence, I am pregnant, and I need to plan for the future of my baby. I want half of your inheritance, and also the stock of the Conrad Group...' 'Maybe it's because I've never been on a catwalk before so I'm a little nervous. Whenever I'm nervous, I'll get sick to my stomach and want to vomit. I'll be fine after it's over.'

'I just found out that my...antacid is missing, I don't know if I've left it in your office...'

'It's not mine. It's Sherry's... She is getting married soon with her boyfriend and they are preparing to have a baby.'

'Isn't Sherry preparing for pregnancy? As the child's future godmother, it's normal for me to buy these... things.'

Her lies were full of holes, yet he believed her words.

After the doctor's departure, Clarence closed the door and walked into the ward.

Standing in front of Stella's bed, he said with an indifferent and contemptuous expression, "Stella, you really regard me as a fool. I know your personality and quality, yet every time I was still fooled by you." Stella, who was lying on the bed, didn't have any reaction.

Clarence looked down and found that although she was unconscious now, she was still protecting her belly with her hands covering it.

Four months.

She was really good at acting and he didn't know about her pregnancy at all.

Stella wasn't clear how long she had been sleeping. When she finally woke up, she felt muddle-headed and very uncomfortable. After several seconds, she finally became conscious. She recalled the scene when she fell into the swimming pool and immediately touched her belly.

Sending that the child was still safe and sound in her belly, she heaved a sigh of relief. She turned around as she wanted to know where she was for the time being, but her gaze met with a pair of black cold eyes in the air.

Stella suddenly bounced up from the bed and sat on the bed with the quilt in her arms. She looked quite nervous, "Mr... Mr. Conrad, why are you here?"

Clarence replied in a flat tone, "Who knows. Maybe I just walked pass here."

Stella conjured up that it was Clarence who helped her out of the swimming pool before and uncontrollably tightened her grip on the quilt. She asked gingerly, "Mr. Conrad, was you who sent me to the hospital?"

Clarence simply fixed his black eyes on her. He didn't reply.

Feeling uneasy, Stella shifted her gaze away. Why was Clarence starting her like this? She felt really uneasy under his gaze.

After a short while, Stella looked out of the window. Looking at the blue sky, she found a topic, "I've been sleeping for the whole night. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Conrad. I can contact my friend to come here." Clarence asked, "Which friend?"

Er... Sherry. You've seen her before.

Clarence replied with a light nasal sound, "Didn't you say that she's preparing for pregnancy? Is she pregnant now?"

Stella didn't know why he suddenly asked this. Feeling uncontrollably nervous, she replied without a second thought, "May... Maybe."

If she's pregnant, how can she come to the hospital to take care of you?

Er... It doesn't matter even if she can't come here. It's just that I swallowed too much water before. It's not a big deal. I guess I can be discharged from the hospital this afternoon.

When she finished her words, Clarence continued slowly, "If I remember it right, she was cheated by her boyfriend, but she still wants to give birth to that man's child under such circumstance. Looks like your friend is more lenient than you. You should learn from her."

Was Clarence crazy?

Right at this moment, they heard someone knock on the door.

Clarence withdrew his lines of sights and said in a flat tone, "Come in."

Nathan soon appeared in the ward with a Kraft bag in his hand. He put the bag in front of Clarence, "Mr. Conrad, it's solved."

Okay, you can leave now.

Nathan nodded at Stella slightly and then strode out of the ward.

The door of the ward was closed and only the two of them were left in the room again.

It was the first time that Stella failed to figure out what Clarence was thinking. He looked so calm that she felt a gush of chill on her back.

Clarence threw the Kraft bag to her, "Open it."

What's it?

Clarence didn't reply, his expression remaining indifferent.

Stella could only pick up the Kraft bag and opened it. When she took the things out from the bag, Clarence's emotionless voice sounded, "Sign the document and you will get half of my inheritance." Stella paused. She looked up at him and asked in a husky voice, "Mr. Conrad, what do you mean?"

