She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 15

**Chapter 15**

As they pulled into the parking lot of the company, Theodore took a moment to ensure that Stella would be well cared for during their time there. He arranged for a female employee to accompany her, someone who could keep her company and look after her needs.

Just ten minutes later, the business partners arrived, and Stella found herself standing beside Theodore, acting as his translator. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they embarked on the negotiations.

The discussions unfolded seamlessly, each party exchanging ideas with ease. As Stella absorbed the details of their conversation, she learned that the game they were developing was intended for the global market, with a staggering investment of three hundred million dollars. The timeline was ambitious, projecting at least three years before it would be ready for launch, a fact that filled the air with a sense of urgency and excitement.

By the time the clock struck five, the discussions wrapped up. Stella felt a wave of fatigue wash over her, and Theodore, ever considerate, arranged for her to take a moment to rest before they headed out for dinner later that evening.

In the lounge, Stella took a moment to call Layla, her voice slightly strained as she informed her friend, “I won’t be home for dinner tonight.”

After a brief respite, she felt the pressing need to visit the restroom. She approached a staff member, requesting directions, and just as she was making her way there, she caught a snippet of Theodore’s voice echoing down the corridor.

“I can’t make it to the birthday party tonight, Mom. Please send my best wishes to Aunt Yelena. I’ll make sure to visit her another day when my schedule allows,” he was saying.

Stella’s heart sank slightly as she processed his words. Today was Yelena’s birthday party, a fact that had slipped her mind amidst the whirlwind of events. The Somerton family’s attitude toward her had always been intertwined with Tristan’s behavior. In the past, she would have felt a pang of hurt at being sidelined, but now, strangely, she felt a profound sense of calm. Perhaps Tristan had already taken Audrey to the celebration.

Theodore ended the call and turned, his gaze landing on Stella. For a fleeting moment, his expression faltered, as if he had been caught off guard. He quickly regained his composure and nodded at her, his voice softening. “Be careful.”

After her visit to the restroom, Stella felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She retrieved it and saw that it was Eloise calling. Confusion flickered across her features as she answered, “Mrs. Somerton Senior?”

Eloise’s voice chimed through the line, warm and inviting. “Stelle, I need you to come to the Somerton residence for dinner tonight!”

Stella’s mind raced, piecing together the situation. Realizing that David’s health might have prompted an early return home, she quickly agreed, saying, “Alright.”

Once she hung up, she sought out Theodore, who was just emerging from the restroom. “Mrs. Somerton Senior just called me and asked me to go back to the Somerton residence,” she informed him.

Theodore nodded thoughtfully. “Then I’ll take you there,” he replied, concern flickering in his eyes. He had been worried about her ability to handle the remaining translations, so he had arranged for another translator to step in, someone who had already arrived around four o’clock.

“What about the partners?” she inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.

“They’re fine. Someone will host them. I’ll take you back first, and then I’ll head straight to the restaurant,” he assured her.

Stella didn’t press further. “Alright then,” she said, feeling a sense of relief.

The drive back to the Somerton residence was filled with an unspoken tension, but also a sense of comfort in Theodore’s presence. Upon their arrival, Eloise’s expression shifted from surprise to delight as she spotted them together.

“Grandma!” Theodore greeted her, his voice brightening the room.

Eloise’s face lit up, her joy palpable as she embraced her grandson. It had been far too long since she had seen him, and the warmth of their reunion was evident. She stepped forward, adjusting his suit jacket with a motherly touch. “Look at you. You’re so handsome and capable now!” she exclaimed, pride swelling in her voice.

“Grandma, what do you mean by that? Wasn’t I handsome and capable before?” Theodore replied playfully, a grin spreading across his face.

Eloise laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with affection. “You’ve always been handsome and capable! But tell me, how come you’re here with Stella?”

Theodore took a moment to explain, his tone earnest. “If it weren’t for her, my project would probably have fallen through.”

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