Ch. 631..640

Chapter 631: Is This the Strength of a Straight-A Student

Sherry waved at Channing, "Wow, Chan, you become more handsome. More and more girls take fancy to you." Channing was rendered speechless.

When he prepared to say something, he spotted Elaine who stood beside Sherry with a slightly blushed face. Sherry walked over and introduced Elaine, "Her name is Elaine James and she's around your age."

Elaine stammered, "H... Hello."

Channing slightly nodded at her to show his greeting.

Right at this moment, someone walked past them and Sherry moved aside to make way for the person, but she staggered.

Stella supported her, "Let's get into the private room first. More and more guests will come here."

Channing said, "Let's go."

Stella and Sherry walked in front of Elaine and Channing. Sherry couldn't help turning around several times and then she said to Stella in a whisper, "Is Elaine fascinated by Chan?"

Stella also turned around and took a glance at them when she heard the words.

Elaine walked shoulder to shoulder with Channing, clasping her hands and wriggling her fingers. Apparently, she was very nervous at the moment.

But it seemed like there was something fishy.

Sherry said, "I was joking before. Oh come on, this can't happen. But by the way, girls around Elaine's age would be easily captivated by good-looking boys and they would be easily attracted by boys around their ages. Channing meets the two above-mentioned...."

Stella withdrew her gaze and said, "It's the first time that they met each other. I don't think she would fall into him at the first glance. Maybe she has a social anxiety disorder."

I've been with her all day long today and I think she won't have a social anxiety disorder.

Sherry continued, "Falling in love at first sight is indeed being captivated by appearance. Because you're beautiful, Mr. Conrad began to..."

Stella covered her mouth, "All right, stop here."

Sherry chuckled and pulled down Stella's hand, "Well, I was joking. Elaine is a daughter of a rich family, of course, she must have seen many gorgeous men. And Darnell must look better than Channing. We should not worry about it since it hasn't happened. Just wait for the progress and see what we should do next."

They then arrived at the private room.

The moment they seated themselves, a waiter immediately walked into the room to help them order food.

Since people from Riverside, including Elaine, generally couldn't eat food that was too spicy, and that Sherry couldn't eat too much spicy food either, they ordered a two-favour hot pot, one spicy and one not. When finishing ordering food, Channing asked, "Where's Clarence?"

Stella replied, "He has to deal with some matters in the company and he can't come here."

Channing groaned a nasal sound and didn't say anything else on this topic.

Originally, Channing prepared to ask Stella about the child in detail, but due to Elaine's presence, he didn't bring up this topic.

He thought he could ask her about this later.

Stella turned to the beverage page of the menu and asked them what they would like to drink. Thereafter, she asked Sherry, "Will Daniel join us?"

I don't know either. He didn't answer my call. Come on, just enjoy our meal and leave him alone. It's good if he doesn't come. Then I can eat more spicy food. Stella chuckled. Right at this moment, her phone rang.

It was a call from Winnie, who told her that she would arrive soon and asked her which private room they were in.

Stella said, "It may be a bit hard for you to find the private room. I will let Channing lead you in."

After ending the call, Stella looked towards Channing, "Winnie will arrive at the restaurant soon. Go out and take her in." Channing nodded his head and then stood up.

After her leaving, Sherry said to Elaine who was looking in the direction of the door, "Elaine, what are you looking at?"

Elaine immediately withdrew her gaze and violently shook her head, "Nothing... I'm pondering when they will serve the dishes. I'm a bit hungry."

Stella said, "I ordered some snacks and they will be served on the table soon."

A bright smile immediately showed up on Elaine's face as she said, "Okay!"

Judging from her reaction, it seemed like she was really hungry and was looking at the door anxiously, waiting for the dishes.

Outside of the hot pot restaurant...

The driver parked the car and Winnie put on her black peaked cap and a mask.

After getting out of the car, she looked around and found many people in the surroundings, yet she didn't spot Channing.

Winnie took out her phone and prepared to send a message to Channing. Right at this moment, someone grasped her wrist.

Channing said, "There're many people here. We can come to the back door."

Winnie subconsciously let out a concise answer and followed behind him. After taking several steps, she finally realized that he was still gripping her wrist.

Winnie moved her lips trying to say something. When she prepared to withdrew her hand, several boys and girls came towards them.

Holding Winnie's hand, Channing pulled her aside to evade the group of people.

Being distracted, Winnie forgot this matter and sneaked into the hot pot restaurant through the back door.

Maybe it was because there were few people in the corridor, it was excessively quiet. Channing finally came to his sense. He slightly moved his slender fingers and then slowly withdrew his hand. Winnie immediately asked, "When did your sister come back from Riverside?"

Her question tactfully alleviated the awkwardness.

Channing replied, "She came back yesterday."

Is Mr. Conrad going to have dinner with us?

Nope, Channing paused and then asked, "You don't want to have the meal with him?"

Winnie chuckled awkwardly, "Not exactly. For the gatherings for me and my friends after work, it will be better if my boss is not present."

Channing replied, "Rest assured. He won't come."

Winnie patted her chest, "That's so great. I will attend the recording of a variety show several days later. And I'm afraid that he may raise many questions."

Channing asked after being silent for several silent, "When will you leave?"

Winnie was bewildered, "What?"

Didn't you say that you have to attend the recording of a variety show several days later? When will you go there?

Oh, they haven't decided the exact time. I have to deal with other work in these two days and it hasn't been decided.

Channing slightly pressed his lips together and didn't say anything else.

Winnie continued, "What about you? Are you on your summer holiday?"

Almost. I will have the last examination tomorrow.

Winnie was stunned and asked, "Don't you need to review the subject?"

Channing replied, "No need."

Winnie couldn't help complimenting him in her heart: is this the strength of a Straight-A student?

After taking several steps, she asked another question, "Then... Will your company arrange work for you when your summer holiday begins?"

She also heard that Channing refused to attend any talent show before and that his requirement to the company was to arrange his work on holidays since he still wanted to place priority on his study.

This was good. He was still young and he could take the working experience in the entertainment community as a kind of advanced social practice.

For people who had a high IQ like him, it would be a waste of talent if he chose to become a star. It would be a pity.

Channing replied after a while of silence, "Yes, they arranged it."

Winnie said, "Well, feel free to turn to me if you have any problems with your work. After all, I've been in the entertainment industry for many years and I'm not only a friend like your sister, but also a senior. I'm confident to say that I know about this industry better than you."

Channing pressed his thin lips together and groaned an answer lightly. He didn't say anything else.

They soon arrived at the private room.

Channing said, "You go in first."

Winnie turned around and asked in confusion, "What about you?"¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 632: Are You Ms. Truman’s Boyfriend?

When Winnie stepped into the room, Stella asked, "Where's Chan?"

He said he received a call just now and he wanted to dial back. He will come back soon.

When Winnie sat down, she spotted Elaine who sat opposite her and asked, "Who's this lady?"

Elaine said, "A little girl. Her name is Elaine James."

Winnie smiled at Elaine, "Hello."

Elaine was stupefied for several seconds when she saw Winnie, "Are... Are you Winnie Truman?"

Winnie gently nodded her head.

Elaine exclaimed excitedly, "I often see you on the TV. You're so beautiful!"

Winnie replied with a smile, "Thank you. You're so cute."

Elaine clenched her fists and her face radiated pleasure and excitement. She looked very happy at the moment.

After a short while, she released a post.

[Aww... City N is so wonderful. I don't want to come back to Riverside!]

Archer liked her post two minutes later and then messaged her.

Archer: I understand that you're very happy as you could leave Riverside, but you'd better delete the post.

Elaine:?

Archer: I'm afraid that your father would pass out when he sees the post.

Few members of the James family knew that Elaine had secretly left Riverside, ad her father had curbed the spreading of this piece of news.

If other members of the James family knew that Elaine had left Riverside and come to City, it would definitely cause a great commotion in the James family. Elaine pouted, but she could only accept the reality and deleted her post.

