Ch. 691..700

Chapter 691: Aren’t You Afraid of Me

Elaine was weak and weary along the way and could not compose herself. She was so sad that she almost cried. On the one hand, she did not want to believe that she was adopted and on the other hand she was upset with herself for her stubbornness.

Her father was so good to her even when she was adopted and she was not even grateful. She realized that she was wrong.

She sobbed and was determined to be good to her father and would not throw tantrums anymore. After half an hour, the car stopped at a private courtyard.

Elaine looked around after exiting the car and asked, "Didn't you say that we'll go back to Riverside City? Where are we?"

It's too late tonight. We'll go back tomorrow.

Oh. Elaine lowered her head and followed him into the building.

Darnell sat on the sofa and was speaking to his men.

Elaine raised her head and looked Darnell in the eyes and lowered her head again. She said nonchalantly, "I'm tired and going to bed."

There are empty rooms on level three. Pick one.

Elaine went upstairs and Darnell asked, "What's wrong with her?"

Vincent sat beside him and struggled not to laugh, "I told her that she was adopted."

Darnell was speechless.

Childish tricks.

Yeah, it's childish but she still believed it. Vincent continued, "No wonder she is not suspicious of Caesar."

Darnell rubbed his temples and did not know how to respond.

Vincent said, "It's good anyway, at least she'll remain quiet. Otherwise, she'll escape when she sees you."

Darnell stood up and said, "I'm going to bed."

Darnell paused when he was at the second floor. He stood for a few seconds before walking up to the third floor. Elaine lay on the bed and looked blankly ahead.

After a while, she heard a knock on the door and heaved feebly, "Come in."

Darnell walked in and said calmly, "Go down and get the first aid box and take care of the abrasions on your face."

Elaine turned away and said, "Don't bother. Just let me self-destruct."

Do not make me repeat myself, Darnell warned.

The threat was effective. She got up and walked towards Darnell. "Although I've decided to be married to you, you cannot order me like that! I have my dignity. I said that I don't..." She looked into Darnell's eyes and felt a chill running down her spine. She then quickly changed her words and said, "I can accommodate."

After that, she felt resigned to fate, closed her eyes, and approached him.

As she walked nearer to Darnell, he reached out to stop her by the forehead, "You don't have to do anything that you don't want to. I said that I won't marry you." "But... My father wants me to marry you."

So now you know that you were adopted by your father, and you feel bad for all these years. That's why you want to sacrifice yourself to repay your father? Elaine gently nodded because he said correctly.

It was silent in the room for a while before Darnell burst into laughter, "You really know how to repay your father."

Of course. I'm not an ungrateful person.

Didn't you feel that you were ungrateful when you left Riverside City secretly?

Elaine blushed, "Am I not making up for it now?"

Darnell suddenly realized why Vincent would joke with her. It was funny and rather satisfying.

He said, "Aren't you afraid of me? Have you heard of what happened to the James family?"

What... what... She thought about the few elders who were killed and Elaine backed away.

When she saw the news, she did not think that Darnell was responsible for it. He could have dealt with those elders far more effectively than to kill them. But now by the way he said, it seemed that he could be the one who did it...

Elaine's heart sank and then started to race.

Darnell continued, "Even under such circumstances, are you still willing to be married to me according to your father's wishes?"

Elaine was so terrified that she closed her eyes as if she was encouraging herself, and then she shouted, "Yes! So long as my father wants me to marry you, I will..."

Before she could finish, she heard the door close. When she opened her eyes, Darnell was nowhere to be seen.

Did he leave? He let her go so easily?

Elaine could not believe it and felt as though she had reincarnated.

Half an hour later, there was another knock on the door.

The servant entered and asked, "Ms. James, these are the clothes Mr. James prepared for you. There's also ointment for your abrasions. Do you need my help?" Elaine shook her head and took over the items. She said, "Thanks, I'll manage myself."

As she cleaned her wounds, it hurt so badly that she almost cried but she endured the pain.

She lay on the bed and stared at the moon. Somehow, she felt as though she was home. She managed to fall asleep soundly.

On the second day, Stella woke up and was preparing breakfast. Clarence walked out of the bedroom and asked, "Are you going to the studio today?" Stella said, "I'll decide later."

Clarence's phone rang and he answered the call. Thereafter he told Stella, "Elaine's found."

Stella looked around and asked, "Where is she now?"

She's taken away by Vincent.

Stella was stunned and asked, "Then she..."

Clarence sat at the dining table and said, “Relax, she'll be fine. Darnell arrived at City N yesterday morning. Elaine must be with him now."

Stella heaved a sigh of relief on hearing that Elaine was safe. But she asked curiously, "How did Vincent find her?"

Clarence replied, "If I guess it correctly, when Elaine was taken away, Vincent's man had already followed them. They did not have a suitable opportunity to save her. Or perhaps they waited for Darnell to arrive at City N before taking action."

How's the situation at the James family?

It's already settled.

So fast?

Before the news announcement, Darnell returned to Riverside City secretly. He remained low profile to see if anyone was interfering. Clarence said.

Stella clicked her tongue in awe as Darnell deserved to be the head of the James family with his ruthlessness.

She pondered for a while before saying, "Now that he was at City N, does it mean..."

Clarence continued her sentence calmly, "Those people are all at City N."

Stella pursed her lips slightly. Now that Elaine was rescued, Caesar no longer had a bargaining chip. However, it was certain that he had other tricks up his sleeve.[]

Chapter 692: Sponger

In the morning, Sherry wanted to go to the park for a walk. But it was so hot that she went to the shopping mall. It had been a while since she went shopping and now, she had a throbbing need to satisfy her so called material desires. She ended up buying quite a few things before going home.

Once home, Sherry said, "Okay, I've bought what I wanted. Now let's go to the studio this afternoon. I'm curious how Mr. Conrad is like at the studio!"

Stella nodded and stood without speaking a word.

Sherry asked when she noticed Stella's expression, "Stella, what's up?"

Stella looked up and said, "Sherry, there's something I had kept from you."

Sherry saw that her expression had turned solemn and became nervous, "What... was the half-year report out and the studio had been losing money?"

No, Stella replied.

Sherry patted her chest and said, "That's great. So long as we're not losing money. Tell me."

Stella said, "Daniel had been missing for a month."

Sherry was stunned for a while before saying, "What's the reason for his disappearance..."

When we went to London a while back, it wasn't that my father was sick. He had been assaulted and was hospitalized because of his injuries. Daniel went missing just before his assault. Daniel had discovered the perpetrators and went missing thereafter.

Before we came back, Darnell had already found them but according to the information, Daniel had been taken away by Lyndon.

Sherry asked, "Lyndon Steward?"

Stella gently nodded, "Lyndon had left City N for a while. He is responsible for Daniel's disappearance and my father's assault.

So now Daniel...

Since Lyndon had taken him away, that meant that Daniel was still of use to him. At least... Daniel would not be in danger.

Sherry sat on the sofa and her face was colorless. After a long while, she said, "Yes... so was he already missing when I couldn't contact him? It wasn't that he was too busy at the office or William was sick..." Stella pursed her lips, "Yes."

Sherry was at a loss, "Now I don't know... I..."

