After She She Stopped Loving Him

Chapter 614: The Nerve

Nnenna didn’t even need to glance at it to know it was his phone number. So he’s actually serious? What a weird guy, she thought, blinking at him.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the treatment," Darius announced, standing with theatrical flair. But not before flashing one last smile at the nanny by the door, and then letting his gTitan 205

To be honest, Yolanda felt she ought to call Ian and tell him to quit messing around–this was his job, and he needed to stick to an actor’s basic principles. If he wanted any future in showbiz, he had to handle all that came with it.

If he was planning to survive in the entertainment world, he’d just have to put up with it.

But why, of all people, did it have to be Joelle?

Simone was still saying something, but Yolanda tuned her out completely–her mind was elsewhere.

After hanging up, she got in her car. She’d planned to drop by Starlight, since the people blocking the entrance had finally cleared out. She’d already called the crew to fix the shattered glass doors.

Right at that moment, her phone lit up with a call from Charles.

Charles’s voice came through: “Aunt Simone’s putting together a hiking trip. Want to come blow off some steam?”

Ian had mentioned in passing that he’d probably show up too.

Simone would definitely invite a whole crew, and with things at Starlight finally calming down, Yolanda figured she might as well join the fun.

“Count me in,” Yolanda replied easily.

She hadn’t expected so many people–turns out, this wasn’t just any old hike. There was a full–blown resort at the top, and getting there meant a three–hour trek from the foot of the mountain, starting at 2 in the morning. If you made it to the summit in time, you’d catch the sunrise.

Yolanda did a quick walk–through at Starlight. As night settled in, her phone lit up with a message from Ian.

[You joining the hike?]

Then Leo reached out with a text of his own.

[Hey, you hiking or not? Just asking–no big deal.]

Yolanda ignored Leo and shot back a quick reply to Ian: [Yeah, I’m in.]

She enjoyed a hot shower, then, at one in the morning, jumped into Charles’s car and headed out to the base of the mountain.

When they got there, the whole area was brightly lit, and a crew of staff were already hanging around. They’d take the cable car up ahead of everyone to get breakfast ready at the top.

This mountain was privately owned. Normally, anyone could hike it, but when they closed the place off, it was strictly VIPs only.

Yolanda stepped out in black athletic gear, backpack slung over her shoulders, only to spot Joelle sporting matching black gear and the same backpack vibe.

Joelle was Oscar’s guest, and besides him, there were a few other famous directors in attendance, Simone included.

The rest of the crew were young elites who lived for this kind of thrill–mountain climbing was basically the hottest trend in their circle.

Charles, rarely seen in athletic gear, cast a glance at lan, who was standing next to Simone. He couldn’t help but frown, a slight crease forming between his brows.

Ian wasn’t looking at anyone, his mask covering most of his face, with only his indifferent eyes showing. He seemed completely silent and kept to himself.

Just as everyone was about to head out, Xavier and Quinn Cooper showed up, their voices ringing across the crowd.

Wow, so everyone’s going hiking and nobody bothered to call us? Lucky we got here before you left!” Xavier joked loudly.

Xavier yanked Leo over, remembering how his little brother had blurted to the Lawson family yesterday that he might be into someone. The whole family was hyped, demanding Xavier dig out this secret crush. With Leo suddenly way too keen on this hike, Xavier figured the girl he liked had to be among tonight’s crew.

He swept his eyes over the eight or nine women gathered there–first Yolanda was off the list, then Simone, both ruled out because, come on, they were on a totally different level, practically family.

After that, his gaze started sizing up the remaining six, lingering a bit longer as he tried to sniff out any clues.

Quentin showed up too–his eyes locked on Joelle from the very moment he arrived. It was old news that he used to have a crush on her; nobody even bothers to keep it under wraps anymore.

“These love triangles are just the same old story–boring,‘ Yolanda thought, totally uninterested. She fell in step behind Simone, ready to get this hike going.

