Chapter 42

Adam's POV

My schedule was packed, and next up was a multinational conference with Europe.

As usual. I berated every participant without exception.

Mark came to GT Group to see me.

"Adam, are you in a bad mood lately? Your executives have been complaining to me, saying their boss is utterly inhumane."

A few of the higher-ups, knowing Mark's close relationship with me, had sent him to probe and find out if someone had offended me.

I glanced at him indifferently, "None of your business."

Mark said, uninvited, as he sat in the chair opposite me. "After all, I'm your friend."

I was losing patience. "If you have nothing to do, get out."

"Did you have a fight with Stella? Dior has just released two new rare leather bags. Women love these things; it would be easy to appease her!" Mark suggested. I looked at him. Dior? It probably wouldn't be as effective as a ten-dollar drink from a street vendor.

I nodded towards the door, signaling Mark to leave.

Mark shrugged. gave an "OK" gesture, and quickly left.

The office fell silent. I opened the drawer on my right,revealing two auction invitations.

I called Taylor. "Tell Stella to accompany me to an auction tonight."

Perhaps she would be interested.

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Stella's POV

"An auction?" I looked at the gown Taylor brought and didn't take it. "I am busy."

Taylor continued holding the large box with the gown. "Madam, Mrs. Winston's condition has stabilized. and Adam has informed the Winston family to take over her care. You can leave without worry. Additionally, whether as GT's collaborating stylist or as Mrs. Lancaster, Mr. Lancaster wishes for your attendance." There were two implications. First, the Winston couple would arrive soon, and if I didn't leave, I would have to face those repulsive people. Second, if I didn't cooperate. he would use my role as a collaborating stylist to compel me to go.

I almost laughed in anger. "He has trained you well."

Taylor felt a chill down his spine and nodded. "You flatter me.Madam."

A familiar Bentley with a recognizable license plate approached.It was the Winston family's car.

I frowned, not expecting them to arrive so quickly!

I truly didn't want to see them, and my grandmother... she probably wanted to see her son more now.

"I don't like the designer of this gown," I said, glancing at the gown before putting it back.

Taylor immediately understood. "Winter's owner is on good terms with Adam. Madam can go there now to choose."

Winter was one of Manhattan's top styling studios,usually serving only elite socialites and a few top actresses. Located in a Western-style building in the city center, it had a "closed"sign at the door. Taylor led me directly upstairs, where we were greeted by a young,mixed-race man in his twenties with dyed silver-gray hair and a trendy, avant-garde style.

"This is Cyril." Taylor introduced the silver-haired man without further explanation.

I was well aware of Cyril's identity-one of the leading young designers, who had won numerous awards by the age of twenty-five and was hailed as the future of personal styling in the fashion world.

Cyril was very friendly, giving me a gentlemanly bow. "Miss.you can choose any gown here. What style do you prefer? I would be honored to serve such a beauty!"

"No need, thank you," I raised my hand to decline. "Ican manage on my own."

I didn't like others styling me; I was a stylist myself. In less than an hour, I had put together a look that was both comfortable and appropriate.

Adam's POV When I arrived at Winter, I saw Stella standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling streets below.She wore a dreamy purple gradient gown, her hair styled in loose,elegant waves, mostly gathered on the left side, both graceful and convenient. Her exquisitely beautiful face was lightly made up, not overly refined, but just enough to make her look stunning and cool.giving off an aura that invited admiration from afar.

I recalled hearing people describe Stella: she was otherworldly.a dream unattainable.

"Miss. you are simply a muse sent from heaven! Not only are you beautiful. but you also have impeccable taste and style!"Cyril's eyes sparkled as he looked at Stella, as if he had discovered a treasure. "Miss. may I have your phone number?Or Facebook? It would be my greatest honor!"

I frowned in displeasure. Why was she so popular?

"Sir," Taylor was the first to notice me.

Stella turned at the sound. seeing me in an iron-gray bespoke suit, seated in my wheelchair. This was the first time she had looked at me directly since our unpleasant encounter at the Lancaster estate.

Her gaze was calm to the point of indifference, as if she were merely seeing a business partner, not the one who had defended me at the Lancaster mansion.

"Mr. Lancaster, taking me to an auction, be careful not to embarrass yourself," Stella reminded me. Before I could respond, Cyril interjected, "Miss, your presence will be the crowning glory of the event. How could it be embarrassing?"

He persisted, "-May I have your Facebook?"

Stella readily agreed, "Of course."

She really dared to add him, and right in front of me.

Just as she took out her phone. before she could unlock it, my hand reached over, and her palm was empty.

I held Stella's phone, turned off the screen lock, and looked at Cyril expressionlessly.“Should I send you back to Europe?"

Cyril shook his silver-gray head like a rattle. "No! If I go back,I'll be forced into the family business! I won't go back!"

I gave Cyril a cold glance, then turned my gaze back to Stella,signaling her to follow me as I wheeled myself away.

My woman would always and only be mine.