Elaine: I don't understand. The world outside is so wonderful, but my dad never allowed me to leave Riverside."

Archer: This will come to an end soon.

Elaine: Why?

Archer: I don't know. Just wait.

Elaine: Haven't you considered coming to City N? Guess whom I saw just now.

Archer: Whom else can you see except for Clarence?

Elaine: I saw Winnie. Seems like she's Stella's friend. She's so kind and so beautiful.

Archer: ...

Elaine: I remember that you're her fans. Would you like me to ask for her signature?

Archer: No need. I will ask for it myself.

When Elaine and Archer were chatting happily, Channing came back to the room and the dishes were severed on the table one after another.

Stella asked, "Elaine, didn't you say that you're hungry. Let's enjoy the meal."

Elaine pulled herself back to reality, put down her phone and began to enjoy the dishes.

Winnie, who didn't know what had happened, asked in confusion, "Did you and Mr. Conrad go to Riverside for a business trip? Why was it so long?"

Stella replied, "It was not a business trip. We went there to deal with some private matters."

Winnie groaned a nasal sound when she heard the words. She didn't probe into this matter.

Sherry said, "Oh, how about watching a movie after this meal? An anime was launched not long ago and I heard it's very exciting."

Noticing that Sherry was looking at her, Winnie replied, "I'm fine with it."

She paused and then added, "But Channing has an examination tomorrow. I think maybe he can't come with us."

Channing replied, "You guys can go watch it. I will directly come back to school later."

Stella asked, "Are you having final exams?"

Stella had been so busy recently that she totally forgot this.

Channing nodded his head, "Tomorrow's examination is the last one."

Stella said, "Let me send you back to school after this meal."

Don't bother. I can hail a taxi.

Winnie chimed in, "My driver is waiting for me at the door. Let him give you a ride. Anyway, we will go to see a movie later and he can come back to pick us up after sending you to school." Channing didn't say anything else when he heard the words. He had acquiesced in it.

Sherry curled her lips into a smile as if she was looking at a couple.

Sherry coughed and then said, "Then Chan, what do you plan to do after the examinations?" "My company has arranged some work for me."

What kind of...

Sherry suddenly paused as Stella gently stepped on her foot under the table.

Maintaining her expression, Stella put some vegetables into the pot, "Let's talk while eating."

Sherry immediately understood it and didn't continue the previous topic.

Elaine was wedded to eating as if she was in a world different from theirs.

Noticing this, Sherry couldn't help sighing emotionally, "It's so wonderful to be young."

After the meal, Sherry took out her phone, preparing to book film tickets. But right at this moment, Winnie received a call.

The advertisement she shot several days ago asked her to reshoot some scenes and the producer asked Winnie whether she could come now as there was little time left. Winnie agreed. She put her phone back into her pocket and said to them, "I have to deal with some urgent matters now. Please enjoy the movie. And see you next time." Stella nodded her head, "Be careful."

Winnie stood up and said to Channing while putting on her mask, "The place I'm going is in the same direction with your school. Let's go. I will send you back first." Channing responded, "Okay."

They then left together. Sherry was stupefied and asked, "Then should I... book the tickets?"

She proposed to watch a movie with the purpose of creating an opportunity for Winnie and Channing to get along with each other. Should they still go since the male lead and the female lead had left? Stella chuckled, "Let's go home."

Channing had been looking out of the window, seeming to be pondering something.

The producer made several calls to Winnie's assistant consecutively, asking her when Winnie would arrive.

Right at this moment, Channing turned around and said, "Go there first."

Winnie's assistant froze and then subconsciously looked towards Winnie.

Channing continued, "I'm not in a hurry to come back to school. It won't take too much time for you to reshoot a scene."

The assistant asked tentatively, "Winnie, should we go to the filming studio first?"

Winnie pondered for a while. Since the producer had been urging her, she decided, "Okay. Go to the filming studio first. We can get out of the car when we arrive and the driver can directly send him back to school."

It wouldn't delay too much time in this case.

Channing slightly pressed his lips together and didn't say anything.

Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the filming studio.

Winnie got out of the car. When she prepared to ask the driver to send Channing back to school, Channing followed her out of the car.

Before Winnie could say something, Channing said, "It's still early now. I want to see what it's like to shoot an advertisement."

Winnie was lost for words.

Not long ago, she told him that she was his senior and asked him to turn to her if he had any problems.

With this excuse, she couldn't refuse his request.

Winnie coughed and said, "All right."

Then she strode into the filming studio.

Channing followed behind her in steady paces.

When they walked into the filming studio, a staff, who had been waiting for them, hurriedly walked over, "Ms. Truman, thank you for your cooperation. Let me take you to the room to wear make-up." Winnie Truman nodded her head and turned around to glance at her assistant, suggesting her to take good care of Channing

Right after Winnie's leaving, the director spotted Channing. He couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked, "Is... Is this Ms. Truman's boyfriend?"

Winnie's assistant hurriedly waved her hands, "Nope... He's the brother of one of Ms. Truman's friends. He's still a university student."

The director smiled apologetically at Channing, "Sorry, sorry, I misunderstood it."

Channing secretly smiled and said, "It doesn't matter."

The director continued, "You look so handsome. Do you consider becoming a star?"

Winnie's assistant interrupted him, "He has signed a contract with JH Film Company. Director, you shall drop your dream."

Chapter 633: A Piece of Good News

After a short while, Winnie walked out of the room after dressing make-up and changing her clothes. Wearing a black, long dress, she looked so gorgeous with her long, curly hair cascading on her back. The director shouted, "Everyone come over. Get yourself prepared and our shooting will begin."

All staff in the shooting studio moved towards the director.

Winnie's assistant hurriedly ran over and helped Winnie smoothen her dress.

Channing took several steps backwards until he reached an inconspicuous corner. He then landed his gaze on Winnie's face.

Not far away from the corner, Winnie was discussing the scene that she needed to shoot later with the director. She slightly nodded her head from time to time and smiled, "Thank you, director." The shooting began soon.

The flashes of the cameras lit up the whole studio,

Winnie stood on the stage with a bright smile, surrounded by the staff.

She should be like this.

After a while, Channing withdrew his gaze and walked out of the shooting studio.

The shooting came to an end in half an hour.

The staff thanked Winnie in chorus, "Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Truman."

Winnie replied, "Thank you for your hard work too."

She then prepared to come back to the changing room to change her cloth. But Winnie suddenly paused and looked around, "Where's Channing?"

Her assistant was also confused, "He was over there not long ago. Maybe he went out because he thought this place was too noisy."

Winnie also thought it possible and said, "I will change my cloth first."

After entering the changing room, Winnie took off the dress and put on her own clothes. She took her phone from her assistant and hurriedly walked out of the studio. But she suddenly paused after taking several steps.

Her assistant asked, "What's wrong, Winnie?"

Winnie stared at the screen of her phone and replied, "Nothing. Channing has come back to his school."

She saw the message that Channing sent her twenty minutes ago.

Her assistant asked in confusion, "Why did he leave alone?"

Winnie put her phone into her handbag, "He has a final exam tomorrow."

No wonder. The director asked me whether he's your boyfriend or not just now.

Winnie was bewildered.

She asked, "How did you reply?"

Her assistant replied, "I said he's your friend's younger brother. The director complimented him, saying that he's so handsome and asking whether he wanted to enter the entertainment industry or not. But I told him he had signed a contract with JH Film Company."

Her assistant then asked, "By the way, Winnie, does he have a girlfriend?"

Winnie gently shook her head, "Probably he doesn't have one. Before when I chatted with her sister, her sister said that he is so fascinated by a girl. But he's afraid that the girl would refuse his affection, so he hasn't confessed his love to her."

Her assistant was confused and at the same time shocked, "He's so handsome and has an outstanding performance in study. How excellent the girl is that she even wants to refuse him?"

It's their business and we can't comment on it when we don't know the truth. Let's go.

