Ch. 621..630

Chapter 621: I Just Feel a Bit Tired

Stella was still highly strung-up when she arrived at the hotel.

Seeing that Stella was worrying about Clarence, Nathan comforted her, "Ms. Radomil, please rest assured. Our men are waiting for Mr. Conrad outside of the James' Mansion and there won't be any accident." Stella said in a low voice, "I'm not worried about this."

She had a hunch that Clarence must have known something.

And the truth was not that acceptable.

Nathan also found out some clues about Dolores' relationship with the James family before. Although they couldn't confirm the authenticity of the information before, it seemed like Clarence got the answer in the James family today.

The sky gradually became dark and it began to drizzle.

But Clarence didn't come back.

Stella took a deep breath, thinking she couldn't wait like this.

When she just walked out of the room, she bumped into Nathan.

Half an hour later, by the riverside...

The rain became heavier and the wind felt cold.

Stella felt her throat tight when looking at Clarence's back. She asked, "He has been standing here after leaving the James' Mansion?"

Nathan nodded his head, "He has been here for several years and no one dares to comfort him."

This was the reason why Nathan asked Stella to come over.

Stella pressed her lips together, opened an umbrella and walked out of the car.

After a long wife, Clarence finally noticed her and turned his head to look at her.

He asked in an extremely husky voice, "Why are you here?"

Clarence's clothes were all wetted by the rain and drips of water dripped down his hair.

Stella asked in an extremely gentle voice, "It's rainy. Aren't you going back?" Clarence looked up at the sky and finally realized that it was dark.

He withdrew his gaze and said without any emotion in his black eyes, “Let's go.”

On the way back, Clarence had been closing his eyes and hadn't uttered a word.

The whole car was prevailed by silence.

Stella moved her lips several times, trying to say something, but swallowed the words she wanted to say again and again.

When they arrived at the hotel, Clarence directly walked into the bathroom.

Stella went to the bedroom to take his pyjamas and then knocked at the door of the bathroom, "I put your pyjamas at the door." Clarence groaned a simple answer in the bathroom.

Stella walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Luckily, there were some food materials she bought several days ago. Clarence would easily catch a cold since he was bathed in the rain for a long time today. Stella prepared a ginger soup and then prepared to cook spaghetti.

When the ginger soup was almost ready, Clarence walked out of the bathroom.

Stella ladled the soup for him while saying, "Clarence, come over and drink the soup."

Clarence walked over and sat in front of the table.

Stella cooled down the bowl's temperature with cold water. When it was not that hot, she placed it in front of Clarence, "Drink the soup first. The dinner will be prepared soon." After finishing the words, Stella walked into the kitchen and put the cooked spaghetti onto two plates and began to season them.

When all these were done, Stella turned around and found that Clarence was still maintaining the same posture. He sat at the table, seeming to be pondering something. Stella paused for several seconds and then walked over and waved her hand in front of his eyes, "Do you feel uncomfortable? I will go out to buy some cold cure." Clarence looked towards her and replied blandly, "Don't bother."

He then picked up the bowl of ginger soup. When he prepared to drink it, Stella grasped his wrist.

Stella said, "It has turned cold. I will heat it."

Just as she finished the words, Clarence lifted his chin and gulped down the soup.

Stella looked down at her empty hands. The remaining chillness was so obvious.

She frowned, "Why are your hands so cold?"

Clarence put down the bowl and said in a flat tone, "Yes?"

Stella's frown became tighter. She grasped his hand again and felt it icy cold.

An idea immediately popped out into her mind.

She couldn't help but increase her voice, "Did you have a cold bath?"

Clarence replied, "I don't remember."

Although Stella was worried about him, she was still infuriated by his behaviour, "You bathed in the rain and then had a cold bath right after that. Are you seeking death? Didn't... didn't you tell me that we should tell each other if we have any problem? Why did you do that? What should I..."

Stella suddenly felt a lump in the throat and her eyes got red at the next moment.

Clarence grasped her hand and comforted her in a low voice, "I'm fine. I just feel a bit tired."

Stella had never seen such a dejected Clarence and she suppressed the urge to cry, "Then go to bed after having the meal. I will go out to buy some cold cure."

I won't get sick easily. Have the dinner first.

Clarence asked Stella to sit beside him.

After a short while, Clarence put down his fork, "I'm full. I will go to bed."

He gently landed a kiss on Stella's glabella, "Good night."

Sitting at the table, Stella fixed her eyes on his back and withdrew her gaze several seconds later. She was at a loss when looking at the bowl in front of her dully.

Clarence ate so little.

Stella closed her eyes and lost her appetite.

She cleaned the plates. Originally she planned to go out to buy some cold cure, but unexpectedly, she bumped into the manager of the hotel when she walked to the lift. The manager told her that the hotel had cold cures and they would send the medicine to her room later.

Stella thanked him and then came back to her room.

She stepped into the bedroom and found it dark.

She didn't know whether Clarence had fallen asleep.

Ten minutes later, a staff of the hotel sent her some cold cures.

Thinking that Clarence didn't have anything tonight and he couldn't eat the pills directly, Stella prepared some vegetable porridge.

After that, Stella sat down on the sofa, turned on her phone and found that Archer sent her a message half an hour ago.

Archer: Is Clarence back?

Stella texted: He's back.

Archer asked: Is he all right?

Stella replied: You should be clearer of it than me.

Archer didn't reply.

Stella put down her phone, heaved a long sigh and then looked out of the windows dully.

After a short while, her phone rang. It was a call from Archer.

Stella walked to the balcony to answer the call.

At the other end of the phone, Archer coughed, not knowing how to start the topic.

He asked, "What... what do you want to know?"

Stella had many entangled thoughts in her mind at the moment. She rubbed her temples, "Tell me the important matters."

Archer was rendered speechless. Then he began to tell her concisely about why Dolores would leave the James family and why she chose to come back now.

Stella subconsciously tightened the clench on her phone when she heard the words, "Do you mean that Justin's car accident has something to do with the James family?"

How to explain it... Although Mr. Bancroft James didn't order his man to do so, the accident happened because the other party took the chance of his intervention into the things in City N. Stella gasped. She suddenly understood what Clarence felt when he stood by the riverside tonight.

He thought he was the cause of Justin's car accident.

Archer said, "I have to go to the laboratory. Let's stop here. Call me if you have any problems. I will give you Darnell's number and you can also call him if you need help."¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 622: Is He Qualified?

After ending the call, Stella stood on the balcony for a long time.

The rain became bigger and bigger and there were barely any passengers on the streets in the distance. Only rows of street lings stood in the rain lonely.

After a long while, Stella heaved a long sigh, walked to the kitchen, turned off the fire, ladled the porridge into a bowl, put the bowl onto a tray and then walked into the bedroom.

The lights of the bedroom were all off and it was so quiet that Stella could even hear the sound of the rain dropping onto the glass.

Stella put the tray on the tea table, turned on a wall lamp and walked to Clarence, only to find that Clarence had closed his eyes and had steady breaths. It seemed like he had fallen asleep.

Stella reached out to feel the temperature of his forehead and felt relieved when learning that Clarence didn't have a fever.

Stella subconsciously knitted her brows when thinking that Clarence's body still felt so cold while he had fallen asleep for a long time.

Stella reached her hand under the quilt, wanting to check whether Clarence's hands were cold or not.

But the moment she touched his hand, her wrist was grasped.

Stella felt a whirl of dizziness and at the next moment, she lay onto the bed.

Clarence confined her under his body with his big hand grasping her wrist. He fixed his black eyes on her and asked in a husky voice, "Which part do you want to touch?"

She turned her head to look at him. She could feel that his hand which was grasping her wrist was also cold.

Stella looked up at him, "I prepared some porridge. Eat some."

