Chapter 1683

Stella remained quiet. Exploiting Marshall for scandals was one thing, but shamelessly manipulating his feelings to secure his cooperation was a moral boundary she refused to cross. She would rather have Marshall know the truth than burden him with this favor, even if it resulted in his hatred and resentment toward her.

Marshall picked up the necklace in his palm and said, “Let me put it on for you.

This ‘token of love’ is going to make headlines tomorrow.”

Stella instinctively tried to back up, but Marshall did not move away. He gently pressed Stella’s shoulder, and his deep voice echoed in her ear. “The paparazzi are already taking pictures. If you reject the present, the groundwork we laid won’t be believable.”

Stella immediately froze in place.

Holding the necklace in both hands, Marshall put it around her neck and gently fastened it.

From the audience’s perspective, the two seemed to be intimately involved.

Stella turned her face away, avoiding eye contact with Marshall. However, she could still feel his breath in such close proximity, which intensified her inner turmoil.

It was not until Marshall had released his grip and slightly withdrew from her that her body gradually relaxed.

Stella reached up and touched the pendant containing Keegan’s photo. “How much is it? I’ll transfer the payment to you,” she said.

“The necklace was 88 dollars, and the photo was ten. So, the total is 98 dollars.

But, that’s alright. You don’t have to transfer me the money. You can treat me to a late-night snack instead.”

Stella did not respond.

Marshall chuckled and added, “I’ll try not to order over 98 dollars’ worth of food.”

Stella suddenly felt awkward. “That’s not what I was thinking. It’s just…” She did not expect Marshall to buy such an inexpensive necklace.

Marshall had his reasons. He knew that Stella would not accept anything too expensive. And, even if she did, she would want to pay him back for it. She would gladly embrace a more budget-friendly option, and the necklace could serve as a chance for them to share a meal. Marshall thought that it was the perfect idea.

Just as Stella was about to agree to supper, her phone rang. It was Felicity.

Stella apologized to Marshall and answered the call.

“Stella, can you accompany me to look at apartments tomorrow?” Felicity’s voice sounded muffled.

Stella hesitated for a moment before she asked, “Why are you looking at apartments? Are you planning to buy one?”

“No,” Felicity said softly. “I want to move out.”

Stella sensed that something was amiss and asked, “Have you discussed this with Vermont?”

“I’ll live wherever I want. Why do I need to discuss it with him? He’s not the boss of me!”

“Did you two have a fight?”

Felicity remained silent.

Thinking that she might have been mistreated, Stella’s tone grew serious. “Did Vermont ask you to move out?”

No, he wouldn’t dare to kick me out.” Felicity was too embarrassed to tell Stella how Vermont had deceived her for so long. So, she made up an excuse. “I’m just tired of him. I don’t want to live with him anymore.”

Stella thought for a moment and said, “How about moving back to apartment 901? Your room is untouched, and you know the password.”