When Stella arrived home, she found it was still early, so she cleaned up the whole house.

Looking at the baby's toys and the crib, Stella sat down on the carpet and became lost in her thoughts.

She had only been back for two days. And the following days seemed to be so awful.

After a long while, Stella pulled herself together, stood up and walked into the bathroom.

She came back to her bathroom, opened her drawing book, and began to draw the design for Freya's rings.

She scratched several versions, but none of them met her criteria. Stella tore off the papers, kneaded them and threw the ball into the trash can.

When she lifted her head again, it was almost 1 a.m.

Stella picked up her phone but put it down at the next moment.

Never mind. They only came back to City N after staying in Riverside for a month, so Clarence must have to deal with many matters. Maybe he wouldn't come back tonight. Stella, who couldn't sleep, decided to continue to draw the design.

When it was 3 a.m., Stella finally felt a bit sleepy.

She stretched out lazily. Just as she stood up, there came some noises from the door.

There came some footsteps. Clarence walked into the room and said in a low voice, "It's so late. Why don't you sleep?"

Stella yawned, "I prepared to go to bed. I thought you won't come back tonight."

Clarence tore down his necktie. He looked a bit tired as he said, "I will come back late in the next few days. You can go to bed first and I will take a bath."

Stella nodded and then lay down on the bed.

When she was sleeping, she felt the other side of the bed sinking and at the next moment, she was pulled into a warm embrace.

Stella let out an inexplicit groan and found a place that was comfortable for her in his arms.

Clarence's voice sounded, "How's Elaine's performance in your study today?"

Stella responded to her with her eyes closed, "Not bad. Actually she's not that spoiled as I've imagined. Maybe it's because she had been confined in Riverside for so long, plus that the people around her all pampered her, she would have some weird behaviour from time to time."

Clarence smiled and rubbed her head, "Don't pamper her. Feel free to give her any orders."

Okay... Stella paused and then slowly opened her eyes, "I want to come to the Steward Group to have a look tomorrow."

Would you like me to go with you?

Don't bother. I just thought I should tell you about this. Stella continued, "Now the matters related to Armand have been solved, which means the biggest problem in the Steward Group is gone. Every project is progressing and everything gradually comes to the right track, so I..."

Clarence continued, "So you want to leave the Steward Group?”

Stella nodded, "There is little time left to the fashion week and I want to make full preparation for it. Plus that Sherry is pregnant, so I can't let her handle the matters of the studio alone. It's just that... I can't figure out a suitable candidate to take charge of the Steward Group."

Clarence comforted her, "Francis is dealing with the matters in the Steward Group. You can rest assured and focus on the preparation for the fashion week. As for the suitable candidate, let's talk about this when the fashion week is over."

Clarence gently patted her back, "Sleep."

Stella felt sleepy again. She yawned lazily and closed her eyes.

Clarence patted her back slowly and looked out of the windows, seeming to be pondering something.

When Stella woke up the next morning, she found Clarence had left.

She prepared the breakfast and then came out, intending to wake up Sherry and Elaine.

Seeing that Sherry walked out of the house alone, Stella asked, "Didn't Daniel come back last night?"

Sherry rubbed her eyes and replied, "He hasn't come back. He told me he had to deal with some matters."

Right at this moment, Elaine walked out of her house with her eyes half-closed, "Morning."

Stella replied, "Morning. Come to my home to have breakfast."

After breakfast, Stella said to Sherry, "Sherry, I want to go to the Steward Group today. Please take Elaine to our studio."

Sherry nodded her head, "Okay."

Before leaving, Stella looked towards Elaine, "Elaine, Sherry will take care of you today. Be obedient."

Elaine replied obediently, "Okay."

Stella then left the house. Her phone rang the moment she got into the car.

Stella then answered the call. Samuel said, "Ms. Radomil, I've gotten some information of the person that you asked me to investigate before."

Stella said, "Say it."

She's French and has been living in Paris for a long time. Her fiancé is also French. I've checked it and indeed she didn't lie to you. She always asked Modesty to design customized jewellery for her when she was in Paris, and she even recommended Modesty to her friends.

Have you found out what drove her to come back to the country?

Not yet. But I found she's going to marry her fiancé. Could it be that she merely came to you for her wedding rings?

Chapter 634: Should I Correct Myself?

Stella said, "I'm on the way to the company. Let's talk about this when I arrive."

After ending the call, Stella put her phone aside and drove to the company.

She wouldn't care about it if it was just an ordinary customer. However, apparently, Freya came to her with full preparation. Maybe her target was not Modesty, but it must be Stella.

For people like Freya, they would feel restless if they couldn't figure out her background and intentions.

Half an hour later, Stella arrived at the Steward Group.

When Stella got out of the car, she found Samuel was waiting for her at the entrance of the company.

Samuel walked over and said, "Ms. Radomil, Mr. Francis Colton is having a meeting. I will bring you to the office first."

After walking into the lift, Stella asked, "Have anything happened to our company recently?"

The projects, which were taken charge by Armand before, have some problems, more or less. But Mr. Colton has dealt with it and has kicked those people out of the company. It's just that... Noticing that he wanted to say something, Stella asked, "What's wrong?"

Samuel continued, "Not a big deal. It's just that when Mr. Colton was dealing with those people, some people talked about it privately, saying that Mr. Colton was Mr. Conrad's subordinate and he wasn't qualified to take care of the Steward Group's matters. They even said that Mr. Conrad would take control of the Steward Group one day. But it was because those people left our company with dissatisfaction that they deliberately slandered Mr. Colton. It won't have a huge impact."

Stella spoke after a long while, "Francis will still be responsible for the Steward Group in the next few months. If the rumours are not that serious, you can ignore them." Samuel asked after a pause, "Ms. Radomil, aren't you going back to the company?"

Stella gently shook her head, "I have to deal with my own business. Before, I chose to come to Steward Group, oh, even though I didn't help a lot, because the company almost went bankrupt. But now the company doesn't need me."

Ms. Radomil, please don't say so. If not for your help, Steward Group would have been ruined by Armand and Logan and we wouldn't have had the opportunity to come back. We would have to live with the stigma for the rest of our lives.

Samuel continued, "I don't know what's in other employees' minds, but I and those managers sincerely appreciate your help."

It was you who gave the company a future.

Stella curled her lips into a light smile. She suddenly thought all the tiredness and grievance she had suffered over the past several months had become worthy.

She hadn't been ambitious since childhood.

All she hoped was that she and Channing could get rid of Jeffrey and lead a peaceful life.

Therefore, even though many things happened thereafter, for most of the time, she didn't want to confront them directly.

Even though she had made some decisions, she was still afraid that they would be wrong.

But getting such a comment from Samuel proved that her choices might not be the wisest ones, but they must not be the worst ones too.

When Stella entered the office, she found the layout and decoration of the office remained unchanged.

Stella turned around and asked, "Isn't this Francis' office?"

Samuel replied, "Mr. Colton takes Armand's office as his."

Samuel then added, "Ms. Radomil, please wait a minute, I will show you the contracts we signed in the past month."

Stella stopped him, "Don't bother."

Anyway, she didn't understand it. Now that Francis had dealt with the contracts, there wouldn't be any problems.

Stella asked, "Has Donald been to the company recently?"

Nope. He hasn't been here ever since you came to Riverside. Luckily, Mr. Colton was here, so everything in the company is progressing normally.

I see. When will the meeting end?

Samuel took a glance at the clock and replied, "I guess it will last for one more hour."

Then I will wait for him here. Go ahead with your own business.

Samuel nodded his head and handed a document to Stella, "This is Freya's information and it's quite detailed. Ms. Radomil, please call me if you have any problems." Stella replied, "Okay."

After Samuel's leaving, Stella sat down on the sofa and opened the document in front of her.

Freya, originally named Gloria Elmo, went to Paris for study ten years ago and then settled in France.

Her husband was a businessman and they got to know each other at a party.

They had been together for three years and had been maintaining a good relationship. They were going to get married in October of this year.

