Chapter 52

Stella's POV

I had been summoned to handle a high-profile styling task-evidently, one important enough to require my personal attention.

A young assistant spotted me and hurried over, clutching a clipboard. "Mrs. Lancaster! Thank you for coming on such short notice. The team is ready in Studio Three."

"Here we are," the assistant indicated a door. "This is for the new MOON Jewelry ad shoot. Their representative is already inside."

I pushed open the door and immediately froze.

Susan Miller lounged lazily on the luxurious studio sofa,expertly scrolling through her phone. The MOON Jewelry collection displayed on the nearby table explained everything-Lucy had been replaced.

The staff member behind me cleared his throat. "Miss Miller,this is our styling consultant, Mrs. Stella Lancaster. She will be handling your red carpet look today." Susan didn't bother to stand.′′NOneed for introductions. We know each other." "What a coincidence." I replied coolly.

Susan and I had a history-we attended the same elite private school. Despite her family's wealth. she always lingered in my shadow.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she assessed my appearance. "I heard you're working at GTnow. but I didn't believe it. Quite a... surprising career choice."

I noticed everyone around Susan treated her with unusual deference. This level of respect was uncommon. even for a brand ambassador. Something was off.

"Of course." I conceded.

Susan's smile didn't reach her eyes. "While we wait, have you seen the latest social media buzz? Quite interesting."

She turned her phone screen towards me. displaying a provocative forum post: [Shocking! Stella Winston Climbs Another Ladder, Alleged Homewrecker!] Below was a photo of Luke and me getting into Adam's limited-edition supercar.

Damn. The angle made an innocent test drive look incredibly intimate.It must be Lucy fellow me and took this photo! "Seems you've been busy socializing," Susan said with feigned concern. "'First Brian, then Adam, now Dr. Morgan? You've always been an overachiever, Stella." I noticed the room's atmosphere shifting. Assistants exchanged knowing glances. and the makeup artist suddenly found her brushes very interesting.

Susan set her phone down with dramatic disappointment. "Miss Winston... oh. sorry. with these scandals... I simply can't risk my reputation. Can we get another stylist?"

The staff looked awkward. caught in a dilemma. Technically,Susan was the client. but I was the boss's wife-even if most didn't know Adam's true identity.

I remained calm. casually leaning against a nearby table."Susan, are you a photographer, or do you know the men in the photos?"

Her perfectly groomed eyebrows arched slightly. "I have more important things to do. But I must say, the man in the photo isn't the same one you were seen with last week."

"Interesting," I replied calmly. "So you judge me based on unverified gossip? Has your time in the entertainment industry affected your intelligence?"

Susan's cheeks flushed with anger. "You-" "Isn't there another styling task today?" I interrupted,turning to the project manager. "Can we switch?" The manager looked uncomfortable,"Well, yes, but...the other project is a lower-tier product. The spokesperson is an esports player, far below Miss Miller's status. As our collaborative stylist. we aim to provide you with our premium opportunities..."

Susan's smug smile told me everything-she expected me to back down. After all. what stylist would voluntarily downgrade from a major jewelry ad to an unknown gamer?

"Perfect. I'll take that task." I announced. gathering my portfolio.

"What?" Susan's composure faltered. "You'd rather style a nobody than be part of MOON's ad?"

"Absolutely." I began packing my tools. "Quality work speaks for itself. regardless of the project."

Susan's jaw tightened. realizing her plan had failed. "You'll regret this."

As I reached the door. I couldn't resist a parting shot. "Susan.your face is sagging a bit. If you knew you'd be representing a luxury brand. you should have scheduled fillers in advance.The camera captures everything, making the stylist's job much harder." "How dare you!" Susan leapt up, abandoning her pretense of elegance . "You'll see! You don't deserve Adam!"I paused at the door, turning to smile at her. "Really? Well, I guess my natural charm is more appealing to him than yours."

Her face twisted with rage as I stepped into the hallway, the door closing on her furious outburst.

Once alone in the corridor. I pulled out my phone and texted Sam:

[Ran into Susan today. She attacked me like a rabid dog for no reason.]

A sullen teenager lounged on the sofa, exuding that unique blend of boredom and hostility typical of his age.

The project manager discreetly informed me that I would be styling this teenager, known professionally as "One," a rising star in the esports world. At just sixteen, he had already won several international tournaments.

His features were striking-sharp jawline, almond-shaped eyes,and a certain intensity that reminded me of Adam. The resemblance was subtle but undeniable, especially around the eyes. "Hello," I greeted, organizing my tools. Allen looked up with obvious skepticism. "Everyone at home says gaming is a waste of time. What do you think?"

This was a test. I met his gaze steadily. "Playing games all day is a waste of time. Competing internationally and winning championships is representing your country. There's a difference."

His expression shifted-a flicker of respect, quickly masked."Then I'm representing my country. Let's get this over with."

I worked efficiently, creating a look that balanced professionalism with youthful energy.

When I finished, Allen looked at his reflection with satisfaction."Cool. Thanks."

As he left for his photoshoot, I checked my phone again. Sam had replied:

[She might not be attacking for no reason.]

I frowned at the screen. [Shelikes Adam?]

[She might not just like your husband, but be jealous of you.Remember how she always copied you in high school?] Despite my irritation, I laughed. [No wonder seeing her feels like looking into a funhouse mirror.] I stared at the screen, an uncomfortable feeling gnawing at me.Was this the reason for Susan's hostility? What was her relationship with Adam?

Don't go there, Stella. That's exactly what she wants-to make you doubt.

I forced myself to focus on packing up my tools.

Adam's POV

The emerald tie on my desk kept drawing my attention, despite the pile of reports needing review. For two days, I found myself distracted by its intricate craftsmanship, the subtle vine pattern, and the nearly invisible "Morgan" embroidery.

Stella had designed this. For *Luke*. The thought stirred an unfamiliar sensation in my chest-hot and sharp, like swallowing broken glass.

"Sir," Taylor entered with his usual efficiency,"Mrs. Lancaster is in the styling department on the fifth floor. She should be finishing up soon." I nodded, fingering the tie. I had practically stolen it from Luke,offering any car in my garage in exchange. It was an objectively terrible trade, one that had made Mark laugh for a full five minutes. "Sir, may I ask..." Taylor hesitated, eyeing the tie I had been examining for days. "Is there something special about this tie?"

"Do you think it suits me?" I asked abruptly.

Taylor's expression remained cautious."It's... a very fine tie, sir.The craftsmanship is exceptional."

Of course it was. Stella had designed it-a meticulously crafted gift for another man.

I checked my watch."Where is she now?"

Taylor swallowed nervously under my gaze."Mrs. Lancaster left about ten minutes ago."

The room's temperature seemed to drop. "Left? Without coming up?"

"Yes, sir." Taylor shifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny.

"Find her." My voice was sharper than intended. "Now."

Taylor practically sprinted out of the office. I turned to the window, the agitation in my chest growing. She had come to GT−∗my∗company-and didn't even bother to come up?