When Love Comes Late

“Hold on,” Stella called after her.

“You still owe me an apology.

”

Surveying the room, Dulce realized there was no easy way out.

With a grimace, she muttered, “I’m sorry,” and retreated hurriedly.

As soon as she exited, the reporters dispersed too, clearly disheartened.

Left alone in the room, Stella and Mia faced each other.

Carefully, Stella slid the dress back into its protective dust bag before turning her gaze to Mia once more.

She pursed her lips, a touch of vulnerability coloring her words.

“Ms.

Dury, I regret that our first meeting had to occur under such circumstances.

”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Mia replied with elegant grace.

“None of this was your fault.

”

Still uneasy, Stella worried about making a poor impression.

“I admire your brand immensely.

I genuinely hope you’ll grant me another opportunity to sit down and discuss potential collaborations.

I’m confident I won’t disappoint you.

”

Mia nodded, her own admiration for Stella apparent.

Mia thought of Stella as someone who was neither cowed by authority nor overly assertive, just the right balance.

“I too am interested in exploring the possibility of a partnership.

”

Stella’s eyes brightened at Mia’s words.

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Yet, before she could bask in the moment, Mia offered a cautionary note.

“While you’ve demonstrated your integrity today, understand that I am traditional at heart.

I would hope you don’t have any love life scandals to your name,” Mia advised, her tone earnest yet kind.

Stella understood the underlying message.

Clearly, Mia had caught wind of the reporters’ insinuations.

But Stella harbored no concerns over her love life.

She aimed to earn Mia’s respect on her own merits, independent of her relationship with Matthew or any association with Prosperity Group.

“My love life is impeccably straightforward,” Stella assured her.

Mia offered no further comment.

Picking up her purse, she bestowed a gentle smile upon Stella.

“Then please proceed with your preparations.

I eagerly await our next meeting.

”