There were five trails leading up the mountain, and with so many people here, everyone just broke off into little squads with their usual crew, planning to stick together for the climb.

Yolanda wasn’t really familiar with most of these folks, so she hung by Simone’s side, seriously picking her brain about the film business.

Charles was about to head over to Yolanda when Quentin called out, “Joelle, is your wrist still giving you trouble?”

Charles glanced in their direction, remembering that Joelle had only just been snatched by that lunatic Andrew yesterday. ‘And now she’s here climbing a mountain… She must’ve come for me,‘ he thought.

He frowned, staying put.

Sure enough, Joelle approached him, careful to keep a respectful distance. “Charles, which trail are you taking

-left or right?”

Charles glimpsed Yolanda and Simone taking the middle trail, and a flicker of irritation showed in his eyes- he hated being left out, even if he’d never admit it.

Still, he hid it perfectly, keeping his expression smooth and unreadable.

Quentin sidled up to Joelle, whispering, “Joelle, let’s take the right trail–it’s way easier.”

Joelle ignored him, her eyes fixed on Charles, clearly waiting for his answer.

Charles headed straight for the middle trail, and Joelle tried to catch up, but she tripped hard–hadn’t even started climbing and her ankle was already swollen from the fall.

Quentin rushed over, his voice full of concern. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Joelle took a deep breath and said seriously, “Quentin, I’ve rejected you more times than I can count. Don’t put me on the spot. I can get to the hospital on my own.”

With that, she limped to her feet, didn’t even look at Charles, and made her way back to her own car.

Quentin hurried up after her. “You don’t even have a manager with you–who’s gonna get you to the hospital?”

Leo watched the whole thing, then elbowed Charles. “You not gonna help her out? Looks like her ankle’s in pretty bad shape.”

7

A

Xavier was right there, catching Leo’s comment. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Wait, seriously?‘ Xavier wondered. ‘Is Leo into Joelle too?‘

“He’s been keeping tabs on her from the start. Now with Charles here, maybe he’s too shy to offer a ride himself? Xavier guessed, more confused than ever.

‘Has he had his eye on her this whole time, just waiting for a moment to do something?‘ he thought, picking up the tension.

Xavier’s mood soured. “There are already more than enough guys chasing after Joelle, and Leo–man, he’s no Casanova. With that many rivals, he doesn’t stand much chance,‘

Charles wasn’t planning to help out, but after Leo nudged him and saw Joelle still shutting Quentin down, he finally gave in and walked over.

“Let me drive you,” he said.

Joelle gave him a grateful–even slightly guilty–look. “Won’t you miss out on the hike because of me?”

“Hospital’s just a half–hour from here. I’ll drop you off and get back before anyone even notices.” Charles replied.

“Thanks, Charles. I really appreciate it,” Joelle said.

9:35 Sat Oct 25

Chapter 203

Quentin’s face fell, all the light gone from his eyes.

156 vouchers

Navier was turning it over in his mind: Wait, isn’t Charles basically with Yolanda now? As long as that’s still a thing, Leo actTitan 206

Chapter 206

Yolanda followed Simone, her backpack slung over her shoulder.

“Aunt Simone, the short drama scene is really booming right now. Should we consider having our talent without scripts try their hand at it?” Yolanda asked.

Simone was about to respond when Ian suddenly spoke up.

“Ms. Grant.” Ian called out.

“Yeah?” Yolanda looked over.

She turned to face him, noticing he seemed unusually quiet tonight.

“Can I talk to you about Ms. Sinclair’s new script?” Ian asked.

Simone hadn’t forgotten Ian was turning down the role, so she gave Yolanda a thoughtful, sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

“Try and talk some sense into him, will you? If Mr. Rowe didn’t have such a soft spot for him, this kind of golden opportunity wouldn’t even land in his lap. His popularity is soaring, but his list of credits is way too short. After Zack’s show finishes up, mine is coming next, and if he adds this film to the mix, he’ll become an A–list star practically overnight,” Simone urged.

