The Wrong Girl and the Wronged Girl (Stella and Ethan) novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck

When Stella brought up Sterling Global, her face lit up with pride.

She still had no clue who the person behind it really was, but in her mind, they had to be a total saint–giving her that many projects and paying so well for each one.

“My studio would’ve been lucky to clear a million last year,” she said, “but thanks to Sterling Global, we made over seven

million.”

With them as a client, she felt like she could finally stand tall.

She spoke excitedly, not noticing the fleeting warmth in Abraham’s eyes when she mentioned the name.

He watched her little smug expression and chuckled. “That impressive?”

“Well, Sterling Global’s boss clearly has taste. Took a chance on a little nobody like me.”

Without them, a small, unknown design studio like hers wouldn’t have made it anywhere near that kind of money.

She looked up at him. “Wait–so why would Judson think sending Lillian to you was a good idea?”

It was hilarious.

Abraham snorted. “Maybe he’s getting senile.”

What?”

Judson? Senile? He didn’t even seem old.

And it was true–Ethan’s dad, Judson, was ridiculously handsome. He carried himself well, didn’t fool around, and had at spotless reputation.

So how the hell did he end up with a son like that? Judging by everything that had happened recently, Judson was probably coughing blood by now.

And sure enough-

When news got back to Judson, he almost lost it completely.

“He says it’s got nothing to do with Lillian? This is nothing to do with her?” He slammed his hand on the table. “They said Ethan’s not even allowed to see her!”

Madeline’s face was just as dark.

Judson turned to her. “You’re going to the hospital yourself tomorrow.”

What about the Luke heir? The contract meeting with his chosen partner is tomorrow.”

Judson didn’t answer.

His face just got darker. He looked like he wanted to strangle Ethan

Madeline wasn’t far behind him in that sentiment,

Meanwhile, Ethan had just left the Keene estate and was hounding Jason to track the Luke heir’s current location.

4:41 PM

Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck

Ethan’s brow furrowed. “This has nothing to do with her.”

He was firm. Absolutely sure.

Finished

Madeline snapped, “Their reply was that you’re not to see Lillian ever again, and you still think this has nothing to do with

her?”

_What?”

“Ethan, Lillian’s poison. No one even knows what kind of life she was living overseas. She came back with half a body. You think she’s some innocent victim?”

Her tone was sharp and laced with implication.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “Don’t talk about her like that.”

“You explain to me then–how does someone even get uterine cancer? That’s not a disease you catch from drinking the wrong water. You think she’s spotless?”

He hated this.

He’d been hearing people whisper nasty things about Lillian’s condition for weeks. He could tune out strangers–but his own

mother?

He couldn’t take it.

“Mom. You know what kind of person Lillian is.”

“I’ve always thought she was dangerous.

Madeline had never liked her.

Even back when Stella was still in a hospital bed, Lillian had been circling Ethan like a hawk.

To Madeline, she was manipulative. She’d always had that vibe.

Someone like that could never bring peace to a family–only chaos

And they hadn’t even married her yet, and already the Keene family was in trouble.

What would happen if she actually got through the door?

Ethan’s breath caught.

Madeline didn’t stop..

“Remember, you are not to see her–not until we’ve secured the deal with the Luke family. You understand how important. that is, right?”

After that, Madeline didn’t care what he did.

But right now–if Ethan dared defy her, she’d destroy Lillian herself.

Her words were cold enough to freeze bone. Ethan got the message loud and clear.

“Did you hear me?”

When he didn’t respond, her tone dropped another degree:

“I heard you.” Ethan finally said.

4:41 PM

Chapter 171 The Name on the Paycheck

He couldn’t see her–but that didn’t mean he couldn’t call

Ethan dialed Lillian’s number.

She answered right away, clearly thrilled to hear from him.