Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 155

Chapter 155

The morning air was crisp, and the wind carried a biting chill.

Seeing Jessica Slater drenched in sweat was satisfying enough for Stella Spencer to walk away.

Under any other circumstances, Jessica would have backed off and waited for a better opportunity.

But not today.

She had promised Noreen Lloyd three top–tier design drafts by tonight as compensation for Noreen’s sabotaged design competition.

If she couldn’t deliver…

Jessica didn’t even want to imagine the consequences.

“Stella, wait for me!” Jessica called, hurrying after her.

Stella acted as if she hadn’t heard a thing, her pace unwavering. Before Jessica could catch up, she had stepped into an elevator and was gone.

*****

In the top–floor CEO’s office, Jeremy Ford and Stella sat opposite each other, a coffee table between them holding two steaming cups of tea.

Jeremy took a sip before asking, “How did things go?”

“After the three–month waiting period, the divorce can be finalized,” Stella explained briefly.

Jeremy nodded. “You’ve put up with it for so many years, another three months isn’t a big deal. But…”

He paused for a second, then said hesitantly, “We still need to partner with the Lloyd Group for the ‘Starlight Project. If you’re uncomfortable with it, I can find a way to pull out.”

The project had been decided on before the divorce proceedings began, and all the company’s departments were already in high gear preparing for it. Pulling out abruptly would not only cause internal chaos but would also be difficult to explain to Ernest Lloyd.

That was what made Jeremy hesitate.

Ernest had been awful during the marriage; who knew what he would do after the divorce.

“It’s fine.”

Stella saw his concern and shook her head with a smile. “If someone’s willing to throw money at us, why would I say no?”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Jeremy, I’m really over it. I’ve completely let go.”

“Alright then, Jeremy conceded. “You’ll be in charge of the ‘Starlight Project! But I’m guessing the Lloyd Group will send someone to oversee it, maybe even co–lead with you.”

“Sylvia Jansen?” Stella said the name.

“She designed the ‘Eclipsed Crown, and the Lloyd Group is promoting her. If they’re planning a path for her beyond just being a designer, then it’ll probably be her,” Jeremy analyzed.

Stella asked, “So when will it officially kick off?”

“She’s currently recovering, and no one knows when she’ll be back on her feet. Knowing how much Ernest dotes on her, he’ll probably wait until she’s fully recovered before starting anything,” Jeremy replied.

“Okay.” Stella wasn’t in a rush. “In the meantime, we can focus on getting the ‘Thorn Collection‘ produced:

It had been days since they’d finalized the concept, yet there wasn’t a single finished piece to show for it. The efficiency was a bit slow.

“Don’t be too anxious,” Jeremy reassured her. “It’s just that with you gone, some rumors started flying and the design department got a little shaky. Once you show your face, things will calm down.”

“Okay. I’ll head down now.”

*****

The moment Stella walked into the design department, the entire studio seemed to hit a pause button.

Everyone froze, their eyes locked on her. After a few seconds of silence, the room erupted in cheers.

“Stella! You’re finally back!”

“Who was the jerk who said our boss was jumping ship? Show yourself!”

“You scared me to death. I was halfway through making a bracelet when I heard the boss was bailing. I didn’t know if I should even continue. It’s great now that you’re back, we can get back to work without worrying.”

The team crowded around Stella. If not for the fear of startling her, they would have lifted her up and tossed her in the air.

The days Stella was in the hospital had been agonizing for them.

The department’s main focus was the “Tear of Thorns‘ collection, but with their core leader absent, everything had ground to a halt.

They had neither the authority nor the ability to establish a new core design concept, so all they could do was

wait.

Thankfully, Stella was finally back.

Chapter 155

Stella calmed everyone with a warm smile. Once the room quieted down, she started checking on the work progress from her time away.

The team’s excitement instantly cooled. When questioned, no one said a word.

Stella sighed in resignation but still said, “Don’t let it happen again.”

Then, she added, “And I don’t want to hear another word of those unsubstantiated rumors in this department.”

“Yes.” the team replied in unison.

No one noticed Jessica, hiding in the crowd, flinch with guilt as she answered.

Though she hid it well, from where Stella stood at the front, she easily caught the unnatural flicker in Jessica’s

eyes.

‘I knew it was her.’

‘Jeremy must have figured it out too, Stella thought. ‘I wonder why he hasn’t done anything about it.

That question lingered until lunch, when she finally asked Jeremy about it.

“I’m playing the long game,” Jeremy said calmly.

Stella frowned, confused. “We already know Jessica’s working for Noreen Lloyd, so what’s the point of waiting?”

“Have you forgotten about the other hidden factions in the company?” Jeremy reminded her.

“Other factions… you mean the shareholders?” Stella guessed.

“Perhaps,” Jeremy said noncommittally. “But regardless of who it is, if we let Jessica continue, those people will eventually flock to her.”

The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Jessica would take all the risks, and the others would naturally jump in to muddy the waters and stir up trouble.

Little did they know, Jeremy was already watching. The moment someone made a move, he could follow the trail back to its source, eliminate the threat, and clear the path for Stella once and for all.

While Stella didn’t understand all the intricate maneuvering, she knew Jeremy would never harm her. “I get it. I’ll follow your

lead.”

Jeremy nodded, about to say more when his phone rang.

It was Kane Carter.

He answered, and a cheerful voice came through the line. “Mr. Ford, I took care of that thing for you. Is now a good time to continue our conversation about that partnership?”

Even Jeremy couldn’t hide his astonishment.

“That’s right,” Kane said seriously. “I’ve already spoken with him. He has no objections. Now the ball is in your

court.

Jeremy was silent for a moment before replying, “You can come to my office now. We can discuss it in person.”

“Great, I’m on my way.”

After he hung up, Stella asked curiously, “That was Kane? Did he really convince Ernest?“

“You mean you convinced Ernest Lloyd?”

Even Jeremy couldn’t hide his astonishment.

mich is

“That’s right,” Kane said seriously. “I’ve already spoken with him. He has no objections. Now the ball is in your

court.”

Jeremy was silent for a moment before replying, “You can come to my office now. We can discuss it in person.

“Great, I’m on my way.”

After he hung up, Stella asked curiously, “That was Kane? Did he really convince Ernest?”