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.

he just headed over to lend

but the door

had

checked the second floor, then the third,

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

courtyard and shoved him into the

out cold.

knocked

hanging around looking for people, that he finally just decided

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 of the

of his eye, he noticed someone behind him. Turning around, he saw

in a chair.

for the chain around her ankle and try to

he felt something wrong

if he might explode any second. ‘What the hell did they do to me?‘ he wondered, blinking

sprawled across the only chair in the place–a grimy, beat–up thing, way

skin seemed to almost shimmer under the weak sunlight, and her athletic outfit traced

out, his voice dry and low,

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

so he

breathed in so much of the knock–out drug,

barely think straight, her scent clouding his mind. He lowered his gaze, barely keeping himself in check

muttered, his

before, but never with someone like

him?

me they want, or is Yolanda the target?‘

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

Leo croaked, his voice barely audible,

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

against her, frowning in discomfort as she

Chapter 207

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

had just arrived at the mountaintop villa. Not

up with the stream link, Charles just removed

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

wouldn’t have sent them something like this if it wasn’t serious.

purely in it for the entertainment–nothing like a bit of chaos to keep

to over thirty people in their circle,

were all insiders, and as long as they saw Leo hooking up with Yolanda on the live

but he knew better than to go up against the Lawson family.

people on the stream, he could pretty much

car, talking to his team. “Find out where

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

as the admin of the stream

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

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

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

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

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 to the curb and, who knows, maybe

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

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

he realized the woman was Yolanda, Xavier totally freaked

Leo actually got tangled up with Yolanda, how the

drugged–who the hell would come up with a scheme

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

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

same four people were still watching the

link out to a bunch of people, and only

up.

his lips fumbling blindly in desperation until he finally bumped into Yolanda’s. Driven

face darkening. He quickly tore his eyes away and barked at his

freaked out he almost dropped his phone. He kicked

waiting

had to stop Leo before it was

jumped into the chat, his

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

and the

he typed into

would you look at that–Xavier’s here. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, Xavier. Watch as your precious little brother gets his first time stolen away, live.

fired off a whole torrent of curses, but the

watched the stream and let out

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

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

screwed now!‘ Quinn muttered

is about to go

the slimiest pond eel had more energy and excitement than she did. He’d joke

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 going

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

Charles wasn’t in the chat, then the four of them could just act like this whole mess never happened. Just don’t

were, but he really didn’t want his own

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

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

screen.

minutes. The camera was set up by the window,

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?

bump into something scorching hot right next to her. Instinct kicked in–she shoved it away without

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

chasing away some of

No matter how desperately

get a grip!” Yolanda yelled, her voice trembling

at her righteous tone, clinging to his last thread of

Leo thought bitterly. ‘She’d be falling over

tied tightly behind his back–he coulTitan

completely unaware of Xavier’s frantic reactions on the other side

away and

realized that Andrew must have

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

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

staying alive

chair, both

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

her. He rubbed his tear–streaked face against her foot, curled up small as if trying to hide from

pompous jerk, always thinking he was above her.

anymore. He started

just you wait! How could you treat my brother

out in relief–things were

was 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

four, Samuel was

stack of papers laid out in front of him, while his assistant stood respectfully

No one’s figured out what it is yet. Cedric rushed over

checking out some business stats, considerately asked, “CEO, do you want me to

screen with the phone just lying there, the

himself.

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

Crimson Gallery. If he wanted to track down Yolanda, he could

looking out for his brother like a hawk, there’s no way this

‘The longer we keep these tangled relationships under wraps, the safer we are. If this mess blows up, the Grant Family’s definitely getting dragged

and that kind

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

a single rule: never do anything reckless

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

left, quietly picked up his phone to

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

let me have a drink… Why are you being

sip. Please… I’m so hot, I

so quiet, only Yolanda could actually

tried helplessly to

and sagged against the chair, hoping someone

this mess.

his wrists covered in bloody scratches, slowly pushed himself up

her.

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

simply couldn’t take both their weight and collapsed

with him, seeing stars

seriously wondered if Leo was

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

ended up blocking the camera by the window. On the live feed, all anyone could see now was Yolanda and Leo lying motionless on the

like a desperate animal rooting through

to realize

just a tiny bit, but with that delayed

and tried

blocking most of the

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

as soon as he locked down Yolanda’s location,

left in the

her whole body was crawling with ants. Still, she

up giving Leo just the chance he’d been waiting

‘Gotcha!‘ Leo thought.

camera was blasted apart by a single shot. Right after, a car

could even guess who it

when suddenly someone seized him by the back

her whole body flushed red, was suddenly swept up into a pair of icy arms

her so tightly it felt like he could crush her right then

Chapter 209

the man, her

pants, and the silver mask on his face looked so cold, it sent a chill deep

her bones.

voice trembled with fear as

thing. Right now, the only reason she could even make a sound was because the fear of

she could even process what was happening, she was yanked

Chaos. Darkness.

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

wanting to tear off

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

was icy and emotionless

lost in chaos; she could barely

moment, she even

behind her responded to that title with

swallowed and

let out another mocking,

pillow and stopped calling out any

deep inside, she knew he was always in control, not leaving a

kicked up a fuss, but his

her hazy state, she vaguely heard him murmur

*

up, she was in

the sharp smell of disinfectant filling

room–Simone, Ian, Xavier,

Sinclair, Ian, Xavier,

when she and Leo were locked up together–but judging by the scene, it

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

and tortured, and she was eventually found down at the base of a

Charles. This time, Andrew was clearly

lingering on the group of

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

she

I really have

and she could vaguely feel something different down

couldn’t remember who it

‘I’m screwed,’ she thought.

and she could hear Simone

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

looked pale as a ghost, like someone

sitting at her bedside, reaching

spent two whole days searching before finally finding her down at the bottom of the cliff.

instantly skipped a beat and he rushed her to the hospital

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

with questions. ‘Did I really have a fever?‘ she wondered. The worry on

faces didn’t look fake–she must have been burning up when they found her. And if Charles

he wouldn’t

swallowed nervously, her thoughts a tangled mess

man this time, but she had no idea who

Leo?‘

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

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

it have been lan?‘ The

mystery, and Yolanda never wanted to dig too deep. Maybe he had some kind of shadowy

flicked over to

caught her eyes, there was a brief flash of worry and puzzlement in

through her. ‘If it’s not Ian… then who

and Quinn Cooper

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

overthinking, and she looked

pulled her into his arms. “I’ve already sent people to look for Andrew. Right now, you need to

nodded, slowly lay back down,

else left the room, leaving Simone behind, still gently

with no way out back then, would he have been clinging to you like this for so long? Once