Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 113: Silently Recite My Name Three Times

Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Silently Recite My Name Three Times

Jasper Hawthorne hasn’t shown up since then.

The Riveria Branch of Clearstone Law Firm has also replaced its head. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Stella Sterling occasionally looks up out the window, feeling that even the wet and cold air of Riveria’s winter carries an unprecedented sense of freshness and ease.

All those murky and bothersome issues seem to have been packaged away with Jasper Hawthorne’s departure and thrown into Silvanus.

Of course, her days might be more leisurely if it weren’t for that golden-haired assistant.

Rhys Lennox remains the flamboyant golden retriever, wearing ripped jeans in various styles, exuding a don’t-mess-with-me aura.

But it’s undeniable that this grand Buddha’s work capability is indeed worthy of his dazzlingly brilliant education.

His mind works fast; he has a photographic memory, organizing those tedious case file materials more efficiently than anyone else, and occasionally proposing litigation ideas from tricky angles that even astonish Stella Sterling.

Also, whenever Stella takes him out for negotiations or client meetings, as soon as this master sits beside her, stretching his long legs and raising an eyebrow, the mix of cold, unruly arrogance he exudes invisibly commands the room, causing even the toughest opponents to lose some of their edge, making negotiations often proceed extraordinarily smoothly.

Of course, there are exceptions.

This afternoon, they met a locally somewhat famous construction materials company owner, Mr. Wright, who, relying on his family wealth, was arrogant, nitpicking about the contract terms, and occasionally spoke condescendingly towards female lawyers.

"Can you women really handle being lawyers? You all seem like decorative pillows!"

Stella Sterling pressed her lips, saying, "President Wright, please trust my professional capabilities..."

"Bah..." The other party sneered, "What professional capabilities, isn’t it all about money capabilities? I see Counselor Sterling is quite young, and rather pretty, instead of being a lawyer, why not consider giving me a try..."

Rhys Lennox, who had been lazily playing with his lighter, suddenly "clack" shut it, raising his eyelids, fixing his cold and wild gaze on President Wright’s face.

"Looking for trouble?" His voice wasn’t loud, yet it clearly overshadowed the other’s rambling, "If you don’t want to be carried out horizontally, you’d better shut that filthy mouth now!"

President Wright was unsettled by his gaze, slapping the table with a pretentious bravado: "You... What do you mean? Daring to insult me?"

Rhys Lennox casually stood up, his tall stature imposing as he stepped closer, pulling out a smile that lacked any warmth: "Speaking logically to you is giving you face; don’t be ungrateful. This contract, sign if you want, if not, scram. Keep whining..."

He left the sentence unfinished, merely glancing at President Wright’s round beer belly, conveying the meaning without words.

President Wright flushed with anger, pointing at Stella Sterling: "Fine! Fine! Is this how Counselor Sterling’s people conduct business? This collaboration is off!" With that, he grabbed his briefcase and stormed out.

The meeting room instantly fell silent.

Stella Sterling rubbed her temples, sighing.

The contract negotiation fell through, though the client had some inherent issues, Rhys Lennox’s approach...

She turned, looking at Rhys Lennox who had resumed a casual stance against the wall, pondering for a few seconds before objectively adding, "The approach was excessive... but, today, thanks."

Rhys Lennox was holding his phone, ready to continue his game, paused at her words, then nonchalantly responded with an "hmm," quickly lowering his head to swipe at the screen.

Yet, as he turned to look out the window, his lips curled upward ever so slightly.

On the way back to the firm, the car passed a newly opened trendy milk tea shop, with a long queue predominantly of young girls outside.

Rhys Lennox suddenly put his phone away, "Stop the car."

Stella Sterling look at him quizzically as he opened the car door, took a big step with his long legs, and squeezed into the chatty crowd.

His golden hair and tall frame were particularly eye-catching in the crowd, drawing the attention of many young girls.

Before long, he really returned with two cups of intricately packaged milk tea.

He handed one cup to Stella Sterling, holding the straw of the other in his mouth, mumbling, "Here, yours."

Stella Sterling eyed the cup in her hand, adorned with a thick milk cap and strawberry bits, her expression somewhat peculiar.

She found it hard to associate such a girly drink with the rebellious golden-haired renegade beside her.

"You... drink this?" She couldn’t help but ask, her tone incredulous.

Rhys Lennox suckled on his straw vigorously, cheeks bulging, shot her a glance, his eyes tinged with disdain, confidently retorting, "Can’t I? Got a problem?"

Stella Sterling watched the milk cap clinging to his lips, then his cocky demeanor, swallowing her retort quietly: "...No problem."

She lowered her head, cautiously unwrapped the straw, inserted it, and took a sip.

