Chapter 390
When Love Comes Late
With unwavering focus, Stella immersed herself in the process.
Then, the melodious click of high heels echoed through the office, accompanying the arrival of a coffee cup on her desk.
Turning around, Stella met the disconcerting sight of Docie, sporting a smile that seemed far too saccharine.
Stella instinctively powered down her computer, facing Docie with a guarded expression.
âWhat brings you here?â
âIâve brought you a cup of coffee and my revised design draft for Shaneâs suit,â Docie replied, beaming.
She extended a document towards Stella.
âIâve incorporated your suggestions, so please take a look.
â
Stella observed Docie closely.
Beneath that outward friendliness simmered an unnerving undercurrent, a hidden aggression lurking behind her facade of politeness.
A few seconds passed, and Stella, unwilling to engage further, informed Docie, âI donât belong to the design department.
Itâs best to follow the standard procedure for reviewing.
â
Docie hadnât anticipated such a direct rejection.
She couldnât shake the feeling that Stella wielded considerable influence, arrogantly dismissing others.
Clutching the document tightly, she fought to quell her anger.
After a moment, she regained her composure, determined not to let her mask slip.
Changing tack, she inquired, âI noticed you were looking at something earlier, some kind of design.
It seemed impressive.
Whose work is that? Can I take a peek and perhaps learn from it?â
Suspicion flickered in Stellaâs eyes as she offered a perfunctory reply.
âI was just browsing.
No need to look.
â
Docie, reading between the lines, was fairly certain that the design was intended for Stellaâs participation in the competition.
To avoid arousing suspicion, she let the matter drop and shifted the conversation.
âDuring the design meeting, your proposal for Shaneâs suit was truly remarkable.
You possess the potential to become a phenomenal designer.
â
She flattered Stella hypocritically.
Stella graciously responded, âI appreciate your kind words.
However, compared to you, Iâm only at the beginning of my design journey.
â
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Glancing at her watch, Stella subtly hinted, âItâs time to start our work.
If you donât have any other business, I need to focus.
â
Her message was clear: Docie was no longer welcome.
Docie could discern the not-so-subtle hints and forced a polite smile.
She exchanged a few more pleasantries before finally taking her Leave.
As she exited the PR department, Docieâs feigned smile vanished instantly.