As soon as the conference room door closed, Jenna pulled Stella into the lounge.

"I'm exhausted. That meeting felt like a battlefield." Jenna collapsed onto the sofa.

Before Stella could respond, Patrick pushed the door open.

"Stella, your boyfriend is waiting for you downstairs."

Stella's face paled. "What boyfriend?"

Jenna quickly added, "She broke up with Jake Varley ages ago."

Patrick shrugged. "He introduced himself as your boyfriend. I'm just the messenger." He turned and left without another word.

Jenna noticed Stella's clenched fists. "Don't worry. This is our turf. If he causes trouble, the boss will have security throw him out in seconds."

Stella took a deep breath. "Come with me."

In the lobby, Jake stood under the crystal chandelier holding ninety-nine red roses. His eyes lit up when he saw Stella.

With a dramatic thud, he dropped to one knee.

"Stella, I was wrong." He lifted the roses. "I apologize for what I said at Jenna's place."

Whispers erupted among the staff.

"How romantic!"

"Forgive him already!"

Stella smirked. "Jake Varley, do you really think I'm still that naive girl you could manipulate?"

Jenna finally exhaled in relief.

Undeterred, Jake continued his plea. "I swear I'll change. I can't live without you."

"Your promises are worthless." Stella turned to leave.

Jake sprang up, his gaze darkening as it locked onto Jenna. "This is all your fault, you bitch!"

He hurled the roses at her. The thorny stems left a dozen bloody scratches across her collarbone.

Jenna retaliated with a sharp slap across his face, followed by a swift kick to his abdomen.