Chapter 28 A Bracelet, a Bangle, and a Blush
Chapter 28 A Bracelet, a Bangle, and a Blush
Jackson: “I know. I’ve got a good head on my shoulders.”
He was his mother’s hope–of course he’d stay focused on school,
To Lucas, this whole thing was just a minor distraction. He was exhausted.
He turned off his phone and leaned back against the car seat to rest.
But his mind, without meaning to, drifted back to Stella.
According to his brother, this girl who looked like Stella had a totally different personality,
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The Stella he remembered had pride running in her veins. She’d never walk up to a guy first–never mind flirt with one
He was the only one she’d ever shown even a hint of interest in.
“Go to bed early tonight. I heard from Tina that you went to Ashford High today to find Lucas’s younger brother. You’re always accusing me of being lovestruck, but Lucas isn’t some prince charming either. You should stop liking him.”
Ethan parked the car in front of the villa, finally voicing what had been bothering him.
Stella pouted. “Who told you I still like Lucas? I don’t. I have my own reasons for doing things. Stay out of it.”
Sure, his sister could meddle in his business he didn’t mind that
But when it came to hers? He didn’t stand a chance.
He’d known since they were kids: no one could change Stella’s mind once it was made up.
With one hand resting on the steering wheel, he sighed and glanced at the backseat.
Stella had considered telling Ethan about Louis.
But with the company in chaos lately, she didn’t want to add to his stress.
She had time to investigate herself and was confident she’d get answers soon.
Unbuckling her seatbelt, Stella opened the door to get out.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a hand–wearing that familiar black bracelet–handing over several gift bags,
She did a dramatic reverse and slid right back into her seat, eyes lighting up. “Are these for me?”
Ethan switched on the dome light. The bracelet gleamed faintly under the glow.
“Who else would they be for? Go on, open them. See if you like them.”
Stella dove in.
Bright gold and sparkling gems immediately filled her vision. The flash almost blinded her.
There were two diamond rings–delicate, dazzling.
Three gold pieces: a plain bangle, a puppy–shaped pendant, and a chunky figurine.
Stella’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “I love them! Thanks! You really nailed my taste. You picked these out yourself?”
Ethan would’ve loved to take credit, but.. Tina was sitting in the backseat.
Her car had broken down today, so Ethan had offered her a ride home.
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Chapter 28 A Bracelet, a Bangle, and a Blush.
“No. Tina picked them.”
Ethan told the truth.
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Stella beamed, twisting around to look at Tina. “I buew it was you, Tina! You’ve got such good taste. Here, this bracelet’s for
She reached into the bags and handed the hefty gold bangle to the backseat.
Tina shook her head. “I can’t. That was a gift for you from Mr. Ethan.”
Stella leaned all the way over from the passenger seat and slipped the bangle onto Tina’s wrist. “Look how good it looks on you! He gave it to me. I’m giving it to you–simple. Besides, I’m going back to school soon. You want me showing up with a gian gold bangle on my wrist?”
The cool metal settled on her wrist, but Tina’s heart warmed instantly. Still, she hesitated. “It’s too expensive…”
Ethan’s voice came from the driver’s seat. “Just take it. Otherwise it’ll look like I’m some stingy boss.”
He remembered to include gifts for Tina every time she handled holiday gifting for clients–always reimbursed through the
company.
Tina lifted her head. “Mr. Ethan is definitely generous with me. But this was from Stella–she’s still just a kid.”
Stella lifted her chin. “Oh, I get it. You think I’m broke, huh? Hmph! Never underestimate a broke teenage girl!”
Ethan and Tina both laughed out loud.
“Alright then. Tina smiled, I’ll accept it. Thank you, Stella. And thank you, Mr. Ethan.”
Her fingers couldn’t stop gently rubbing the bracelet.
Stella was so good to her–how could she ever repay her?
She’d work even harder. Make Starlight shine even brighter.
Once out of the car with her gifts, Stella took out her phone and messaged Nathan to come open the door.
He came out quickly.
The handsome man was still in his usual white button–down–broad shoulders, narrow waist. Tonight he’d added a black tie, making him look especially elegant and untouchable.
Ethan and Tina both got out to greet him.
Nathan gave a warm smile and followed Stella inside.
Tina frowned slightly and muttered under her breath, “No housekeepers in a place this big? Why’s Mr. Nathan opening the door himself?”
