Chapter 28
Unbeknownst to her, across the street from her villa, Stephen had just returned home, enjoying his usual solitary
routine.
After spending some time in his study, he took a shower and waited for dinner to be delivered. During the full, he stepped out onto his upstairs terrace for some fresh air. That was when he noticed the lights in the kitchen across the way and a petite, busy figure moving inside.
Was that… Stellar?
Recalling her behavior at school and now seeing her living in a villa, he couldn’t help but frown
What was she doing here?
Wasn’t she the one who reportedly threw away her education for a man? And now that they’d supposedly broken up, was this villa his parting gift? Or had they never really ended things?
Stephen’s displeasure deepened as he mulled it over.
However, watching the two figures through the window, even from dozens of meters away, he could sense the warmth of their atmosphere. For the first time, the solitude he’d always enjoyed felt a little cold and empty.
He pressed his lips into a thin line, brushed off the strange feeling, and turned back to his study.
Monday came.
Stellar spent the day at school, but by evening, she changed into a sharp, professional outfit, her hair neatly pinned up. Looking poised and confident, she joined Shane for a project meeting
“Let me introduce everyone to the project lead from Riverside Corporation, Miss Stellar Rivers,” Shane said, addressing the room of stakeholders.
The room, filled with seasoned professionals, erupted in murmurs as they took in the sight of the young woman standing before them.
“Is Riverside even taking us seriously? Sending someone this young to lead a major project feels like an insult.”
“She looks like she just graduated–if she even finished college. What experience could she possibly have for a project like this?”
The skepticism in the room was palpable, but Stellar didn’t flinch. She met their doubts with calm confidence.
“Riverside assigned me to this project because I am the most qualified for the job. When it comes to improving the precision and performance of this initiative, I’m the only one who can deliver.”
One of the clients, unwilling to back down, scoffed. “And you really think this so–called technology is feasible? Sounds more like pie–in–the–sky nonsense.”
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“Exactly,” another chimed in. “Why don’t you walk us through the steps? Don’t just talk a good game–let’s hear the practical details.”
The room was filled with skeptical glances and dismissive smirks, their doubt etched into every expression.
Deep down, no one in the room believed Stellar had the capability to deliver.
If she were a novice fresh out of school, the relentless questioning might have shaken her, But Stellar was no stranger to challenges. She’d been tempered by experience, and this project fell squarely within her area of
Chapter 20
passion and expertise.
“Well, regarding that…‘
She calmly began to explain the technical detalls of her plan, laying out the approach with precision and clarity
The room’s atmosphere shifted. At first, the expressions were dismissive and skeptical, but as Stellar delved deeper into her explanation, a ripple of astonishment spread among the attendees.
These were seasoned professionals, and it didn’t take long for them to discern the difference between empty words and genuine expertise.
By the time she finished, the room fell silent, only for the stillness to break with thunderous applause.
“Miss Rivers, your talent at such a young age is truly impressive!”
“We misjudged you earlier. It’s clear the next generation is already surpassing us!”
“Such skill–it’s almost on par with Mr. Ward himself!”
One of the men, a refined middle–aged gentleman, suddenly seemed to recognize her.
His brows raised in surprise as he asked, “Stellar Rivers… Are you the young prodigy everyone’s been talking about? I heard you’re involved with the Aeronautics Research & Development Center project at your school? Stellar blinked, slightly taken aback. “I’ve been planning to join, yes. How did you know?”
The man chuckled warmly, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “My niece is part of that project team. She’s mentioned your achievements and holds you in very high regard.”
Stellar flushed slightly at the praise, feeling a little embarrassed by the unexpected recognition.
fully dissolved, the rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly. By the time they With the tension in the room n eft the conference room, everything had been successfully resolved.
