Chapter 48 Chapter 48 At this very moment, someone else, just like Noreen, was either thinking about Stella or, more precisely, watching her right now. The glow from the screen mixed with the night outside, and in the quiet office, the only sound was his fingers softly tapping against the desk. On the screen was a photo: soft streetlights in the background, the man's gaze gentle, and Stella smiling brightly. The two of them sat together on a bench by the street, the atmosphere oddly fitting. Below the photo was a message, also sent by Michael. [Ernest, look who I just saw!] Ernest didn't reply. He just kept his eyes on the photo, his gaze unreadable. Knock, knock, knock! The sound of the door breaking the silence. Sean called out from the hallway, "Mr. Lloyd, the meeting is ready." Ernest walked toward the door but suddenly stopped. Sean, standing by respectfully, noticed Ernest freeze and asked cautiously, "Mr. Lloyd, is everything okay?" "How's she been lately?" Ernest's voice was calm. It seemed like a random question, but Sean, who had worked closely with Ernest for years, understood right away. He immediately started, "Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Jansen has been..." Sean went on to give a detailed account of Sylvia's recent activities, from when she coughed to the smallest changes in her mood, all of it carefully noted. Ernest listened in silence. When Sean finished, he simply nodded. "Alright." Then, he walked toward the meeting room. Sean didn't overthink it-he just fell in step right behind. Ernest asked about Sylvia's well-being almost every day. Sean was used to it by now. As for Stella, Ernest's wife, Sean only maintained a bit of respect when he saw her, but he really didn't take her seriously at all. ***** "You really think Lumière Group would've let you in if you weren't Mrs. Lloyd?" Noreen sneered. The next day, as Stella was preparing for her first day at work, Noreen showed up at her door. Stella wasn't surprised Noreen managed to track her down. With that kind of background, anyone in Seabrook's top families without some serious skills would've been devoured ages ago. Still, Stella didn't welcome Noreen at all, especially not with that condescending attitude in her voice. "Are you done?" Stella asked flatly, not even bothering to let Noreen inside. "Not yet," Noreen shot back, ignoring the clear hint to leave. "Stella, let me make this clear-Jeremy isn't trying to help you. "The only reason he brought you into Lumière Group is to get close to Ernest. So don't flatter yourself, and don't even think about actually taking that job." 1/3 Chapter 48 H 35 Vouchers Stella realized what this was about-Noreen was just worried that once she started working, she wouldn't have time to keep making designs for her. "Get close to Ernest?" Stella sneered. "After all these years, have you ever told anyone about my real identity? You treat me like a security risk, watching me closely like I'm about to spill everything. "So, tell me-how would Jeremy even know who I am, and how is he supposed to get close to Ernest?" By the end. Stella shot Noreen a mocking look. Noreen stammered, realizing she had come up with a weak excuse. What really angered Noreen was that she had tried to let Stella off easy, but Stella still dared to stand up to her. That made Noreen lose it. "Stella, don't act like you're above it all. I've made this easy for you. If you want to keep calling yourself Mrs. Lloyd, you'd better fall in line and-" "What if I don't?" Stella cut her off, her laugh icy. "You saw those divorce papers with your own eyes. Do you really think I care about being Mrs. Lloyd?" Back then, she had only cared about Ernest himself, not his status or background. Later, when she had Irene, there was just one more thing tying her down. But after enduring Ernest's indifference and Irene's contempt, nothing mattered to her anymore. All Stella wanted now was to focus on her career and create a future for herself. "Go ahead and keep pretending. I'm honestly curious how long you think you can keep up this act," Noreen taunted. Noreen didn't buy for a second that Stella would ever have the guts to leave Ernest. If that day really came, she'd bet Stella would be begging, crying, and refusing to sign the divorce papers. "Stella, I'm running out of patience. If those designs aren't on my desk tomorrow, don't blame me when you really end up divorced from Ernest." Noreen threw out her final warning and left. Stella sighed. Dealing with people who just didn't get it was exhausting. She was about to shut the door when she heard a small voice from across the hall. A tiny figure peeked out, blinking at her curiously. "Trisha?" Stella blinked, surprised. "What are you doing here?" "Ms. Spencer, I live here," Trisha said excitedly, pushing open her door and running toward Stella. Stella knelt down and caught her, still a bit stunned. "You live right across from me? How come I've never seen you around?" "Yeah!" Trisha nodded, then looked just as puzzled. "I have no idea either." "Trisha, have you sneaked out again?" Kristy called from inside, her tone a mix of worry and exasperation. She rushed out and stopped in surprise when she saw Stella. "Stella? What are you doing here?" "Kristy, my apartment is literally right across from yours," Stella laughed, pointing toward her own door. Trisha, cradled in Stella's arms, squealed, "Mommy, Ms. Spencer's place is super close. Does this mean I can come play with her anytime I want?" "All you care about is having fun," Kristy chuckled, tapping Trisha lightly on the nose. She then turned to Stella, "Since we're neighbors now, how about coming over? I promised I'd cook for you last time." 2/3 Chapter 48 55 vouchers Stella hesitated, not wanting to impose, but Trisha clung to her neck, pleading sweetly, "Ms. Spencer, just come. My house has so many fun things, and I'll let you play with all of my toys." "Alright," Stella relented, unable to resist Trisha's bubbly excitement. She carried Trisha over to Kristy's apartment. By the time Stella left Kristy's place after lunch, it was already past three in the afternoon. She took a quick break at home before diving back into her preparations. Jeremy had warned her that trouble from the design department could very well turn into a head-to-head design showdown. Stella had confidence in her abilities, but for her first challenge back, she wanted more than just a win. She wanted to impress everyone and make a real impact. "Spreading rumors? Slander? Ostracizing? Bullying?" At a café, Jessica, called out by Noreen, blurted out in disbelief, "Are you seriously going this extreme?" 3/3 田 AD Comment Send gift No Ads