Chapter 11

... Initially, Stella thought that life after moving would be difficult to adapt to, but Ethan's business trip did alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the move. As the weekend approached, Layla finally had a break and invited Stella to go out for shopping. However, early in the morning, she complained about needing to return to the office to rush some documents, and it wasn't until noon that she finally finished up. Stella drove to her company's building, where the bright Panamera stood out conspicuously. Passersby couldn't help but look, knowing it was a graduation gift from her grandfather. Before long, a slender figure hurried out of the towering building, as if being chased by someone. As soon as she got into the car, Layla urgently said, "Hurry up, so they won't call me back again later." Stella smiled, feeling like she was similar to herself when she had just started working on projects with her mentor. So she quickly started the car and merged into the traffic. Once they were away from the company, Layla relaxed and turned to Stella eagerly. "Tell me, how did you and Ethan end up getting married and living together?" Stella didn't hide the fact about changing grooms from Natalie and Layla. Now, with the marriage agreement with Ethan, there was naturally no need to hide it from them. In just a few words, she quickly explained the whole story. Layla nodded. "Although Ethan was arrogant in high school, those few from Ella Manning's group wouldn't have been expelled without him. It's a good thing to improve relations with him." Jefferson High School was the best high school in Seattle. The students were clearly divided into two groups: those who performed well academically and those who were wealthy enough. Layla was Stella's junior in high school, two years younger, still in junior high at that time. The reason she knew Layla was because when she just transferred, she happened to rescue her from Ella's group of girls. Ethan was also well-known at that time, but Aaron became famous for his excellent grades and winning competitions, while Ethan got reported and criticized for skipping classes and fighting. If it weren't for Dylan Powers providing enough sponsorship, he might have been expelled long ago. He mainly counted among his good deeds finding a way to expel Ella's group, who had bullied Layla before and held a grudge against Stella. Of course, this was partly due to Ella's own actions that provoked him. But he also indirectly upheld justice. Thinking of this, Stella smiled and replied, "Don't worry. He and I are now in the same boat, so we'll try to get along as best we can." Ethan was still arrogantly independent now, but compared to eight years ago, he had improved a lot. In fact, in the later part of senior year, she and Ethan had also had a period of reconciliation. "Oh, by the way, the groomsman he found last time is still our company's external legal advisor, just one year younger than us. Isn't that a coincidence?" Layla said. "Luke Prescott?" Stella searched her memory and nodded. "Although he's one year younger, he was outstanding when he was in the competition class, and it seems like he later went to the Radiant Arts Institute." If Ethan returned to the Radiant Arts Institute after taking a year off from school, he probably ended up being classmates with Luke. With the collapse of the Powers family's influence, Ethan was said to be left with only Jason Langley and Luke Prescott to rely on when he took on the troubles left by his father and started his own business. During their conversation, the Panamera had already pulled into the parking lot. Riverfront Plaza was located on the busiest commercial pedestrian street in Seattle, considered a top luxury shopping center where only high-end brands were stationed. Stella led Layla to the fifth floor. This floor had higher prices, but fewer people and attentive service. Seeing the elevator stop on the fifth floor, Layla hurriedly stopped her. "I wanted to splurge, but even if I empty my bonus, I still can't afford to shop on this floor." Stella smiled and shook her head at her cautiously concerned expression. "I've been busy before and was thinking of buying you a welcome gift today. You can ask for whatever you want, don't worry about saving money for me." After returning to the city, she rarely went shopping. Claire had things delivered directly by the store staff, and she always called her to help choose. She didn't have time to meet with her friends, and she felt guilty about it. "Wow, I feel like I'm being taken care of," Layla said, feeling a bit floaty from her words. Stella led her into a store, picked out a few pieces of clothing, generously said, "Don't worry, I have plenty of money, and it's also considered money that Aaron gave me back. Are you still worried about spending his money?" When Aaron started his business, he was cut off