Chapter 30

Stella's POV

A few days after Adam's departure.

My phone buzzed with a calendar reminder: GT Group Fashion Director Interview - 9:00 AM. My knees still ached from the recent injuries, but the opportunity was too important to pass up.

"Mrs. Lancaster, you can go out." Joseph's disapproving voice carried across the breakfast room. "The doctor specifically advised rest for at least three more days."

I adjusted my dress, making sure it fell perfectly. "Some things are worth the risk, Joseph."

His expression suggested he strongly disagreed, but he knew better than to argue.′′Aleast allow me to arrange the car."

"No need." I checked my reflection one last time. The dress was perfect -professional enough for a fashion director interview."I'll take a cab."

"Mr. Lancaster won't be pleased." I couldn't help but smile. "Mr. Lancaster is in London. He won't know." The GT Group headquarters dominated the Manhattan skyline.The marble lobby echoed with clicking heels and purposeful footsteps as I made my way to the elevator.

"Floor?" The security guard asked after checking my interview pass.

"Twenty-eighth floor, for an interview."

The testing room was already filled with candidates when I arrived - at least a hundred people vying for one position. The air practically crackled with nervous energy.

"First round will be a written examination," the HR manager announced. "You have ninety minutes."

I scanned the questions, letting a small smile play across my lips. Luxury brand history, international fashion trends, brand image development-this was my territory.

Two hours later, my hand cramped from writing, but satisfaction hummed through my veins. I knew these answers.

"Time's up!"

I handed in my paper with quiet confidence. Around me, other candidates were still frantically scribbling. The results came faster than expected.′′The following twenty-nine candidates have qualified for the second round..." My name was among the first called if they only knew.

\---

Adam's POV

The documents blurred before my eyes as I reviewed the latest revisions. Something about the numbers wasn't adding up,but my mind kept wandering to how Stella had looked that morning, curled up in my sheets, her hair spread across my pillowS...

"Sir." Taylor's voice interrupted my dangerous train of thought."There's something you should see."

I didn't look up. "Unless it's the London merger documents, it can wait."

"It's about Mrs. Lancaster."

My fingers stilled over the keyboard as a mix of concern and irritation stirred in my chest. "What about her?"

He handed me his phone, and my jaw clenched as I scrolled through the employee chat photos. There she was, looking impossibly elegant in a pale blue dress,clearly participating in the Fashion Director interviews. "She's supposed to be on bed rest." The words came out in a dangerous growl. The sight of her standing on those injured knees made something protective and violent stir in mny chest.

But beneath the anger was something else - reluctant admiration for her determination. Of course she wouldn't let her injuries stop her. When had Stella ever backed down from a challenge?

"The interview is nearly finished." Taylor offered carefully."Should I have someone escort her up?"

"No." I leaned back. plans already forming. Let her finish what she started. "Have another secretary bring her up after the results are announced. And Taylor?"

"Sir?"

"Get every brand of sparkling water you can find. Imported only."

He hesitated.′′Sir?′′

I felt my lips curve into a smile that would have sent lesser men running. "Hearing problems, Taylor?"

"Right away,sir."

As his footsteps faded, I found myself studying the photos again. The determined set of her jaw, the perfect posture despite her injuries, the fire in her eyes that had drawn me from the start.

My troublesome wife clearly needed a reminder about following medical advice. Though something told me she knew exactly what she was risking - and had decided it was worth it anyway.

\---

Stella's POV

The fashion studio for the practical test was a designer's. Each finalist was assigned a station and given their challenge: Create three complete looks for a luxury brand's spring campaign.

I moved through the racks with practiced efficiency,my trained eye immediately cataloging possibilities. A whispered conversation from nearby caught my attention:

"That's her-the one in the blue dress!"

"She looks more like a model than a stylist..."

"I heard she finished the written test in record time..."

I kept my expression neutral as I selected pieces. Let them talk.I was here to prove myself. The looks came together exactly as I'd envisioned - modern sophistication with subtle edge, perfect for the target demographic. My presentation was concise and professional,emphasizing market positioning and brand DNA. Just as I finished, a sleek woman in a designer suit appeared."Mrs. Lancaster? The CEO would like to see you."

The room went dead silent. I kept my voice carefully neutral."I'm afraid there must be some mistake. I don't know your CEO.11

"Mr. Lancaster specifically requested your presence." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Thirty-eighth floor."

Lancaster? My heart skipped a beat. Is him Adam? No,it is impossible. He was supposed to be a normal manager in The Lancaster Group.