Stella hugged and comforted her, "Sherry, rest assured. William has people looking for him. Additionally, Clarence's men are also looking for him. Lydon could not escape. We will find Daniel soon." Sherry laid on Stella's shoulder and was choked with sobs. "He... he'll be fine. He's so intelligent and will find a way..."

Yes, he'll be alright.

After a while, Sherry released Stella and wiped her tears from her face, "I must brace myself up and should not cry. I had shed more tears within these few days than in my life."

She then hugged Stella again, "If a shitty person like Liam can live so well, then Daniel will be fine. He had not done anything unscrupulous other than lie to me. If he comes back safely, I will stop quarrelling with him and scolding him."

Stella felt a lump in her throat and her eyes turned red. She patted Sherry's back and said, "He'll be home safely."

Sherry cried so much that her eyes were swollen and could not go to the studio in the afternoon. She rested at home and asked Stella to go to the studio without her. She would rest at home by herself. Stella agreed.

Before Stella left, she asked Sherry, "Call me if you have any engagement tonight or if you want to eat anything."

Sherry said, "I want to eat hot pot."

In a month, Stella said.

Sherry waved at her, "Drive carefully."

Stella smiled and closed the door.

The few female colleagues were working on tenterhooks when Stella arrived at the studio. They were relieved when they saw Stella. They rushed over to her and said, "Stella, you're finally back!" "Stella, how's Sherry? When will she be back?"

Stella, don't leave us...

Stella chuckled to hear their pleas and said, "I'll leave at the end of the day."

From the looks of it, they had been traumatized by Clarence. In the past, they all liked Clarence. In the past, they would be excited for days after catching a glimpse of Clarence.

Nathan was present as Stella went to her office. Nathan smiled and greeted, "Ms. Radomil."

Stella acknowledged and said, "I would have brought your present if I knew that you were here."

Nathan took out something from behind him and asked, "Do you mean this one?"

Clarence said calmly, "I saw it on my way out so brought it with me."

Nathan said, "Thanks, Ms. Radomil."

No... don't mention it. Stella continued, "You two continue, I'll come in later."

Clarence said, "No need. He's leaving soon."

Nathan said, "Yes, I've finished reporting to Mr. Conrad. Goodbye, Ms. Radomil."

After Nathan left, Stella looked at Clarence, "Is Nathan going back to the Conrad Group or..."

Justin gave him a month's paid leave.

Stella pondered for a while before saying, "You lost."

Stella said, "Think about it. Your brother is so generous to give him a month's paid leave. And you? You made him work during his leave. If I had known about this, I should have prepared a more valuable gift." Clarence said, "He is not someone who could be bought with money."

Stella retorted, "But a good boss can extend his life."

Clarence was speechless. He glared at Stella.

Stella sat beside him and said tenderly, "Haven't you realized how much you've traumatized the ladies outside?"

How did I traumatize them?

It's not that you traumatize... it's that... oh forget it. I don't know how to describe it.

Clarence had a strong presence. He could be intimidating by merely standing there. Occasionally he would rebuke sternly. He had the ability to make those around him love him, afraid of him, and hate him. When it came to work, there was no room for mistakes.

She had seen the senior management of the Conrad Group behaving nervously during meetings with him.

Stella thought for a moment before she spoke, "You're too hard to be a sponger."

That's true, honey, I know you like me hard.

Where the hell did this come from?

She was stating the facts and how did his warped mind drift so wildly?

After a couple of seconds, Clarence said, "Then what should I do?"

Stella didn't catch on, "What?"

Clarence said nonchalantly, "How do I become a good boss without scaring them?”¶¶¶¶¶¶¶¶

Chapter 693: It's Better To Have It Than Not

Stella fixed her hair, "This kind of thing depends on talent. You can't learn it."

Clarence raised his eyebrows slightly and pulled her into his arms, "It seems that I'm more suitable to help you manage accounts." Stella was speechless.

She reached out and pushed Clarence, "Okay, knock it off. I have to start working."

Clarence asked, "You knew that you had to work but you still came so late?"

I'm the boss. Can't I come whenever I want?

Since so, when will my salary be given to me, boss?

When saying the last word, Clarence deliberately lowered his voice and his eyes were full of allures as he stared at her.

Even though Stella often called him a jerk and he was indeed kind of a jerk, it could not be denied that his good-looking appearance would always be captivating.

Her heartbeat could not help but quicken. She looked sideways, "It's only been a few days. The salary is given monthly, you..."

Didn't I tell you that my salary is calculated by minutes?

Who the hell could afford to pay that.

She replied seriously, "It happens that the three-day trial period is over. Although your ability is outstanding, you aren't quite suitable to be in this position, so you should find another job." After saying that, Stella wanted to get up but was pulled back.

Clarence asked, "Where did you learn all this nonsense."

Stella froze for two seconds and smiled dryly. She pulled his hand, "I really have to work."

Clarence finally let go of her hand and leant back in his chair. He glanced around the room, "Haven't you considered changing to a bigger office?"

Stella sat opposite him and responded while opening the sketchbook, "No. It is enough since I'm the only one who uses it."

Now it's used by two people.

Stella thought while spinning her pen, "Perhaps I can get you an office next door. That place is larger."

Clarence kept silent for a few seconds, "Forget it. I can make do with sharing this small place with you."

Stella held back her laughter and decided not to talk to him. She lowered her head and concentrated on her own matter.

Now there were merely two months left before Fashion Week. Time was running short and she still owed a lot of designs. If she did not hurry up, she really would not have enough time to complete it. The two of them was busy with their own thing for the entire afternoon.

When Stella finished drawing the design in her hand and looked up, it was already dark outside.

Whereas, Clarence was reading emails and he looked expressionless.

Stella lay on the table and stared at him. Her lips slowly curled.

After some point, Clarence finally noticed her gaze and his eyes deviated from the computer screen.

After the eye contact that lasted a few seconds, Stella sat up straight as if she had regained her presence of mind and could not help but cough. She looked elsewhere and had a sense of being caught red- handed.

She asked, "It's quite late, shall we go now?"

Clarence responded, "Let's go."

Stella put the sketchbook in her bag, organized the stuff, got up and walked out.

The studio was quiet. Other girls already got off work.

Stella glanced at the time. It was 9 p.m.

She hurriedly took out her phone and called Sherry, "Sherry, have you eaten? If you haven't, I'll come back now..."

No need. I ordered a nutritional food box and have already eaten. No need to worry about me, just go on a date with Mr. Conrad. Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to see the sun next morning. Stella chuckled, "Okay, got it."

After hanging up the phone, she put it in the pocket, handed her bag to Clarence and went to lock the door of the studio.

On the way back, Stella looked at the scenery outside the window and suddenly spoke, "I want to go to Riverside City. Would it be possible?"

Clarence hesitated and said, "Wait for a while more. Although the problems in Riverside City have been resolved, it's still not very stable."

Someone was still hiding behind the scene.

Stella gently pursed her lips and replied with an "okay" with her head hung low.

Seeing her disappointed look, Clarence parked the car at the roadside, raised his hand and stroke her hair. "Don't worry. He is recovering very well. When you see him, maybe his disease will have been cured."

Hearing these words, Stella's eyes lit up, "Really?"

Clarence raised his eyebrows, "When did I ever lie to you?"

...Often.

If he hadn't asked this question, Stella would have believed him. But now, she instantly did not buy his words.

Clarence placed his tongue against his teeth, withdrew his hand and gripped the steering wheel, "Fine, just forget about what I said."

