Chapter 447

"What do you mean?"

"No wonder Mr. Roland seemed like a completely different person during that time. He was gloomy all day, and everyone in the company was too scared to speak loudly."

Stella recalled Penny mentioning how Adrian's office had practically become a forbidden zone back then. Even seasoned secretaries couldn't handle the pressure and resigned one after another.

"Now everything's fine. Your relationship is stable, and the kids are adorable." Editor-in-Chief Jessica teased with a smile. "Mr. Roland even supports your career—that's what a real man looks like. Unlike some men who feel threatened if their wives outshine them."

Stella pressed her lips together, smiling faintly.

Adrian had never interfered with her career. On the contrary, he always supported her quietly.

She remembered discussing this with him when they were younger. Back then, she worried she wouldn’t be able to manage a company well, and Adrian reassured her, "Just do your best. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be here."

At that time, Adrian was barely in his twenties but already making waves in the business world. Meanwhile, she was still a spoiled princess who relied on him for everything.

She’d ask him for help with homework, poster designs, even English dictation. Looking back, she had been so willful.

"That smile is so sweet. What are you thinking about?"

Stella snapped out of her thoughts, cheeks warming. "Nothing."

"You're legally married. Why be shy?"

Legally married?

Stella lowered her gaze. Strictly speaking, they were divorced now—living together wasn’t even legal.

"By the way, where are the designs?"

Stella opened her phone gallery. "Here."

"Hand-drawn sketches?" Jessica sounded surprised. "Hardly anyone does that these days."

"Force of habit."

Jessica studied the designs closely. "The style is unique—not overly lavish, but full of charm. Like jewelry from an aristocratic young lady’s boudoir."

"Most oriental-inspired jewelry on the market is too ornate for daily wear," Stella explained. "I want to create pieces that embody Eastern aesthetics while being practical for everyday life."

"That makes sense." Jessica’s eyes lit up. "And with lower production costs, it’s perfect for Brilliant Star Group’s current situation."

Stella nodded. "I want jewelry to be accessible, not just an unattainable luxury."

They hit it off immediately and finalized the collaboration on the spot.

Before leaving, Jessica couldn’t resist asking, "With Mr. Roland’s resources, funding shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

Stella shook her head gently.

Adrian hadn’t offered, and she hadn’t asked. Both understood that money would only complicate things between them.

After wrapping up work at the office, Stella’s phone rang—it was Joy.

"Stella! Get downstairs now!"

"What’s going on?"

"There’s something you have to see! I’m outside your building—hurry!"

Stella rushed downstairs and barely settled into the car before Joy slammed the accelerator, making an illegal U-turn.

Unnoticed by them, two men exchanged resigned looks from a nearby car.

Adrian rubbed his temples. "Your girlfriend needs to retake her driving test. That illegal U-turn just cost her three points."

Julian sighed. "She’s draining my license dry with all these violations."

"When are you getting married?"

"Why don’t we make it a double wedding?"

Adrian’s smile faded.

Julian turned serious. "What’s really on your mind? It’s obvious Stella cares about you."

"She has unresolved feelings." Adrian gazed out the window. "I don’t know if what she feels for me is love or just familiarity."

"Does it matter, as long as you’re together?"

"I won’t force her again." Adrian’s voice was quiet but firm. "Let her do what she wants. I’ll be here, watching over her."

"And what about you?"

"It doesn’t matter." Adrian murmured, "As long as she’s happy."