Except for the above-mentioned information, Stella turned the pages and found nothing special.

There were also several pictures about the jewellery that Modesty designed for her, and Freya had posted the photos on social platforms.

Everything seemed to be normal. It seemed like Freya came to Stella for the design of her wedding rings.

Stella closed the document and rubbed her glabella.

Was she so sensitive again that she thought too much of it?

But the reality was that what she doubted before all turned into reality.

Nonetheless, this time, she didn't have any clues.

Half an hour later, Francis strode into the office, "Ms. Radomil, sorry for letting you wait for a long time."

Stella stood up and said with a smile, "Francis, long time no see."

Francis coughed, "Yeah. But should I correct myself? Maybe I should call you Mrs. Conrad?"

She then replied, "Just call me Stella."

Francis smiled awkwardly and decided not to bring up this unpleasant past again. He then said, "Mr. Conrad gave me a call this morning and told me about your plan. Ms. Radomil, please rest assured. I will manage the Steward Group well so that you can take part in the fashion week without any scruples."

You're welcome. This is what I should do. Francis sighed emotionally, "When Chairman Lyndon's past was revealed, everyone was so worried, thinking that the company would decline thereafter. But no one had expected that Steward Group would be thriving like it's today. Even I myself was impressed by you, Ms. Radomil."

Stella felt a bit embarrassed when she heard the compliment, "Actually, I didn't help a lot."

Ms. Radomil, you don't have to be so humble. Several years ago, when you took part in the Young Designers' Contest, I knew that you have a great achievement in the future. As expected, I was right. Ms. Radomil, if you chose to go to Paris for further study at that time, you would have become a well-known jewellery designer long ago.

Stella smiled lightly, yet she didn't reply as she didn't know how to respond to it.

Noticing her reaction, Francis realized that he had said something that he was not supposed to bring about and hurriedly made up for his mistake, "But it's not late to start your career now. I believe that your works will astonish them in the fashion week several months ago, and I'm waiting for cooperating with you, Ms. Radomil."

Stella had a small talk with Francis. But during this period, Francis constantly received calls related to work, and Stella decided to leave as she didn't need to deal with anything in the Steward Group.

The moment she walked out of the company, Samuel's voice sounded from behind.

Stella turned around and found Samuel was running towards her in a hurry.

Panting, Samuel reported, "Ms. Radomil, I just found that Freya's parents are people of Riverside."

Stella was stunned, "What?"

Samuel continued, "Freya's parents died in a car accident five years ago. Therefore, when investigating her before, we didn't notice her family. But I just found that her parents are from Riverside and they came to City N twenty years ago."

Chapter 635: I Have to Come Here Personally

Before, Stella thought she didn't have any clues about this matter. Nor did she know why Freya came to her.

But now, the word "Riverside" was enough to tense her nerve.

Many matters about Riverside remained unsolved, and they hadn't find out the chief culprit.

At this sensitive point, Freya suddenly came to her. Moreover, she was once Modesty's customer and she seemed to have some relationship with Riverside.

Stella pondered which person was manipulating this behind the scene.

Riverside and City N seemed to have countless ties, but because of Joanna's death, they didn't know where they should begin the investigation.

When Joanna committed suicide, Clarence covered Stella's eyes, but she still could imagine the scene.

Joanna's expression must be distorted and ferocious at that moment, and there must be a trace of hatred in her expression.

After Joanna's death, everything was progressing in the direction that she expected.

There seemed to be an intangible estrangement between Justin and Clarence. They couldn't touch it, nor could they remove it. Maybe with the passage of time, the estrangement would gradually become suspicious about each other. In the end, only the accumulated hatred would be left.

The baby was sick, there were many conspiracies in Riverside, and the James family had many domestic conflicts. Everything seemed to be unrelated, but they were linked in the end.

It seemed like...long-planned revenge.

Sitting in the car and looking at the distance, Stella was lost in her thoughts.

After a long while, she pulled herself back to reality, took out her phone and dialled a number.

The call was answered in a minute and a female's voice sounded, "Hello?"

Hello, Freya, this is Starry Sky Studio.

Freya said with a smile, "Oh, you're Ms. Radomil. What's the matter?"

Stella replied, "I'm sorry that I can't accept your order of customization."

For some personal reasons. The deposit will be refunded to your account before 6 p.m. today.

After finishing the words, Stella directly ended the call.

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

In the studio, Elaine looked like a real employee in a labour suit. She was serving the customers carefully like a real cashier. Comparing to her stiff and unnatural behaviour yesterday, her performance today was much better.

Stella curled her lips into a smile when she saw this scene.

Right at this moment, Sherry came back to the studio from the next-door studio, "Stella, didn't you come to the Steward Group?"

Stella replied, "I went there to have a look and came back since I didn't have anything to deal with in the company."

Will you stay in our studio later?

Stella nodded, "There's little time left, and I will focus on the preparation for the fashion week later."

Who's taking charge of the Steward Group now?

Francis, Noticing the confusion on Sherry's face, Stella added, "He was the person in charge of the Young Designers' Contest that I took part in several years ago. He's the manager of a subsidiary of the Conrad Group."

Sherry finally figured it out, "Oh, it's him."

Stella nodded her head, "Sherry, I will go into the office."

Okay. I will call you out when it's mealtime.

Stella suddenly recalled something after taking two steps. She turned around and said, "By the way, Sherry, please find the order of customization we accepted yesterday and refund the deposit."

Sherry thought that the reason why Stella refused this order was that she thought it would hinder her preparation for the fashion week, so she didn't think too much of it and replied, "Okay. I will deal with it right away."

After entering her office, Stella opened her drawing book and copied the designs she drew in Riverside onto the papers.

She spent almost the whole afternoon on this.

After a long while, there came some knocking sounds from the door.

Stella looked up and turned her neck left and then right to ease her tiredness.

At the next moment, the door of the office was pushed open. An employee stepped into the office, "Stella, the customer who ordered a pair of customized rings comes to find you. She said she has something to talk to you."

Stella replied after two seconds of silence, "Take her to the lounge and I will be there soon."

When the door was closed, Stella stood up, put the drawings on the table into the locker and then walked out of the office.

There was a cup of coffee in front of Freya, while Freya was looking around casually with her long legs crossed.

After a short while, Stella showed up in her vision.

Freya broke the silence, "You didn't clarify the reason why you refused my order in the call, so I have to come here personally."

Stella sat opposite her, "I'm sorry. Then I will repeat my words - I can't accept your order for some private reasons."

Freya wrapped her arms in front of her chest and said with a smile, "Didn't we reach an agreement yesterday? Why do you suddenly regret it? Is it because of Modesty? Are you afraid that the design you give to me is inferior to Modesty's, while you've boasted yourself in front of me yesterday?"

Stella looked into her eyes and chuckled, "Nope."

Except for this, I can't think of any other reasons.

If you think this reason is acceptable for you, I won't refute it.

Freya clicked her tongue, "From our talk yesterday, you're not a person who would give up in front of a problem. Why not tell me your scruples? Maybe we have had some misunderstandings before and it's good to us if we dismiss the misunderstandings."

Stella slightly pressed her lips together, her gaze gradually turning indifferent, and she didn't say anything else.

Freya changed her posture and picked up the cup of coffee in front of her, "I come to you for your reputation. It's a bit unreasonable if you simply refused me like this without giving me a reason acceptable for me. If this spreads out, what would others think of you? Moreover, you will have a fashion week later. This won't have any advantages to you."

Then I will come straight to the point. Stella said blandly, "I don't know how much you've investigated me before coming here, nor do I know what your intention is. Moreover, I don't know how much you know about me. But I'm clear that I don't want to involve in any matters related to Riverside."

Freya raised her brows and chuckled, "You've investigated me?"

Stella replied with a smile, "You also investigated me, didn't you?"

