Female Novel
Chapter 2021
Chapter 2021Keegan was taken aback.
‘This does indeed sound like something | would say. Or rather, more like the kind of thing mom would throw my way back when |was younger."
No matter how stellar Keegan's achievements were during his childhood, Dahlia always had a way of cutting him down. "Don't betoo proud.
Someone might surpass you next time.""Your dad and | spent a fortune on your education, it's the least you can do, ’ she'd say.
Keegan rarely received praise from Dahlia. Naturally, he struggled to share his achievements with his partner properly. What heintended as uplifting encouragement often sounded more like belittlement.
Dahlia wasn't the best role model for Keegan. Despite thinking he'd distanced himself from his mother, constant praise fromthose around him blinded him to how much he mirrored her in specific aspects.
Looking at Stella with puppy eyes, Keegan asked softly, "So, do you prefer the old me or the current me?"Stella chuckled and whispered in his ear, "You're the kind of guy who can learn from your mistakes. I'd like you no matter what."
Keegan grinned and said, "Actually, I've seen the movie. | went to the director's place to check the raw footage before it hit thescreens. The acting is actually good."
"Was it still a C-rating performance?"
Keegan laughed. "It's a B-rating performance this time.”
Olivia reached out before Stella had the chance to contact her first.
The Warrens' affairs have been under discussion in their circle recently.
Erick's charges were practically set in stone. He was now in the hands of the authorities, awaiting due process.
Olivia was an intelligent businesswoman, but she wasn't all about the money. She consistently warned Erick to steer clear of thegray areas in politics.
She had assets in her name, enough to keep the family afloat. She didn't need the blood money from Erick's questionabledealings.
If something went down, the entire family would be in disarray.Erick verbally agreed to Olivia's wishes but needed money to fuel his extramarital affair and support his illegitimate child.
Olivia controlled the family finances and with such huge expenses for his infidelity, Erick had to find other means to get themoney.
He turned to illegal activities.
Erick couldn't confess to Olivia about the funds, as they were all dedicated to sustaining his mistress and child.
When the illegitimate child needed schooling, the mistress insisted on a million-dollar home in an upscale area. Otherwise, shethreatened to bring the child to his workplace and expose everything to Olivia.
Erick was at a loss, so he confessed his actions to Dahlia.
Dahlia came up with the idea for him to steal a million dollars from Olivia.
With the money for the house secured, there were still bills for renovation and a car.
Living in an upscale neighborhood meant everyone had a luxury car worth a small fortune. Once the floodgates of desireopened, it became an insatiable pit.
Erick had to keep resorting to illegal means to meet the demands of the mother and child.
Olivia was in Astra Height when she called Stella. She mentioned a topnotch bakery nearby and asked her to meet up there,saying she'd swing by after finishing her work.
Intrigued, Stella asked, "What's keeping you so busy, Olivia?""I'm cleaning out the place for the mistress to settle in. Want to swing by and take a peek?" Olivia replied in disdain.novelbin
"You bet!"