Chapter 19 By the time Stella finished her audition , she had been expecting a huge reaction- Instead , there were only a few scattered claps . [ ] Even those halfhearted claps quickly faded into awkward silence . The director's face was clearly less than pleased . ] Both Yvette and Royce glanced over . [ ] Yvette had only caught a glimpse of Stella's performance before coming here . A decisive , efficient female doctor - yet Stella had gone on with a full face of makeup , and even her white coat had been custom - tailored to fit her figure . [ ] Everything about her screamed at the camera : I'm beautiful . She didn't look like a doctor - more like an actress in some dress - up cosplay . The director frowned . " Too many unnecessary movements . And would a real doctor wear an altered uniform like that ? Do you think the audience is blind ? " Stella's cheeks flushed red under his words , but her eyes were filled with defiance . The assistant leaned in and whispered , " Director , Miss Summers is from the investors ' side … The Summers family and the Quinn family are both sponsors of this show … The director's face darkened slightly . The assistant offered Stella a polite smile . " Miss Summers , please take à break and wait for further notice . " ] Stella nodded . She knew the role would be hers , so she wasn't in any rush . ] But when she turned and saw Yvette and Royce standing together , her expression changed immediately and she hurried over. " Royce , what happened to your face ? " she asked in surprise . Royce's eyes went cold as he looked at Yvette Stella's eyes widened . " Are you insane ? " || Yvette only smiled . " Young Master Quinn tried to force himself on me . I just fought back . " || Royce's face went rigid . " What nonsense are you spouting ? r " ] ] Yvette raised her hand in mock grievance , her voice deliberately pitched higher . " Look - he grabbed my wrist so hard it's still red . Everyone around here saw it just now . " By now , the bystanders were starting to gather . [ ] Stella reacted like she'd heard the most absurd joke . " Force himself on you ? Stop dreaming . I know you like Royce , but using a stunt like this - don't you think it's disgusting ? " || Several people present also knew that the Summers heiress and the Quinn heir had been engaged for a year already , so the gossip had their full attention Just then , a man strode toward them . Stella looked up - and was momentarily dazed by his striking features and commanding presence . [ ] But he didn't even glance at her . || Instead , he walked straight up to Royce and punched him square in the face The blow sent Royce staggering back several steps before he finally lost his balance and d went down hard . The sudden turn of events drew gasps from the crowd . Yvette also turned to look at the newcomer . From the back alone - broad shoulders , narrow waist , and long legs - he was the picture of perfection , like a living statue . ] And he looked… oddly familiar . Stella blurted , " You … you're Lucas Reed … " ] She had once seen him from afar at an auction . News or photos of him were almost nonexistent online- But the rumors about him were plentiful . [ ] Royce was just getting to his feet , his expression dark with the intent to retaliate , when he saw Lucas Reed . The ferocity in his eyes instantly faded . " Mr. Reed ? " he said in surprise . [ ] Lucas calmly adjusted his sleeve , " I just personally witnessed Royce harassing this young lady , " he said evenly . " My sense of justice suddenly flared up . " ] Everyone " … Yvelle : " … " " I'm simply a man of great justice , " he added , slowly turning his head toward Yvette . His lips curled faintly , tinged with a hint of mischief . Those in the know couldn't help twitching at his words Did he believe that himself ? || This man was notorious as a ruthless figure in both the elite social circles and the business world . As for someone daring to beat up Royce - other than this man , probably no one else would have the guts . Well … maybe except this young lady .