chapter818

"We really ought to thank him properly sometime if we get the chance."

Stella nodded. "Yeah, I will."

After ending the call, Stella hesitated for a moment before dialing Foreman's number.

She had already received his package-it would be rude not to thank him.

The phone barely rang twice before someone picked up.

"Star."

Stella's voice was gentle. "Foreman, I got the evidence you sent me."

Foreman's hand paused over his mouse. "Evidence?"

"The proof that Rachel set me up-and that she's been faking her illness."

Foreman, I can't thank you enough. Without this evidence, it would be nearly impossible to bring Rachel down for good. At best, she'd only get a slap on the wrist.

With her so-called terminal illness as a shield, no matter what she does wrong, Haynes and her fans always rush to defend her."

Stella took a deep breath. "You must have gone through a lot of trouble to find proof she was faking. Foreman, you've done me such a huge favor-I truly don't know how to repay you."

Foreman stared at his computer screen, nearly clicking "send" by accident.

He'd just finished compiling the evidence he'd dug up for Stella-but he hadn't sent it yet.

Most of what he'd found were photos of Haynes and Rachel together, acting inappropriately close, and snapshots of Haynes sneaking into Rachel's place late at night. Sure, nothing had technically happened between them, but Stella didn't know that and neither did the public.

He wanted to make sure there'd be no turning back for Haynes and Rachel.

He'd helped Stella plenty, but he had never found any proof that Rachel was actually faking her illness. It wasn't for lack of trying-he'd come up empty-handed every time.

Foreman suspected Rachel had someone covering for her. Otherwise, she couldn't have kept things so squeaky clean.

At first, he'd wondered if Jasper was involved, but Jasper couldn't keep a secret to save his life, and he wasn't exactly the brightest. If Jasper were really helping Rachel, she would've slipped up ages ago.

But whoever it was, Foreman hadn't been able to track them down, despite all his efforts.

And now, out of nowhere, Stella had received an anonymous package of evidence...

Who had sent it to her?

Lost in thought, Foreman finally

replied, "Star, you don't need to thank me. This is what I should be doing. The sooner Haynes and Jasper see Rachel for who she really is, the better for everyone."

He could say it was for Haynes and Jasper's sake, but he couldn't admit he was doing it for Stella.

He knew Stella wasn't ready to accept his feelings-not yet.

Stella's gratitude was sincere.

"Foreman, if you ever need anything from me, just ask. If there's anything. I can do, I'll do it-no questions asked. After this, I owe you big time."

Money can be repaid, but a debt like this isn't so easily settled.

The laptop screen reflected the faint joy on Foreman's face.

With a favor like this in the bank, winning Stella's heart might just be within reach.

Suppressing the rush of hope swelling inside, Foreman's tone was gentle. "Star, we're friends. Helping you is the least I can do-so please, don't mention it again."

Stella didn't argue. "Alright. I'm going to release the evidence about Rachel pretending to be sick. I'll talk to you later. If you need me, just call."

Foreman's voice was warm, almost tender. "Of course. Take care."

After she hung up, Foreman pulled open a drawer, took out a photograph, and pressed a lingering kiss to it.