Chapter 13
Stellar didn’t want to talk about it, and Claude didn’t press ber further, though anger surged within him.
“It seems someone needs to be taught a lesson,” Claude thought.
The drive was quiet, with neither of them saying much. When they finally arrived at the restaurant, Claude broke the silence.
“Alright, enough with the gloomy face. Eat first. You’ll need a full stomach to think things through.”
Stellar could tell Claude had noticed her troubled mood but chose to give her space. His subtle way of showing respect made her feel comforted.
After parking the car, Claude led her inside to the private room he had reserved in advance.
The restaurant’s decor was luxurious, with an elegant ambiance. From the main hall, the soft notes of a piano melody flowed in, soothing and uplifting, as though washing away her worries. Stellar gradually felt her emotions
settle.
Soon, dish after dish began arriving at their table.
Although each portion was small, the sheer number of dishes was astonishing–a hundred and eight in total.
Stellar stared in shock at the grand display. “Uncle Claude, you ordered all this? There’s no way we can finish it!”
Not to mention, it was clear from the presentation that everything was incredibly expensive.
“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Don’t worry, you’re not going to bankrupt me. This is actually just one entrée. It’s simply served in multiple small portions.”
Stellar couldn’t help but laugh at his light hearted comment.
Looking closer, she noticed the hundred–and–eight plates were arranged to form the shape of a ship.
“It’s called ‘Setting Sail,” Claude explained. “The design symbolizes leaving the past behind and setting sail toward a brighter future.”
Stellar pressed her lips together, moved by the thoughtfulness behind it.
It was clear this was prepared especially for her, and a warm sense of gratitude filled her heart.
The delicious food certainly worked its magic on her mood. The dishes were not only beautifully presented but also incredibly flavorful. Whoever Claude’s friend was, they were undoubtedly talented and Stellar even felt a little curious to meet them.
She didn’t refuse Claude’s thoughtful gesture, enjoying the meal while making sure to return the favor by serving him food as well.
“Uncle Claude, you should eat more too. You’re always so busy. Make sure to take care of yourself and stay healthy.”
Claude felt deeply touched by her gesture.
Their Stellar was truly the epitome of thoughtfulness and grace.
As Claude looked at his niece, the more he observed her, the more satisfied he felt.
Not only was she stunningly beautiful and exceptionally intelligent, but she was also capable, considerate, and filial.
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Chapter 13
+25 BONUS
A girl like her was a rarity–someone others would fight tooth and nall to have by their side. And yet, certain fools couldn’t recognize her worth, choosing instead to hurt her time and again.
Well, they’d better be ready to pay the price.
While Stellar was quietly eating, her head slightly bowed, astrand of hair fell across her face, blocking her vision. Without thinking, Claude reached over, his movements smooth and practiced, and tucked the stray strand behind her ear.
Stellar looked up and gave him a sweet smile.
“Thank you, Uncle Claude.”
Not far away, Yvonne stepped out of her private room just to time to catch a glimpse of the scene through a crack in the door.
Her eyes widened. That man was the man who picked up Stellar at the banquet.
She didn’t know who he was, but everything about him screamed wealth and power–from his impeccable clothing and luxurious car to the undeniable air of prestige that surrounded him.
This restaurant was brand new, operating on an exclusive membership system. Only VIP clients could dine here. The Harlow and Moore families barely managed to secure a private room for their engagement discussions. Yet, this man had effortlessly brought Stellar here. He was clearly someone extraordinary.
Yvonne’s jealousy flared. How could Stellar land such a remarkable man? And they even seemed so close!
She was seething with envy but suddenly smirked coldly.
“I wonder if these men even realize Stellar is involved with multiple guys? Or if they know about her shameful past?” she thought.
At that moment, Claude’s phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the caller ID, then turned to Stellar, giving her a quick instruction before stepping out into the hallway to take the call.
As he finished the conversation and prepared to return to the private room, a figure appeared in his path, blocking his way.
His expression darkened when he saw who it was.
Yvonne stood before him, her demeanor deliberately soft and composed.
“Sir, I’d like to have a word with you. It’s about Stellar. Would you have a moment?”
Hearing her mention Stellar, Claude’s eyes grew colder.
“What do you want to say?”
Seeing his interest piqued, Yvonne felt a surge of confidence and motioned for him to follow her to a quieter
corner.
“I just wanted to warn you not to be fooled by Stellar. She’s not as Innocent as she seems on the surface.” Claude’s expression remained unreadable, but his gaze darkened further.
Feeling encouraged, Yvonne continued, weaving her lies with a convincingly earnest tone.
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Chapter 13
“She used to be the Harlow family’s heiress, but even as a teenager, she was involved with all kinds of men and caught some… unsavory diseases. The rumors spread everywhere. When her true identity as a fake heiress was exposed, she repeatedly targeted me, the rightful heiress. It’s a miracle I even survived her schemes,”
She feigned a bitter smile before pressing on.
“When her true colors were revealed, she was kicked out of the family. But that wasn’t enough for her. Having stolen eighteen years of my life, she still refused to let go. She clung to my fiancé for years, living off him, using him, and taking advantage of him in every way.”
Yvonne’s voice lowered, her words sharper,
“Eventually, even he saw through her greed and selfishness and ended things with her.”
As if delivering the final blow, she pulled out a photo, her lips curving into a faint smile.
“Take a look. She’s quite skilled at seduction, isn’t she? This is Shane Howe from Brighton Group. The day you picked her up, she was busy cozying up to him. You can ask around if you don’t believe me. Shane even rejected Moore Enterprises for her sake. She doesn’t just have one man, you know…”
Her expression was one of feigned concern, as though she were doing Claude a favor by sharing this information.
Her words were spoken with such conviction that any other man might have been swayed.
After all, what man would want a woman with a past as scandalous as the one Yvonne had painted?
But Yvonne didn’t realize that Claude wasn’t Stellar’s lover–he was her uncle.
“Are you done?”
Claude’s expression was cold as ice, his entire demeanor dark and foreboding. The oppressive energy radiating from him was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.
When Yvonne met his murderous gaze, she couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran through her body, and her back prickled with unease.
Why was he reacting like this?
“S–Sir…” she stammered, trying to speak further, but Claude cut her off, his voice chillingly calm as he spoke, each word sharp and deliberate.
“So this is what the true heiress of the Harlow family is capable of–twisting the truth with such skill. Impressive. Very impressive. Since that’s the case, Miss Harlow, you’d better be prepared to face the consequences.”
With that, he calmly pulled out his phone and sent a message.
Yvonne had no idea what he sent, but his commanding presence, already overwhelming, suddenly felt like a mountain pressing down on her chest.
Her eyes widened in terror as a suffocating sense of dread consumed her.
This man was terrifying.
She had never experienced anything like this before. It felt like a death sentence had been handed down. Cold sweat dripped down her back, and her legs wobbled, nearly giving out beneath her.
Claude didn’t bother sparing her another glance. He turned and walked away without a word.
“If it weren’t for my promise to Stellar to let her handle this herself, I’d make sure you disappeared without a
Chapter 13
trace today,” he thought darkly.
Still, that didn’t mean he couldn’t make a few moves elsewhere.
As Claude disappeared into the distance, Yvonne finally clutched her chest, gasping for breath. It took several minutes for her to regain her composure.
Her fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms as her face twisted in anger.
What on earth had Stellar done to charm this man into being so devoted to her?
No, that was impossible. He must still be deceived; he did know the truth y
1 yet.
Reassuring herself, she glanced around nervously. Even though Claude had sent a message, no one appeared to confront her.
She let out a sigh of relief.
