Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 76

The Promise Buried in Ashen Rain by Liora Evangeline D’Aurora 76

Stella shook her head and told Jeremy everything about the upcoming jewelry exhibition showdown. “This could really shake things up for the company. You’d better be ready,” she warned him.

Neither Stella nor Sylvia were solo designers–they both worked under Lumière Group and Lloyd Group So their showdown was pretty much a face–off between two jewelry companies.

Plus, both companies were major players in Seabrook. Once the news broke, it was sure to cause a stir.

As for keeping things under wraps, Stella didn’t worry much about it.

Considering Sylvia’s personality, she knew Sylvia was full of confidence and would never consider the possibility of losing. For a contest Sylvia already thought she’d won, there was no need to keep it a secret.

Stella was pretty sure Sylvia would absolutely go public with it, hyping up her own skills for everyone to see.

To be honest, Stella totally called it. Jeremy’s phone dinged twice. He checked the message, and his brows knitted together.

“Sylvia’s already spread the word among the industry insiders–she’s publicly challenged you to a showdown,” he told her.

“Huh?” Stella was taken aback, surprised that her guess had actually hit the mark. “So, what’s the buzz? How are people reacting?”

“What do you think?” Jeremy shot back.

If Jeremy didn’t know just how good Stella was, he’d probably agree with the masses. “One’s a hotshot rising star in the jewelry scene, the other? No one’s even heard of you. Right now, everyone’s betting on Sylvia and basically roasting you.”

“Well, that’s what I expected,” Stella replied nonchalantly. She felt no pressure–on the day of the competition, everyone would see who had the real talent.

“Wait!” Jeremy suddenly looked up, his expression changing as he read another message. “The organizers of the jewelry exhibition just messaged me. They’ve invited…”

He swallowed hard, making Stella’s heart race.

“They’ve invited Ms. Preston,” he finally said.

Just moments ago, Stella felt totally chill, but now the pressure crashed down on her like a ton of bricks.

“Wait–what?” she whispered, shocked. “Ms. Preston absolutely loathes these kinds of events.”

Yes, Stella did miss Beverley and had been hoping to see her again, but seriously–not in this kind of setting.

Seven years had dulled her creativity. Even if her jewelry designs were amazing, Stella doubted they’d impress Beverley, who had famously high standards.

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Chapter 76

47

鬼

Just imagining the way Beverley would pick apart her designs from start to finish made Stella dholder

“Who knows” Jeremy shrugged with a helpless smile. I can’t read Ms. Preston’s mind either?

Jeremy, save me, Stella clung to his arm like it was her one and only hope.

Unfortunately, he instantly pulled away. “No way. I’m not getting roasted by Ms. Preston with you,” he said with a grin.

He hadn’t been able to stop Stella from her wild ideas back then, and he’d caught plenty of heat from Beverley for it.

“Hey, don’t forget–you’re Ms. Preston’s favorite student. She won’t have the heart to really scold you,” Jeremy reassured, giving Stella a quick pat on the shoulder before leaving without a second thought.

“Whatever, there’s no escaping what’s coming.” Stella sighed to herself, deciding not to dwell on it any further. She went right back to working on her jewelry designs, throwing herself into her craft.

Maybe if Ms. Preston sees my designs are actually great, she’ll cut me some slack, Stella thought, hopefully.

Before she noticed, night had already fallen. The moon was hanging high above, stars scattered all across the sky–a scene as beautiful as a painting.

Strands of moonlight drifted down through the domed ceiling, highlighting the weariness etched into Stella’s face.

Even the smallest injury or when she was tired or hungry, they’d all be worried sick. Now, seeing her so exhausted and drained, it broke their hearts.

Richard switched gears, joining in the scolding. “Stella, I’ve gotta say–you really should listen to your aunt. She’s only nagging because she cares about you.”

That was all it took for Marvin and Harvey to pile on, starting to lecture Stella as well.

Marvin was genuinely worried, but Harvey had a mischievous grin on his face, clearly enjoying watching her get scolded.

When the family started ganging up like this, Stella knew the smoothest move was to throw someone else under the bus.

With a sly grin, she went in for the save. “Grandpa, Uncle Marvin, Aunt Evelyn–Harvey’s already all grown up. Isn’t it about time you find him a wife?”

Instantly, the whole table went quiet. Just like that, the wave of scolding crashed onto Harvey instead, and he was seriously sweating bullets.

“Stella, you’re doomed,” Harvey muttered through gritted teeth.

Stella chuckled softly. “Harvey, you’d better focus on surviving Grandpa and your parents first.”

Harvey was just about to say something, but Evelyn cut him right off, giving him a quick smack on the head.

She fixed him with a fierce glare. “You what, huh? Stella’s got a point. At your age, you should be married with kids running around. How do you not even have a girlfriend yet? Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“I…” Harvey tried once more, but Evelyn shot him down again.

She fired back, relentless. “You’ve spent all these years overseas, in a place where people are more open- minded, and you still didn’t bring home a foreign wife? How can you even show your face here?”

“Aren’t you worried my wife might cheat on me?” Harvey asked.

17:20 Tue, Oct 14

Chapter 77