Chapter 53

Stella's POV

I followed Taylor through the GT building, my mind still on Susan's insinuations about Adam. The whole situation felt off.Why had Adam summoned me?

"Taylor," I asked as we entered the executive elevator, "does Adam know Susan?"

He hesitated. "Susan? Yes, they know each other. They've attended some events together."

"I see." My tone must have conveyed more than I intended because Taylor quickly elaborated.

"Mrs. Lancaster, please don't misunderstand. Miss Miller and Mr. Lancaster aren't close. She just-"

The elevator doors opened, cutting off his explanation.Standing in the executive reception area was Susan herself,dressed in a gown more suited for a gala than an office.She was adorned with MOON Jewelry-a gaudy diamond set,including an enormous engagement ring, matching necklace,earrings, and an overly elaborate hairpiece. "Please tell him Susan is here," she instructed the receptionist. "I brought a gift from Paris. I'll only take a moment of his time.We're friends,you know." Friends?" I couldn't help but interject. "Is t hat what you call it?"

Susan spun around, her expression shifting from surprise to hostility. "Stella? What are you doing here?"

"What a coincidence," I said coldly.'m here to see Mr.Lancaster as well."

Susan's perfectly sculpted face tightened. "Adam is very busy and selective about who he meets. You can't just show up and expect-"

"Right this way," Taylor interrupted calmly.′′Mr. Lancaster is expecting you."

Susan's shock was almost comical."What? But...how? You can't have an appointment!"

"Maybe MMr. Lancaster prefers my company," I shrugged.

Susan's composure shattered. "You? A nobody? Don't flatter yourself-a stray cat shouldn't dream of being a phoenix!"

I stepped closer, using my height to intimidate her. "Yet this'stray cat' seems to have privileges you can only dream of.Maybe my face is more to Mr. Lancaster's liking." "You-you shameless-" Susan spluttered, unable to form coherent words. "Miss Miller," Taylor interjected firmly, "Mr. Lancaster does not accept unannounced visitors. Additionally, I must report this unauthorized visit to your father."

Susan paled slightly. "But why can *she* go in?" Susan pointed at me frantically.

Taylor simply opened the door for me. I couldn't resist a final remark. "Better luck next time, Susan."

Her furious gasp followed me into Adam's office, the heavy door closing firmly behind us.

Adam sat behind his immaculate desk, his shoulders tense under his perfectly tailored suit. His dark eyes followed my movements, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Lancaster," I kept my voice neutral,"you wanted to see me?"

"Where's my gift?" he asked bluntly.

I blinked."What?"

"My gift," he repeated, as if it should be obvious. "You designed a tie for Luke. I'm still waiting for mine." That's what he wanted? A tie? I could hardly believe it,especially with Susan fuming outside. "Susan is in the hallway," I said instead of answering his question. "Se apparently brought you something."

His jaw muscle twitched. "I didn't ask about Susan."

"Aren't you friends? She seems quite accustomed to using your name."

Adam's eyes narrowed slightly. "Mrs. Lancaster, are you jealous?"

The question caught me off guard. "Jealous? Of what? Though your precious Susan did take out her frustrations on me,affecting my work schedule and efficiency."

Adam stared at me, as if searching for something in my expression. Whatever he was looking for, he didn't find it. A flicker of something-disappointment? Annoyance?-crossed his eyes before disappearing.

Our standoff was interrupted by Taylor's knock. He entered carrying an elegant leather shopping bag.

"Sir, Miss Miller insisted I deliver this gift to you," Taylor said,looking uneasy.

"What did Susan bring?" I couldn't help but ask. Adam gestured for Taylor to open the bag. I leaned forward slightly, eager to see what this woman,who clearly wanted to be a "third wheel," had brought for my husband. "It's... a box of chocolates," Taylor said, presenting an elegantly wrapped box of black truffle chocolates, encased in gold foil.

I instantly recognized the brand-often hailed as the "Hermès of chocolates." I couldn't help but swallow involuntarily.

Adam was about to tell Taylor to take them away when he noticed my reaction. I tried to appear indifferent, but it was clear I had failed.

"Do you want some?" Adam asked, his tone casual, but his eyes scrutinizing my response.

I blinked, surprised by the offer. "You're just going to...give me Susan's gift?"

"Lady Lancaster," Adam leaned back in his leather executive chair, his fingers rhythmically tapping the polished mahogany desk. "Why the sarcastic tone?"

"I'm not being sarcastic!" I protested, though even I could hear the sharpness in my voice.

"Really?" He raised one eyebrow perfectly, challenging me.

"Fine," I stood up, taking the box of chocolates and holding it protectively against my chest. "Thank you!" Adam cleared his throat. "Are you free tonight?""Actually, I have plans with Sam," I replied, already imagining sharing these delicious chocolates with my best friend. "She loves this brand too. We'll enjoy them together."

Adam's expression darkened slightly, though he maintained his composed demeanor. I pretended not to notice and headed for the door.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going," I announced cheerfully.

As the elevator doors closed behind me, I couldn't help but smile. The thought of how furious Susan would be if she knew her expensive gift to Adam had ended up with me was almost as delightful as the chocolates themselves.

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Adam's POV

I watched the elevator doors close, my mood instantly souring.Stella had not only ditched me to have dinner with her friend but had also taken Susan's gift to share with Samantha.The thought irritated me more than I cared to admit.

"Sir?" Taylor's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"How is Susan's situation?" I asked, refocusing on business. Taylor straightened. "MOON Jewelry has chosen Miss Susan as their new spokesperson. Lady Lancaster was initially assigned as her stylist, but due to,.. mutual dislike, she requested atransfer to the Night Owl Headphones campaign."

"ONE?" I looked up sharply.

"Yes, sir." Taylor confirmed. "Oddly enough, he cooperated with Lady Lancaster today. He usually detests styling and makeup."

I picked up a cigarette and lit it expertly.′′Tell him to return to school after next month's competition. Otherwise, I'll blacklist him."

"Of course. I'll contact his team manager immediately."

Taylor hesitated before adding, "Sir, the Lancaster family has been investigating youa.recently. They have informants within GT Group, and Susan's actions today might lead them to speculate about your identity."

I exhaled a plume of smoke nonchalantly.′′It′Stime they found out."

"Are you sure that's wise, sir?"

"It's inevitable," I replied, turning my chair to face the Manhattan skyline. "And entirely within my calculations."