Chapter 11: Horace Had Been Looking for You​

“That’s right, as a girl, sometimes when she is angry, she wouldn’t just express it directly. She might try to do things that can attract men’s attention. Is your wife suggesting a divorce because she is waiting for you to console and coo her?”


Clarence immediately let out a cold laugh, “Not a chance.”


Didn’t Stella know of her own worth? How could she have such unrealistic thoughts like that?


Nathan said, “Mar. Conrad, I don’t think the young lady is someone who only sees value in money. When her father was making a scene at the Conrads today, the young lady has said that the money always belongs to you, and it is unrelated to her. And she even suffered a slap for it.”


Clarence’s brows couldn’t help forming wrinkles, “She has been hit?”


“Yes, and it was quite a serious one. A visible mark was left on her face.”


After a few seconds, Clarence then said, “Go and find out how much that man has owed. Reimburse the leftover amount, and make sure he never appears in front of me again.”


When the hands of the clock pointed to ten minutes past three, Clarence announced, “I’m going back to the company.”


In the bedroom.


Clarence’s gaze fell on the most conspicuous blue-and-white striped shirt hanging in the room, and his thoughts were thrown into disarray. If Stella continued to be unruly this time after returning from Belgium, he would blast both her and this shirt out of the room.


The press conference of SG Jewellery Magazine was imminent, and Stella was adjusting the length of the necklace for models at the backstage.


Stanford came in and said, “Sharon, there are many famous designers and big shots of the business industry out there. Your design will shine brightly on stage later, and by then many would have learned of your name.”


Stella smiled briefly, “The honour belongs to SG Jewellery Magazine. I am just a catalyst.”


She was merely stating the truth. Without the support of such a flashy coat like SG Jewellery Magazine, nobody would have even peeked at the work of such a no-name designer.


Sherry came in too at the moment and she overheard them, “Sharon, don’t be too humble. This is our shared honour. Am I right, Mr. Leif?”


Stanford nodded with a smile, “You’re right. We are two half of the same coin.”




When Stanford left, Sherry pulled Stella over and whispered, “Sharon, I’m telling you something, but you have to be prepared.”


“What?”


“I saw Horace just now.”


With a clattering sound, the hair pin which was supposed to be used on a model was dropped from Stella’s hand.


Sherry hurriedly picked it up, “In fact, Horace has been looking for you. In order to attract attention and clout, SG Jewellery Magazine has been advertising about the fact you have gone missing three years ago after winning the newcomers designer award, and you are now making a strong comeback with new works. Therefore, it is not a difficult thing for him to find that you are here.”


Stella only came back to her senses after some time, but she didn’t know what to say in return.


Sherry patted her shoulders and consoled her, “Nothing’s going to happen. You don’t have to worry. Just go with the flow. Anyway, you’re divorced now, and who said that you can’t start a new life?”


“It’s not that… I am thinking about the interviews surrounding the Puppy Love’ Series.”


The term puppy love was a word that brought forth beautiful imagination but it was also a sensitive term.


Previously, she had told the magazine that they could interview her about the inspiration behind the work, but they shouldn’t relate it to her own Puppy Love experience.


Once they crossed the line on this matter, those who were dragged into the story would have appeared awkward.


Putting aside the fact that she had gone through a divorce, if she were to happen to read this interview that Horace had a girlfriend now, she would have been frustrated.


Sherry hit her own head and exclaimed, “Oh right, I need to talk to the media about this. We must prevent that from happening at all costs. With me helping you, you have nothing to worry about!”


In the subsequent preparation, Stella looked a little absent-minded.


…


At the scene of the press conference, Stanford’s words were proven as there were many affluent people from the business industry thronging the area.






This included Vincent and Clarence who had just returned from a business trip from Belgium.


When Stanford laid eyes on Clarence, he was a little perplexed. He couldn’t understand the reason this bloke had to be here.


Vincent explained with a smile, “Mr. Leif, aren’t you guys trying to debut the Puppy Love’ Series this time? Here is an exclusive news. I learned that they would be marvellous in design. Mr. Conrad wants to buy it for his wife.”


Stanford laughed dryly as he was ready to announce that the items on display today were not for sale. However, he swallowed back his words.


It wasn’t wise for him to offend the Conrads, which was the biggest cash cow here.


By the time the press conference had ended, if Clarence really wanted one of the items there, it was not like there wasn’t room for discussion with the designer.


“Then, I implore you guys to wait for a little more, Mr. James, Mr. Conrad. The show is about to start.”


Vincent nodded, “Continue with what you are doing.”


When Stanford left, Vincent turned around and asked, “You don’t love your wife, do you? Aren’t you afraid that she would misunderstand if you gift the titled “Puppy Love”?”


Clarence answered casually, “If she misunderstands, that means she is thinking too much. I am simply buying something on a whim.


“…”


He really tried to sound very convincing.


After alighting from the plane, he came straight to the venue of press conference without even going home. If he was casual, then why not buying a rocket at the same time?






When Vincent was about to say something, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure coming through the door, “Isn’t that Annie? Since when did she come back to the country?”


Clarence peeked in that direction and simply replied, “I don’t know.”


In comparison to Clarence’s disinterest, Vincent found himself getting curious about Annie. The usually unreasonable and hard-headed Annie was now practically sticking to a man. She looked like she was sucking up to him.


After just a short a moment, Annie saw then too. She dragged the man beside her over to introduce him to them, “Clarence, Vincent, you guys are here too?”


Clarence gave a faint reply, “We have business here.”


Vincent greeted Annie with a smile, “Annie, it’s been a while.”


“Vincent, long time no see.” Annie returned his greeting with her arms around the man’s arm, “Right, allow me to introduce to you. This man here is Horace whom I have gotten to known when I was studying overseas.”


Horace removed his arm from her grip and extended towards Vincent, “I’m Horace Jason.”


Vincent accepted his handshake, “Hey, we have met before right? At Mr. Jason’s birthday bash. I heard from him that you have gone overseas three years ago. Did you just return?”


Horace nodded before turning his attention to Clarence, “Mr. Conrad, it’s an honour to make your acquaintance.”


Clarence reached out and briefly shook Horace’s hand but he didn’t seem like he wanted to engage in this conversation.


For some reason, the moment he laid eyes on Horace, he suddenly felt an unfounded animosity towards him.


Annie found this chance to interject happily, “So you guys know each other? Horace is…”


Before Annie could finish her words, all the lights went off in the exhibition hall.


The host announced, “My distinguished guests please return to your seats. The press conference is going to start soon.”


Annie saw that there were still empty seats in front of Clarence so she dragged Horace over, “Horace, let’s sit there.”


Horace was here to look for someone, so he didn’t want to endlessly get stuck to her, “I have something else to attend to today. You should take a seat.”


After saying that, he sat down on a chair which was a little far away from Annie.