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.

couldn’t turn Simone down, so he just

floor, but the door was wide open

frowned–where had Yolanda

the second floor, then the

out his phone, ready to call her, but before he could dial, someone cracked him hard on the back of the head. He dropped, lights

shoved him into the trunk, where Yolanda

out cold.

knocked out with

Leo was so annoyingly persistent, hanging around looking for people, that he finally just decided to drag him

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

corner of his eye, he noticed someone behind

in a chair.

was to reach for the chain around her

something wrong with his

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

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

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

voice dry and low, and he slowly

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

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

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

straight, her scent clouding his mind. He lowered his gaze, barely keeping himself in check as he fought the urge

up,” he muttered,

never with someone like Yolanda. How the hell did

him?

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

it worse, until he just gave in and pressed his face right into her neck, desperate for

Leo croaked, his voice barely

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

presence against her, frowning in discomfort as she

Chapter 207

already sent the Crimson Gallery crew out to

had just arrived at the mountaintop villa. Not seeing Yolanda

him up with the stream link, Charles just removed him

Sam, Xavier, and

them something like this if it wasn’t serious. Xavier, hanging

for the entertainment–nothing like a

sent the link out to over thirty people in their circle, but only

they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on

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

Ian saw the two people on the stream, he could pretty much

“Find out where that

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

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

fun’s about to kick off. Hope

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 when it came to screwing up like that, his grandfather would tear him

of Charles hating his guts was thanks to his old man

shake the Sinclair family, he couldn’t afford to screw

exactly 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

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

this disgusting live stream. He didn’t waste

the woman was

got tangled up with Yolanda, how the

obvious Leo had been drugged–who the hell would come

something cold and sugary right in front of

to get that sweet, chilly treat into his mouth, but with his hands tied behind his back, it was hopeless. ‘Why can’t I reach it? I need it, now!‘

were still

out to a bunch of people, and only four had

up.

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

hand stalled for a moment as he watched the scene, his face darkening. He

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

waiting for? Get moving!

Leo before it was

into the chat, his

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

his grandfather, and the

he typed into

back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious

of curses, but the system

and

about what kind of dirty crap that psycho Andrew was sharing, but I never thought it’d

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

totally screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered to

about to go up in flames!‘

her, 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

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

is even going on?‘ Quinn

now, and Xavier was obviously one of them. ‘Xavier’s here, but who the hell are the other two?‘

whole mess never happened. Just don’t

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

behind this whole fiasco, had no idea who the

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

screen.

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

coming quick and shallow as she struggled for air. Finally, through the haze, her mind began to clear. ‘Where

to bump into something scorching hot right next to her. Instinct kicked in–she

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

him, chasing away some of that burning heat. ‘Finally… that’s better,‘ Leo thought, relaxing

matter how desperately she scrambled, she couldn’t get more than a step away before the

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

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

like this,‘ Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling over herself to help him, even giving him water

were tied tightly behind his back–he coulTitan

so she was completely unaware of Xavier’s frantic reactions

kicked Leo away and glanced

must have been the

looked like he’d been fooled by a few of Joelle’s cryptic lines again, showing up to take out

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

alive

up onto a chair, both hands straining as she

so snug, it might as well have been tailored for her–it was useless,

He rubbed his tear–streaked face against her foot, curled up small as if trying to hide from the world, his sobs tracing muddy

act like a pompous jerk, always thinking he was above her. This was the

He

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

watched the scene and finally breathed out in relief–things were

usually the quiet type, but she could always tell when someone didn’t like her. She’d never taken to Leo, so she’d always kept him at

was easily the calmest of

laid out in front of him, while his assistant stood respectfully at his desk, reporting back with meticulous attention to

piece of land, but apparently there’s some sort of problem with it. No one’s figured out what it is yet. Cedric rushed

assistant, guessing he was checking out some business stats, considerately asked,

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

himself.

