HER FACE, MY WIFE'S SHADOW

Chapter 30: Miss Star

Alexander's POV

I kept my expression calm.

“Unfortunately for your son…”

“She's married.”

“What a pity.” He lifted his espresso and took a leisurely sip. “I still hope to meet her someday.”

He sat the cup down.

“Your reputation extends across the world, Mr. Sterling. I trust your judgement completely.”

James immediately produced the partnership agreement. We exchanged gold pens, finalizing the agreement with our signature in silence. Before the ink could fully dry, an automated notification chimed in my breast pocket—a wire of $525,000,000.00 successfully transferred.

As we walked through the marble corridor toward the valet entrance, Mr. Brown spoke again.

“Once the construction is complete, I’ll transfer the remaining balance.”

“Additionally,” he smiled warmly. “I would be highly honored to meet your wife. I've read about her miraculous return in the news. Truly remarkable.”

He adjusted his coat. “I believe the occasion deserves a proper celebration. My son will attend as well. It’ll be a pleasure for our families to finally meet.”

I paused.

Turning to face him, I answered.

“If my wife’s personal schedule permits her to participate in the celebration, I will ensure she accompanies me.”

He nodded respectfully before entering his waiting luxury sedan. Moments later, the vehicle disappeared into the evening traffic.

I loosened my tie in annoyance. “His son, my foot.”

James chuckled lightly behind me.

I shot him a sideways glance.

“Did you say something?”

“No, sir." He glanced at the digital schedule displayed on his tablet.

“Forget it." I moved to my own car. “Let’s head back to the office. We still have a lot to do.”

“Understood.”

……..

The knock on the door woke me up.

Rubbing my eyes, I looked toward the window—bright sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling glass.

It's morning already?

When did I sleep?

I stared at the pending project's documents on my desk.

Stretching my body on the leather chair, James hurried into my office, shoving his iPad to my face.

“Sir, I need you to look at this.”

“Doesn't this architectural portfolio look identical to Mrs. Sterling’s work?” He questioned.

I took the iPad from him, going through the information.

An online platform filled the screen. The featured designer called herself Miss Star.

There was no photograph, nor personal information. Only a collection of mind-blowing architectural concepts.

Every single drawing carried Aria's unmistakable style.

The comment section had exploded overnight. Top architectural firms from Australia, Europe, Singapore, and the United States were competing to recruit the mysterious designer.

Even Sterling Global’s human resources department had sent her an official invitation to apply.

“I noticed the whole staff here is talking about the mysterious architect," James stated.

If Aria decides to work in another company, it's not going to be good.

My jaw hardened.

What is really her problem? Why was she suddenly looking for jobs?

I gave him back the iPad tablet and took my jacket.

“Take over. If anything urgent comes up, call me.”

“Yes, sir.”

I closed the door behind me.

As I walked down, two female employees stood near the coffee station completely unaware of my approach.

“Did you see those designs online this morning?” The first woman whispered, her tone filled with awe.

“She is a genius,” the second responded. “If the management acquires her services for our firm, Mr. Sterling will be thrilled.”

“But, Rita..." The first lowered her voice. “What if this Miss Star is single? And she tried to seduce the president during the late-night reviews?”

“What nonsense are you spewing, Vera? Have you forgotten the news? His legal wife is back.”

“Please,” Vera scoffed softly. “Who even knows what's really happening between them? Besides, let's not forget that the current Mrs. Sterling was once a common employee just like us before she managed to climb into his bed and manipulate her way into a marriage license.”

I clenched my fists.

“True enough,” Rita sighed, her tone dripping with envy. “I suppose luck really smiled on her. I honestly wish I were her. Do you know how many wealthy women in this city would kill just to receive one glance from Mr. Sterling"

She laughed quietly. “What if this new architect dies, exactly what Isabella did years ago? What if she uses her talent to steal her heart?"

Vera crossed her arms confidently. “I'd bet anything that Mr. Sterling doesn't actually love his wife. I heard the old Mr. Sterling forced his grandson to marry that pathetic low-class girl, Isabella Grey, just because she once saved the old man from falling. Sometimes I do suspect she planned that event to get favors from him.”

Rita let out a loud gasp, and her eyes widened. “Oh my God! Where did you hear that?”

Vera shrugged carelessly. “I have my sources.”

The words had barely left her mouth when my shadow stretched across the floor between them.

The two women instantly froze, their faces draining of colors. Slowly, they turned around and saw me standing there; every ounce of confidence vanished as their bodies trembled.

I took a step, my cold gaze staring downward onto their bowed heads.

"Go…good morning, Mr. Sterling,” they stammered in unison.

Neither dared lift her head.

I moved closer; my polished shoes echoed sharply against the marble floor.

“Ensure your resignation letters are on my desk before the close of office today.”

Their heads snapped upwards. “Sir…”

“We… We're deeply sorry. We didn't intend any disrespect…”

I walked past them without granting them another fraction of my time.