Chapter 705:
Stella and Josie exchanged glances before weaving through the crowd.
Amanda lit up the moment she saw her. “Josie! You actually came!” Over the years, Josie had been sending Amanda new jewelry every quarter. They’d started out as a client and a luxury goods supplier. Somewhere along the line, a real friendship had taken root.
Josie smiled and handed Amanda a box. “Happy birthday, Amanda. This set isn’t even out yet. You’re the very first to have it.”
She knew Amanda couldn’t resist words like exclusive and first edition.
Amanda’s face lit like a kid on Christmas morning. She wasted no time putting on the pieces.
“Wow, this is gorgeous!” she said, admiring herself in the mirror. “Your brand never disappoints, Josie. Not once.”
Josie gave a slight nod. “It’s our honor.”
After slipping on the jewelry, Amanda turned to Stella with a curious look. “And you are…”
Josie cleared her throat. “Amanda, this is Sylvia Gilbert, my assistant. She’s got a real eye for design. Might just branch out on her own soon.”
Amanda was a little surprised. Josie didn’t usually go out of her way to hype people up. She studied Stella for a second, then smiled warmly as Stella extended a hand.
“Hi, Amanda. It’s a pleasure,” Stella said.
Amanda held her gaze for a beat, then grinned. “It’s our first time meeting, but I already like you, Ms. Gilbert.”
Stella felt a quiet wave of relief. She really hoped Amanda would like her—not just her designs, but her too.
And right on cue, Rutherford chimed in, “Amanda, Sylvia’s actually the one who told me about that gallery.”
Amanda’s admiration deepened instantly.
Amanda was from Oshos, and her fashion sense was a bit different from the local crowd, so Stella hadn’t expected her to say she was elegant.
While the rest of the guests were still lining up with their gifts, Josie led Stella back to the same balcony they’d been on earlier.
Your next journey starts at gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝒸o𝗺
Stella wasn’t a fan of these glitzy, wine-glass-clinking parties. She leaned closer to Josie and whispered, “I’ve met her. Can I head out now?”
Josie looked at her in disbelief. “Even if you’re leaving, you have to stay for the opening dance, right?”
Opening dance?
Stella hadn’t realized Amanda’s birthday bash included something like that.
“Josie, you know I rarely dance.”
“You don’t dance often, but you can,” Josie said, grabbing her hand. “Once the dance is over, I’ll leave with you.”
With Josie insisting, Stella had no choice but to give in.
She glanced out the window and spotted a woman in a teal gown chatting with William.
.
.
.