Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Jeremy nodded. “At least, that’s what he claims.”

“How did he manage to convince Ernest?” Stella was curious.

“He’s coming to discuss the partnership. We’ll find out when he gets here.”

“Right.”

They didn’t talk much more. After lunch, they headed up to the CEO’s office to wait.

About ten minutes later, the secretary knocked. “Mr. Ford, Mr. Carter is here.”

Send him in.”

sir,” the secretary said.

moment later, Kane Carter walked into the office.

He looked exhausted, his usual roguish charm muted by fatigue. But his eyes were bright with the triumphant excitement of getting what he wanted.

“Mr. Ford. Ms. Spencer.”

Kane sat across from them and cut right to the chase. “I’m coming into this partnership as an individual, so you two don’t have to worry about me when it comes to control. I’m just interested in the final result.”

Jeremy raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised. “If you don’t mind me asking, how exactly did you convince Ernest?”

Stella’s eyes were fixed on him, too.

Facing their combined stare, Kane’s expression was calm, but his quiet voice held a chilling intensity. “I guess nobody wants to mess with a madman who isn’t afraid of dying.”

It was a thinly veiled threat, a reminder that he was the kind of man who would burn everything to the ground just to take his enemy with him.

With the King family’s name from the neighboring city behind him, Kane could easily gather a crowd in Seabrook. Toss a few benefits their way and–even if they’re not ready to risk it all–they’d still step up and do their part.

Jeremy took his point.

Stella, her curiosity satisfied, didn’t think much of it. She was about to get up and leave, figuring Jeremy could handle the partnership details.

“Ms. Spencer, Kane called out, “Would you mind if I treated you to dinner tonight?”

Stella froze. Jeremy’s brow furrowed slightly, and he cut in before she could answer I hope you don’t mad if tag along,

Mr. Carter

Kane blinked, then a smile spread across his face. “Of course not

Jeremy nodded with a polite sinile. Then thank you for your generosity

Stella pressed her lips together. She barely knew Kane and her first impression hadn’t been great. She wanted to refuse, bur

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Chapter 156

since Jeremy had already accepted, she felt obligated.

“Alright,” she said.

With that, Stella turned and left.

Her figure quickly vanished down the hall.

She didn’t see the way Kane stared after her, the dark intensity in his eyes deepening.

What are you looking at, Mr. Carter?”

The sudden question from beside him snapped Kane back to reality.

He masked his expression, offering a casual smile. “Just wondering what kind of food Ms. Spencer likes”

65 vouchers

be smile on Jeremy’s lips faded slightly. “Whatever it is,” he said, his tone layered with meaning, “it has to be good to be

heating.”

wise observation.”

Back in the design department, Stella was about to dive into her work when her phone rang. It was Erica.

She answered to the sound of a desperate wail.

‘Stella, is it too late for me to back out?”

What are you talking about?” Stella asked, confused.

The talent show!” Erica cried. “I feel like I’m dying.”

“What happened?” Stella asked.

Erica tearfully explained that ever since her father, Cody, found out she was entering the show, he’d hired a legion of tutors for her–vocal, dance, etiquette, you name it.

In less than half a day, her initial excitement had curdled into total despair.

Stella fought a smile, unsure of how to comfort her.

After a moment, she managed, “I have a dinner thing tonight. Why don’t you come and hang out? tell be a good way to unwind.”

She paused, then said seriously, “Of course, if this is genuinely making you miserable, I’ll support you if you want to quit

“Nah, it’s fine Erica mumbled. I’m just overwhelmed and needed to vent to you

Stella listened patiently, chiming in with encouragement.

Within minutes, Erica’s spirits were lifted.

“Okay, I’m going back to practice,” she said, a new resolve in her voice.

“Good. You got this.”

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Chapter 156

“Mhm!”

After hanging up, a voice suddenly piped up beside her.

“Stella, I’m so envious of your friendship.”

Stella jumped, turning to see Jessica Slater standing beside her. Her eyes were full of a wistful longing, as if the desperately wanted that kind of bond for herself.

Honestly, Stella thought, if Jeremy wasn’t playing the long game, I wouldn’t even bother with her. This two–faced woman actually thinks she can get close to me?”

Despite her thoughts, Stella’s face was a mask of polite distance. “I’m sure you’ll find a friendship like that someday

Jessica looked as if she’d been struck. Her eyes welled up on cue, and her voice dripped with wounded dismay. “Stella, I

hought we were already friends like that. I guess I was wrong…”

choked back a sob and turned her head away as if to hide her tears, but her trembling shoulders and quiet sniffles gave

away.

Normally, even a stranger would offer a tissue or a kind word.

But Jessica waited, and waited, her eyes nearly drying out, but no comfort came from Stella.

Confused, Jessica glanced back and froze.

The spot beside her was empty.

She looked over and saw Stella was already back at her own desk, completely engrossed in her work.

Jessica was speechless.

I put on such a convincing show, she fumed, ‘and she just left me hanging.

As the end of the workday approached, Jessica bit her lip, braced herself, and walked over to Stella’s desk. “Stella, I..

She put on a hesitant, troubled expression, making it obvious she had something important to say.

But Stella didn’t even look up. “Jessica, if you have nothing to do, go make yourself useful. The Thom Collection is already behind schedule, and we have a new project starting in two days. Stop wandering around

At her words, murmurs rippled through the department.

Everyone was rushing to meet deadlines, and there she was, slacking off.

Hearing the whispers around her, Jessica felt her face burn with shame, thick–skinned as she was

She retreated to her desk, pretending to be busy, and decided she’d catch Stella after work

But when quitting time came, she couldn’t even get close.

So you’re Jessica Slater?”

In front of the office building. Erica Russell stood beside Strila, an eyebrow arches as she sled jessica up

Jessica nodded, confused. I am. And you are

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Chapter 156

Smack!

Before she could finish her sentence, a sharp slap landed across her face.

Jessica’s right cheek went numb, and her head was ringing.

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