Chapter 114

Katrina arched an eyebrow. "Two hours?"

"Actually, one hour would suffice, though the measurements might not be as precise."

"Are you sure?"

Stella smiled faintly. "Why not wait and see for yourself? Efficiency matters—no need to drag things out."

Katrina nodded with interest. "Intriguing. If I'm satisfied in an hour, you'll handle all jewelry designs for my future collections."

Stella's eyes lit up. Katrina launched four seasonal lines annually, plus custom orders—easily over a hundred designs a year. The lucrative deal could pay off Mr. Alistair's ring and reclaim her family's shares within twelve months.

She grabbed her sketchboard and retreated to the adjacent design studio, her pencil flying across the paper.

The door clicked open.

Victor Valence leaned against the frame, eyeing her draft. "Schoolgirl theme?"

"Not exactly." Her pencil never paused. "Katrina's collection incorporates uniform elements, but the body-hugging skirt targets young professionals. It balances youthful charm with feminine allure. Real school uniforms forbid accessories."

Victor frowned. "Domestic schools are that strict?"

"We had weekly grooming inspections. Even dyed hair had to be reverted immediately."

"How oppressive."

"Focusing on academics isn't a bad thing." Her pencil halted. "Did you need something, Mr. Valence?"

He suddenly closed the distance. "What's your real relationship with my brother?"

Stella stiffened. "It's complicated, but Julian and I are completely platonic."

"Starting tomorrow, lose those hideous glasses."

"I thought you disliked beautiful women."

"I dislike those who weaponize their beauty." His gaze burned. "As for you—"

Her phone vibrated.

[Stella, I get jealous too.]

Her lips curled involuntarily.

[Don't misunderstand, Mr. Valence is just my boss.]

[Only men understand men. His gaze toward you... is off.]

She bolted into the hallway—empty.

[Stop looking. We'll meet when the time comes.]

Back at her desk, another message arrived: [Dinner at Oceanview tonight? Your favorite.]

[But the lighting there...]

[Just say yes or no.]

[Yes.]

Her pulse raced. How would Mr. Alistair conceal his identity under bright lights?

[I'll pick you up after work. No interruptions—just us.]

"Who has you so engrossed?" Victor snatched her charcoal pencil.

Stella hastily pocketed her phone. "Apologies, I'll resume work."

"Answer me." He stepped closer. "Boyfriend?"

"No."

"Good—"

"It's my husband."

Victor's expression darkened. "You're married?!"

"Finalizing the divorce."

"And still entangled?"

"Not with him."

A vein throbbed at Victor's temple. "How many men are in your life?"

"Outside my job description, isn't it?" She reclaimed her pencil. "I'll focus on creating value for the company."

He slammed the door. "Quentin's idiotic suggestion!"

Stella shook her head. The heir's temper was baffling.

Forty minutes later, as she neared completion, her phone rang.

Adrian's voice was icy. "I'm visiting the kids tonight."

"I have plans."

"Denying parental rights?"

"Reschedule."

"With that 'Mr. Alistair'?" His tone dropped. "Have you slept with him?"

Her grip tightened. "He's a gentleman!"

"Bring him to meet me."

"Unnecessary!"

"Oh, it's necessary." Adrian sneered. "I'll win you back—fair competition."

"You're insane."

"What? Is he too cowardly to face me?"