Chapter 119

Stella Valentine's fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her phone.

Lily Savigny's sordid past had been exposed in such excruciating detail. To compile such comprehensive dossiers on so many influential figures, Mr. Alistair must have been preparing this for a long time.

He was only waiting for her command.

"Stella!" Joy Fairsprene's excited voice shook through the phone. "This is so satisfying! Who knew locking them in that fitting room would uncover such a huge scandal!"

Stella replied softly, "Joy, I owe you for that day."

"You're too kind—that's why people bully you!" Joy sounded exasperated. "Revenge is best served immediately!"

Stella chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

"By the way," Joy suddenly lowered her voice, "who orchestrated this? Was it Mr. Alistair?"

"Yes."

Joy gasped. "He even dug up photos from over a decade ago... Stella, your Mr. Alistair is terrifying."

Stella's heart clenched.

She knew better than anyone that Lily had been led down this path by her scheming mother.

For money, they had abandoned all decency!

"Stella?" Joy abruptly changed the subject. "Where are you now?"

"Taking Mom to the hospital."

"I'm going to talk to Julian Valois." Joy spoke rapidly. "He must know who Mr. Alistair really is!"

Stella quickly stopped her. "Don't—"

"No!" Joy was adamant. "I need to know his intentions!"

After hanging up, Grace Laurent weakly opened her eyes. "Little star..."

"Mom, it was just my friend." Stella steadied her mother's frail body.

Grace's face was deathly pale. "Was it the Fairsprene child who lent you money?"

Stella froze.

"I understand everything." Grace trembled as she grasped her daughter's hand. "Adrian... how could he treat you like this?"

"Mom, I have a job." Stella straightened her back. "I'm a designer at Unique Jewelry. I can support you and the children."

Tears welled in Grace's eyes. "Really?"

"Next month, there's a fashion exhibition. I'll take you to see my work." Stella's gaze was resolute. "I'm not the Valentine family's little princess anymore. I am my own queen."

Grace burst into tears. "I just want you to be safe..."

"The Valentine legacy was Dad's life's work." Stella's voice turned icy. "I will take it back."

The car came to a smooth stop.

The driver said respectfully, "Miss Valentine, we've arrived at the hospital."

Grace thanked him weakly, and the driver quickly waved it off. "You should thank our Mr. Alistair."

"Mr. Alistair is...?" Grace looked at her daughter in confusion.

Stella swiftly helped her out of the car, cutting off further questions.

After settling her mother in, the doctor warned sternly, "She must avoid any more stress."

When Stella returned to the room, Grace was already fast asleep.

Downstairs, the Maybach still waited silently.

[Don't move.]

The familiar handkerchief once again covered her eyes.

"Mr. Alistair?!"

Warm arms encircled her. "I'm here to take you home."

The words made Stella's nose sting.

"Your mother will receive the best care." His whisper brushed her ear. "And Lily Savigny will pay for what she's done."

"Mr. Alistair..." Stella's voice trembled. "You knew about Lily all along?"