Stella laughed and looked out the window again.

In the distant sky, the moonlight was bright and clear.

In the hotel, Caesar was standing in front of the French window, looking at the scene at night outside. He was slightly frowning and his eyes behind the lens were hidden with some vague coldness. Behind him, Freya said, "I just received news this afternoon that Darnell has long since returned to Riverside City. Now the situation of the James family is under control. Even if Elaine is in our hands, it isn't really useful."

Caesar responded emotionlessly, "As for something like a bargaining chip, it's better to have it than not."

After a while, he turned around and sat on the sofa, "Have you found out who took her away last night?"

Not yet, I can only be sure that it isn't Clarence's subordinate. Could it be that the James family has sent someone over?

Caesar narrowed his eyes, "If it was someone sent by them, Elaine should have returned to Riverside City by now, but our subordinate in the James family hasn't sent any news to us."

So, she's still in City N now?

Caesar did not answer but just said, "It's the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group two days later. It's time to meet them."

Since the incident of the James family happened, Darnell's whereabouts became even more mysterious in which almost no one could know where exactly he was.

Moreover, Dolores was first brought back to the James family, and then Elaine secretly went to City N, and finally several family elders who opposed Darnell were killed. That unwritten rule of the James family had long been abolished.

In addition, Elaine was rescued so there was no doubt that Darnell had arrived in City N.

Freya said, "Clarence won't attend... the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group, right?"

Caesar snorted, "If he doesn't go, the show will be meaningless."

As for how to lure Clarence to go over, he naturally had a way to it.

Freya said, "But...they're already suspecting you now."

Do you know why they didn't do anything to me although they're suspecting me?

That's because they want to find me and the person behind me, Caesar indifferently continued saying, "The anniversary celebration this time is the first time that Justin appears in the public after becoming the president of Conrad Group. Many people will go there and anything unexpected can happen. Hence, they definitely won't give up this opportunity."

Not waiting for Freya to reply, Caesar added, "I'm quite looking forward to their meeting this time."☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 694: Damn These Rich Person

As soon as Stella arrived at the studio the next morning, a young woman came up with an invitation letter and whispered, "Stella, this was sent over by Conrad Group just now." Stella froze, "Conrad Group?"

As she spoke, she opened the invitation letter.

It was about the anniversary celebration.

Stella turned her head to look at Clarence, "Do you know about this?"

Caesar strode to the office, "Yes."

Stella followed him and closed the office door, "Then...will you attend?"

Clarence looked at her and spoke in a relaxed tone, "Dear, this is for you, not for me."

He was really good at passing the buck.

About the matter of Clarence stepping down as the president of Conrad Group, after a month, things had slowly transformed from being discussed widely to being forgotten. People have their own life to mind about.

The employees in Conrad Group also gradually accepted the fact that the president of Conrad Group had changed from Clarence to Justin.

In fact, the change of personnel at the top management of the company did not really matter to them. As long as they did not sack employees or deduct salaries, everything would be fine.

It was proved that the overall situation of the company was stable without any chaos. Everything was operating as usual in the past in an orderly manner.

From the role of a forgotten eldest son of the Conrad family, Justin instantly turned into the hot topic of various banquets and parties in City N.

However, people's comments about him were a far cry from Clarence's.

One was arrogant, supercilious and brazen while the other was gentlemanly, elegant and polite.

The comments were obviously polarized.

No wonder one was the eldest son of the Conrad family while the other was illegitimate.

The anniversary celebration this time was undoubtedly just to bring these people together.

Justin perhaps also knew Clarence's personality and temper in which he definitely would not attend. Thus, he directly had someone send the invitation to Stella. As for Clarence, as long as Stella went, he would definitely go along.

Stella put aside the invitation. When Joanna died, she had said that she and the Conrad family would have no connection anymore.

Thus, there was no such thing as she would find it difficult to refuse to attend for the sake of Justin.

In the following two days, Nathan came several times to report to Clarence about the work in Auckland.

When Nathan left, he just happened to meet the situation where Clarence bought dessert for Stella but she could not finish it so Nathan was asked to take the rest away. Although Stella would often bring them food when she went to Conrad Tower previously, this time, Nathan had a weird feeling but could not tell where exactly it was weird. Probably because when he took away the food, Clarence's eyes that looked at him seemed to be amiable.

It was scary.

After Nathan left with uneasiness, Stella finally could not help but be curious, "Didn't you already give Conrad Group to Justin? What kind of work you have...in Auckland." Clarence raised his eyebrows, "You want to know?"

Stella seemingly could anticipate his next sentence so she immediately withdrew her gaze, "I don't."

Clarence said, "I remember someone says that when a woman says she doesn't want to, it means she wants."

He did not remember the good words but he remembered the nonsense quite clearly.

Seeing that she was really not going to ask, Clarence uttered slowly, "When I went for a business trip to Auckland three years ago, I randomly invested in a project in my own name." Out of curiosity, Stella asked, "What happened later?"

Later, after that project appeared on the market, its stock price skyrocketed and I became the largest shareholder.

Damn these rich person.

Stella lowered her head and intended not to bother with him anymore.

Nathan went back to Conrad Tower and handed his resignation to Justin.

Justin sighed soundlessly, "Won't you think about it more?"

Thank you for your trust, Young Master Justin. With my qualifications, I'm not eligible to become the vice president of Conrad Group.

It seems that among Conrad Group and Clare, you've chosen him.

Nathan did not respond and only nodded slightly.

Justin put his resignation letter on the table, "Since so, I won't force you to stay. However, the anniversary celebration will be held a few days later. You should be more familiar with the process than me and many works can only be handled by you. How about this, you leave after the anniversary celebration is over, okay?"

Since Justin had already requested in this manner, Nathan had no reason to refuse.

Sure, Young Master Justin.

Justin handed him a few documents, "These are the documents of the two partner companies that we're negotiating with recently. You go and check the details. Also, as I don't know much about the processes of the anniversary celebration, I asked them to draft a proposal for the time being. You see which part is not suitable and can just directly replace it, don't need to tell me."

Nathan took it with both hands, "Alright."

After taking these things back to the office, Nathan turned over the first document on the top. the Barret's information was written on it.

Nathan roughly flipped through the following pages and opened another folder. It was about the company under Caesar's name.

These two people...

When Mr. Conrad was at Conrad Group, they wanted to get the new project of Conrad Group. Now that Mr. Conrad was gone and they seized the opportunity to take advantage of it.

Nathan then flipped through the process list of the anniversary celebration. In addition to the routine sessions as in previous years, there was an additional charity banquet initiated by Conrad Group.

When Nathan looked at the list of items to be auctioned, he could not help but stare at the introduction of one item.

At night, Clarence received a call from Nathan.

His tone was indifferent. Instead of the simple and concise word "speak", he said, "What's the matter."

Nathan answered, "Mr. Conrad, the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group has an additional charity banquet. One of the items that is to be auctioned is a ring, which was the engagement ring of a couple of the Steward family twenty years ago. The auction item provider is Caesar."

Caesar's action of flipping through a book paused, "Has the origin of the ring been confirmed?"

Yes. This ring is kept by Chassell Barret and was once displayed in a jewelry exhibition some time ago. If I'm not wrong, Ms. Radomil should have seen it.

