Chapter 77 I Love You, A Passionate Confession

Chapter 77: Chapter 77: I Love You, A Passionate Confession

Stella Sutton was overjoyed. Her gaze grew as sweet as honey. She hadn’t expected Julian Sterling to agree so readily.

It was a pity they couldn’t appear as guests together during the last live stream. But this was a documentary. Without the rigid flow and specific topics of a live broadcast, they could improvise freely. The effect would be completely different...

This thought made her heart flutter with even greater excitement. She had thought Sophie Winslow would be a stumbling block. In the end, the woman posed absolutely no threat; she was laughably worthless. Wasn’t Julian’s attitude a public declaration that she was the only woman he acknowledged and approved of? If he hadn’t already envisioned their future together, why would he be willing to leave behind footage exclusively dedicated to them?

Finn Lockwood was also surprised. He had actually just been joking. This was a public documentary, after all.

It was obvious. Julian had long since planned to include Stella in his life. Setting aside the fact that she was his grandfather’s savior, Finn realized he would have to take Stella much more seriously now.

The documentary shoot was about to begin. The filming locations were divided into three main areas: Helios Research Center, Longview Labs, and the Calyx Clinical Trials Division. Camera positions had to be determined before official filming commenced.

By the time Sophie arrived, Ivy Hawthorne was already directing the crew to set up the cameras.

"Since the theme is Eastern and Western medicine, should we ask Mr. Caldwell to come over and make an appearance?" Ivy asked. She figured that with Hector Caldwell backing Sophie, even just appearing alongside her to conduct research in the documentary would inevitably make a splash and boost Sophie’s reputation in the industry.

Mr. Caldwell was a legendary physician of traditional medicine, protected by top government officials. He was the most unquestionable endorsement she could get.

Sophie rubbed the goosebumps on her arms. "The old man has been retired for ages. He doesn’t like showing his face in public. Besides, he’s busy taking care of Lydia every day now. He wouldn’t want to bother with me." He was utterly obsessed with Lydia—there was no cure for it.

"Just ask him. Try to fight for it."

Sophie poked Ivy away. It was blatantly obvious that her friend just wanted to freeload off the old man’s fame. "Then you go beg Peter. Let him talk to Caldwell. I don’t want to get scolded."

She was completely consumed by the fear of being dominated by her mentor. Even though Caldwell was more like a biological grandfather to her, those years spent studying traditional medicine under him had been grueling. She endured slaps on the wrist, scoldings, and being used as an acupuncture dummy. She had to concoct prescriptions daily, and whether they were good or bad, she had to taste them herself. Between writing papers and taking pharmacology exams, if they really appeared on screen together, her workload would inevitably skyrocket. She’d have to juggle her own research while completing whatever assignments Caldwell tossed her way.

She wasn’t a masochist!

However, she really was heading to Mr. Caldwell’s house for dinner tonight; Lydia had been whining about missing her. With Phase I of the animal trials proceeding smoothly, she could afford to take a proper break.

Sophie arrived at a little past six in the evening, right at the same time as Peter Preston.

Peter shrugged. "Entrusted by a friend, here specifically to get yelled at."

Sophie laughed. Ivy had actually managed to boss Peter into coming.

However, just as they were about to enter, Sophie noticed a black sedan parked near the courtyard’s side gate. The interior lights were on, and silhouettes shifted inside, though she couldn’t see clearly. She couldn’t make out the license plate, but it definitely wasn’t Caldwell’s car. She felt a brief flash of suspicion but didn’t dwell on it as they walked inside together.

As soon as she stepped in, she heard a familiar voice. "The documentary will be filmed in three installments. I sincerely invite you to make an appearance, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I would like to ask you to serve as a special guest mentor for my team."

Sophie’s footsteps faltered as she looked into the living room. Julian Sterling and Stella Sutton had already arrived.

Hearing the noise at the entrance, the two of them glanced over. When Stella saw Sophie walking in with Peter, a flash of displeasure crossed her face. For Sophie to visit Mr. Caldwell at this time, she must be relying on Peter’s connections to compete with her for this opportunity.

