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?”

Yolanda leaned in close and gave his earlobe a playful pinch. “If you did, the female lead wouldn’t be Joelle. Honestly, I can’t handle you getting all close and personal with her on screen.”

The thing about Yolanda–she could wrap any guy around her finger. Just a second ago, Ian was sulking like a sad puppy, and now he was all up in her space, tail practically wagging.

“Ms. Grant, honestly, before I came tonight, I was thinking… If you really made me work with her, I’d just vanish. You wouldn’t see me anywhere near you,” Ian muttered.

He went full puppy mode, resting his chin on her shoulder, lashes down, back all hunched–looking like the saddest, most pitiful guy in the world.

Yolanda reached up and gave his hair a little tousle. “Let’s go. We’ll miss the sunrise if we don’t move.”

Ian practically bounced back to life, grabbing her hand and pulling her up the path. But halfway there, Yolanda caught footsteps behind them, so she quickly dropped his hand and opened up some space between them.

Leo 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. What’s up with all the sneaking around?”

Yolanda was fed up with Leo and his prickly sarcasm. She definitely wasn’t about to let him sniff out what was going on between her and Ian. ‘Not a chance,‘ she thought.

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

For a second, Yolanda figured he was just taking his sweet time.

Then she caught on–speed up, he sped up; slow down, he slowed down. The guy was totally glued to them.

He was seriously like a shadow that just wouldn’t go away.

Yolanda took a deep breath, spun around, and shot him a look. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”

Leo glanced over at Ian and mentally scoffed, ‘Talk about extra. Who the hell wears a mask hiking?‘

“What, this path yours or something?” Leo shot back.

Yolanda wasn’t about to waste her breath on him. Thankfully, they’d reached the top. The lights from the mountain lodge glowed nearby, and everyone who’d made it was already waiting on the grass for the sunrise.

Leo let out another cold snort as he walked past lan, shooting him a glare that could cut glass.

Yolanda needed 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 a sec.”

Saying no more, she strode off toward the lodge.

lan stood there clutching her bag, was just about to take a step after her when Simone’s voice rang out.

“lan, come help us move a table,” Simone called out.

Leo’s eyes lit up, and he swaggered toward the lodge, tossing a cocky line over his shoulder. “Superstar, you better get moving. If you’re late, there won’t be any seats left for you.”

He shot inside in a flash, obviously not wanting to get caught and forced by Simone to help out.

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

turn Simone down, so he just headed over to

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

had Yolanda

floor, then the third, still

call her, but before he could dial, someone

and shoved him into the trunk,

out cold.

knocked out

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

inside it was stripped completely bare–just piles of

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

in a chair.

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

he felt something wrong with his own

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

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

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

and

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

hands were tied behind his back, so he

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

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

muttered, his voice

been kidnapped before, but never with someone like Yolanda.

him?

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

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

voice barely audible, rough with

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

half–conscious, Yolanda could sense his burning presence against her, frowning in discomfort as she instinctively shovTitan

Chapter 207

was missing and had already

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

up with the stream link, Charles just removed him from his contacts without a

only Ian, Sam, Xavier, and Quinn were tuning in

wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging out

purely in it for the entertainment–nothing like a

people in their

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

crazy, but he knew better than to go up against the Lawson family. Leo had

stream, he could pretty

the car, talking to his team. “Find out where that signal’s coming from. I need an

picked up all sorts of shady tricks overseas, and his signal was blocked off from the outside world. Cracking it was going to take

show as the admin of the stream and sent out an

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

caught wind of Yolanda’s mess, it wouldn’t just be Charles getting humiliated–the entire Sinclair family would be dragged down with

he’d made it through all these years of Charles hating his guts was thanks to

came to anything that could shake the

exactly beloved. The scandal wouldn’t touch the Sinclairs one bit. Charles

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

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

when he realized the woman was Yolanda, Xavier

Yolanda, how the hell were

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

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

his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t I reach it? I need it, now!‘ Leo

same four people were still watching

out to a bunch of people, and

up.

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

He quickly tore his eyes away and barked at his people, “Find

his phone. He kicked the guy next to

the hell are you waiting for? Get moving!

to stop Leo before it was too

the chat, his fingers flying in

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

one but his grandfather, and the rest of the world

he typed into the

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

off a whole torrent of curses, but the system

watched the stream and let

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

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

they’re totally screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered to

about to go up in

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 must’ve been cursed for eight lifetimes to end up marrying someone as

gonna go ballistic–wouldn’t be surprised if he grabbed a knife and went straight after

is even

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

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 to

he really didn’t want his

lunatic behind this whole

like this anymore,’ Quinn thought, forcing himself

screen.

like forever–seven, maybe eight minutes. The camera was set up by the window, so it could only catch their movements, not their voices. Leo buried his face in Yolanda’s neck and

quick and shallow as she struggled for air. Finally, through the haze, her mind began

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

out and grabbed her hand, pressing it against his cheek like it was the

washed over him, chasing away some of that burning heat.