Clarence rubbed the veins on her wrist gently with his fingers and said in a bland tone, "I don't have any appetite."

You have to eat something even if you don't have the appetite. Eat the porridge and then eat some cold cures and then go to bed. Otherwise, you will easily get sick. Exactly, you're a bit sick now. Hurry up to take medicine.

Isn't it good if I'm sick?

When Stella prepared to say something, Clarence continued, "If I'm sick, no one will bother you and you can do the things you like."

Clarence then let go of her, turned over and sat up by the bedside.

He exuded an overwhelming aura of aloofness and indifference.

Stella got out of the bed, "It's fine if you don't want to see me now. I will leave right away. Anyway, you didn't plan to marry me at the beginning. Even though we got married later, you seldom came back home and would be indifferent to me even if you come back. I should have learned that you detest me a lot."

Stella took a deep breath, her voice trembling, "Rest assured. I will keep a distance from you. The farther, the better. You will not feel bothered if you don't see me. Many girls like you and you can have love affairs with them happily. I know you've been waiting for this, right?"

He turned around and stopped her, "What nonsense are you talking about? I didn't mean that."

Stella retorted righteously, "Am I wrong? You're sick and I asked you to take some medicine. But you refused it and even wanted me to leave. Don't you have such an idea?"

Clarence was silent for a while. Knowing that he was in the wrong, Clarence stood up and then sat down on a sofa. He picked up the bowl of porridge in front of him, "Forget my words just like I haven't said that."

When Stella saw this, the tears in her eyes immediately disappeared.

This trick was quite useful.

Oh gosh, she was talented in dealing with this circumstance.

Seeing that Clarence almost finished the porridge, Stella went out to pour some water for him and took some cold cures into the bedroom.

Sitting on the sofa with his back against the sofa, Clarence lifted his hand to press his temples.

Stella put the glass of water and the cold cures on the tea table, "Headache?"

Clarence groaned an answer, "A little bit."

You bathed in the rain and then had a cold bath. You deserve it.

Even Stella was complaining, she still walked to Clarence and stood behind him. Then she gently massaged his temples.

No one talked again and the room became silent again.

After a long while, Stella said in a low voice, "I learned about everything."

Clarence's body became stiff and he abruptly opened his eyes.

Stella continued, "I know you must feel bad now, but I have to tell you that it was not your fault and you don't have to bear any consequences for it."

Stella came straight to the point, "Archer told me that Mr. Bancroft James didn't order his men to create the car accident."

Do you know that the Steward family would not be involved in this matter if they didn't intervene in the matters in City N. And Lyndon wouldn't have gotten any opportunities to plan that explosion? Stella was stunned and her hand stiffened in the air.

Clarence said blandly, "Not only Justin's car accident, but your mother also had to escape with you and marry Jeffery, and even Jeffery sold you to Twilight Club... These matters all happened because of me." He paused and then continued, "Do you still think that I'm not the one to be blamed?"

Stella moved her lips trying to say something, yet she didn't know what to say. Therefore, she didn't give any replies even after a long while.

Clarence closed his eyes, stood up and left the room.

Never mind. A man like him didn't deserve anything, no matter it was family affection, friendship or love.

These were extravagant hopes to him.

It was good that he could learn this early. At least she could have the chance to choose the other man.

Horace... Emmett... Or Alexander Hans who could even accept his son.

They were all good choices for her.

It was good as long as it was not him.

Was he qualified?

He was just an illegitimate son who had been framed and made use of by other people since the very beginning.

Stand there.

When Clarence walked to the door, Stella's voice sounded, "What nonsense are you talking about? Why is it so difficult to let you take some pills? Why did you have many excuses? Are you a kid who needs me to coax?"

He turned around to look at her, his chin slightly tightened and his lips pressed together.

Stella walked to the sofa, sat down and then opened the box of cold cured, "Hurry up. The water almost cools down."

Clarence stood on the spot. Several seconds later, he walked towards her in strides.

Stella put the capsules on his palm and then clasped his hand.

Maybe it was because of the porridge, his hand finally became warm.

Stella handed the glass of water to him, "Why are you looking at me? Take the medicine."

Clarence withdrew his gaze, threw the capsules into his mouth, lifted his chin and gulped down the water.

Stella cleaned up the residues and stood up with the tray in her hands, "All right, you can go to bed now." Clarence pulled her arm, yet he didn't say anything.

Stella was amused, "What do you mean? You want me to leave? Or don't want me to leave? I will wash the dishes."

Do you understand what I told you just now?

I understand. I'm not a fool. Stella added, "But I think you're wrong. Well, as I didn't experience it, I can't judge who is to be blamed for Justin's car accident. But why do you blame yourself for the things that happened to the Steward family?"

Stella interrupted him, "Would Lyndon drop the idea of snatching the Steward family even if you were not involved. Even without that explosion, according to his ambitions and his..."

She paused for several seconds and then continued, "According to Charles' trust in Lyndon, he would take charge of the Steward Group sooner or later. Do these things have anything to do with you? Without you, Lyndon would still do those things. But without Lyndon, all these would not have happened. I don't understand why you insist on taking the blame for Lyndon."

Chapter 623: I Heard That You Can’t Leave Me

Clarence was silent for a long while when he heard her words. He looked down at the ground, seeming to be pondering something. Stella said, "Didn't you say you're tired? Hurry up to sleep. Don't think too much and then talk nonsense."

Clarence low voice sounded after a short while, "You said it."

Stella was stunned for several seconds when she heard the words, doubting that she had said something she was not supposed to say.

But she concluded later that what she had said was appropriate.

Was he angered by her criticism?

Clarence looked up at her and repeated, "You said it. So don't try to find any excuse to leave me in the future."

Stella finally figured it out and retorted, "I think they're two different things."

I don't think so.

Well, as you like it. Go to bed now.

Clarence stood up and took the tray from Stella, "I will wash it. Go to have a bath."

Before Stella could say something to refuse it, Clarence had walked out of the bedroom and walked to the kitchen.

Looking at his back, Stella heaved a sigh emotionally and thought to herself: Well, it's fine as long as he's happy with it.

As expected, two minutes later, there came some sounds of dishes breaking from the kitchen.

Oh, just take it as a way for him to vent his depression.

When Stella walked out of the bathroom, she found Clarence was holding a tablet computer and focusing on his work on the bed. His brows were slightly knitted. She asked, "Aren't you tired?"

When I heard that you can't leave me, I thought I could hold on for longer.

She wanted to retort him.

He was so good at creating a dream..

Stella sat on the edge of the bed, turned on her phone and took a glance at the time, "Will you work late?"

Clarence replied, "It's not related to work."

Stella suddenly felt curious, "Why are you so serious if it's not about work?"

When she saw his expression just now, she thought he must have a tough nut to crack.

Clarence didn't reply and simply titled his tablet computer towards Stella.

Stella put down her phone and looked over.

On the screen were photos of various kinds of wedding dresses.

Stella froze.

Clarence scrolled down and said blandly, "These are all famous wedding dress designers in the world and there are many styles. I've selected several dresses that I think are beautiful. Have a look at them late and pick the one you like best. I will let Nathan find the designer and you can tell him the details of the wedding dress you want."

Stella finally pulled herself together after a long while, "Tell me, how you can shift from the mood of talking nonsense and not wanting me to bother you so quickly to this topic?"

Clarence corrected her, "I didn't ask you not to bother me. I just said that I won't bother you since I'm sick."

To prevent you from cursing at me behind my back, I think it's necessary to differentiate them.

Stella suddenly felt a bit dizzy and thought she completely couldn't understand what he was thinking.

Clarence continued, "Now that you've made it clear that you can't leave me, it will be inappropriate if I don't show you my sincerity."

Stella reached out to touch his forehead. It did feel hot. It seemed like Clarence was unconscious because of the fever.

