Flushed and without a retort, Lindsay could only simmer in silent frustration.
At that moment, a staff member approached Stella and Bella. “Ladies, Mr. Howard Archer has invited you backstage to view the designers’ works as an apology,” he said respectfully.
Stella scanned the room but didn’t spot Howard. She knew the invitation was a unique opportunity to Learn.
Meanwhile, Pamela was skeptical that her father would extend such a privilege to Stella. “Are you sure? Why would my father invite her?” she asked the staff member.
“Miss Archer, I assure you there’s been no mistake,” the staff member responded.
Stella turned to Bella to gauge her thoughts. With a nod of approval from her, they both prepared to rise and follow the staff member.
Bennett felt a twinge of unease about the women venturing off, especially with Sanford still absent.
He rose with the intention of accompanying them.
The staff member quickly stopped him. “Mr. Lowell, Mr. Archer specifically invited only the two ladies,” he said.
“Please wait here for Sanford. We’ll be back soon,” Stella reassured Bennett.
Though hesitant, Bennett realized he had little option but to stay put and sat down.
As Stella and Bella walked past, Lindsay averted her eyes, a twinge of jealousy and disdain in them.
Meanwhile, Pamela, seizing an opportunity as Stella walked by, subtly attempted to trip her with her foot.
Stella reacted instinctively, her stiletto heel coming down hard on Pamela’s foot.
A sharp scream escaped Pamela, her eyes welling up with the sting of sudden pain.
Stella flashed a mischievous smile and breezily apologized. “Oh dear, Miss Archer, how clumsy of me! I didn’t even see your foot there.”
Ignoring Pamela’s discomfort, Stella turned on her heel and followed the staff member toward the maze of backstage corridors.
Pamela’s outburst had not gone unnoticed. The surrounding crowd whispered disapprovingly among themselves. “That girl really can’t keep it together in public, causing such a stir at a fancy event like this.”
Humiliation washed over Pamela in a hot wave, turning her cheeks a fiery red as she bolted from the venue.
Lindsay, catching sight of Pamela’s hasty retreat, decided to follow suit.
Stella and Bella wove through the venue’s twisting passageways. The disorienting paths made Stella’s head spin, prompting her to ask, “Are we even close yet? Why is the backstage area such a trek?”
The staff member’s response was lackluster. “Almost there. Just a little more patience, please.”
Sensing something was off, Stella paused to scrutinize the man. “Can you tell me about the designers featured backstage? I’d like a heads-up.”
He hemmed and hawed, eventually admitting, “I… uh, I don’t really have details on the designers’ works.”