Chapter 490
The café was filled with rich aromatic scents.
Stella Valentine and William Aldridge's conversation gradually shifted from business collaboration to European culture, their discussion flowing effortlessly. Penny Anderson sat nearby, already on her second cup of coffee.
"These are my latest designs." Stella pulled several sketches and an exquisite velvet flower sample from her bag.
William's eyes lit up. "Magnificent! Exactly the Eastern aesthetic I've been searching for."
With a faint smile, Stella swiped open a runway video on her tablet. "This is our collection for Fashion Week."
"Each piece is one-of-a-kind?" William traced the velvet petals.
"Mass production ensures better efficiency," Stella explained. "Runways demand uniqueness, but the market values consistent quality."
William promptly produced a pen. "Let's sign the contract then."
The terms were far more generous than expected. Stella's eyes sparkled as she signed with practiced ease. Penny discreetly gave a thumbs-up.
"How about dinner tonight?" William suddenly proposed, emerald eyes gleaming.
Stella declined politely. "Apologies, I need to pick up my children."
"Your...children?" His expression froze.
"Three of them." She checked her watch. "The coffee's on me."
As William insisted on paying, Penny already had her phone out.
The atmosphere in New Frontier Group's executive office turned glacial.
Vincent Astor cautiously asked, "Bad day, Mr. Roland?"
"Would you be cheerful?" Penny rolled her eyes. "That William guy was practically undressing Stella with his eyes. Even asked her to dinner."
"You didn't stop him?" Vincent's voice rose an octave.
"Stella used the kids as an excuse." Penny shrugged. "But that guy looked determined."
Thirty minutes later, Stella's phone buzzed incessantly.
Adrian Roland had sent over twenty texts.
The first contained William's complete dossier.
The second meticulously listed all his ex-girlfriends.
From the third onward came detailed psychological analyses of William's character flaws.
Stella replied with a single question mark before stepping into the elevator.
In the underground garage, a statuesque woman blocked her path. "Miss Star?"