Chapter 64
Chapter 64
After a bit of lighthearted banter, Stella’s expression grew serious. “I suspect the person behind Jessica might actually be Noreen.” She shared her thoughts with Jeremy, laying out all her suspicions.
But Jeremy shut it down right away. “No way. It’s not her, and she can’t even get into the jewelry exhibition.”
“Wait, are there rules about who can enter the exhibition?” she asked, puzzled.
“Exactly,” Jeremy nodded. “I didn’t mention it before, but this jewelry exhibition was always meant to be a high-end event. Unless you get an invitation, no matter how good your work is, you can’t get in.”
Some exhibitions allowed individuals to sign up. As long as they brought their design portfolio to the organizers and passed the review, they could participate.
“I checked the list, and Noreen’s name isn’t on it,” Jeremy continued. “This isn’t just any jewelry show. Even someone from the Lloyd family wouldn’t break the rules like that.”
There were only so many display cases at each event, and everything-the arrangement, the lighting, the combinations- was planned in advance. Even one extra would have thrown off the entire look.
“Then it’s not her?” Stella furrowed her brows.
Jeremy shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Just keep an eye on Jessica. Sooner or later, we’ll find out the truth.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Stella said with a nod.
The two continued eating, unaware that Jessica, seated at the far end of the cafeteria, was sneaking glances their way.
Realizing Stella wasn’t leaving anytime soon, Jessica barely touched her food before hurriedly getting up and heading toward the design department.
It was already late morning, and the crown design had to be finished by now. She was sick of all the lifting and moving-just wanted to get it over with.
“So all that running around, and you’re telling me you got nothing?” Noreen sounded positively arrogant.
Jessica could only force a bitter grin. “Noreen, how was I supposed to know she hadn’t even sketched anything all morning? I specifically waited until she went to lunch to steal her design drawing.”
“I don’t care about the process,” Noreen cut her off coldly. “Just give me results.”
The design competition was fast approaching, and not only did Stella refuse to help with the design drawing, but now she wanted to compete in the jewelry exhibition herself.
Noreen had no qualms about taking matters into her own hands. As for the consequences, that wasn’t her problem-Stella would deal with them.
After all, the Lloyd family had supported Stella for so many years, so it was only right that she paid a price before leaving.
“But,” Jessica felt like she was losing it. If Stella wouldn’t even sketch a design, there was no way to get her hands on it.
“No buts,” Noreen cut her off, her tone sharp. “If I don’t have that design by tomorrow, the Slater family…”
“Fine. I get it,” Jessica muttered, swallowing her frustration.
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“Good, Noreen said, satisfied, and hung up.
Jessica put her phone away and walked toward Stella with a look of determination in her eyes.
“What’s up?” Stella asked, turning her head toward Jessica.
Jessica’s friendly demeanor shifting into something darker. “Can we talk somewhere private?”
“Sure,” Stella replied, genuinely curious what Jessica wanted to say.
“So, you’re Noreen’s lackey, and she sent you here to steal my designs?” Stella asked bluntly.
In the café, Jessica laid everything out straightforwardly, her expression sincere enough that even Stella almost believed her.
But that was only if Jessica hadn’t conveniently skipped over the part about manipulating the public opinion.
Jessica wasn’t confessing out of guilt-she was cornered. She hoped to win Stella’s trust, pretend to be her ally in fighting Noreen, and then steal the design drawing.
By getting the design, she could protect the Slater family, deepen Noreen’s trust in her, and keep using Stella for her own benefit. It was the perfect loop.
“That’s right.” Jessica said, eyes gleaming with fake sincerity. “Stella, you’ve met her yourself. You know exactly what she’s capable of. If I don’t go along with her, my family…”
Right about now, Jessica should’ve been on the verge of tears-the next step in her playbook.
Stella was supposed to be moved by her act, offer comfort, and then Jessica would double down on the pity-party, rail against Noreen’s cruelty, and finally make Stella lower her guard. That way she could win her trust, just like she planned.
It was a clever scheme, but too bad Stella had already seen right through the game.
Several minutes passed. Jessica went from fake crying to genuinely sobbing, yet Stella didn’t budge an inch. She sat there, completely unmoved.
“Stella, don’t you want to forgive me?” Jessica asked, her tone desperate.
Jessica made a move, trying to get on Stella’s good side. Stella nodded, not dodging at all. “Honestly, this whole thing is hard for me. I’m the type that obsesses over stuff-I’m not great at letting things go.”
She’d tried to copy Sylvia’s style-dropping those vague, half-meaning comments whenever Ernest and Irene were around.
But she had to admit, with all her effort, she still couldn’t compete with Sylvia’s natural gift for playing both sides.
After just a couple lines, Stella lost patience herself. “Why don’t you start with actually showing you mean it? All this crying— just watching makes me tired.”
“Fine,” Jessica hesitated for a moment, gritted her teeth, and then slapped herself across the face with real force.
Stella found it oddly satisfying. Once she’d seen enough, she finally spoke up. “Alright, alright. I forgive you.”
“Thank you, Jessica mumbled, her cheek swollen, her words coming out garbled.
“Then can I have the design draft?” Jessica pressed. “If Noreen doesn’t get it, she’ll go after the Slater family. She’ll drop me, and without her trust, I can’t help you take her down.”
“No problem,” Stella replied with a casual nod and a smile.
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“Then I need the Crown design draft you’re submitting for the jewelry expo,” Jessica said.
“No problem,” Stella replied breezily.
“Stella, thank you so much. If it weren’t for you,” Jessica began, her voice trembling with gratitude, real or not.
“Alright, alright,” Stella waved her off. She had way too much to do to sit through Jessica’s act. “I’ll get you the design draft by tomorrow night.”
After all, designing a piece that seemed perfect but would disassemble under the right pressure wasn’t an easy task. Chapters first released on.net
But just imagining Noreen’s jewelry falling apart in front of all those judges and the crowd gave Stella an unexpected surge of energy. She couldn’t help but smile, her grin wicked.
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