Yolanda could hear the urgency in Simone’s voice. In truth, Simone really liked Ian–he was talented, worked hard, kept his head down, and always acted with respect. Honestly, what manager didn’t wish for talent like him?

“I’ll talk to him, Aunt Simone,” Yolanda promised.

some privacy, so she called out

sat down, motioning for Ian to join her. “Come sit

in an interesting way–some were

one.

lower bench at her feet. He took her backpack, opened it, and started transferring the contents into his

lan, she could tell he was still stewing over something. ‘He’s totally sulking again,

propped one leg playfully across

hands mid–motion, giving her a sideways look. “Careful, Grant. Your man’s about to

catch us.”

up and

couldn’t help but laugh, leaning back with an easy swagger. “Still

mad? You told me to chill out. If

Ian shot

a gentle look on his face, Ian tucked her sunscreen spray into his own bag, left her backpack

was slicked up in a high ponytail, her black sportswear making her skin look almost porcelain pale. Her jet–black hair looked sharp against her fair face, and

want you to take this

the barest hint of a smile flickering on

a playful pinch. “If you did, the female lead wouldn’t be Joelle. Honestly, I can’t handle you getting

a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy, and now he was all up in her space, tail

before I came tonight, I was thinking… If you really made me work with her, I’d just vanish. You wouldn’t see me

puppy mode, resting his chin on her shoulder, lashes down, back all hunched–looking like the saddest, most pitiful guy

his hair a little tousle.

there, Yolanda caught

“Well, well, you two again. Guess I took a whole lap just to bump into you

definitely wasn’t about to let him sniff out what was going on between her and

stuck to them like some soggy,

second, Yolanda figured he was just

sped up; slow down, he slowed down. The guy

was seriously like a shadow that

deep breath, spun around, and shot him a look. “Don’t you have anything

Ian and mentally scoffed, ‘Talk about extra.

or

breath on him. Thankfully, they’d reached the top. The lights from the mountain lodge glowed nearby, and everyone who’d made

another cold snort as he walked past lan, shooting him

off to lan. “Go snag us a good spot for the sunrise -I’ll catch

she strode

there clutching her bag, was just about to take a step

us move

he swaggered toward the lodge, tossing a cocky line over his shoulder. “Superstar, you better get moving. If you’re late,

inside in a flash, obviously not wanting to get caught and forced by Simone

tables were for breakfast later, and the staff

turn Simone down, so he just headed over to

the restroom on the first floor, but the door was

frowned–where had Yolanda

checked the second floor, then

pulled out his phone, ready to call her, but before he could dial, someone cracked

into the nearby courtyard and shoved him into the trunk, where Yolanda was

out cold.

been knocked out

just Yolanda, but Leo was so annoyingly persistent, hanging around

inside it was stripped completely bare–just piles of scattered bricks on the ground, a single locked door,

of his eye, he noticed someone behind him. Turning around, he

in a chair.

froze, and his first instinct was to reach for the chain around her ankle and try to undo

wrong

heat as if he might explode any second. ‘What the hell did they do to me?‘ he wondered, blinking through

was sprawled across the only chair in the place–a grimy, beat–up thing, way too shabby for someone like her. She looked

now, she was impossibly striking. Her pale skin seemed to almost shimmer under the weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced every curve. Leo

voice dry and

body heavy and off–balance as

his back, so he could only nudge

of

his gaze, barely keeping himself in check as he fought the urge to give in to

up,” he muttered,

kidnapped before, but never with someone like Yolanda. How the hell

him?

the hell is actually behind this? Is it me they want, or is

thirst was killing Leo–every step closer made it worse, until he just gave in and pressed his

his voice barely audible, rough with

a desert, the heat suffocating him. Getting close to her was the only thing that made it even a little

could sense his burning presence against her, frowning in discomfort as she instinctively

