Female Novel
Chapter 2058
Chapter 2058novelbin
Jaylene, dressed in a white silk blouse with her hair loosely tied back, exuded a refined elegance with her pearl earrings. Sheappeared with two people who were carrying bags of what seemed to be high-end cosmetics and perfumes, judging from thepackaging.
With a gentle voice, she addressed the gathered employees, "Sorry to interrupt, everyone. We've all been busy since returningto work, and it's rare for US all to be together like this. Today, with Stella joining US, | thought it'd be a good opportunity to giveyou all some small gifts.’
Stella internally mused, ‘I bet those "small gifts" are likely an attempt to win over their hearts. Now | know that Julia had broughtme here just for Jaylene to showcase this.’
The announcement of gifts naturally excited everyone, leading to a round of applause and a lively atmosphere.
Stella glanced at the gifts and thought, ‘Those are indeed cosmetics and perfumes. They are not extravagantly expensive, butnot cheap either. They are certainly within the affordable range for the rest.’
Regardless of personal interest, everyone expressed gratitude and admiration for the gifts.This lipstick shade has been sold out at the counters. | thought I'd never get it. Thank you!"| just saw a review of this foundation the other day, and now | have it. You have great taste!"My mom always uses this perfume. She'll love it.”
"Jaylene, you really went all out."
Jaylene graciously accepted the thanks. She said, "It wasn’t much. These are just trinkets to me, picked up while shopping forbags with a friend. | thought you'd all like them, so | bought some."
The mood slightly shifted as people exchanged looks, their smiles dimming a bit. However, Jaylene seemed oblivious. Her gazemet Stella's across the room, and she smiled knowingly.
Stella, uninterested in watching the act any longer, turned to leave. Before she could, Julia jokingly said, "Is it a trend now tobring gifts on the first day? If so, I'm looking forward to what Ms. Hall has prepared for US."
Julia's comment turned everyone's attention to Stella.
Gift-giving was not customary. But with both being daughters of the Saun family and vying for control of Caline, they wereexpected to build their own networks of support. Gifts were a basic tactic to gauge who could be swayed and who could not,depending on how they were received.
Stella had prepared gifts but had not planned to distribute them so soon. She wanted to get to know everyone better beforeoffering anything to avoid seeming too ingratiating. But now she was forced to make a move.Without commenting, Stella's smile faded slightly.
Jaylene, still smiling, said to Stella, "Stella, don't mind them. | just got these on a whim. Pick a couple for yourself to celebrateyour first day."
Stella politely declined. "No, thank you. My skin's been sensitive lately, and | can't use makeup. Better leave it for everyone else."
She paused, then sheepishly said, "Actually, I've also prepared something for everyone. Unlike Jaylene, who meticulously foundout everyone's preferences for beauty products, | was a bit careless and didn't ask as thoroughly. My gifts are more generic, so |am a bit hesitant to give them out."
This sounded like an excuse to some as if Stella had made up a reason on the spot to avoid giving anything.
At Jaylene's subtle cue, someone chimed in, "Ms. Hall, it'd be rude of US to be picky about gifts from you. We're all quite curiousabout what you've prepared."