Chapter 488

These days, Stella Valentine and Adrian Roland maintained a tacit distance. All necessary communications were handled through brief text messages. From coordinating child pickups to confirming business collaboration details, they operated with seamless efficiency.

Each message was strictly professional, devoid of any personal sentiment. Ironically, this arrangement boosted their productivity.

One afternoon, Stella was absorbed in revising design drafts in her office when Penny Anderson burst in, her face flushed with anger. "Stella, have you seen what these reporters wrote? It's outrageous!"

"More rumors about Shi's Jewelry?" Stella set down her pen, brows knitting slightly. "We won't tolerate it this time."

Since Shi's successful collaboration with Wendy Evans' modeling team, envy had festered in the industry. Some had resorted to spreading baseless plagiarism accusations, their tactics growing increasingly underhanded.

Penny nodded vehemently. "They need to pay for this!"

But when Stella scanned the news article on the tablet, her expression shifted subtly. She exhaled softly. "This is what upset you?"

"Of course!" Penny blinked in confusion. "Stella, why aren't you angry?"

A faint smile touched Stella's lips. "The reporters stated facts—no fabrication, no defamation. They merely speculated based on available information. Why waste energy on such gossip?"

She picked up her design again, noticing Penny still hovering. "Instead of fuming, focus on preparing for this afternoon's client meeting. Are the materials ready?"

"They're ready." Penny hesitated. "But these rumors are spreading like wildfire. Everyone believes them..."

Lately, Stella and Adrian had indeed avoided public appearances together. Combined with her sudden solo leadership of Shi's Jewelry, speculation about their impending divorce had exploded. Opportunistic journalists had pounced, dissecting their relationship with salacious "insights" and dredged-up history.

The article quickly topped entertainment headlines.

At first, Stella found it absurd. They weren't celebrities—why the scrutiny?

Then came the weary realization.

Blame Adrian's prominence. His every move swayed New Frontier Group's stock prices. Allies and rivals alike watched him relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Adrian received the same news. His expression darkened as he summoned Vincent Astor. "Identify the media outlet. Have Legal handle it."

The air around him turned glacial.

"Understood, sir." Vincent mentally pitied the publication. "Should we demand a retraction or issue a clarification?"

Clarification?

What could they possibly clarify in their current situation?

Adrian's chest tightened. He waved a dismissive hand. "...Just get it taken down first."