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

to a nearby little pavilion and sat down,

were designed in an interesting way–some

one.

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

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

propped

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

catch us.”

up and

help but laugh, leaning back with an easy swagger. “Still

mad? You told me to chill out. If I keep

Ian shot

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

pale. Her jet–black hair looked sharp against her fair face, and her eyes sparkled even brighter than the

you to take this

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

his earlobe a playful pinch. “If you did, the female lead wouldn’t

around her finger. Just a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy,

you really made me work with her, I’d just vanish.

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

gave his hair a little tousle.

there, Yolanda caught footsteps behind them, so she quickly dropped his hand and opened up some space

casual, before firing off a snarky remark. “Well, well, you two again. Guess I took a whole lap just to bump into you both.

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

and pushed forward, but Leo stuck to them like some soggy, creepy ghoul, matching their steps just out

Yolanda figured he was just

down, he slowed down. The guy

a shadow that just

and shot him a look.

at Ian and mentally scoffed, ‘Talk about extra. Who

or something?” Leo shot

from the mountain lodge glowed nearby, and everyone who’d made it

snort as he walked past lan, shooting

lan. “Go snag us a good spot

no more, she strode

there clutching her bag, was just about to take a

come help us move a table,” Simone

tossing a cocky line over his shoulder. “Superstar, you better get moving. If

flash, obviously not wanting to get caught and forced by

tables were for breakfast later, and the staff was already hustling around, getting everything set

he just headed

first floor, but the door was wide open

frowned–where had Yolanda

checked the second floor, then the

he could dial, someone cracked him

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

out cold.

been knocked

just Yolanda, but Leo was so annoyingly persistent, hanging around looking for people, that he finally just

outside, but inside it was stripped completely bare–just piles of scattered bricks on the

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 it,

he felt something wrong with his

whole body was overheating, his skin prickling with heat as if he might explode any second.

grimy, beat–up thing, way too shabby for someone like her. She looked so out of place,

weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced

his voice dry and low, and he

tried to get her attention, his body heavy and off–balance as he moved step

back, so he could only

of the

his gaze, barely keeping himself in

muttered,

with someone like

him?

me they want, or is Yolanda the target?‘ Leo

gave in and pressed his face right

croaked, his voice barely audible,

the heat suffocating him. Getting close to her was the only thing that

sense his burning presence against her, frowning in discomfort as

Chapter 207

caught on early that Yolanda was missing and had already sent the

just arrived at the mountaintop villa.

lunatic, so the moment Andrew hit him up with the stream link, Charles just

of the day, only Ian, Sam, Xavier, and Quinn were tuning in to the

both knew Andrew wouldn’t have sent them something like this if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out at the hospital with Joelle, just clicked in out

entertainment–nothing like a bit of chaos

to over thirty people in their circle, but only four were

as long as they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on the live stream, Yolanda’s

better than to go up against the Lawson family. Leo had to be kept

the stream, he

his team. “Find out where that signal’s coming from. I

was blocked off from the outside world. Cracking it

show as the admin of the stream and

the real fun’s about to kick off. Hope you all

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 up like that, his grandfather would

these years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to

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

The scandal wouldn’t touch the Sinclairs one bit. Charles would probably kick Yolanda to

wanted, he’d move heaven and earth

live stream. He didn’t waste a second before barking out orders for his

he realized the woman was Yolanda, Xavier totally

tangled up with Yolanda, how the hell were they supposed

drugged–who the hell would come up with

completely out of it–all he knew was there was something cold

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

same four people were still watching the

the link out to a bunch of

up.

fumbling blindly in desperation until he finally bumped into

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

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

you waiting for?

stop Leo

jumped into the chat, his fingers flying in

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

completely nuts–he feared no one but his grandfather, and the rest of

he typed

here. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious little brother gets his first time stolen away, live.

whole torrent of curses, but the

and let out a long

Quinn thought, ‘I was just curious about what kind of dirty crap

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

totally screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered to

about to go up in flames!‘

even the slimiest pond eel had more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke that Charles must’ve been cursed for

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

even going on?‘ Quinn

Charles–there were only four people watching right now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the

act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a word

to figure out who those other watchers were, but he really didn’t want his own name popping up. Last thing he needed was to get

behind this whole fiasco,

Leo like this anymore,’ Quinn thought,

screen.

by the window, so it could only catch their movements, not their voices. Leo buried his face

shallow as she struggled for air. Finally, through

raised a hand to press against her aching forehead, only to bump into something scorching hot right next to her. Instinct kicked

fever and need, instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand, pressing it against his cheek

coolness from her palm washed over him, chasing away some of that burning heat. ‘Finally… that’s better,‘ Leo thought, relaxing into

moved, her ankle jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she scrambled, she couldn’t get more than a step away

get a grip!” Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling with fear and

thread of sanity even as every cell in his body screamed

wouldn’t be acting like this,‘ Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling over herself to help him, even giving

tied tightly behind his back–he

in the chair, the cold chain around her ankle keeping her in place. No matter how she tried, she

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

shoved him away with a sharp kick, all nerves and zero hesitation. “What the hell is wrong with you?

the kick, his eyes turning bright red and misty in an

the whole mess play out, felt his scalp

likes you? That kick–believe me, I won’t forget it. You better watch

ed him away,

awful,” Leo mumbled, voice

caught everything–streaming