SWNOVELS Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Stella’s eyes flickered as Jessica’s words seemed to carry a hint of sarcasm,
Despite Jessica’s poised exterior, her words felt like a stab in the back. She wasn’t as simple as she appeared.
Sure enough, Brian’s expression darkened after listening to Jessica. He glared at Stella coldly, but she dared not meet his gaze.
Yoel’s return interrupted the tense atmosphere. “Why is everyone gathered here? The show is about to start. Let’s all go to
our respective positions.”
Stella b
heaved a sigh of relief and quietly slipped behind Yoel to shield herself from Brian’s piercing stare.
“Brian, Stella came here with Mr. Perkins,” Jessica remarked.
Brian furrowed his brows. How did Stella manage to collaborate with the Nas Group? With her qualifications, she wouldn’t meet their standards. Her resume was practically blank.
Sensing Brian’s thoughts, Jessica whispered, “Stella graduated not long ago. She shouldn’t qualify for a cooperation with the Nas Group. This unconventional collaboration is probably because Mr. Perkins favors her. I noticed that Mr. Perkin’s eyes seemed different when he saw her earlier.”
Brian gave Stella a deathly stare as she settled into her seat. However, she lowered her head and pretended not to notice his gaze.
Yoel, who was seated beside Stella, whispered, ‘Do you know him?”
Stella hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “No, I don’t.”
“He’s Mr. Brian Foley from the Foley Group. They say he has a short temper. Just steer clear of him and avoid offending him,” Yoel advised.
“Got it,” Stella replied softly.
Brian was seated prominently at the center. A cluster of executives surrounded him, showering him with compliments and exchanging business cards in a bid to make connections.
However, Bryan remained aloof, barely acknowledging their efforts. Disheartened, the executives returned to their seats, resigned to watching the show,
Despite his silence, Brian commanded attention. Stella couldn’t ignore his watchful gaze on her.
Finally, the melodious notes of a piano filled the room, Jessica, draped in a white fishtail gown, sat amidst the fog and elegantly played the piano. She was as enchanting as a fairy descended to earth.
The audience started complimenting Jessica. “She’s so beautiful!”
Suddenly, Yoel turned to Stella and said, “It seems like everyone is praising Jessica.”
“Yeah.” Stella nodded in agreement, hesitant to voice her thoughts amidst the chorus of praise.
“Did you notice Mr. Foley keeps looking over here?”
Bria
Stella nodded as she felt Brian’s piercing gaze. “Seems like it.”
וויוי
go and say hi to him,” Yoel said while offering a friendly smile to Brian.
Brian responded with a faint nod as his expression remained cool.
Stella focused on the show and reminded herself not to let Brian’s presence affect her. She also tried hard to avoid looking in his direction.
“Mr. Foley either hates me, or he likes you,” Yoel said jokingly.
Stella’s eyelids twitched. How could Brian possibly like her? He had told her that he would never love her. And besides, he got Jessica pregnant. How was that a display of love?
Stella let out a bitter laugh as she thought of Jessica’s pregnancy. “That’s impossible. Either he’s in a foul mood, or he’s naturally poker–faced. In any case, it’s highly unlikely that he’d fancy me.”
“Are you that certain? Yoel regarded her with a mysterious glint in his eyes.
Stella nodded firmly. “Absolutely.”
Yoel couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re quite different from other girls, you know? They all dream of catching the eye of a CEO, but you don’t even care about that.”
“I’m just being realistic.” After over 700 days, Stella had long given up on winning Brian’s heart.
As they conversed in hushed tones, a sudden commotion erupted when a model passing by accidentally flung her bag toward Stella.
“Watch out!” Yoel called out before pulling Stella out of harm’s way. She narrowly avoided the flying bag
Stella blinked in surprise and looked at the model on stage. The woman gave an apologetic look before walking past them.
Despite the short encounter, Stella recognized her as Carrie Foley, Brian’s cousin and the cherished daughter of the Foley family’s second son.
Stella had heard rumors that Carrie had become a model at a company all for the sake of a man she admired. Could that man be Yoel?
Feeling a strange coincidence, Stella couldn’t help but ask Yoel, “Does Carrie have feelings for you?”
Yoel’s surprise was palpable as he inquired, “How do you know her name?”
Stella was momentarily speechless. She had recognized Carrie correctly.
No wonder Carrie had hurled her bag at Stella earlier. Jealousy seemed to be the underlying cause. After all, she was the epitome of a spoiled, wealthy heiress with a bad temper.
“I’ve bumped into her a few times,” Stella replied briefly. She couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Brian.
When Stella saw that Brian wasn’t looking at her, she let out a sigh of relief. At least now she could fully
immerse herself in the show.
An hour later, the show drew to a close. Exiting the hall, Stella turned to Yoel and said, “Thank you for your hospitality today, Mr. Perkins. I should head back now.”
“Of course. I hope to hear some good news from you in the coming days.”
Stella was taken aback. Why did Yoel seem so eager to know her response?
“I’ll discuss this matter with my business partner once I’m back.”
“Very well.” Yoel nodded, then proceeded to leave with his secretary.
As Stella made her way out, she made a quick stop at the restroom at the end of the corridor, just in case there wouldn’t be another opportunity along the way.
After using the restroom, Stella washed her hands. As she emerged, she found Brian waiting by the doorway. Standing under the beam of light, Brian posture exuded confidence. His penetrating gaze added an air of mystery to his already captivating face.
“Why would Yoel cooperate with you?” Brian asked.
Stella replied nonchalantly, “Nas Group is launching a new brand and seeking fresh talent. They’ve extended invitations to designers nationwide, and I happened to be among them. I caught Mr. Perkin’s
attention.”
Brian scoffed, “Do you really think such a large conglomerate would entrust a new project to a novice. designer? He even brought you to an internal show?”
Noticing Brian’s disdain, Stella retorted, “Why do you always look down on me?”
“I simply find it illogical, Brian replied.
“Perhaps it’s because Mr. Perkins appreciates my unique designs.”
“That sounds like a stretch. A fresh graduate with no professional experience. It’s simply implausible.” Brian’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“What’s the reason, then?” Stella inquired, genuinely intrigued by the situation.
The collaboration seemed too smooth, and it was difficult to believe that a major corporation had no demands. Thus, she was eager to hear Brian’s perspective.
“He’s seeking to exploit you. Like hunters laying out tempting lures to ensnare their prey,” Bryan remarked coldly.
When Brian glanced at Stella, he couldn’t help but admire her exquisite beauty. It was precisely because of her beauty that Simon had initially pushed for their marriage. He feared that his beloved daughter
would become a mere plaything of high society.
Even though Stella might be unwilling, there would always be lecherous older men attempting to assert
their dominance over her.
Bryan continued aloofly, “Stella, our decision to remain married is for your own good. You’ll become easy
prey for those predatory old men the moment you’re divorced.”