awake and tried to get up, but the moment she moved, her ankle jerked back–chained tight. No matter how desperately she scrambled,

a grip!” Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling

of sanity even as every cell in his

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

tied tightly behind his back–he

she was being live–streamed, so she was completely unaware

away and glanced

realized that Andrew must have been the one behind

fooled by a few of Joelle’s cryptic lines again, showing up to

reasoning with a guy like him. Andrew would gladly lay down his life for Joelle, and there was no way Yolanda could talk him out of

staying alive

her leg, still tangled in chains, up onto a chair, both hands straining as she

wrapped around her ankle fit so snug, it might as well have

miserable, inched toward her. He rubbed his tear–streaked face against her foot, curled up small as if trying to

always thinking he was above her. This

it anymore. He started

just you wait! How could you treat my brother like that? You’ll regret this, I

watched the scene and finally breathed out in relief–things

but she could always tell when someone didn’t like her. She’d never taken to

four, Samuel was

while his assistant stood respectfully at his desk, reporting back with meticulous attention

it is yet. Cedric rushed over to the Andrade manor in the middle of the night, so we should be hearing more about that land any minute now,”

guessing he was checking out some business

hassle for him to check the screen with the phone just lying

himself.

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

now, Ian had control of the Crimson Gallery. If he wanted to track

like a hawk, there’s no way this

longer we keep these tangled relationships under wraps, the safer we are. If this mess blows up, the

face everyone’s blame, and that kind of

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

by a single rule: never do anything reckless or out of

Family still

his gaze, and once his assistant had left,

ankle, while Leo’s cheek rested against

as he croaked, “Come on, just let me have a drink… Why are you being so cold–hearted, Yolanda? Please, I’m

one sip. Please… I’m so hot, I

was so quiet, only Yolanda could actually hear

she tried helplessly to yank the chain open, but it didn’t move a

against the chair, hoping

this mess.

his wrists covered in bloody scratches, slowly pushed himself up from the floor and knelt down

her.

nervousness. ‘It’s not like I told him to kneel, she

badly he could barely make out anything in

chair simply couldn’t take both their weight

down with him, seeing stars as her world spun from

wondered if Leo

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

camera by the window. On the live feed, all anyone could see now was Yolanda and

at the ground like a desperate animal

started to

bit, but with that delayed onset, the discomfort only got worse as time dragged

and tried to kick him

had flipped over, blocking

people watching on their screens had no clue what just happened; for all they

live feed, and as soon as he locked down Yolanda’s location, he slapped on his

were left in the livestream

her whole body was crawling with ants. Still, she was sure that Leo was

again, but ended up giving Leo just the chance he’d

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.

single shot. Right after, a car came roaring in, smashing straight through the old factory door like it

had no license plates–nobody could even guess who

someone seized him by the back of the neck and hurled him aside without a

flushed red, was suddenly swept up into a pair

tightly it felt like he could crush her right then and

Chapter 209

as she stared at the man,

the silver mask on his

her bones.

trembled with fear as she whispered,

only reason she could even make a sound was

was happening, she

Chaos. Darkness.

front of her eyes,

reached out, wanting to tear

let her–his voice was colder than ever, shutting her down

emotionless as he

chaos; she could barely form

moment, she even

that title with a

unconsciously, she swallowed and

another

pillow and

inside, she knew he was always in control, not leaving a single mark on

a fuss,

state, she vaguely heard him

*

she was in a hospital

stared up at the ceiling, the sharp smell

several people in the room–Simone, Ian,

were all there–Simone Sinclair, Ian, Xavier, Charles, Quinn Cooper, and

mind flashed back to when she and Leo were locked up together–but judging by

Two days ago, when he finally tracked down Leo, the kid was totally passed out, his forehead

found down at the base of a cliff. Most likely, she was pushed–but miraculously, she

the beef between Andrew and Charles. This time, Andrew was clearly getting back

let her gaze sweep around the room, lingering on the group of men. Just then, Simone reached out and took

My crew happened to be filming nearby, so I rushed over. Yolanda, you almost lost your life this time–the fever only just broke! And Andrew’s gone

lowered her eyelashes, but inside, she

really have a

and

time that she couldn’t remember who it was, or even what the room looked like–all she knew was that

‘I’m screwed,’ she thought.

and she

for no reason. He even locked you up with the Lawson boy. Luckily, nothing truly awful happened. The Lawson boy

like someone who’d barely

bedside, reaching out to muss her

her down at the bottom of the cliff. She’d had a raging fever, and her clothes were

beat and he rushed her to the

gone down, but she’d really been put through the

really

been burning up when they found her. And if Charles saw her looking like she’d just been with someone, he was bound to suspect she’d lost

way he wouldn’t kick up

her thoughts a tangled

she’d slept with a man this time, but she had no idea who it

Leo?‘

pissed off and sneered, “Lucky for you, nothing happened between you and my brother. If it had, you’d better be ready for

thing it wasn’t Leo. If it had been, he’d probably never

lan?‘ The

in mystery, and Yolanda never wanted to dig too deep. Maybe he had some

gaze flicked over to

stood quietly off to the side, and when he caught her eyes, there was a brief flash of worry and

felt a cold shiver run through her. ‘If it’s not Ian… then who the hell is

only Samuel Grant and Quinn

might treat her well, but as Charles’s close friend,

overthinking, and she

sent people to look for Andrew. Right

back down,

the room, leaving Simone behind, still

then, would he have been clinging to you like this for so long? Once you find him, maybe clear the air while you have