Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

"They didn't know each other well, but they had some interactions in their early years. Romina, now Mrs. Clint, was an illustrator before she got married. She had an older brother who was somewhat famous in the calligraphy and painting circles back then. His name was Alijah, and he was Darcie's ex-husband. Mrs. Clint and Darcie's ex-husband knew each other, so she might know something about Darcie's past." "Alijah..." Stella repeated the name and then asked, "Jaylene is her ex-husband's child, right? Hasn't her ex-husband's family ever taken care of him?"

Wendy replied, "Even if someone wanted to take care of him, they'd need someone capable to do it. I heard her ex-husband drowned not long after they got married. His parents died early, leaving behind a younger brother and sister. The brother wasn't very bright, and after his brother died, he ran away and never came back. The sister got married, but I only know bits and pieces. You should ask Mrs. Clint for the full story." Stella said, "I didn't expect her ex-husband to be an artist."

Wendy sipped her tea and said, "Artists usually have money. Who would send their kids to study art if they didn't? Maybe Darcie was drawn to his talent? Don't be ridiculous."

If he was wealthy, why did Darcie invest so little in Caline? And why did she serve Mrs. Saun for so many years? Maybe she was attracted to his talent and looks?

But Darcie wasn't like Jaylene. Everything she did had a purpose. While all clues point to Darcie, there's no direct evidence. Darcie is careful and hasn't revealed herself openly. The identity of her accomplice is still a mystery.

Whoever helped Darcie with such serious crimes must be someone she trusts and shares a common goal with.

What was Darcie's goal?

Was it to become Mrs. Saun or control Caline?

Maybe, but there's more to it.

It likely involves securing Jaylene's future.

If that's the case, this person must be close to Jaylene, possibly even related by blood.

Darcie's parents died a long time ago, and she has only one sister, who is married and lives far away. They aren't close. There are some distant cousins who get along with her, but that's it. Would someone take such a big risk for a distant relative? What if this person is from Darcie's ex-husband's family?

Stella's thoughts suddenly became clear.

If this person shares Darcie's goals and wants Jaylene to replace her and become part of the Saun family, then it's likely someone from Jaylene's biological father's side.

Could it be her missing uncle?

Wendy's voice interrupted Stella's thoughts. "You're almost pregnant, and you're still not planning the wedding?"

Stella snapped back to reality and smiled, teasing, "Why, are you so eager to earn my money when business is already good?"

Wendy replied, "We're friends; I wouldn't make money off you. I can even give you the venue for free if you like it here. I've noticed you're getting bigger this month, and it's getting hard to hide. Before Keegan lost his memory, people thought the marriage between the Saun and Kane families was a failure, but now that you're pregnant, things have changed. Even if you don't get married, having a child ties the Saun family to Keegan. He's competing with Chandler for power, and they might target you to weaken the Saun family. It's better to be open about it. If they have bad intentions, it'll be harder for them to act openly."

Stella asked carefully, "Mrs. Musk, have you heard something?"

Wendy said, "Recently, Cyrene has been mingling with the wives' circle, trying to find a match for her son. She's targeting daughters from aristocratic families. But Chandler has a bad reputation, and everyone knows he's a loser. Plus, with a cousin like Keegan to compete with, anyone who marries him will likely just end up as a minor branch of the Kane family. Without strong allies, Chandler will eventually lose power. He's been in Rivera for over 30 years. Do you think he's willing to hand it over to someone else? If it were me, I wouldn't make strong friends and wouldn't let others use allies to push me out."

The child is at the center of everything. Losing the child under Keegan's watch has strained the alliance, perhaps even turning them into enemies.

Stella pressed her lips together. Even without the Saun family's support, Keegan might not lose this power struggle. However, Wendy's warning made sense. The other side might act out of desperation. Rivera is valuable, and Chandler might not give it up easily. He could resort to kidnapping.

Stella took Wendy's advice to heart, discussed some details about the engagement party, and then left.

After getting in the car, she called Mrs. Clint to see if she was free. Recently, Caline had released some new products, and Stella wanted her to try them out.

Mrs. Clint had enjoyed working with Stella lately. Although Stella was young, she was just as thoughtful as Darcie. They got along well, so Mrs. Clint accepted her invitation.

Mrs. Clint came the next day. As Stella was greeting her, Darcie happened to be passing by.

Darcie seemed to have forgotten their past disagreements and warmly greeted Mrs. Clint. Knowing she was there to try out the new products, Darcie even arranged for Aubrey to assist.

"Mrs. Clint, if you have any feedback or suggestions, please share them with Aubrey. We'll make improvements promptly."

Mrs. Clint gave her a brief glance and replied lightly, "I'll tell Miss Jewell."

Darcie smiled as she watched Mrs. Clint get on the elevator.

Mrs. Clint tried out the new products

one by one and had a pleasant experience. The new line wasom e

focused on fragrances, which Mrs. Clint liked. She gave a lot of feedback, and Stella made sure her team took note of everything.

When Aubrey went to fetch the trial package gift box, Stella asked, "Mrs. Clint, do you have time later? I'd like to treat you to a meal.”

Mrs. Clint sipped her tea and replied casually, "If it's just a meal, that's fine."

Her response left Stella at a loss.

Wendy had mentioned that Mrs. Clint

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co-ran the company with her husband and had a sharp mind.

Stella realized it was better to be direct with her.

She set aside her prepared excuses and spoke frankly, "I wanted to ask you about something."

Mrs. Clint lowered her eyes and continued sipping her tea, her tone still indifferent, "What is it?"

Stella leaned in and whispered, "A painter named Alijah."

Mrs. Clint paused, her hand still as she stirred her tea, then looked up at Stella.