Chapter 522:
“Why are you suddenly into this?”
“I’m thinking about investing in a vineyard,” Sharon replied quickly. “This is just to test the waters. Come with me, and if I make a profit, I’ll share it with you.”
Stella thought about it. Her project would likely wrap up by tomorrow, and she didn’t have anything urgent lined up after that. With a shrug, she figured, why not?
Back at the Briggs Group headquarters, William sat at his desk when an email came in.
He clicked it open. It was an invitation to the same wine tasting event. Attached was a personal note from Sharon: “Mr. Briggs, this is a prestigious gathering. I hope you can make time to attend. There’ll be a mystery guest you might find interesting.”
At first, he didn’t think much of it. These kinds of elite social functions didn’t really appeal to him, even if others in his circle found them entertaining.
But that last line gave him pause.
A mystery guest?
His gaze narrowed slightly. Could it be the chairman of the company the Briggs Group was eyeing for next quarter’s partnership?
That chairman was a well-known wine enthusiast. It would make sense.
William twirled his pen between his fingers, thinking it over. A few moments later, he replied to the email. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll attend as scheduled.”
Sharon received the email at home and smiled to herself.
A wine tasting, a little alcohol, the right mood—emotions would definitely run hot.
Everything was lined up perfectly. Tomorrow, with just the right push from her, she was sure Stella and William’s relationship would finally cross that line.
At the Wine Tasting Event…
Stella showed up in a deep red velvet gown—something Sharon had insisted she wear.
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She tugged awkwardly at the neckline and whispered, “Sharon, isn’t this dress a little too formal?”
She felt like she was about to walk the red carpet, not sip Merlot with strangers.
Sharon held her hand, patting it gently like a proud mom. “Are you kidding me? You look incredible—easily the best-dressed woman in the room. Just own it, sweetheart. You’re already in the dress, might as well wear it with confidence.” She handed Stella a glass of wine. “And don’t worry. There’s someone special here tonight. I have a feeling you’ll like him.”
Stella raised a brow. “Who?”
Sharon just smirked. “You’ll see.”
And as if on cue, William walked in through the entrance.
He was dressed in a dark green suit—subtle, elegant. But next to Stella’s crimson gown, it somehow felt like a perfect match.
The color contrast was striking, but still soft. Under the lighting, they looked like they’d coordinated without even trying.
Sharon nearly burst out laughing with glee. “Stel, isn’t that William? What a coincidence! Go say hi!”
Before Stella could even react, Sharon had already grabbed her arm and pulled her along.
“Mr. Briggs,” Sharon greeted him with a grin, “what a surprise—here for the tasting too?”
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