Chapter 115

Stella Valentine ended the call decisively.

She had no time for irrelevant people.

Adrian Roland's calls kept flashing on her screen. She muted them without hesitation. Let him call as much as he wanted—she wouldn’t answer.

Time ticked by.

Stella walked into the VIP lounge right on schedule, her design portfolio in hand.

Katrina Orlando was chatting with Manager Quentin when she entered. The designer's red lips curved. "58 minutes and 30 seconds. Just barely on time."

"I never break my promises."

Stella spread her sketches across the table.

"This jewelry set is designed for young professionals. I've combined tassel ear cuffs with delicate chain accents and pavé diamonds. It maintains elegance without appearing too mature. Considering budget constraints for women just starting their careers, this design is both beautiful and affordable."

Manager Quentin paled. He rushed forward and grabbed her arm. "Have you lost your mind? Katrina Orlando's brand is luxury couture! Affordable? Redo this immediately!"

"But the outfit's style—"

"Forget the outfit!" Quentin hissed. "Katrina only has one requirement—the more expensive, the better!"

Stella was speechless.

A renowned designer with such demands?

"Stop standing there. I'll stall her. Go fix this—"

Quentin pushed her toward the door, only to collide with Victor Valence as he entered.

Stella stumbled forward, caught by Victor's steadying grip.

"Throwing yourself at me?" He released her with a cold smirk.

She quickly regained her balance. "My apologies, Mr. Valence—"

Victor ignored her, striding toward Katrina. His gaze flicked to the designs. "Your work?"

Stella nodded.

To her surprise, his demeanor shifted. He slid the sketches toward Katrina. "Thoughts?"

Katrina crossed her arms, amused. "Brilliant."

"What?" Quentin gaped. "You... approve?"

Katrina studied the drawings closely. "Unique Jewelry lives up to its name. Ms. Valentine's vision perfectly aligns with my collection's theme. I'd like to invite her as the exclusive jewelry designer for all my new pieces."

Stella's heart raced. "No revisions needed?"

"None." Katrina's smile deepened. "No one understands my aesthetic better than you."

Before signing the contract, Katrina leaned close. "You're fortunate."

Stella frowned.

Fortunate? With her family gone, her health failing, her marriage hollow...

Unless...

"Ms. Orlando!" Stella caught up to her. "Did you choose me because of... Mr. Alistair?"

Katrina's lips twitched. "Mr. Alistair? An interesting title. But no. I never lie—your talent impressed me."

She paused. "I believe in fate, Ms. Valentine. You and your 'Mr. Alistair' will reunite."

The word echoed in Stella's mind all afternoon.

Reunite? An odd choice. Poor English, or something more?

Suddenly, warm hands covered her eyes.

The familiar scent of cologne surrounded her.

"Mr. Alistair?"

"Work hours are over. Why are you still here?" His voice brushed her ear.

She realized the office was empty.

"Please wait outside. I'll just—"

"Not a second longer." His lips grazed her neck.

She shivered. "We're at the company—"

The hands withdrew, replaced by a silk scarf.

"Too tight?"

"It's fine."

"Tell me if it's uncomfortable."

He guided her toward the exit.

Stella hesitated. "The front door isn’t safe. Let’s use the back—"

Mr. Alistair chuckled. "The back door?"

Her cheeks burned. "That’s not what I meant—"

"My Stella," he teased, "how knowledgeable you are."