When Stella prepared to say something, Clarence gripped her hand and said word by word, "Let's get married."

Nope, I...

Clarence said slowly, "I know what you're worried about. But Stella, can't you find that the problems you worried about before have been solved?"

Stella moved her lips trying to say something. She was then lost in her thoughts.

It was true. She agreed to establish a new relationship with Clarence before, but she didn't agree to remarry him. It was because she knew deep down that marriage was a matter between two families and she and Joanna bore grudges against each other. Including the baby, she would not forget his sufferings.

But now, Joanna had died and the Conrad family had broken. And the baby was still alive.

Clarence continued, "I told you that I would make up for you and give you the gifts that I didn't present you during the three-year marriage. And that..."

Clarence realized something and changed the address, "Our child is the last gift for you."

Stella frowned, "But..."

She hadn't prepared herself for it.

Moreover, the baby was suffering from the illness now. How would she hold a happy wedding in that case?

Clarence pulled her into his arms and comforted her in a low voice, "Rest assure. I won't require you to marry me right away. We're just talking about holding a wedding ceremony and it needs many preparations, including the wedding dress. It will take at least several months from designing a wedding dress to finish it. You can consider it slowly, okay?"

Stella nodded her head after a long while, "Okay."

Clarence let go of her, "Then let's have a look at these wedding dresses first."

Stella had a weird feeling when looking at the screen of the tablet computer in front of her, but she couldn't describe how it felt like.

At midnight, when she was lying on the bed sleepily, she finally figured it out.

Clarence had trapped her again. He was even selecting a wedding dress, would he give her room to consider it?

What a wretched man!

How could he play such a trick on her?

The more Stella thought of it, the angrier she became. Stella couldn't help but kick him.

Clarence moved slightly. He thought that Stella had a nightmare and subconsciously pulled her into his arms and patted her back, which was a silent consolation. Stella curled her lips into a light smile. Never mind. She didn't want to stick to this problem now.

When Elaine came home, she found her father was sitting on the sofa with a gloomy expression.

She recalled the slap on her face and subconsciously shrank back, "Dad..."

Franklin looked towards her, "You're supposed to kneel in the ancestral hall? Who allowed you to go back?"

Elaine lowered her head and stammered for a long while, but she didn't disclose Darnell in the end.

Franklin heaved a long sigh, "Elaine, I've told you several times, but why don't you listen to my words? How dare you contradict those doyens in the public? Have you shown any respect to your grand- grandfather?"

Elaine frowned, "But I think marriage it's my own business and it has nothing to do with them. Why do I have to listen to their suggestions?"

Darnell is the patriarch of the James family. Is there any disadvantage for you to marry him? Moreover, I will back you up and he won't dare to bully you.

But I still want to find a person that I like. More... Moreover, he's my uncle and I think it's very strange.

Franklin chuckled angrily, "A person you like? Clarence? You only met him several times and you think you like him?"

Elaine retorted stubbornly, "I fall in love with him at the first sight."

Okay. Then answer my question. Do you know who the lady kneeling in the ancestral hall is?

Elaine was stunned, "I heard from Darnell that she was his aunt. It seems like she was willing to be erased from the family tree just to leave Riverside. So I guess she was once a member of the James family." "It was true that she was once a member of the James family, but at the same time, she's Clarence's mother and she's of the same seniority of your grandfather in our family. You should also call Clarence uncle."

Elaine was lost for words.00☐☐☐☐

Chapter 624: Most Importantly, I Like You

Half a month later...

Clarence received a call from City N.

Although the Conrads could not create any troubles for him anymore, Clarence was still responsible for the Conrad Group. Since it was a big company, Nathan would send some important tasks to Clarence every day and other sub-significant tasks piled up in the company.

If Clarence didn't come back, his office would not be able to accommodate those documents anymore.

Moreover, if Clarence stayed in Riverside for long, those people would take the chance to create some problems in City N.

After ending the call, Clarence stood on the balcony for a long time. His back looked somehow aloof.

Stella, who just finished a design, walked to Clarence and asked in a gentle voice, "Are you going back?"

Clarence put one of his hands into his pocket, "I have to come back to deal with some matters. It will take one month at most."

Stella said, "I will come back with you."

She and Clarence went to the laboratory to see the baby twice during this period. The baby's health condition had been greatly improved and he didn't get sick again.

Archer told them that they were on the preliminary stage of the treatment and it had achieved certain effects so far. It was just that it need an observation stage that lasted for three or four months. Later, they would figure out a long-term treatment plan according to the baby's health condition. Stella knew deep down that it was another long process and it seemed like it didn't have an end. They could only come to the laboratory occasionally and it was meaningless for them to stay here. Furthermore, they should do what they were supposed to do rather than wasting time here. Clarence looked towards her, "Do you want to leave?"

What can I do even if I don't want to leave? I can't decide on this matter. Stella looked at the river at the distance and said blandly, "I can't help even if I stay here."

If he asked her to leave before, Stella would not leave the baby in Riverside alone no matter what happened.

But now the situation was different as Dolores was here.

And she was sure that Archer and Darnell wouldn't hurt the baby.

Staying in the laboratory in Riverside where outsiders were not allowed to enter was much safer than staying by her side.

Clarence said, "Then we will leave tomorrow afternoon. Would you like to go to the laboratory to see the baby before leaving?"

Stella gently shook her head, "Don't bother."

The baby would cry sadly whenever they came to see him. Archer told them it would inhibit his recovery if he had great fluctuations in emotions.

Stella asked after a pause "Would you like to see your mom?"

Clarence strode into the house with his long legs, "Nope."

Stella didn't say anything and stared dully at the scenery in the distance.

They had been Riverside for almost a month.

It seemed like many things had happened during this short period, while at the same time she also felt like nothing had happened.

The ones who colluded with Joanna were members of the James family and Darnell was still investigating this. He told them that he would tell them if he had any news. Stella didn't know when this would come to an end.

At 10:30 in the evening, a private aeroplane landed in City N.

Stella felt a gush of hot air when she got off the plane.

Comparing to the humid and cool weather in Riverside, the weather in City N was dry and hot.

Although it was midnight, there was no breeze.

When they walked out of the airport and prepared to get into the car, Nathan walked over in strides and said with a serious expression, "Mr. Conrad..." Clarence said, "Say it."

Nathan stammered and stole several glances at Stella. It seemed like he didn't want to say it in front of Stella.

Stella said, "I will wait for you in the car."

Clarence grasped her arm, "You can listen to everything about me."

After finishing the words, he looked towards Nathan and repeated his words coldly, "Say it."

A trace of sympathy appeared on Nathan's face as if he was telling Clarence - I gave you a chance, but you insisted on it.

He coughed and reported, "When I got off the plane, I found Ms. James in the cabin."

Stella raised her brows when she heard the words and asked, "Is her name Elaine James?"

Nathan nodded his head, "Yes."

Stella intoned, elongating the word, "Oh."

Clarence looked at Nathan expressionlessly, "Where is she?"

Behind us.

Take her here.

Two minutes later, Elaine ran towards them with a pink suitcase and waved at Clarence excitedly when she was ten miles away from them. Clarence withdrew his gaze and said in a low voice, "You also see this. She has a problem with her brain."

Stella said, "I heard it was you who took part in her birthday party first."

Clarence quickly shifted the blame, "It was arranged by Nathan."

What bad luck to have such a boss.

Right at this moment, Elaine had stopped in front of them. She said all smiles, "What a coincidence. We meet again." Clarence asked, "How did you board the plane?"

Apparently, Elaine didn't plan to tell him about the truth. "Er... Emm... Anyway, I boarded the plan."

Clarence didn't want to talk nonsense with her and said to Nathan, "Send her back."

