Chapter 91

Stella's POV

The jarring ring of the phone interrupted my afternoon nap.I groggily reached for the phone on the bedside table, my eyes not fully open yet.

Who would be calling at this hour?

The screen displayed an unmarked number. After a moment of hesitation,I answered.

"Hello."

"Stella, are you stilI sleeping? Have you forgotten about the show?" A man's broken English, mixed with fluent French.came through the phone.

Damn it! Frank's show!

I sprang up from the bed, devoid of drowsiness: "No, no! I will definitely be there on time!"

The other party grunted and hung up directly. *This is so embarrassing.* Glancing at the time, I cursed my carelessness inwardly. Frank Leclerc, the most promising haute couture designer today, with a quirky temperament but overflowing talent. Tickets to his private show were hard to come by, and I almost missed it because I overslept.Rushing to the dressing room. I pondered on what to wear. It had to reflect taste but not be too ostentatious, after all. this was Frank's show,not mine.

In the end. I chose a deep purple velvet evening gown, with a slight crinoline underskirt, the length just grazing the ankles. It exuded a formal elegance without being overly grand, perfect for a private show.

As I applied makeup, I tried to keep my hand steady. Today,I would meet many high society figures from Manhattan,and I couldn't afford to make a fool of myself.

Heading downstairs, Joseph happened to be walking from the other end of the corridor.

"Madam is going out? Will you be back for dinner?"he inquired.

Putting on my shoes, I replied, "I'm going to the show at Hopper Winery, it should end around five, so I should be back for dinner."

"Do you need me to prepare a car for you?" "No, thank you, Joseph. I've already called for a car." Glancing at my watch, I calculated the time in my mnind. Though rushed.I should make it in time."Does Mr. know you're going out?" This question made me tense. Since the night of Mrs. Morgan's birthday party. the relationship between Adam and me had been in a subtle cold war state. Estranged, each busy with our own affairs, hardly any interaction.

What if he knows? It's not like I have to inform him of my whereabouts.

"He probably doesn't care about my schedule." I replied softly.trying not to sound too bitter.

Joseph's expression shifted slightly, but quickly reverted to his professional butler demeanor. "Well, have a pleasant time.madam."

*A pleasant time? It's probably not that simple.* I thought of Frank's eccentric temperament and the troublesome characters that could appear at any moment, I knew today wouldn't be easy.

Upon arrival, I could feel the probing gazes. For months, I had been the focus of Manhattan's high society gossip. "Adam Lancaster's mysterious wife,"′′The Ward daughter who rose from obscurity to socialite"-various labels and speculations surrounded me.

Let them look, I'm not here to please them. "Stella! What a coincidence, you're here for the show too?" Turning around, I immediately recognized the speaker-Chloe Lancaster, Adam's sister-in-law, Thomas's wife. She was dressed in a luxurious designer coat, with exquisite makeup.Hermes bag slung over her arm, standing arrogantly among a group of wealthy ladies.

Here she is again. How annoying.

"Lady Lancaster, what a coincidence." I politely responded,but remained wary. Chloe had never been easy to deal with, her animosity towards me never concealed.

"I heard Adam hasn't been very fond of you lately, just the other day he took a female star to an event, and you still have the mind to attend a show?" Chloe's face bore a fake smile,"Well,you must be making the most of his resources and money,since the Winstons are not invited to this show, you got the invitation through Adam,right?"

*Hah,she knows how to hit where it hurts.* I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Chloe was as unpleasant as ever, always keen on exposing the rift in my relationship with Adam. As for that female star, she was just an actress working for him,hardly significant. But such an explanation would only show that I cared,so I chose to remain silent. A wealthy woman with short hair suddenly interjected, "Miss Winston, how long can a woman rely on looks to get by? Let me introduce you to someone suitable. My nephew is single. and I think you'd suit him."

Seriously? Introducing a man to Adam Lancaster's wife in front of so many people? Were they out of their minds or what?

"Thank you, but that's not quite appropriate." I suppressed my anger,politely declining.

Chloe, like a shark smelling blood, chimed in, "I think it's quite suitable. Stella, weren't you fickle in the past? Engaged to my son and then quickly with Adam? Madam. why don't you speak. Miss Winston might be considering it."

The woman's daughter added, "Stella, let me tell you the truth.a woman like you, whose parents are unknown, if it weren't for my liking Adamn, my mom wouldn't have introduced my cousin to you!"

*Are they acting out a play?* I couldn't help but laugh. They were openly introducing men to Adam Lancaster's wife in front of so many people? It was simply ridiculous and laughable."I believe I know that actor you mentioned, the one who was recently exposed for cheating, playing around, and plagiarism,right?" I said calmly, "I heard his father is facing legal issues due to business malpractice. You may not know, but he was exposed probably because he offended me."Well,actually, he offended Adam, but these minor details didn't matter. The woman's daughter instantly flushed red. "You... Stella. did you ruin my cousin's family? How can you be so malicious!"

"Lady,be cautious with your words, there's a saying. Those who sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind.'" My tone was cold. If anyone should be blamed, it's your cousin for his own actions, Adam merely gave him a push.

Turning to Chloe, I added with a hint of threat. "Lady Lancaster, you're encouraging others to introduce men to me.I wonder if Mr.William would be upset if he found out?"

Chloe's face slightly changed, realizing the threat in my words.

To change the subject, she hastily said, "Alright! The show is about to start, everyone take your seats!"

A lady took the opportunity to compliment Chloe, "Ms.Lancaser, you have the best seat today, I envy you!"

Chloe responded smugly, "It's not the best seat, Frank's show always leaves the centerseat vacant, I'm sitting next to it."

Yes, there was a strange phenomenon at Frank's show-the most prestigious center seat was always left empty. It was said to be reserved for a mysterious figure... but in all these years.no one had ever sat there. The woman with short hair taunted again, "Stella, where are you sitting? I don't see your seat in the first row, did you hide

in some corner?"

Chloe immediately chimed in, "Adam is the CEO of GT Group.why didn't he get you a good seat?"

*They have a death wish.* I didn't respond, just smiled faintly and followed the staff's guidance to the designated area inside.

As I walked straight to the center seat, I could feel Chloe's shocked gaze. She had just taken her seat and saw me walking to the seat next to hers-the supposedly forever vacant center seat.