{"status":200,"message":"ok","data":{"id":13784,"title":"The Heiress With Seven Secret Identities","avatar":"https:\/\/cdn2.joyreadings.com\/novel_avatar_large_m\/d9dd862a3fe3167f79938cff48007aa0b4bc5868.jpg","author":"Eileen Weber","summary":"[Spoiled + Power Couple + Hidden Identities + Pure Love] The long-lost young lady of the Harlow family in Azure Peak City, raised in a convent, is back. Everyone mocks her as a country bumpkin with barely any education—good for nothing but chopping wood, carrying water, and chanting scriptures, a useless \"little nun.\"\nJust as they're busy calling her a failure, top elites line up to defend her, shaking the entire Azure Peak City to its core.\nThe legendary pop diva Iris Monroe is her best friend?\nFamed educator Professor Julian Voss is her mentor?\nThe \"Father of World Music\" is her close friend despite their age gap?\nThe reclusive miracle doctor is her master?\nAnd her so-called \"failure\" status? It's quickly proven wrong.\nShe's the SAT top scorer. The renowned genius composer. A national-level pharmacologist. A national treasure-level ink wash artist. A medical prodigy and master of traditional medicine. The world-famous masked violin virtuoso...\nAs her hidden identities are uncovered one by one, everyone is stunned—and the Harlows are livid.\nHe's the cold, ruthless heir of a top Azure Peak City wealthy clan, known for his brutality. Even with legions of socialite admirers throwing themselves at him, he's indifferent—until he meets that \"little nun,\" and only has eyes for her.","category":{"id":23,"name":"Billionaire"},"tags":["Prison","Easy Progression","Family Drama","HE\/Happy Ending","Struggles Within The Wealthy Family","Billionaire","Rich","Rare Beauty","Multi-identities","Optimistic","Independent","Brave","Capable"],"display_num":79511,"like_num":24,"library_num":21522,"deep_link":"","publicity_page":{"name":"The Heiress With Seven Secret Identities","settings":{"banner":{"type":1,"url":"https:\/\/market-res.ihappyread.com\/adsense\/material\/ab043eacf88ab7111b364e3ee2989dad.jpg","is_auto":0,"interval":3},"novel":{"is_show_read_num":1,"is_show_like_num":1,"is_show_tags":1,"is_show_hot_comments":1,"chapter_idx_list":[],"hot_comments":[{"member_id":4755665,"content":"I think the translation should be Professor Shaw, instead of just Miss Shaw.","name":"Miss Therese","avatar":"https:\/\/cdn2.joyreadings.com\/app_novel\/avatar\/751afba85ab89b8df1426ee97afb61669470e919.jpg"},{"member_id":5530518,"content":"That's NOT how Autism works.","name":"GeeGollyMissHolly","avatar":"https:\/\/graph.facebook.com\/v3.3\/10105482277778687\/picture?type=normal"},{"member_id":5702188,"content":"Enjoying the fast paced story so far. Its a fun read❤️ Thanks author🫶🏻","name":"User 5702188","avatar":"https:\/\/cdn2.joyreadings.com\/app_novel\/avatar\/ec8d7e08b33ae8c752844c19d7ea1d587e46d2fd.jpg"}]},"content":{"en":{"id":"13784","recommend":"

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Chapter 1 A Hundred Tiles to Dump the Playboy<\/b><\/p>

Summer blazed hot, with waves of heat rolling through the air.\nAt Haven's Rest Convent on the outskirts of Azure Peak City, Ruby Bennett stuck out like a sore thumb. Clad in a bright red cocktail dress and caked in heavy makeup, she scanned the simple courtyard with unhidden disgust. She slammed her designer handbag onto a wooden table and plopped down on a chair.\nHer fake eyelashes fluttered—thick and clumpy, like fly legs ready to fall off. She lifted her gaze, sizing up the girl in front of her.\nThe girl wore a plain white linen top and navy linen pants. No makeup touched her oval face, but her misty eyes and glossy ponytail gave her an ethereal, effortless beauty. She looked pure and striking, even without any frills.\nJust one look sent panic through Ruby. If Silas Thorne saw a woman this gorgeous, would he still agree to end the engagement?\n\"Stella,\" Ruby started, forcing a sweet smile, \"it's not that your father and I are cruel. You've always brought bad luck to the family. That's why we sent you here to pray. We never let you go hungry when you were young. Now that you're grown, it's time to pay us back.\"\nStella Shaw didn't even lift her eyes. \"Get to the point.\"\nRuby's smile faded. She hated Stella's attitude, and she had no desire to linger in this dump.\n\"Do you remember your engagement to the Thorne family?\"\nStella finally glanced up. Her eyes were sharp, as if she could see right through Ruby's schemes.\nRuby's heart skipped a beat. How could a girl who'd grown up alone in a convent have such an intimidating presence?\n\"The engagement was between Arthur Thorne and your mother,\" Ruby rushed on, \"but Arthur won't accept a convent-raised girl as his grandson's wife. So you need to tell Arthur you know you're not good enough for his grandson. Say you're ending the engagement voluntarily.\"\nA faint, mocking smile tugged at Stella's lips.\nThey'd abandoned her here for fifteen years, ignoring her completely. Now they'd finally shown up—all for this.\nRuby sneered at the girl, \"As compensation, your father and I will donate a hundred roof tiles to the convent in your name.\"\nStella let out a cold laugh. \"A hundred glazed tiles?\"\n\"Clay tiles,\" Ruby mumbled, suddenly feeling guilty.\nStella didn't hide her amusement. \"So you're buying off my fiancé, whom I've never met, for 1,500 dollars? Turns out he's cheaper than I thought.\"\nRuby was left tongue-tied.\nStella stood up and walked away, leaving Ruby red-faced with embarrassment.\nEnraged, Ruby chased after her. \"Pack your things. You're coming back to Azure Peak City with me.\"\n\"I don't share cars with homewreckers,\" Stella said flatly.\nThe word \"homewrecker\" turned Ruby's face scarlet with rage. \"Who are you calling that? At least I have a marriage certificate. Did your mother ever get one?\"\nStella's brows furrowed. She stared at Ruby coldly. \"What does that mean?\"\nRuby felt a chill under Stella's gaze. She took two steps back, suddenly regretting her impulsive words—remembering her husband's warning.