He Never Noticed Me Until I Loved Someone Else novel Chapter 308

"Stella, I'd never claim to be a saint, but I at least know right from wrong! Serena is so used to getting her way. She's clearly jealous that you're prettier, have a better personality, and are more well-liked than she is, but she refuses to admit it. So, she tries to drag you down just to feel important. It's an awful habit."

Eleanor set down her teacup. "So don't take anything she says to heart, okay? Just let it slide for Jasper's sake?"

Stella genuinely hadn't expected Eleanor to say something like this. She was almost flattered.

"Eleanor, I haven't taken any of it to heart."

"That's good! We're a family, after all. We should all get along!"

Stella nodded, feeling a subtle warmth in her chest.

For the three years she had been joined to the Fuller family, she had always viewed them as a demanding 'client' she had to appease. She had kept a low profile and tread carefully, never once considering truly integrating into their lives.

Perhaps she had been letting her own preconceived notions cloud her judgment.

After chatting with Eleanor for a while longer, Stella politely declined the invitation to stay for dinner and took her leave.

She stopped by the office to update Mr. Stafford and the team about the clients in Ashford before finally heading home.

Sitting in her car, Stella debated for a moment before deciding to call Jarrod.

It rang for a long time before he finally answered. "What is it?"

"Are you still working?" Stella asked.

Jarrod gave a low hum of agreement, his voice thick with exhaustion. "I've been in meetings all day, and I've got another one coming up."

Knowing he had flown to Ashford in the middle of the night and rushed back first thing that morning, he probably hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. Stella felt a pang of guilt.

"Have you eaten yet? Do you want me to bring you some food?" Stella offered. "I need to tell you something anyway."

Jarrod pinched the bridge of his nose. "I've been swamped lately. I can't find the time to finalize the divorce with you. Once this busy period is over, I'll have the lawyers contact you."

"..." Stella knew Jarrod had completely misunderstood her intentions, but she paused and decided against clarifying. "Okay, I'll wait to hear from you."

"I'm heading to America tomorrow. I got a job offer there that I simply can't pass up," Sebastian said.

Stella smiled warmly and nodded, telling him to go with peace of mind and that she would handle everything at the company.

Her tone was completely natural, entirely devoid of any reluctance to see him leave, which left Sebastian feeling a sharp pang of disappointment.

He even found himself regretting his own moral high ground—why had he insisted on waiting until her divorce was finalized before making a move? He wanted to fight for her right now!

Another day passed.

Stella was busy wrapping up some work when her phone rang. It was Cassidy Lane.

"Stella, it's my birthday today! I invited a bunch of our old coworkers from Mythos Online out for dinner. You have to come celebrate with us!" Cassidy insisted playfully. "It's been so long since we hung out. I won't take no for an answer!"

Stella hadn't seen any of her former colleagues since she left the project. Since she genuinely missed them after working together for so long, she quickly agreed. "I'll definitely be there!"