Chapter 69

Seven hundred thousand.

That amount used to be pocket change in Stella Valentine's past spending records.

Now it had become an ambitious goal requiring her utmost effort.

News of her landing a major client on her first day spread like wildfire through the design department.

"Oh my God!" A ponytailed young girl rushed over. "That mother-daughter pair is notoriously difficult. How did you get them to sign on the spot?"

"Just got lucky." Stella offered a modest smile.

A bespectacled colleague adjusted her black frames. "I've been in this industry for three years and never heard of you. With skills like yours, you shouldn't be unknown."

Stella's fingers absently traced the desk surface. "I... left the industry for six years."

"Six years?!" The ponytailed girl gasped. "Then you were..."

"Raising children." Stella said calmly.

The office fell silent.

The bespectacled woman inhaled sharply. "Your husband must be extraordinary to make you give up your career."

"We're divorced." Stella's soft voice dropped like a stone into still water.

The female colleagues exchanged glances, complex emotions flashing in their eyes.

"Marriage really is a tomb," the ponytailed girl muttered.

"Women should have their own careers," the bespectacled one clenched her fists.

A cold laugh came from the corner. "If everyone thought like you, the jewelry design industry would've collapsed long ago."

The speaker wore a yellow trench coat—the same woman Stella had publicly critiqued that morning.

The office turned deathly quiet.

Stella walked over. "I apologize for this morning. To make amends, how about I treat everyone to dinner?"

"Unnecessary." The woman in yellow didn't look up. "You think everyone wants your pity meal?"

Stella pressed her lips together.

She knew she'd broken an unspoken rule—questioning a senior's design on her first day.

A notification popped up on her computer.

Victor Valence had sent the celebrity list for tomorrow's brand launch, requiring her to select appropriate display jewelry for each star.

Stella immediately immersed herself in work, pushing aside the earlier unpleasantness.

When the下班铃声 sounded, Joy Fairsprene's call arrived right on time.

"Stella! I knew you could do it!" The voice chirped like a lark.

Stella's lips curved unconsciously. "Thanks to your recommendation."

"Stop being modest! Where's my celebratory dinner?"

"How about tonight? I just got the commission—you pick the place."

Joy excitedly named a restaurant—Atlantis Seafood.

Stella's hand froze midair.

Memories flooded back.

"Do you like it?" The young man pointed at the underwater tunnel. "They say proposals here have a 100% success rate."

"Who said I'd marry you!" The girl blushed while hitting him.

"Who else would dare marry this spoiled princess?"

......

"Ma'am?" A waiter's voice brought her back.

Stella found herself already seated at the restaurant. Across from Joy's expectant face, not the youth from her memories.

"You look pale," Joy said worriedly.

"Just thinking about work." Stella forced a smile.

When the waiter brought menus, Joy waved them off. "Such a fancy place—you order, Stella."

Stella expertly selected signature dishes.

"You're quite the connoisseur," the waiter remarked. "These are all the chef's specialties."

"Came here once before," Stella said quietly. "Many years ago."

After the waiter left, Joy whispered, "During college? Did your family bring you?"

"Adrian Roland." Stella said the name as if discussing a stranger.

Joy clapped a hand over her mouth.

"It's all past." Stella watched fish swim by. "Look how cute that clownfish is."

Joy suddenly leaned in. "Remember Zachary Ellison from last time? He's been asking about your preferences."

Stella frowned. "I have two children."

"Two?!" Joy's voice spiked before lowering. "Another one in the States?"

"Mm. Five years old." Stella's gaze followed a blue tang. "Originally planned to take Luna there too."

Joy slammed the table. "That bastard Adrian!"

"Enough." Stella smiled, changing topics. "Try this cream soup—it's special."

Aquarium lights cast rippling shadows across their faces through the water.

Joy suddenly turned serious. "Stella, the best way to forget old love is to start new romance."

Stella watched the fish swimming overhead without replying.

Those beautiful creatures moved freely through azure waters, just like her youth that could never be reclaimed.