\n\"A car will pick you up tomorrow,\" she snapped.\nClutching her high heels, Ruby stumbled away. She waved frantically for a porter to carry her bags, fleeing the convent in a hurry.\nStella's brows stayed furrowed. Her mother hadn't been married to her father?\nShe recalled when she'd wanted to change her last name from Harlow to Shaw at seven. Julian Voss' assistant had mentioned she was an undocumented child. Julian had cursed Derek Harlow a b*stard and finally helped her get legal papers.\nStella kicked herself mentally. She'd been too young back then to question it.\nShe closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her clear eyes were icy cold.\nAt five years old, she'd come home from kindergarten to find the house in chaos. Her mother lay in a pool of blood.\nShe'd dropped her backpack and rushed to the phone, sobbing as she dialed 911.\nWhen she turned back, her mother was spitting up blood. Her bloodied hand reached out to her.\nStella had crouched down, grasping her mother's hand and crying. \"Mommy, don't be scared. The doctors will be here soon. I'll blow on your wounds. It won't hurt.\"\nHer mother struggled to speak, \"Run... survive... Shaw... I'm Shaw...\"\nBefore she could finish, her eyes closed. Her fingers traced the first stroke of \"Shaw\" in Stella's palm before going limp. Her breathing stopped forever.\nStella had held her mother tightly, trying to keep her warm, until paramedics arrived.\nShe'd huddled in a corner, watching through tears as they tried to save her mother. It wasn't until the doctors asked for family that Derek finally rushed home.\nWhen they said they'd done everything they could, Stella had broken down completely.\nBack then, Derek had told her a thief had broken in. He'd been tempted by her mother's beauty and attacked her...\nStella lifted her gaze to the sky, holding back tears.\nJust three days later, Ruby and her daughter, Jasmine Harlow—only two years younger than Stella—had moved into the house.\nEven as a child, Stella had known her father had cheated.\nThe year her mother died was the worst of her life.\nWhen she was six, Derek got into a car accident. Ruby claimed Stella was bad luck for her parents. She sent her to the convent to pray for his recovery.\nIt was never about praying. It was about getting rid of her.\nFor fifteen years, they'd never looked back.\nStella pulled out her phone. Her eyes were dark with determination. \"Reinvestigate my mother's death. And dig up everything on Derek. Start from the day he was born.\"\n\"Yes, boss,\" came the voice on the other end.\nStella hung up.\nSome things needed to be settled—once and for all.\n—\nEarly the next morning, Stella slung her backpack over her shoulder and hurried down the mountain.\nHalfway there, a strong smell of blood hit her nose. She paused, then stepped into the forest. There, lying in a pool of blood, was a man. The familiar scene jolted her, but she didn't panic. With three quick needles, she stopped the bleeding.\nElias Cross slowly opened his eyes. The morning sun shone on her smooth hair, casting a golden glow over her stunning profile.\nHe tried to speak, his dry lips making him swallow hard. \"You...\"\nStella didn't look up. She focused on her work. \"Save your strength. Talk less.\"\nHer tone held a hint of command. It felt strange to Elias.\nIn Azure Peak City, no one dared speak to him like that.\nStella glanced up, holding out a pill. \"It boosts energy.\"\nElias' eyes felt heavy. His body was weak, but he couldn't help but stare. Even if he wasn't interested in women, he had to admit—this girl was breathtaking.\nHe parted his lips slightly. But she'd already dropped the pill into his hand and gone back to bandaging his wound.\n\"I'm Elias Cross,\" he said. \"Thank you for saving me.\"\nElias patted his suit pocket. He pulled out a black card and offered it to her. \"For medical fees.\"\n\"Mr. Cross!\"\n\"Elias!\"\nVoices called from the distance. Stella paused her movements. \"Are those your men?\"\n\"Yes,\" Elias replied.\n\"Get to the hospital as soon as possible,\" she said.\nStella stood up. Her hair swayed gently. A fresh scent of gardenias filled the air. The ends of her hair brushed his cheek, sending a faint tickle.\nShe hurried away.\n\"Wait!\" Elias called. \"What's your name?\"\nOnly the echo of his voice answered.\n\"Elias! Are you alive?\" Leo Moore called, setting down his medical kit.\n\"Mr. Cross,\" Gideon Stark said, rushing over.\n\"The person who saved me went that way,\" Elias said, nodding in Stella's direction. \"I want all her information in thirty minutes.\"\nGideon froze for a second. He glanced at the dense forest—sunlight filtering through leaves, no one in sight. \"Mr. Cross, there's no one here!\"\n\"Chase her,\" Elias ordered.\n\"Right away!\"\nGideon took off. The thought of finding someone in just thirty minutes made his heart sink.\nElias tried to stand. He winced as he pulled his wound.\nLeo helped him up. \"Don't rush. Gideon was a sprint champion. He'll catch up to your savior.\" <\/font><\/p>

Chapter 2 Stella Storms Derek's Place<\/b><\/font><\/p>

