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.

Simone knew they needed some privacy, so she called out to the rest and led them off ahead.

Yolanda walked over to a nearby little pavilion and sat down, motioning for Ian to join her. “Come sit down.”

The benches here were designed in an interesting way–some were higher, some lower. She chose the taller

one.

Jan walked over and sat on the lower bench at her feet. He took her backpack, opened it, and started transferring the contents into his own bag.

Yolanda watched him, and even without a word from lan, she could tell he was still stewing over something. ‘He’s totally sulking again, she thought.

With a teasing grin, she propped one leg playfully across his lap.

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

catch us.”

up and

Yolanda couldn’t help but laugh, leaning back with an easy swagger. “Still holding a grudge, huh?” she teased.

“Like I’ve got any right to be mad? You told me to chill out. If I keep being clueless, you’ll probably kick me to

the curb,” Ian shot back.

With his head bowed and a gentle look on his face, Ian tucked her sunscreen spray into his own bag, left her backpack empty, and finally zipped it up.

Yolanda’s hair 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 her eyes sparkled even brighter than the night sky around them.

“Ian, I don’t want you to take this script.”

Ian went still for a second, eyes lowered, the barest hint of a smile flickering on his lips. “Really?”

did, the female lead wouldn’t be Joelle.

finger. Just a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy, and now he was all up

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

her shoulder, lashes down, back all hunched–looking like the saddest,

his hair a little tousle. “Let’s go.

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

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

She definitely wasn’t about to let him sniff out

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

figured he was just

up; slow down, he slowed down. The guy was totally glued

was seriously like a shadow that

took a deep breath, spun around, and shot him a

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

yours or something?”

top. The lights from the

let out another cold snort as he walked past lan, shooting him a glare

to hit the restroom and just handed her bag off to lan. “Go snag us a good spot for the sunrise -I’ll catch up in

strode

just about to take

come help us move a

a cocky line over his shoulder. “Superstar, you better get moving. If you’re late,

obviously not wanting to get

the staff was

so he just headed

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

had Yolanda

the second floor, then the third, still

he could dial, someone cracked him hard on the back of

shoved

out cold.

knocked out

Yolanda, but Leo was so annoyingly persistent, hanging

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 of the window

he noticed someone behind him. Turning around, he saw Yolanda

in a chair.

his first instinct was to reach for the

wrong with his own

skin prickling with heat as if he might explode any second. ‘What the hell did they do to me?‘

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

Her pale skin seemed to almost shimmer under the weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced every curve. Leo found himself dumbfounded, unable

and low, and

body heavy and off–balance as he moved step by step toward

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

much of the knock–out drug, she was totally

clouding his mind. He lowered his gaze, barely keeping himself in check as he

up,” he muttered, his

been kidnapped before, but never with someone like Yolanda. How the hell did she end up

him?

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

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

Leo croaked, his voice barely

he was boiling alive, trapped in a desert, the heat suffocating him. Getting close to her was the only

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

Chapter 207

was missing and had already sent the Crimson Gallery crew out to look

mountaintop villa. Not seeing

him up with the stream link, Charles just removed him from his contacts

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

have sent them something like this if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out at the hospital

purely in it for the entertainment–nothing like a

out to over thirty people in their circle,

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 was right, he’d just take her out, no

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

people on the stream, he could pretty much guess who was behind

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

of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was blocked off from the outside world.

running the show as the

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

it wouldn’t just be Charles getting humiliated–the entire Sinclair family would be dragged down with

it through all these years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to his old man backing him

could shake the Sinclair family, he couldn’t

everyone knew how powerful the Sinclair family was–and they knew Yolanda wasn’t exactly beloved. The scandal wouldn’t touch the

she wanted, he’d move heaven and earth to get it

this disgusting live stream. He didn’t waste a second

realized the woman was Yolanda,

Leo actually got tangled up with Yolanda, how the hell

the hell would come up

there was something cold and sugary right

get that sweet, chilly treat into his mouth, but with his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why

people were

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

up.

