CHAPTER 513: CHAPTER 513: STELLA JENNINGS’ CRISIS

Ruby Sullivan had a principle, which was to never really get angry about work, but today she was genuinely angry. This was the first time she made such a forceful decision at the company.

She didn’t go to the lab, instead, she went to the top floor, sat on a random cane chair, and only then did her anger subside a little.

Howard followed her and sat down beside her.

Ruby looked at him, "Do you have a cigarette?"

Since his girlfriend didn’t like it, Howard had quit smoking a long time ago, but he always kept a pack in his pocket. Hearing Ruby’s request, he took one out and handed it to her, then lit it for her.

"This is the first major project Yara Sullivan has been in charge of since she joined the company. She has been planning it since the product was first proposed, putting in a lot of effort."

Ruby squinted her eyes, took a deep drag, and exhaled towards the distance, "I’m angry because I agree with everything Yara said."

The Youth Series products, whether in terms of fragrance selection or scent blending, followed two principles: practicality and affordability.

Once the formalities between The Sullivan Group are completed, she plans to merge Miss into Nirvana, making the Youth Series a part of it as well.

She first wanted to try relatively affordable perfumes, hoping to create a best-selling fragrance that would be a hit online. Such products urgently require the support of web traffic because their target audience is precisely those people.

But now, she had to talk with her employees about abandoning web traffic, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt bewildered.

Of course, she still didn’t really like this employee named Yara Sullivan, and she didn’t like what she said, but since Howard was the one who hired her, she was willing to trust Howard’s judgment.

She took another deep drag of her cigarette, "But that’s just a common judgment; anyone who wants to capture this market must stay ahead of it. Merely catering to the market can only make you a mediocre company."

Howard nodded, "Can you tell me why you’re so insistent on using Stella Jennings? From what I see, she’s no different from other idols?" He couldn’t believe Ruby’s persistence was just because they were friends.

"The flagship product this time is called ’Rainbow Under the Moon,’ inspired by Stella Jennings. I don’t know much about the entertainment industry, but I believe Aidan Sinclair won’t let Stella remain obscure."

As she said this, she couldn’t help but frown. What exactly was this man up to? Signing Stella like a treasure just to let her be criticized? Moreover, it seemed like the company had given all its resources to that girl group. It was infuriating.

Howard didn’t know Aidan Sinclair’s attitude towards Stella Jennings because Ruby Sullivan had long decided to use Stella, so he had been conducting follow-up investigations and found that one reason Stella hadn’t had many good opportunities was related to Aidan Sinclair.

"There’s something I want to verify with you." He hesitated.

"Go ahead."

"It’s said that Morningstar signed Stella Jennings because she got into Aidan Sinclair’s bed."

"What?" Ruby Sullivan suspected there was something wrong with her ears, "Stella is only sixteen!"

"Ahem..." Howard cleared his throat. He knew this matter would become awkward once Stella Jennings’ age was brought up, so he dared not speak recklessly. "So... it’s false?"

Ruby nodded, "Of course it’s false."

Howard saw her so certain and knew that this news was probably false.

"It’s said that Aidan Sinclair and Morningstar’s leading lady, Crystal Pierce, have an unusual relationship. Rumor has it Crystal is Aidan Sinclair’s true love and that the rumors between Stella and Aidan made Crystal dislike this newcomer, secretly ostracizing her, making her suffer in silence. Do you know about this?"

Ruby shook her head, puzzled, "How did the rumors about Aidan and Stella start?"

"On Vivian’s birthday, at a ball, Aidan invited Stella as his dance partner. Previously, only Naomi Sinclair had been his partner for the opening dance at various formal events."

"Just that?"

"That’s the origin. It’s said that paparazzi on stakeout captured Stella getting into Aidan’s car after the ball and going back to his apartment complex, not coming out again. The paparazzi, after confirming the man was Aidan Sinclair, didn’t dare to release the photos and videos, which were all sent to Stellaron Group in exchange for money, hence not being exposed."

Ruby had no idea about any of this. She had been extremely busy lately and hadn’t chatted with Stella in a long time.

She furrowed her brows and finished her cigarette, "Indeed, the relationship between Stella and Aidan is a bit special, but it’s not as the rumors say. Don’t contact Stella’s agent yet. I’ll have dinner with Aidan this evening." She waved her hand to dismiss Howard, intending to call Aidan Sinclair.

Howard nodded and wisely left.

In the afternoon, Ethan Sterling and Ruby Sullivan left the company early to head to a nearby supermarket to buy ingredients.

Aidan Sinclair was ecstatic at the thought of having dinner together and insisted that his sister-in-law cook personally. Ruby was too exhausted lately and had no mood to cook for him. Eventually, they agreed that the couple would buy the ingredients and have hot pot at Aidan’s place that night.

Aidan had been in a sour mood lately. Seeing the Sterling couple, his spirits lifted, and he sang as he went to his wine cellar to fetch a bottle of vintage red wine, only to realize as dinner started that it was a trap set by Ruby Sullivan.

"What’s going on with Stella Jennings’ resources now? You gave her such a golden contract and tricked her into joining Morningstar for this kind of outcome?" Ruby squinted at him, her words sharp with no hint of humor.

Before coming, she had called Stella, who originally had time for dinner but immediately made an excuse about having work when she heard they were going to Aidan’s place.

Aidan looked at the beef in his bowl, unable to eat, pursed his lips, and took a big sip of red wine.

"She won’t let me meddle in her affairs anymore. She’s threatened to cut ties if she finds out, and I’m terrified." He spoke pitifully, making Ruby want to smack him on the head.

"We’re thinking of having Stella endorse our new product. I heard Morningstar’s leading lady has been bullying her ever since that opening dance incident," Ruby shot him a glance. Stella was stubborn; did he have to follow suit?

"No way?" Aidan was dubious, "Crystal is my friend, and given her level..." He stopped speaking when he saw Ruby’s fiery gaze.

"Aidan Sinclair, why do I suddenly feel you’re such a jerk?" Ruby said, then got up and left.

Ethan took one look at him and hurried after his wife.

Ruby asked Ethan for the car keys, "Give him a lesson. If Stella continues to be blacklisted by the entire internet like this, I really will have to consider replacing her." Initially, she didn’t take these issues seriously because she believed Aidan, who had made so many people famous, could do the same for Stella, which would be when Nirvana would reap the rewards.

But if he’s truly not going to intervene, that’s a different matter altogether.