That's true. Now that we want to facilitate cooperation, we should have a detailed understanding of each other. My parents are indeed the people of Riverside. I also heard that you stayed in Riverside for a month not long ago. Although I don't know what your relationship with Riverside is, even though someone in Riverside has offended you, you cannot vent your anger on me.

Stella maintained her smile, "I'm sorry. Maybe you don't know me well. I'm a vicious person who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance and also, I like to implicate the innocents." Freya was lost for words.

Stella stood up, "I guess the deposit you paid before have been refunded to your account. Although our cooperation fails, it's still a pleasant experience. I'm sorry that your journey here doesn't achieve the wanted effect. It's scorching outside and you can stay here for a more while."

Sitting on the sofa and looking at Stella's back, the smile on Freya's face gradually disappeared.

She wasn't trapped.00

Chapter 636: We Just Want to Take Ms. James Home

After leaving the studio, Freya put on her sunglasses, got into a Maserati which was parked by the roadside and the started the car.

She then arrived at a hotel. Freya pushed open the door and said slowly while fixing her eyes on the man, "She refused to accept this order no matter what I tried."

The man, who stood in front of the French window, slowly turned around, walked to the sofa and sat down, "Have you found out the reasons?"

She found out that my parents are citizens of Riverside.

The man, who was holding a cigar at his hand, paused. Then he asked with great interest, "Looks like she's quiet vigilant. She could even find this."

Freya sneered and sat opposite to the man. She expertly picked up a cigar, lit it up, took a smoke of it and then slowly smoked out, "Looks like it's impossible to begin our plan from this aspect." The man narrowed his eyes, "Don't be in a hurry. Our opportunity has arrived."

I got a piece of news this morning - Elaine secretly left Riverside and she's now in City N.

Freya furrowed her brows, "Elaine James?"

The man said, "She's not only Darnell's fiancée, but also Franklin's daughter. If she has any accident in City N, they must have a conflict. At that time, we can just watch the show."

It was Elaine who chose to come to City N. Why do you think that Franklin would...

She's just a little girl, how could she manage to overcome various obstacles without causing anyone's notice and come to City N?

Freya immediately understood it. She chuckled, "Turns out that the girl I met in Stella's studio is Elaine."

The man took a smoke of the cigar, "City N is Clarence's territory. If Elaine has any accidents here, who will be blamed? What do you think of it?"

Freya praised him, "Killing two birds with one stone. What a wonderful trick! But will they agree to it?"

Their goal is Clarence and Stella, but now we get the James family involved and stir up the conflicts among the several parties. He's willing to see this scene. So why not?

After getting out of the work at night, Stella locked the door of the studio and said to Sherry and Elaine, "Let's go."

Just as they had taken several steps, a car parked by the roadside.

At the next moment, Daniel appeared in their visions.

He walked towards them in strides, "Sherry."

He paused and the looked at Stella, "Ms. Radomil."

Stella nodded her head. Seeing that they seemed to want to talk about something, Stella said, "I want to go to that convenience store to buy something."

Then she left with Elaine.

Elaine kept turning around when walking and asked with curiosity, "Is that Sherry's boyfriend? Is he a foreigner?"

Yep, he's a mixed-blood.

At the door of the studio...

Noticing Daniel's knitted brows, Sherry asked tentatively, "What... what's wrong with you?"

There's some emergency in the company abroad and I have to come back.

Is it serious?

I don't know yet, Daniel continued, "I have to stay there for several days. You..."

Sherry hurriedly said, "It's fine for me to stay alone. Just go and don't worry about me."

Daniel nodded his head. He lowered his head to take a glance of his wristwatch and then looked at the convenience store not far away, "There's little time left for me. If Ms. Radomil asks about this, just tell her that I have to come back for some private affairs. Don't tell her anything else."

Sherry was bewildered, yet she still replied, "Oh, okay."

Then I will go. Contact Emmett if you have any problems.

Sherry waved at him, "Be careful."

Daniel suddenly turned around after taking several steps and pulled Sherry into his arms, "Wait for me."

Sherry was stupefied. Long after Daniel's leaving, she finally came to her own sense.

When Stella and Elaine came back from the store, they found Sherry was standing there stupidly. She reached out and waved in front of Sherry's eyes, "Sherry, what's the matter? Where's Daniel?" Sherry pulled herself together and replied, "He... He comes back to England, telling me that he has to deal with some private affairs."

Private affairs?

He didn't tell me what they're, so I'm not clear of it either. But he has stayed in City N for a long time, it's time for him to come back to have a look. Sherry paused and then said in a low voice as if she was talking to herself, "He asked me to wait for him. This means he will come back, right?"

Stella replied in a very gentle voice, "Yes, he will come back."

Clarence had been leaving home earlier and coming back late for several days. Stella could only make sure whether Clarence had come back or not when she felt that he would pull her into his arms after lying onto the bed, while she herself was sleeping.

Every day Stella, Sherry and Elaine would come to the studio and come back home together.

Although Sherry told them that she was so happy that no one would restrain her after Daniel's leaving, she would sometimes get lost in her thoughts when she looked out of the windows.

Elaine gradually got hang of the work in the studio and she became familiar with all basic procedures except that she would sometimes mistake the good number.

She was the most active one among the three women.

On the way back, Sherry said with jealousy when looking at Elaine who was jumping happily while walking, "It's so good to be young."

Stella smiled. When she prepared to say something, a black car suddenly stopped in front of them.

Two men then got out of the car and tried to pull Elaine into the car without saying anything.

Elaine struggled desperately, shouting, "Help! Help!"

The man said in a low voice, "Ms. James, it was Mr. Franklin Jams who asked me to take you back to Riverside."

Elaine ignored the explanation and increased her voice, "Help!”

Seeing this, Stella hurriedly said to Sherry, "Sherry, you should stay here. Don't come over."

Sherry quickly nodded her head and then took out her phone.

As Elaine was struggling desperately, the commotion had attracted many passers-by.

Apparently, the two men didn't want to cause great attention, so they let go of Elaine.

Elaine immediately ran to Stella and hid herself behind Stella.

One of the men said, "Ms. Radomil, we don't have any evil intentions. We just want to take Ms. James home."

Stella recognized the man. He was the one who tried to take her away from the hotel when she was in Riverside. Stella stretched out to protect Elaine and said in a cold voice, "So you can only use this trick?"

The man replied after a while of silence, "We... we don't have any other choices."

They came to City N on the day after Elaine came here, but Clarence's men had been creating troubles for them.

Now they finally got a chance, how would they give up easily?

Elaine popped her head out from behind Stella, "Tell daddy that if he doesn't give up on the idea of letting me marry Darnell, I will not come back."

Ms. James, the members of the James family are not allowed to leave Riverside.

I don't care about this, and I won't obey such an unreasonable rule. I will stay here and I won't go anywhere. You guys can come back.

The man still wanted to say something, but when noticing the people behind Stella, he could only give up. He waved his hand at his companion and walked to the car in strides.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 637: Run as Farthest Away as Possible Next Time

Watching them leaving, Maxwell then came over, "Ms. Radomil, are you okay?"

She turned around and looked at Elaine, "How do you feel?"

Elaine showed Stella her red wrist and pouted, "It hurts."

Stella comforted her, "I will apply some medicine on it when we come back and you'll feel better tomorrow."

Elaine immediately regained her smile, "Thank you, Stella."

Sherry walked over in strides, "Stella, what's going on? If it wasn't that I saw Maxwell and the other men, I would have called the police as I was so scared."

Stella replied, "Not a big deal. They were sent by her family and they wanted to take her home"

Sherry heaved a sigh of relief, "Thank god it's not kidnapping, but they're so scaring."

Maxwell explained, "They have been wandering around City N recently. I guess they've been anxious."

Elaina lowered her head without saying anything.

Stella said, "Let's go back."

Maxwell said, "I will follow you behind. Ms. Radomil, please call me if you have any problems."

After coming back home, Sherry took a bite of the apple while looking at the two men opposite her.

