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.”
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