Chapter 7

Alexander's expression remained unchanged, though his tone carried a hint of reproach.

"Watch where you're going."

Stella murmured a response without lifting her head.

The elevator continued ascending, and the atmosphere in the cramped space felt somewhat awkward.

Alexander's hanging hand curled slightly, his confusion deepening.

He couldn't shake the feeling that the curve of Stella's waist seemed oddly familiar to a sensation from his memory.

Stella quietly raised her head, watching the floor numbers climb, feeling each second drag on unbearably.

Alexander's gaze occasionally swept over Stella, and he noticed her guilty expression.

For a moment, he was puzzled—what did Stella have to feel guilty about?

When the elevator reached the top floor, Alexander stepped out first, with Stella following close behind.

"Come into my office and close the door."

Alexander spoke without turning around, stopping Stella, who was about to head to her own desk.

Stella had no choice but to follow. Inside, she saw he was already looking at documents.

Sunlight bathed Alexander, draping him in a golden glow.

"Your performance at last night's dinner was terrible."

Alexander spoke, his voice calm and flat.

Stella lowered her eyes slightly and immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Brown. I'll be more careful in the future."

"Careful?"

Alexander looked up at her, his face expressionless.

"Your father sent you to work with me so you could learn real skills, not just coast along. If all you can do is drink, it doesn't matter whether you're at these dinners or not."

His words were both blunt and harsh.

Stella bit her lip, suppressing the urge to argue back.

"Let me ask you—why did Mr. Davis finally agree to our terms yesterday?"

Alexander closed the folder, his gaze settling on her as he asked without expression.

Stella froze, trying hard to recall the somewhat fuzzy fragments.

She had indeed gotten drunk last night, and even her memories were patchy.

Fortunately, after some thought, she managed to grasp the key point.

"His daughter ran into trouble abroad. You hinted that you could solve it, so he agreed."

A flash of surprise crossed Alexander's eyes, and he felt somewhat satisfied.

"Not completely stupid, then."

His tone remained cold, though his expression softened slightly.

"Knowing this isn't enough to deal with them. There's a blue folder over there—reorganize all the client information in it. You must do it yourself."

Hearing Alexander's emphasis, Stella nodded in agreement.

Stella walked to the desk to find the folder, and Alexander's gaze involuntarily followed her figure.

Today Stella wore a light blue shirt paired with a beige skirt—simple and professional.

When she bent over, her shirt pulled slightly tight, outlining her slender waist.

That waist had been in his grasp last night.

Alexander abruptly looked away, picking up his coffee and taking a sip, trying to suppress the inexplicable irritation rising within him.

Just then, someone knocked on the office door, and Chase walked in.

"Mr. Brown, here's the contract you requested."

Chase placed the documents on the desk, hesitated, then asked, "Also, today is Ms. Turner's birthday. Should I prepare a gift to send over?"

Alexander frowned, confusion flashing in his eyes.

Stella, standing nearby, froze. Could it be that Alexander's girlfriend was also named Turner?

What a coincidence—Elodie's birthday was also today, and she was also a Turner.

Stella had called Elodie this morning, wanting to check on her and wish her a happy birthday.

But before she could say it, Elodie had hung up, and the gift Stella had prepared for her was still sitting at home.

Meanwhile, Alexander replied flatly, "You handle it."

Chase looked troubled. "Mr. Brown, I don't really know Ms. Turner's preferences yet."

Alexander's gaze shifted to Stella, asking directly.

"For a girl's birthday gift, what would be appropriate?"

Stella hadn't expected Alexander to ask her. She paused before responding.

"Jewelry and handbags work well. Designs with pearl elements are nice, and champagne and dusty blue are popular colors lately."

As Stella spoke, she unconsciously mentioned Elodie's preferences.

Thinking about this, Stella felt a slight bitterness in her heart.

How had things between her and Elodie come to this?

Alexander didn't notice her emotions, simply nodding and instructing Chase.

"Choose according to what she said."

"Understood."

Chase acknowledged and left.

Alexander thought for a moment, then said to Stella, "Come here and help me see if there are any suitable styles."

Stella took the tablet and sat on the nearby sofa, scrolling through it.

The screen displayed a dazzling array of jewelry, but she unconsciously filtered according to Elodie's preferences.

With each selection, her sense of loss grew.

Before she could process her emotions, Alexander's voice came from above her head.

"Have you chosen?"

Stella snapped back to reality, only then realizing Alexander had somehow moved to stand beside the sofa, looking down at the tablet in her hands.

"Yes."

Stella tensed involuntarily, handing the tablet to Alexander.

"These should all fit most girls' tastes."

Alexander took the tablet and glanced at it, saying flatly, "Send the styles to Chase."

"Okay."

Just as Stella sent them, her phone rang. The caller ID showed "Nicholas."

"Sorry, Mr. Brown, I need to take this call."

Stella stood up and walked to the window.

Nicholas Jackson's cheerful voice came through the phone. "Stella, are you busy?"

"Not really. What's up?"

"Can't I call you without a reason?"

Hearing his question, Stella pressed her lips together without answering.

Nicholas seemed to sense her reluctance and changed the subject.

"Why don't you look out the window?"

The window?

Stella turned her head in confusion.

The next second, brilliant fireworks suddenly burst across the sky.

Though it was still daytime, these specially made fireworks were vividly colored, their effect no less impressive than at night.

Nicholas's gentle voice came through.

"I remember you once said you liked watching fireworks, so I wanted to surprise you."

"Thank you."

Warmth welled up in Stella's heart, and the corners of her mouth lifted unconsciously.

"They're really beautiful."

The fireworks outside continued, and Stella watched intently. She didn't notice that Alexander had moved behind her.

Alexander merely glanced at the blooming fireworks outside, then his gaze settled on Stella.

The smile on her face was bright and radiant, completely different from her restrained demeanor around him.

Did Stella really dislike him that much?

He found himself wondering, his gaze falling on her hand gripping the phone.

The fireworks outside continued to bloom. Alexander's lips pressed into a thin line, an inexplicable displeasure stirring in his heart.