You requested for it, didn't you? You want half of my inheritance. Or are you regretting it now? You want more?

Stella remembered clearly when she requested Clarence for this.

No wonder that Clarence acted abnormally just now and asked her about Sherry's preparation for pregnancy. It turned out that the question was intentional.

It seemed like he had learned about the truth.

Stella put the document back to the bag and remained silent. After a long while, she asked, "What do you want me to do?"

Clarence replied in a cold voice without a second thought, "Abort the child."

Although Stella had expected this answer, she still felt like her heart was stabbed by a knife and it ached so much. She felt breathless under the sharp pain.

I haven't expected that Mr. Conrad would be so generous. It's just an unborn child, but you can ask me to give it up at such a high cost.

You do not lose.

It was true that if she gave up the child, she would get a large amount of money.

But if... Stella bit her lower lip tightly until it began to bleed. She then continued in a hoarse voice, "If I want to keep it?"

There was no expressional change on Clarence's face, "You don't have any reason to keep it."

Stella chuckled. Yeah, in his eyes, no matter her pregnancy was real or fake, he had drawn the conclusion that she approached him for the sake of money. Now he gave him an opportunity to get half of his inheritance and she just needed to give up an unborn child. Did she have any reason to refuse this?☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 70: Maybe This Is the Destiny

Clarence stood up and said in a flat tone, "I will give you three days to consider about this. You can tell me what else you want. If you miss this opportunity, you will not be able to get what you want again." He stopped when he walked to the door and said slowly, "If you can make your decision earlier, you brother would not have given up his promising future for only one million."

Stella bit her lower lip tightly with a pair of red-rimmed eyes. She was trying so hard to suppress the impulse to shed tears.

After Clarence's leaving, Stella pulled out the infusion needle on the back of her hand.

She walked towards the entrance of the hospital while calling Sherry. She learned from Sherry that Channing had resigned from the convenience store and that Channing was nowhere to be found. When Sherry met with Stella, she was startled by Stella's pale face and red-rimmed eyes. She asked, "Stella, what's wrong with you?"

Stella shook her head, "Let's find Chan first."

When it was getting dark, they finally got in touch with Channing. Stella asked in a calm voice, "Chan, where are you now?"

I'm having a military training.

Give me your address.

Channing, who was at the other end of the phone, was silent for a while, "The school doesn't allow outsiders to come in during the military training."

Give me the contact method of your teacher or military instructor. I will have a talk with them.

Channing was muted.

Stella felt extremely tired. She repeated the question, "Chan, where are you?"

Actually, Channing found a job in the vicinity of University A. He thought that if Stella came to the university to find him later, he could lie to her that he was having a part-time job here and he thought that Stella wouldn't doubt it.

But he hadn't expected that Stella would find out the truth so soon.

After a long while, Channing replied, "Stay there. I will go to find you."

While waiting for Channing, Sherry learned from Stella about the whole thing and she didn't know how to console her at the moment.

Sherry knew that Jeffrey was a despicable person. Stella and Channing had been supporting each other since childhood and Sherry was clear that Channing was the most important person for Stella. Now Channing gave up his promising future and sold his admission letter to University A to the other person, no wonder that Stella would be so anxious and angry.

Half an hour later, Channing arrived at Stella's house.

Thinking that it would not be suitable for her to stay here under such circumstance, Sherry found an excuse, saying that she had to go out to buy something, and left.

Stella took out the bank card that Channing gave her before and put it on the table, "Is it because of Jeffrey?"

Stella suspected it was because of her father's debt because Channing happened to give the card to her after Adolph came here to ask her to pay the debt.

Channing just stood on the spot. He didn't ask Stella how she knew about this and simply said, "I'm afraid that they will not let go of us easily. They have no moral bottom lines and they can do everything to achieve their goals. I think that even if there's an emergency, you may protect yourself with the money in your card."

Chan...

