Chapter 442

Mrs. Blanchet absently twisted the massive diamond on her ring finger, her lips curling into a sneer. "Who said anything about divorce? My husband and I are perfectly happy. Don't go spreading rumors!"

Stella Valentine simply smiled without responding.

"You there!" Mrs. Blanchet suddenly turned her attention to Penny. "Are you Mrs. Roland's assistant?"

Penny, who had been seething with anger, immediately straightened. "Yes. Is there a problem?"

Mrs. Blanchet frowned. "Mrs. Roland, where did you find this assistant? She has no manners! You're the ones who owe me money. Don't you know how to behave?"

"Mrs. Blanchet, please calm down—"

"I'm perfectly calm," Mrs. Blanchet scoffed. "But keeping such an insolent assistant will only cause trouble. Fire her and find someone more obedient. Otherwise, who would dare work with you?"

Penny turned away, fuming.

Stella's eyes flickered. She turned to Penny and said softly, "Go check on Lily Savigny."

"Isn't security already handling her? I should stay here with you."

"Mrs. Blanchet is a cultured woman. What could possibly happen?" Stella gave a meaningful smile. "I'd feel better if you went."

Understanding the hint, Penny nodded. "Call me if you need anything, Mrs. Roland."

Once Penny was out of earshot, Mrs. Blanchet lowered her voice. "Why does she call you 'Mrs. Roland'? Shouldn't it be 'Ms. Valentine'?"

Stella realized the slip but remained composed. "She used to be Adrian's secretary. She was recently reassigned to assist me."

Mrs. Blanchet looked skeptical. "A young girl becoming Mr. Roland's secretary? She must be quite cunning. Mrs. Roland, I'm only saying this because I like you—be careful."

Stella couldn't help but laugh. "You're overthinking it. She and I get along quite well."

Mrs. Blanchet's expression darkened. "Mark my words, you'll regret it. By the way, you two have three children together, yet you still call him by his full name?"

"We've been..."

"Fighting?" Mrs. Blanchet nodded knowingly. "Marital disputes leave the door wide open for other women. My Hugo once argued with me, and some little vixen swooped right in."

After a few exchanges, Stella had Mrs. Blanchet figured out.

She was blunt and sharp-tongued but not malicious. She and Hugo had been married for decades without major issues—her abrasive personality and a mistress's sweet talk had likely led to his momentary lapse in judgment.

Mrs. Blanchet abruptly changed the subject. "That woman making a scene earlier—Lily Savigny?"

"Yes."

"Not as pretty as you, and her demeanor is lacking."

Stella smiled. "Thank you."

"But men are superficial," Mrs. Blanchet said coldly. "No matter how accomplished a woman is, she can't compete with a seductress's sweet whispers."

Stella chose her words carefully. "Mrs. Blanchet, what are your plans moving forward?"

Noticing the shift in the other woman's expression, Stella tactfully changed the subject. "To be honest, Shi's Jewelry has struggled in recent years and owes quite a few debts. But I want to revive my father's legacy, so I've designed a collection inspired by classical aesthetics. I was hoping to collaborate with your magazine."

Her tone was sincere, her explanation clear and thorough, demonstrating genuine commitment.

Mrs. Blanchet's expression softened slightly. "Young lady, it's not as simple as you think—"

Before she could finish, the VIP room door burst open.

Lily barged in, dragging a crying child behind her. Spotting Mrs. Blanchet, she immediately cried out, "Madam, you're here to collect a debt too, right? We're on the same side!"

Mrs. Blanchet recoiled in disgust. "Who's on your side?"

"I'm Adrian Roland's woman!" Lily shoved the child forward. "This is his son! Stella Valentine went back on her word and won't let father and son reunite. You tell me—is that fair?"