Chapter 34

Stella's POV

′′Fcor the final test," the HR director announced, "each candidate will style a randomly assigned model. You'll have two hours to create a complete look that embodies GT Group's luxury aesthetic."

My heart skipped when I drew my assigned model -a petite intern. While the other candidates got professional models with standard measurements, I'd haveto work harder to achieve the same impact.

Perfect, I thought with a slight smile. A real challenge.

I surveyed the available pieces with practiced efficiency. My mind was already constructing the perfect look.

"She seems quite confident," one of the other candidates whispered, not quite quietly enough. "Though I suppose having connections helps."

Let them talk. I'd let my work speak for itself."Time's up!" The HR director called. "Candidates, present your concepts."When my turn came, I spoke with quiet confidence about my vision.The judges' expressions remained carefully neutral, but I caught the fashion director's slight nod of approval.

"The scores have been tabulated," the HR director announced after what felt like hours.′′Infirst place-"

The boardroom doors burst open.

Lucy strode in like she owned the place, designer heels clicking against marble. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?"

The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

"Miss Winston." The fashion director's smile didn't quitereach his eyes. "This is a closed interview."

"Oh, I know." Lucy's smile was pure sugar as she pulled out a contract. "But I have a proposition that might interest GT Group."

My stomach clenched as I read the terms. Lucy was offering to be the face of GT's luxury brands at a 30% discount - with one condition- not hire me."Of course," she added with false sweetness, "this offer is contingent on certain... staffing decisions."The judges exchanged glances. Even in luxury fashion, a 30%discount on a high-profile spokesperson was significant.After careful consideration," the HR director cleared his throat,"we've decided to offer the position to our second-place candidate."

I kept my face carefully blank as whispers erupted around the room. "I understand. Thank you for the opportunity."

Lucy's triumphant smile as I gathered my things made something cold settle in my chest. Just wait and see, dear sister.

"Mrs. Lancaster." The fashion director caught up with me at the elevator. "You should know - your work was exceptional.But Miss Winston is the Winston family's daughter, and with the reduced contract fees..."

"It's alright." I smiled slightly. "I understand business decisions.11

Her face paled slightly as the doors closed.

Adam's POV

I was reviewing the latest merger documents when Taylor's voice interrupted my thoughts."Sir." His carefuly neutral tone immediately put me on edge. "The merger summit begins in ten minutes. However, Mrs.Lancaster's final interview is scheduled for the same time slot."My fingers stilled over the keyboard as an inexplicable tension coiled in my chest. The thought of Stella down there, being judged by people who had no idea who she really was... My jaw clenched involuntarily.

"The acquisition team is waiting for confirmation," Taylor continued, clearly choosing his words with care. "Shall I reschedule?"

I fixed him with a look that would have sent lesser men running. The Australian merger could wait. Though I'd rather die than admit it, the thought of missing Stella's interview made something restless stir in my chest.

"Understood, sír." Taylor adjusted his tie, reading my silence perfectly. "I'll inform the team we'll begin in ten minutes."

As he left, I found my thoughts drifting to the interview floors below. Not that I was concerned - my troublesome wife had proven more than capable of handling herself.

\---

Every minute in this conference room felt like an eternity.Damn it. I never had trouble focusing on business before.A sudden burst of laughter from downstairs made my jaw clench. What was happening down there? Why hadn't Taylor sent any updates? The pen in my hand creaked dangerously as my grip tightened.-and that concludes our financial projections for the Australian-" The CFO's voice cut off abruptly as I stood.

"Meeting adjourned." I didn't recognize my own voice. "Taylor.find my wife. Now. How is the interview?"

Taylor murmured timidly. "Another was chosen. yet I hnd clearly inquired just days before that Mrs.Lancaster was undoubtedly formidable enough to prevail."

"What happened?"I slammed my hand onto the table with force. The room cleared with impressive speed.

\---

Stella's POV

Back at Lancaster Manor. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. watching the sunset paint the gardens in shades of gold. My phone buzzed with another notification - Lucy's contract announcement was trending on social media.

"I hope you're not too disappointed." Lucy's voice dripped false sympathy through the phone. "But really. did you think GT Group would choose an adopted nobody over the real Winston heir?"I ended the call without responding, a slight smile playing at my lips as I pulled up the recording app on my phone.Sometimes the best revenge required patience.The door opened behind me. and I feit Adam's presence before I heard him. His reflection in the window looked thunderous.

Nrs. Lancaster." His voice carried that dangerous edge that always made my pulse jump. Care to explain why my wife is trending on social media?"

I turned. meeting his gaze steadily. "Just business. Mr.Lancaster. Nothing for you to concern yourself with."

"Nothing?" His eves darkened as he moved closer. "You do realize who you're married to?"

"Of course." I kept my voice light. "But I prefer to handle these matters my way."

Something shifted in his expression - surprise? Approval?And what way is that?"

My heart raced with anticipation as I pulled up the recording on my phone. This is it. Stella. Show him what you're made of.I watched Adam's expression carefully as Lucy's voice filled the room:"Of course, this thirty percent discount comes with certain...conditions. GT Group simply can't hire someone like Stella Winston. An adopted nobody with questionable connections?Think of the brand image!"Adam's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as the recording continued. The board member's response was crystal clear:"Given the significant cost savings, we've decided to offer the position to another candidate..."

I stopped the recording, keeping my voice professionally detached. "Interesting business practices. wouldn't you say?Using personal connections and financial leverage to manipulate hiring decisions?"