Elaine said stubbornly and loudly, "No. I won't come back. If you send me back to Riverside, I will jump into the river."

Clarence said, "Well, watch her if she wants to jump into the river and then tell Darnell to fish her out."

Elaine was lost for words.

Seeing that she couldn't persuade Clarence, Elaine looked towards Stella and said aggrievedly, "Beauty, I don't want to come back."

Why did she come to her?

Elaine said, "Archer told me that you're a good person. I plead with you. I took great effort to escape from Riverside and I don't want to come back."

Stella recalled the scene in the ancestral hall that day. Elaine didn't want to marry Darnell and her father slapped her cheek hard and punished her to kneel in front of the memorial tablets.

But it was the domestic affair of the James family and it was inappropriate for her to intervene in it.

When thinking of this, Stella looked towards Clarence.

Clarence pressed his thin lips together and looked at Elaine coldly. Elaine's body became a bit stiff. Maybe being scared, she confessed her real feelings, stammering, "Although Darnell said that he won't marry me, my father, grand-grandfather and those doyens want me to marry him so much. If I stay in Riverside, they may kidnap me to the wedding one day. I heard from my father and grand-grandfather today that you would leave Riverside today, so I sneaked into the plane."

Clarence asked, "You don't want to marry Darnell, so you follow us to City N?"

Not completely because of it. Most importantly, I like you.

Clarence sneered, "Send her back to Riverside."

Elaine hurriedly covered her mouth, "I won't say it again. I promise, okay?"

Stella touched her brows, feeling it amusing. This girl was quite cute.

She pulled open the car door, "Let's go."

Elaine prepared to get into the car when obtaining Stella' permission, but Clarence grasped her shoulder, "Go to the car behind."

Elaine realized that Clarence would not send her back to Riverside when she heard the words and nodded her head happily.

On the way back, Clarence asked Stella, "Do you want to keep her?"

Stella said, "Aren't you planning to keep her?"

Clarence replied, "Based on her ability, she wouldn't have managed to sneak into the plane without causing my men's attention."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 625: Lose All Values

Stella paused and then asked, "Do you mean that someone deliberately sent her to Riverside?"

Clarence groaned an answer and said slowly, "The members of the James family are so eager to facilitate the marriage between Elaine and Darnell, plus that... Anyway, it's not that easy for her to leave Riverside. But we coincidentally planned to come back to City N."

Stella knew what he had omitted.

It was about the James family's unwritten rule - the James were not allowed to leave Riverside in their lives.

Elaine was the grand-granddaughter of Hilbert and she was under the supervision of various parties. Generally, she wouldn't step out of Riverside no matter what method she tried.

Stella pondered for a while and then asked, "Are the ones helping Elaine of the same party with the ones colluding with Joanna?"

Clarence shook his head, "Nope. We can cast aside the domestic trifles in the James family, big or small, there are two overwhelming forces in the family for the time being - one belongs to Darnell and the other one is formed by those who oppose Darnell. If those who oppose Darnell want to become the patriarch of the family, they must gain the help of those doyens."

Stella said, "Elaine's grand-grandfather is the most prestigious doyen in the James family. Now that they want his help, they won't hurt Elaine."

That's true. Moreover, Elaine has a good family background. Even Darnell have to consolidate his position as the patriarch of the James family by marrying her, let alone other people. As long as one can marry Elaine, he will get the wholehearted support of her family.

Stella said, "But she left Riverside and came to City N, even though she will come back later, as long as the news of her leaving Riverside is spread, she would lose all values."

Clarence curled his lips into a smile, "Bravo."

Stella somehow figured it out, "So the one who helped her to come to City N was Darnell."

Darnell has been opposed to this marriage, but the doyens refused to make any concession. Although marrying Elaine can help him consolidate his position, he will at the same time be checked by those people.

Although those doyens appeared to agree to his decision of allowing my mother to come back to the James family, they were discontented with it in private, thinking that Darnell had broken the rules of the James family. Although Hilbert didn't express any objections, apparently, he was dissatisfied with it either. But what he cares about the most is the position of the patriarch of the James family. So if Darnell agrees to marry Elaine, he can turn a blind eye to it.

Nonetheless, he didn't expect that his grand-granddaughter would also break the rules of the James family.

Stella said, "This is the reason why Darnell sent Elaine to City N, right?"

Darnell wanted to abolish the outdated rules of the James family, but he encountered great obstacles.

If taking Dolores home was the first step of his plan, then sending Elaine to City N was the second step of his plan.

Clarence thought Elaine's family would be so furious at the moment.

Stella thought that the matters in Riverside hadn't come to an end.

Stella pondered how Darnell would solve it.

She winded down the window and yawned lazily.

Clarence asked, "Are you sleepy?"

Stella replied, "A bit."

Clarence continued, "We will arrive half an hour later. Would you like to have a nap?"

Stella shook her head, "Will you come back to the company?"

Clarence replied after a pause, "Nope. What's the matter?"

Nothing. Many tasks have been piled up in the company and I thought you will directly come back to the company.

They've been accumulated for a long time, and I don't mind delaying it for one more night.

Half an hour later, the car stopped the downstairs of the apartment that Stella rented.

Stella got out of the car and felt as if it had been a century when looking at this familiar yet somehow strange place.

She went upstairs, input the passwords and opened the door.

Stella turned on the lights and found the house bright and clean.

It seemed like Sherry had cleaned up the house frequently.

Stella took a glance at the clock and found it was quite late. Therefore, she decided not to tell Sherry that she was back and planned to meet her up tomorrow. When they closed the door, Clarence's phone rang. It was a call from Nathan.

Seeing this, Stella knew that he had to deal with Elaine and yawned, "I will take a bath first."

Clarence replied blandly, "Okay."

After saying that, he took his phone and walked to the balcony.

Stella went to the bedroom to take her clothes and then walked into the bathroom.

She had been drawing the design on the aeroplane and didn't sleep. Therefore, she was so sleepy at the moment.

Stella coiled her hair and quickly took a bath and then walked out of the bathroom.

When she walked past the living room, she found Clarence was still talking into the phone. Stella didn't say anything and went back to the bedroom in a daze. Stella fell asleep the moment she put her head on the pillow.

After a long while, Stella sensed someone lying on the bed and at the next moment, she was pulled into one's arms.

She could smell the fragrance of the body wash she usually used.

Stella suddenly woke up, "Why are you here?"

He asked, "Where else should I go if I'm not supposed to stay here?"

Your house is in the neighbourhood. Shouldn't you come back?

Clarence patted her back, "You're dizzy. Go on with your sleeping."

Never mind. She just wanted to ignore him.

Maybe it was because they had come back to City N, Stella had an extremely sound sleep. When she woke up, she found the sun high in the sky.

When Stella stretched out to rummage for her phone, a man's voice sounded, "It's eleven o'clock. You can get up."

Stella slowly sat up and looked towards the man who sat on the sofa, "Why don't you come to your company?"

Clarence shut down his computer and said slowly, "I will go there this afternoon. What would you like for lunch? I will ask Nathan to send some food here." Stella got out of the bed while rubbing her eyes, "I prefer to do it myself."

After washing herself, she bought some fresh fruits and vegetables on a shopping app and prepared to go to Sherry's home to find something to eat.

Stella knocked at Sherry's door, but there was still no reply after a long time.

Stella dialled Sherry, "Sherry, aren't you home?"

Sherry replied, "I've been in the studio during this period."

She paused and then asked, "Are you back?"

Stella finally came to her own sense and replied, "Yep, I came back last night."

What about the baby? Did he come back with you?

Nope. He has to stay there for treatment.

Sherry heaved a long sigh, "Well. By the way, will you come to the studio this afternoon?"

I will. Stella came back to her house while speaking. She prepared to change her shoes and go to the supermarket downstairs to buy something. "Sherry, let's stop here. The lift is arriving." "Okay, see you this afternoon."