\"Boss, over here!\"\nTess Marlow swung open the passenger door, waving Stella over. The black Jeep Wrangler roared away, kicking up dust.\nRing... ring...\nStella glanced at the screen and answered, her tone respectful. \"Mr. Voss.\"\n\"You're coming to Azure Peak City?\"\nA flicker of confusion crossed Stella's eyes. \"How did you know, Mr. Voss?\"\n\"It's all over the city. People are saying a young nun left her convent to ruin someone's relationship,\" Julian fumed. \"That Derek is a monster. He's letting it happen just to set Jasmine up with Silas. He doesn't deserve to be your father.\"\n\"Mr. Voss, don't get worked up. He's not worth it,\" Stella said calmly. She'd grown used to Derek's neglect—her heart was too broken to feel anything else.\n\"Stella, since you're coming, why not teach at Azure Peak University?\" Julian offered.\n\"I'll think about it.\"\n\"I'll have an office ready for you,\" Julian rushed out, hanging up before she could decline.\nA faint, mocking smile tugged at Stella's lips. When Silas was four, he'd been kidnapped. Her mother had saved his life. To repay the debt, Arthur Thorne had arranged their engagement. Now the Thornes were not only ungrateful—they were spreading lies about her.\nStella never let anyone walk all over her.\n\"Boss, you're getting cyberbullied,\" Tess said, glancing at her phone at a red light.\n\"Keep it going,\" Stella replied.\n\"Huh?\"\nA cold smile curved Stella's lips. \"We need more people watching. This show isn't exciting enough yet.\"\n\"Got it.\" Tess nodded. She knew someone was about to get hurt.\n\"First, take me to the cemetery.\"\n\"Sure thing.\"\nStella closed her eyes, replaying what she knew about her parents' relationship.\n—\nGideon returned, nervous.\nElias leaned forward, eager. \"What's her name?\"\nGideon blinked, tongue-tied.\n\"Did you get her contact info?\" Elias pressed. He'd never doubted Gideon's skills. But this time, he was disappointed.\nLeo raised an eyebrow. Elias was never this worked up. It was a first.\n\"Mr. Cross, I didn't see anyone,\" Gideon admitted.\nElias' excitement faded instantly.\n\"Aren't you a sprint champion?\" Leo teased, though he felt bad for his friend.\nElias' injuries had been severe. Yet a few needles and a pill had turned things around. As a doctor, Leo was dying to meet the person who'd helped him.\n\"Mr. Cross, what did she look like? I'll find her right away,\" Gideon insisted. He was confident—no one in Azure Peak City could hide from him.\n\"She's around twenty, about five-foot-seven. Pale skin, long straight hair—shiny and healthy,\" Elias described. He paused. \"She's the most beautiful woman in Azure Peak City. Breathtaking.\"\nGideon and Leo stared, stunned.\n\"A woman?\" they blurted in unison.\nElias nodded, calm. \"Well? Go find her.\"\n\"Right away, Mr. Cross! I won't let you down,\" Gideon said, hurrying to make calls.\nLeo looked at his friend with a smirk. \"Elias, are you smitten?\"\n\"If I wasn't, I'd be dead,\" Elias replied, closing his eyes. He was either too tired or just didn't want to talk about it.\nLeo rolled his eyes. Elias had never cared about women's looks. He'd called countless beautiful women \"ugly.\" Leo had even wondered if his friend had bad taste. Now he was dying to see this mystery woman.\n—\nAt Azure Peak Cemetery, Stella froze. Her mother's grave had a \"for resale\" notice taped to it.\nWhat<\/i>'<\/i>s going on?<\/i>\nShe'd paid for a hundred years of upkeep. Where were her mother's ashes?\nIce flooded Stella's expression. She stormed toward the office.\n\"What's this about?\" Tess snapped. \"We paid for a century of maintenance! Is this cemetery greedy enough to resell graves?\"\nThey soon learned the truth: Derek had dug up the grave yesterday. He'd taken the ashes—and stolen the money Stella had paid for the upkeep.\nStella narrowed her eyes, seeing through Derek's scheme.\n\"Boss, that's unforgivable,\" Tess fumed.\nStella shot the cemetery staff a cold glance. \"Shut them down in three days.\"\n\"You got it,\" Tess said, fired up. Crooks like this deserved to be put out of business.\n\"Take me to Derek's place.\"\n\"Yep.\"\nWhen they arrived, Stella saw Derek had moved to a new villa.\n\"Boss, I'll come with you,\" Tess offered.\n\"No, handle the cemetery first. Then go to the orphanage and dig up everything on my mother—Luna Harlow. Leave no stone unturned.\"\n\"Will do.\"\nAt the gate, a security guard stopped Stella. \"Miss, who are you here to see?\"\n\"Derek Harlow.\"\nBefore the guard could call inside, a car pulled up.\n\"You must be Miss Harlow!\" the butler exclaimed. He'd gone to the convent to pick her up, only to find she'd left. He'd been worried sick—now here she was.\nPeople said Miss Harlow was ugly and mean. B<\/i>ut anyone who called her ugly was blind.<\/i>\nStella looked at him flatly.\n\"I'm the Harlow family butler,\" he introduced himself.\n\"Hmm.\"\n\"Right this way, miss.\"\nStella followed him inside.\n\"Mr. Harlow, Miss Harlow is here,\" the butler announced.\n\"Where?\" Derek asked, putting down his newspaper.\nStella stepped forward, her gaze locking onto the three people in the living room.\nDerek and Jasmine froze.\nShe<\/i>'<\/i>s prettier than her mother. Why did I<\/i> listen to Ruby and send her to a convent? If I<\/i>'<\/i>d raised her...<\/i>\nLewd desire flickered in his eyes, hard to hide.\nJasmine stared, shocked.\nThis <\/i>i<\/i>s th<\/i>e nun? She <\/i>i<\/i>s gorgeous! If Silas saw her, would he still want to end the engagement?<\/i>\nNo<\/i>.<\/i> Looks don<\/i>'<\/i>t matter. Stella only has a kindergarten education. Silas would never like her. The Thornes would never accept her as Silas<\/i>' wife<\/i>.<\/i>\nMom<\/i> ha<\/i>s<\/i> been smart to send Stella away young—keeping her uneducated, spreading rumors about her bad luck, trapping her in that convent.<\/i>\n\"Where are my mother's ashes?\" Stella cut to the chase.\n\"Is that any way to speak to your father?\" Derek snapped. He was the head of the family—he deserved respect.\nStella pulled out her phone. \"Tell me, or I'll call the police.\"\nSeeing she meant it, Ruby jumped in. \"We'll give you the ashes—if you end the engagement and marry the man we pick for you.\"\n\"You're out of your mind,\" Stella sneered.\nRuby pouted, turning to Derek. \"Honey, look at her—\"\nHer words were cut off as Stella's hand clamped around her neck. Ruby gasped for air.\n\"If I don't get those ashes today, you'll become ashes too,\" Stella whispered, her voice cold as a demon's.\nEveryone in the room shivered. Stella tightened her grip, and Ruby's face turned bright red. The air reeked of death. <\/font><\/p>

Chapter 3 A Kindergarten Grad Was a Professor?<\/b><\/font><\/p>

