Chapter 53 053

Chapter 53 053
   Stella finally experienced a slight chill after traveling a considerable distance. She had no idea Clarence would be so slothful. How could he possibly care that she'd eaten, showered, or gone on a date? She could see why this miserable man was doing fewer and fewer things.
   Stella grabbed a cab and went straight to Sherry's house. She found the door unlocked when she got there. She could hear the repressed tears from within. Stella lingered at the entrance for several moments. Then, turning back, she quietly walked away. She ought to be by herself, peacefully, if anything had occurred to her. 
  Stella was dazed as she sat at her desk at home, staring at a blank piece of paper. Her heart began to pound with a sensation she had never experienced before. Liam and Sherry had a five-year romance. It had never occurred to any of them that he would one day cheat on Sherry. 
  Stella actually believed that Sherry and herself were one and the same. During her three years of marriage to Clarence, she made an effort to be a decent Mrs. Conrad in a calm manner. She was quite clear about what she should and shouldn't do because she knew how much he disliked her. She had never anticipated anything different. She wasn't, however, an emotionless robot. They had spent many days and nights together over the past three years. Stella felt that they would be living this way indefinitely if Vivian hadn't shown up. But in those days and nights, he had never belonged to her and he would never belong to her, whether that Clarence was the icy one or the sensitive one after he had had too much to drink. 
  She realized that even though she knew her marriage wouldn't alter at all, she still cared about it when she thought back to those days. After divorcing him, she had assumed things would be alright. She might make a fresh start. But based on the circumstances, she doubted that the miserable man would let go of her. It was as if a thorn in her heart was stinging her. Even though she knew where it was, she was unable to remove it. Let's see. 
  Stella visited Starry Lake Mansion on the second day, following Clarence, who had just departed for his office. The servant was so terrified when she saw that she had entered with two moving business employees that a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. 
  She needed to provide a reason. "Pardon me, Madam Conrad. Mr. Conrad declared that others are not permitted entry.”
  Stella was aware of the miserable man's nature. "They can't enter. I'll carry the bags downstairs alone." She pulled the empty luggage and headed upstairs while she was speaking. 
  The servant trailed after her closely, attempting to console her as she appeared to be having a temporary argument with her husband. 
  "Mrs. Conrad, would you mind holding off until Mr. Conrad returns? He'll be really upset if you leave him behind." 
  "Have you ever seen him not get upset? He was upset because he thought my possessions had invaded his space. He wouldn't have many reasons if I moved them out of the way."
   "Alas... Mrs. Conrad..."
   Stella was not persuaded, so the servant surreptitiously left and called Clarence. Stella entered the changing room. Her temples were popping as she stared at the closet that had taken up the entire wall. She had never worn any of the garments before, even though they were all fitted to fit her size. She didn't really own any of them. She could see, though, why Clarence wanted her stuff moved out of the way. A new hostess would undoubtedly move into Starry Lake Mansion soon. 
  She would be quite unpleasant if she saw that the closet was completely filled with those clothes. Stella was forced to acknowledge that Clarence was a true capitalist who did not squander any material or human resources. Her bag was filled after she packed a few items of clothing. 
  Glancing at the very tip of the iceberg, she wondered why she had told him she was moving alone. She was now unable to remove herself from all of her clothing in this closet. Even so, she was unable to move the bags downstairs by herself. 
  The servant came back holding a phone as she was contemplating her next move. "Excuse me, Mrs. Conrad, Mr. Conrad wants to talk to you." 
  Stella picked up the phone, feeling suddenly very powerless. "Mr. Conrad, I..." 
  The man said in a chilly tone, "You don't need to move them," 
  Stella didn't think he would be that considerate. She was momentarily shocked before posing the question, "Pardon?"
   Clarence gave a snort. "Can't Horace buy you new clothes?" He'd promptly hung up the phone before Stella could reply. 
  For a considerable amount of time, Stella was unable to take her eyes off the phone and wondered what exactly he was upset about. Stella let out a helpless sigh after a long moment. She repacked her suitcase with the clothes she had taken out. She was still being consoled by the servant. "You two are still involved in the Cold War, Mrs. Conrad and Mr. Conrad. You are familiar with his personality. Every day, he thinks of you. If not, he would not..." 
  Stella grinned as she turned to face her. "The Cold War is not ongoing. We are already divorced." 
  The servant was shocked to hear that. She had no idea that they had found themselves in such a dire predicament. Stella had packed her other items and dragged the baggage downstairs while the servant was still dazed. 
  Despite not needing to relocate anything, the moving business staff nevertheless came to assist her. Stella gave them her money and walked away. 
  ~~~~~~~~
  Conrad Organization. 
  Nathan rapped on the CEO's office door.” I apologize, Mr. Conrad. It was the Conrads Mansion that called me just now. They mentioned that this Saturday is Mrs. Joanna Conrad's birthday. You must return."
   "Get her something," said Clarence without opening his eyes. 
  "Yes, Mr. Conrad." 
  "Mr. Conrad, a few days ago, Mr. Justin Conrad seemed to have been to SG Jewelry Magazine," Nathan said after a pause. 
  "SG Jewelry Magazine" made Clarence scowl in disapproval. Nathan saw that and realized this wasn't the right topic to discuss. He clarified right away, saying, "It's nothing major. Then, I'll go ahead and get the present ready." 
  Clarence parted his small lips and stared up at him. “Tell me-“
  "Ms. Radomil was asked by Mr. Justine Conrad to create a necklace for Mrs. Joanna Conrad. It appeared to be a present for her." 
  "Has she finished the design?"
   "Yes..." 
  Silently, Clarence gave the desk a little tap.
   After some time, Nathan hesitantly stated, "Mr. Conrad, should I find you a date for Mrs. Joanna Conrad's birthday banquet?"
   "Whatever." Clarence finished speaking, bent his head once more, and proceeded with the documents.
   With a tremendous load immediately bearing down on his shoulders, Nathan responded and walked away. 
  Mr. Conrad stated that his date couldn't be anyone, but since he didn't decline, it was assumed that he accepted. Nathan was having a terrible time, wondering how he was going to allow Stella to go on a date with Mr. Conrad that day. 
  Nathan wasn't in the workplace in the afternoon. A call stating that Mr. Conrad planned to meet with a designer from SG Jewelry Magazine was sent from the front desk to the assistants office. The other assistants were unaware of the specifics because Nathan was in charge of communicating with Stella and SG Jewelry Magazine at all times. 
  One of them went to inquire what to do at the CEO's office. Clarence dropped the pen he was holding. "Let her come upstairs," he murmured, wrinkling his eyebrows. He believed Stella had come over to display her frailty. He was ecstatic. 
  A knock on the CEO's office door came five minutes later. With a bland tone, Clarence replied, "Come in." He didn't even look at her as the door was shoved open. He got up and marched over to the couch. Then, putting on a show, he remarked, "Pour me a cup of coffee."