The Returned Heiress Who Never Fit In

Shattered Relationships + No Turning Back + The Family's Breakdown + The Underground Boss's Love and Protection

Chapter 1 She Plays Dirty, I Pay the Price!

The day Stella Dawson was born, the family maid threw her away—just so her own daughter, born on the same day, could have a better life.

Eighteen years later, her family finally found her. But instead of guilt and compensation, what awaited her was something else entirely.

"You're gorgeous!"

Stella stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a wedding gown. The fitted bodice hugged her slender waist, and the voluminous skirt made her look like a fairytale princess.

Even without makeup, her delicate features were striking.

The boutique manager helping her adjust the gown couldn't help but praise her.

"Mr. Keene didn't come with you? Men and women have different tastes when it comes to these things."

Stella smiled politely. "He's busy with work. Couldn't get away."

As soon as she finished speaking, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID before picking up. "Tess?"

"Stella, I just saw Lillian with Ethan!"

Stella's expression froze.

The satisfaction on her face disappeared bit by bit, buried under the weight of Tessa Miller's words. Her gaze turned cold.

Ethan Keene was her fiancé. Their wedding was in a week.

And just hearing Lillian Reed's name made a flicker of disgust cross her eyes. Lillian—the maid's daughter. The girl who stole her parents at birth and now had the nerve to come after her fiancé.

Stella shot a look at the boutique manager, who instantly understood and nodded.

With a simple hand gesture from the manager, the other employees quickly left the room.

Once they were gone, Stella glanced at her manicured nails and asked casually, "Where'd you see them?"

Tessa hesitated. "The hospital. OB-GYN department."

Stella raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Well, that's an interesting place."

A man and a woman showing up together in the OB-GYN department—what could they possibly be there for?

Tessa scoffed. "Lillian's nothing but a two-faced manipulator, and Ethan's a bastard. You should call off the wedding!"

Stella hadn't even gotten angry yet, but Tessa was already fuming.

She took a slow sip of water from the glass in front of her and smirked. Every time she pulls one of her stunts, I'm the one who pays for it. What are you mad about?

Two years ago, Lillian had left the country of her own accord, claiming that since the real daughter of the Reed family was back, she had no right to stay. And yet here she was again—cozying up to Ethan.

Had Stella been too kind these past two years? Or just too forgiving?

Tessa huffed. "She came back right before your wedding. What do you think that means? She's up to no good."

Stella's gaze darkened. "I'll call you later."

Tessa sounded alarmed. "What are you gonna do?"

Stella smiled. "If someone's selling a lie, how could I not buy into it?"

With that, she ended the call.

She turned to the mirror, looking at herself in the pristine white gown.

Her fingers trailed over the bodice.

With a sharp rip, the fabric tore apart in her hands. She tossed the shredded dress to the floor.

The boutique employees watching from a distance gasped in shock, but seeing Stella's expression, none of them dared to say a word.

Just as she finished changing into her own clothes, her phone buzzed again.

She glanced at the screen.

Ethan.

The moment she picked up, his cold voice came through. "Once you're done trying on the dress, come to the office."

Two years.

For two years, Ethan had been nothing but gentle and considerate toward her.

And now? This change in attitude... was it because Lillian was back?

A mocking smile flitted across Stella's lips. She didn't even bother replying—just hung up.

Half an hour later, Stella stepped into Ethan's office.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, talking on the phone.

Bathed in sunlight, his features were sharp yet refined. His side profile alone was enough to make anyone stop and stare.

God had favored him, gifting him a face that was unmatched in all of Rivermont.

The moment he noticed Stella, he hurriedly said into the phone, "Eat lunch by yourself. I'm hanging up."

He walked over to the couch and sat down.

The warmth in his voice from the call was gone. His expression turned cold as he looked at her. "Come here."

Stella met his icy gaze.

She walked over but didn't sit next to him like she used to. Instead, she took a seat across from him.

Ethan noticed the distance she put between them, and his expression grew even colder.

With a click, he flicked open a lighter. The sharp scent of gasoline filled the air.

Stella disliked the smell and waved a hand to clear it.

Ethan didn't seem to care. He lit a cigarette and took a drag. "Lillian's back."

A flicker of guilt flashed through his eyes, but it wasn't enough to stop him from saying what came next.

"Our wedding... needs to be postponed."

The moment Stella picked up Tessa's call, she'd already expected this.

"What do you mean?"

Lillian came back, so the wedding gets postponed?

Ethan exhaled a slow stream of smoke. "She's sick. It's serious."

As he spoke, he pulled out a document and handed it to her. "Bradford University's admission letter. You should go study abroad."

The way he said it—like it was a favor. Like it was an order.

Stella glanced at the envelope in his hand. She didn't take it. Instead, she let out a soft, mocking laugh.

"You want me to leave? To make room for her?"

Ethan's expression darkened. "Isn't this the school you've always wanted to go to? Now—"

"Ethan."

