Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 88

“Alright, enough joking around,” Jeremy said. “Once the business is done, you can do whatever you want.”

Erica rolled her eyes but dropped the teasing. “I just overheard you. Are you seriously letting Stella walk the runway in the final segment?”

Most regular jewelry expos didn’t bother with runway shows–the main goal was all about making deals. The booths usually displayed jewelry in a static way, so buyers could get up close and examine the pieces, making their orders.

But this one was different. It had big–name brands attending, and the runway show was a dramatic finale that made a real visual impact.

“That’s right,” Jeremy said, nodding. “If Sylvia’s going to walk the runway herself, then why shouldn’t we do the same?”

“But Stella…” Erica hesitated, concern in her voice. She wasn’t doubting Stella’s ability, but she wondered if stepping into the spotlight after years of being a housewife might put too much pressure on her.

Jewelry and Sylvia didn’t matter to Erica. She just cared about Stella.

Stella felt warm inside and smiled softly. “Erica, don’t worry. I’m ready for this.”

Stella was done with her past. That version of her–the housewife–was gone. From now on, she would be a renowned designer, taking the stage at international exhibitions.

Her confidence, glowing brighter than any jewel on display, filled her eyes.

Erica spaced out for a moment, almost seeing the spirited Stella she used to know. “Alright, go for it. I’ll always be behind you, supporting you. And if things go wrong, I’ll take care of you. We’ll travel the world together and live it up.”

“Hey, hey, stealing my employee while her boss is standing right here? Not fair,” Jeremy said. The mood lightened, and even Jeremy couldn’t resist a playful comment.

Erica wrinkled her nose, about to speak when a loud, confident voice interrupted.

“Mr. Ford, you really don’t need to worry,” Sylvia sneered, her words dripping with sarcasm. “After tonight, your precious employee might just be done with the jewelry world for good.”

Under the spotlight, Sylvia’s dark outfit gave off an air of superiority, and her smirk was pure mockery.

Sylvia had always been this way–vivid, fearless, and gloriously arrogant, as if everyone and everything existed only for her.

Too bad she’d never faced off with Erica’s fearless attitude. Otherwise, she might’ve softened her words a little.

“Wow!” Erica turned around dramatically, making a show of her surprise. “What happened? Did your house catch fire and smoke you out? Or did your family go broke, leaving you too poor to hire a decent makeup artist?”

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“Ms. Russell, you should think before you speak,” Sylvia said, smiling, but clearly not amused. “You wouldn’t want to bring trouble to the Russell family, right?”

Erica wasn’t one to pull punches. “Wait, you wanna pick a fight? Perfect timing–my dad’s around. Just wait, I’ll call him over and you two can sort this out.”

With that, she turned and walked off, leaving Sylvia speechless.

‘What’s happening here? Isn’t this how we usually handle things? Throw some jabs, show off our family connections, maybe drag out an apology, and then all go back to pretending we’re cool with each other?

Under the warm lights, her makeup was otherworldly. Gold patterns traced between her brows, giving her a divine aura. Her long hair flowed over her smooth shoulders, and the yellow dress she wore swayed like a

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Chapter 88

fairy princess in a dream.

With the Auroral Tiara atop her head, she looked untouchable.

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People were drawn to her beauty. Sure enough, everyone immediately ditched the jewelry displays and flocked around Stella.

“Hey, are you a model for one of the brands here?” someone called out.

“Is Mr. Ford hiring you for all five days, or do you have some free time tomorrow? I’d love to have you model for my brand’s jewelry–just name your price,” someone asked.

“Honestly, I can’t wait to see her wear the Auroral Tiara,” someone else added.

The crowd was buzzing, excited and full of admiration.

“Doesn’t it feel like her whole look–and even Lumière Group’s jewelry designs–are going head–to–head with Sylvia’s style?” someone asked out loud.

The room fell silent for a moment, then everyone realized.

One designer created the Eclipsed Crown, the other the Auroral Tiara: a dark queen versus a goddess of light. A classic rivalry.