Chapter 772

Chapter 772:
Though Stella found the timing strange, the proposal itself was undeniably thorough. Mornstar Corporation was clearly putting real effort into this partnership.
Steven studied her face and asked quietly, “So, you’re planning to meet them?”
Her eyes flicked from the document to him. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
A deal like this falling into her lap was too good to brush aside. Whatever Mornstar’s true intentions were, it would be foolish not to at least hear them out.
Steven pressed his lips together before adding, “There’s just one thing. They asked that you come alone.”
Everything Mornstar proposed had been acceptable up until their final request. It was strange, asking Stella to go by herself.
That part made him uneasy, as if Mornstar might have hidden intentions toward her.
Stella’s brow creased, and she murmured, “Just me, on my own?”
He nodded. “Yes. They made it their only condition. Sylvia, I really think there’s something off about this. Maybe you should talk it over with William first?”
The mention of William darkened her expression immediately.
Steven realized his mistake and quickly backtracked. “Forget I said that.”
Stella steadied her breathing before she spoke again. “Tomorrow, you’ll come with me. Wait in the car park, and I’ll keep the call connected. If anything goes wrong, you come in right away.”
Steven gave a firm nod, his eyes lighting up as though he’d just discovered something new about her. “You’re sharper than I thought,” he said with a grin.
The praise made Stella arch a brow at him.
It was strange. When she first crossed paths with Steven, he gave off the impression of being reserved, almost stiff, someone cut from the same cloth as William. But somewhere along the way, especially after meeting Josie, Steven had loosened up, even picking up this habit of buttering people up.
He noticed the way she was looking at him now and instantly second-guessed himself, wondering if he had slipped up again.
The next day, Stella and Steven arrived at the lakeside restaurant. They were led to a table by the tall windows, where Mornstar Corporation’s representative was already waiting.
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But sitting next to him was someone Stella never thought she’d see—Marc.
The moment her eyes landed on him, she wanted to turn and walk out. So this was the reason Mornstar had suddenly shown interest in her. It wasn’t business—it was Marc pulling strings.
When Marc noticed her about to leave, he shot to his feet. “Stel, wait, please don’t go. Mornstar really does want to work with you. I know you don’t like me, but can’t you at least keep business and personal matters separate?”
A hollow laugh almost escaped her lips. Keep business and personal matters separate? Coming from him, of all people? The hypocrisy was staggering.
Marc watched as she paused, and his chest tightened. Winning her back wouldn’t be easy, he knew that now. Flowers and gifts hadn’t moved her before, and he doubted they ever would. This time, he had to find another way.
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