\"Mom!\"\nJasmine turned pale, her eyes wide with panic, her lips trembling.\nDerek stared in shock. He'd known Stella was an uneducated country girl—but he never expected her to be this violent.\n\"Let my mom go!\"\nThe more they panicked, the tighter Stella's grip became. Ruby's already red face turned purple, veins bulging on her forehead.\n\"Stella, let Ruby go! Or I'll call the cops,\" Derek snapped.\nInstead of backing down, Stella pulled out her phone calmly. \"Want me to dial the number for you?\"\nDerek was lost for words. \"I'm your father!\"\n\"The law doesn't recognize that. What kind of father are you?\"\nDerek frowned, confused. \"We're listed as father and daughter on the official family registry.\"\n\"Are you sure about that?\"\nThe cold smirk on Stella's lips made Derek's heart race.\nCould she know she was an undocumented <\/i>child<\/i>?<\/i>\n\"Dad! Mom can't breathe!\" Jasmine cried, watching Ruby's purple face.\n\"Claude, get the ashes!\" Derek ordered.\n\"Right away, sir!\"\nClaude Cole rushed over with an urn.\n\"Stella, you lunatic! Let my mom go!\" Jasmine screamed.\n\"Open it,\" Stella said.\n\"Are you crazy?\" Jasmine stepped back in fear. Derek was just as confused.\n\"Open it,\" Stella repeated.\nAt Derek's nod, Claude unwrapped the cloth covering the urn. Stella let out a sigh of relief when she saw the urn—she'd painted it herself as a child.\n\"Now let my mom go!\"\nStella shoved Ruby away. Thud!\nRuby crashed into the sofa, coughing violently. \"Cough... cough cough...\"\nBreathing in fresh air felt like being reborn. Tears streamed down Ruby's face as she clutched her sore stomach.\nStella picked up the urn and turned to leave.\n\"You ungrateful brat! Stop right there!\" Derek shouted.\nStella didn't look back. She walked out of the Harlow Villa without hesitation.\n\"This is rebellion! Pure rebellion!\" Derek roared, smashing a vase to the floor.\n\"Mom, let's call the police! Lock Stella up!\" Jasmine begged.\n\"No,\" Ruby said firmly.\n\"She's just a country bumpkin—illiterate, a former nun! Who in Azure Peak City would marry her? She must be dead set on Silas!\" Jasmine ranted, furious and anxious.\nRuby patted her arm gently, then turned to Derek. \"Honey, what if she refuses to end the engagement?\"\nRuby didn't want the police involved. After all, they'd dug up a grave and stolen the maintenance money. If the police investigated, they'd be the ones embarrassed.\nShe'd never thought Stella would be so hard to control.\n\"That engagement promise Arthur wrote to Luna is long gone,\" Derek said.\n\"But Arthur still acknowledges the engagement,\" Ruby argued.\nDerek scoffed, \"I bet he doesn't want to either. He just needs an excuse to call it off.\"\n\"Dad, what are you saying?\" Jasmine asked.\n\"Crank up the public opinion. Make everyone think Stella's worthless.\"\n\"But Mom suffered for nothing today?\" Jasmine's eyes blazed with hatred. She clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood.\n\"Jasmine, Mom's fine. But Stella seems to know she's undocumented—legally, she's not part of this family. Do you think she'll listen to us and agree to the arranged marriage?\" Ruby worried.\nThey'd already taken 100 million dollars from Marcus Reed to marry Stella off to him. She planned to use that money as Jasmine's wedding gift.\n\"I'll sweet-talk her. What could a little nun do to stop me?\" Derek's eyes glinted with greed.\n\"Claude, go bring Stella back home,\" he ordered.\nIf Stella knew she was undocumented, the secret he'd hidden for 21 years might be exposed.\nNo—<\/i>I<\/i>'<\/i>ve<\/i> covered <\/i>my<\/i> tracks too w<\/i>ell. No one w<\/i>ill<\/i> find out about <\/i>my<\/i> past, or Luna<\/i>'<\/i>s.<\/i>\nStella<\/i>'<\/i>s just a former nun. She c<\/i>a<\/i>n<\/i>'<\/i>t stir up any real trouble.<\/i>\n—\nThe next day, at Azure Peak University.\nIn less than 24 hours, the cyberbullying against Stella spread from the university to the entire internet.\nJasmine was a minor celebrity—a relationship blogger who often posted videos of her and Silas. When her fans learned their childhood sweetheart romance was \"under attack,\" they started bullying Stella online. Someone dug up a photo of a nun and claimed it was Stella, the homewrecker destroying Jasmine and Silas' relationship.\nThe internet exploded.\n[Netizen A: Who does she think she is? Silas doesn't even acknowledge her! She's throwing herself at him!]\n[Netizen B: Where does this former nun get her confidence? She's ugly and tacky—Jasmine is way out of her league!]\n[Netizen C: Jasmine's a straight-A student! What's Stella? A kindergarten grad who can't even write her own name!]\n[Netizen D: Let's form a group! Head to Haven's Rest Convent and teach this old nun some manners!]\n[Netizen E: I heard Stella killed her mom and almost her dad too! She's a curse—she should stay in the mountains and die alone instead of ruining lives!]\n[Netizen F: Didn't someone say she's in Azure Peak City now? I'll go find her! She should be praying, not breaking up relationships!]\nThe hate comments poured in. Jasmine was thrilled with the result.\nStella w<\/i>ill<\/i> come begging for <\/i>my <\/i>forgiveness<\/i> soon.<\/i>\nShe smiled triumphantly—until her smile froze. There, walking across campus, was Stella.\nJasmine chased after her, blocking her path. \"You old nun! What are you doing here?\"\n\"Get out of my way,\" Stella said flatly.\n\"Who do you think you are? You're just a janitor here! Why don't you try getting into Azure Peak University yourself?\" Jasmine boasted, lifting her chin and crossing her arms, looking down at Stella.\nThis was her proudest achievement—getting into Azure Peak University.\n\"Jasmine, who is she?\" one of Jasmine's followers asked, staring at Stella in awe. She'd never seen such a beautiful girl.\n\"Just the old nun who's trying to steal Silas from me—a homewrecker,\" Jasmine sneered.\nEveryone around them gasped.\n\"Old nun? She doesn't look old at all! Am I blind?\"\n\"Pretty or not, she's still a third wheel.\"\n\"I heard she only went to kindergarten—she's illiterate.\"\n\"Did she follow Silas here?\"\n\"Look at her—she's probably lost! Hahaha...