His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 5

The room was silent for a few seconds.

Lumina pressed her lips together, exhaled slowly, then walked, step by step, toward Stella.

In every way—presence, poise, looks—the girl before her didn’t measure up in the slightest. Yet Stella stared right back, unflinching, a flicker of triumphant arrogance in her eyes.

Everyone at the company knew Lumina was the head of the Planning Department, renowned for her efficiency and razor-sharp decisiveness. No one else dared look at her with such blatant defiance.

Clearly, Cedric must have given Stella a lot of confidence.

Lumina offered a polite smile. She was striking, a face both luminous and cold, the kind of beauty that turned heads everywhere she went. And when she smiled, her red lips curled with an irresistible allure that made Stella feel almost blinded.

“I’ll accept the breakup settlement,” Lumina said, “but I need you to pass on a message to Cedric for me, Ms. Naylor.”

She sat back down in her chair, her pale fingers drumming quietly on the table, each tap carrying a subtle threat.

“If he wants to end things ‘with dignity,’ that comes at a different price. Tell him to show a little more sincerity if he wants a clean break.”

Stella froze, her gentle expression flickering with a flash of disgust.

She hadn’t expected Lumina to show not a trace of heartbreak, but instead to demand even more! So Lumina never truly loved Cedric. Not like she did.

Stella’s feelings for Cedric were pure, steadfast, untainted.

Choking back her irritation, Stella forced her voice steady. “Ms. Jardin, forgive me if I’m blunt... but my mother always taught me: don’t be greedy.”

Lumina smiled faintly. “If you know your words are unpleasant, maybe keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, if you get on my bad side and I lose my temper, your pretty face won’t fare too well.”

“You—!”

Stella’s face went rigid. She clenched her fists, cheeks flushing crimson with anger. With Cedric always protecting her, she’d never suffered such humiliation.

Who would’ve thought that beneath Lumina’s cool, graceful exterior was such a vicious streak? She honestly had no idea what Cedric ever saw in her, keeping her around for three whole years!

Stella stormed out, her expression thunderous.

Just before the door closed, she heard Lumina’s mocking voice behind her: “Thanks for the latte, by the way.”

Stella was so furious she nearly stomped her foot, her bangs practically wilting from rage.

If she’d known Lumina was so ungrateful, she would’ve tossed something far nastier into that coffee.

He was handsome, well-educated, the only blemish on his reputation being his scandalous private life. From rising starlets to glamorous married women, his name was always in the tabloids.

Jurgen entered the conference room, immediately noticing Stella practically glued to Cedric’s side.

His gaze slid over to Lumina across the table, a sly, amused smile flickering in his dark eyes.

After exchanging pleasantries and a handshake with Cedric, Jurgen skipped the formalities and took the seat right next to Lumina.

She responded with a mild smile and subtly slid her chair farther away.

Jurgen leaned in, undeterred. “Ms. Jardin, your perfume is wonderful today.”

They’d met a few times before for work, but back then, Lumina always sat at Cedric’s side—stunning, untouchable, like a goddess far above the mortal fray.

But it was obvious now: Cedric had moved on. The cold beauty was suddenly alone, and that hint of vulnerability only made her more intriguing.

Lumina’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Have you lost your sense of smell, Mr. Harding? I’m not wearing any perfume today.”

Their voices were low, but in the echoing conference room, the exchange was unmistakably intimate.