?Chapter 300:


    Céline opened the box, her eyes lighting up at the sight of a delicate ne crafted from rare conch pearls. “Oh my, I love this ne! Ms. Gilbert, how thoughtful of you.”


    “How did you know I’ve always loved this kind of jewelry?”


    “I’m really happy you like it,” Ste said, her tone as gentle as her smile.


    Céline sped the ne around her neck, genuinely touched. While conch pearls weren’t overly expensive, they were umon and distinctive. The gift wasn’t about the price—it showed Ste had taken the time to understand her preferences. Most business partners gave generic presents; few were this intentional. The impression Ste left grew even stronger.


    “One more thing,” Céline said, her warmth now unmistakable. “I’ll be assigning a new member to this project. I’d like to introduce her to you soon. It would mean a lot if you could guide her, not just at work but in other areas, too, if you’re willing.”


    “Ms. Mendoza, with your confidence in me, I won’t let you down,” Ste promised, her tone brisk but steady.


    Just then, a knock broke the office hush. The door opened, drawing Ste’s attention. There, standing in the doorway, was Reba.


    Ste froze for an instant. So this was Céline’s so-called new member? Her lips parted in surprise.


    Reba stiffened at the sight of Ste, herposure slipping for a heartbeat. Unaware of their tangled backstory, Céline assumed they were meeting for the first time and stepped in to break the ice. “Ms. Gilbert, this is Reba Watson. She’ll be overseeing our side of the project. Reba, meet Sylvia Gilbert from Neb, our project lead. I expect you to learn from her professionalism. Understood?”


    Céline’s praise made Reba’s eyes flicker with jealousy. She forced a tight smile. “Aunt Céline, are you sure you didn’t mix things up? Ms. Gilbert seems awfully busy these days. Wasn’t she just outst night partying with a bunch of guys?”


    The usation hung in the air, causing Céline to hesitate. Though she’d heard bits of gossip, her instincts told her Ste wasn’t that type of woman. “Reba, where exactly are you getting this information?” Céline asked, her voice tinged with doubt.


    Reba’s voice held steady. “I’m just telling the truth. I saw it with my own eyesst night.”


    Stay tuned for more gαlnσν??s.c○m


    Céline faltered, her confidence momentarily shaken.


    From the sidelines, Ste almostughed at the spectacle. “Ms. Watson, as far as I recall, this is only the second time we’ve met. We’re practically strangers, so I don’t see why you’re so eager to drag my name through the mud. If this is about Shaun, you’re wasting your energy. You’ve just made a serious usation—can you actually back it up? If not, what you’re doing is nder. Don’t me your feelings for Shaun on me. If you’re interested in him, then go for it, but don’t resort to these petty tricks.”


    .


    .


    .