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
After some convincing, Stella managed to drag Marshall and Kayla out for food. She had messaged Keegan to come to the gathering, but he was busy with work.Upon hearing that she would be out with Marshall, he could not help but feel a pang of jealousy. However, knowing that Kayla would be there, Keegan begrudgingly swallowed his anger. He advised Stella to leave promptly after the meal and return to the Royalpark Villa, saying he had something to discuss with her.Stella could guess what Keegan had in mind. It was her birthday tomorrow. 'He probably wants to give me a birthday gift,' she thought.Wenham had initially planned an elaborate celebration, but Stella declined the effort. She was not close with many of the people in her social circle. Considering the recent banquet thrown to announce Stella's return to the Saun family, throwing such a huge event might not only be unfavorable but also be seen as excessive.After much persuasion, Wenham settled for a smaller gathering with
Kayla looked at the two and suddenly noticed that Marshall regarded Stella as more than just a friend.Before the group finished their meal, Stella's phone rang. Her eyes immediately lit up when she saw the caller ID. She grabbed her phone and said, "Excuse me while I take this call outside."Marshall was visibly disappointed once Stella left.Kayla calmly took a sip of her water as she thought, 'Does Marshall have a thing for his friend's partner? Woah. The romantic dynamic in the entertainment industry is wild.'Meanwhile, Stella walked to the terrace and answered the phone."Why did it take you so long to pick up?" The person on the other line sounded displeased."It was too noisy inside. I just stepped out of the restaurant," said Stella. "Are you done with work?""Yeah," Keegan replied. "I'm on my way to pick you up. We won't have time if I go any later.""What do you mean?"Keegan lowered his voice mysteriously, "I prepared a surprise for you."Stella laughed and asked,
Stella soon realized that she had avoided a close call with death just a moment ago. She got goosebumps and broke out in cold sweat.Marshall held her hand, his tone unusually tense, "Are you okay? Did the car hit you? Why aren't you saying anything? Are you hurt?"Stella pressed her lips together and suddenly withdrew her hand from his palm.Marshall was momentarily taken aback.Stella lowered her head and pretended to adjust her clothes. "I'm fine," she said. She then looked up at him and smiled, "Thank you."Her gaze suddenly grew distant, and Marshall watched her in a daze. He could read her emotions without the need for words. She was rejecting his affection.Marshall lowered his eyes, feeling a pang in his heart. "I'm glad you're fine," he whispered.Stella clutched her phone. She wanted to say something but did not know how to begin.Stella always thought that Keegan was overthinking when he got jealous of Marshall. But the urgency and relief in Marshall's eyes made thin