Clarence spoke slowly, "It seems that we have to attend the anniversary celebration this time."

This must be Caesar's trap...

If he has no bargaining chips, how can he set this trap?

Nathan answered, "Alright, I'll go make arrangements now."

Clarence said, "Send me the picture of the ring."

After hanging up the phone, Nathan immediately sent a picture over.

Clarence tapped on it and zoomed in the picture.

At this time, Stella came out after taking a shower and asked while wiping her hair, "What are you looking at."

Clarence put down his phone, "Nothing."

Stella asked, "Didn't Nathan call you?"

Clarence hesitated, "Why?"

He submitted his resignation today and Justin agreed to it?

He has legs. If he wants to leave, Justin can't stop him.

Stella pouted. His words should mean that it was successful.

She turned around and went back into the bathroom, "I'm going to blow-dry my hair."000

Chapter 695: How Could There Be Any Real Bonds

At night, as soon as Stella lay down on the bed, she was pulled into someone's arms.

She raised her head and looked at Clarence who was in front of her. She asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Didn't I tell you last time to buy whatever jewelry you liked?

Stella suddenly realized what he was referring to as soon as she blurted out her confusion. She stayed silent for a while, and then she said, "You knew about it already?"

Clarence grunted softly and said, "There's a charity banquet at the anniversary of Conrad Group, and that ring will be auctioned for charity by then."

Stella was stunned, "But...isn't the ring with Caesar?"

Caesar is in talks with the Conrad Group about the partnership.

Stella couldn't help but frown when she heard this, "Caesar mentioned it to me before. He wanted me to put in a good word for him in front of you, but I rejected him. I didn't expect that he would partner up with the Conrad Group in the end."

The reason why he talked to you is because he knows that I will never agree to it.

But...Justin agreed.

The both of them fell into silence.

Caesar's motive right now was very obvious already. He definitely didn't come to City N to talk about business. His target was Clarence, or more precisely the Conrad Group.

He had certainly found his chance after Clarence left the Conrad Group.

One was the James family, and the other one was the victim of that incident back then...

Stella said, "Do you want to remind Justin that Caesar is..."

Clarence closed his eyes and wrapped his arm around her waist, "He knows what he's doing."

He paused for a while and continued, "I'll let Nathan know about what happened to the James family when I ask him to investigate Caesar. As for the others, he can decide for himself." Stella pursed her lips. She didn't know what to say in that moment.

After a while, Clarence's voice sounded again, "Let's get ready to join the anniversary event."

Stella nodded her head gently, "Okay."

No matter what would happen by then, no matter what was awaiting them, they had to go.

The ring was just a bait anyway.

After staying at home for several days, Sherry couldn't sit around anymore. So she followed them to the studio and started working.

Before she went back, Stella already instructed the staff in the studio not to mention anything regarding Sherry's hospitalization and her pregnancy.

Everything was the same as usual. They chatted and laughed in their break.

Sherry had been in a good mood ever since she came to the studio. She was perked up and getting rid of the negative energy that had been haunting her in the past few days.

As for Daniel, there was still no news.

Soon enough, the day of Conrad Group's anniversary event came.

The ceremony would start at 7:30 in the evening, but the hotel entrance was already surrounded by reporters at 6 o'clock. Flashlights were being crazily abused without stopping for a single moment. The anniversary event of Conrad Group this time was the grandest one held over the recent years.

Other than the employees of Conrad Group, all employees from the subsidiaries were also invited.

As much as half of the most prominent figures from the business and political circles in City N as well as the influential celebrities under the Conrad Group were also present.

The entire lineup was unprecedented.

Even the year-end galas couldn't bring so many top celebrities together.

Because of this, the media reporters gathered at the hotel entrance a night before to try and find the perfect location in advance.

At half past six, the guests appeared at the hotel entrance one after another. The scene was even more dazzling than the red carpet.

Stella and Clarence arrived at seven o'clock. They didn't enter via the main entrance but the side entrance instead.

Just as they had arrived at the lobby, they heard someone having a conversation in front of them.

The 90th anniversary celebration of Conrad Group last time was no match for this. This is just too crazy.

What's crazy? Didn't you know that the person in charge of Conrad Group has changed? So of course, he had to use this opportunity to let everyone see who was truly qualified to inherit the Conrad family. "I knew it already, but I had heard that the brothers, Justin and Clarence, had a really good relationship. What happened now..."

I even heard that Clarence was the one who killed Madame Conrad of the Conrad Group. How do you think the relationship between the brothers could get any better when it's already like that? "You're right. The Conrad family and Clarence cannot coexist."

Maybe Justin was just pretending to want nothing before. But it would be different when he became powerful. The so-called brotherhood was just fake. How could there be any real bonds in these wealthy families? They are all just faking. Power is the most important thing.

Clarence was strange, too. He crushed the Conrad family to hell before. Now that the Conrad family had fallen, he had the Conrad Group in his hands, but whocould've thought that he would give it to other people. I don't know what he's thinking.

Ugh, he wouldn't come to this anniversary event, right?

Come on. Other than the fact that his surname is Conrad, what else does he have to do with the Conrad family and Conrad Group right now? If he comes to attend the anniversary event, isn't he...

A figure appeared beside that person and pressed the elevator button before that person could finish speaking.

The conversation between them was snuffed out. When they turned their heads around subconsciously and saw who was beside them, they instantly froze.

Clarence pulled his hand back slowly, glanced at them, and said in a husky voice, "Don't forget to press the elevator button even when you're having a great conversation." They were both left speechless.

At this moment, the elevator doors opened.

Clarence didn't look at them anymore. He walked in as he held Stella's hands.

Both of them heaved a sigh of relief as they watched the elevator doors close. Somehow, they felt like they were two survivors that just got out of a dangerous situation.

But the elevator doors slowly opened again at the moment before it was completely closed up.

Clarence was standing inside. No one could see his expression. "Are you not coming in?"

Both of them looked at each other blankly. No matter going in or not, both seemed to be bad choices.

After a few seconds, Clarence lost his patience. He chided, "Hurry up."

Both of them hurriedly went in and stuttered, "Thank...you, President Conrad."

As the elevator doors closed again, they broke out in cold sweat and felt like they had fallen into the abyss of hell.

A horrifying silence filled the entire elevator.

Just when they thought that Clarence wouldn't talk to them anymore, they suddenly heard him speak calmly, "Don't call me President Conrad next time. After all, I have nothing to do with Conrad Group anymore."

Fate suddenly strangled the both of them by the neck. They were so afraid that they couldn't say anything out loud.

Clarence had already retired from the position of the CEO of Conrad Group, but it was never this title that made him intimidating; it was Clarence himself.

In other words, without Conrad Group, Clarence was still Clarence. However, without Clarence, the Conrad Group would never be as great as before.

Justin had a good temper. He was also good at attending to every matter, so he was well-liked by other people.

However, this was also the biggest concern that could probably lead to Conrad Group's downfall.

To command a leviathan like Conrad Group, what it needed was definitely not a good-tempered gentleman.

Chapter 696: Not Even Scolding Could Save Your Empty Brain

Finally, the elevator stopped. Seeing Clarence walk out with Stella, the two people breathed sighs of relief, only to find their backs were sweaty.

Seemed like the anniversary party would be a battlefield.

Entering the banquet hall, Stella took Clarence's arm, lowered her head, and smiled faintly.

