Chapter 14

Chapter 14
Liam was soon called away by a group of international partners to discuss an upcoming project. As he turned to follow them, he gave Stella a quick glance as if asking if she wanted to come along. But she shook her head.

There was no way a little secretary like her would be welcomed in their midst.

With Liam gone, Stella wandered towards a quieter side of the ballroom. As she leaned against the wall, twirling her wine glass as her eyes scanned the guests until they found him, Uncle Paul. 

He was standing at the edge of a group of CEOs, occasionally speaking to them. It seems like he came back as an established man.

She reached into her purse and pulled out a black pen and a small notebook. Quickly, she wrote down her number and folded it neatly. 

Then, she rejoined the crowd and walked straight to the group. “Ahh,” she cried softly as she accidentally ‘tripped’ over someone’s foot and spilled the contents of her wine glass across Uncle Paul’s chest.

When she looked up, her expression was flustered but apologetic. “Oh no! I’m so sorry,” Stella said, gasping as the red wine soaked into his tailored grey suit. She immediately started dusting his clothes and stealthily slipped the folded note into the inner pocket of his jacket. 

Uncle Paul took a step back and looked at the lady who had bumped into him. His eyes widened in surprise, something flickered in his gaze, then disappeared. “It’s… nothing,” he said, dabbing at his clothes with a napkin someone nearby handed to him. 

“I’ll go clean up in the restroom,” he said, already turning away.

“I’m truly sorry,” Stella called after him, watching him walk off alone.

Was he the same as she remembered? Or did he really betray her parents?

Not far away, Vivian stood with a wine glass in hand, observing the interaction.

“You see,” she said cooly, turning to the two men beside her. “Even a man old enough to be her father is not out of her reach.”

“She’s a woman in her prime,” The first man chuckled, his gaze fixed on Stella. “How do I make her notice me?” he asked with a greasy smile on his face. “I don’t have as much money as the rest of those men.”

Vivian’s lips curled into a smile. “Since you have so much affection for her, I’ll help you.”

She turned slightly and slipped her phone out of her bag, sending a text.

“Did you get it?”

A moment later, a message popped up.

“Yes, young miss.”

“Hurry down, we have to do it before the ball ends.”

Vivian locked her phone and turned back to the two men.

“Have you booked a room?”  she asked smoothly.

“Ehn.. not yet,” the first man admitted sheepishly.

“What are you waiting for? I thought you were very interested.” Her voice was sweet like honey, but dripping with venom.

“Of course. Of course. Thank you, Miss Stone.”

Her phone buzzed.

Vivian excused herself and walked to the corridor leading to the restrooms. Standing at the end of the hallway was a tall man in a tailored black suit, her private bodyguard, Mark. He usually went everywhere with her except when she worked at Kings. 

“Here it is,” he said, handing her a brown envelope.

Vivian opened it and peered inside. A small bag of white powder lay inside. She took it out and held it to the light.

“Even a little scoop is enough to make someone lose control,” Mark said. “Young miss, are you sure this won’t bring you any trouble?”

Vivian’s eyes glittered with spite. “She made me into a laughingstock. Just because she got close to Liam, she thinks she can step over my head. Never.”

“But, he fired you for her.”

“He only fired me because I took action at the wrong time. It was wrong of me to attack her during his first board meeting.”

“But–”

“No buts. I know what I’m doing. Do you think he would actually go against my family for a secretary?”

Mark looked down, not saying another word.

“Exactly,” she smiled, handing the small bag back to him. “Find a way to make her drink it.”

“Yes, young miss.”

Vivian’s heels clicked against the marble as she strutted away, head held high. 

Finally, she would get revenge for everything Stella had done to her.

Meanwhile, Stella stepped out of the restroom after reapplying her lip gloss. She had happened to hear everything that was said in the hallway. How had this rich girl managed to become so sinister in such a short while? She wanted to send her to someone’s bed, but whose? 

As long as she played her cards right, she could use whatever Vivian was planning to her advantage.

She walked back into the main hall, scanning the crowd. She found him. Liam stood near a group of middle-aged investors in the middle of the room. 

Just as she took a step forward, two men walked up to her.

“Ms. Moore,” they greeted.

Stella paused. How did these people know her?

“I’m Peter Wells,” one of them said, bowing slightly. “The founder of FreeAi, and this is my co-founder, Luke. It’s my pleasure to meet you.”

Stella nodded, her expression neutral. “Nice to meet you. How may I help you?”

“We just wanted to offer you a toast,” Peter said with a too-wide smile. “Hopefully, we’ll get to work with King’s corporation one day. You are Mr. Carson’s secretary. Perhaps, you could be the bridge between us.”

Their words were flawless. She had no reason to doubt they had other intentions. But her instinct made her worry.

He signaled to a passing waiter who came over with a tray, holding only one wine glass.

Stella’s eyes narrowed. 

Only one drink wasn’t unusual. 

But only one glass on the tray after two strangers who somehow knew her name walked up to her. It couldn’t just be a coincidence. Coupled with the conversation she had heard earlier, she was certain this policy was designed for her.

They were working together. 

She smiled coolly, taking the glass.

“Cheers,” she said.

Then, without breaking eye contact, she took a sip. But only a sip.

Paul and Luke didn’t notice. Their eyes were fixed on her chest, watching as it lifted slightly when she raised her hand to drink.

“I’ll pass on your intentions to Mr. Carson,” she said. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to his side.”

“Of course, of course,” Luke said quickly, coming out of his daze. “We wouldn’t want to delay you.”

She tipped the wine glass at them and walked away.