Chapter 314
Chapter 314:
Tonight was the perfect chance to show off Yusip Twasto’s designs and maybe give the brand some buzz in the country.
William met Stella’s gaze, caught off guard by the lively spark in her eyes, and decided against pressing her any further.
When they emerged half an hour later, Stella appeared in a champagne mermaid gown that hugged her figure with quiet elegance. Draped around her neck was a delicate necklace—its crystalline links shimmering against her skin, with a scattering of luminous pearls resting just at her collarbone. Below them, a striking sapphire, haloed by mother-of-pearl, seemed to glow with an oceanic depth that drew the eye.
The jewel’s cool radiance played against Stella’s smooth skin, casting her in an ethereal light.
William stood transfixed, momentarily at a loss for words.
“Ready to go?” Stella inquired, glancing at him in mild confusion as he lingered in the doorway.
He cleared his throat and quickly looked away. “Yeah. Let’s head out.”
As soon as they entered the banquet hall, the low hum of conversation was pierced by someone calling William’s name from across the room.
Making their way toward the sound, Stella spotted Steven among the guests, standing beside a broad-shouldered man in a navy suit. If her guess was correct, this must be Anson.
“William! It’s been ages. Still the center of attention, I see,” Anson teased, clapping William’s shoulder before glancing at Stella with thinly veiled curiosity. He studied her for a moment. “And you are…?”
William gave a polished introduction. “Sylvia Gilbert, Nebula’s new CEO. She’s one of my team.”
Steven couldn’t help rolling his eyes at William’s overly formal tone.
Stella offered Anson a firm handshake. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Mitchell.”
Explore more stories gαℓησν𝒆ls․cøm
Anson’s gold-rimmed glasses caught the light as he returned her handshake, an intrigued smile on his lips. “The pleasure’s mine, Ms. Gilbert. I have to say, it’s rare to see a woman accompany William—he must think highly of you.”
His comment caught Stella slightly off guard, but before she could reply, William smoothly cut in. “Enough about us. Anson, you and Marlowe have been together for years now—when are you finally going to propose?”
Anson’s attention shifted immediately, letting go of Stella’s hand with a quick laugh. “Why don’t you worry about your own love life? Last I checked, you and Steven were still single. Marlowe and I are perfectly happy.” When it came to marriage, it was bound to happen.
Steven huffed dismissively. “Don’t group me in with him. I’m never short on admirers—I have more than enough women around me.”
Anson just laughed, his attention shifting back to Stella. “Ms. Gilbert, please, make yourself at home tonight. Treat this place like it’s yours—no need to be so formal.”
.
.
.