He was always like this, fierce, intimidating, tough.

She believed that the two men might have PTSD when hearing the word "Conrad" in the future.

Since too many people were attending the anniversary party, even the largest banquet hall in the hotel couldn't hold them all. Hence, the celebration occupied two floors.

The first floor was for employees of Conrad Group and its branches. The other floor was for celebrities from the business, politics, and entertainment circles.

Almost all attendees had arrived in the hall. They were holding glasses and socializing.

They stopped discussing in unison when they saw Clarence and Stella, staring at them with different expressions.

It was the first time for Clarence to show up after quitting Conrad Group one month ago.

Clarence tilted his head and glanced at them indifferently. The crowd withdrew their gazes, pretending as if nothing had happened.

Stella looked around. Within the crowd, she saw Chassell, who was talking to someone.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Clarence followed her gaze and asked, "What happened?"

Stella asked, "When did he come out of the hospital?"

Several days ago.

It has been more than a month. He's supposed to be recovered. But... why there are still scabby wounds on his face? Clarence said, "Probably he got beaten again."

Stella withdrew her gaze, looking into Clarence's eyes. Slightly tilting her head, she looked at him with questioning gaze.

Clarence explained calmly, "You are right. No one except Channing can do it."

Did he bother Winnie again?

Haven't you heard a saying? A man could only behave himself when he was dead. After a pause, Clarence added, "Of course, I'm the exception."

You're the last man on earth that would be the exception.

Clarence choked.

Right then, probably Chassell sensed their gazes, so he turned around. His smile stiffened immediately, and his face turned cold with hatred. Quickly, he withdrew his gaze and continued to socialize as if nothing had happened.

Stella asked, "When will the charity banquet start?"

At nine.

We need to wait for a long time, then.

Hence, they planned to find a place to sit. Caesar came over with a glass of wine. "Good evening, Mr. Conrad, Ms. Radomil."

Clarence didn't respond, but it wasn't the right time to fall out with him, so Stella nodded at him politely in response.

Caesar wasn't surprised by Clarence's attitude. He said to Stella, "Ms. Radomil, I'm afraid I must apologize to you."

Stella answered flatly, "Mr. James, what for?"

Caesar continued, "Earlier, I bought the ring from Mr. Barret and wanted to give it to you, but you rejected I happened to know there was a charity banquet at the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group. Since I don't need it, I want to use it to help people in need, making it worthy of the original owner's initial intention."

Stella said perfunctorily, "Mr. James, I admire your decision."

Thank you, Ms. Radomil. I was just inspired by the ring's original owner.

In a haste to end this conversation, Stella stopped talking was about to leave, but there was an uproar at the entrance.

She looked over at once, and seemed to have spotted a familiar figure.

Murmuring was heard in the crowds.

Who is that? He's so handsome.

Exactly! I thought Mr. Conrad was the most handsome man I met with an overwhelming aura, but this man is as charming as him.

Between him and Mr. Conrad, who do you think is better?

I can't tell...

Don't you think he looks like Mr. Conrad?

Yes. I agree. I also noticed that. Was he God's proudest creation 2.0?

Sure enough, handsome men are alike.

Stella could tell they were talking about Darnell James.

In the buzz of the crowds, Darnell slowly walked to them.

However, someone next to him dashed towards Stella.

Off-guard, Stella stumbled backward because of it as she was on high heels.

Clarence raised his arm to hold her by the waist.

Elaine hugged Stella in excitement. "I miss you so much, Stella!"

Stella smiled and patted her on the back. "I'm glad you are fine."

Elaine had been swollen with grievances in the past few days, but no one listened to her. When she was ready to complain to Stella, she heard a cold voice. "Let go of her." She had to release Stella reluctantly, took a step back, and pouted. "I just miss Stella..."

When Stella was about to speak, Caesar said, "Elaine, you almost knocked down Ms. Radomil."

Upon hearing his voice, Elaine turned around in a hurry and looked more joyful. "Uncle Caesar! Why are you here? Well... are you alright? Did they give you a hard time?" Caesar shook his head with a smile. "Not at all. It's all my fault. I couldn't stop them from taking you away."

Please don't say that, Uncle Caesar. I was too willful. If it weren't... By the way, how was Sherry? Did you send her to the hospital?

Before Elaine finished her words, someone grabbed her arm and dragged her aside.

She looked up unhappily but had to be cooperative.

Darnell stood in front of Caesar, staring at him calmly.

Caesar smiled. "Long time no see."

Indeed.

Caesar said, "Elaine is too young, so she always makes mistakes. Please don't mind.”

Darnell cast a glance at the girl, who was approaching Stella silently, and said flatly, "You seem not surprised to see her with me." Caesar said, "I've been looking for Elaine in the past few days. I heard she was rescued by someone, so I guessed it might be you." "Really?"

Caesar smiled at Darnell.

Darnell continued, "Since you are so good at guessing, why don't you guess what will happen next?"

Caesar said, "It's the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group. There'll be a ceremony and a charity banquet next."

Neither of them spoke again, but it was evident that the atmosphere between them had dropped to the freezing point, getting more and more intense.

Under pressure, Elaine tugged Darnell's sleeve and whispered, "What are you doing? You can scold me, but please don't blame my uncle."

Darnell looked over at her and said in a rarely calm tone, "Not even scolding can't save your empty brain."000000

Chapter 697: Grudge Between Us

Elaine had never been mocked in this way before. Anger surged in her heart. She said, "You are my uncle, too. How could you say that to me?" "Did you ever take me as your uncle?"

Stella couldn't look on any longer. She pulled Elaine's hand. "Calm down. I want to get some fresh air. Let's go."

She dragged Elaine away from the battlefield.

After they were gone, Caesar said slowly, "I've never imagined we three would encounter each other here in such a way."

Clarence uttered indifferently, "Isn't it what you've been hoping to see?"

Caesar smiled without answering, looking ahead.

Justin Conrad arrived.

His assistant pushed his wheelchair over and stopped in front of them.

Justin said, "Hi Clarence. Good morning, Mr. James."

Then he looked over at Darnell next to them and asked, "Who is this gentleman?"

Caesar didn't tell him Darnell's identity. He replied, "He's my cousin."

With a friendly smile, Justin said, "Mr. James, you do have a family full of talents."

As he spoke, he asked Clarence, "Has Stella come?"

Yes, she has. She went out to get some fresh air.

Justin said, "When I just arrived here, Mr. James told me one of the rings in the auction tonight was from Stella's parents. I'll ask the staff to take it out from the auction. You can give it to Stella." Clarence said, "No, thanks. I can buy it myself."

All right. I know you wanted to do something for her.

Then he added, "There's still another hour before the charity banquet starts. It's too noisy here. Clarence, Mr. James, and this... Mr. James too, let's go to the lounge, shall we?"

Caesar nodded. "Of course."

The assistant pushed Justin forward. Caesar followed them.

Clarence and Darnell were walking behind them.

Clarence asked, "What have you found out so far?"

Darnell asked, "Whom are you referring to?"

Clarence pursed his lips in silence.

Darnell continued, "Ever since Caesar James left Riverside City, he has been staying in Pathville these years and cut off contact with the James family." "Why did he leave the James family back then?" asked Clarence.

Outside the banquet hall, Elaine asked, "Stella, how's Sherry doing now?"