\"\n\"Hey! Can't read? Don't know where the teaching buildings are? Need help? Hahaha...\"\n\"Stella Harlow, can you even write your own name? Want me to teach you? Free of charge!\"\n\"Do you know what respect is? Aren't you afraid of punishment?\"\nLaughs and taunts surrounded Stella, mostly from Jasmine's followers.\nStella smiled faintly.\n\"Professor Shaw! What are you doing here?\"\nThe words \"Professor Shaw\" made everyone go quiet. They looked around, searching for the professor.\nEthan Pierce pushed through the crowd and walked up to Stella.\n\"Mr. Pierce!\" everyone greeted him.\nStella smiled, \"Mr. Pierce, do you know what the punishment is for spreading rumors and maliciously slandering an Azure Peak University professor?\"\nEveryone froze, a sense of unease creeping over them.\n\"Disciplinary action according to school rules. For serious cases, it could be criminal,\" Ethan replied.\nStella nodded, glancing at the people who'd mocked her with a cold smile. \"I see.\"\n\"Miss Shaw, were these people harassing you?\" Ethan asked.\nGasps echoed through the crowd.\nWhat? A kindergarten grad was a professor? <\/font><\/p>

Chapter 4 Was Mom Trafficked?<\/b><\/font><\/p>

\"Miss Shaw? Wait—aren't you Stella Harlow?\" someone finally reacted, blurting out the question.\nStella smiled faintly, \"Hello, everyone. I'm Stella Shaw. You can call me Miss Shaw.\"\nGasps rippled through the crowd. Everyone turned to Jasmine, confused.\nStella lifted a hand, pointing calmly. \"Mr. Pierce, she, he, her, and those two—they insulted me.\"\nEthan's forehead broke out in cold sweat. This was Julian's most prized recruit—he'd begged her for ages to teach at Azure Peak University. If she quit because she was harassed on her first day, he'd be ruined.\nHe quickly jotted down the names of the troublemakers.\n\"Jasmine, you said she's Stella Harlow!\" one person accused.\n\"Yeah! Isn't she the homewrecker trying to steal Silas from you?\"\n\"I thought she only went to kindergarten! How could she teach at Azure Peak?\"\n\"This must be a mistake! She looks so young—professor material?\"\nJasmine panicked under the barrage of questions, her face confused.\n\"Stella, why did you change your last name without a word?\" she whimpered, putting on a wronged act. Tears glistened in her eyes as she stared at Stella, pretending to be heartbroken.\n\"After kindergarten, you dropped out because you didn't want to study. How could you pretend to be an Azure Peak professor just to get closer to Silas? You never left Haven's Rest Convent. You might not know this, but impersonating a teacher is illegal. Stop making a scene.\"\nJasmine wiped her \"tears.\" \"Everyone, I'm so sorry for my sister. She's not thinking straight. She never went to elementary school—letting her teach would be misleading students.\"\n\"Oh! So she's an imposter!\"\n\"Ditching her own last name is so disrespectful to her family.\"\n\"Call the police! Fraudsters like her should be arrested!\"\n\"Mr. Pierce, are you sure you didn't mix her up?\"\nStella looked at them like they were fools.\nEthan was at a loss. Was he invisible? Did his words mean nothing?\n\"The rest of you—report to the dean's office now,\" he ordered sharply.\nThe taunters froze, stunned.\n\"Mr. Pierce, my sister only finished kindergarten! You must have made a mistake. If she applied here, it's for a janitor's job,\" Jasmine insisted.\n\"I have all your information. Dean's office—now,\" Ethan snapped, growing impatient.\nTurning to Stella, his tone softened. \"Miss Shaw, let me take you to the president's office.\"\n\"Thank you,\" Stella replied.\nShe shot Jasmine a cool glance. \"Jasmine, have your parents come to school.\"\nJasmine was left speechless.\nStella smiled and walked away.\nAs everyone bombarded Jasmine with questions, she lied, \"Mr. Pierce is either mistaken or he's sleeping with her. Stella only went to kindergarten—that's a fact.\"\nThe crowd breathed a sigh of relief.\nJasmine frowned, confused.\nWhy <\/i>did<\/i> Stella change her last name to <\/i>Shaw<\/i>? D<\/i>oes<\/i> she have delusions of being related to the <\/i>Shaw<\/i> family—one of Azure Peak City<\/i>'<\/i>s four most powerful clans—so Silas w<\/i>ill<\/i> notice her? How stupid c<\/i>an<\/i> she be?<\/i>\n—\nIn the president's office, Julian paced nervously, fearing Stella would back out. He exhaled in relief when he saw her.\n\"Stella! You're here!\"\n\"Mr. Voss,\" Stella greeted respectfully.\nEthan quickly recounted what had happened.\n\"What?\" Julian fumed. He immediately knew who was behind it. Those troublemakers were going to ruin his university's reputation.\n\"Stella, how do you want to handle this?\"\n\"Just a warning is enough,\" she said. As for Jasmine—she'd deal with her later.\n\"Don't worry. I won't let you be wronged,\" Julian promised, terrified she'd quit.\n\"Stella, I prepared an office for you. Let's go see it.\"\nThe office was right next to his—spacious and well-furnished. Stella stared at the nameplate: Professor Stella Shaw.\n\"Mr. Voss, we agreed on assistant professor,\" she reminded him.\n\"You deserve more than that,\" Julian argued.\nStella shook her head, staring at him firmly.\n\"Whatever you say,\" Julian conceded, reading her expression. He didn't want her to back out.\n\"Starting today, you're an assistant professor in the Mathematics Department. Don't worry. You won't have many classes. It won't interfere with your other matters.\"\n\"Thank you,\" Stella said.\nAfter finishing the paperwork, she left immediately.\nSilas was walking out of his advisor's office when a figure in the distance caught his eye. He stopped in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat—even just her side profile and back made him feel something unfamiliar.\nHe couldn't help but run toward her.\n\"Silas!\" Jasmine's voice made him halt.\n\"Silas, what are you chasing?\" she asked.\n\"Nothing,\" he replied, turning to her with a gentle smile. He brushed her furrowed brows smooth. \"What's wrong, my princess? Who upset you?