from all economic connections by the Malone family. She had given all her savings to Aaron initially, and later Aaron returned to her 30% of the capital of New Era Culture. She didn't feel guilty about taking this money. Now that Aaron had returned to inherit the family business, but with his personality, it was impossible for him to take back these shares. Even if he wanted to, he would definitely buy them back at market price. Stella had bought quite a few gifts for the Malone family in the past, but spending money on Layla naturally made her happier than spending it on the Malone family. Layla now detested Aaron deeply. After hearing this, she finally stopped making excuses and walked into the fitting room. Her skin was delicate and fair, her figure slender. After trying on several pieces, Stella found them all pleasing to the eye and waved to have the salesperson make a bill. At that moment, Layla pointed to a dress the salesperson was holding and said to Stella, "This dress is so beautiful, but I can't pull it off. You should try it on." She was referring to a dress the salesperson had just taken out, with blue and white chiffon interspersed with scattered diamonds, truly magnificent. Just as Layla finished speaking, another female voice suddenly appeared behind them. "Get the smallest size of this one." Stella looked up to see two familiar figures standing behind Layla: Grace and Avery wearing sunglasses. Grace, who had just spoken to the salesperson, looked slightly colder when she saw Stella. "Stella is not often seen." Stella wasn't surprised by their attitude. The Connelly family sought to mend fences with the Powers family through marriage, and Grace and Avery got along well. However, when they saw that Stella ended up marrying Ethan due to a twist of fate, they likely felt resentful. "Look who we have here today! Hi, Stella, long time no see," Avery naturally greeted. Her eyes were hidden behind sunglasses, but to outsiders, it seemed like the two were indeed close friends. The nearby salesperson considered for a moment before speaking, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Powers, but this is a limited edition. There's only one piece in the store, and you need to reach a certain spending amount to be able to purchase it." Although Stella had been generous just now, Miss Connelly was a regular customer at the store, and this item was a limited edition from the latest season, with only a few pieces available globally. The store manager had gone to great lengths to obtain it from headquarters, and it indeed required reaching a certain spending amount to be eligible for purchase. Of course, more importantly, even though Avery was wearing sunglasses now, the salesperson recognized her identity. The previous rumors had caused quite a stir, and Miss Fletcher was backed by the Malone family's young master, so she couldn't be offended. "What a coincidence." Grace smiled, seeming a bit regretful. "Avery has a press conference tomorrow, so please don't mind." The implication was that the dress had to be given to Avery. Since entering the entertainment industry, Avery's red carpet looks were all top-notch seasonal haute couture from leading brands. Even for press conferences, she wore top luxury limited editions, not to mention jewelry. The Carlson family had a frugal style, and Thomas didn't like extravagance among the younger generation. Pocket money was fixed but not much. Dean couldn't afford such extravagant attire for his daughter, but Aaron could. Avery had just signed a movie with Director Sheffield, and her momentum was strong. Naturally, her press conferences always overshadowed the usual reports. Upon hearing Grace's words, Layla immediately raised her brows and coldly retorted, "There should be a first come, first served rule when buying things." "You are correct, there should indeed be a first come, first served rule. However, sometimes the later ones happen to take advantage, but fortunately, there will always be a chance to return." Grace smiled back, but there was a hint of sarcasm in her words. On the surface, they were talking about the dress, but in reality, Grace was subtly mocking Stella for being Aaron's fiancée later on, perhaps even suggesting that Stella had used her tactics to marry Ethan. However, Aaron eventually ran away with Avery, and Ethan wouldn't keep her as his wife forever. Originally, there was no need for any conflict over a dress, but at this moment, Stella just didn't want to give in. She glanced at the nearby salesperson and said lightly, "I remember, your store has VIP rankings, right?" "Yes." The salesperson nodded understandingly upon hearing her words. Indeed, headquarters had regulations that prioritized the purchase of limited edition items based on the accumulated spending of VIP customers, which aimed to promote their consumption. Since the salesperson brought this up, it