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THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 165: Maintaining Composure
The tension in the room was palpable as Rickard's trembling hand clutched the phone, his knuckles turning white under the pressure. On the other end, the boss's voice roared with fury, each word laced with a chilling menace that sent shivers down Rickard's spine. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he struggled to maintain composure under the weight of the boss's wrath."If your daughter dares to betray me by breathing a word about my plans to Lucas, she'll face consequences she can't even imagine," the boss's voice boomed, his threats reverberating through the air like a death knell.Rickard's mind raced with the implications of the boss's words. He knew all too well the lengths to which the boss would go to protect his secrets. No one who crossed him had ever lived to tell the tale, and Rickard feared that Racheal's unwitting involvement could seal her fate.With a heavy heart, Rickard offered apologies on Racheal's behalf, hoping to appease the boss's rage and shield his daughter from
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 166: Intoxication
Racheal sat alone in a dimly lit corner of the bar, her fingers tracing the rim of her half-empty bottle of alcohol as she drowned her sorrows in the familiar haze of intoxication. It had been a long time since she had found herself in such a state, reminiscing over the series of events that had led her to this moment of despair.She couldn't help but recall the first time she had crossed paths with Lucas, back when he was just a bar attendant. She had come to the bar seeking solace in the bottom of a glass after a heated argument with her parents. It was in that very bar that she had nearly fallen victim to the cruel intentions of some unruly patrons, only to be rescued by Lucas's timely intervention. His act of kindness had sparked a connection between them, one that blossomed into a love story she had once believed would defy the odds and stand the test of time.But somewhere along the way, she had let her parents' influence cloud her judgment, succumbing to their manipulative sche
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 167: Into the Dimly Lit Bar
As Lucas stepped into the dimly lit bar, he was met with a cacophony of sounds and sights that assaulted his senses. The raucous beat of music reverberated through the air, mingling with the pungent scent of cigarettes and the unmistakable aroma of alcohol. His eyes scanned the crowded room, taking in the sight of patrons engaged in wild revelry, their inhibitions cast aside as they danced with abandon.Lucas couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Racheal at the thought of her being in such a place. What could have driven her to seek solace in the midst of such chaos?Pushing through the throng of people, Lucas made his way towards the bar, his gaze scanning the crowd in search of Racheal. His heart raced with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, unsure of what he would find when he finally laid eyes on her. But as he drew closer to the center of the commotion, he couldn't shake the feeling that Racheal's presence in this seedy establishment was a sign of something amiss. L
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 168: Harsh Reality
Racheal's confusion deepened as Victor's laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls like a sinister symphony. She couldn't fathom what was so amusing about her predicament, and his amusement only served to fuel her growing sense of unease."Victor, what's so funny?" Racheal demanded, her patience wearing thin.Finally composing himself, Victor wiped a tear from his eye and fixed Racheal with a steely gaze. "Oh, Racheal, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but your marriage to Flint Lockwood was nothing more than a sham. Null and void," he declared, his words cutting through the air like a knife.Racheal's jaw dropped in disbelief. "What do you mean?" she spluttered, struggling to comprehend the bombshell Victor had just dropped on her.Victor leaned in closer, his voice dripping with disdain. "Did you really think my brother was foolish enough to fall for your mother's scheme? He knew exactly what Praise lain was up to, and he played along to protect himself and his assets."Racheal'
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 169: Shattered into a million pieces
Racheal's world shattered into a million pieces as she watched the damning video footage which Victor had decided to show her, revealing her mother as Flint Lockwood's murderer. She could feel her heart pounding with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and betrayal. The image of her mother, Praise lain, the woman she had loved and trusted all her life, committing such a heinous act filled her with a sense of horror and revulsion.As the memories of that fateful night flooded back to her, Racheal's mind reeled with the realization of her mother's true nature. The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, revealing the sinister truth that had been lurking beneath the surface all along. She couldn't fathom how she had been so blind to the darkness that dwelled within her own family, how she had failed to see the truth until now.Tears welled up in Racheal's eyes as she grappled with the weight of Victor's revelation. Everything she thought she knew had been a lie, a facade carefully constructe
