Chapter 470

The rift between Adrian and Stella was far more complicated than Vincent's petty relationship squabbles. Years of accumulated misunderstandings had formed an impassable chasm.

Vincent looked bewildered. "Mr. Roland, what do you plan to do? You can't keep dragging this out. I'm afraid—"

"I don't know." Adrian's voice was rough, like sandpaper. The memory of Stella walking away that day sent a dull ache through his chest. "Unless she says she's ready to accept me, I won't push her. This...is fine for now."

At least he could still watch her from afar.

Meanwhile, the Valentine residence glowed with warm light. Stella had just finished dinner with Grace and the children, sorting through today's carnival prizes in the living room.

"The plush toys go on your beds, and the model goes on Ethan's bookshelf, okay?" She crouched to meet the children's eyes.

Celeste studied the building blocks before tugging Stella's sleeve. "Mommy, can I trade my elephant for Ethan's blocks?"

"Here." Ethan handed them over without hesitation. "Dad already got me better ones anyway."

Stella's smile froze. She thought she'd built an impenetrable wall, but traces of him still seeped through the cracks.

Grace gave her shoulder a gentle pat. "Go work. I've got the kids."

Stella fled to the study. The computer screen flickered to life, but she stared blankly at spreadsheets until Penny's call snapped her out of it.

"Stella!" Penny's voice bubbled with excitement. "The operations team pulled an all-nighter—the numbers are incredible!"

A genuine smile finally surfaced. Reviving Shi's Jewelry had demanded every ounce of her strength. Endless coffee cups and sleepless nights had dragged the company back from bankruptcy's edge.

"That major client you personally handled—" Penny's voice shook. "We got it!"

"Really?!" Stella shot up, nearly knocking over the monitor. Her hands trembled as she opened her inbox. "Send me the details now!"

This project was her long-game masterstroke. Securing it would open the affordable luxury jewelry market, propelling Shi's back to industry dominance.

The client's email contained frustratingly sparse requirements: matching rings, interconnected heart design concept. Nothing else.

"These specs..." Stella massaged her temples. "Clearly targeting couples."

Her analysis crystallized: urban professionals, minimalist yet distinctive, suitable for daily wear...

This customer profiling method was something Adrian had taught her.

Stella slammed the laptop shut.