Stella poured some medicinal liquor on her palm, rubbed it against her palm until it turned warm, and then began to rub Elaine's wrist.

Although they didn't dare to use too much strength as they were afraid that they would hurt Elaine, since Elaine's skin was tender and she struggled violently, there were many red marks on her wrist. Stella rubbed her wrist and said after a long while, "Elaine, have you called your dad?"

Elaine shook her head and then said in a low voice, "I'm afraid that he would criticize me."

Your dad will criticize you because he's worried about you.

But I really don't want to come back. If I come back to Riverside, I will lose my freedom and I will have to stay there for the rest of my life.

Stella said, "I know what's in your mind. Even if you want to stay here, you have to make it clear with your dad. Otherwise, this situation will happen again and you will get hurt in the end." Elaine realized she was wrong and didn't speak.

After a long while, Elaine broke the silence, "I see. I will call him later."

Stella chuckled, "Be calm when talking to him. Don't quarrel with him."

Elaine nodded her head obediently.

Stella said, "Then I will prepare the meal. If you're hungry, eat some fruits. Don't eat the snacks."

Stella stood up, put the medicinal liquor into the medical box and then walked into the kitchen to wash her hands.

Sherry hurriedly followed behind her and said with disbelief, "She's so willing to listen to your advice."

Stella replied, "It's not that she's willing to accept my advice, it's that she..."

Stella then looked out of the kitchen and then said in a low voice, "She's homesick."

Although Elaine insisted that she wouldn't come back to Riverside, after all, she was just a little girl who had never left her family, so it was normal for her to get unaccustomed to this strange place when the feeling of freshness gradually faded away.

At this moment, her homesickness would surge.

Although Elaine didn't show it, Stella could still perceive it after getting alone with her for several days.

It was because of this that Elaine was absent-minded on the way back after the two men left, who came to take her back according to her father's instruction.

Sherry said, "That makes sense. Although she claims that she hates Riverside, she had lived in that pace for twenty years."

Sherry heaved a long sigh, "By the way, I also want to go back home to have a look. But my mom will kill me when she finds out I'm pregnant."

Stella asked, "Haven't you told your mom about this?"

I don't dare to. Getting pregnant before marriage... You're also clear of my relationship with Daniel... Emm... Anyway, my mother will kill me if she learns about it. Sherry leaned against the wall and began to daydream it, "Stella, if I take the baby to visit my mom after its birth, will she be surprised? After all, she told me she wanted a grandson several years ago."

I think she may be frightened.

Stella said while washing the vegetables, "It happened that I will stay in the studio in this period. Would you like to come back to have look and tell your mom about this?"

Er... Nope... I still want to be alive.

Stella chuckled. She pondered for a while and then said, "Then you can wait until Daniel comes back and let him visit your mom with you. Even if your mom will get very angry, at least you will not have to face it alone."

Sherry's eyes lit up, "Good idea."

As they delayed some time because of that accident, and it was late after Stella cooked the dinner and finished it.

Elaine and Sherry kept yawning

When Elaine prepared to wash the dishes, Stella said, "Let me wash them today. You shall come back and have a good rest."

Oh, but Clarence said that I have to do the housework every day.

It doesn't matter. It's a special situation was you were hurt today

Sherry embraced Stella and rubbed her head against Stella's shoulder, "Thank you, Stella. That's so kind of you."

Stella chuckled, "All right. Go back for a sleep."

Good night, Stella.

After Elaine's leaving, Stella said to Sherry, "Sherry, you shall also come back and have a rest earlier. If you feel uncomfortable, just call me."

Sherry nodded her head, "Then good night."

Then Stella was the only one left in the house. Stella chuckled when noticing the dishes on the table, which had been changed several times as they were broken, and then collected the dishes and took them into the kitchen.

After washing the dishes, Stella took her clothes into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, when she walked out of the bathroom, she heard someone entering the password of the door.

Stella thought it was because Sherry or Elaine forgot to take away their things, so she walked over and opened the door.

When the door was opened, her gaze met with Clarence's in the air.

Stella was stunned, "Why do you come back so early today?"

Clarence withdrew his hand from the doorknob and walked into the house, "I heard from Maxwell that some members of the James family came to find you."

Stella closed the door and replied, "But luckily, they didn't take away Elaine and she was just lightly hurt. I applied some medicine on her wound and it will be cured tomorrow."

Clarence turned around to look at her, "What about you?"

Me? I'm fine.

Clarence took the towel from Stella and helped her dry her hair. He then said slowly, "Don't come over rashly if you encounter such a matter next time. This time it was the James family that wanted to take Elaine back, but what if they were kidnappers?"

Stella was suddenly lost for words

Clarence continued to dry her hair, "So run as farthest away as possible next time."

Stella's hair became messy because of Clarence's action. She pulled down the tower, "I see. I will. I will immediately run away if I encounter this next time and no one will be able to catch me."

Clarence burst into laughter when he heard the words. His chest heaved up and down slightly and it seemed like he was in a good mood.

It was the first time for Stella to hear his laughter during this period.

Stella looked up at him "Have you solved the affairs in your company?"

It will be done soon. Clarence only take down the towel when seeing that Stella's hair was no longer wet, "It will be solved in half a month at most. Didn't you say you want to go out for fun before? I will accompany you half a month later?"

Stella, "Are you going to leave your company behind?"

Clarence replied blandly, "Yes."¶¶¶¶

Chapter 638: This Wretched Man’s Usual Trick?

Stella spoke after a while of silence, "But I have many affairs to deal with in the studio. Or can you wait until the fashion week is over?"

He said, "I want to take a bath. Go dry your hair."

Stella replied with a nasal sound, "Have you had dinner?"

I ate a bit.

Before Clarence walked into the bathroom, Stella took out her hair dryer and blew her hair until it was half dry, Then she stood up and walked into the kitchen to prepare a simple meal for Clarence.

After a while, Clarence walked over, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and kissed her ear, "Did you change a body wash?"

Yep. I bought it online. Does it smell good?

It's good.

Stella said, "Use the one I bought for you. Don't always use my body wash."

Clarence asked with dissatisfaction, "Why?"

This body wash is for girls and its fragrance is stronger. It's weird for you to use it. If other people smell the fragrance, they will think that you're a pervert.

Except for you, who will have the mood to lean over me to smell it?

She imagined the scene that Nathan leaned towards Clarence and thought it was indeed horrifying.

Stella pulled Clarence's hand, "Well, let go of me. I will turn off the fire."

Clarence slowly withdrew his hands and straightened his back.

Stella put the bowl and spoon onto the table, "Go eat it. I will draw the designs. Leave the dishes on the table after finishing the meal and don't wash them. Please." She liked this set of dishes and she had only used them for two days. They tenaciously survived from Elaine, and Stella hoped that they could be preserved for a period. Clarence smirked and picked up the spoon.

Stella came back to her bedroom, opened the drawing book and continued to draw the unfinished design.

After a long while, the door of the bedroom was gently pushed open.

Clarence leaned against the door with one hand in his pocket and looked at her silently.

Stella showed extraordinary tenacity in the face of the things she loved.

If she didn't marry him four years ago, she would have achieved great achievement in this industry.

She had been clear of what she really wanted after divorcing him.

But he himself, who once thought that he had a clear mind, had a messy life in the end.

When Stella finished the design, she put down the pencil and stretched out lazily. When she turned around, she found Clarence standing at the door and fixing his eyes on her. His black eyes appeared to be unfathomable and calm.

Stella felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze, "Why are you standing there?"

Clarence slightly raised his brows and said slowly, "I'm captivated by you."

Clarence continued, "Women look beautiful when they're serious."

Stella was lost for words again.

And you're the most beautiful one.

Stella couldn't withstand it anymore, "All right. Enough."

Clarence curled his lips into a smile, closed the door and walked into the room, "Have you finished it?"}

Almost.

Clarence walked over, carried her up and then put her onto the bed, "Then go to bed."

Stella stared at him, "I will go to bed, but why do you take advantage of me.”