Stella remained silent. Looking at Elaine's crystal-clear eyes, she didn't know how to answer her question.

Seeing her like this, Elaine's smile faded away. A bad hunch surged in her heart. She asked tentatively, "Did something happen to Sherry?"

There were people who passed by them at that moment.

Stella said, "Let me tell you after we go home."

Elaine's bright eyes twinkled and dimmed.

Something must have happened.

Stella heaved a sigh in silence and didn't know what to say.

A moment later, when she was about to speak again, she saw Chassell sneak out of the banquet hall and head towards the corridor on the other end. He looked back and forth from time to time rather nervously.

Stella recalled that Winnie would also be here for the anniversary celebration since she was an artist under Conrad Group.

It seemed Chassell still hadn't learned his lesson after he got his ass kicked.

Well, Clarence's remark about men was right. Chassell would only behave himself when he was dead.

She said to Elaine, who looked depressed, "Elaine, hurry up and go to find Clarence."

Elaine asked blankly, "Why?"

Stella looked at Chassell's back and quickly left a few words to Elaine. Then she hurriedly followed him.

Upon hearing what she said, Elaine didn't dare delay any longer. She turned around and trotted into the banquet hall.

All artists from the Conrad Group had their own dressing rooms tonight, and so did Winnie.

After she arrived, she walked around the banquet hall. Right then, the ceremony hadn't started, and it was way too crowded, so she went to her dressing room for a rest.

Shortly after, her assistant received a call from an employee of Conrad Group. It was said the ceremony schedule had changed, so Winnie's assistant needed to get the new notice.

When the assistant left the dressing room, she found other artists' assistants were heading to get the notice as well, so she didn't suspect anything.

Winnie was left alone in her dressing room.

She was sitting on the sofa, reading the script of her new project. Suddenly, the lamp above her was turned off.

Winnie raised her head and put down the script. She fumbled for her phone next to her and turned on the flashlight. When she was about to go out to check, she heard someone opening the door. Gripping her phone, she asked tentatively, "Is that you, Fiona?"

She only heard the door was locked from the inside.

Winnie turned off her flashlight immediately, quickly took off her high heels, and tossed them far away from her to make some noises. Then she hid in a corner.

She was constantly stalked by her anti-fans and fanatics. Besides, Chassell often harassed her recently.

Hence, she had to be alert.

In the dark, Winnie heard the footsteps. The person entering should have missed his target.

He snorted. "Do you think you can escape?"

Winnie hid behind the clothing rack, keeping her breath calm and quiet.

Chassell sad, "I've given you a lot of chances. As long as you are with me again, I can provide you whatever you want. But you! You don't appreciate it at all. You've been squandering my patience again and again.

Do you think that brat can protect you every time? Let me tell you. I'm waiting for him tonight. As long as he comes here, he won't walk out sound and alive.

Winnie gritted her teeth.

Chassell tidied up his collar. "I'm not forcing you. If you are cooperative and agree to be with me, as long as I'm happy, I can let him go. Or, I'll never let him off easily."

Right then, the lamp was turned on again. Winnie appeared in Chassell's sight.

Winnie looked at him coldly. "It's the grudge between us only. No need to drag someone else in."

Chassell's lips curled in disdain. Pointing at his face, he said, "A grudge between us? For these wounds, he should die a hundred times."

Winnie clenched her hands into fists. "Don't you dare lay a finger on him."

Why wouldn't I? Just because his brother-in-law is Clarence Conrad? Now Clarence Conrad can't even protect himself. It's easy for me to do something to that brat. You might not know. He once sold his university offer letter for a million bucks. As long as I rat him out to his university and find the media to disclose this matter, he'll definitely be kicked out of campus. Believe it or not!

Winnie laughed. "All right. Go ahead. I look forward to seeing it."

Chassell narrowed his eyes. His face gradually became livid.

Winnie walked forward step by step. "If that's the evidence you've caught on him, you should have done it a long time ago. Instead, you are using it to threaten me."☐☐☐

Chapter 698: Mr. Barrett, Don’t You Want to Chat with Me?

Winnie was right. Chassell wouldn't go to Channing's university, and nor would he go to find the media.

Once this matter became known to public, not only Channing would be exposed, the other party that had bought the offer letter would be disclosed as well.

Channing wasn't the one who started this kind of trade.

If Chassell chose to expose this matter, many people's interests and reputations would be inflicted.

They wouldn't let Chassell get away with this.

Hence, Chassell was only using this matter to threaten her.

With a sneer, Chassell said, "You have balls to speak to me like this because Conrad Group is your backer. But Clarence Conrad has nothing to do with Conrad Group now. And I will cooperate with Conrad Group soon. Between you and me, whom do you think Justin Conrad would support? As for that boy, without the Conrad's protection, he's nothing. It's effortless for me to kill him."

Winnie looked calm. "Try it then. Before anything happens to him, I'm sure you will be ruined already."

Putting on a sullen face, he was about to walk to her, and they heard the urgent knocks on the door.

He paused his pace, looking more annoyed.

After a moment of fumbling, the door was opened.

Stella appeared at the door. Taking a glance at Chassell, she strode to Winnie. "Are you alright?"

Winnie shook her head. "I'm fine."

Seeing that things didn't happen as he expected, Chassell was about to leave. However, when he only took a few steps, he was blocked by two upright figures appeared in front of him. He thought he had seen the ghosting.

Clarence stood there and asked impassively, "Mr. Barret, what are you doing here?"

Chassell exhaled and tried to speak in a casual way, "I came to chat with Winnie. Mr. Conrad, since you want to see her, please excuse me."

Why so hurry? said Clarence, "I haven't met you for a long time, Mr. Barret. Why don't you stay?"

As he spoke, he walked into the dressing room and sat down on a sofa.

After he entered, Elaine finally managed to squeeze in. She wanted to get inside but was pulled back by someone.

She looked back unhappily, only to meet Darnell's cold gaze. She swallowed her complaint.

Darnell cast her a glance, and she understood right away. Then she followed him to leave the scene reluctantly.

Chassell was standing there with a long face. He wanted to leave as well, but he couldn't.

Clarence was sitting there, looking at him. "Why? Mr. Barret, don't you want to chat with me?"

Chassell had always been suppressed by Clarence. He had been hoping to work with Conrad Groups, but Clarence refused him several times. Right now, he became even more irritated.

Why should he be inferior to Clarence Conrad?

Clarence wasn't the powerful and frightening CEO of Conrad Group any more.

Hence, Chassell said rudely, "I'm here today to do the business negotiation with the current CEO of Conrad Group. I have nothing to talk with you." Clarence said, "Mr. Barret, what are you talking about? You can come to Winnie for a chat, but why can't I go to you for a chat?"

I have nothing to talk to you.

Clarence said flatly, "I see. Mr. Barret, turns out you are aware that if you want to chat with someone, you need the person's permission."

Chassell's face stiffened.

Right then, a voice sounded outside the door. "Clarence, what happened?"

Justin was pushed into the dressing room by his assistant

Seeing Chassell, Justin was a bit surprised. "Oh, Mr. Barret, you are here as well."

Chassell looked less annoyed and greeted him, "Good evening, Mr. Conrad."

Justin looked around in the dressing room. "Stella, why do you look so solemn. What happened?"

Winnie said, "Chassell Barret harassed me."