Before he could finish, Stella cut him off, her voice ice-cold.

She reached out, snatched the envelope from his hand, and tore it to shreds right in front of him.

The pieces fluttered to the floor like snowflakes. One stray scrap stuck to her palm. She flicked it straight at Ethan's face.

Whatever warmth was left in his eyes disappeared completely.

Stella didn't bother softening her tone. "No need to postpone the wedding. Just cancel it."

Why delay?

Canceling was much easier.

Chapter 2 A Disobedient Fiancé? Dump Him!

Ethan's face changed dramatically. He stared at Stella in disbelief. Her attitude caught him off guard.

Cancel the wedding? Was she… crazy?

His voice was unsteady. "She's sick. Once she recovers, she'll leave again. When that happens, I'll give you an even grander wedding."

"Is she sick, or is she pregnant?"

The moment the words left her mouth, the air went still.

Ethan's gaze darkened. "What do you know?"

Stella didn't answer. She simply said, "You and her, showing up at the hospital together. And not just anywhere—the OB-GYN department. And now you're here talking to me about a grander wedding. Don't you think that's a little ridiculous?"

Their wedding was only a week away. Yet he had been at the OB-GYN with Lillian. And now he was standing in front of her, talking about the scale of their ceremony?

Did he really think she wouldn't have the guts to throw him away?

Ethan's expression turned even uglier. "She's not pregnant. She's sick."

"Oh? And her being sick means you have to take her to the hospital? What exactly is your relationship with her now?"

The sharp question made Ethan's face darken further.

Stella had no interest in looking at his expression any longer. She turned and walked toward the office door.

As she walked, she spoke casually. "Since she's back, she might as well stay. After all, she still owes Rivermont quite a debt."

Two years of a steady relationship.

Lillian's return had torn a hole in it. And Stella? She wasn't the type to patch things up—she'd rip it apart completely.

A relationship was supposed to be a two-way street. Why should she be the only one putting in the effort?

Ethan's voice sank. "Don't make things difficult for her."

Stella let out a cold laugh, her hand already resting on the doorknob.

Ethan gritted his teeth. "Do you really think you can afford to cancel the wedding? Or do you believe the Reed family will take you back?"

The Reed family.

Stella's gaze grew even colder at the mention of them.

A family that didn't even know the meaning of loyalty.

She didn't care if they weren't an option for her.

The Reed family—her blood relatives—the same people who had raised Lillian.

Years ago, Lillian's birth mother had been the Reeds' maid. She and Stella's mother had been pregnant at the same time.

Because the maid's gambler husband was unreliable, she wanted her child to grow up wealthy. So, after giving birth in the hospital, she swapped the babies.

And this woman wasn't even the least bit guilty about it. After taking Stella away, she didn't raise her—she abandoned her.

Meanwhile, she continued working as the Reeds' maid, watching over her real daughter, Lillian, making sure she lived a good life.

It wasn't until three years ago, when Mrs. Reed was in a car accident, that they discovered Lillian wasn't actually her biological daughter.

The shocking truth came out, and the Reeds launched an all-out search for their real daughter.

They found Stella.

But despite all that effort, when it came down to it, they still favored Lillian—the daughter they had raised with their own hands.

Ethan wasn't wrong. Calling off the engagement meant she had nowhere to go. The Reed family had never truly welcomed her.

Ethan stepped forward and grabbed her slender wrist. "Once she gets better, I'll send her away again. Alright?"

He kept his voice low, as if he were coaxing her.

Stella looked at him, her gaze icy. Slowly, she pulled her hand free.

"You—" Ethan's face darkened even more.

Stella couldn't be bothered to say another word. She turned and walked out of the office.

The sharp click of her heels echoed down the hall, carrying the same cold arrogance as the woman herself.

Ethan, always the one being fawned over, felt his temples throb with anger.

He refused to believe Stella would actually cancel the wedding. After all, for the past two years, everyone had seen how much she cared about him.

With that thought, he didn't chase after her. Instead, he slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

The secretaries outside all heard the noise and exchanged looks.

Two years ago, when everything had exploded, everyone thought Stella was the one who had stolen Ethan from Lillian.

Now that Lillian was back, they were practically celebrating.

One employee whispered, "Miss Lillian is finally back. Stella deserves this."

"Exactly. Two years ago, she forced Miss Lillian to leave. What's stolen always has to be returned."

The moment the words left her mouth, the sound of heels clicking against the floor grew louder.

Stella walked straight toward them.

The two gossiping employees froze under her shadow, instantly falling silent.

She reached out, grasped one of their chins, and forced her to look up. The secretary was young and quite pretty.

But the second their eyes met, the woman was completely overwhelmed by the coldness in Stella's gaze.

"M-Miss Dawson..."

Stella narrowed her eyes. "Having fun gossiping about me?"

The secretary's face turned pale. "N-no, I..."

Pathetic.

Stella let go of her chin in disgust and swept her gaze across the entire department.

Everyone immediately lowered their heads, not even daring to breathe.

