Chapter 108

"You don't even know her name?"

Victor Valence shrugged. "Mom, I can't remember the names of all those blind dates you set me up with."

Eleanor Valois's face paled. She clutched her chest and collapsed onto the sofa.

"Mom!" Victor panicked.

Stella Valentine rushed forward. "It might be a hypertensive crisis. Open the windows!"

Victor fumbled to unlatch every window.

With practiced efficiency, Stella rummaged through Eleanor's purse and retrieved the antihypertensive medication. "Forgive me, Mrs. Valois."

She shook out a single pill and moved to administer it.

"Stop!" Victor grabbed her wrist. "You don't know the proper dosage!"

Stella gasped as pain shot through her wound. She curled into the corner, forehead beading with sweat.

"Mom, how do you feel?"

"I'll...die from your stupidity one day!"

Eleanor regained her breath but fixed her gaze on Stella. "You hurt the poor girl."

"I barely touched her—"

"Are those muscles just for show?" Eleanor snapped. "Go check on her!"

Victor hesitated. "Let me take you to the hospital first."

"No need. Your brother's almost here."

"Julian?"

"Since you actually listen to him."

The door swung open. Julian Valois strode in. "Mother."

"Help that young lady."

Julian knelt beside Stella, voice gentle. "Allow me to apologize for my brother. Do you need medical attention?"

Stella's lashes fluttered.

That voice...it was wrong.

During their last meeting, Julian's tone had been raspy and deep—identical to Mr. Alistair's. But now...

She lifted her head slowly.

Julian's pupils contracted. "Stella? What are you doing here?"

"I work at your brother's company." She forced a smile. "You knew that."

His Adam's apple bobbed. "I...forgot in the moment. Where does it hurt?"

"My wound reopened."

"I'll take you to the hospital."

He reached to assist her, maintaining careful distance.

"Brother, you know her?" Victor narrowed his eyes.

Julian paused. "Miss Valentine is a friend."

"What kind of friend?" Victor's tone turned suggestive.

Eleanor slammed the coffee table. "Whose girlfriend is she really?"

Victor spread his hands. "Mom, she's not my girlfriend. Just a designer at the company—"

"You dragged some random woman here to fool me?"

"If you weren't forcing me to marry—" Victor froze. "Wait...is she actually your girlfriend? I thought you were with Joy Fairsprene—"

Stella felt Julian's hand tremble.

"Mr. Valois?"

"Let's go."

Stella shook her head. "No hospital."

Julian insisted, "I must answer to...someone."

"Who?"

He evaded. "Your late father wouldn't want you injured."

Stella jerked her hand back. "Mr. Valois, you're not Mr. Alistair, are you?"

The air turned glacial.

Julian gave a rueful smile. "You figured it out."

"Your voice and scent are different." Her voice shook. "Did he ask you to do this?"

"He has reasons." Julian sighed. "Perhaps it's better this way. No more acting."

"Do you still love Joy?"

Julian stiffened. "...Yes."

"Those jewelry designs were for her?"

"Yes."

Stella straightened her spine. "I'll create pieces Joy will adore."

Guilt flashed across Julian's face. "Stella, Mr. Alistair sacrificed much for you. Call me if you need anything."

"Thank you."

Eleanor looked utterly lost. "So this girl is—"

Stella inhaled deeply, summoning a professional smile. "Mrs. Valois, I'm Stella Valentine, lead designer at Unique Jewelry. Regarding those 500 pieces, what specifications do you require?"