38

She looked at him, trying not to lose her composure. "I guess I'll be going now."

Even after she had been there for a few moments, he remained silent. She eventually turned around and walked away. She was scolding herself nonstop.

How could she have been so naive as to believe he had called off their collaboration? He could never have done such a thing for someone he detested. particularly if it would harm his family's reputation in addition to his own.

"Stella, you are incredibly credulous."

*****

When she got back to the Conrad residence after work, a servant informed her that Mr. Greg was looking for her in the study. She tugged at the bottom of her clothes, recalling what had happened the previous time. There was nothing else for it. She could only nod and make her way to the study.

The pressure inside the study was significant in comparison to the pressure she had experienced previously. As she came in, Mr. Greg, who was seated in front of the desk, looked up.

"Mr.