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.

she called out

pavilion and sat down,

benches here were designed in an interesting way–some were

one.

sat on the lower bench at her feet. He took her backpack, opened it, and

even without a word from lan, she could tell he was still stewing over

a teasing grin, she propped one leg playfully

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

catch us.”

up and

with an easy

any right to be mad? You told me to chill

curb,” Ian shot

face, Ian tucked her sunscreen spray into his own bag, left

her skin look almost porcelain pale. Her jet–black hair looked sharp

you to

for a second, eyes lowered, the barest hint of a smile

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

could wrap any guy around her finger. Just a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy, and now he was all up

If you really made me work with her, I’d

his chin on her shoulder, lashes down, back all

up and gave his hair a little tousle. “Let’s go. We’ll

her hand and pulling her up the path. But halfway there, Yolanda caught footsteps behind them, so she quickly dropped his

snarky remark. “Well, well, you two again. Guess I

fed up with Leo and his prickly sarcasm. She definitely wasn’t about to let him

Leo stuck to them like some

a second, Yolanda figured he was just taking

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

a shadow that

around, and shot him a look.

at Ian and mentally scoffed, ‘Talk about extra. Who the hell wears a mask

yours or

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

he walked past lan,

to lan. “Go snag us

more, she strode off toward

to take

us move

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

inside in a flash, obviously not wanting to get

tables were for breakfast later, and the staff was

couldn’t turn Simone down, so he just

restroom on the first floor, but the door was wide open and the place was

frowned–where had

checked the second floor, then the

first floor, he pulled out his phone, ready to call her, but before he could dial, someone cracked him hard on

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

out cold.

knocked

annoyingly persistent, hanging

finally regained consciousness, his head was still spinning. Looking around, he realized he was locked in some rundown, abandoned factory. Sunlight spilled in from outside, but inside it was stripped completely bare–just piles of scattered bricks on the ground, a single locked door, steel bars over the windows, and a camera dangling from one

he noticed someone behind

in a chair.

and his first instinct was to reach for the chain around

something wrong with his

he might

thing, way too shabby for someone like

weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced every curve. Leo found

Leo called out, his voice dry and low, and he slowly dragged

get her attention, his body heavy and off–balance as he moved step by step toward the

were tied behind his back, so he could only nudge her with

breathed in so much of the knock–out drug, she was

He lowered his gaze, barely keeping

he muttered, his

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

him?

they want, or is Yolanda

he just gave in and pressed his face right into her

voice barely audible,

trapped in a desert, the heat suffocating him. Getting close to her was the only thing that

burning presence against her, frowning in

Chapter 207

on early that Yolanda was missing and had already sent the Crimson Gallery crew out

Charles had just arrived at the mountaintop villa. Not seeing Yolanda around, he started searching

was a total lunatic, so the moment Andrew hit him up with the stream link, Charles just removed him from his contacts without

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

if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out

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

thirty people

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 was right, he’d just take her

might be crazy, but he knew better than to go

on the stream, he could pretty much

already in the car, talking to his team. “Find out where that

had picked up all sorts of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was blocked off from

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

real fun’s about to kick off. Hope you

for a reason. If the whole city of Beloris 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

Charles hating his guts was thanks to his old man backing

that could shake the Sinclair family, he

insiders watching, well, everyone knew how powerful the Sinclair family was–and they knew Yolanda wasn’t exactly beloved. The scandal wouldn’t touch the Sinclairs one bit. Charles would probably kick Yolanda

hopelessly into Joelle–whatever she wanted, he’d move heaven and earth to get it

dragged into this disgusting live stream. He didn’t

realized the woman was Yolanda, Xavier

Yolanda, how the hell were they supposed to

Leo had been drugged–who the hell would come up with

he knew was there was something cold and sugary right in front of him, and he

chilly treat into his mouth, but with his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t I reach it? I

people were still watching the

was pretty annoyed–he’d blasted the link out to a bunch of people, and

up.

desperation until he finally bumped into Yolanda’s. Driven by instinct and panic, he

darkening. He quickly tore his eyes away and barked at

out he almost dropped his phone. He kicked the guy next to him

hell are you waiting for?

absolutely had to stop Leo before it

the chat, his fingers

better listen up–don’t do anything you’ll regret. If you mess with Leo,

nuts–he feared no one but his grandfather, and the rest of the world didn’t

typed into

spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious

of curses, but the

the stream and let

was just curious about what kind of dirty crap

seeing Leo making out with Yolanda like there was no tomorrow, Quinn figured the kid

they’re totally screwed now!‘ Quinn

go up

always ragging on her, saying she was way too uptight, like, even the slimiest pond eel had more energy and excitement

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

hell is even going on?‘ Quinn muttered

only four people watching right now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the hell are the other two?‘ Quinn

chat, then the four of them could just act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a word about it

he really didn’t want his own

whole fiasco, had no

like this anymore,’ Quinn thought, forcing himself to look

screen.

like forever–seven, maybe eight minutes. The camera was set up by the window, so it could only catch their movements, not

body was overheating, her 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 feel so

something scorching hot right

need, instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand, pressing

her palm washed over him, chasing away some of that

get up, 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

his last thread of sanity even as every cell in his body screamed with pain and burning

‘She’d be falling over herself to help him, even

tied tightly behind his back–he couldn’t move

sit in the chair, the cold chain around her ankle keeping her in place.

his chin against her thigh, voice hoarse and desperate. “Give it

a sharp kick, all nerves and zero hesitation. “What the hell is wrong

his chest from the kick, his

out, felt his

actually likes you? That kick–believe me, I

ed him away,

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

the window caught everything–streaming every second live for whoever