FULL NOVELXO Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Stella entered the president’s office in a daze. The secretary said, “Ms. Yates, please wait here for a moment. Mr. Perkins will be here soon.”
Stella said, “Alright.”
Ten minutes later, the office door opened, and a tall figure walked in.
Stella detected a slight whiff of peppermint and turned around
A tall, handsome man stood in front of her. It was the man who had helped her pick up her design drafts.
“It’s you!” Stella was surprised.
The man smiled. “What a coincidence.”
Stella immediately realized who he was, and asked politely. “Are you Mr. Perkins?”
“Yes.” Yoel walked over to the couch and sat down, looking ready to have a discussion with her.
“Please sit down, Ms. Yates.”
Stella came to her senses and handed her design drafts over to him,
Yoel spent a long time looking at them. He praised her “You’re very talented, Ms. Yates.”
He smiled and said, “Our company is thinking of creating an affordable luxury brand. Have you heard about that, Ms. Yates?”
“Yes.” She had come here for that very reason.
“I think that your designs suit our new brand very well. Are you interested in collaborating with our company, Ms. Yates?”
Stella was delighted.
Of course she wanted to work with them. With Nas Group’s investment, she would be able to promote her designs and enter the international market.
However, she felt that things were happening too easily
Her dream had come true in an instant, and it felt somewhat insubstantial.
Seeing her hesitation, Yoel asked her, “What’s the matter? Don’t you believe in your own abilities, Ms. Yates?”
“It just doesn’t feel real,” Stella said honestly.
Yoel smiled slightly. “Don’t worry. You can do this, Ms. Yates. If there’s no problem on your end, we can start discussing the collaboration.”
Stella said carefully, “Mr. Perkins, I need to speak to my partner about this.”
She did not dare to agree at once. After all, nothing came free in this world.
There weren’t any unwritten rules that she had to follow, were there? Would he ask her for some extra favors?
Yoel seemed to know what she was thinking, and he smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Ms. Yates. This is a proper company, and there aren’t any unwritten rules here. We won’t pressure you to do anything.”
Stella grinned in embarrassment.
In order to assuage her worries, Yoel said, “Why don’t I take you on a tour of the office?”
“Alright.” Stella felt that it would be a good thing to get to know more about Nas Group.
Therefore, Yoel brought her and the secretary on a tour of the office. He even invited her to watch their internally held fashion show.
“We happen to be having a fashion show today, and you’ve just managed to catch it. We can go and have a look, and you can get a feel of the kind of atmosphere our company has.” Yoel brought her to the 45th floor.
When they reached the venue, preparations were under way.
Jessica was standing on the stage. She wore a white gown and was talking to the staff.
Stella was surprised. What was Jessica’doing there?
*Her name is Jessica, and she’s a renowned pianist from Mavonia. We’ve invited her as a guest to do the opening performance for the runway show,” Yoel responded to her confusion
Stella nodded. “I see.”
Just then, Jessica spotted her. She smiled and waved at her in greeting. “Stella, what are you doing here?”
“I came to discuss a collaboration with Nas Group,” Stella replied politely.
Jessica nodded, and her gaze alighted on Yoel. There was a knowing look in her eyes. “Did you come up
here with Yoel?”
Yoel?
Since she had addressed him in such a familiar manner, the two of them must be acquainted.
“Do you know Mr. Perkins?” Stella asked.
“Of course I do. We were classmates back in Mavonia. Jessica smiled as she looked at Yoel. “Yoel, it’s
been a while. How have you been?”
“Pretty good.” Yoel smiled lightly, and his eyes were inscrutable underneath his glasses. “You two can go ahead and talk. I’m going to take a call.”
Yoel went over to the side to take a call.
Jessica smiled and said, “Your career is progressing pretty well if you’re already able to discuss
collaboration with Nas Group.”
“Mr. Perkins is just giving us a chance.” Stella smiled.
She did not really want to be alone with Jessica, and Jessica’s relentless questions annoyed her.
“A chance? Yoel is probably attracted to you. Let me tell you a secret. Yoel is single, so if you like him, grab this chance and make your move! Being in his vicinity is an advantage, as there are so many people who are interested in him.”
Stella felt that she was being ridiculous..
Why was Jessica trying to push them together?
She laughed awkwardly and said, “Mr. Perkins is only discussing a collaboration with me.”
“That doesn’t mean that he can’t become your husband! You’ve got to hold on tightly to such a good man! *There was a twinkle of mirth in Jessica’s eyes.
After that, she asked, “By the way, Stella, when are you and Brian getting divorced? Have you gotten the divorce agreement and everything else ready?”
Stella sounded frustrated. “He doesn’t want a divorce.”
Jessica’s smile turned stiff. “Why? I thought that the two of you didn’t have feelings for each other. If that’s the case, what’s the point in remaining entangled in a loveless marriage?”
‘I don’t know.” Stella had no idea either.
Brian clearly detested her. Why was he refusing to divorce her? Was it just to get revenge on her and to restrict her freedom for the rest of her life?
“When can you get divorced then?” Jessica looked at her. She seemed very upset.
Stella said, “Why don’t you try and persuade him? You’re pregnant. If you suggest it to him, I’m sure he’ll
agree.”
Jessica sighed and said, “I don’t want to give him too much pressure.”
Stella was lost for words.
She already had a baby and she was too afraid to suggest it?
As a woman whom Brian detested, there would be even less use for Stella to suggest anything!
Jessica grabbed her hand and said pleadingly, “Stella, try again and ask Brian for a divorce. Even if I can wait, the child in my belly can’t.”
Stella glanced impassively at her stomach. “I’ll try my best, I guess.”
Jessica suddenly cried out, “Brian!”
Stella jolted in shock and turned her head.
Brian was standing behind them with Mike.
He had come to Nas Group as he was one of the investors. They had no idea how long he had been standing there listening to them.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming?” Jessica spoke gently as she walked over to Brian
Brian glanced impassively at her and then turned his gaze on Stella.
She stood onstage in a pale–colored skirt suit. It was a simple style, but it made her skin look very fair, and she looked very alluring.
There was a pale red mark on her neck.
It was the bite mark he had given her last night, but it was already fading.
Brian’s gaze remained on the bite mark for a few seconds, but he did not say anything. He stood there, looking as regal as a king.
Jessica had seen the hickey too, but she acted as if she hadn’t. She clenched her fists slightly but still smiled.
“Brian, I was just talking to Stella about you. She says that you don’t want to get divorced. She’s waiting for you to sign the agreement.”