"Stella's point of view,"
"Are you alright, Stella?" Avery touched my shoulder and asked,
"I do not know." I paused for a moment and then answered her by taking a deep breath.
My gaze lingered on Mr. Woods' back as he departed the ballroom. I still find it hard to comprehend that this haughty man in a pointless game of chess defeated me so easily. Surely, he is laughing at me in his mind.
But why should I care what he thinks of me? I never gave other people's opinions much thought. Then why, suddenly, do I feel that the prideful man's assessment of me is essential? This is because you thought he was quite intriguing.
I'm not interested in that guy, so shut up. After listening to my subconscious babble, I urged her to stop talking.
"What do you mean,you do not know?" Avery asked as she stared at me in bewilderment.
How do I tell her I'm unsure of my emotions at the moment? Normally, in such circumstances, I become enraged, so I'm perplexed why I'm not doing so now.
Why am I not enraged with Mr. Woods, although I feel terrible about my loss? I'm still perplexed by this.
"I don't know how to answer your question; may we go home?
I'm exhausted."
I told Avery without catching her eye.
"OK," she shook her head and took a long breath before calling the driver and asking him to drive the car from the parking lot to the ballroom.
"Miss Parker, I'm so sorry that we weren't able to collaborate." When I heard Mr. Chang's voice, just as I was ready to leave the ballroom, it stopped my steps in their tracks.
I am well aware of the true source of his sorrow. Failing to complete the contract with my business, or something else...
To be honest, I don't like it at all when someone stares at me like this. Ever since I entered the ballroom, like Mr. Chang, so many men's foul eyes have scanned my body.
I find it quite unpleasant, but I cannot alter how men think, and to succeed in the corporate world, I must constantly contend with the alluring gazes of men like Mr. Chang.
I still clearly recall Mr. Chang trying to flirt with me under the guise of conducting business, but all I could do at the moment was smile.
However, Mr. Woods believed my smile was an attempt to entice Mr. Chang.
Why is he so angry with me?
Why did he look so content after he had won over me?
What did I do to offend him such that he would detest me so much? As far as I can recall, I have never met him.
"Miss Parker, are you upset with me because we didn't seal the deal on our business?" I was immediately pulled out of my thoughts by Mr. Chang's words.
Angry?
Why does he believe I am some small kid who gets upset with her parents when they don't give her candy?
"Mr. Chang, I put all of my personal feelings aside when conducting business, and you are also not close enough for me to voice my annoyance with you." I assumed he might not appreciate my direct response after noticing that his previously cheerful demeanor had abruptly transformed into one of anger.
However, I don't give a damn how he felt because the deal for which I was putting up with this guy's bullshit is now out of my control.
"Miss Parker,Can we leave now." For a long time, Avery waited for me to exit the ballroom.
"Will you please excuse me?" Mr. Chang was on my way, so I gestured for him to move.
"Stella, you treated Mr. Chang in a very impolite manner." As soon as we arrived at our house, Avery began lecturing me once more.
"I really dont care about him. I only did what I thought was right."
I responded by shrugging my shoulders.
"Seriously, how can you communicate with someone in such an impolite manner, especially when they are well-known corporate figures?
It will be challenging for you to survive in this world full of males if you continue to behave like those in your professional network."
"Please excuse me, I am not in the mood to listen to the lecture. I'm exhausted. I would never have gone to that idiotic charity ball at your urging if I had even the least inkling that it would be that boring." After removing my high heels from my feet, I threw them into a corner. Wearing heels caused severe discomfort in my ankles.
"Are you under the impression that I'm giving you a speech right now?
Do you realize how many people you have been at odds with since this morning?
"Mr. Hang came first, then Mr. Woods, and then Mr. Chang. I think you should go to a reputable doctor about your rage." Putting her hands in a cross-chest position, she spoke.
"Okay, but could you perhaps bring me some foot cream for the time being?
I wore heels at your request, and now you can see how enormous blisters have developed on my feet because of these heels." I put my puppy face in front of her to avoid getting reprimanded by her.
"What should I do with you, Stella?
You occasionally act childish." While seated in front of me, she stated while removing the first aid kit from the drawer stored by the side of the bed.
I am always brought back to my mother's memory by this lovely aspect of her. My mother never missed an occasion to correct me, but she used to be wounded more than I did when she saw how miserable I was.
"I don't believe any serious injury or illness is causing you to cry." She responded in a snarky tone as she saw the tears streaming down my face.
"No, I miss my mother." I replied while dabbing away my tears.
"It's OK Stella, you seem so worn out today. Of course, you don't tell me, but I am aware of your current state of mind." She murmured while patting my shoulder.
"I'd like to spend some time alone if that's okay."
I miss my mom a lot right now, and I don't want Avery to know how fragile I am.
"All right, rest up, but don't be shy about waking me up if you need anything. Well, I am your assistant, after all snd we are best friends." She attempted to make me smile, but I wasn't able to endure the forced smile.
I switched out the light in my room, and as soon as it was completely dark, my parents' faces popped up before my eyes. While I was trying to stop the tears from streaming down my face, I now could not do so.
I don't know why Mr. Woods has an issue with my company or me, but he didn't bother to trash me like this in front of everyone. I don't know why he hates me, and he is so focused on fighting a one-sided war with me, he won't even admit that the other soldier just wants peace and doesn't want to fight the war.