Chassell snapped, "Mr. Conrad, don't listen to her. That's slandering. I happened to pass by this place. I haven't done anything."

Stella retorted calmly, "If you happened to pass by here, why did you lock the door from the inside?"

How do I know who has locked the door? I...

It was locked from the inside. If it weren't you, was it Winnie?

Why not? Chassell mocked, "Three years ago, she tried to hit on me purposely. Now she knows I'm divorced, so she has done it again. She wanted to become my wife. Not only that, she also wants to ruin my reputation. Mr. Conrad, for an artist like this, morally corrupted and full of lies, why does Conrad Group still support her?"

Stella snorted in anger. "Who the heck was the one full of lies?"

Chassell turned around and looked at her. "You are Winnie Truman's friend. Even if you didn't collude with her, you were also deceived. You don't know what the truth is. You don't have the right to question

Justin frowned, "Mr. Barret, please mind your language."

Chassell tidied up his collar and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Conrad. I'm just too angry. Please don't mind if I've been too rude."

Clarence sat on the sofa, knocking his knees with his fingers casually. "Mr. Barrett, you are truly good at confusing right with wrong. No wonder you didn't suffer any loss in the event three years ago and wasn't impacted at all."

That was because I didn't do anything wrong, and that's the truth.

Winnie hissed, "Do you want the truth? I can call my assistant here. She will tell you what exactly happened tonight."

Chassell stood there collectedly.

Justin cast a glance at his assistant behind him. The latter understood and turned away.

Justin wheeled himself forward. "It might take longer. Please have a seat first."

Stella and Winnie sat down next to Clarence. Justin stopped beside them. Chassell sat down on the opposite side.

Clarence uttered, "Mr. Barret, are you calm enough to chat with me now?"

Since Justin was here, Chassell couldn't be so arrogant as earlier. He tried to suppress his anger and asked, "What would you like to talk about?"

Clarence said, "I remembered four years ago, the Barret's invested a resort. When the project was half-finished, the construction site collapsed, and a lot of people died. In the end, the company in charge of

the construction went bankrupt because of the compensation. Hence, the Barret's transferred the right of development to themselves and continued to build the resort."

Chassell's face had darkened already. "Why do you mention it?" he asked.

Nothing. Just chitchat. Has the construction finished yet?

It's already done at the beginning of this year.

Clarence continued, "Mr. Barret, why did you divorce? Can you tell us more details?"

It's my privacy. I'm sorry.

I see, Clarence said calmly, "What a coincidence. Two months ago, rumors had it that Mr. Barret divorced because someone had acquired evidence of the resort's construction accident four years ago. Your ex-wife is a smart woman. She didn't want to be dragged into touble, so she directly divorced you."

Chassell stood up instantly. "Bullshit!"000

Chapter 699: Do You Have Anything Else to Say

Clarence said, "Mr. Barret, don't be so tensed. We're just chitchatting. Calm down, please."

I... I'm pretty calm. You deliberately...

While they were talking, Justin's assistant has brought Winnie's assistant back.

Her assistant had never seen such a scene before, so she stammered to greet Clarence, "Hi, Mr... Mr. Conrad..."

Then she looked over at Justin. For a moment, she didn't know how to address him. Her lips parted, but she couldn't utter any word.

Justin wasn't angry. He said friendly, "Where have you been just now?"

The assistant answered, "I... I just got a phone call and was told I needed to cooperate with the change of the ceremony schedule, so I... I went there..." "Was there anyone else besides you?"

Yeah, all the assistants of the Conrad Group's artists went there.

Justin turned to ask his assistant, "What happened?"

His assistant answered, "I didn't get the notice that something had been changed on the schedule. Nathan is in charge of this matter. I'll call him over." Nathan had been in charge of the charity banquet. Upon hearing the news, he rushed over.

He answered, "The schedule is fine. Nothing happened to it."

Winnie's assistant said in confusion, "But... we've waited there for a long time."

Who informed you to go there?

It was the deputy manager of the administration department.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have waited for them for such a long time.

Nathan pulled out his phone and dialed the deputy manager's number, but his phone was off.

Chassell said, "It's a problem of the internal communication in Conrad Group. You won't blame it on me, will you? That's so ridiculous!"

Winnie said in a cold tone, "If you hadn't bribed him, how would he find an excuse to send my assistant away?"

Chassell looked over at Justin. "Mr. Conrad, have you seen it clearly? She's slandering me in this way. Am I nuts? Why would I bribe the deputy manager of the administration department?" Justin thought for a moment. He said to Winnie, "For the time being, we can't find the deputy manager. Let's leave this matter aside first. I'll give you an explanation after the investigation." Winnie pursed her lips tightly. She could read between the lines of Justin's words. It was the anniversary celebration of Conrad Group. He didn't hope she made a fuss here.

However, the scumbag Chassell sickened her so much.

Once he left this door, he would only be more brazen

Although Winnie wasn't afraid of him, she worried that this jerk might do something to Channing.

Hence, she closed her eyes for a second and inhaled. "No. I'll call the police. It's not the first time Chassell Barret harasses me. He has appeared at my door several times and tried to assault me. The security guards of my community are the witnesses."

Justin didn't respond; he seemed to be thinking over it.

Chassell laughed in his heart. He didn't think the security guards' testimony would be a menace to him at all.

With a little bit of manipulation, he could turn this matter into a sex scandal.

The police wouldn't care about such a matter at all.

Hence, Chassell said, "Sure. Go ahead to call the police. Anyway, I..."

Before he finished speaking, they heard a loud bang at the door together with a man's cry in pain.

Everyone in the room turned to see what happened.

A man was lying on the floor with bruises on his face. He was crawling backward in panic.

Soon, Darnell's figure appeared in their sight again.

Nathan looked at the man on the floor. "Oh, here you are, Mr. Shannon." It was the deputy manager of the administration department.

As soon as Chassell saw him, his expression changed dramatically. He looked extremely livid.

Mr. Shannon struggled to stand up but failed. He crawled to Clarence in evident fear. "Mr. Conrad... Mr. Conrad, I was bewitched. I have... I have refused him, but he threatened me. He said he would work with Conrad Group soon. If I don't listen to him, he will make me lose my job. Mr. Conrad, it's my bad. Please forgive me!"

All people knew that no one dared to play any tricks when Clarence was in charge of Conrad Group.

Since he quit, on the surface, nothing had happened in Conrad Group. However, the employees became relaxed and bolder without the suppression, and Justin was quite gentle and easygoing.

Mr. Shannon was threatened this time because Justin had become the CEO of Conrad Group. Secondly, he also wanted to make money.

As soon as he sensed something wrong, he ran away. However, he was caught as soon as he hid in the basement.

Clarence looked calm and emotionless, "Why are you telling me things about Conrad Group?"

Mr. Shannon reacted pretty quickly. He immediately turned to Justin. "Young Master Justin! Young Master Justin, please give me a chance!"

Justin heaved a sigh in silence. He said to Chassell, "Mr. Barret, do you have anything else to say?"

Stella chimed in, "Mr. Barret, are you going to say that Winnie and Mr. Shannon colluded to slander you?"

Before Chassell answered, Mr. Shannon immediately said, "I have evidence. He transferred the money to me this morning. Although he used a different account, you can find the record as long as you look into the funds in his name. Besides... I've recorded his conversation with me."

