He needed to cease contemplating it and obtain restorative sleep to ensure composure when he encountered her the following day. Breakfast followed by the formulation of a plan. They intended to locate her, aware that she was somewhere within this hotel.
Regrettably, Nolan was unable to detect Stella’s presence, rendering his efforts futile. He would likely need to enlist Luca to engage one of the female receptionists after breakfast.
Nolan would refrain from doing it at this time, considering Stella’s historical background. Nolan suspected her ex of infidelity; however, Enzo would not engage in such behaviour, as he had a partner and offspring within the pack. Ryder was unwilling to proceed, having other reservations, thus the responsibility fell to Luca. The man would probably not object, as Sadie remarked, ‘Take one for the team.’ However, Luca would not need to go to such lengths; most individuals would consider him exceedingly attractive and respond to all his enquiries.
Stella’s Perspective
Stella arrived at the store early in the morning, contacted Paul and Devon, and intended to explore independently.
Both individuals encountered her at the store at 8 a.m. She was exhilarated to be in the store, her own establishment, and could not cease smiling. She admired the gold lettering on the front door, considering it quite beautiful. All the stores possessed it; she had specifically selected the font and hue. It was her distinctive influence on each of Brianna’s stores.
She smiled while traversing her office space.
Her desk had arrived, and in contrast to Brianna’s cold and impersonal glass and metal desk, she had chosen a modern, curved white lacquered executive desk featuring two movable white file storage drawers.
Her chair, a white Napoli high-backed office chair, was also present. She approached and seated herself at her desk. Appreciated that this was her workspace.
Her opulent velvet Chesterfield sofa, in charcoal grey. It had not yet arrived, but it was expected to be aesthetically pleasing and highly comfortable for seating, benefiting not only herself but also the clients. A white wooden coffee table will also be included. A dark grey rug to cover the polished floorboards.
Inspected the entire store and conversed with Devon; his office furniture has not yet arrived and is expected next week.
He appeared content with the progression of events, reviewed the inventory list of impending arrivals, and informed her of the schedule, subsequently emailing her a copy to enable her assistance in-store if she desired. He then assured her that he had everything under control. It appeared to be so.
She then departed and was on the verge of entering her taxi to return to the hotel when she heard her name being called. Gazed upward and across the thoroughfare.
“Stella!”Carlos was present; Mr. Scrumptious was here in person.
“Do not enter that taxi,” he shouted to her, causing Stella’s heart to race as she gazed at him. He indeed arrived here as he had promised. He donned black jeans and a blue short-sleeved button-up shirt, which complemented his physique and accentuated the muscles she knew were concealed beneath the fabric.
Her gaze encountered his, revealing a smile within his eyes. He was aware that she had scrutinised him.
“Stella,” he called as she began to enter the taxi. She needed to distance herself from him. Even from across the street, she was drawn to the man; only the goddess knew what would transpire if he touched her.
“Go,” she instructed the driver. “Quickly.” A heavy flow of traffic occupied the road, as it was peak hour, and this was the sole impediment preventing him from crossing the street and reaching her. A voice within her warned that if he proceeded, she would find herself in even greater peril.
As her taxi departed, she turned in her seat to observe him watching her recede into the distance. His gaze remained fixed on her as she bit her lip and faced forward, instilling a sense that she was in genuine peril. He was frowning at her; he did not appear to be angry, yet he was observing her intently.
Proceeded directly to the hotel. As far as she was aware, he had not followed her; instead, he entered the lift, turned to press the button for the 6th floor, and unexpectedly encountered Mr Scrumptious entering through the hotel’s front doors, who was gazing directly at her. She repeatedly pressed the close door button in an attempt to expedite its closure as he approached her.
“Stella,” he declared calmly, “please approach me.”