Channing said in a relaxed tone, "It's good that you didn't use the money to pay Jeffrey's debt. I've told you that I will support your life. Although there's not too much money in the card, it can support your life for a period of time. Later, I will...”

Stella interrupted him, "Chan, you gave up the admission letter to University A, do you know what it means to you?

Channing paused and then replied, "You also gave up the opportunity to study in Paris, didn't you?"

I gave up the chance before and I know deep down what I've missed, so I don't want you to regret it.

I won't regret it. Even if I can't study in the university, I can still...

You're just 18 years old. What do you want to do if you don't go to the university? Stella fixed her eyes on the card in front of her, "There's no point to return this card to that person now, right?" Channing nodded his head.

One million was nothing in the eyes of those rich people. But for them, the deal had been closed and Channing wouldn't have the chance to regret it.

Stella said, "I will solve this. Chan, wait for my news."

Channing subconsciously furrowed his brows, "How are you going to solve it?"

I will make a way out. Chan, please remember, don't give up your future for the sake of me or the other person. If... If I successfully solve this problem, I hope it will be the end of this matter and that you can come back to the university.

Channing still wanted to say something, but Stella interrupted him, "Let's stop here today. I want to have a sleep now. You shall come back earlier."

When Channing walked to the door, he seemed to have sensed something fishy and turned around and said to Stella, "This's my choice and I can bear the consequence. You don't need to beg him." Stella curled her lips into a light smile, "Who tell you that I want to beg him? It's just a normal transaction."

What transaction?

It's a matter between adults. You should just focus your study.

Channing was rendered speechless.

When Sherry came back, she saw Stella sitting on the sofa and seeming to be lost in her thoughts.

She walked over and asked in a low voice, "Stella, did you make it clear with Chan?"

Stella was pulled back to reality, "Almost. I will go to find Clarence tomorrow. There will be no problem." "Will Clarence help you? I will have to appreciate his mercy if he doesn't laugh at you."

Stella was stunned. After several seconds, she replied, "Maybe he will."

After finishing the words, she stood up and said, "Sherry, I'm a bit sleep and I have to go to bed now."

Okay, good now. Sherry seemed to think of something and continued, "You should go to the hospital to have a pregnancy examination two days later. Let me go with you."

Stella paused. She didn't turn around and simply replied in a low voice, "Let's talk about this later."

Stella went back to her bedroom. When she opened the wardrobe and was about to take out some clothes for changing, she uncontrollably looked aside.

She then took out all the small clothes and small shoes and sat down on the bed. She studied them for a long while.

Even since she learned about the existence of this child, Stella had never expected that Clarence would be mercy to it and she had expected every possible attitude that Clarence would have. But when this really came, she finally realized what she was afraid of the most.

She lost a child when she was pregnant for four months last time.

Maybe this was the destiny.

If this child was aborted, she and Clarence would not have any relationship again.

On the next day, Stella took the document given by Clarence to the Conrad Group.

When she arrived at the company, she saw Modesty quarreling with a receptionist, "Why the designers of SG Jewelry Magazine are allowed to enter the company? Why wasn't there such a rule when I came here last time?"

The receptionist replied politely, "I'm sorry, Lady, I'm not clear of the details."

If you're not clear of it, why don't you make a phone call and ask about it? I come to Mr. Conrad from some business.

Mr. Conrad has an important meeting today. No one is allowed to bother him.

Modesty was so furious. When she planned to come here next time, she turned around and saw Stella standing not far away from her.

Modesty involuntarily bit her lower lip. Why was Stella here? Could it be that she regretted giving up this opportunity?

She wanted to walk over. But at the next moment, she saw a man coming out and taking Stella into the company.

Modesty widened her eyes and then questioned the receptionist, "She's also a designer of SG Jewelry Magazine, why can she enter the company?"

Miss, she enters the company following Mr. Lance. And we have no right to stop her.

Modesty clenched her fists tightly, yet she had no other choice and could only leave.