"When I mentioned a stable customer base, I meant that most of their clients are regulars, and many of them have connections to Darcie or the Saun family," said Vermont."If you want to profit in the world of jewelry and precious stones, you either cater to the high-end market, dealing with those willing to pay a premium price, or target the mass market. That's where you find products made from discarded materials, skillfully polished to mimic the real thing. They're affordable for the general public, allowing them to own a piece or two without breaking the bank. With high sales volume, you can still make a decent profit."The Velvet focuses on the high-end market, and Darcie's connections serve as her entry to that exclusive clientele. As for the mass market, Darcie thinks it might dilute the brand image, so she avoided it. They've already established a stable relationship in their high-end market. If you take over, all Darcie has to do is ask, and your clients will turn away and ru
Keegan did not quite understand what Stella meant, but he caught on to her teasing tone. He grabbed a low stool to sit beside her and casually rolled up his sleeves. "Today marks your official return to the Saun family, so you're getting special treatment."With that, he gently submerged her feet into the water."Am I not getting this treatment anymore after this?" Stella asked."You'll get it upon our remarriage. The treatment you'll receive as Mrs. Kane will be higher than that of my girlfriend. Today's a special exception for you to enjoy in advance," Keegan explained."I don't remember getting special treatment when I was still married to you," Stella pointed out."Well, I was a useless husband back then. All I had were my looks. Now, I'm trying to be better by washing your feet!" Keegan chuckled.Stella was quiet. Considering the context, she could not argue with Keegan. He was an excellent flirt. He could always take a casual remark and weave it into something more, making
As Wilfred, Edith, and Daryl's family prepared to depart, Stella took a leave from the set to accompany them to the airport. Amidst the farewells, Edith gently held Stella's hand and whispered, "Your grandpa and I are getting older, Stella. We aren't as robust as we used to be. Otherwise, we'd love to stay a bit longer. I can't believe we've only just reunited, and now we have to part again..."Tears welled up in Edith's eyes, and Stella's heart twinged. She comforted her and said, "Grandma, Uncle Daryl has gifted us a private jet. Once all the formalities are sorted out, I can fly over whenever you want to see me."Edith's spirits lifted. "You don't need to come too often. Once or twice a month will do. You work too hard. Remember to take good care of yourself.""Okay, Grandma.""Why didn't Keegan come?" Edith suddenly asked.Wilfred snorted. "He's probably feeling guilty!"Stella was taken aback. "He wanted to come, but I didn't let him. I was afraid you might feel uncomfortabl
Darcie took on the role of the lady of the house despite Wenham's initial reluctance. She often cited reasons like being good friends with Freesia and not wanting to see Trevor suffer to make frequent visits to the Saun residence.As a widower and a single mother, rumors began to circulate over time about their relationship. It did not take long for these whispers to reach the ears of the Saun family elders."Grandma's health was deteriorating, and she was bedridden in her last few years. Darcie's own daughter could not bring herself to serve her in such close quarters, but Darcie could. She not only cared for her meticulously but also personally tested the alternative medicine prescribed by the doctor to ensure its safety before Grandma took it," said Trevor.Wenham's mother, Eleanor Albott, saw Darcie as a kind woman who knew how to manage a household. Thinking about her son, who was reluctant to remarry, and her poor motherless grandson, she felt reassured knowing a woman like Da
The titles left Stella feeling a bit out of place. It also reminded her of Cordelia's butler, Baldwin. She could not help but wonder why everyone seemed to favor such formalities. Trevor seemed equally uncomfortable with these formalities. "Sandra, you can just call me by my name."Sandra nodded in agreement. "Of course, Mr. Saun."Trevor was speechless. He turned to Stella and decided to introduce them. "This is Sandra. She used to work as a caregiver and took care of Jaylene."Stella exchanged greetings with Sandra, and she warmly welcomed them inside. Wenham, unable to contain his excitement, had already left the living room. When he heard the sound of the engine at the door, he rushed to greet them.As Stella passed through the entryway, Wenham's voice reached her ears."Why did it take you so long to come home?"Trevor sighed, "As soon as Grandpa and Grandma entered the boarding gates, I brought Stella straight here. It's not like we flew a plane, Dad."Wenham was in high s
Darcie froze when Stella agreed to the offer.Wenham, however, went from confusion to sheer delight. "Stella, y-you're open to coming back and staying here?"Stella looked at her father, her voice gentle. "Dad, we've been separated for over twenty years. Even though we've found each other, our time together has been so short. You don't know me well, and I don't know you that well either. The only connection we have is blood. I'm eager to know what kind of person my father is, and I look forward to spending time with you. If staying together can help fill in the gaps of those years, I'm willing to do it. I'm afraid of missing another opportunity. Once I'm married, the chance to be with you will be even rarer."Wenham's joy was palpable. "Okay. I'll accept that as long as you're willing. I was just worried you'd gotten used to life outside and wouldn't want to come back.""No matter how exciting life can be out there, it can't compare to the sense of security and happiness of living
Stella listened to Wenham's enthusiastic description of the room and gradually found the place rather charming. Even if it was not exactly to her taste, it was filled with her father's love.Wenham drew open the curtains. "This room has excellent natural lighting," he said.Stella stood by the window and immediately spotted the balcony of the adjacent room. It was larger and had a wider view than hers.Jaylene noticed her gaze and said, "That's my room, the master bedroom. The balcony is much bigger. We can switch rooms if you like, Stella. But Dad arranged the layout of my room according to my preferences. I'm worried you wouldn't like it."Stella paused for a moment and asked, "Dad arranged it? Now I'm curious. Can I go take a look?"Jaylene smiled invitingly and said, "Of course."When they reached the room, Stella finally understood what Jaylene meant.The master bedroom was nearly half larger than the guest room. It had a bookshelf, a separate dressing room, and a balcony s
"I like this one too! Dad, I feel like Jaylene and I are meant to be sisters. Our tastes are so similar!"Wenham replied happily, "Of course, we're a family."Jaylene's heart ached when she saw the affectionate interaction between Wenham and Stella.Not only did Jaylene spend a fortune on the decorations in her room, but she also had to use her connections to acquire some of them. She even had them specially packed with several layers of bubble wrap when they were being shipped back. It had taken her years to collect them.Yet, Stella had effortlessly taken away more than half of them!She pondered the phrase "our tastes are so similar" and suddenly recalled the words she had said to Stella about the Red Agate bracelet at her birthday party."We seem to have similar taste." She said to Stella back then.Stella kept repeating that line as if deliberately trying to provoke Jaylene.Stella did not hold herself back at all. She came empty-handed with Trevor, and when they left Jayl