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 170: Ringing With Conviction
Racheal's arrival home the following morning was met with a wave of concern and relief from her worried parents. Praise's motherly instincts kicked in immediately, her voice filled with genuine worry as she bombarded Racheal with questions about her whereabouts."Where have you been, Racheal? We've been trying to reach you all night. Are you alright?" Praise's concern was palpable, her eyes searching Racheal's face for any signs of distress.Racheal, however, was in no mood to entertain her mother's questions. Her frustration boiled over as she brushed past Praise, her reply laced with bitterness and defiance."What do you care?" she retorted, her tone tinged with resentment as she made her way towards her room.But before she could escape, Rickard stepped in, his authoritative voice cutting through the tension like a knife."Young lady, you will learn to respect us as your parents," Rickard's voice carried the weight of authority, a stark reminder of his role as the patriarch of the
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 171: Newfound Knowledge
As Rickard and Praise sat in silence, grappling with the weight of Racheal's accusations, a nagging question lingered in the air between them: How had Racheal learned the truth about Flint Lockwood's murder?Praise's mind raced as she replayed the events of the past few days, searching for any clues that might shed light on their daughter's newfound knowledge. Had they been careless in covering their tracks? Or had Racheal uncovered the truth through her own investigation?Rickard's brow furrowed with worry as he considered the implications of Racheal's revelation. If she knew the truth about Flint Lockwood's death, then there's a possibility that she also knew the extent of their involvement in other crimes they had committed too. Their carefully constructed facade was crumbling before their eyes, leaving them exposed and vulnerable."We need to find out how Racheal learned the truth," Praise declared, her voice tinged with resolve. "And we need to make sure she doesn't tell anyone e
THE STARDUST FORTUNE Chapter 172: Uncertainty
Lucas Bryan welcomed the new day bathed in the warm embrace of the morning sun, a sense of purpose mingled with a tinge of yearning in his heart. His customary ritual of preparing for the day ahead was accompanied by the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting presence in the midst of life's uncertainties.Leaving Flynn to continue his efforts with Sonya Bryan on cracking the D-VEX drive access, Lucas Bryan's mind wandered to the pressing matters that awaited his attention. Rumors of the board directors' desire for his return to the helm of the Bryan's empire had reached his ears, yet he remained uncertain of the path that lay before him. The weight of countless burdens bore down upon his shoulders, each worry and concern vying for his attention since his return from India, plunging him into a seemingly endless cycle of turmoil and strife.As he attempted to delve into his daily tasks, the weight of Ivy's condition bore down on him with relentless force, overshadowing hi
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Chapter 191: A New Dawn
The majestic hall of the Imperial Citadel vibrated with excitement as delegates from throughout the galaxy convened for the festivities. Banners from every recognized colony draped from the lofty walls, and the atmosphere vibrated with a feeling of revival. Alex Carter was positioned at the front of the platform, his hands interlocked behind him, observing the audience. His image shimmered in the gleaming steel columns surrounding the room—depicting a man who carried the burden of an empire on his back. "Alex," Sophia called out, her voice rising above the chaos as she got closer, her face reflecting a blend of worry and humor. "You should be socializing, not sulking." People are starting to notice."He turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I’m not brooding. Just... thinking.""Yeah, you always say that," Sophia quipped, folding her arms. "Listen, I know this whole ‘leader of the galaxy’ thing is new, but you’re doing fine. Better than fine, actually. But tonight isn’t
Chapter 190: The Summit of Truth
The grand hall of the cosmic conference was filled with vitality. Representatives from every part of the interstellar empire filled the expansive hall, their voices a soft, buzzing murmur of eagerness. The chamber's glassy walls sparkled, bending the light of far-off stars that poured in through the clear dome overhead. At the heart of everything was Alex Carter, his jaw clenched, eyes surveying the crowd of faces. He could sense the pressure of each stare directed at him. "Alex," Sophia hissed, leaning slightly toward him. "You ready for this?"He gave a small nod, though his hands tightened into fists by his sides. "As ready as I'll ever be."Luna Vega tapped the device on her wrist, her expression calculating. "Maxwell's here. Far left balcony. He’s watching us like a predator sizing up its prey."Alex didn’t need to look. He could feel Maxwell Drake's presence—a dark, unrelenting pressure in the room. His rival’s plan was already in motion, and Alex knew he had only one shot to s
Chapter 189: Mom Please!!
