Maggie walked over to where Stella was sitting and placed several sample pieces on the desk before saying softly, "Ms. Hall, the top row here are the samples of our new product for this month, and the two below are from the batch two weeks ago. Please have a look."Stella grabbed her jeweler's loupe and examined the items on the table. Then, she frowned and asked, "Why are there so many cracks on these pieces?"Maggie pursed her lips and said, "All the items made from the latest batch of raw materials have the same issue. A customer is coming this afternoon to pick up her order, but I had to make up an excuse to postpone it. We can't give our customers products as such. They're all experts and can easily tell how bad the quality these are."Maggie paused briefly before being more straightforward, "Ms. Hall, I understand that business might be tough lately due to the rising raw material and labor costs, but we can't compromise on quality. That is what jewelry enthusiasts care about t
Stella sat in her office, listening to the person in charge venting his frustrations."Ms. Hall, we've been working with The Velvet for so many years, and we always provide you with the highest-quality, top-notch materials, even on credit. We wouldn't have asked for the payment if we didn't need the money so urgently."We're all running a business, and trust is essential. However, what you've done is simply unfair to us!"Stella pushed a cup toward him and said in a gentle tone, "Mr. Burton, have some water first."After he took the cup, Stella said, "I'm completely unaware of the situation you're describing. Mr. Poole has always been responsible for purchasing raw materials, and I can't just believe everything you said without listening to him. Please wait a moment, and I'll call Mr. Poole to come here. Then, we'll talk about it, okay?"Of course, Sam was up for the confrontation, "I've tried talking to him, but nothing worked out. That's why I came to you."Stella nodded, "Unde
"When did I ever send someone to collect anything? Do you even have proof?" Then, Chris added, "There must be some mistake. You should go back to your office for now, and I'll get in touch with your boss for verification later."Normally, Sam would just listen to Chris' suggestion and return to his office, knowing that the person who ordered the goods would usually get a share of the profit.Chris had done something like this in the past. His supplier would overquote the order to pocket the difference between the quoted and the actual price.However, Sam's boss had been giving him a hard time every day because of their cash flow issue. Yet, Chris refused to pick up his phone and communicate.Sam was brimming with anger and did not intend to take his suggestion. He took out a dozen delivery notes and credit bills from his bag and asked, "Is this not your company's stamp?"Stella took the documents and looked at them. Then, she frowned before shifting her gaze to Chris, "Mr. Poole,
Stella chuckled softly, "This is weird then. So, Mr. Poole, who issued you the invoices for the extra five million?"Chris still tried to deny it, "I think... it was probably a mistake made by the new accountant. Ms. Hall, we've got to find out who stole the company's stamp and used my name to collect so many raw materials."As Chris was speaking, the assistant manager walked in to deliver something. When Sam saw the assistant manager, he immediately said, "It's him! He's the one who came to collect the order. I knew he was working for you!"Chris was taken aback as his face turned pale.Finally, he understood what was going on. He was fooled. It was clear that Stella had instructed the assistant manager to use his name to collect the raw materials on credit.In that way, Sam would come to demand payment, and she could expose his lies.After all, if she were to confront him directly, the supplier could easily come up with an excuse to cover up for him because of their relationshi
Darcie's expression turned stern as she threw the papers onto Chris' face, "What a disappointment!"Chris kept quiet and dared not to speak.The look on Darcie's face turned cold as she suppressed her anger and continued, "What he did is embarrassing me very much. However, it's not wise for you to fire him now."Firstly, Chris has worked with us for the longest time and is very familiar with the store's operation. You have just taken over not long ago; if you were to fire two experienced employees in a row, outsiders might think you're incapable of managing them. Secondly, The Velvet is short-staffed now. If you fire him now, no one will replace him for such a crucial position, which could lead to many problems. Thirdly, if you cause a big scene and other people discover what happened to our internal operations, they'd start suspecting the quality of our company's products, affecting its sales."Stella sneered inwardly, but she said humbly anyway, "So, Darcie, how do you think this
The salesperson attending to Kayla quickly handed her another brochure, "Here are more of our designs, Ms. Wilson."Kayla took the booklet and flipped through a few pages. Before she could speak, the woman who had come with her said, "Honestly, I don't see much of a difference. Ever since they changed the management here, the aesthetics of the products have declined."The group of ladies had gathered nearby for a meal. Since the incident at the banquet, Kayla had not attended such socialite gatherings in ages, which had everyone concerned. They were worried that Kayla might hold a grudge against Xianna, which would affect their family's businesses. After all, they were in a joint partnership and still had to collaborate with Mark Energy.They finally managed to coax her out to socialize today. However, they had not been together for long when Kayla suddenly expressed interest in checking out some jewelry. She even asked if they wanted to join her.The socialites were already hoping