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

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

so freaked out he almost dropped his phone. He kicked the guy

waiting for? Get moving! Find them,

absolutely had to stop Leo

the chat, his fingers flying

regret. If you mess with Leo, I swear

feared no one but his grandfather, and the rest of the world didn’t even

typed

Xavier. Watch as your precious little brother gets his first

fired off a whole torrent of curses, but the system instantly censored

the stream and let out a

crap that psycho Andrew was sharing, but I never thought

making out with Yolanda like there was no tomorrow, Quinn figured the kid was so out of his mind he probably didn’t even know who he was

screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered to

to go

eel had more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke that Charles must’ve been cursed for eight lifetimes to end up marrying someone as boring

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

even

just pick up the phone and call Charles–there were only four people watching right now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the hell are the other

four of them could just act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t mention a word about it to Leo later–especially since he wasn’t all there

watchers were, but he really didn’t want his own name popping up. Last thing he needed was to get dragged into

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

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

screen.

forever–seven, maybe eight minutes. The camera was set up by the window,

breaths coming quick and shallow as she struggled for air. Finally,

press against her aching forehead, only to bump into something scorching hot right next to

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

coolness from her palm washed over him, chasing away some

jolted awake and tried to get up, but the moment she moved, her ankle jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she scrambled, she couldn’t get

Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling with fear and

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

wouldn’t be acting like this,‘ Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling

hands were tied tightly behind his back–he coulTitan

live–streamed, so she was completely unaware of Xavier’s frantic

Leo away and

that Andrew must have been the one behind all

like he’d been fooled by a few of Joelle’s cryptic

Andrew would gladly lay down his life for Joelle, and there was no way Yolanda could talk him out

staying alive was her only

a chair, both hands straining as she tried to

around her ankle fit so snug, it might as well have been tailored for her–it was useless, she couldn’t move

still on the ground when Leo, looking crushed and miserable, inched toward her. He rubbed his tear–streaked face against her

after all these years, Yolanda had only ever seen him act like a pompous jerk, always thinking he was above her. This was the

it anymore. He started relentlessly spamming the

you treat my

finally breathed out in relief–things were finally back

someone didn’t like her. She’d never taken to

Samuel was easily the calmest

front of him, while his assistant stood respectfully at his desk, reporting

it. No one’s figured out what it is yet. Cedric rushed over to the Andrade manor in the middle of the night, so we should

some business stats, considerately asked, “CEO, do you want me to bring over

a hassle for him to check the screen with the phone just lying there, the

himself.

unbothered. “Don’t worry about it–just update me on any news about that land. And get someone to track down Andrew’s current

he wanted to track down Yolanda, he could do it

for his brother like a hawk, there’s

we keep these tangled relationships under wraps, the

everyone’s blame, and that kind of

up, she might stand a chance. At the end of the day, though, it all depends

a single rule: never do

weighing on him–and the Grant Family still climbing the ranks–there were just too many

had left, quietly picked up his phone

while Leo’s cheek rested against

on, just let me have a

hot, I feel like I’m

so quiet, only Yolanda could actually

fingers numb and aching as she tried helplessly to yank the chain open, but it didn’t

and sagged against the chair, hoping someone else

this mess.

slowly pushed

her.

to kneel, she thought. ‘Seriously, if he remembers this later and totally freaks out about it, please just don’t let

make out anything in

take both their weight and

with him, seeing stars as her world spun from the

seriously wondered if Leo

to get up, saying, “Leo, come on, get a hold of yourself…” ‘Seriously, does he even hear me?‘ Yolanda thought, frustration written all

the live feed, all anyone could see now was Yolanda and Leo

it, restlessly trying to get closer, pawing at the ground like a desperate animal rooting through

to realize she wasn’t feeling right

her system was just a tiny bit, but with that delayed onset, the discomfort only got worse as time

lifted her foot and tried

flipped over, blocking

their screens had no clue what just happened; for all they knew, Yolanda and

he locked down Yolanda’s location, he slapped on his mask and was

were left

was crawling with ants. Still, she

kicked out again, but ended up giving Leo just the

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.