chapter1603

That wasn't their concern. Social connections and good fortune were part of one's strength, after all.

Wasn't that why everyone had supported Aurora joining The Williams Group? Because The Lerman Group and The Burton Group had offered several sweetheart deals that made everyone money.

Now, Stella's momentum at The Williams Group was unstoppable. She had first defeated Israel, then taken over some of The Burton Group's resources. Her future seemed limitless. This was far more enticing than the few deals The Burton Group had offered.

Many of Skyler's supporters had already started to secretly switch their allegiance to Stella.

But this would inevitably attract the attention of Skyler and Jonathan. Skyler might be fine with it; after all, no matter which of his children won, a member of the Williams family would still be in charge. But Jonathan would never accept it.

Stella nodded lightly. "I'm ready."

"Jonathan didn't become the next heir to The Williams Group by being incompetent," Joshua said. "He's no easier to deal with than Leonard or Sellers. His prestige in the company will make it difficult for you to replace him in a short time. He has Skyler's support, as well as help from Israel, Coleman, and Aurora. Star, the road ahead won't be easy."

A complex feeling churned within Stella as she looked at Joshua's calm and gentle features. Even now, he was still worried about her.

After lunch, Joshua had to discuss the partnership details with Stella, so he returned to The Williams Group with her. By then, Abby had finished her work and was waiting for Stella in her office.

Seeing Joshua, Abby's face lit up. "Joshua, when did you get back?"

Joshua had never told Abby he was coming back, so she had no idea.

"This morning," he said with a smile.

Seeing Joshua was like seeing a savior. Abby couldn't help but start talking. "Joshua, being Star's assistant is really not a job for just anyone... It's so good to have you back. I can finally slack off a bit."

Hearing this, Stella gently reminded her, "Abby, Joshua is here this time to partner with The Williams Group."

The implication was clear: Joshua would not be staying by Stella's side as her bodyguard anymore.

Abby understood what Stella meant, and a hint of disappointment crossed her face. Right, she had forgotten. Joshua was the head of the Gardner family. He couldn't be by Stella's side like before.

Joshua held a special place in

Stella's heart. Although he had left on his own accord after his identity was revealed, Stella had never actually told him to

told him to g? If Joshua

had insisted on staying, Stella wouldn't have kicked him out.

But... the incident would have certainly created a rift between

aye

them. The time Joshua was away was enough for Stella to think things through. Looking at how Stella and

Joshua interacted now... Joshua had

made the right decision.

It just meant that she, a mere rookie, had to keep playing in this high-stakes game.

She really couldn't handle it.

Although Joshua's status had changed, Abby didn't feel distant from him. She

started recounting the events of the past six months.

"That Coleman guy has always looked down on Star, always acting so high and mighty, as if she's still the little girl who just returned to the Williams family and could be bullied. We stratched quite a few of his deals while back."

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