Stella put her phone into her pocket. When she was about to leave, Clarence walked over, "Where are you going?"

I want to go to the supermarket to buy something.

Stella closed the door. But just as she took several steps, the door opposite to her was opened.

Elaine popped out her head from behind the door, "Can I go with you?"

Chapter 626: I’m Here to Join You

As Elaine was hurried to come to City N before, she didn't bring many things except for several clothes. Plus that Clarence ordered Nathan to throw her into the house which was used as a storage house before, Elaine couldn't find any living supplies in the house.

When she stepped into the supermarket, she excitedly picked a shopping cart and picked everything she spotted into the cart.

Clarence walked behind her and said with great dissatisfaction, "Why do you take her out?"

Stella put several boxes of milk into the shopping cart, "Didn't you notice that she's very hungry?"

The researches indicate that a human being will only die of hunger if he/she hasn't eaten anything for seven days consecutively.

The shop downstairs of the building was not a big supermarket and it could only satisfy the residents' daily use.

Therefore, they finished the whole shop in a short while.

Elaine had filled her shopping cart. Standing in front of the check-stand, Elaine waved at them. When they walked over, she took out her phone and said, "I will pay the bill."

When Stella prepared to say something, Clarence said, "Let her pay the bill. This silly girl is rich."

Elaine pouted. How could he say this?

When the cashier scanned all the goods, she said to Elaine, "Please scan this payment code." Elaine scanned the code, but it showed a payment failure.

She murmured to herself in confusion and opened the other payment application.

There was another payment failure.

The cashier stood opposite Elaine and looked at her, maintaining a polite smile on her face. Elaine felt so awkward that she even wanted to find a hole on the ground to hide herself.

She turned his head stiffly and looked at Stella for help.

Stella smiled and said, "Let me pay it."

After the payment, Elaine packaged the goods in the shopping cart and she filled three shopping bags in the end.

Elaine stood on the spot, not knowing what to do. Right at this moment, a shopping guide said to her, "Lady, if you're not in a hurry, we can send them upstairs to you later." When Elaine nodded her head and prepared to say "okay", Clarence's voice sounded. "There're some carts at the door. Take one and take the bags back yourself."

When Elaine tried to refuse it, her eyes met with Clarence's indifferent eyes, which forced her to swallow the words she tried to say.

She groaned a simple answer, walked out of the shop and found a cart.

Clarence took the shopping bag from Stella's hand, "Let's go."

On the way back, Stella said, "The shop can provide delivery service. Why did you ask her to take them back by herself?"

When she was in Riverside, people would help her deal with everything and she is used to it. Therefore, she never cared about any possible consequence whenever she did anything. This is a lesson for her. The shop can indeed deliver the goods for her, but she has to solve them herself when she encounters any problems next time.

Stella curled her lips into a smile, "I didn't notice it before that you're quite..."

What do you want to say?

Stella said seriously, "Nothing. Will she settle here?"

Clarence replied, "I'm afraid that she will create some troubles. Letting her living near us will make her a bargaining chin. Whatever will happen in the James family later, we will have a ground for negotiation." He paused and then continued, "If you don't want to see her, I can find a place to arrest her so that she will not run randomly."

It's unnecessary. Just let it be.

Soon after they came back home, the fresh fruits and vegetables that Stella ordered online were also delivered.

When Stella was busy in the kitchen, there was a string of doorbells.

Elaine stood at the door holding several bags of snacks, "Can I use these snacks to exchange for lunch?"

Stella chuckled and stepped aside to make way for her, "Come in please."

A bright smile immediately appeared on Elaine's face. She put the snacks into Stella's arms, "Thank you, Stella."

Stella put the snacks on the tea table, "Take a seat on the sofa and wait for me. I will cook the lunch for you."

Elaine nodded her head, "Okay."

After Stella entered the kitchen, Elaine sat on the sofa and looked around curiously. She was so curious about this house which was filled with babies' articles and toys.

She spotted several cute dolls in the crib, walked over and picked up a doll.

Right at this moment, Clarence walked out of the bedroom and fixed his eyes on Elaine, "Who asked you to come here?"

Elaine justified for herself, "Stella has agreed on it."

Clarence snatched the doll from her arms indifferently and threw it back to the crib, "Although I've allowed you to live here, you should have a sense of appropriateness on some matters." Elaine misunderstood it, thinking that he was mentioning the thing in the shop. She stood there with her head lowered and said aggrievedly and pitifully, "My dad suspended all of my cards..." "Haven't you thought of this result before coming here?"

Out of instinct, Elaine wanted to refute him, but she didn't know what she should say.

Of course, she would choose to grab the chance of running away from Riverside if there was one and she was in a hurry to run away back then. Otherwise, should she wait until being caught by them and forced to marry Darnell?

She didn't have any mood or time to think about the consequences.

Elaine whispered, "Don't be so ferocious. I'm not here to break your relationship; instead, I'm here to join you."

It seemed like she really had something wrong with her mind.

Clarence didn't have the mood to continue this topic and said, "Now that you don't want to come back to Riverside, I have a condition if you want to stay here."

Elaine had expected that she couldn't stay here effortlessly and hurriedly nodded her head, "Spill the beans. I will agree to it as long as you don't force me to come back to Riverside."

Do the things that you're supposed to do and don't trouble any other people.

Elaine asked tentatively, "What... What things are included?"

Clarence looked at her expressionlessly, "You're now in City N, not in Riverside. Your maids and security guards are not by your side. What things are included? What do you think of it?" Elaine twisted her fingers and pondered it. As she was thinking, her expression turned more and more worried.

After a long while, she stammered an answer with a grievance, "I see."

Clarence continued, "You said your cards are suspended just now?"

Oh, yes, can you lend me some money? I will return...

I don't have any money to lend to you. You can seek a job.

Elaine's expression turned more worried.

Clarence continued, "Moreover, it's fine if you want to come here for meals, but you have to wash the dishes after the meal."

This was much simpler than the two previously-mentioned matters and Elaine agreed to it without a second thought.

She curled her lips into a bright smile, however, at the next moment, she asked gingerly and worriedly, "There won't be any other matters, right?"

I will talk with you when I think of any other matters?

In case that Clarence would suddenly think of other matters, Elaine hurriedly ran into the kitchen.

Clarence sat down on the sofa and took a glance at the toys of the baby. He picked up one toy and studied it, and then he looked towards the crib, seeming to be pondering something.

Stella, who had prepared the lunch, didn't know what had happened outside. She thought Elaine was hungry and said, "Wait a minute. The lunch will be ready soon."

Elaine couldn't help but whisper, "Stella, you have a good temper."

Stella was bewildered.000

Chapter 627: I’ve Been Accustomed to It

Elaine stole a glance at the living room and kept down her voice, "I gradually find that he's quite annoying, indifferent and sharp-toned. How could you endure him and fall in love with him?" Stella raised her brows. She didn't expect that Elaine would have such a comment on Clarence.

She took out a plate while asking with a smile, "You like him, don't you?"

Elaine regained her senses and realized what she had said, "Yeah, I once said that I like him."

Stella said, "All right. Go out and take a seat. The lunch will be ready soon."

Although she had known Elaine for a long time, she thought Elaine was an interesting and cute girl.

Even Elaine didn't realize that her feeling towards Clarence was not love.

Elaine didn't want to marry Darnell and when she felt so hopeless because all her efforts of fighting against the marriage became in vain, Clarence appeared.

He was comparable to Darnell in family background, social status and appearance.

And those people in Riverside also didn't dare to offend him.

He was like a glamorous saviour in Elaine's eyes.

Therefore, she kept telling them that she liked her, hoping that he could help her escape from this marriage.

Apparently, Darnell had perceived this and he took the advantage to send Elaine to City N.

