NovelEnglish
Chapter 2058
Jaylene, dressed in a white silk blouse with her hair loosely tied back, exuded a refined elegance with
her pearl earrings. She appeared with two people who were carrying bags of what seemed to be high-
end cosmetics and perfumes, judging from the packaging.
With a gentle voice, she addressed the gathered employees, "Sorry to interrupt, everyone. We've all
been busy since returning to work, and it's rare for US all to be together like this. Today, with Stella
joining US, I thought it'd be a good opportunity to give you all some small gifts.’
Stella internally mused, 'I bet those "small gifts" are likely an attempt to win over their hearts. Now I
know that Julia had brought me here just for Jaylene to showcase this.'
The announcement of gifts naturally excited everyone, leading to a round of applause and a lively
atmosphere.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtStella glanced at the gifts and thought, 'Those are indeed cosmetics and perfumes. They are not
extravagantly expensive, but not 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. I thought I'd never get it. Thank you!"
I just saw a review of this foundation the other day, and now I 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 for bags with a friend. I thought you'd all like them, so I bought some."
The mood slightly shifted as people exchanged looks, their smiles dimming a bit. However, Jaylene
seemed oblivious. Her gaze met 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 to bring 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 were expected 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 before offering anything to avoid seeming too ingratiating. But now she was forced to
make a move.
Without commenting, Stella's smile faded slightly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJaylene, still smiling, said to Stella, "Stella, don't mind them. I just got these on a whim. Pick a couple
for yourself to celebrate your first day."
Stella politely declined. "No, thank you. My skin's been sensitive lately, and I 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 found out everyone's preferences for beauty products, I was a bit careless
and didn't ask as thoroughly. My gifts are more generic, so I 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 curious about what you've prepared."
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