Chapter 458

"Stella, my loyalty to you is as steadfast as the sun and moon!" Penny dodged the topic, clinging to Stella's arm with playful affection. Her transparent evasion only solidified Stella's suspicions.

The mountain of files on the desk screamed urgency. Stella chuckled softly and withdrew her hand. "Alright, I believe you. The company's just starting out—if you don't mind the workload, stay and help. Today won't be easy."

Years of training at Roland Group kicked in. Penny rolled up her sleeves. "Consider it done!" She snapped into focus, her efficiency so startling it accelerated Stella's own pace.

As the sun dipped low, Stella was deep in revising a proposal when a knock interrupted.

"Stella, it's time to pick up the kids," Penny reminded, peeking through the door.

Stella jerked her head up, checked the time, and scrambled for her bag. "Oh no!"

Her heels tapped a frantic rhythm down the hallway. Penny called after her, "What about these files?"

"Your problem now!" Stella had already reached the elevator. "The top one needs client confirmation. Overtime pay included."

She never skimped on employee benefits.

Penny mentally calculated the overtime rate, barely suppressing a cheer. But the descending elevator numbers gave her pause. "Maybe you should handle it tomorrow? I might botch the client call."

At Roland Group, she'd mostly done administrative work. Client relations were uncharted territory.

Stella's lips curved. "I trust you."

Penny might fail, but Adrian wouldn't.

Penny forced a laugh, realizing her act had been seen through.

"His kindness is noted." Stella pressed the elevator button. "Once the company stabilizes, you can go back."

Panic flashed across Penny's face. "Stella, I'm yours for life!"

Before this assignment, Adrian and Vincent had drilled her on severing ties with Roland Group. She'd hesitated then: "Stella's too sharp for this. Shouldn't Mr. Roland fire me first?"

Vincent had massaged his temples. "We're not in a soap opera."

Adrian, reviewing documents at his desk, had said without looking up, "She'll see through it."

"So what do I do?" Penny had panicked.

"Be yourself." Adrian's pen paused. "She won't reject you. Even if she rejects me, she won't jeopardize the company."

Now, as the elevator doors slid open, Stella's words mirrored his prediction exactly: "Relax, I won't take it out on you."

Penny exhaled. "Then the work—"

"Just like when you reported my whereabouts to him, consult him if you're unsure." Stella stepped inside, eyes glinting mischievously. "Tell him overtime pay is guaranteed."

Before the doors closed, she winked. "See you tomorrow."

Shaking her head with a wry smile, Penny returned to the office and dialed.

Adrian answered instantly. "What did she say?"

"Mr. Roland," Penny stifled a laugh, "Stella says you'll be paid overtime."