Julian also cast a leisurely glance at Sophie, his gaze pausing as he noticed her downright stiff expression. He narrowed his eyes.

Sophie, however, didn’t notice Julian’s expression. Her eyes subconsciously darted toward the staircase leading to the second floor. She wondered if Lydia was at home at this hour or out playing. The terrifying feeling that her secret was just one step away from being exposed made it incredibly difficult for her to maintain her composure. She had never in a million years expected Julian to bring Stella here for a visit!

"Mr. Sterling? It must have taken some effort for you to secure a visit to Mr. Caldwell’s house," Peter said. Understanding Sophie’s panic, he inconspicuously stepped in front of her, giving her time to collect her emotions.

Peter’s words were true. Hector Caldwell’s residence was located in the same villa district as many high-ranking government officials in the country. Without a special pass, it was impossible to get in.

The corners of Julian’s lips curled up slightly. He hadn’t missed Peter’s protective movement in front of Sophie. He replied smoothly, "I had the fortune of knowing Director Coleman, who supports the traditional medicine policies. He was kind enough to make a special introduction."

Sophie clenched her fists. She knew Julian had extensive connections and immense power, but to use all of it just to pave the way for Stella... It was absolutely absurd!

Hector Caldwell was naturally feeling irritated as well. If Director Coleman hadn’t personally brought them to his door, he would have kicked them out long ago! Julian, who could once be considered half a grandson-in-law to him, had brought his mistress to his doorstep, asking him to elevate her status. Was this supposed to be asking for a favor? He would have thought it was an open provocation!

"There’s no need to consider it. I don’t do charity cases!" Hector slammed down his teacup, which was filled with kudzu root tea. His tone left absolutely no room for negotiation.

Stella’s face stiffened for a moment. A charity case? No matter what, she was a top scholar. Her resume sat at the absolute peak among the younger generation. How could Mr. Caldwell look down on her so much? Was there anyone with better talent than her? She certainly didn’t believe it.

"If you are willing, I can donate fifty million to the Yi’ankang Children’s Critical Illness Charity Foundation you established, to be used as aid for children with severe illnesses." Julian didn’t mind Hector’s harsh attitude, calmly throwing out his bargaining chip.

Even Sophie couldn’t help but let out a mocking sneer. Julian’s love was truly worth a fortune.

Hector’s expression grew exceedingly ugly. That was because he had originally established the Yi’ankang Foundation in Lydia’s name. Lydia had been in very poor health when she was little, and Sophie had nearly lost her life giving birth to her. Just two days after Lydia was born, she was issued a critical condition notice. With no one to rely on, Sophie had kept a desolate vigil outside the ICU, crying until she had no tears left to shed!

And where was Julian Sterling then? He had shown absolutely zero concern for his wife!

Coupled with the fact that the probability of children contracting severe illnesses in the country was rising, the foundation’s original intent was to build good karma for Lydia and to ensure the health of other children. Now, Lydia’s biological father was using it as a medium to express his affection for his mistress! It was an absolute insult to Lydia!

Hearing Julian’s stance, the displeasure Stella had felt from Hector’s mockery instantly vanished into thin air. She naturally reached out and rested her hand lightly on his arm, speaking with a touch of shyness, "In that case, I can also donate two million as a token of my appreciation. Julian and I strongly support charitable causes."

Combined, their donations totaled fifty-two million. A number that phonetically mimicked the phrase "I love you."

How could Sophie fail to understand this impassioned confession? They couldn’t even make a donation without showing off their romance. If she wasn’t the cuckolded wife in this situation, she really would have applauded such a deeply moving romance.

Peter also realized at this moment that these two were probably going to have the door slammed in their faces. They were practically dancing in the old man’s minefield.

Hector was also heavily active online and naturally understood Stella’s thinly veiled meaning. His face darkened. Just as he opened his mouth to curse them out, the agonizing wails of a crying child echoed from outside the courtyard.