the power button and flipped his phone face down, sounding completely unbothered. “Don’t worry about it–just update me on

had control of the Crimson Gallery. If he wanted to track down Yolanda, he could do it

with Xavier looking out for his brother like a hawk,

in his chair, thinking, ‘The longer we keep these tangled relationships under wraps, the safer

and that kind of pressure could grind her to

stand a chance. At the end of the day, though, it

a single rule: never do anything reckless or

the Grant Family still climbing the ranks–there were just too many

his assistant had left, quietly picked up

with the chain on her ankle, while Leo’s cheek rested

on, just let me have a drink… Why are you being so

I’m so hot, I feel

mumbling was so quiet, only Yolanda could actually hear

tuned him out, her fingers numb and aching as she tried helplessly to yank the chain open, but it

go and sagged against the chair, hoping someone else would

this mess.

pushed himself up from

her.

immediately snapped upright, legs stiff with nervousness. ‘It’s not like I told him to kneel, she thought.

dazed and burning up so badly he could barely make out anything in front of him, lurched forward

couldn’t take both

down with him, seeing stars

if Leo was just her

saying, “Leo, come on, get a hold of yourself…”

the chair tipped sideways, and the overturned seat ended up blocking the camera by the window. On the live feed, all

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

Yolanda late–she started to realize she wasn’t feeling right

a tiny bit, but with that delayed onset, the discomfort only got

foot and tried to kick

had flipped over, blocking most of

clue what just happened; for all they knew, Yolanda and Leo were just getting

locked down Yolanda’s location, he slapped

left

ants. Still, she was sure that Leo was

up giving Leo just the chance he’d been

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.

buried his face, the livestream camera was blasted apart by a single shot. Right after, a car came roaring in, smashing straight through the old factory door like

car had no license plates–nobody could even guess who it belonged

someone seized him by the back

up into a pair of icy arms and carried straight out

chilling aura, gripping her so tightly it felt

Chapter 209

as she stared at the man, her

shirt and black pants, and the silver mask on his

her bones.

with fear as she whispered,

couldn’t remember a thing. Right now, the only reason she could even make a sound was because the fear of the unknown gripped her

even process what was happening,

Chaos. Darkness.

him, the world kept tilting and spinning in front of her eyes, like rain–drenched neon lights flickering

out, wanting to

he didn’t let her–his voice was colder than ever, shutting

and emotionless

in chaos; she could barely form a single

one moment, she even mumbled,

responded to that title with

swallowed and murmured,

let out another

pillow

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

up a fuss, but his

she vaguely heard

*

up, she was in a hospital

ceiling, the sharp

people in the room–Simone, Ian, Xavier, Charles, Quinn,

there–Simone Sinclair, Ian, Xavier, Charles, Quinn Cooper,

and Leo were locked up together–but judging by the scene, it looked like nothing bad

looked downright unhappy. Two days ago, when he finally tracked down Leo, the

down at the base of a

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

room, lingering on the group of men. Just then, Simone reached out and took her hand, holding

really scared the hell out of us! 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

lowered her eyelashes, but inside, she couldn’t help feeling a bit

I really have

hand was tucked under the covers, and she could

her head had been so foggy at the time that she couldn’t remember who it was, or even what the room looked like–all she knew

‘I’m screwed,’ she thought.

and she

Lawson boy. Luckily, nothing truly awful happened. The Lawson boy is still knocked out–when his brother found

ghost, like someone who’d barely

bedside, reaching out to

searching before finally finding her down at the bottom of the cliff. She’d had a raging fever, and

instantly skipped a beat and he rushed her to the

she’d

spinning with questions. ‘Did I really have

her. And if Charles saw her

he wouldn’t kick up a huge fuss about

thoughts a tangled mess of

this time, but

Leo?‘

and sneered, “Lucky for you, nothing happened between you and my brother. If

If it had been, he’d probably never let me go for the rest of my

lan?‘ The question gnawed

mystery, and Yolanda never wanted to dig too deep. Maybe

gaze flicked over

to the side, and when he caught her eyes, there

her. ‘If it’s not Ian…

and Quinn

well, but as Charles’s close friend, he was notoriously cold toward

head throbbed from all the overthinking,

sent people to look for Andrew.

lay back down, and closed

else left the room, leaving Simone behind,

softly. “If you hadn’t left Andrew with no way out back then, would he have