In this way, Elaine could stay in City N and stay by Clarence's side, and this triggered emotions like fear, hatred and nervousness in the James.

When having lunch, Elaine sat next to Stella and focused on the rice in her bowl. Apparently, she was very hungry.

Clarence asked, "When will you go to the studio?"

Stella replied, "After the lunch. When will you go to the company?"

Almost the same time. I will give you a ride.

Elaine lifted her head when she heard the conversation. With her cheeks puffed up and down, she asked in a low voice, "Where are you going? Can you bring me with you?" Clarence took a glance at her and replied in a flat tone, "Nope."

Elaine immediately became anxious, "Didn't you ask me to seek a job? I'm not familiar with this city and the people here. I don't know what I can do."

Didn't you see it when we were in the shop? They're looking for a cashier.

Stella suppressed her laughter, "I will take her to my studio. We're in short of manpower two."

Elaine made a face at Clarence and then smiled brightly at Stella, "Thank you, Stella. You're not only beautiful but also kind-hearted. You're totally different from someone who's so hypocritical." Clarence was rendered speechless.

After lunch, Stella stood up, preparing to take the dishes into the kitchen. Elaine spotted Clarence's glance and immediately put down her bowl, "Leave it to me. Stella, it's hard to make a meal, so just let me wash the dishes."

Fearing that Stella would insist on washing the dishes, Elaine hurriedly took the dishes into the kitchen.

Stella recalled what Clarence had said to her when seeing that Elaine was so active and decided to leave it to her. Unexpectedly, just when Stella sat down on the sofa, she heard a string of sounds of dishes breaking from the kitchen. Stella was rendered speechless.

She stiffly turned her head and took a glance at Clarence who sat next to her.

Noticing her gaze, Clarence slightly looked up, "Let her compensate for it."

Stella said, "I'm pondering about the other matter."

Clarence kept down his voice, "What's that?"

Is kitchen killer a matter of probability, or is it decided by genes? What do you think of it?

Stella thought of it carefully and concluded that it was not decided by genes because at least Dolores never broke any dishes.

But at a second thought, she doubted her conclusion.

After all, she didn't know how Dolores was like when she was young.

Alas...

Stella stood up and walked into the kitchen.

After cleaning the messy kitchen, Stella changed her clothes, preparing to go out.

She said, "You don't need to send me there. I and Elaine will walk to the studio so that she can get familiar with the surroundings."

Clarence moved his thin lips trying to say something, but he didn't say anything in the end. He simply replied, "Okay."

Elaine, who stood at the side, had been lowering her head as if she had realized that she had made some mistakes.

Stella picked up her bag and said, "Let's go."

After getting into the lift, Elaine broke the silence hesitantly, "Hmm... Stella... I'm sorry. I broke your bowls today. I will buy you a new set of dishes when I earn some money." Stella replied, "It doesn't matter. I've been accustomed to it."

Stella chuckled, "Nothing. You just need to pay more attention in the future."

Elaine clenched her fists to brace herself, "It's just an accident. I can do it!"

It would take almost half an hour for them to walk to the studio. The sunlight was so dazzling at noon and it was a bit hot.

Walking next to Stella, Elaine looked around curiously, feeling everything interesting and novel.

Stella asked when she noticed this, "Did you grow up in Riverside."

Elaine immediately nodded her head, "There's a strange rule in my family - they don't allow us to leave Riverside. I've been yearning for going out for fun, but my dad didn't allow me to do so. What's more, he even scolded me. I can't understand what they're thinking. The world outside is so wonderful."

Aren't you afraid that they will get angry since you left Riverside without informing them?

I'm afraid of it, but I'm more afraid of marrying Darnell.

Stella subconsciously blurted out the question, "Why?"

Elaine knitted her brows, "Although I didn't have too many chances to meet him, I'd been calling him uncle since childhood. But now they require me to marry him and I feel very weird and uncomfortable. Moreover..."

Elaine kept down her voice as if they were talking about a mysterious thing, "He's very horrifying. I heard from others that the red wines in his cellar were all made of human's blood. And he usually eats human's flesh. The key is that he likes raw meat! What if I anger him after marriage and he eats me!"

Before going to Riverside, she also heard of similar rumours about Darnell.

She thought it was a lie for kids, but she didn't expect that some members of the James family had a firmer belief in this lie than her.

No wonder that Elaine reacted violently in the ancestral hall back then. She was even slapped by his father regardless of those people's presence and was punished to kneel in the ancestral hall, yet she still refused to marry Darnell.

Elaine continued, "Anyway, I've been afraid of him since childhood. My legs would tremble whenever I see him. Forcing me to marry him is like sending a tied-up sheep to his mouth. Moreover, I don't like him, so I don't want to marry him for those ridiculous reasons like he's the patriarch of James family just as they said."

Stella chuckled, "You're right."

Elaine continued, "Stella, do you like Clarence?"

Stella paused and they replied slowly, "Yep, I like him."

Now that this is the case, I won't compete with you. I will fall in love with the other man. Elaine looked around while walking and kept murmuring to herself, "It can be any man other than Darnell."¶¶¶¶

Chapter 628: Breaking News

When Stella and Elaine arrived at the studio, Sherry was taking pictures for a model for the production of new products.

Thanks to the online production, the visitors of their store doubled.

Although Sherry had recruited some employees, they were all for the management of the online store and apparently, their studio was in short of manpower.

The girls, who were overwhelmed by the large sum of work, lit up their eyes when they saw Stella.

Stella walked to the other side of the check-stand and said to the customers who were in the long line, "Please come here."

With Stella's help, the payment immediately became quicker.

Several customers recognized Stella and discussed it in a low voice, saying that Stella looked more beautiful than how she looked in photos.

When these customers left, the store became emptier and they were not that busy.

One of the girls said, "Stella, you're finally back!"

Stella chuckled, "Thank you for your hard work during this period."

That's not a big deal. Sherry has increased our salaries.

Right at this moment, Sherry came back from the next-door store. When she saw Stella, she rushed over and hugged her, "Stella, I miss you so much!" Stella patted her back and said with a smile, "I'd just left the city for one month, but why do you act like we haven't seen each other for several years."

Sherry let go of her and sighed emotionally while stroking her waist, "Apart in one day, it seems years away."

Noticing her action, Stella asked, "Do you feel uncomfortable?"

Nothing. It's just that my waist gets a bit sore after standing for a long while, replied Sherry. She then spotted Elaine, who stood behind Stella and was looking around curiously, and asked in a low voice, "Who's that?"

Stella replied, "She's... She's my sister and she will stay in our studio and help us during this period."

Stella asked Elaine to come over and asked an employee to introduce the environment of the studio to Elaine. Then she walked into the office with Sherry.

After closing the door, Sherry sat on the sofa and asked with confusion, "Do you have a sister?"

Stella touched her brows, "Er... It's a long story."

Sherry was interested, "Why do you say so?"

She's a member of the James family.

Sherry was taken aback for a moment. She didn't expect to get this answer from Stella, "Then why... Oh, I figure it out. Little Noah is still in Riverside, so Mr. Conrad especially caught her and held her as a hostage, right?"

That's not so.

Stella then concisely told her about what had happened in Riverside during this period and Clarence's relationship with the James family, and Sherry was so shocked.

After a long while, Sherry spoke with difficulty, "How breaking! I need some time to digest this news."

She paused and then asked, "So Mr. Conrad's mother was deceived by Mr. Conrad's father and went to City N with him, and then she became a homewrecker yet she herself didn't know about it at all, right?" Stella nodded her head, "That's true."

Sherry cursed angrily, "Damn it, before I just thought that Joanna was not a good man, but I didn't expect that Demps... No wonder that they're a couple - both of them are so disgusting! Mr. Conrad has been wronged as an illegitimate son, how dismal!"