Lucas returned home that evening feeling fulfilled. Although the words of Racheal kept ringing in his ears, he didn't want to dwell too much on them. "Are you okay?" Rickard asked, seeing through him that he was somehow bothered. "Yes, I am," Lucas replied, after which he dismissed Rickard and asked him to go home. The following day would be the meeting scheduled with the members of the board at Bryan Enterprises to decide the next chairman of the company. With Ivy now awake and Praise being humiliated, Lucas was ready to ascend back to power. Rickard was about to leave when one of the security personnel walked in. "Sir, we've found out who took the D-VEX drive from your office," the man said. "Who?" Lucas asked. "It's ma'am Beautrice. I'd love to show you the evidence in the control room," the man said. Lucas and Rickard followed him to the control room where he showed them the short clip that caught Beautrice. The CCTV was a tiny camera right on the bulb in Lucas's office. E
Chapter 188: Frosty Reception
Racheal excused Victor and went to meet Lucas and Rickard, her attempt at cordiality met with frosty reception."You didn't tell me you'd be coming," Racheal said with forced politeness."I don't see the reason why I should," Lucas retorted curtly, his demeanor aloof as he brushed past her. Rickard followed suit, his silence echoing Lucas's indifference.Racheal's heart quickened at their dismissive attitudes, a sense of foreboding settling over her like a shroud. But she pushed aside her apprehension, determined to maintain a façade of composure in the face of their disdain."Heard Ivy's finally awake," Racheal remarked casually.Lucas's footsteps faltered at the mention of Ivy's name, his gaze piercing as he turned to face Racheal. "And how did you find out?" he inquired."I don't see the reason why I should tell you," she retorted defiantly, her words laced with defiance as she turned on her heel and made her way to join the other guests.Everyone was already seated in the grand hal
Chapter 187: Let my Family be
**Lucas Bryan** was surprised to see **Sonya Bryan**, **Rickard Lain**, and **Flint Lockwood** at the hospital, his brow furrowing in confusion as he addressed them."What are you guys doing here?" he asked, his tone a mix of bewilderment and concern. "I thought I told Sonya I'd be home soon."Sonya exchanged a meaningful glance with Rickard before speaking up. "This isn't just about you, Lucas. It's about Ivy," she explained, her words heavy with unspoken implications."I'm yet to believe what you told me about the doctor's report," Rickard said."It's true, Rickard," Lucas confirmed solemnly. "Ivy's condition isn't good."Rickard's anger flared at the confirmation, his resolve hardening as he spoke. "Then it's time we dig in deep and find out who really did this to Ivy," he declared. "We can't just sit back and allow her to suffer like this."Lucas immediately recalled his encounter with **Racheal Lain** at the café. "I think I know who was responsible for Ivy's abduction and how sh
Chapter 186: The Dire Condition
Lucas Bryan arrived at the hospital around 9 p.m. that evening to find the doctors conducting various checks on **Ivy.** Despite his long and stressful day, the news of Ivy's awakening compelled him to set aside any thoughts of rest and rush to her side. Ivy lay still in her hospital bed, her eyes open but her body motionless, casting a shadow of concern over Lucas's hopeful anticipation.Approaching **Stephanie** with a heavy heart, Lucas inquired about Ivy's condition."The doctors are still trying to determine the exact aftermath of Ivy's condition, but I'm afraid it may align with the initial report we received when Ivy was found," Stephanie lamented, her expression portraying every bit of worry."Don't say that, ma’am. Ivy will be fine," Lucas offered words of encouragement, hoping to instill a sense of hope amidst the uncertainty.After a few minutes, the chief of police arrived, having been informed by Stephanie about Ivy's awakening."How's she doing?" the chief inquired, dire
Chapter 185: Caller Id
Lucas arrived at the café to meet Racheal seated all by herself with a glass of alcohol. He walked up to her almost startling her, "Why are you drinking?" He asked.Racheal, her thoughts consumed by the looming threat from Victor to disgrace her mother, barely registered Lucas' presence. Without preamble, she slid the stack of papers across the table."These are the documents," Racheal said, handing them over to Lucas. He reached for his pen and quickly signed them, having already reviewed their contents earlier."Thank you, Lucas," Racheal greeted with a nod of appreciation.Lucas was expecting her departure after he had signed the documents, but Racheal lingered. "Aren't you leaving yet?" he asked."No, not yet. I'm waiting for someone," Racheal replied, her gaze wandering towards the entrance."Lucas could already sense whom Racheal was waiting for, prompting him to anticipate the unfolding of events. He knew it was the person who had asked her to have him sign the documents for he
Chapter 184: Final Farewell
As the morning sun cast its golden glow over the quiet streets of Malibu, Sonia took it upon herself to drive Flint and his sister to the train station, determined to see them off and bid them a final farewell."I'll miss you, Flint," she said, her voice tinged with sadness as she shared a warm embrace with him, her heart heavy with the weight of impending separation."I'll miss you too, Sonia," Flint replied, his voice filled with genuine affection as he returned her embrace.Flint felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the right words to express his feelings. "I'm really sorry for everything that happened between us. I—" But before Flint could continue, Sonia gently hushed him, placing a finger across his lips."You've already apologized, and I've forgiven you," she reassured him, her voice filled with compassion and understanding."Thank you so much," Flint replied, his gratitude evident in his eyes as he met Sonia's gaze."And just in case you change your mind, you
Chapter 183: Attempted Murder
Racheal was surprised, wondering why Lucas would look into her purse. Even if she knew that Lucas was at the verge of finding out about her involvement in Ivy's kidnapping, she needed to create some elements of doubt all the same."Why would you check my purse?" Racheal blurted out angrily."So you had a hand in Ivy's abduction. You're such a disgusting lady, Racheal." Lucas snapped at her, throwing the documents at her."And it didn't even end there, you also made an attempt on her life. You're despicable!" Racheal's brows furrowed at Lucas's false accusation of her having made an attempt on Ivy's life."What are you talking about?" Racheal asked, the surprised look on her face enough to convince Lucas that she had no idea what he was talking about."Stop playing innocent, Racheal. You and I know it's true. You tried to kill Ivy." Lucas said with so much anger in his voice."I won't sit back and watch you accuse me of something I didn't do, Lucas." She snapped back angrily."I won't