Darcie chuckled. She played the role of an affectionate elder and gently adjusted a strand of Kayla's hair, "You always know how to make me laugh, my dear."Kayla quipped back, "I'm serious. My mom always questions how you look younger than her when both of you are similar in age. She's practically green with envy."Darcie glanced at Stella, whose expression remained cool and detached. Her smile deepened. After a bit of small talk, she finally asked, "Are you here for something?"Kayla could not resist venting, "It's those jewelry pieces I ordered earlier. The designer did such a horrid job. My dad could not stop laughing when I showed it to him. He asked me why I was wearing a rooster around my neck. It really got under my skin."Her friends around her burst into laughter, "Mr. Wilson sure has a sense of humor!""Why not return it?""Custom-made jewelry usually can't be returned unless there's a quality issue, right?""That's so unfair! Kayla paid so much money for the jewelry,
Darcie's smile dropped at the sound of Kayla wanting Stella to be her image consultant. She initially thought Kayla's arrival was an opportunity to stir things up even more. She had even strategically placed new personnel in The Velvet but never expected such a turn of events.Stella did not see it coming either. She had not interacted much with Kayla lately. Most of the design matters were handled by Maggie.Kayla was quite pleased with the piece, so she went ahead and paid the deposit. The item was delivered just a couple of days ago. It was personally sent to the Wilson residence by the company staff.So, when Kayla showed up at the store today, Stella genuinely thought it was because she was dissatisfied with the product.Every word Kayla uttered, though harsh, seemed aimed at steering the situation in her favor. Stella could not help but think of Keegan, who similarly appeared cold and aloof but gradually showed a warmer and caring side.She looked at Kayla, her gaze softenin
Keegan moved from initial resistance to reluctantly listening, and eventually to questioning."Why do these novels portray men as so stupid and brainless, yelling at the female lead as if they have intermittent explosive disorder?""Is the male lead sick? Forcing the female lead to donate a kidney, is he out of his mind?""How many years would they get for calling the police in their world?""Why is he so dumb? The supporting actress claims the female lead pushed her into the water and he believes it? Is checking surveillance footage illegal?""Stella, are you making fun of me?""I can't learn this. It all feels so neurotic. What does the female lead see in him?"Stella retorted, "Who cares if it's neurotic? Just mimic that stupidity, that's how these innocent women like men who protect them like that."Keegan was very reluctant, but his brain was more compliant than his body. Without needing to study deliberately, everything he heard stuck in his mind.So when Keegan mentione
Keegan's expression darkened with anger. "You're being completely unreasonable!"Stella crossed her arms, wearing an expression that seemed challenging. "You let her take it. Let's see if I dare."Jaylene hadn't actually wanted those junk items in the first place; she was deliberately trying to stir up discord between them. Now that her goal was achieved, she put on a sympathetic look."Keegan, I don't want it anymore. Don't be angry. Your health is more important. Didn't the doctor say to keep your emotions stable?"Turning her head, she reproached Stella. "Stella, are you here to help Keegan recover his memory or just to provoke him?""Shut up, you brat! Do you even have a say here?"Acting under the guise of a drama, playing the role of someone lacking in manners, was incredibly satisfying.She’d wanted to curse this brat for a long time!Jaylene's lips twitched, but she held back, tearfully saying, "Stella, if you don't like me, I'll leave. There's no need to humiliate me l
Jaylene understood the situation perfectly. Even though she didn't particularly like these cold, mechanical devices, she put on a pretense of surprise, saying, "Really, Keegan?"Keegan nodded. "Choose one you like.""Keegan!" Before Stella could finish her sentence, she couldn't hold back her sharp voice, "With your pile of junk that I can't even touch normally, she takes a look and now you want to give it to her? What's the meaning of this?!"Keegan frowned, apparently not comprehending her current anger at all. "Jaylene gave me a gift, and I'm giving her one in return. What's the problem?""What problem?" Stella's eyes started to redden. "I can't touch them, so why should she be able to? Have you forgotten, or do you have inappropriate feelings for her?"Keegan's expression darkened. "This makes no sense!"Jaylene secretly delighted in this, hypocritically trying to calm things down, "Forget it, Keegan. Since Stella minds so much, I don't want it anymore. You've strained your r
