Sterl himself didn't care at all. When he initially refined Teresa as a subordinate star, he had already considered that if he found someone more suitable, he would kill Teresa to make room.
He had no interest in a bunch of newly-acquired subordinates.
However, due to the strong demands from many players, Sterl decided to announce that all the contribution points from the player who wanted to exchange his ring would be distributed to the others, quelling the unrest.
Sterl knew that managing his subordinates was very important. Exchanging the ring first wasn't a big deal, but Sterl had just given the players a huge benefit by leading them through the hidden quest. In such a situation, he needed to establish his authority.
Rewards must be accompanied by punishments. Otherwise, how could he command respect?
Sterl had been lost in the immense rewards he had just received and hadn't thought of this, but Teresa reacted quickly.