Chapter 207

missing and had already sent the

the mountaintop villa. Not

thought Andrew was a total lunatic, so the moment Andrew hit him up with

end of the day, only Ian, Sam, Xavier, and Quinn

if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out

Quinn? He was purely in it for the entertainment–nothing like a bit of

over thirty people in their circle,

didn’t matter–those four were all insiders, and as long as they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on the live stream, Yolanda’s reputation would be trashed for good. Once he felt the timing

but he knew better than to go up against the

stream, he

to his team. “Find out where that signal’s coming from. I need an address in

up all sorts of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was

Andrew was running the show as the admin of the stream and sent out

folks, the real fun’s about to kick off. Hope

caught wind of Yolanda’s mess, it wouldn’t just be Charles getting humiliated–the entire Sinclair family would be dragged down with him. And when it came to screwing

the only reason he’d made it through all these years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to his old man backing

anything that could shake the Sinclair family, he couldn’t afford

beloved. The scandal wouldn’t touch the Sinclairs one bit. Charles would probably kick Yolanda to the curb and, who knows, maybe all eyes would turn to Joelle

was hopelessly into Joelle–whatever she wanted, he’d move

disgusting live stream. He didn’t waste a second

he realized the woman

actually got tangled up with Yolanda, how the

drugged–who the hell would come up with a scheme this

cold and sugary right in front of

tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t I reach

people were still watching

the link out to a bunch of

up.

finally bumped into Yolanda’s. Driven by instinct and panic, he pressed a

a moment as he watched the scene, his face darkening. He quickly tore his eyes away and barked at his people, “Find the address,

he almost dropped his phone. He kicked the

the hell are you waiting for? Get moving! Find them,

absolutely had to stop Leo before it was

the chat, his fingers flying in

listen up–don’t do anything you’ll regret. If you mess with Leo, I swear I’ll track you down

one but his grandfather, and the

typed into

at that–Xavier’s here. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious

off a whole torrent of curses, but the system instantly

and let out

kind of dirty crap that psycho Andrew was sharing,

Quinn figured the kid was so out of his mind he probably didn’t even know who he

they’re totally screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered

is about to go

saying she was way too uptight, like, even the slimiest pond eel had more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke that Charles

when Leo snaps out of it and realizes he was all over Yolanda like that,‘ Quinn thought, ‘he’s gonna go ballistic–wouldn’t be surprised if he grabbed a knife and went straight after Andrew. Once that’s done, he’ll make sure Yolanda pays too, no doubt about it. His precious first kiss, gone

what the hell is even going on?‘ Quinn muttered

the phone and call Charles–there were only four people watching right now, and Xavier was obviously

Charles wasn’t in the chat, then the four of them could just act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a word about it to Leo later–especially

his own name popping up. Last thing he needed was

for now, Andrew, the lunatic behind this whole fiasco, had no idea who the

even look at Leo like this anymore,’ Quinn thought, forcing himself to look away

screen.

set up by the window, so it could only catch their movements, not their voices. Leo buried his face in Yolanda’s neck and whispered,

breaths coming quick and shallow as she struggled for air. Finally, through the haze, her mind began to clear. ‘Where am I? Why does everything

something

lost in his fever and need, instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand, pressing it against his cheek like it was the only thing grounding

him, chasing away some

but the moment she moved, her ankle jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she scrambled, she couldn’t get more than a step away before the cold metal stopped

a grip!” Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling with

clinging to his last thread of sanity even

this was Ian, she wouldn’t be acting like this,‘ Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d

tightly behind his back–he couldn’t

ankle keeping her in place. No matter how she

her thigh, voice hoarse and

all nerves and zero hesitation. “What the

chest from the kick, his eyes turning bright red and misty in

felt his scalp start to tingle from sheer

right mind? You think he actually likes you? That kick–believe me, I won’t forget it. You better watch

ed him away,

me… I feel awful,” Leo mumbled, voice thick

by the window caught everything–streaming