Chapter 85
The Carter family had outgrown their local market in their own city, so naturally, they needed to expand. The
east Restrook was the perfect choice
Stealing what belongs to others comes at a price, Ernest snarked.
Or maybe it be mine soon enough, Kane fired back.
The two exchanged jabs, their words sharp. Michael, sensing things were about to escalate, quickly intervened to cool things down. That was enough to stop the tension.
“Let’s go, Ernest glanced at Stella, who was about to speak.
But Kane cut in, “Mr. Lloyd, she’s my guest. Whether she stays or leaves is up to her?
Ernest didn’t reply, just kept silently watching Stella.
Stella was honestly about ready to leave. She still didn’t know when Jessica would be back, and the place was too noiry and chaotic. Plus, everyone here was either ridiculously cocky or just plain sleazy.
But she didn’t want to give Ernest the satisfaction of thinking he could make decisions for her. She definitely wasn’t going to let him think she still cared.
With that in mind. Stella met his gaze without flinching. “You go ahead. I’ll head out on my own later.”
Ernest pressed his lips together, falling silent for a couple of seconds.
Stella thought Ernest would just walk away, but to her surprise, he pulled out a chair and sat down next to her.
Mr. Carter, you won’t mind an extra guest, will you?” Ernest gave Kane a friendly smile.
Kane looked surprised, then quickly chuckled, “Of course not.”
Truth be told, both of them were professional businessmen. Just a minute ago, they’d been exchanging harsh words, but now, they were smiling and talking like nothing had happened.
“Shall I feach you some wine, Mr. Lloyd? Kane offered politely.
“The would be great, Mr. Carter, Ernest replied smoothly.
The atmosphere felt almost too perfect, and Stella couldn’t shake the feeling that it was off. Even Michael felt the tension, a chill running up his spine.
“Mr. Lloyd, I thought you hated scenes like this,” Michael whispered.
Ernest swirled his wine, eyes hidden behind the slow dance of red in his glass, impossible to tell who he was really looking at “Honestly, getting a taste of it once in a while isn’t half bad.”
“Alright then, Michael shrugged, giving up. He sat quietly on the side.
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Chapter 85
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Before long. Kane swaggered over, sitting right in the middle of the group. The silence grew even more
awkward
“Do you guys really have to sit at my table?” Stella asked with a frown.
Kane grinned. “Ms. Spencer, you still owe me a drink.”
Ernest replied, his tone easy, “It’s quieter over here. Not as noisy.”
Michael stayed silent, not wanting to get involved in this subtle clash.
Stella sighed, exhausted. ‘Honestly, I’m done with this,‘ she thought, already planning her exit.
Just as she stood up to leave, Ernest grabbed her wrist gently, pulling her back into his arms. She lost her balance and ended up in his chest, the cold, crisp scent of his cologne overwhelming her senses.
Her head bumped against his solid chest with a dull thud. For a few seconds, she was stunned, then snapped back to reality and pushed herself away, glaring at him. “What are you doing?”
Michael and Kane exchanged confused glances, not sure what Ernest was up to.
Unfazed by their stares, Ernest simply replied in his usual calm tone, “There’s water on the floor. Watch your step.”
“Wait, what?” Kane blurted out. Glancing down, he spotted a patch of spilled wine on the floor, his eyes full of bewilderment.
“When did that happen?‘ Kane wondered, scratching his head in utter confusion.
Meanwhile, Michael noticed that Ernest’s glass was looking emptier than before. He couldn’t tell if Ernest had been drinking from it or if some had been poured out.
“Thanks,” Stella bit her lip, hesitation flickering on her face before she finally spoke. Then she walked away.
The flashing lights reflected off her as she made her way through the noisy crowd and quietly slipped out of the banquet hall.
Kane gave a knowing chuckle, his tone playful. “Seems like Ms. Spencer and Mr. Lloyd aren’t strangers after
all?”
“Who knows?” Ernest replied, sounding completely unfazed.
Michael sighed inwardly. He could already sense the tension rising again between the two men.
Watching Stella leave, Michael felt an overwhelming urge to follow her. But as much as he wanted to, he knew he couldn’t. Every time Ernest shot him one of those dangerous looks, he broke out in a cold sweat. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ
“Stella, I swear, I didn’t sneak away,” Jessica said, sounding desperate.
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Chapter 85
The next morning. Stella had barely walked into the office when Jessica appeared, holding breakfast like a video game NPC handing out quest items. As usual, Stella didn’t accept them
“So where did you disappear to Stella demanded coldly.
Jessica’s antics had completely caught Stella off guard. She’d dragged her to that noisy, messy place, wasting hours that could have been spent working.
“Hey, I saw you weren’t alone–you already had a guy hanging around, Jessica said, giving Stella a sly, knowing look. “If I went back, I might’ve ruined things between you two,”
Yesterday, Jessica tried to find the organizer but came up empty. When she got back, the whole group–event organizer, Ernest, and Michael–were crowding around Stella, so she just kept her head down and stayed out of sight.
Kane was easy enough to avoid, and he didn’t really care about her, so he’d never bother looking into her. But if Ernest or Michael saw her, they’d instantly figure out she was close with Noreen.
And especially Ernest–he probably already knew she was getting benefits from Noreen.
If she showed her face now, she might be caught, and her double–agent act would be over. That would be a disaster.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Jessica quietly slipped away, just as Stella had predicted.
Stella didn’t even bother to look up when Jessica finished talking. “Okay. Got it.”
“Stella…” Jessica started, trying to squeeze in another excuse.
But Stella shut her down before she could go on. “I’ve got stuff to do. If you want to talk, wait until after work.”
“Alright then,” Jessica mumbled, not daring to push her luck. She left with her breakfast, walking away quietly.
“Honestly, keeping her around is just a waste of time. I should have Jeremy handle her soon before she turns into a problem,” Stella muttered under her breath, watching Jessica walk away.
Later, at lunch, Stella grabbed a bite with Jeremy and told him everything that’d gone down.
Jeremy nodded. “Alright. I’ll handle it–I’ll wait for the right moment.”
Just axing her out of nowhere would totally cause a scene in the office. He’d need a solid excuse first.
“By the way,” Jeremy changed the subject, “how’s the Auroral Tiara design coming along? Once you’re done, I can get the promo plan ready.”
Each piece of jewelry had its own vibe, so the publicity had to match. Take the Auroral Tiara Stella designed for the exhibition–Jeremy had already mapped out three separate pitch versions for it.
He had a two–minute quick intro for buyers, a five–minute version for the media, and a ten–minute deep–dive just for collectors.
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Each version highlighted different aspects–from the inspiration and rare materials to the exceptional workmanship and overall concept–tailored to what each kind of audience cared about most.
A good story could take a piece of jewelry from being just an object to something with emotional depth and cultural meaning–making it legendary.
Jeremy never doubted Stella’s skills. His job was to make sure the world noticed and put her work in the spotlight.
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