Chapter 105
Stellar was momentarily surprised to see Stephen, but she quickly recovered, greeting him with a bright smile.
“What a coincidence, Senior! You got an invitation too?”
“Mm. Percy invited Brighton Group.”
Stephen offered a simple explanation.
Stellar nodded in understanding.
As the CEO of Brighton Group, it made sense that he’d be invited.
However, what she didn’t know was that the invitation had originally been sent to Shane.
After all, Brighton’s elusive CEO rarely made public appearances, so no one had expected him to attend.
Stephen personally took the invitation because…
“Ahem-”
Suzy arched a brow at the scene unfolding before her, then spoke up at just the right moment.
“I’m heading over to the dining area for some food. You two take your time chatting.”
And with that, she slipped away.
Stellar saw right through her little ploy but could only shake her head helplessly.
With no other choice, she turned back to Stephen.
“So, Senior, how’s the development going for the land you acquired last time?”
“Smoothly. Your input was a big help,” Stephen replied, going into some of the details.
The conversation flowed effortlessly between them, their exchange natural and engaging,
Not far away, Percy watched the scene, his entire body tensing at the sight.
his ch
A sharp, unbearable pain twisted in his chest.
His fists clenched at his sides, and just as he was about to storm over, Yvonne tightened her grip on his arm.
“There are too many important guests here tonight,” she whispered in a low, warning tone.
“If you lose your temper and do something reckless, my parents and uncle won’t let you off easily.”
Percy froze in place, his expression darkening as he forced himself to stay put.
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Chapter
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After tonight, once the engagement was official, the Harlow and Brook families would back him completely. Moore Enterprises would stabilize, and his reputation, along with the company’s stock, would be salvaged.
So now wasn’t the time to act impulsively.
But once Moore Enterprises was back on top, maybe he could bring Stellar back to his side.
As long as she behaved and stayed by him like before, tending to him as she always had, he wouldn’t hold the past against her.
The thought sent a dark glint through Percy’s eyes, and he slowly exhaled, pushing down the frustration simmering in his chest.
Beside him, Yvonne caught every shift in his expression.
A wave of resentment and jealousy twisted inside her, eating away at her composure.
The engagement ceremony soon began.
With the deep, resonant notes of a cello playing in the background, the couple stood hand in hand on stage.
Standing below, Stellar watched as Pauline looked at Yvonne with nothing but adoration, her gaze filled with warmth and
blessings.
A dull ache pressed against Stellar’s chest.
Maybe once, long ago, Pauline had looked at her the same way–loving, cherishing, and embracing her without conditions.
And maybe that was why the contrast now felt so jarring.
But what wasn’t hers was never meant to be.
She had come to terms with that.
There was regret, but she wasn’t jealous.
She thought about this moment for a long time.
She came prepared, but in the end, she had also decided that if Yvonne didn’t provoke her first, she wouldn’t make a move.
After all, she had spent eighteen years being loved as part of the Harlow family.
Thank you all for being here tonight. Please enjoy the food, drinks, and festivities.”
With that, the host wrapped up the formalities, and a round of applause filled the room.
As the evening transitioned into the more casual reception, Stellar stepped toward the lounge area, picking up a glass of red wine.
But before she could take a sip, a figure in white stopped in front of her.
It was Yvonne.
There was a distinct malice in her gaze, thinly veiled beneath a false smile.
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Raising her own glass in a mock toast, she tilted her head.
“Sis, I have to say, I never expected you to actually show up tonight.”
She let out a dramatic sigh. “But hey, I couldn’t help but notice that you didn’t bring a date. What happened?
“Weren’t there quite a few men willing to spend money on you, to back you up? Funny how, on such an important night, not a single one showed up.”
Her words carried a feigned innocence, but the scorn in her eyes gave her away.