Stella lowered her head and was lost for words for the time being.

Sherry continued, "By the way, you said that Justin's car accident has something to do with the James family, right?"

Then... Mr. Cornad... He must be very struggling now. I remember that he has been getting well with Justin.

Stella took a deep breath and looked out of the windows, "I don't know either."

Clarence had some weird emotions the night he came back from the James family, but after that, he resumed his usual self. Stella didn't know what was in his mind.

She didn't bring up this topic again as she was afraid that Clarence would be upset.

Sherry sighed emotionally and then comforted her, "But I think sometimes Mr. Conrad has a different way of thinking from normal people, so maybe he didn't take this to his heart. Don't worry. He will be fine after some time."

Stella smiled, "I hope so."

Sherry then asked tentatively, "Is that girl really Darnell's fiancée?"

Stella replied, "Yes."

Sherry clicked her tongue, "You told me last time that Darnell looks quite similar to Mr. Conrad, then he should be a handsome guy. Why did she try every possible means to evade him?"

The managers of various departments were reporting their work in the past month to Clarence, but they suddenly spotted that Clarence seemed to be absent-minded. He looked out of the windows blandly without any expression on his face.

The managers immediately became nervous, thinking that Clarence might be discontented with their reports, and then looked towards Nathan simultaneously.

Receiving their glances, Nathan braced up himself in the face of the great pressure and spoke, "Mr. Conrad."

Clarence pulled himself back to reality and asked, "Is it finished?"

The manager who was reporting his work replied, "Not... Not yet. Mr. Conrad, I...”

Put down the things and get out. I will call you if there're any problems.

The managers hurriedly put down their documents and then quickly left the office as if they were escaping from a monster.

Clarence casually picked up a document and leafed through it, "Have you found Vincent?"

It was now Nathan's turn to be nervous. "Not... Not yet," stammered Nathan.

Vincent had expected that Clarence would try to find him, so he hid himself in advance. Moreover, Vincent was the one who knew them best, so he could always know about their actions in advance.

In this case, it became harder for them to find Vincent.

Clarence closed the file in front of him and looked up nonchalantly.

Nathan immediately said, "I will arrange more men to find him."

No need. Clarence continued, "Is there any news from the men following Justin?"

Nathan heaved a sigh of relief, "Young Master Justin indeed took Dempsey to see doctors in various hospitals after coming to Canada. We've gotten rid of several batches of men arranged by Joanna, but these men were all from the Perez family and they had no relationship with the James family.

Clarence said blandly, "It's just a trick to bewilder us. Joanna's death has caused great attention. She wouldn't have left some useless men to him."

Then we will keep following him. I guess they will show up soon.

Ask our men to come back.

Nathan was taken aback. He thought he might have misheard it and asked, "Ask them to come back?"

Clarence groaned a nasal sound and added, "It's no longer necessary to follow him."

Nathan didn't ask any other questions and simply replied, "Okay."

Have you found Lyndon?

Not... Not yet.

Clarence slightly pressed his lips together and tapped the desk with his long fingers, seeming to be pondering something.

After a long while, he spoke, "Arrange some men to find him. Are you going to postpone this matter until the New Year?"

I will arrange it right away.

Hold on, Clarence continued, "The James family may send some men here recently. Don't let them create any troubles and deal with them in advance."

I see.00

Chapter 629: I Like to Chat with the Designer First

The employee was introducing the structure of the studio, the display and arrangement of goods, article numbers and the accounting procedure to Elaine, while Elaine listened to it carefully.

She hadn't experienced these matters. After a short while, although Elaine's eyes were still fixed on that girl, her mind had drifted to the milk tea store across the street.

Elaine only came to her sense when she spotted someone was waving her hands in front of her eyes.

The girl asked, "Have you remembered what I said just now?"

Elaine replied with uncertainty, "May... Maybe."

Judging from her expression, the girl could tell that Elaine didn't remember it. She heaved a long sigh. When she prepared to reintroduced it, a customer walked into the store.

The girl told Elaine, "Take a seat over there. I will restate it to you later."

Elaine obediently walked to the sofa and took a seat.

After a short while, a stunning beauty who was wearing a pair of sunglasses walked into the store.

A sales clerk immediately walked over and greeted, "Lady, do you need my help?"

The woman took away her sunglasses, "I want a customized ring."

Okay. Please follow me to the lounge and I will record your requirements in detail.

It's too troublesome. I want to meet up with your boss.

The sales clerk replied, "Sorry, Lady, this is our procedure."

The woman wrapped her arms in front of her chest, seeming to be dissatisfied, "What's wrong with it? Can't you change your procedure? Moreover, aren't you doing business? Your tenet should be serving and satisfying your customers. Come on, do you need me to teach you this?"

The sales clerk was in a dilemma when she heard the words. After a while of hesitation, she said, "Then please wait for a minute, I will ask about my boss' opinion."

The woman groaned a nasal sound lazily. She walked to the sofa and then sat down.

The one sitting opposite to her was the sleepy Elaine.

The woman crossed her fair legs, put one elbow on the arm of the sofa and then looked towards Elaine, asking, "Are you also here for a customized product?" Elaine, who was yawning, shook her head, "I'm working here."

There was a slight change in the woman's expression. She looked up and down at Elaine to study her dressing.

Maybe she was bewildered that Elaine, who wore luxury articles from the top to toe, was actually working here.

She guessed there might be something wrong with Elaine's mind.

The sales clerk walked out of the office after a short while, "Lady, our boss is waiting for you in the lounge. Let me take you there."

The woman groaned a simple answer nonchalantly, picked up her bag and stood up.

After her leaving, Elaine stretched her arms lazily and yawned again.

After leading the woman to the lounge, the sales clerk closed the door and made coffee for them.

The woman sat opposite Stella, "Are you Ms. Radomil?"

Stella curled her lips into a light smile, "Hello, how should I address you?"

Just call me Freya.

Okay, Freya, what kind of ring do you want to customize?

Freya leaned against the sofa and smiled, "I have a habit. When coming to a designer, I'd like to talk to him or her first, and I will only ask the designer to design jewellery for me if I like his or her temper." "I heard that you won the first prize in the Young Designers' Contest four years ago, but you gave up on the opportunity to go to Paris for study, right?"

Stella maintained a polite smile on her face while replying, "This is my private and it's inconvenient to tell you about this."

Freya chuckled, "It's fine if you don't want to tell me about this. In the designers' contest held several months ago, you defeated many capable designers, many of which are senior to you, and won the first prize. How do you feel?"

If I'm modest enough, I may say that I was so lucky that those seniors all lost their usual skills that day. However, since you've asked the question, apparently, you don't want any similar answers. I can just tell you that it's because of my ability.

Freya didn't expect to get such an answer from Stella and she was stunned. After a pause, she chuckled, "I've seen your works. Indeed they're inspiring, but it's not enough to prove that you defeated them with your ability."

There're a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes. Likewise, people may have different opinions and comments on one work. I didn't get the approval of all judges of the contest back then. "I agree with you on this point."

Stella asked, "Do you have any other questions?"

Freya raised her brows, "Of course. To be honest, I'm very curious about you. So naturally, I have many questions."

Right at this moment, a sales clerk walked into the lounge with two cups of coffee.

Sensing the weird atmosphere of the room, the girl was so frightened that she hurriedly put down the cups and left the room.

Stella said, "It's fine to talk about work-related matters. But if what you want to know about is my private affairs, I have to say sorry that our talk has to stop here."

Freya picked up a cup of coffee and took a sip of it, "Rest assured. I will just talk with you about your works."

She paused and then continued slowly, "What's your opinion on Modesty's works?"

Stella paused, and she didn't reply.

