Chapter 54
Chapter 54
Stella’s phone rang out. She glanced at the screen, silenced it, and slipped it back into her pocket.
Jeremy sitting across from her at the dining table, saw the whole thing. He asked, “Who was that? Why didn’t you pick up?”
It’s nothing Stella replied, not bothering to mention it was Irene calling. She was too exhausted, both physically and mentally, to deal with any more drama.
Jeremy nodded, dropping the subject. “It’s all settled for today. With those two pieces of jewelry, I’m sure anyone in the design team who doubted you will have nothing more to say
The two flawless jewelry pieces had silenced all the rumors about Stella.
“But until we find out who’s really behind the scenes, I’d advise you to stay cautious and watch the people around you,” Jeremy added.
Got it” Stella replied, then asked, “By the way, do you know Jessica Slater?”
Jessica Slater?” Jeremy raised his eyebrows, a bit surprised at the sudden mention. “I haven’t worked with her directly, but Ive heard a few things.
She’s well-liked in the department, gets along with almost everyone. The few who tried to bully her ended up quitting early because everyone else turned on them.”
Stella sneered. With Jessica’s personality, it was much more likely she was the one doing the bullying-and definitely not the
victim.
Jeremy caught her reaction and asked, “Stella, you know her? Got some bad blood between you two?”
Stella didn’t hide it and quickly told him about the situation Erica had shared, then said, “Jeremy, I’m pretty sure it’s Jessica who’s behind all the rumors and the new force you mentioned in the company.”
Jeremy didn’t doubt Stella, but he was taken aback, Jessica, the one everyone in the design department praised-he never expected she had a hidden side like that.
After a brief pause, Jeremy said, “Stella, don’t call her out just yet. Keep her close and pay attention. If anything blows up, you’ll be in a good position to deal with it.”
Stella grinned. “That’s exactly what I had in mind.”
“Smart move,” Jeremy replied, flashing a reassuring smile. “Anyway, leave it to me. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Alright,” Stella said.
Meanwhile, Ernest, who was sitting not far away, watched Stella and Jeremy talking and laughing. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. It was oddly painful to see them like that.
“Ernest, the private room’s ready, Irene and Sylvia are already there. Let’s go,” Michael said as he approached, noticing Ernest’s distracted look. Following his gaze, he raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin. “Isn’t that your wife?”
Spotting Jeremy at the same table, Michael snickered. “And look, she’s there with Jeremy, all smiles. Is she playing hard to
get?
Ernest didn’t say a word.
Michael glanced at him, puzzled. Ernest’s usually cool and reserved face suddenly looked a little dark, and his eyes were
hard to read. “Ernest?”
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Ernest didn’t explain. He just glanced at Stella and Jeremy one last time before walking away.
“Strange guy,” Michael muttered, following him.
“I already gave her a call-if she doesn’t pick up, how is that my fault?” Irene shot a look at Simon and said, “Uncle Simon, if you want my mom here so bad, go get her yourself.”
Just then, Ernest and Michael entered, catching the tail end of her words.
Michael glanced at Simon with surprise, “Seriously, Simon? We’re just hanging out with friends-why drag Stella into this? Don’t tell me you want her to kill the vibe.”
Then he snickered, turning to Ernest, “You too, man. I saw you totally zoning out staring at Stella earlier. If I didn’t know how much you dislike her, I’d almost think you were trying to get back together.”
Michael was just saying whatever came to mind, but Sylvia, sitting beside Irene, picked up on it right away, glancing up at Ernest as if testing his reaction.
“Ernest,” Sylvia said, casually probing, “Stella is still Irene’s mom. Since we ran into her, it’d seem rude not to say hi. Maybe have someone go invite her over?”
Before Ernest could answer, Michael chimed in loudly, “Come on, Sylvia. What’s up with you guys? You really want to kill the vibe by bringing her in here?”
“Alright, that’s enough out of you,” Simon said, cutting Michael off and turning to Ernest. “Honestly, Sylvia and I are thinking the same. Since we saw her, it’d be rude not to invite her.”
Honestly, Simon didn’t even know what was going on in his own head. Ever since Stella saved him, her image kept haunting him–she was always lingering in the back of his mind.
Every time the memory of that day crossed his mind, he couldn’t help but get pissed off at the way she acted-yet no matter how much she annoyed him, Simon just couldn’t get her out of his head. Chapters first released on (.)net
At first, he told himself it was just leftover gratitude-she was his lifesaver. So it was normal to keep thinking about how he ought to pay her back. He figured the feeling would fade in a couple of days.
That was actually why, on the day Erica dragged Stella to catch Ernest in the act, Simon stayed away, just lurking off to the side at the party.
Because anytime Simon saw her in person, his heart would start pounding for reasons he couldn’t explain. It was a weird, unfamiliar mess of emotions, and it left him completely at a loss.
But today, when he saw Stella again-especially catching her talking with another guy-those bottled-up feelings exploded all at once, impossible to hold back anymore.
So, Simon tried to play it cool, pretending it was just a casual idea to have Irene call Stella. But Stella didn’t pick up-and that was how he ended up in this situation now, debating if they should go get her.
When Simon and Sylvia mentioned it, Ernest’s expression barely changed. He just said coolly, “It’s up to you.”
Before anyone could respond, Irene let out a dramatic sigh, sounding super reluctant. “But I really don’t want Mom to
come.”
If her mom joined them, Irene was sure it would kill the vibe-plus, she didn’t want Sylvia feeling upset about it.
“Irene, she’s your mom,” Simon said, hiding his smile as he ruffled her hair. He got up and went to get Stella himself.
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Sylvia chimed in, “Come on, Irene. We saw your mom-how can you just pretend she’s not there?”
“But she always kills the mood,” Irene complained, pouting. Stella always told Irene what she couldn’t do, while Sylvia let her do whatever she wanted.
“Don’t worry,” Sylvia cooed softly, soothing her. “We’ll have fun late. After tonight, I’ll take you out wherever you want.”
“Really?” Irene’s eyes sparkled, lighting up with excitement.
Sylvia gave her a reassuring nod and a warm smile. “I promise. When have I ever let you down?”
“Ms. Jansen, you’re the best,” Irene flung her arms around Sylvia, then added playfully, “Alright-if you’ll take me out later, I’ll let Mom have tonight.”
“Look at you, Irene-such a sweetheart,” Sylvia chuckled, hugging her back.
Watching them, Michael teased, “Irene, since you love Ms. Jansen so much, maybe your dad should marry her and make her your real mom.”
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