The standoff lasted for over twenty minutes before Keegan grabbed a book and knocked the beetle off Jaylene's neck. The beetle fluttered twice and suddenly flew up, landing on Jaylene's face.Jaylene screamed, rolled her eyes, and fainted.As she collapsed, the bug flew off again."Jaylene?"Keegan called out to her.He looked up at Stella and said, "You go start the car, I'll carry her to the hospital."As he spoke, he signaled to Stella.She understood and coldly grunted, "So troublesome."Walking over to Jaylene, she squatted down beside her and slapped her face twice.Jaylene immediately opened her eyes and reached out to push her away. "What are you doing!"Stella was prepared and had already moved back before she could be pushed.She shook her tingling hand and innocently said, "Jaylene, you fainted because of the bug. I was just saving you. Don't believe me? Ask Keegan."Jaylene nearly ground her teeth. Did she think she hadn't heard? She was intentionally exposing h
Her fingertips trembled with a mix of horror and excitement. Just as the teapot was about to slip from her grasp, Keegan suddenly said, "Jaylene, don't move."Jaylene froze, instinctively thinking Keegan had regained his memory. She had barely twitched when Keegan loudly stopped her again, "Don't move, absolutely don't move."Jaylene wanted to say something, but then felt an itching sensation on her neck, as if something was crawling slowly. Goosebumps erupted all over her body.By now, Stella had turned around and saw Jaylene standing stiffly with the teapot in hand. Her eyes quickly assessed the situation and then she noticed the beetle crawling on Jaylene's neck.It was an unknown species, not overly tentacled but as long as a little finger, its mouthparts slightly twitching, genuinely alarming in appearance.Stella murmured, "It's so big."Jaylene couldn't see what was on her neck, unsure if it would bite or if it was venomous. She stood frozen in place, her voice trembling,
Seeing him, Stella even lowered her eyes and softly praised, "Mr. Kane, you acted very well."Keegan glared at her, his voice low and intense. "If you keep watching like this, Coco will cut ties with me tomorrow."Stella replied confidently, "No, she won't. After accepting the red envelope, she can tolerate you a little longer."Keegan asked sharply, "Did you teach her to ask for red envelopes like this?""Don't falsely accuse me; I didn't teach her.""You may not have taught her directly, but you set an example. Have you forgotten how you always make me buy things for you?"Stella was speechless. Whenever she wanted Keegan to buy her something, she would often say, "Gifts are only surprises when given voluntarily. If reminded, it shows they don’t like me that much."It had to be said, Coco had learned the essence of it.Stella also felt a bit awkward, thinking that in the future, she needed to avoid such flirtatious conversations between spouses in front of the children. They
Could she figure all this out?Keegan frowned, casting a disappointed look at Coco. "Are you not listening to me now?"Coco raised her gaze defiantly and stated, "Aunt Stella taught me that if I don't want something someone gives me, I can say no. I don't want this hairpin.""Didn't she teach you that even if you don't like something, you should still say thank you?"Coco fell silent for a moment, then reluctantly said to Jaylene, "Thank you, Aunt Jaylene, but I don't want it."Jaylene hesitated with her hand extended, unsure whether to retract it or leave it there, managing a strained smile. "Then what do you like? Next time, I will get you something you do like."Coco asked, "Do you want me to do something for you?"Jaylene was taken aback. "What?"Coco replied seriously, "Aunt Stella says offering help without reason is either deceitful or thieving. Since you don't like me, why else would you give me something? You want me to do something for you, right?"Jaylene forced a s
Leighton's incident did indeed revive their suspicions.Jaylene was gullible, but Darcie might see through this scheme. "Keegan, why didn't you go to work today?" Jaylene chose to ask directly at first.Keegan remained composed. "I've been busy with the press conference lately and haven't had much rest. Now that things have slowed down, I thought I'd take a break and relax."Jaylene spoke gently, "You should rest well. Since you came back, you've been busy, and you've been postponing Dr. Stone's follow-up appointments. Keegan, I'm really worried about your health. Since you're resting these days, I'll arrange for Dr. Stone to give you another check-up. Stella has been living here to assist your recovery for so long. We need the doctor to give a clear assessment of whether there's been any improvement. Otherwise, it's not good for Stella's reputation to stay here so long, unmarried and under one roof."Keegan nodded. "Okay, please arrange it. Thank you."His response was decisive,
Stella had just descended the stairs when she heard that remark, causing her eyelids to twitch as she thought to herself, “Damn it! He really knows how to come up with excuses!”Upon hearing this, Jaylene's eyes briefly flashed with disdain, but she ultimately accepted the shoe covers Keegan handed her. As Keegan led Jaylene into the house, her eyes continued to scrutinize every corner.There were a couple of pillows on the sofa, couple mugs on the table, wedding photos of Keegan and Stella on the walls, and even headbands and hair ties scattered on the table. The house exuded an unmistakable feminine touch.Jaylene's expression darkened, but when Keegan turned to ask if she preferred tea or coffee, she adopted a gentle, harmless demeanor. "Tea would be perfect."Keegan invited her to take a seat and called for Maria to prepare tea. Jaylene spoke softly, "Keegan, I heard from Stella that you brew Dragon Well tea better than anyone else. Is there a special technique?"Stella paused