Freya put down the cup and asked, "Why do you show this expression? Modesty is quite famous in the jewellery design community. Is it so weird for me to mention her?" "Nope. It has nothing to do with the design community."

Let's talk about the works, Stella continued, "Now that you've asked the question, I will answer it from the aspect of design. Modesty had been hard-working and it's not difficult to find that she has learned a lot in Paris. However, her works lack souls as designing was the reason why Modesty designed most of her works."

Stella said blandly, "I don't know what her design style was like when she was in Paris, and I won't comment on it. However, she had been taken me as her target after coming back to the country. She tried to surpass me and suppress me in every aspect. Therefore, the things she designed were all based on my works. This was because she wanted to design a better work than mine. In this case, her works lack some uniqueness."

Freya tilted her head when she heard the words, seeming to be pondering something.

Stella asked, "Do you have any other questions? Do you like my answer?"

Freya pulled herself together and smiled, "Almost. Let me tell you the truth. I liked Modesty's works very much when she was in Paris and she was once my exclusive designer. In my opinion, she should win the first prize in the designers' contest. I was very curious about who could win her and get the first prize."

Stella smiled and didn't reply.

Freya continued, "But I also heard that she cheated in the designers' contest and found someone to help her. But I believe that if she could perform normally, she might win you." "Maybe."

Freya continued, "Okay, let's cut the craps. I'm here to ask you to design a pair of wedding rings for me. As for the requirements, I don't know either. But if I like your design, it means the deal is done."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 630: It’s So Funny to Tease Her

After Freya's leaving, Stella walked out of the lounge.

Looking at Freya's back, Sherry couldn't help asking, "Who's she?"

She was once Modesty's customer?

Sherry widened her eyes in shock and asked, "Then why did she come to you? Was here to create troubles for you?"

Stella chuckled and shook her head, "Nope. She asked me to design a pair of wedding rings for her."

What are her requirements?

To win her favour and let her satisfied.

Sherry clicked her tongue, "Isn't this a typical way of thinking of customers? When you finish the design, she may find many dissatisfying aspects."

Stella heaved a long sigh, "I have no choice since the award she offered is so amazing."

Sherry patted Stella's shoulder and said with sympathy, "You have to work hard for the sake of our studio."

Sherry suddenly recalled something and said, "There's little time left to the fashion week, but you have to design wedding rings for her at the same time. Can you achieve it? Will it post any problems to the fashion week?"

Nope. I was free when I stayed in Riverside before and drew many sketches. I just need to modify the details later.

All right. Then you should focus on the drawings in the next few days and I will handle other matters in our studio.

Stella said, "Don't tire yourself and remember to have some rest."

Sherry chuckled, "It's fine. The baby in my belly has been so obedient recently and he seldom created troubles for me. When I had a prenatal check-up several days ago, the doctor told me that I could work as normal. There wouldn't be any problems."

Stella asked, "Where's Daniel?"

The company, oh, I forget the name, anyway, it wants to establish a branch in City N. Seems like Daniel is busy with this matter recently. Anyway, it's quite troublesome.

Stella knew what she meant and became silent. She didn't say anything else.

Stella said, "Go have a rest. I will come to the next door to have a look."

Sherry yawned, "Okay."

Just as Stella had taken two steps, she received four lines of sight for help from a person not far away from her.

One gaze was from one of her employees and one from Elaine.

It seemed like they were greatly tortured by each other.

Stella chuckled and said to Elaine, "Come with me."

Both the girl and Elaine felt like coming to life again.

Elaine instantly ran to Stella and followed her out of the studio.

The next door had changed dramatically. The first floor was used to store goods and the second floor was transformed into a photo studio.

Stella looked around while asking Elaine, "How do you feel? Do you think it difficult?"

Elaine scratched her head and said with melancholy, "The things she taught me were so complicated. I wanted to remember them, but it was so hard. Am I so foolish?"

It's because these are not the things that you're good at, and you haven't experienced these either. Stella continued, "You don't have to remember those things. You just need to help them get the goods when there're many customers in the store."

Elaine nodded her head, "I will learn it one day."

In the afternoon, when Sherry woke up from her noontime snooze, she said, "Stella, let's go to eat hot pot tonight. Only Daniel accompanied when you were in Riverside, but he didn't allow me to eat that." Stella put down her pencil and stretched out lazily, "Okay. I will send a message to Channing and invite him to have a hot pot with us. I'm afraid that he would worry about me."

Sherry asked tentatively, "Shall I invite Winnie?"

Stella raised her brows and replied, "Invite her."

After sending a message to Channing, Stella prepared to call Clarence. However, at a second thought, she was afraid that Clarence was at a meeting, therefore, she also sent him a message.

She received a call from Clarence in a minute.

He asked, "What's the matter?"

Stella replied, "I invited Sherry and Channing to have dinner together, can you join us tonight?"

Clarence said, "Enjoy your time."

Do you have many matters to deal with in the company?

Yes. You don't have to wait for me home tonight. Go to bed early.

Stella groaned a nasal sound and said, "Then remember to have dinner."

Clarence curled his lips into a smile, "I see."

When Stella ended the call, Sherry leaned over, "Will Mr. Conrad come?"

Stella put her phone back into her pocket, "Many affairs of his company have been accumulated since he has stayed in Riverside for a month. I guess he will be busy recently."

Sherry sighed emotionally, "I hope one day Mr. Conrad can divide half of this kind of nuisance to me. Oh, I will be satisfied even there's only 1/10."

Stella chuckled and then asked, "Has Winnie replied to you?"

Yep. She said she went to the other city for activity several days ago and now she's at the airport. She will come over after getting off the plane. She told us not to wait for her and just enjoy the meal if we arrive before her.

Sherry couldn't help gossiping, "By the way, have you asked Channing about the possibility between the two? I don't know whether it's my illusion or not, anyway, I always feel that Channing has a special feeling for Winnie."

How to say it?

"Er... It's the sixth sense of a woman.

Actually, Sherry's observation in this aspect was very detailed.

Stella replied, Channing indeed likes her. It's just that... You're also clear of Channing's temper. I can't make clear of the other matters."""

Sherry said, "That makes sense. Channing is several years younger than her. The key is that we don't know whether Winnie's capitalist-like boss would allow her to have a relationship or not." Stella was rendered speechless.

At night...

After closing the studio, Stella, Elaine and Sherry directly went to the hot pot restaurant in which they booked a table in advance.

Elaine kept dozing on the way.

Although she didn't get hang of anything today, she had been following Stella. And even though she didn't do any favour, she tired herself. The hot pot restaurant was not far away from their studio.

Stella found a parking space and parked her car.

Elaine got out of the car, yawning and then suddenly fixing her eyes on something.

Stella walked to her, "What's wrong?"

Elaine rubbed her eyes to refresh herself, "That man... That man... He's damn gorgeous!"

Both Stella and Sherry looked over following her gaze and found Channing who stood in front of the hot pot restaurant.

Stella tried to suppress her laughter, "Would you like me to help you get his number?"

Elaine replied shyly yet with anticipation, "Oh... But it's not that good."

What's wrong with it? Wait a minute. I promise I will get his number.

When Sherry prepared to walk to Channing, Stella grabbed her arm and stopped her with a smile, "Okay, stop teasing her."

Stella then said to Elaine, "That's my younger brother."

Sherry burst into laughter, "Oh she's so cute. It's so funny to tease her."

Stella didn't expect that this girl, who claimed to be into Clarence before, would blush when she saw Channing.

Sherry held up Elaine's hand, "Well, let's come over. And I will introduce that hunk to you."

Channing just stood in front of the hot pot restaurant for a short while, but several girls had come over to ask for his number.

He refused all of them. When he looked up, he spotted Sherry and Stella walking towards himself.

Channing apologized to the girls and then walked towards Stella.

Seeing this, the girls left in disappointment.