The cold sweet taste mingled with the fresh aroma of strawberries dissolved in her mouth, seemingly... not bad.

Rhys Lennox watched her sipping the milk tea, turned to look out the window, his lips subtly curved up in a barely perceptible smile.

...

As the engagement ceremony approached, Shane Donovan had almost canceled all unnecessary social activities, picking Stella Sterling up from work promptly every day.

And after work, he diversified their dining experiences every day, taking her to try various delicacies.

Stella Sterling felt she had gained at least three pounds.

That evening, the two dined out, the restaurant wasn’t far from home.

Shane Donovan was about to open the passenger door when his sleeve was gently tugged.

Turning around, Stella’s ink-black eyes met his, "I don’t want to take the car back."

Shane Donovan immediately understood her meaning.

He closed the car door at once, leaving the Bentley worth millions parked in a temporary spot, and clasped Stella’s hand tightly, fingers intertwined, "Come on, let’s take a walk together."

The winter night’s air carried a chill, but their clasped hands were warm and dry.

Halfway through the walk, Stella, wearing high heels, felt a bit tired and stopped to rub her ankle.

"Tired?"

"A little..."

Shane Donovan immediately turned around and crouched slightly in front of her, "Hop on."

Stella was startled by his action, and quickly looked around, "No need, we’re almost there."

"Hop on."

Stella pursed her lips but didn’t hesitate further, and directly leaned on his broad back.

She was very light, Shane Donovan adjusted and then strengthened his grip on her legs, heading towards the apartment.

Stella hugged his neck, her cheek resting against the side of his neck, inhaling the cool and pleasant woody scent mixed with a hint of his unique warmth.

Shane Donovan slightly tilted his head, his chin gently brushing her forehead hair, his deep voice particularly magnetic in the night, "Look up, at the sky."

Following his instructions, Stella raised her head, the night sky was clean and dotted with tiny stars.

"See that brightest one?" Shane Donovan gestured for her to look at an especially bright star slightly to the right, "The brightness is very stable."

"Yeah, I see it." Stella nodded, a bit curious, "Why?"

Shane Donovan’s voice was low, "I stumbled upon that star, it’s strange, even when it rains or is cloudy, its light seems to pierce through the clouds."

He paused, leaned closer, his lips almost touching her ear, "If you’re ever at a loss to find me, or need me, just silently say my name to that star three times."

"Hmm?"

Stella burst into laughter, teasing him, "And then? Will you appear like the Genie from Aladdin’s Lamp with a ’poof’?"

"Yes." Shane Donovan replied earnestly, "As long as you wish, I’ll appear before you."

Stella laughed and lightly hit his shoulder, "Shane Donovan, you’re coaxing a three-year-old here!"

"No," he said seriously, "It’s a promise."

Stella stopped laughing, looking at his cold and sharp profile outlined by the streetlamp, feeling fullness in her heart, soft and swollen.

She tightened her arms around him, burying her face deeper in his neck, muttering softly, "...Fool."

Shane Donovan’s lips curled up silently.

Seeing that the apartment was right ahead, Stella quickly patted his shoulder, "We’re here, let me down."

Shane Donovan, however, continued carrying her straight to the entrance before carefully setting her down.

As her feet touched the ground, his hand naturally slid down, holding her wrist, gently stroking the delicate skin with his fingertips.

The corridor’s dim light cast deep shadows under his eyes.

He took a step forward, trapping her between himself and the entrance, his voice lowered, with a hoarse allure, "Carried you all the way, shouldn’t you invite me up for a drink of water?"

Stella’s face turned crimson at once, fully understanding the implication behind the offer of water.

She pressed against his firm chest, "Don’t mess around, it’s late..."

"It’s not late." Shane Donovan chuckled, instead of backing away, he leaned down, scooped her up horizontally, and unlocked the entrance door with a fingerprint, striding boldly to the elevator.

"Shane Donovan!" Stella protested, embarrassed and anxious, lowering her voice.

Inside the elevator, Stella deliberately faced away, ignoring him.

"Mad?" Shane Donovan lowered his head, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

Stella turned her head away, watching the floor numbers rise, ignoring him.

Shane Donovan wasn’t in a hurry, gently stroking the fabric on her shoulder with his fingertips, leisurely saying, "You rode on my back for so long, can’t you even offer me a drink?"

"You—!" Stella suddenly turned back, meeting his amused deep eyes, her cheeks flushing deeply, gritting her teeth, "Can you be serious for once?!"

Where’s the supposed cool and abstinent guy?

Such a flirt, unbearable!

Shane Donovan looked innocent, his gaze open but mischievous, "I was talking about carrying you home, where did your thoughts go?"

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone teasing, "Our Little Counselor Sterling, can your thoughts be pure for a moment? Without those dirty ideas..."

"..."