Chapter 61
“Oh, right. Ashford University is hosting an academic symposium in a couple of days. If you’re free, I can bring you along”
At those words, Stellar’s usually calm eyes lit up with unmistakable interest.
She wasn’t one to impose on Stephen, but she knew about this event.
It was only held once a year, and the attendees were industry leaders from various fields–entry was strictly limited, and most people never got the chance to attend.
Yet, Stephen was offering to take her.
The opportunity was too rare to pass up.
Tempted, she hesitated for only a second before asking, almost cautiously, “Really?”
Catching the subtle spark in her gaze, a faint, almost imperceptible curve formed at the corner of Stephen’s lips.
He gave a brief nod, responding with a low “Mm ”
He added, “You should get ready beforehand, I’ll let you know when the time comes.”
“Thank you, Senior Ward. I really appreciate it.”
As she reached for the door handle, something else crossed her mind.
“Oh, by the way, about the hairpin I fixed–was there anything you weren’t satisfied with?”
Stephen gave a small, measured nod. “It’s pretty good.”
Recalling the way his grandmother had practically cherished the piece when she received it, he let out a rare, amused smile.
“The person who received it loved it.”
Stellar caught that fleeting expression and paused for a moment, slightly taken aback.
Then, realization struck.
Of course. He hadn’t bought that hairpin for himself.
It was clearly a gift for someone else.
An item like that–elegant and expensive–was only meant for a woman.
If she had to guess, it was probably for his girlfriend.
The thought barely lingered.
Without another word, she pushed open the car door, stepped out, and gave him a casual wave.
“See you, Senior Ward.”
Keeping her distance from him was the right call.
Stellar ran through the front gates and into the villa, shaking off the lingering chill from the rain.
Chaptert.
+25 BONUS
Mary immediately rushed over with a warm, dry towel in hand.
“Miss Stellar, quickly dry off–you’ll catch a cold! If that happens, everyone in the family will be worried sick.”
A wave of warmth spread through Stellar’s chest as she took the towel, dabbing away the dampness.
“Don’t worry, Mary. I know how to take care of myself.”
But at the mention of her family, she suddenly remembered that her grandfather’s birthday was coming up next month.
She hadn’t officially visited them yet, and since it would be her first time, she needed to make sure she was well prepared.
And that meant picking out the perfect gifts.
The only problem? She had no idea what they liked.
“Mary, are you free to come out with me tomorrow?”
Mary looked at her in surprise. “What is it, Miss Stellar?”
“Grandpa’s birthday is coming up, and I want to get gifts for him, Grandma, and my uncles. But since I’m not sure about their preferences, I was hoping you could come along and help me pick them out.”
There was a hint of hesitation in her voice, as if she felt a little self–conscious about asking
Mary was touched.
Truthfully, she knew that no matter what Stellar picked, the family would love it just because it came from her.
But this was Stellar’s way of showing sincerity, and Mary respected that.
Her expression softened, and she smiled warmly.
“Of course, Miss Stellar. Leave it to me.”
The next day, being the weekend, Stellar headed out with Mary for a day of shopping.
Meanwhile, over at Azure Heights, Percy had been suffering from relentless headaches for the past few days.
He could barely eat, couldn’t get a decent night’s sleep, and felt absolutely miserable.
He couldn’t even handle business meetings and hadn’t touched alcohol in days.
His family doctor could only offer a simple recommendation.
“Mr. Moore, if you won’t take medication, the best thing you can do is stay calm. Avoid emotional stress, or your symptoms will only get worse.”
But the mere thought of Stellar’s cold, indifferent face sent a surge of rage through Percy, making his headaches even more unbearable.
He had no choice but to forcibly erase every trace of her from his mind–her expressions, her voice, and her ever
movement.
After days of struggle, his condition finally began to improve until, on this particular morning, Margaret suddenly paid him an unexpected visit.