Chapter 3 Like a Wet Sandbag Hitting the Pavement

The moment Stella stepped out of the company, she saw Lillian getting out of a car.

Ethan's assistant, Jason Harrison, personally held the door open for her. Lillian handed him several shopping bags.

"Distribute these to the secretarial department." She carried herself like a proper lady of the house.

Jason took them respectfully. "Thank you, Miss Lillian."

Lillian gave him a soft nod, then turned—and her eyes met Stella's.

Stella narrowed her gaze.

Lillian froze for a split second, then walked over with a warm smile. "Stella."

Her voice was gentle, like that of an understanding older sister.

Back when the Reed family had found Stella, they told her that Lillian was older than her—by one hour.

This softness in Lillian's voice was for Jason's ears.

But the look in her eyes? Pure provocation.

She lowered her voice as she reached Stella. "You're his fiancée, yet he sent me here to find him. Tell me, where does that put you?"

Stella's expression turned cold. She let out a quiet laugh. "As long as I want, I can have any position I want in the Keene family. But you? Besides showing up at his office, can you go anywhere else in the Keene household?"

Lillian's face stiffened, and her gaze turned venomous. Obviously not. The Keene family elders would never allow it.

Her reaction made Stella quite satisfied.

Lillian glared at her. "Don't get too full of yourself. As long as I'm here, you'll never have that wedding."

Stella smiled, completely unbothered. "You do realize there's more than one man in this world, right? It's not like I have to marry him."

A man like Ethan—clinging to an unattainable love? No thanks. Might as well end it early.

Lillian's expression stiffened. "What do you mean?"

She stared at Stella in disbelief. Didn't she love Ethan? Two years ago, she had fought so hard—so what was with this nonchalant act now? Was she faking it?

Stella smirked. "What's not to understand? If I lose Ethan, I can find another man. But you? He's the only one willing to marry you, and yet he still won't give you a grand wedding."

Lillian already looked bad, but after hearing that, she was seething. The fake sweetness on her face shattered, and Stella couldn't be more pleased.

Did Lillian really think she could get away with this? It looked like she had forgotten how Stella had put her in her place a couple of years ago.

Stella was not interested in wasting more time with her. She turned to leave.

But of course, Lillian had to pull her usual tricks. She suddenly grabbed Stella's wrist. "Stella, I only came back for medical treatment. I never wanted to ruin your relationship with Ethan. Don't misunderstand me, okay?"

"Let go."

The moment Lillian touched her, disgust flashed across Stella's face. She only meant to pull her hand back, but somehow—

Smack!

Lillian went crashing to the ground.

The sound was awful, like a wet sandbag hitting the pavement. Just from the noise alone, anyone could tell it was a nasty fall.

Before Stella could even react—

A furious voice rang out from not far away. "Stella!"

Well, that explained the sudden dramatics. No wonder Lillian had gone all out with the theatrics—her biggest fan had just arrived.

Stella looked down at the pitifully sprawled-out Lillian, then glanced at the fountain near the building entrance.

A slow smile spread across her lips.

She stepped forward, grabbed a handful of Lillian's hair, and yanked.

Lillian let out a sharp scream. "Ah—!"

Splash!

Lillian's face was shoved into the freezing water. Her chest slammed against the edge of the fountain, pain shooting through her ribs. A suffocating pressure filled her lungs as the air was yanked from her body. She flailed wildly, struggling for breath.

Stella's face remained cold as she pressed down hard on the back of Lillian's head, not giving her even a sliver of air.

Lillian wanted to put on a show?

Then fine, let's make it real.

"Help! Ah—!"

The second Stella pulled her up, Lillian shrieked for help.

But it was only for a moment.

Because Stella shoved her straight back into the water.

She wouldn't kill her—but she'd make her wish she was dead.

Again and again, Lillian flailed helplessly.

Not far away, Ethan finally reached them, his voice thundering in anger. "Stella, are you insane?"

Lillian felt like her chest was going to explode. Her lungs screamed in pain as she thrashed desperately.

Ethan stormed forward, shoving Stella aside and pulling Lillian out of the fountain.

Lillian was completely drenched, shivering from head to toe. Ethan's eyes were full of concern. "Are you okay?"

Lillian's face was pale as she coughed uncontrollably, her lungs burning. "I... ugh..."

She looked up at Ethan with teary eyes, barely able to form a complete sentence.

Ethan's gaze turned ice-cold as he looked at Stella.

But Stella didn't hesitate.

She stepped forward and stomped down—hard—on Lillian's ankle.

Lillian screamed. "Ah—!"

Ethan was furious. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

She dared to attack Lillian right in front of him?

Angry, he shoved Stella back.

She barely stumbled, then stepped forward again and swung her purse—smashing it straight into Ethan's head.

His vision blurred for a second as rage flared in his eyes.

This woman…

Before he could react, Stella kicked Lillian's leg several more times.

Lillian could barely breathe, and now her legs were swelling up too.