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
Stella chuckled when she heard what Darcie had said, "If I were truly ruthless, I would have invited his wife, daughter, and mistress to join us today. I spared him out of respect for you, Mrs. Saun."Darcie's face turned even paler. Without a word, she turned and briskly walked away.Stella watched as she retreated, her gaze cold.Not long after Darcie left, the police arrived. They escorted Chris out of the store through the back door. Only then did Stella return to the lobby.Upon entering, she spotted Kayla looking at her. She was about to greet her, but Kayla immediately turned around to chat with someone else.Stella was taken aback.Kayla sat on the sofa and pretended to engage in conversation for a while. When she turned her head, Stella was nowhere to be found.She looked left and right while furrowing her brows, wondering where Stella had disappeared to. Just then, a cup of coffee appeared in front of her."Looking for me?" Stella said as she smiled at Kayla.Kayla d
Stella spotted the approaching figure and momentarily froze.It was Marshall.'Okay, fine. I'll admit he's good-looking. But Keegan is slightly more handsome than him,' thought Stella.She had infrequent encounters with Marshall following the banquet her family held to announce her return. Due to a prior commitment, he was unable to attend the product launch, but he made sure to send two flower baskets in his absence.Over a month had passed since then, and Marshall seemed a little slender. His features had become more defined, but his smile remained gentle. His appearance suggested he had been at a party. He was dressed in a crisp white suit, projecting an image of refined sophistication.When Marshall approached the store, Stella greeted him with a smile and said, "Mr. Moore, what brings you here?""I attended a wedding nearby and figured I'd stop by since I haven't been here since you took over. Not gonna lie, I was worried you wouldn't be here," he explained, offering a bag o
Marshall nodded and said, "Take your time."Despite having promised to be with them after ten minutes, Stella got caught up with work and could not break free. Ten minutes turned into twenty, and she was still nowhere to be found.Kayla looked at the time and asked, "Mr. Moore, how is it that you're friends with Ms. Hall?"Marshall looked at her, seemingly surprised by the question. Nonetheless, he responded, "Stella has a good personality. She's warm-hearted and loyal to her friends. She's someone worth knowing.""But didn't you say you don't like people who don't value punctuality? She said she'd be here in ten minutes, but it's been twenty, and she still hasn't come down yet. Don't you want to write her a note and leave?" Kayla queried.Marshall was taken aback. He then realized who she was. The recent string of arranged dates was more of a family obligation for him. He did not intend to pursue any romantic relationships. So, he made excuses to end each date.Kayla's mention o