\"\n\"It's Stella,\" Jasmine pouted.\nSilas' brows darkened. \"Stella Harlow.\n\"She refuses to end the engagement. She even followed me to Azure Peak!\"\n\"She's nothing but a loser. Does she really think I'll marry her if she won't back down? Dream on,\" Silas scoffed.\nJasmine smiled, relieved.\n\"Where is she?\"\n\"She came for a job interview—said she's applying to be a teacher. With her education, she'd be lucky to get a job as a janitor or cafeteria worker,\" Jasmine lied.\nSilas sneered.\nShe<\/i>'<\/i>s really pulling out all the stops to get close to <\/i>me<\/i>.<\/i>\n\"Silas, she even changed her last name,\" Jasmine added.\n\"What's she up to now?\"\n\"She goes by Stella Shaw now. I guess she thinks Harlow is beneath her.\"\n\"Shaw?\" Silas laughed coldly. \"She thinks changing her last name makes her part of the Shaw family?\"\nHis dislike for Stella grew stronger.\nWhy on earth would<\/i> G<\/i>rand<\/i>pa<\/i> force <\/i>me<\/i> to marry such an ugly, uneducated former nun? Luna saved <\/i>my<\/i> life—<\/i>we<\/i> should have just paid her back with money, not a marriage.<\/i>\n\"Silas, she even told me to call my parents to school. She said I was causing trouble,\" Jasmine complained.\n\"Ignore her,\" Silas said dismissively.\nJasmine had no intention of obeying.\nCall <\/i>my<\/i> parents? Stella must have lost her mind. But what if <\/i>I<\/i> spread rumors about Stella and Ethan having an affair? W<\/i>ill<\/i> that be enough to end the engagement?<\/i>\n—\nStella arrived at her apartment in Imperial Crest Towers—a luxury penthouse with a private elevator.\nShe'd just walked in when her phone rang. It was Tess.\n\"Boss, we found something,\" Tess said urgently.\n\"Spit it out.\"\n\"There's no record of your mother, Luna Harlow, at the orphanage. The old files were fake. Someone planted them.\"\nTess sounded guilty. She couldn't believe she'd missed such a basic detail.\n\"Boss, your mom was also undocumented. There's definitely something fishy going on.\"\nStella frowned. \"What about Derek's files?\"\n\"Derek's real name is Doggy Harlow. It's ridiculous. Who names their kid that? I'm still digging for more details.\"\n\"Thank you for your hard work,\" Stella said.\nAfter hanging up, her brows furrowed deeply. The orphanage files were fake. Her mom wasn't an orphan—she was undocumented too. She was undocumented, and Derek had never bothered to register her. What was he hiding? Why had he changed his name? Doggy Harlow? How uneducated must his parents have been? How isolated was his hometown?\nWait a minute.<\/i>\nA horrifying thought hit her.\nTrafficking<\/i>?<\/i><\/font><\/p>

Chapter 5 Live Stream Breakup: The Internet Explodes<\/b><\/font><\/p>

Stella's chest ached as she recalled the day her mother died. When Mom told <\/i>me<\/i> to run—<\/i>did<\/i> she mean escape the crime scene<\/i>...<\/i> or escape Derek Harlow?<\/i>\nDerek was 18 years older than her mom. They'd never married. Both mother and daughter were undocumented. Doubts gnawed at Stella like never before.\nThe horrific wounds on Mom<\/i>'<\/i>s body—<\/i>did<\/i> they really come from kidnappers?<\/i>\nNo.<\/i>\nStella closed her eyes, forcing herself to relive the memory she'd buried for years. That day had traumatized her, leaving her autistic and withdrawn. Now she realized: some of her mom's injuries hadn't been fresh.\nKidnappers<\/i>...<\/i> or Derek?<\/i>\nWhy <\/i>did<\/i> Mom only t<\/i>ell<\/i> me<\/i> she was a <\/i>Shaw<\/i> with her last breath? <\/i>Did<\/i> she finally remember her real identity?<\/i>\nStella opened her eyes, cold fury in her gaze.\nAmnesia?<\/i>\nDamn it.<\/i>\nShe'd avoided confronting the past for years. Small inconsistencies had nagged at her—but she'd never imagined this.\nRing...\nHer phone jolted her from her thoughts.\n\"Boss, someone's digging into your background,\" Tess said.\n\"Who?\"\n\"Gideon Stark, Chief of Staff to the CEO of Cross Group.\"\nStella narrowed her eyes. \"Cross Group?\"\nEveryone in Azure Peak City knew Cross Group—one of the most powerful corporations in the country. Why were they after her?\n\"Boss, should we stop them?\"\nStella thought of the man she'd saved in the woods. Could it be him? She had no interest in dealing with strangers.\n\"Yes.\"\n\"Got it.\" Tess hesitated, then added, \"Boss, the online hate's getting worse. People are saying you're pretending to be an Azure Peak professor to chase Silas—when really you applied for a janitor job.\"\nStella rolled her eyes.\nJasmine <\/i>i<\/i>s delusional.<\/i>\n\"Don't waste energy getting mad over this.\"\n\"Boss, when are we gonna expose their lies? I'm dying to shut them up! I can't focus on work with all these rumors.\"\nStella laughed. \"I'll give you a raise.\"\n\"That helps... a little,\" Tess conceded. \"Boss, Derek's gone to Haven's Rest Convent looking for you. He's losing his mind now that he can't find you.\"\n\"Panicking, is he?\"\n\"He'll probably ambush you at Azure Peak University tomorrow.\"\n\"Hmm.\"\nTess knew Stella had everything under control.\nStella opened her laptop, jotting down her suspicions and piecing together the clues.\n—\nThe next day, Azure Peak University.\nJasmine was surrounded by angry students.\n\"Jasmine, you said Stella Harlow only finished kindergarten!\"\n\"You claimed she applied to be a janitor—so why did we all get disciplined by the dean's office yesterday?\"\n\"You tricked us into cyberbullying Miss Shaw! What's your game?\"\nJasmine stumbled over her words, overwhelmed.\nWho d<\/i>oes<\/i> Stella think she <\/i>i<\/i>s? Ethan<\/i> must be blind!<\/i>\n\"Jasmine, you owe us an explanation!\"\nThe Harlows were just new money—Jasmine only got attention for dating Silas.\n\"It's impossible! My sister really only went to kindergarten! She never even finished elementary school—she lived in a convent her whole life! How could she be a professor here? Unless... unless she's sleeping with Mr. Pierce...\"\nJasmine clapped a hand over her mouth, feigning shock. \"No way! I could forgive her for chasing Silas—but destroying Mr. Pierce's marriage?