Chapter 203

Chapter 203:
Stella’s eyes narrowed at that. Her expression cooled instantly.
“Nebula doesn’t need anyone’s handouts,” she stated, her voice crisp. “We’re all here to compete—let’s do it on equal footing. If we lose, we’ll accept it gracefully. Mr. Walsh, are you underestimating our company?”
Marc faltered, caught off guard by her reaction, and quickly tried to clarify, his voice tight with unease. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
“If that’s not what you meant, then go ahead and present your proposal, Mr. Walsh,” Stella cut him off, determined to keep him from twisting things later to make it seem like he’d handed her the project.
A storm of conflicted feelings flickered across Marc’s face as he met her wary gaze, uncertain how things had turned so tense between them. Left with no choice, he launched into his own analysis of the project, doing his best to stay composed.
Once Marc finished, the client rose from his seat with a polite nod. “I’ve heard both of your proposals and understand your perspectives. I’ll let you know the outcome within three days. Thank you both for coming.”
It was standard practice—no winner would be named on the spot, sparing everyone any public embarrassment.
As Stella and William prepared to leave, the client suddenly addressed William. “Mr. Briggs, could you stay a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss privately.”
Catching the hint, Stella gave William a brief nod and stepped out into the hall.
While she waited, Marc appeared at her side.
“Stel, why wouldn’t you accept what I was trying to do in there? I meant it—I really think you’re the best person for this.” Marc’s voice softened, laced with wounded confusion as he tried to bridge the gap between them.
Stella leveled a steady look at him. “Mr. Walsh, whatever your reasons, let’s just do things by the book. That way, there’s no room for future misunderstandings.”
Marc caught the chill in her tone. Disappointment flickered across his face. “So you really think I’d do something underhanded? Do you believe that little of me?”
He wondered if she saw any of his actions as genuine, or if every gesture was doomed to be twisted into something malicious.
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Stella’s gaze didn’t waver. “Frankly, it’s none of my concern what kind of person you are.”
Her voice was clipped, her patience thinning by the second. If she hadn’t promised to wait for William, she’d have walked away without another word.
Marc’s shoulders slumped, but he pressed on. “Stel, I mean it—I finally see where I went wrong. You proved today you don’t need anyone’s help. I was arrogant and selfish before…”
She interjected, not bothering to hide her impatience. “Mr. Walsh, if you’re here to spill your heart, I’m not interested. Save your confessions for someone who cares.”
Just then, a black car glided to the curb. Behind the tinted window, Haley caught sight of Marc and Stella’s tense exchange at the entrance. Her expression darkened, lips pressed into a thin line as a hot surge of fury churned in her chest.
So this was the so-called business meeting Marc had been talking about?
No wonder he’d rushed to end their call earlier—he couldn’t wait to see Stella in person.
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