Chapter 107

Stella Valentine believed those words without question.

Mr. Alistair never broke his promises.

If he said he would do something, he would.

Martha Clementson's arrival lifted a weight from her shoulders.

The experienced nanny took perfect care of baby Luna, and even Ethan clung to her.

Since Mr. Alistair had arranged this, Stella trusted her completely.

Her first priority after leaving the hospital was reporting to work.

She refused to accept special treatment because of Joy Fairsprene's connections. The office was already buzzing with gossip.

"Martha," Stella adjusted her bag, "I'm heading to the office. The children are in your hands."

Martha cradled Luna and nodded. "Don't worry, Miss Stella. But Mr. Alistair asked me to relay a message."

"He left a message?"

"A text received around three or four this morning." Martha lowered her voice. "He said he can't stop you from working, but remember—work exists to serve life. Now that Luna is back, don't push yourself too hard."

Three or four in the morning...

He really hadn't slept.

Stella pressed her lips together. "I understand."

She stopped by Houston Grand Hotel first to retrieve her things.

Room 1231 remained untouched, as if she could still catch his scent lingering in the air.

The black-framed glasses rested quietly on the nightstand.

She changed into an unflattering plaid shirt, double-checked her deliberately plain appearance in the mirror, then headed to Unique Jewelry.

The moment she stepped through the doors, Quentin Roland grabbed her arm.

"Stella! Thank God you're here!"

Chaos engulfed the office. Employees scurried in every direction.

"What's going on?"

Quentin dragged her toward the third floor. "Mrs. Valois is here!"

Inside the VIP lounge, an elegant woman sipped tea with regal poise.

Her burgundy velvet dress accentuated her grace, and the jade necklace around her throat screamed luxury.

"Five hundred custom jewelry sets?" Stella's eyes widened.

Quentin wiped his brow. "Mrs. Valois is trying to book five years' worth of orders so Mr. Valence can't use work as an excuse to avoid arranged marriages."

Stella frowned. "Forced matches never end well."

"Since when do elite families care?" Quentin whispered. "Just like the Roland and Valentine alliance back then—"

Stella's fingers twitched.

"—all glamour on the surface. Who knows what really happens behind closed doors?"

Her lashes lowered. "True."

Quentin's eyes suddenly lit up. "Perfect timing! The company desperately needs—"

The lounge door swung open.

Victor Valence stormed in, his gaze locking onto Stella. "You."

Quentin rushed to pledge loyalty. "Mr. Valence, whatever you need, I'll—"

"Not you." Victor cut him off, staring straight at Stella. "Only her."

Before she could react, he yanked her into the lounge.

The door slammed shut behind them.

"Mom," Victor slung an arm around Stella's shoulders, "this is my girlfriend."

The air froze.

Mrs. Valois's teacup clattered against its saucer.

Her razor-sharp eyes raked Stella from head to toe, her frown deepening. "This?"

"Yes. Her."

"Have you lost your mind?" Mrs. Valois stood abruptly. "Every debutante I've introduced is from an impeccable family. And you choose some..." She swallowed the word on her tongue, "...unadorned girl?"

Stella caught the implication.

At least the woman had enough class not to say "frumpy" outright.

Victor shrugged. "I like simplicity. What good are looks? Haven't we learned enough from my brother's mistakes?"

"Don't mention your brother!" Mrs. Valois trembled with anger. "With only you two carrying on the Valois name, and Julian still unmarried over that Joy Fairsprene—"

"Which is why I chose her." Victor tightened his grip. "You're the one being difficult."

Mrs. Valois scoffed. "Fine. Tell me—what's her name? What's her background? How did you meet?"

Victor faltered. Leaning close to Stella's ear, he whispered, "Actually...what was your name again?"