Chapter 91

William could tell she was bothered.

After working alongside her for half a year,he had come to understand that Stella wasn't as mild as she appeared.

She gave off a calm presence, but when pushed, she didn't hold back.

He said nothing about her earlier reaction.Instead, he reached into his drawer and pulled out a sleek envelope, placing it gently in front of her. "It's an invitation to Saul Vance's birthday banquet. He's the head of the Vance family in Sleka City."

The Vance family? Back when she was with Marc, she had heard of them more than once.

They were a longstanding powerhouse in Sleka, dominating their field, and meeting them wasn't something just anyone could arrange. Even Marc, considered one of

Choria's rising figures, had never had access to them.

"You want me to go with you?" she asked,unsure.

There had to be others in the company better suited for that kind of event, like his personal assistant.

W/illiam looked at her with a slight arch of his brow. "No. I want you to attend on my behalf."

She blinked, caught off guard by the answer.

"Don't you want to go?" His question snapped her back to the moment.

Stella quickly curved her lips into a smile. "If you trust me with it, I'd be glad to go. I just hope my limited knowledge of company matters won't embarrass us."

A chance like this didn't come often.

William lifted an eyebrow. "Get ready properly, and don't make me look bad."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and something unspoken passed between them.

He always gave off that air-unshaken,composed-as if nothing surprised him, as though no matter what she said, he'd already anticipated it.

Around him, her abilities felt insufficient.

Stella picked up the invitation and smiled."Got it. I'll handle it."

In Sleka, Stella stepped into Saul Vance's birthday banquet wearing a champagne-colored gown.

The room buzzed with conversation, the clatter of glasses, and soft music.

With a glass of juice in hand, she moved through the crowd, scanning for Saul.

Before she could find him, a few all-too-familiar faces caught her attention.

Haley and Beatrice stood close by, dressed

in coordinated lavender shades-one in a floor-length gown, the other in something shorter. They could've passed for sisters.

Stella sighed inwardly. Of all people to run into again...

She turned to walk away, pretending she hadn't noticed them.

But Haley caught a glimpse of her from the side while engaged in small talk.

Her hand gripped Beatrice's arm with sudden force. Beatrice turned toward the motion and spotted Stella too.

Her expression changed instantly. "Why is she here?" she muttered, her tone sharp.

Haley had already told her about Stella's so-called death. To them, Stella was a nuisance that never went away.

With her jaw tight and eyes burning, Haley stepped away from her group and strode straight toward Stella, blocking her way.

Haley leaned in slightly and said under her

breath, "What are you doing here, Stella?This is Saul Vance's banquet. You don't belong at an event like this."

Stella let out a soft chuckle and lifted an eyebrow. "Ms. Smith, I've said it before, my name is Sylvia Gilbert. As for where I choose to go, that's really none of your business.Unless... you've taken an interest in me? Like me,perhaps?"

Haley's cheeks burned with fury. "You can stop pretending. Call yourself Sylvia all you want, but I know exactly who you are. You're not that important. Why would I ever like someone like you? You hang onto powerful men like it's a job. What's appealing about that? So, which man brought you here tonight? You showing up at Saul's party is a disgrace to the guest list."

To Haley, this was the perfect opportunity to trample Stella underfoot.

Her family had close ties with the Vance family and had stayed in touch ever since their days together in Achury.

Even if the situation escalated, Haley believed Saul Would take both her side and her mother's.

Stella's playful tone faded, replaced by a sharp, cold look. "Ms. Smith, did you skip brushing your teeth this morning? The smell is a bit much. I've had a bit of spare time lately, so l did a little research. Turns out,there's something quite interesting. Ms.Smith, your hatred for Stella runs deep,is it because you've been with her husband and hoped to replace her?"

Stella's accusation sent a ripple through the nearby guests.

A woman of Haley's social standing, exposed as someone's mistress? The shock was immediate.