was clear they weren't just making empty talk, and the salesperson immediately became more attentive. Stella said, "Then please check." Although she didn't have much desire for shopping on ordinary days, she had also dealt with social engagements and had ordered over a dozen sets of haute couture dresses and jewelry from this store. The haute couture production cycle was lengthy, but the prices were many times that of regular store items, especially the pricey jewelry sets. After a while, the salesperson returned and took the dress from earlier, looking at Stella with a warm smile, and said, "Mrs. Powers, would you like to try it on first?" Stella shook her head. "No need, the size is right. Just wrap it up with the other items from before." She reached for her wallet and realized she had only brought Ethan's card. Feeling awkward and hesitant for a moment, she didn't want to embarrass herself, so she handed the card over. Luckily, Ethan's card had enough credit limit. Oh well, she would transfer the money to him when she got back. Grace wasn't stupid and naturally guessed that it was Stella's spending that changed the salesperson's attitude. But she didn't know where Stella got so much money from. Did she borrow someone else's name? Aaron didn't like Stella. He had given the expensive jewelry to Avery instead of Stella, and he had never seen him buy anything for Stella, let alone let her spend so extravagantly. The dress she bought cost close to seven figures. Grace's expression stiffened slightly as she whispered to Avery, "Your cousin knows how to put on airs." "Alright, there's no need to argue over a dress." Avery shrugged indifferently. She really wasn't as concerned as Grace, after all, she didn't lack dresses. Grace wanted to uphold Stella's dignity just now, and while Avery didn't stop her, she didn't participate either. As she watched Stella and Layla prepare to leave, Avery took a couple of steps forward and called out to Stella. She took off her sunglasses and smiled at Stella. "Stella, marriage is not a trivial matter. I hope you don't act impulsively. Mr. Powers can help you once, but he may not be able to help you a second time," she said. "You and I both know why Ethan married you. Even if he made concessions on the North City project, he won't always help you. Like Director Sheffield's new movie, didn't Horizon Group also invest in it?" Stella looked quietly at Avery, immediately understanding. Avery meant to say that even if she changed grooms and became Ethan's nominal wife, she shouldn't expect Ethan to help her deal with Dean. Her best choice should be compliance, not resistance. Avery's words were just like Dean's "advice," truly living up to their father-daughter relationship. Stella was about to speak when she saw an unexpected figure walking towards them from the direction of the elevator, her expression suddenly freezing. The man had relaxed brows and a noble demeanor, wearing a thin, dark overcoat. He approached leisurely. As he passed behind them, as if hearing Avery's advice, he chuckled lightly, his voice distant and cold. "You seem quite concerned about my family affairs." Avery didn't expect Ethan to suddenly appear, and she and Grace froze in place. Ethan stood with his arm around Avery, his expression calm, then he looked at Stella. "Want to buy more?" "Hey," Stella greeted him in surprise, then furrowed her brows. "How did you know I was here?" "Text message notification," he said, lifting his phone. Stella nodded in realization, then replied, "No, I'm not buying anymore. But I need to take my friend back home." She had bought enough stuff, and encountering Avery had soured her mood. She really didn't want to continue shopping. Ethan didn't say much, just responded a "okay" in a flat tone. Just as he was about to leave, he raised an eyebrow again, looking at the slightly embarrassed Avery casually. "You said just now that Director Sheffield's new movie chose you, right?" Avery seemed to suddenly realize, her brow furrowing for a moment before she smiled lightly, wanting to explain, "Mr. Powers, I didn't mean it that way." "Oh, then what did you mean?" Slightly startled, Avery was unable to discern his attitude, and tentatively said, "I just think marriage should be carefully considered." "Careful consideration doesn't necessarily lead to marriage," Ethan lazily replied, pausing before chuckling. "But you're right, if Director Sheffield chose you, it's definitely worth careful consideration." Avery sensed the implication, though she didn't know the reason, her expression still changed, her voice stiff, "Mr. Powers, casting isn't child's play. You wouldn't want your investment to go to waste, right?" "Are you lecturing me?" Ethan chuckled nonchalantly, his demeanor relaxed, his voice casual. "Miss Fletcher, it seems you don't quite understand, but I'm the kind of person who... never listens to lectures."