Once Miley had walked away, Stella turned back to Emery, her brows knitting in curiosity. “Emery, what’s this about?”
Without answering immediately, Emery reached into her bag and pulled out a voice recorder, handing it to Stella. “This is for you. I’ve been meaning to give it to you, but you haven’t been to Prosperity Group recently, and I wasn’t sure if it was already too late.”
Stella accepted the recorder, her confusion deepening. “What is this?”
Emery’s gaze held a touch of mystery as she leaned in slightly and asked, her voice low, “Have you never wondered why the chandelier suddenly fell during the launch event?”
Stella froze, her breath catching as her wide eyes locked onto Emery, disbelief etched across her face.
Emery simply nodded, a faint, enigmatic smile gracing her lips.
“There’s no need to thank me. I overheard something that day, purely by chance. I always carry a recorder with me, so I thought.. why not help? Inside, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for.”
Her words were deliberately cryptic, as though she were handing over a puzzle for Stella.
Stella’s mind raced. Her earlier conversation with Miley had already given her an idea of what might be going on, and the results of Dexter’s investigation had brought her closer to uncovering the truth.
Stella hadn’t expected Emery, someone she wasn’t particularly close with, to lend her a helping hand in this way. Gratefully, she put the recorder in her pocket and said with a warm smile, “Then I’ll design a dress for you as a thank-you gift someday.”
Emery quickly waved her hand and declined. “No need, Mrs. Clark. Just remember this favor-I might ask for something in the future when I need it.”
Noticing a flicker of discomfort on Stella’s face, Emery softened her tone. “Don’t worry. I won’t make things difficult for you, and I’m not looking for a promotion or a raise at Prosperity Group.”
Relieved, Stella smiled and nodded. “Alright then. As long as your request isn’t too much, I’ll do my best to help.”
Emery returned the smile, turned on her heel, and began to walk away.
But after a few steps, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder.
Her expression grew serious as she said, “Keep an eye on Lindsay. She’s been making some moves at Prosperity Group recently.”
Stella’s gratitude deepened, and she thanked Emery sincerely.
As Stella approached Miley, her mind churned with thoughts of Matthew.
She couldn’t help but wonder if the man who once despised the toxic atmosphere at the company was now turning a blind eye, all because Lindsay had saved him.
Reflecting on Matthew’s behavior since his return, Stella found it entirely plausible.
His newfound tolerance toward Lindsay spoke volumes, and the realization weighed heavily on Stella’s chest, a discomfort she couldn’t shake.
When Stella exited the restaurant, Miley immediately noticed her distressed demeanor. With curiosity etched across her face, Miley approached and asked, “Stella, what did Emery say to you? You look like something major just happened.”
The sound of Miley’s voice jolted Stella back to reality. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Oh, it’s nothing much. We just talked about work. You know, I’ve been handling a collaboration with Prosperity Group, and there are still a few loose ends to tie up.”
Miley frowned, sympathy flickering in her eyes. “You’re working way too hard, Stella. Balancing so much at work and dealing with personal matters-how can your body keep up with all this?”