Chapter 5

Stella's cheeks flushed red instantly, and she quickly looked away.

"I wasn't looking at anything. Mr. Brown, have you finished signing?"

She deflected the conversation.

Alexander closed the file and looked up at her.

"Your father said your professional skills are decent, but you lack focus. I thought he was being modest, but now it seems you really do need more training."

Stella lowered her head and bit her lip slightly.

Mason always told Alexander she wasn't mature enough, and now he was using it against her.

Before Stella could respond, Alexander instructed.

"Tonight at seven, there's a dinner at the Obsidian Club. You're coming with me. Dress formally, don't embarrass the Brown Group."

Stella froze, pointing at herself in disbelief.

"A dinner? But I'm just a secretary."

"Secretaries don't need to handle business entertainment?"

Alexander stood up, looking down at her.

"Your father put you under my care so you could learn. If you don't want to disappoint him, take this seriously."

He spoke like an elder lecturing a junior, which made Stella feel oddly uncomfortable.

"I understand."

Though she felt some resentment, she still responded quietly.

"You can go. Have Mr. Davis's information organized by this afternoon."

Alexander sat back down, no longer looking at her.

Stella left the office like she'd been pardoned, quickly returning to her desk.

She calmed herself down and began researching tonight's client.

Robert Davis was the VP of Apex Global Enterprises, and more importantly, a key figure in this acquisition.

Out of habit, she messaged Chase for more detailed intel, but got no reply.

Stella didn't think much of it and went to the break room, where she overheard two colleagues chatting.

"Chase left early this morning, apparently to pick up Mr. Brown's girlfriend."

"Really? Does Mr. Brown have a girlfriend? I've never heard about this."

"Absolutely true. Someone saw Chase take out the Cullinan, said Mr. Brown specifically arranged it."

Stella's hand holding the water cup paused.

Alexander has a girlfriend?

The news caught her off guard, pulling her thoughts back to that night.

The burning body heat in the darkness, the ragged breathing, and those hands gripping her waist tightly...

Stella shook her head, pushing those absurd memories away.

It was just an accident. Apart from their work relationship, there should be nothing between them.

Suppressing the strange feeling rising in her chest, Stella threw herself back into work.

As the dinner time approached, Stella changed into a proper beige suit and skirt, put her hair up, and applied light makeup.

After checking herself in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and headed to the parking lot.

Alexander was already waiting in the car.

He wore a dark gray patterned suit today with a matching tie perfectly knotted.

Looking at Stella as she got in, he surprisingly didn't criticize her.

"How's your review of the materials?"

The car started, and Alexander asked.

"I've reviewed them. Mr. Davis likes red wine, especially from Burgundy; his wife is a piano teacher, and they have a daughter studying in Novaria; he's a golf enthusiast, though he's currently doing rehab for a knee injury..."

Stella reported smoothly.

Alexander nodded slightly. "At least you put in some effort."

This was probably the highest praise he'd given all day. Stella felt oddly flattered.

Obsidian Club was the city's top private club, known for its discretion.

In the private room, Robert had already arrived with several industry heavyweights. When Alexander entered, everyone stood to greet him.

"Mr. Brown, it's an honor!"

"You're too kind, Mr. Davis. This is my secretary, Stella Hall."

Alexander turned to introduce her.

Stella smiled politely and greeted them, secretly surprised.

Alexander actually made a point of introducing her, which wasn't his usual style.

Once the dinner started, Stella understood the complexity of this gathering.

On the surface, everyone was laughing and chatting, but underneath, currents were swirling.

Robert's people took turns toasting, with a clear goal—to make Alexander concede in the negotiations.

"Mr. Brown is young and accomplished. This one's for you!"

A balding man raised his glass.

Alexander handled it smoothly, but Stella noticed he'd already had seven or eight drinks.

She frowned slightly and reminded him softly, "Mr. Brown, watch your health."

"The little secretary cares about her boss!"

Another middle-aged man teased, his eyes cold.

"How about Ms. Hall drinks one for Mr. Brown?"

Before Stella could react, a glass was already in front of her.

She looked at Alexander, saw him frown slightly, but he still nodded.

One glass down, the burning liquid scorched her throat.

Once started, it continued.

Those men seemed to have found a new target, turning their attention to Stella.

"Ms. Hall can really drink! Come on, another toast to Ms. Hall!"

"Young, beautiful, and can hold her liquor. Very impressive."

Stella felt her vision starting to blur. She knew that with her tolerance, she was nearing her limit.

But these were important clients. She didn't dare offend them and could only keep drinking.

"That's enough."

Alexander suddenly spoke up, pressing down the glass in front of Stella. "Mr. Davis, let's talk business."

Robert laughed heartily. "Mr. Brown is quite the gentleman. Alright, let's discuss the equity matter."

Stella didn't follow the subsequent negotiations very clearly.

She tried to concentrate, but the alcohol made her thinking sluggish. She could only mechanically take notes.

After what felt like forever, the gathering finally ended.

Walking out of the club, the night breeze hit her, and Stella's legs gave way. She nearly fell.

Fortunately, Alexander caught her in time.

"If you can't drink, why pretend you can?"

Alexander's voice sounded in her ear, tinged with mild reproach.

Stella was weak all over, half-leaning against him.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Alexander."

Hearing her call him that, Alexander's body stiffened. Looking somewhat helpless, he finally half-carried her to the car.

Chase wasn't there, and he'd been drinking, so he called for a designated driver.

Stella sat swaying in the back seat, her cheeks flushed red.

After Alexander got in, she suddenly turned and stared intently at his profile.

"What are you looking at?"

Alexander looked straight ahead, his tone cold.

"You're really good-looking."

Stella smiled, completely different from her usual reserved manner around Alexander.

Before Alexander could respond, Stella pushed her luck, reaching out to poke his face.

"Nice skin too."

"Stella, sit properly."

Alexander said sternly, pushing her back into her seat.

Stella sat up straight like a student, but after only two or three minutes, she leaned close to Alexander again, her alcohol-tinged breath falling on his ear.

"Uncle Alexander, that night..."