Chapter 13

Jackson couldn't shake the feeling that Morris was a formidable opponent. Watching Stella's reaction earlier, it seemed there is more to the relationship than he could understand. Jackson sighed. "Well, this is just a business contract with a one-year duration. Why do I have to be bothered?" he thought, yet the idea left him with an unsettling feeling.

He made a mental note to ask Carl for advice but quickly dismissed it, knowing how inquisitive Carl could be about his dealings with Stella. That would only complicate things further.

With a final resolve, Jackson decided to wait for her return from the engagement meeting. Only then would he determine the next steps regarding their living arrangement.

Jackson pulled up in front of the company and parked the car. He stepped out, walked around, and opened the door for Stella. She stepped out gracefully, holding her phone and bag.

"I'll be going in now. You take care of yourself," she said lightly, starting toward the building.

"Hey, take the car key," Jackson called after her, holding it out.

She turned around, her lips curving into an amused smile. "Are you serious?" she asked, tilting her head at him.

"Well… you might need it," Jackson replied, looking unsure.

Stella chuckled softly. "No, you'll need the car. Don't worry; I'll inform my driver to bring another one over for me."

Jackson hesitated but eventually nodded, handing the key back.

With a small wave of her hand, Stella headed toward the building and entered the elevator, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Jackson stood outside, watching her until the elevator doors slid shut with a soft ding.

Inside the company, Stella walked down the hallway, her steps light and confident. Her expression was relaxed, even cheerful, an unusual sight for her staff.

Whispers quickly spread among the employees as they observed her rare smile.

"Is that our boss? The icy queen looks… happy."

"What's going on? Did something good happen?"

Stella, unfazed by their curious gazes, continued toward her office, her bright mood setting the tone for a productive day.

Stella settled into her office, the large space reflecting her status and power. She leaned back in her chair, her expression calm and composed, still carrying the trace of a rare smile.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Her assistant, Becky, stepped in, her posture professional as always. Becky's sharp eyes noticed the unusual ease in her boss's demeanor, a stark contrast to the usual icy aura Stella exuded. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused this change but decided it wasn't the time to dwell on it. Work came first; the gossip could wait until later.

Becky quickly outlined Stella's schedule, adding a succinct analysis of the current projects at hand. Stella nodded occasionally, her sharp mind absorbing the information. She interjected with brief instructions, making corrections where necessary and issuing clear directives.

As Becky turned to leave, Stella's voice stopped her in her tracks. "Schedule a meeting with the Dalton's young master at 12 noon. Here at the company," she said, her tone losing all warmth. "Also, confirm whether he'll honor the meeting or not. I want a clear answer."

Becky stiffened slightly at the sudden chill in Stella's voice. She nodded briskly. "Understood, Ms. Stallion. I'll handle it immediately."

"Good," Stella said, dismissing her with a wave.

Becky left the room, her thoughts racing. She knew Stella only used that particular icy tone when she meant business. Whatever the meeting with the Dalton heir entailed, it was bound to be significant.

Stella closed her eyes briefly, letting the calm wash over her as she gathered her racing thoughts. The events of the morning, coupled with the impending meeting with the Dalton heir, had her mind spinning. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself of her resolve and the goals she needed to achieve.

With renewed focus, she straightened her posture and reached for the stack of documents on her desk. The weight of her responsibilities felt lighter as she delved into the work before her, the steady rhythm of her pen against paper grounding her. Stella knew that distractions and doubts had no place in her world right now—this was her domain, and she intended to master it.

Stella glanced at the clock as Becky notified her of Alex's arrival. She straightened her blazer, brushing away an invisible speck of dust as she prepared herself for the meeting. The thought of facing Alex Dalton was one she had meticulously prepared for. She couldn't afford any missteps.

In the lounge, Alex sat comfortably, his sharp suit complementing his strikingly cold demeanor. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest of the plush chair, a practiced smile on his lips that didn't quite reach his eyes. He exuded authority, the kind that commanded attention and respect, but also one that came with a sharp edge.

Stella stepped into the room, her confident stride cutting through the tension that seemed to hum in the air. Her aura, just as commanding as his, met his gaze with unwavering determination.

"Mr. Dalton," she greeted coolly, extending a hand.

"Miss Stallion," he replied, rising to his feet and shaking her hand firmly, his piercing eyes scanning her face.

As they sat across from each other, the atmosphere was charged, a silent battle of wills playing out between them. Stella leaned back slightly, crossing her legs with poise.

"I appreciate your punctuality," she began, her tone neutral but laced with subtle authority.

"I wouldn't miss an opportunity to meet the famous CEO of the Stallion Group," Alex responded, his words smooth but his eyes probing, as though searching for the motives behind her invitation.

Stella's lips curled into a faint smile. "Let's cut to the chase, Alex. We both know we're not here for pleasantries."

Her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, neither of them spoke, the tension thickening.

Sure," Alex replied nonchalantly after a while, his tone dismissive, as though he couldn't care less about the conversation. Stella studied him carefully before speaking.

"Alex, you and I both know neither of us wants this marriage," she began. "You've been in love with the daughter of the Braxton family for years, and I know this arrangement isn't what you truly desire. I'm here to offer a way for both of us to step back."

As Stella finished speaking, her assistant entered the room, carrying a tray of tea and snacks. She placed it gently on the table and glanced at the pair, feeling the tension in the air. The chill between them was palpable, but she couldn't help but marvel at her boss's composure. Stella was as poised as ever, completely unfazed.

Alex leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Stella Stallion, you need to understand something—this isn't your decision to make. The elders are involved, and what they say goes."

Stella smiled, calm and unbothered. She picked up her teacup, took a slow sip, and set it down gracefully. "Are you really that serious?" she asked, her tone tinged with amusement.

"Of course, I am," Alex snapped. Then, with growing frustration, he added, "Stella, can't you understand for once? You're a woman. A woman, for Christ's sake!"

Stella raised an eyebrow, finding his words both ridiculous and amusing. "And so?"

Alex leaned forward, his gaze lingering on her sharp brows, rosy lips, and the curvaceous figure he had long dreamt of dominating. "So," he said, his voice low and deliberate, "you should be less overbearing and authoritative. You need to submit to a man, as you should."

Stella threw her head back and laughed, her amusement ringing through the room. "Mr. Dalton," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "are you suggesting that a woman should be trampled on, or are you implying that a woman has no right to be better than a man?"