Chapter 4
Stella arrived at Malibu Resort an hour early, armed with a temporary press pass and an invitation.
The server couldn't help but take a few extra glances at her and kindly reminded, "Miss, the party doesn't start for another hour."
"No worries, I'm just here to look around," Stella replied with a smile. She pretended to casually stroll around the venue, but in reality, she was quickly assessing the layout and seating arrangements.
This was basic journalistic instinct.
As Stella was observing, a shadow suddenly approached her.
Fearing it might be Matthew, that devil, she quickly stepped back, only to see a bald stranger.
The bald man smiled warmly, "Miss, are you here for the party too?"
Stella had met many men like him, those who flaunted their perceived power. She didn't have a good impression of him and just replied, "Yeah."
After politely answering, she intended to move to another area.
The bald man noticed her press pass, and his smile widened. "Looks like we're in the same line of work. I'm Jeffrey Adams, HR Manager at Green Mountain Media. Just call me Jeffrey."
Green Mountain Media stopped Stella in her tracks.
Green Mountain Media was a leader in the media industry. She had applied there multiple times but was never selected.
More importantly, Scarlett had mentioned that they might be collaborating with Green Mountain Media soon.
With this in mind, Stella greeted him politely, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Adams."
But the next second, Jeffrey moved closer, the smell of smoke and grease overwhelming her.
Stella quickly tried to step aside.
Jeffrey seemed oblivious, still sticking close to her, speaking in a near whisper, "I've never seen such a cute reporter like you, Ms. Hall. Are you new?"
"No, I'm with Truth News Agency," Stella replied, stepping back, her smile becoming strained.
Stella thought, 'Oh God, is he a creep? Harassing me openly? Does Scarlett know Green Mountain Media sent someone like this?'
Stella wanted to end the conversation, but remembering Scarlett's instructions, she forced a smile.
"Truth News Agency, I know them. They've published some good stories. I heard we might be working together next month," Jeffrey said with a grin. "I'd love to discuss it with you."
Stella's smile was more of a grimace, a worker's powerless resistance. "That would need to be discussed with our..."
"Mr. Adams, are you sure? She carries a recorder and can film at any time. Can you handle an investigation?" A voice cut in.
Matthew stood behind Stella, his presence imposing and cold.
Stella's mind went blank. Why was Matthew here?
Matthew never attended such trivial gatherings.
Jeffrey froze, glancing between Stella and Matthew, then forced a laugh. "Hello, Mr. Moore."
He was smart enough to see the tension between Matthew and Stella and didn't get involved. He said to Stella, "I'll discuss work with your boss later."
Then he left.
Stella watched Jeffrey's retreating figure in silence. He must have a terrible impression of her now.
Once again, Matthew had ruined her work. Stella felt drained.
She turned to Matthew, "Mr. Moore, what do you want from me? I'm just an ordinary person. Does my little bit of news really affect you? Are you so petty that you need to destroy me?"
Matthew paused, then smirked, "Not playing the victim anymore, huh?"
Stella looked at him seriously and asked, "Mr. Moore, what will it take for you to leave me alone?"
"You shocked me three times. Shock yourself three hundred times, and I'll let you go," Matthew said lightly, as if it were as simple as eating a meal.
Three hundred shocks? That's a death sentence.
Stella didn't hesitate and replied, "No way. I saved you, and you took advantage of me that day. Your demands are too much."
"Stella, I'm not here to negotiate." Matthew's eyes narrowed and he said, "You should be grateful you stopped the injection that day, or you'd be in a grave now."
"So I saved you," Stella insisted, secretly starting to record.
Matthew noticed her subtle move.
He found this audacious woman increasingly interesting.
She seemed fearless, yet she had begged for mercy at Serenity Park.
She seemed sensible, yet she wouldn't back down.
Matthew was curious about Stella's limits and standards.
He smiled and spoke up, "My demand is simple. If you can't shock yourself three hundred times, I'll destroy and torment you bit by bit until you regret not agreeing."
Threats were something Stella was familiar with.
When she pursued major stories, the threats from vested interests could fill an article.
She didn't care then, and she wouldn't care now.
Agreeing not to seek out Matthew was already a concession. She wouldn't back down further, letting the Moore family become true tyrants.
Stella raised her eyes, now cold and indifferent, "I won't agree. Do your worst."
She grabbed a champagne glass from a passing server and downed it.
Maybe Jeffrey had said something to others, because everyone seemed cold towards Stella.
Forget finding news, she could barely meet anyone. Everyone was wary of her.
Stella felt dejected, but Scarlett uncharacteristically comforted her.
After chatting with someone from a magazine, Scarlett smiled and said, "Come early tonight."
Stella was surprised and asked, "There's an event tonight?"
Scarlett cleared her throat and said, "A post-dinner party. If you're tired, you can rest in your suite."
The resort had prepared individual suites for everyone.
Stella understood she wasn't invited, possibly due to Matthew.
But strangely, Matthew had only appeared once during the day and then disappeared.
"I understand," Stella knew she had likely messed up work again and hid in a corner to drink.
Jeffrey suddenly sat beside her, crowding her with his large face, "Why drink alone? If you have any trouble, you can talk to me. I noticed you and Mr. Moore have issues. I have business dealings with him and can put in a good word for you."
Stella turned to look at him, not understanding his words but knowing his intent, so she declined, "No, thank you. I want to be alone."
But Jeffrey didn't back off. He put a hand on her thigh, the other trying to hug her, his face getting closer, "Don't be so distant. You remind me of my sister..."
The glass shattered on the floor, champagne spilling over Jeffrey's bald head.
Stella tilted her head, "Mr. Adams, I lost my grip. Are you okay?"