Clarence tugged the stand of hair in front of her forehead behind her ear, lowered his head and bit her lips, "Warm-up before sleeping."

The words that Stella wanted to say were swallowed by him.

The man's lips cruised all the way down from her lips and wandered around her collarbone.

Stella moaned when she felt the tingle.

Clarence bit the shoulder girdle of her nightdress, pulled it down with his teeth and landed a kiss on her shoulder.

Stella's eyes gradually became watery. She reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, panting.

Clarence placed his big palm on her waist and rubbed it affectionately. But he still didn't move to the next step. Stella looked at him with a pair of watery eyes which were tinged with sexual desire and confusion. Clarence leaned forwards and whispered into her ear.

Stella glared at him. But as her eyes were tinged with sexual desire, her glare didn't I

Clarence's black eyes were tinged with a smile, "Hurry up, honey."

ve any effec

Then Stella had been forced to call him "hubby" the whole night.

This was this wretched man's usual trick.

At the next door...

Holding her phone in her hand, Elaine was in a dilemma until it was midnight.

As it was so late, Elaine thought her dad must have gone to bed, so she lay down on the bed without any mental burden.

When she was sleeping, her phone which was placed on the bedside table rang.

Elaine half-opened her eyes and picked up her phone. When she found the caller ID was her father, she was so frightened that she immediately sat up.

The phone in her hand was like a hot potato. She didn't dare to put it down, nor did she dare to hold it.

After having a mental struggle for a long while, Elaine finally slid the screen to answer the door. Then she immediately amplified the voice and tossed the phone onto the bed.

At the other end of the phone, Franklin shouted angrily, "You finally answer my call, huh?"

Lying on the bed, Elaine mumbled, "You didn't call me before."

I didn't call you before? How dare you say this? Do you have any conscientiousness?

Elaine finally recalled that when she left Riverside, she blocked her father's number as she was afraid of being bombarded by phone calls, and maybe she subconsciously removed him from the blacklist as she was hesitating whether to give him a call or not.

As Elaine was the one who did wrong, she didn't retort it.

Franklin continued, "I asked my men to pick you up. Why didn't you go back?"

I think this place is good and I don't want to go back.

Even if you go out for fun and relaxation, it has been one week. Hurry up to come back.

Elaine refused it, "No."

Franklin was immediately infuriated, "Elaine James, do you know how serious it is? How dare you secretly left Riverside? If it wasn't that I and your grand-grandpa have suppressed the news, you would have been removed out of the pedigree of the James family."

I don't care! Is there any advantage to be on the pedigree? Anyone who wants it can just take it.

Elaine shifted the topic, "Dad, City N is good and the world outside of Riverside is also wonderful. I can't understand why do you guys confine yourself in Riverside. All human beings have independent consciousness. We aren't cats or puppies that have no means to resist it when being locked in cages."

Franklin was lost for words.

Elaine continued, "All right. I call you to tell you that I'm safe and that I live well in City N. You don't have to worry about me. Goodbye."

At the other end of the phone, Franklin took a deep breath when he heard the busy tone.

It was him who called Elaine, how could she distorted the truth and said that it was her who call him to tell him that she was safe?

Hilbert, who sat behind Franklin, asked with his eyes closed, "Elaine still refuses to go back, right?"

Franklin turned around, "I've spoiled her when she was young so that she's unruly now."

Never mind. She's not the only one who broke the rules.

Franklin asked after a while of silence, "Then what about her marriage with Darnell?"

Hilbert slowly opened his eyes, "Let's put the marriage again. Our current concern is to persuade those doyens and let them agree to Darnell on abolishing those rules of the James family." "They won't agree to it."

Even so, we have to try. Hilbert continued in a deep voice, "The reason why Darnell sent Elaine to City N is to force us to side him."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 639: Did They Hit You?

Stella and Clarence had a passionate night. When Stella woke up the next morning, she found she it was late and she didn't hear the ringing of her alarm.

Stella picked up her phone and took a glance at the time. It was already 11 a.m.

Stella took a deep breath, walked towards the bathroom while rubbing her waist and making a call to Sherry.

Sherry said, "Stella, oh you finally wake up."

Stella felt a bit embarrassed to answer it, "I..."

Mr. Conrad told me this morning that you drew designs until 4 a.m. last night and he asked not to bother you. Rest assured. I've taken Elaine to our studio and you don't have to be in a hurry. Stella heaved a sigh of relief, "Okay."

Luckily, that wretched man was not that shameless that he found a plausible excuse.

After ending the call, Stella put down her hone, cupped some water with her hands and splashed it on her face. Only them did she feel sober.

After washing herself, Stella walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of water and was then lost in her thoughts. Several minutes later, she went back to her room and changed her clothes. When she arrived at the studio, it was already noon.

The take-out food Sherry ordered was delivered to the office and the whole office was prevailed by the fragrance of the meal.

Stella sat down on the sofa, closed her eyes and stretched out.

Sherry's voice sounded, "Stella, I know you're under great pressure because of the fashion week. Although there's little time left, you still have enough time to prepare for it. Don't stay up so late as it will harm your health."

Sherry had been under Daniel's supervision ever since her pregnancy and she would always go to bed at 11 p.m. and 0 o'clock at the latest.

When she got accustomed to this timetable, she felt it really comfortable.

Now she had formed the habit of going to bed early.

She then replied with a smile, "Yesterday I... I have a light bulb moment. I won't do this again."

It was true that once you told a lie, you had to tell more lies to make it plausible.

Well. Have lunch first. I will go out to call Elaine.

After drawing designs for the whole afternoon, Stella felt an ache in her waist and back. She stood up, walked out of the office and went to the store to see whether if they needed her help.

But she didn't see Elaine.

Stella thought that Elaine had gone to the photo studio next door and prepared to go there too. But at this moment, Sherry came back from the next door, "I don't know what's wrong with the light today. We couldn't fix it no matter what means we tried."

I guess it's broken. Change one.

I will try it tomorrow. If it still can't work, I will change it.

Stella asked after a while of silence, "Is Elaine still at the next door?"

Sherry was a bit confused as she replied, "She's not there. Isn't she in the store?"

Nope. I didn't saw her when I walked out of the office, so I thought she went to the next door with you.

She was still in the studio when I went to the next door.

Stella hurriedly walked into the studio and asked the girls where Elaine had been.

A girl who walked out of the warehouse heard Stella's question and replied, "Stella, we had many customers just now, and one of the customers said she was in a hurry and asked us to send the products she bought to her home. As we couldn't leave the store, Elaine stood out and said she could..."

How long has it been?

More than half an hour. Almost two hours. Normally, she should have come back.

Right at this moment, Sherry walked to Stella and took out her phone, "Stella, I guess she may get lost as she's not familiar with this place. I will give her a call."

But what she got was the busy tone indicating that Elaine's phone had been turned off.

Stella slightly knitted her brows and prepared to ask Clarence and his men.

They must have arranged some men to protect Elaine.

When Stella walked to the door of the studio, she saw Elaine hobbling towards her and her working suit dirty. It seemed as if she had just come back from a garbage heap.

Elaine curled her lips into a bright smile when she saw Stella, but there was obvious grievance on her face.

Stella asked in a gentle voice, "Elaine, what happened?"

Elaine sniffed, "When I came back after delivering the products to that customer, I encountered several men at the entrance of an alley. They insisted on asking me for my number, but I didn't want to give it to them. Then they..."

Stella asked in a cold voice, "Did they hit you?"

Before Elaine could reply to it, a man's voice sounded, "They didn't. Elaine was scared and fell from the stairs."

Only then did Stella realize that there was a man behind Elaine.

He looked like in his thirties or forties. Although his appearance was not that striking, he was much more handsome than ordinary men. He was wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and there was a polite and gentle smile on his face when he looked towards Stella.

Stella asked, "You are?"

Elaine finally came to her sense and introduced, "By the way, Stella, this is my second uncle. It was him who saved me just now."

