Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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“Stella, why did it take you so long to pick up? Are you busy right now? Did I interrupt anything?” Sebastian asked. His voice wasn’t as strong as it used to be. It sounded frail.
Stella felt a pang in her chest and asked in a shaky voice, “Sebastian, how’s your health these days? Did the doctor check on you?”
Sebastian let out a sigh. “Well, getting old is tough. I’m definitely not what I used to be. The doctor says it’s nothing serious. It’s just…”
That pause made Stella’s heart skip a beat, a wave of worry flooding over her.
“I just miss you and Irene so much every day,” Sebastian continued. Read complete version only at
Stella froze, unable to find words for a moment. “Sebastian, you scared me. I seriously thought something bad had happened to you,” She protested, half annoyed and half relieved.
Sebastian chuckled. “Scared you, didn’t I? Well, what do you expect when none of you ever come to see me? I don’t know how many years I’ve got left, so I just want to make the most of my time with you while I can.”
Remembering that Stella wasn’t too fond of going back to Lloyd Manor, he quickly added, “Well, I almost forgot–you’re not at home now, and traveling all that way is a real hassle.
“How about this? Tonight, I’ll come over to your place at Regal Park Estates and see you guys there.”
Regal Park Estates felt like a prison to Stella, a place that had confined her for years. She would never have gone back if she had any choice, but hearing Sebastian’s strained wheezing over the line, she simply couldn’t
say no.
“Alright,” Stella bit her lip and replied, “I’ll let Ernest know so he can get back early.”
“No rush. Just seeing you is enough for me,” Sebastian said warmly.
After a few more words, they hung up, and Stella dialed Ernest’s number. She wasn’t sure he would pick up, but to her surprise, he answered after just two rings.
“What’s up?” Ernest asked.
Stella quickly filled him in, then added, “Try to get home early, and don’t forget to bring Irene.”
If Stella didn’t remind him, she’d bet anything that once Irene heard about it, she’d be pestering Ernest nonstop to go hang out at Sylvia’s place instead.
Sebastian, with his wrinkled smile and old–fashioned charm, just didn’t have the same appeal to kids as Sylvia did. But of course, when Sebastian was being generous, it was a different story.
“Got it,” Ernest replied.
17:20 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 79
Who was that?” Sylvia asked, glancing up from the couch.
Ernest replied with his usual cold indifference. “No one.”
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Sylvia’s eyes darkened a little, but she didn’t press. She knew it was Stella, but as long as Ernest wasn’t acknowledging it, she would pretend she didn’t know. “By the way, Harvey will be dropping by later,” Sylvia said, shifting the conversation.
Ernest didn’t even bother to look up, his voice still cool. “He’s coming for you?”
Yeah, Sylvia replied.
“Then you can handle it,” Ernest said, showing no interest.
“Got it.” Sylvia responded.
After that, Ernest went back to his work, ignoring her as she stood up to leave. Just before she walked out the door, Ernest spoke again, “If you need anything, you can move some money from the company account.”
Sylvia’s lips quirked in a faint smile, her response as calm as ever. “No need. The Jansen family’s got more than enough to cover this.”
Ernest didn’t reply, and Sylvia didn’t mind. She simply opened the door and walked out. The frosted glass door reflected the ambition burning in her eyes.
Money had never been her goal–what Sylvia truly craved was the kind of power that let her look down on everyone in Seabrook. She wasn’t going to be bought off with just a few bucks.
With a proud lift of her chin, Sylvia walked toward the conference room, her steps confident and bold.
The evening lingered, and although everyone had clocked off from work, the sky was still only dusky–not completely dark yet. The sky was a dusky shade of gray, and a chill breeze hinted at the rain that was coming.
“I’ll give you a ride home,” Jeremy offered, as he usually did.
Stella shook her head, “It’s okay, Jeremy. I’ll get home on my own tonight.”
“It looks like it’s going to rain soon,” Jeremy said, glancing out at the sky. He looked at her curiously. “I didn’t see your car in the lot earlier. How are you getting home?”
“I’ll just grab a cab,” Stella said casually, not wanting to explain that she was headed to Lloyd family’s residence. She didn’t want him to worry.
“Alright then,” Jeremy nodded, didn’t insist, and turned to leave.
Stella packed up her things at her desk, about to head out and catch a cab, when her phone buzzed—a new message from Ernest. [I’m outside. Come down.]
Stella froze. She quickly texted back. [You’re here to pick me up?]
17:20 Tue, Oct 14
Chapter 78
she said, offering a breakfast bag with a smile. “Here, I picked this up just for you…
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That one design had landed the Slater family two big projects, and Jessica had pocketed at least five hundred thousand in kickbacks from Noreen. Even better, Noreen had agreed to have dinner with Jessica’s brother.
Just thinking about how her little scheme was about to pay off, Jessica couldn’t help but rush over to Stella, eager to butter her up.
Stella was basically her golden ticket now. She had to keep Stella sweet if she wanted her luck to last.
“I already ate,” Stella said calmly, giving her a look. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”
“Stella,” Jessica didn’t seem embarrassed at all. She grinned and leaned in, lowering her voice. “You know how Noreen is–she’s never satisfied. One design sketch probably won’t be enough for her…”
“Not enough?” Stella raised an eyebrow.
Jessica gave a weak nod, almost pleading. “If she wants more, it’s out of my hands.”
“So if Noreen wants something, you just hand it over?” Stella shot back, her tone sharp.
“If she insists, what am I supposed to do?” Jessica whined.
“No way, I’m not drawing anything,” Stella said firmly.
‘Seriously?‘ Stella scoffed inwardly. ‘Noreen’s endless demands are exactly why I cut her off in the first place. If I keep designing for her just to help Jessica out, what’s the point of me leaving at all?’
Jessica hadn’t expected a flat refusal, and her smile stiffened. She quickly recovered, trying to sound sweet. “Stella, you don’t have to draw it right now. We could wait a few days, or whenever you’re free–it’s totally up to you.”
Actually, this wasn’t Noreen’s request at all. Jessica was simply pursuing her own interests. With a single design fetching five hundred thousand plus countless other benefits, of course she wanted to secure a few more.
Besides, she had seen Stella’s designs. The gem selection, setting techniques, and exquisite craftsmanship were all absolutely perfect. Even if she never showed them to Noreen, she could still make a fortune by producing the pieces herself.
Stella just replied, “We’ll see,” clearly not committing to anything.
Jessica, not wanting to push her too hard, thought about what kind of gift she could send to keep Stella on her
side.
After raking in so many perks, she knew she couldn’t just take and never give back–her golden goose deserved a little something.
‘Gotta give a little to get a lot, right?‘ Jessica mused to herself.
Having figured that out, Jessica chatted with Stella for a few more minutes before heading off to look for the perfect gift.
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Chapter 78
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At lunch, Jeremy was out on errands, so Stella went to the cafeteria alone. She was brainstorming her idea for the “Tiara” piece when her phone suddenly rang and broke her train of thought.
Stella checked her phone, her face clouded with mixed emotions.