Chapter 7: A Public Announcement

The next morning, River City's business world was shaken once again. The official website of the Chilton Group published a simple but powerful announcement. 'Mr. Eric Chilton and Miss Stella Judd will officially hold their engagement ceremony in two weeks. We sincerely appreciate everyone's blessings.' Within minutes, every major news outlet shared the announcement. Social media exploded with discussions, and Stella's name quickly became the city's most searched topic.

Inside the Judd residence, Stella looked at the news on her tablet with mixed emotions. In her previous life, she had dreamed of publicly announcing her relationship with Noel. Instead, she had spent years hiding behind his cold attitude while enduring endless ridicule. Now, without asking for it, Eric had openly acknowledged her identity before the entire city. She quietly realized that genuine respect required no begging.

At the Chilton Group headquarters, Eric remained focused on his work despite the overwhelming attention from the media. His assistant, Mason Brooks, entered the office carrying several documents. 'Mr. Chilton, reporters are requesting interviews about your engagement. Should I arrange one?' Eric shook his head without hesitation. 'No interviews. Stella deserves peace, not unnecessary publicity.' Mason nodded, secretly admiring how naturally Eric prioritized Stella's feelings.

Meanwhile, Noel was facing constant teasing from his friends. 'So your uncle stole your fiancée?' one of them joked during lunch. Another laughed, 'Looks like Miss Judd finally realized who the real catch is.' Noel slammed his coffee cup onto the table. 'She was never my fiancée,' he snapped. Yet even as he said those words, a strange irritation lingered in his heart.

Later that afternoon, Stella received an invitation from the organizers of the annual River City Charity Gala. Every influential family would attend, including the Judds and the Chiltons. Since the engagement had already been announced, she and Eric would make their first public appearance together at the event. Stella looked at the invitation for a long moment before quietly placing it back into the envelope.

That evening, Eric personally called Stella. 'Have you seen the invitation?' he asked. 'Yes,' Stella replied softly. 'If you're uncomfortable attending, we don't have to go,' Eric said. Stella smiled. 'No. Running away won't solve anything. Since everyone already knows about us, it's better to face them together.' Eric's voice carried a hint of approval. 'Good. I'll pick you up at seven.'

Across town, Sophie also learned about the charity gala. She hesitated before calling Noel. 'Mr. Noel... are you going to the gala?' Noel answered absentmindedly, 'Of course. Every major company will be there.' Sophie bit her lip before asking carefully, 'Then... you'll see Miss Judd with Mr. Eric.' Noel fell silent for several seconds. Finally, he replied in a cold voice, 'It has nothing to do with me.'

Although his words sounded indifferent, Noel couldn't stop thinking about Stella. Every memory of her smiling at him, waiting for him, and caring for him replayed repeatedly in his mind. For the first time, he realized those moments had completely disappeared. Stella no longer called him, waited for him, or looked at him with hopeful eyes. Instead, she now stood beside someone else with quiet confidence.

The night before the gala, Stella stood on the balcony of her bedroom, looking at the stars. She gently touched the platinum bracelet Eric had given her. A soft breeze brushed against her face as she whispered to herself, 'This life will be different.' Behind her, her phone suddenly vibrated. A message from an unknown number appeared on the screen. 'Stay away from Eric Chilton... or you'll regret it.' Stella's smile slowly disappeared as she stared at the threatening words.