Chapter 97

Saul's brows knitted together as he shot her a sharp look. "Outsider? If something from an outsider is more to my liking than your cheap knockoff,then I'll take it-no questions asked."

Beatrice's expression froze. Se clearly hadn't expected him to be so direct.

Haley, growing flustered, tried to salvage the moment. "It's just an amber tobacco pipe, Saul.If you like it, I can send over a few more."

"Just an amber tobacco pipe?" Saul scoffed,already losing patience. "Do you have any idea how rare fossilized amber is? Or how difficult it is to carve an authentic piece like this? This isn't something you toss around like party favors."

Haley was stunned. How did Stella manage to get her hands on something so rare and expensive?

She clenched her jaw, unable to accept yet another defeat, but no words came out.

Saul turned his eyes from Beatrice to Stella, his tone much gentler now. "Ms. Gilbert, I really liked

the gift you gave me. Wouid you mlnu takiny a walk with me in the garden? I'd like to have a quick word with you in private."

Stella was here on William's behalf, mainly to discuss business collaboration.

But now, with Saul personally requesting a chat,she gave a polite smile and nodded. "I'd be glad to."

Haley and Beatrice stood still, watching Stella leave with Saul. Jealousy burned in their eyes-they were so bitter, it seemed like they might explode. At that moment, they both wished they could tear Stella apart.

As Stella passed them, she let out a soft, mocking chuckle, clearly unfazed.

So what if Haley came from a noble family in Achury? A name alone couldn't cover up shallow roots and dull minds.

Stella walked alongside Saul through the back garden when her gaze caught a quick-moving figure in the distance.

It vanished too fast to identify, but something

about it felt strangely familiar.

Could that have been William?

The idea popped into her mind, but she quickly dismissed it.

If William were here, he wouldn't have sent her instead.

She shook her head slightly. Maybe she was just overthinking it.

Saul noticed where she was looking, his gaze turning thoughtful. But he said nothing, simply smiling. "You're here on business today,I take it?"

Stella answered without delay. "Yes. I'm here on behalf of Briggs Group. Mr. Vance, if youI give us a shot, I'm confident both parties will benefit."

Her tone was poised, respectful, and unmistakably confident.

Saul chuckled softly and changed the subject."With your talent, Ms. Gilbert, I imagine you've got plenty of admirers. Are you seeing anyone?"

Stella blinked in surprise, unsure where this was heading. But she answered plainly, "You're too

kind,Mr.Vance. No, I'm not dating anyone."

"Really? Then what kind of man do you like? I happen to know several excellent bachelors. I'd be happy to make an introduction."

Was he trying to set her up? Stella politely declined without missing a beat. "I appreciate the offer, but my focus right now is completely on work. I'm not in a place to think about romance."

Saul noted her resolute tone and pressed his lips together in thought.

He thought back to William's composed strategy during their earlier board game. At the time, he had assumed William was the predator and Stella the prey.

But now, the roles weren't so clear anymore. How amusing.

They resumed talking business, and Saul seemed pleased, eventually agreeing to the partnership with Briggs Group.

With her mission accomplished, Stella politely excused herself.

Outside the hall, just as she reached the roadside,

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a car rolled up from the underground garage.

She narrowed her eyes. That car... it looked very familiar.

The car slowed to a stop right in front of her, the window rolled down, and there he was. William.

Stella's gaze sharpened. So that shadow earlier...was it really him after all?