She’s Done. He’s Breaking novel Chapter 17

**Chapter 17**

Hayden stood at the helm of Rover Capital, a company that had swiftly ascended to prominence. In just a few years, its market value had skyrocketed beyond a staggering 100 billion dollars, positioning it as a formidable contender against the likes of Aspica Capital. The rivalry between the two firms had intensified significantly, becoming a fierce battleground in the corporate world.

In those earlier days, Hayden had been determined to bring Stella into the fold at Rover Capital. Logically, it would have been the right choice for her career. Yet, in a twist of fate guided by youthful devotion, she had turned him down, clinging to a dream that had taken root in her heart since high school—the desire to remain by Tristan’s side.

Even after she had made the decision to join Aspica Capital, fate had a way of intertwining their paths. She found herself in direct competition with Rover Capital, snatching away a project that had once been theirs. The guilt of her actions weighed heavily on Stella, creating a chasm of unease between her and Hayden. She could hardly bear to face him, haunted by her choices.

Yet, when they eventually crossed paths again, Hayden’s response was unexpectedly gracious. “I truly didn’t misjudge you. You’ve impressed me,” he had said, his tone devoid of anger or resentment.

After that moment, a silence fell between them, stretching out for what felt like an eternity—until Hayden had reached out to her recently, breaking the lull. Perhaps he had sensed her struggles long before she had the courage to voice them. In the end, it was the very mentor she had betrayed who extended a lifeline to her.

Love, it seemed, could blind one to the truth, obscuring the lines between right and wrong. Yet, in a twist of fortune, Stella found herself lucky; there was still time for her to reclaim her path.

In the office, two of her colleagues were deep in conversation, their voices carrying through the air.

“Since Stella took over the second division, it has flourished remarkably. They’ve landed several major projects. It’s such a shame she got pregnant and had to be transferred. If she had been in charge of Project Costa, we might have secured it,” one lamented.

“I heard there’s more to it than just her pregnancy—she also managed to offend Mr. Somerton,” the other replied, their tone dripping with intrigue.

As they leaned against the windowsill, ready to delve deeper into their gossip, they turned and spotted Stella standing there, her presence silencing their words.

Feigning ignorance, Stella filled her water bottle, her heart racing, and swiftly exited the pantry.

On her way back to her desk, she encountered Tristan, who had just returned. Even from several meters away, she could feel the icy aura radiating from him, a palpable tension that sent shivers down her spine.

He was clearly in a foul mood, and she dared not linger, quickly stepping aside to avoid his gaze. As he passed, the atmosphere seemed to constrict, leaving those nearby breathless with anxiety.

Lowering her eyes, Stella felt the weight of his presence as he walked by, and only after he had distanced himself did she exhale a sigh of relief, her heart still racing.

Once at her desk, she retrieved her phone and typed a message to Hayden, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.

“Professor Jenkins, did you secure Project Costa?”

The silence that followed felt interminable, and she assumed he must be preoccupied with the demands of his role.

Half an hour later, her phone pinged with his response: “Yes. We were also somewhat lucky.”

The news was bittersweet. The individual now leading the second division had proven his mettle, and losing that project would undoubtedly sting for him.

Stella replied, “Congratulations.”

Hayden’s next message came through swiftly: “Have you finished handling your resignation?”

“Pretty much,” she typed back, her fingers hesitating slightly over the keys.

“Perfect. Rest and adjust for a couple of days. I still have follow-up work to handle on my end,” he advised, a hint of warmth in his words.

“Okay,” she responded, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

After a brief pause, she asked, “Do you and Mr. Porter have some time tonight?”

“What’s up?” Hayden inquired, his curiosity piqued.

“I just want to thank Mr. Porter and invite you both to dinner,” she explained, feeling a sense of urgency to express her gratitude.

Had she not encountered Justin that fateful night, she would have been lost, unsure of how to navigate her emotions. Now, with the positive developments from Rover Capital, it felt only right to celebrate.

“I’m actually free tonight. Let me ask him first,” Hayden replied, and she felt a flicker of hope.

“Sure,” she responded, anticipation bubbling within her.

Before long, Hayden texted back, confirming that both he and Justin were available to meet.

Stella wasted no time in reserving a table at Orchard Sonata, excitement coursing through her veins as she informed Hayden of the arrangements.

By 4:00 PM, she had completed the handover of her responsibilities, a bittersweet moment marked by Sheila’s brief acknowledgment.

Sheila seemed distracted, her mind elsewhere, and Stella felt the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air.

Next, she headed to the HR department to finalize the last of her resignation procedures. Since she had chosen to leave willingly, there would be no severance pay or compensation to cushion her exit.

As she stepped out of the building with a box containing her belongings, memories flooded back—the joy she had felt when she first walked through those doors. It felt like a lifetime ago, and now, leaving in such a despondent state was a source of embarrassment.

She offered a small smile, her heart swelling with gratitude for his support. “Thank you, Justin.”

The conversation flowed easily around the table, and Stella learned that Annabeth had recently returned from Aluna and had joined Rover Capital. She was involved in Project Costa, serving as Hayden’s right-hand woman.

The successful launch of Project Costa promised to bring Rover Capital billions in profits, a significant victory that could shift the balance against Aspica Capital.

Stella understood the stakes; if they had faltered, it could have been a crushing blow to Rover’s standing. But now, they had managed to regain some ground.

Yet, Stella was acutely aware that Aspica Capital’s position remained sturdy, bolstered by the Somertons and Tristan’s formidable influence.

But still, the prospect of a setback for Tristan, a man so accustomed to dominance, was a delightful thought.

“Honestly, I’d love to see Tristan’s perpetually cold expression twist with anger for once,” Justin said, a smirk playing on his lips.

He turned to Stella, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did you see Tristan at the company today? He must have been furious.”

Stella nodded, a flicker of satisfaction igniting within her. “He was indeed quite angry.”

Justin’s delight was palpable, contrasting sharply with Hayden’s calm demeanor.

As they continued to eat, Stella found herself engrossed in conversation with Annabeth. Initially, Annabeth had seemed somewhat aloof, but as they spoke, Stella discovered her to be warm and approachable.

They discussed their future aspirations, and Stella learned that Annabeth had also studied under Emil. “He’s quite the taskmaster,” Annabeth remarked, her tone light. “Graduating under him is no walk in the park.”

They exchanged contact information, and just then, Stella felt the urge to visit the restroom. Annabeth accompanied her, and together they left the private room.

As they emerged from the restroom, they unexpectedly bumped into Audrey, and Stella’s heart sank.

Audrey’s presence indicated that Tristan was dining nearby. What a coincidence, indeed.

Audrey’s eyes lit up with surprise upon seeing them together. “Annabeth, long time no see! I didn’t expect to run into you here,” she exclaimed, her smile bright.

Stella was taken aback, realizing that Audrey and Annabeth were acquainted. Annabeth’s expression turned cold. “I really should have checked the horoscope predictions for today,” she muttered under her breath, a hint of annoyance coloring her tone.

With the air thick with unspoken tension, Stella felt the weight of the moment—an intersection of past and present that neither she nor Annabeth could easily navigate.