\"\nThe students hesitated, but they weren't falling for her lies this time.\nJasmine's loyal followers, desperate to please her, began smearing Stella as a homewrecker anyway.\nIn half a day, Stella's reputation was in tatters. Jasmine's fans bombarded the internet with hate, attacking a woman they'd never even met.\nMeanwhile, Stella sat in a private room at a cafe in Azure Peak City, facing Arthur.\n\"Stella, what brings you here today?\" Arthur asked, surprised. The girl raised in a convent <\/i>i<\/i>s stunning—poised and elegant, despite her lack of formal education. She d<\/i>oes<\/i>n<\/i>'<\/i>t seem like a common nun at all.<\/i>\nBut the Thornes would never accept an uneducated former nun as Silas' wife. Ending the engagement would make them look ungrateful—but he'd find a way to handle it. He'd never expected her to come to him first.\n\"Mr. Thorne, the Thornes are ungrateful,\" Stella said bluntly.\nArthur's expression stiffened. \"Ungrateful? How so?\"\nThe Thornes hadn't ended the engagement—yet.\n\"My mother saved Silas from kidnappers who threw him in the river. You haven't forgotten that, have you?\"\n\"I remember,\" Arthur replied coldly.\n\"You promised my mother you'd take care of me. You wrote a marriage contract, binding me to Silas. Does that promise still stand?\"\nHer confidence caught Arthur off guard.\n\"So you want to honor the engagement?\"\n\"I just want to know: are the Thornes liars? Are you ungrateful?\"\n\"Of course not,\" Arthur said—though he'd already decided the engagement was a mistake. Silas was too powerful now to marry someone like Stella.\n\"Stella, you and Silas are too different. You're not suited for each other. I'll compensate you generously—we'll end the engagement.\"\nHe'd expected her to beg to marry into the Thorne family. Her boldness annoyed him.\nStella smiled—exactly what she'd wanted to hear. The old man was overconfident, thinking he held all the cards in his own territory.\n\"Silas broke his promise. He's shameless—dating Jasmine while still engaged to me. He's spread lies, calling me a homewrecker. The Thornes have done nothing to stop it. Is this how you repay the daughter of your savior?\"\nArthur narrowed his eyes. \"We will compensate you.\"\n\"Compensate me? Like the '100 tiles' you offered?\"\n\"What are you talking about?\"\n\"Jasmine's mother went to Haven's Rest Convent to pressure me into breaking the engagement. Her 'compensation'? Donating 100 clay tiles to the convent in my name. I didn't know Silas was so cheap.\"\nArthur's face turned crimson with rage.\n\"So you refuse to end the engagement?\" He still thought marrying a Thorne was her lifelong dream.\n\"I'm here to end it,\" Stella said flatly.\nArthur stared at her in disbelief.\n\"My mother risked her life to save Silas. You promised her a marriage contract to ensure my safety and security. Instead, I lost my mother at 5, was abandoned at 6. The Thornes watched and did nothing—not a single word of concern over the years. And now you break your promise.\n\"Silas and Jasmine have called me a homewrecker, using cyberbullying to force me to back down. Mr. Thorne, you don't have to resort to such tactics.\n\"Silas is shameless, dishonest, and malicious. He's cheating while engaged—no one with morals would want him.\n\"I brought the marriage contract today. I'm ending this engagement. Silas is dirty and immoral. I don't want him.\"\nEach word struck Arthur like a blow. His face turned ashen.\n\"What compensation do you want?\"\n\"Pay me whatever you think Silas' life is worth.\"\n\"I'll give you one million dollars.\"\nStella laughed coldly, sliding him a bank account number. \"Here's where to send it. Bring the breakup agreement.\"\nStella had invited police officers to witness the signing, ensuring everything was legal.\n\"Stella Shaw? Do you really think changing your last name will make you a noble?\" Arthur sneered as she stood to leave.\n\"I take my mother's last name. Is that a problem?\"\nStella walked out—just as the live stream of their meeting, which Tess had amplified in the final minutes, exploded across the internet.<\/font><\/p>

Chapter 6 Doubts About Her Parentage<\/b><\/font><\/p>

\"What the hell? Jasmine's the homewrecker?\"\n\"I've met Mr. Thorne—that's definitely him! The Thornes act like saints, but they're disgusting ingrates!\"\n\"Stella's mom should've saved a dog instead of Silas! The whole family's vile—ungrateful and cruel!\"\n\"Jasmine is shameless! She's been calling Stella a homewrecker online this whole time, but she's the real third wheel!\"\n\"This is bullying! Just because Stella didn't go to school doesn't mean you can slander her! Silas and Jasmine are a match made in hell—lock them up and leave everyone else alone!\"\n\"We only saw Stella's side profile, but she's gorgeous! Who's been lying about her being ugly?\"\n\"Stella's so tragic! Jasmine keeps calling her 'sister,' but the Harlows never even registered her legally. They starved her, kicked her out, and now they're bullying her online—disgusting!\"\n\"Even if the Thornes wanted to end the engagement, they shouldn't cyberbully their savior's daughter! Basic decency!\"\n\"Spreading lies and cyberbullying—isn't Azure Peak University going to do something? People like this will ruin society when they graduate @AzurePeakUniversity.\"\n\"Everyone, stop calling her Stella Harlow! The Harlows don't deserve that name!\"\nIn half a day, public opinion flipped completely.\nSilas and Jasmine were trending for hate—and the entire Thorne family was getting dragged too.\n\"Silas, how could this happen?\" Jasmine cried, confused.\nMr. Thorne <\/i>i<\/i>s always so careful—how ha<\/i>s<\/i> he messed up?<\/i>\nArthur had been overconfident. He'd thought a \"country girl\" with no experience couldn't fight back. He never imagined Stella would take him down in one blow.\nSilas' face was livid.\n\"Now everyone's calling me a homewrecker!\" Jasmine sobbed.