Chapter 489

Stella Valentine pushed the café incident to the back of her mind, focusing on organizing the documents in her hands. The meeting with the European client was today's main event.

The glass door of the café swung open, and a young man with blond hair and blue eyes walked in. His tailored navy-blue suit exuded the elegance of a European gentleman.

"William Aldridge." He extended his hand, introducing himself in fluent Mandarin. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Valentine."

Stella shook his hand, slightly surprised. "I didn't expect you to be so young."

William chuckled warmly. "I was just transferred from London to the Milan headquarters. This negotiation is my initiation test."

Penny Anderson, sitting nearby, discreetly eyed the handsome client and nearly choked on her coffee. Stella swiftly steadied her cup and murmured, "Careful, it's hot."

"Sorry." Penny blushed as she dropped two sugar cubes into her coffee.

William's gaze lingered on Stella for a moment before he smiled. "The espresso here is authentic—reminds me of cafés in Milan."

"Absolutely." Stella's eyes brightened. "When I studied there, I loved the old shop near the central station."

"You've been there?" William leaned forward, delighted. "Their tiramisu is divine."

They quickly found common ground. Stella reminisced about her student days in Milan, while William shared amusing anecdotes from his work in London.

"London's tea is truly exceptional." Stella's lips curved into a faint smile as a memory surfaced. "But their experimental cuisine..."

William laughed knowingly. "As terrifying as pineapple on pizza!"

Stella recalled an awkward experience years ago with Adrian Roland in London. They had eagerly ordered a dish called "Starry Sky," only to be served a plate of charred sesame cakes.

"If you'd like, I could take you for a proper English afternoon tea sometime." William's blue eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Together?"

The sudden invitation caught Stella off guard. She noticed the way he looked at her—it wasn't just the gaze of a business partner.