Chapter 80

Chapter 80:
Stella’s careful demeanor seemed to sit well with Nathalia, who smiled gracefully and took the seat next to William.
“William, where are you headed after we land in Choria? If we’re going the same way, maybe we can go together.”
But William cut her off without giving her the opening she wanted.
“Wherever that is, it’s not along my way.”
Nathalia was left speechless. All the lines she’d rehearsed had suddenly become meaningless.
After saying that, William got up and walked over to Stella’s side, his gaze landing on Maia, who was sitting next to her.
“I need to talk to Stella about work,” he said plainly.
Maia had been mid-conversation with Stella when she noticed a tall shadow fall over her.
Looking up, she was met with William’s serious expression. Remembering how strict William could be at the research institute, she instinctively nodded, almost like a reflex. “Sure.”
She gathered her belongings in a hurry and moved to the seat William had vacated, offering a polite nod to Nathalia as she passed.
“Nice to see you, Nathalia.”
Nathalia clenched her jaw, barely containing her irritation.
Stella, on the other hand, was left momentarily speechless.
She’d just handed him a golden chance to get closer to Nathalia—why was he sitting next to her instead?
She looked up at him with a faint, teasing smile. “Didn’t we wrap that up already? What’s left to talk about now?”
William casually tossed a folder onto the table, his gaze firm. “There’s an upcoming collaboration in Briggs Group. You’ll be handling it.”
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Stella blinked in surprise. When had she signed up for this? Since when was she dealing with Briggs Group’s business?
Before she could speak, William shot her a cold look. “What? Think you’re not up for it?”
She knew he was baiting her.
But truthfully, the opportunity with Briggs Group was the most strategic move for her right now. There was no reason to turn it down.
After a brief pause, Stella raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Is this a test, Mr. Briggs? Don’t worry. I’ll get it done.”
There was a glint in her eyes—confident and unwavering.
William’s lips curved faintly. “Good. Let’s see how it turns out.”
An hour later, the plane touched down in Briset—the city where Briggs Group was headquartered. Since she’d already accepted the role of director in William’s company, there was no reason to return to Choria. What she didn’t expect, however, was for William to hand her a set of keys right then and there.
She stared at him, puzzled. “What’s this?”
She hadn’t even officially started yet, and he was already giving her… something?
A quiet warning echoed in her mind: Beware of unexpected gifts. She eyed the keys cautiously, making no move to take them.
William turned to look at her, one eyebrow lifting as he leaned in slightly. Their eyes locked, and the closeness between them brought a hint of tension to the air.
“It’s part of your employee benefits,” he said, his tone calm. “You’re working in Briset now, so this place is yours. The Briggs Group makes sure its people are well taken care of.”
Stella blinked, raising a brow. “Do all your employees get handed villas, Mr. Briggs?”
William stood up straight again and shot her a look. “It’s not a gift—it’s temporary housing. You’re free to find your own place if you prefer.” With that, he turned and headed toward the exit, leaving Stella pressing her lips together in thought.
She had no doubt the villa would be luxurious. Honestly, it would be a waste not to use it.
Now that the recent project had wrapped up, Stella officially joined the project team, but her presence was only required as needed. The remaining time was hers to manage, free from the research institute’s oversight.
So using her spare hours to pick up part-time work at Briggs Group felt like a smart move. After all, who in their right mind turned down extra income?
Stella wheeled her suitcase into the villa. Though unoccupied, it was spotless—clearly kept tidy through routine maintenance.
She spent the next two days unpacking, stocking up on essentials, and giving the place a light cleanup. On her third evening in Briset, she had an event to attend.
William had already emailed her the documents, and she had studied them with care.
Her role was to represent a newly launched firm and negotiate a partnership with SummitRise Group—one of Briset’s oldest and most established names.
As she sat in the car, Stella couldn’t shake the feeling that this was William’s way of testing her.
The success of this collaboration would come down to her own skills.
At the entrance of the banquet hall, she took a moment to adjust her coat, then stepped inside—her silver, diamond-studded heels catching the light with every step.
The doorman held the door open, revealing an opulent, glimmering banquet hall beyond.
The sound of her entrance drew attention; people paused mid-conversation and turned toward her.
Since Briset was far from Choria, few had seen Stella before. But watching her stride in with poise in a designer gown, admiration sparked in their eyes.
“Who’s that? I’ve never seen her before. Maybe some heiress fresh back from abroad?” someone murmured.
“No idea, but that dress? I saw it in a magazine—it’s a limited edition,” another whispered.
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