Upon hearing it, Chassell parted his lips but couldn't utter a beep.

Justin said, "Mr. Barret, since so, I don't think it's necessary for us to partner."

As he spoke, he looked over at Winnie. "With Mr. Shannon as the witness, Conrad Group will support you. After the party is over, I'll go to the police station with you."

Winnie knew that Justin was offering her an excuse to let go of this matter for now.

He said he would accompany her to the police station later. If she insisted on calling the police now, that would be over the line.

Winnie was still an employee of Conrad Group, so she could only nod in agreement. "Okay. Thanks, Mr. Conrad."

Justin checked the time and said to the others. "The ceremony is starting soon. Let's go."

Chassell walked up to him. "Excuse me, Mr..."

Without looking at him, Justin said in a gentle but severe tone, "Mr. Barret, you should know how important this anniversary celebration is for Conrad Group." Chassell withdrew his steps, gritting his teeth.

After Justin was gone, Clarence glanced at Nathan. The latter understood and nodded slightly.

Winnie's assistant fetched her high heels back.

They walked out of the dressing room together.

Only Chassell, Mr. Shannon, and Nathan were left in the dressing room.

Mr. Shannon looked at Nathan and pleaded, "Mr. Lance, please put on good words for me..."

Nathan said, "You should know Mr. Conrad well. I can't do anything."

But... But... Conrad Group's current CEO is Young Master Justin, isn't it? Mr. Conrad said it has nothing to do with him...

Nathan didn't answer. Instead, he turned around and looked over at Chassell. "Do you think so too, Mr. Barret?"☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐

Chapter 700: Afraid She Would Make Any Trouble

When they returned to the banquet hall, there were only a few minutes left before the ceremony started. Justin parted with them. Winnie took a deep breath and said to Stella, "Thanks a million."

Stella took her hand. "Don't mention it. I'm glad you are fine."

Fortunately, when following Chassell, Stella saw a waiter passing by, so she asked him for the key to the dressing room.

She felt so lucky that she didn't arrived late.

Winnie took a secret glance at her back and whispered, "Who is the guy walking with Mr. Conrad? They look alike."

Stella said, "It's a complicated matter. I'll explain it to you later."

Winnie nodded. "All right."

Suddenly, Elaine showed up from nowhere and squeezed between them. She whispered, "What are you talking about?"

Stella smiled. "Nothing. We're praising you."

If you hadn't informed Clarence fast enough, the scumbag would escape tonight.

Elaine felt shy when hearing the compliment. She blushed and said, "For... real?"

Winnie answered, "Yeah. If you need any help in the future, feel free to let me know."

Right then, the ceremony started officially. As the host began speaking, Winnie needed to get ready for her part.

After she left, Stella turned to Clarence. "What did you ask Nathan to do just now?" she asked.

Clarence raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Do you know why Chassell Barret keeps going to Winnie even Channing has hit him so many times?"

Stella was confused. "Why?"

He planned the collapse on the resort's construction site four years ago. Now, someone has got hold of the evidence. Although he's trying to suppress it, the truth will be revealed sooner or later. When he divorced, his ex-wife took a remarkable amount of money from him. What do you think he needs the most right now?

Stella was taken aback. "The money?"

Yep. Hence, he keeps reaching out to Conrad Group recently and wants to gain a new project from Conrad Group. Winnie is also a popular icon right now. He wants to use her in terms of business value, reputation, and influence.

Stella frowned. "He's so disgusting."

He tried to approach Winnie several times but failed. But he didn't cause any harm to her. Thus, even if Winnie called the police, he could escape without being charged.

Although it was a cruel truth, Clarence had made a point there.

Chassell was quite scheming. He couldn't be punished by the standard methods.

Elaine listened to their conversation but was confused. She butted in, "What should we do then? Just sit and watch that scumbag bully Winnie?"

Clarence glanced at her. "Aren't you staying with your Uncle Caesar?"

Ah... I looked for him around the hall but couldn't find him. Don't change the subject. Tell me what to do next.

Clarence raised his hand and pushed her head away. "Mind your own business, kiddo."

Elaine was speechless.

She pouted and turned to look at the man next to Clarence for support. However, Darnell only cast her a glance indifferently.

Elaine realized that she had found the wrong supporter.

Soon, Justin appeared on the stage, giving a speech.

They heard discussions in low voices behind. "I truly feel sorry for Mr. Justin. He's comparable to Clarence Conrad in terms of appearance and competence. But he just started being in charge of the Conrad family."

I agree. I thought Clarence was the only son from the Conrad family. So I was puzzled why Chairman Dempsey gave him Conrad Group but suppressed him meanwhile. It turned out that he was making a second way for himself.

If it weren't for the car accident back then, Justin Conrad wouldn't be paralyzed. Otherwise, why would the Conrad family take Clarence Conrad back?

Oh, speaking of the car accident, I heard some rumors recently. It's said the car accident was done by someone from the family of Clarence Conrad's mother. They did it to make the Conrad family recognize Clarence Conrad.

Upon hearing the rumor, others were shocked. "Impossible! Where did you hear this rumor from?"

I'm not sure about the source, but it seemed to make sense.

If it were true, Justin Conrad should hate Clarence Conrad to the core. But when they showed up here just now, they looked quite harmonious.

I don't believe that rumor. There's nothing about Clarence Conrad's mother in the past decades. I guess she has run away with the money already.

Exactly. How powerful she would be to do something on Justin's car. If Clarence's birth mother had such an ability, why would she become the mistress of his father?

The rumor is fake. How could such a ridiculous rumor be spread? I guess someone deliberately made this up to cause troubles after Justin had become the CEO of Conrad Group.

Others agreed with this opinion. The rumor was unreliable, so they stopped discussing it and changed the subject.

Stella looked up at Clarence, who met her eyes. He still looked calm and asked, "What's wrong?"

She held his hand. "Nothing."

Clarence checked the time. "Let's go."

The charity banquet was starting soon.

Meanwhile, the ceremony went on.

Stella took a few steps and looked back, only to find that Elaine was following Darnell carefully. Elaine wanted to come to Stella, but she didn't have the guts.

Stella withdrew her gaze and whispered, "Don't you guys want to tell her the truth? She still trusts Caesar James so much now. I'm afraid..."

Clarence said, "Compared with us, Caesar James is her family. She might not believe what we say. Besides, she's a simple girl, and others can always see through her from her expression. It's no good to tell her the truth."

Stella understood. "That's why Darnell wants to keep her by his side, right?"

Well, that has nothing to do with Caesar James. Darnell is here, and he shouldn't have any guts to make any moves.

Clarence explained, "He's afraid she would make any trouble."

Stella curled up her lips into a smile. Although Clarence said so, she could tell that they both were worried something would happen to Elaine.

The charity banquet was in another hall. When they arrived, Justin was waiting for them at the entrance.

Justin said, "Clarence, Stella, the ring will be the seventh auction item tonight. I've informed the staff to call the price once. You can buy it directly." Clarence nodded.

Right then, Caesar showed up from nowhere. "Since we're all here, let's go into the hall, shall we?"

There were a lot of attendees to the celebration, but the guests to the charity banquet were relatively fewer.

Hence, the auction hall was quiet.

Guests who had arrived were reading the auction lists in their hands.

Justin said, "Please have a seat. I'll go check backstage."00☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