Semua Bab As the Fake Heiress Rose to Power, the CEO Falls Apart: Bab 631 - Bab 640

Stellar’s eyelid twitchedShe knew the real reason was finally about to come out.She kept her tone patient. “Go ahead.”"Miss Rivers, here’s the thing," Linus began. "Our company is part of Norton city’s top aerospace institute. The technology we’ve developed is miles ahead of your country’s—we’ve already stepped into the next generation."He leaned forward slightly, voice full of conviction."Talent like yours is exactly what we need. So, I’m offering you a place on our team. The salary package is double what you’d get here, and you’d receive a twenty percent profit share for any successful development. “In Norton city, your career would skyrocket. You’d be standing at the very peak of this industry."He laid it all out—every incentive, every advantage.With terms like that, he was sure she’d bite.But to his shock, she didn’t even pause. Her face remained expressionless as she answered flatly,"Sorry. I’m not interested.""What?" Linus blinked, genuinely unsure he heard her right.

Everyone stared at her in disbelief."Are you serious?" Henry pressed her again, clearly skeptical.Autumn looked worried as well. "Stellar, don’t be impulsive.""I'm not being impulsive. I mean every word," Stellar said calmly, her gaze sharp and resolute. "As someone from Capital City, I value collaboration, but never at the cost of our dignity."Yes, technology is important. But if we bow under pressure, we’ll only teach them how to keep pushing. “Every step back lowers our standards. Today it's one concession—tomorrow it'll be ten. In the end, we’ll lose our voice at the table, and they’ll never take us seriously again."Real cooperation is built on equality and mutual benefit, not one-sided compromise. If we don’t hold the core technology ourselves, we’ll always be at someone else’s mercy."Her voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the silence like a blade—so powerful that it stirred shame in many of those present.Compared to Stellar, it seemed they all lacked the pride they sh

Inside the restaurant, the three of them sat by the window in a quiet corner, each occupying one side of the table. The atmosphere was undeniably awkward.Stellar, caught in the middle, was clearly the most uncomfortable.Just as the silence was starting to become unbearable, a cheerful voice broke through."Senior! It really is you."Zayden strode over from across the room and, without the slightest hesitation, wedged himself between the two men to sit beside Stellar. His eyes lit up with excitement as he asked, "Did you get the portraits I sent you? Did your grandparents like them?"Stellar hadn’t expected to run into him here of all places, especially not in this kind of tense situation.The mention of the portraits immediately reminded her of how strangely he had acted the last time they spoke. The thought left her feeling slightly conflicted."I did get them. My grandparents really loved them. They said your work was excellent, and it meant a lot to them."She recalled the warmt

Stellar flinched and spun around, taking two quick steps back, only to crash into a warm, broad chest.“Careful, Senior,” Zayden steadied her with one arm around her shoulder, his tone apologetic. “Did I scare you? Sorry, I went to get this for you. I remembered you love strawberry ice cream.”He brought the ice cream from behind and held it out to her.Stellar was just about to take it when a hand suddenly gripped her wrist and tugged her forward.She stumbled straight into Stephen, their noses nearly brushing, their lips almost touching.They both froze, breath catching.The next second, a sun hat was placed on her head. Stephen’s eyes were gentle, his voice a lover’s murmur. “Looks good on you.”Stellar’s cheeks flushed, her heartbeat losing rhythm.Just as the moment grew more charged, a plush toy appeared between them.Keith had somehow walked over without them noticing, his tone light as if by chance. “Limited-edition Vicky plush. This is the last one. Like it?”Stellar quickly

Stellar's voice trembled slightly.The next second, Stephen slowly raised his hand and gently touched her cheek. "It's okay. Don’t worry."In the dim space, his gaze was deep and vast, like a starry galaxy, quietly reflecting her current expression.Their bodies were so close, even their rapid heartbeats seemed to merge."You..." Stellar's eyes shimmered, full of unreadable emotions. "How could you dare follow me down just now? What if the structure had collapsed? What if it was dangerous down here?"Stephen cupped her face, his voice hoarse, but his eyes blazed with intensity."I told you, even if it costs me my life, I’ll protect you. Without you, my life has no meaning."Stellar’s eyes stung with heat. Her heart felt as if it had been soaked in water, overwhelmed with emotion.In that moment, she forgot everything else and suddenly leaned forward, pressing her lips to his.The kiss was frantic, filled with the fear of losing something precious, as if she was desperate for confirmat