The man reached out to Stella, "Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Caesar James."

Stella looked towards him with vigilance and calmly protected Elaine behind herself.

Caesar withdrew his hand with a chuckle, "I guess you must be Ms. Stella Radomil, right? Elaine told me everything on the way here. Don't be nervous. I'm not here to take her away." "Then what do you want to do?"

I heard that the accidents that happened in Riverside several days ago have something to do with City N, so I come here to have a look. It was so coincidental that I encountered Elaine here. Stella repeated his word, "Heard?"

Elaine's voice sounded from behind, "My uncle doesn't live in Riverside. He doesn't like those old fogies either."

Caesar said with a smile, "Yes. Elaine was true. I left Riverside a long time ago. I come to Riverside as some rumours have triggered my curiosity. Ms. Radomil, please rest assured. I'm not your enemy and I don't have any evil intentions towards you."

Elaine called him, "Uncle."

She felt sad when learning that he was about to leave.

Caesar said, "Elaine, you're now leaving in other people's house, so you should be obedient. You can't be willful again. I will come here to see you if there's any chance."

Elaine waved at him, "Goodbye, uncle."

Caesar nodded his head. He then slightly nodded at Stella and then turned around and left.

When he appeared in her vision, Stella withdrew her gaze and then looked towards Elaine.

Elaine had prepared herself to share her feelings with Stella, "Stella, oh, I've been believing that my second uncle has passed away, as my dad and my grand-grandpa told me so! But I never expect that he's still alive. On the way back here, he told me that he left Riverside because he wasn't satisfied with the rules of the James family. My uncle treated me well when I was young. I really didn't expect to see him again!"

Stella could empathy with her for her happiness from the excitement in her tone of voice. She then asked, "How long has it been since your uncle left Riverside?"

It has been a long time. I almost forget it. Maybe he left when I was less than ten years old.

Then it has been ten years. You haven't heard of his news over the past years?

I didn't. I remember I asked about him when I was young, but my father told me he died. They never mentioned uncle at home and I thought it was because they felt sad whenever thinking of him.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 640: What the Hell Is Going on?

Noticing the wound on Elaine's face, Stella said to her, Go to the lounge to change your clothes. I will take you to the hospital to have a check-up."

Elaine shook her head, "No need. My uncle took me to see a doctor on the way back here. It's just that my skin was scratched. There won't be any problem." "Okay. Go change your clothes."

When Elaine walked into the lounge, Stella walked out of the studio, preparing to go to the pharmacy to buy some disinfectants."

Sherry decided to go out with her.

Stella was absent-minded on the way there.

Sherry asked in a low voice, "Stella, what's wrong with you?"

Stella paused and then pulled herself together, "Nothing."

Are you thinking of Elaine's uncle? I also thought him weird. He appeared out of the thin air. What does he want to do? What do you think of it?

Stella heaved a long sigh and then said, "He said he came to City N as he heard of the things that happened in Riverside several days ago, which means that his target is Clarence." "Oh, I didn't think of this," said Sherry.

Riverside is in a messy condition now. I think all the members of the James family are weird. But he left Riverside ten years ago, so I'm not certain about it.

Stella suddenly paused and then added, "Sherry, wait a minute. I will make a call first.

Stella took out her phone, walked to the roadside and then dialled Archer.

Only when the ringtone was about to come to an end did Archer answer the call.

Stella asked, "Are you busy now?"

Not that busy. Let's video and you can have a look at your son.

Don't bother. This is not the reason why I call you.

Stella continued, "I want to ask you a question. Do you know Caesar James, Elaine's second uncle?"

Archer remained silent for a long while. Maybe it was because he never expected to hear this name from Stella.

Archer then replied, "I know him. What happened?"

Elaine told me that he died ten years ago, but now he appears in City N.

Stella then narrated what happened today concisely.

At the other end of the phone, Archer was a bit stupefied. He asked in shock, "Wait, do you mean that Caesar is still alive. He came to City N and coincidentally met Elaine?"

Stella replied, "That's true. So I want to ask you about Caesar's information."

Actually I'm not that clear about his information either. I also heard that he has died. Ever since that, the members of the James family didn't dare to mention him again. I guess this has something to do with the fact that he has left the James family.

Does Darnell know about it?

I guess he knows more than me. I will ask him about this and contact you as soon as there's any news.

Stella stood on the spot after ending the call. After a while, she came back to find Sherry and they walked into a pharmacy.

They then came back to the studio. Elaine had changed her clothes and was washing her face when they stepped into the studio.

Stella asked her to come to her office. She took out a medicine kit, picked up a bottle of disinfectant fluid and a cotton swab, and then helped Elaine deal with the wound on her face.

Elaine fringed due to the pain.

Stella comforted her in a gentle voice, "Hold on. It will be done soon."

Elaine became obedient and didn't move again.

Stella continued, "Be careful when you go out next time. Yell for help if you encounter any bad guys. Clarence has sent some men to protect you and they will know it immediately if you are in danger." By the way, she should ask Maxwell about what happened today later. Generally speaking, as they were following Elaine, Elaine shouldn't have encountered any dander.

After dealing with Elaine's wound, Stella threw the cotton swab into a trash can and said, "Well, I will send you back."

But I'm still at work.

It doesn't matter. You can have free leave today. Go back and have a rest.

Elaine became upset, "Stella, do you think that I'm so useless? I can't help you, and even bring troubles for you."

Stella chuckled and rubbed her head, "You're so cute, so why do you think you're useless? What happened today is just an accident. You have done a good job in the studio in the past several days, right?" Elaine remained silent with her head lowered. Indeed, she was quite satisfied with her performance in the past two days too.

Expect her performance today...

After a short while, Elaine broke the silence, "Then I will go back myself. I know how to go back."

Stella pondered for a while and then lightly nodded her head, "Okay. Send me a message when you arrive home."

Stella sent Elaine to the door of her studio and watched her leave. Then she walked to the roadside and found Maxwell's car.

Maxwell got out of the call soon, "Ms. Radomil."

Stella asked, "Do you know what happened just now."

Maxwell nodded his head, "The men we arranged had been following Ms. James. It just happened that they didn't follow her when she crossed the road due to the traffic light. When they found her, they found someone had saved her. As he seemed to be Ms. James' acquaintance, they didn't walk over."

Stella nodded her head and explained, "That man is Caesar James, Elaine's second uncle. According to his words, he came to City N several days ago. I think his target is Clarence. Please investigate this." Maxwell was stunned. He then replied, "Okay."

Elaine comes back. Tell the men following her to pay more attention. What happened today should not happen again.

Ms. Radomil, please rest assured. I've instructed them.

Stella then came back to her office. When she just sat down, Sherry walked over, "Is Elaine back?"

Yep. She had left.

I guess she must be frightened today. She should go back and have a rest to relieve her scare. Sherry added, "Well, go on with your drawing, and I will not bother you. I will go out to see what I can help." After Sherry's leaving, Stella leaned against the chair, rubbed her temples, took out her phone and studied the photos about the baby that were sent by Archer recently.

In the photo, it was so obvious that the baby had become healthier, fatter and higher.

Stella studied them one by one and found her mood gradually improved.

After a short while, Stella regained her energy. She picked up the pencil and continued with the drawing.

About half an hour later, Elaine sent her a message, telling her that she was home.

Stella replied to the message and then put her phone aside.

When she lifted her head again, it was already dark and it was drizzling outside.

Stella tidied up her things and walked out of the office. Sherry, who felt very boring and was reading a magazine lazily on the sofa, turned around when she heard the noise, "Stella, are you done? They've gotten out of the work, and I didn't interrupt you since you were concentrating on your work."

Stella said, "Let's go."

Just as they walked out of the office, Stella's phone rang. It was a call from Archer.

Stella gestured Sherry to wait a minute, and then answered the call.

Archer said, "I roughly know what's going on. But the condition is a bit complicated. Is it convenient for you to talk now?"