Chapter 441

The sharp click of high heels echoed through the corridor.

Stella Valentine strode toward the VIP lounge, already hearing the shrill female voice inside.

"Shi's Jewelry is a scam! You took my money but won't deliver! I'm reporting you to the Consumer Council!"

Penny Anderson clutched her phone, typing frantically: [SOS, come quick!]

"Give me that." Stella plucked the phone from her hands. "I'll handle this."

"But Stella—"

"Time to face things myself." She took a deep breath and pushed open the lounge door.

A crystal ashtray came flying at her face.

Stella sidestepped just in time. The ashtray shattered against the wall, spraying glass shards.

"Watch out!" Penny gasped.

At the room's center stood a middle-aged woman caked in makeup, dripping with jewelry, her overpowering perfume filling the air.

"Well, if it isn't Mrs. Roland finally gracing us with her presence?" The woman sneered. "Marrying into money really changes people, doesn't it?"

Stella remained composed. "Mrs. Blanchet, please have a seat."

"Save it!" Jessica Blanchet slammed the table. "Deliver my order or pay up! The contract clearly states tenfold compensation!"

She waved a hand glittering with rings in Stella's face.

Penny muttered, "Her fingers might snap under all that weight..."

Stella cleared her throat in warning.

"Mrs. Blanchet, we'll deliver within three days with additional compensation. Would that suffice?"

"Too late!" Jessica scoffed. "Who wears four-year-old designs nowadays? I'd be embarrassed to regift them!"

"What compensation would you prefer then?"

"A public apology! Emotional damages! Reputation damages!" Jessica jabbed a finger at her. "Don't think your marriage license makes you untouchable!"

Penny flushed with anger, but Stella gripped her wrist.

A phone buzzed. Adrian's message appeared: [Hugo's mistress is a jewelry designer. Your age.]

Stella's eyes flickered.

Another message followed: [Every client's anger has a root cause. Find it.]

Understanding dawned.

"Mrs. Blanchet," Stella smiled, "I heard Vogue's circulation has been declining?"

Jessica's face twisted. "None of your business!"

"I have unreleased designs for a new collection." Stella remained calm. "Featured in Vogue, they might reverse your fortunes."

"You?" Jessica sneered.

"If successful, you revive your magazine. If not, you still get compensation." Stella held her gaze. "A no-lose proposition. Care to consider?"

Silence fell over the lounge.