Chapter 362:

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Matthew, however, kept his eyes closed, his expression unchanging.

Taking this as a cue, Fernando ventured cautiously, «Mr. Clark, should I allocate a portion of the bonus to Stella? Even though she’s resigned, she was the chief designer for Mrs. Burke’s project.»

Before he could elaborate further, Matthew’s eyes snapped open.

In a neutral tone, he declared, «Allocate the maximum proportions of the bonus to her account.»

Caught off guard, Fernando quickly grasped the implications and nodded.

«Some of Stella’s belongings are still in the design department. They’ve been boxed up. Should we ask her to collect them, or shall we deliver them to her?»

Matthew drummed his fingers on the table, a subtle frown creasing his brow. «I’ll take them to her,» he finally said.

Fernando, aware of Matthew’s feelings for Stella, had anticipated this response.

«I’ll bring you the boxed items right away,» he confirmed.

After Matthew’s nod of approval, Fernando exited the office and returned shortly with Stella’s belongings. Most of her personal items had already been collected by Miley, leaving only a few odds and ends, and things Miley probably deemed unimportant.

Matthew eyed the cardboard box, then dialed Stella. «You’ve got some belongings left at the company. I’ll bring them over. Are you home?»

«I’m heading to Miley’s office,» Stella replied, slightly out of breath as she was walking. «If it’s convenient for you, just send them to Miley’s company.»

«Okay,» Matthew agreed.

After ending the call, he donned his suit jacket and exited the office, the box in tow.

As he stepped through the doorway, he encountered Neville.

Neville appeared momentarily startled but quickly reverted to his usual insouciant demeanor. «Planning an escape with that box?» he quipped.

R3ad th3 l4t3st 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

Ignoring the jibe, Matthew proceeded down the hall.

«Where are you headed?» Neville inquired, tagging along. Upon reaching the elevator, Neville pressed the button for Matthew.

«To Miley’s office,» Matthew answered tersely. «I’m delivering some things to Stella.»

The mention of Miley’s name piqued Neville’s interest. «Mind if I join you?» he proposed, grinning.

In Miley’s office, a middle-aged man lounged in her chair, legs casually crossed atop her desk.

He was Healy Diaz, her landlord.

Resting his hands on his belly, Healy grinned. «Miss Cullen, your company’s rent is due in a week. Planning to renew?»

Miley bristled at his insolence but held her tongue, given his position as the landlord. «Yes, I’ll be transferring the funds to your account in a few days. Would you mind leaving now?»

Healy lowered his feet and retorted, «Ah, but the rent isn’t the same as last year. You’ll need to add another million.»

«What? Unbelievable!» Miley exclaimed, eyes widening in disbelief. «Are you insane? A million-dollar rent increase for this year?»

«If you can’t afford it, you could always vacate. Or…» Healy smirked lasciviously, fixing his gaze on her. «You could let me borrow some of your models for entertainment.»

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