\nSilas hugged her, comforting her. \"It's okay, Jasmine. We'll fix this.\"\n\"We need a plan,\" Jasmine insisted.\nSilas nodded in agreement.\nJasmine's eyes lit up. \"Mr. Pierce must have helped Stella! They're definitely having an affair!\"\n\"We have no proof,\" Silas said.\n\"Of course we do! I heard Stella got hired as an assistant professor at Azure Peak! How? With her kindergarten education? Mr. Pierce must have pulled strings. If we expose that, if we tell everyone she's illiterate, her reputation will crash. And she took a million dollars from Mr. Thorne! We'll say she's only in it for the money.\"\nJasmine was panicking. She'd never been hated like this before.\n\"Stella really only finished kindergarten?\" Silas found it hard to believe. Even if Azure Peak's standards were low, they'd never hire a kindergarten grad as an assistant professor.\nStella had no connections to pull strings. This didn't add up.\nThey wouldn't even hire a kindergarten grad as a personal assistant.\n\"She could barely afford to eat. She had to beg for meals at the convent,\" Jasmine lied.\n\"Mr. Harlow didn't give her any living expenses?\" Silas asked.\nJasmine froze. \"It's not that we refused—she wouldn't take it! Dad gave money to the nuns. And she's cursed—she 'killed' her mom and almost her dad. Anyone who gets close to her gets hurt. We had to keep her out of school and trapped at Haven's Rest to protect everyone.\"\nSilas still felt something was off.\n\"There they are!\" someone shouted.\n\"Cheaters! Liars! You're embarrassing Azure Peak University!\"\n\"You slandered Miss Shaw and got us disciplined. This is unforgivable!\"\nJasmine tried to defend herself, \"It's a setup! Stella scammed Mr. Thorne out of a million dollars!\"\n\"Do we look stupid?\" a student snapped.\n\"Stella's a saint! She's been through hell, and she didn't want any compensation. That bank account? It's a charity donation account. Netizens already exposed it!\"\n\"Stella only went to kindergarten! I'm not lying!\" Jasmine insisted.\nShe was certain of it. They'd worked so hard to destroy any chance Stella had of marrying into the Thorne family—they'd never let her get an education.\n\"We're not idiots! A kindergarten grad can't be an assistant professor! Jasmine, I'm reporting you for slandering Miss Shaw!\"\n\"You incited everyone to bully her—report her!\"\n\"Report her!\"\nJasmine was stunned. Why was everyone turning on her? She wasn't lying about Stella's education!\nSilas pulled her close, trying to push through the crowd. But the students kept closing in, leaving them humiliated and fleeing in defeat.\n—\nAt the Harlow Villa.\n\"Mom, what do we do?\" Jasmine cried, devastated.\nDerek was furious. He hadn't even gotten to see Stella—and now this mess had exploded.\nTaking her mother<\/i>'<\/i>s last name?<\/i>\nWas<\/i> Luna really a <\/i>Shaw<\/i>?<\/i>\nShe<\/i> regained her memory and tried to fight back—that<\/i>'<\/i>s why <\/i>I<\/i> lost control<\/i>...<\/i>\nI was<\/i> far away when she died. <\/i>I'm<\/i> sure she<\/i>'<\/i>d barely spoken before she passed. Stella couldn<\/i>'<\/i>t know the truth.<\/i>\nShe<\/i> didn't<\/i> even call the police when <\/i>I<\/i> dug up Luna<\/i>'<\/i>s grave. Maybe she still fear<\/i>s<\/i> my<\/i> authority as her <\/i>\"<\/i>father.<\/i>\"<\/i>\n\"Honey, do something!\" Ruby begged.\n\"Stella's working at Azure Peak University?\" Derek was shocked. He'd never imagined that.\n\"Dad, she must be sleeping with Ethan! Otherwise, how would they hire an illiterate as an assistant professor?\" Jasmine said.\n\"Tomorrow, we'll gather parents and protest at the university. We'll report her,\" Derek sneered.\nThis daughter of <\/i>mine<\/i> ha<\/i>s<\/i> caused too much trouble. She deserve<\/i>s<\/i> to pay.<\/i>\nBut she <\/i>i<\/i>s so beautiful—Marcus<\/i>'<\/i> 100 million <\/i>dollars i<\/i>sn<\/i>'<\/i>t enough. <\/i>I<\/i> c<\/i>an<\/i> get more.<\/i>\n—\n\"This is amazing, Boss!\" Tess cheered, scrolling through comments bashing Silas and Jasmine. \"I was so upset earlier, but you took them down in seconds!\"\n\"I wanted to catch them off guard,\" Stella smiled.\nThis scandal had exposed the Harlows' true colors. She had no ties to them anymore—no need to formally cut contact. They'd never been a family to begin with.\n\"They're rallying parents to protest at Azure Peak tomorrow,\" Tess said.\n\"They can't be that stupid. Do they really think a kindergarten grad could be an assistant professor at Azure Peak?\" Stella said.\nShe could handle a protest, but this reason was ridiculous.\n\"Other people might not be dumb, but Jasmine's brain is made of paper. If she wasn't a good dancer and her dad didn't donate a building to the university, she'd never even get into community college. I've never met anyone so illogical. Compared to you, Boss? She's dirt under your shoes. Guess the Harlow family's luck finally ran out.\"\nStella and Tess stared at each other—they'd both had the same thought.\n\"Boss... could you not be Derek's biological daughter?\" Tess blurted.\n\"Find an excuse to beat him up. I need a DNA sample for a paternity test,\" Stella said.\nTess gaped. \"I'd love to punch him, but if he's really your dad... isn't that wrong?\"\n\"That's why YOU'LL do it,\" Stella said.\nTess was speechless.\nStella frowned. She'd wondered about this before.\n\"Boss, you're definitely not his kid! No father would treat his daughter like this. And you're stunning—their whole family is ugly. Plus you're a genius, and Jasmine's braindead.\"\nStella didn't reply. If she wasn't Derek's daughter... where was her real father? What had happened to her mother?<\/font><\/p>

For more exciting content, please download the \"<\/font>JoyRead<\/font>\" app to continue reading.<\/font><\/b><\/font><\/p>"}},"ios_custom_link":"","android_custom_link":"","redirect_chapter_id":2035835,"redirect_chapter_idx":"1"}},"ip":"18.97.14.81","pixel_content_type":"product","pixel_content_ids":["app_ben.13784"],"is_composition_contest_novel":0},"timestamp":1781181748}