Chapter 118

Chapter 118:
Stella didn’t even look at him. “But you’re the CEO, Mr. Walsh,” she said calmly. “If you don’t understand the core features of your own product, what are you managing, exactly? Are you sure you’re taking this project seriously?”
She turned back to Winston. “Mr. Haywood, Nebula isn’t just here to talk. Our tech is competitive with WAY MORE—and we’ve already optimized the system in several key areas. All we ask for is a fair chance to prove what we can do. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
Stella spoke with steady, unshakable confidence. Nebula might still be a young company, but the way she carried herself, you’d think she came from one of the industry giants.
Winston had been in business long enough to meet all kinds—plenty talked a big game, but few had both the skills and the substance. Some had smooth words, others knew the tech but couldn’t navigate the business side. Sylvia had both.
Marc had rarely seen this side of Stella before. She used to be gentle around him, never pushy—even when she was working on technical patents, she stayed in the background, never competitive or forceful. But today, she was sharp, composed, answering questions with ease and confidence.
This wasn’t the Stella he knew—and she definitely wasn’t here to help him.
And he couldn’t take it. Without thinking, he snapped, “Stella, are you seriously trying to back me into a corner? Do you really have to challenge me on every project? Is this Nebula’s strategy now—stealing deals from everyone else?”
Stella arched a brow at Marc, cool and composed.
“Let’s clarify two things. First, I’m not Stella—I’m Sylvia Gilbert. Second, in this industry, it all comes down to competence. Whoever brings the best plan lands the contract.”
Marc’s face darkened, outrage flashing in his eyes.
Haley grew increasingly anxious as the minutes ticked by with no sign of Marc. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she hit the elevator button and rode it up to his floor.
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She barely made it to the office door before she saw Stella.
Instantly, irritation flared across Haley’s face.
“Why is it always you?” she snapped, her voice sharp with annoyance. “You just can’t stay away, can you?”
Winston, startled by yet another interruption, pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. His office was beginning to feel more like a marketplace than an executive suite.
Shooting a steely glare at Marc and Haley, he announced,
“Mr. Walsh, I’ve heard enough for today. Take your girlfriend and go. I have business with Ms. Gilbert.”
Marc blinked, caught off guard by Winston’s blunt dismissal. He had shown up first—how had things spun so quickly out of his control?
Haley’s glare only sharpened, her hands curling into fists at her sides, ready to lash out.
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