Chapter 123

Victor Valence had been in a foul mood lately.

The major European jewelry deal he'd secured suddenly fell through. The client demanded a 30% price reduction at the last minute. He had no choice but to fly to Paris overnight with his design team for renegotiations.

Quentin Roland whispered at the airport, "These talks will likely take over a week."

Stella Valentine secretly exhaled in relief. Ever since that unexpected confession, every encounter with Victor left her unsettled. How had this self-proclaimed "eternal bachelor" suddenly changed his ways?

Just as she pondered this, the front desk intercom buzzed.

"Designer Valentine, Mrs. Valois specifically requested to see you."

In the VIP lounge, Eleanor Valois sipped black tea with refined elegance. Her Chanel suit accentuated her aristocratic bearing, sunglasses casually placed on the coffee table.

"Miss Valentine, please sit."

Stella maintained a professional smile as she took the opposite seat. She could sense the hostility radiating from this society matron.

"Let me be blunt." Eleanor produced a blank check from her crocodile leather purse. "Name your price. The condition? Leave Unique Jewelry."

Stella nearly laughed aloud. Was she really living through this clichéd drama?

"Mrs. Valois, you've misunderstood." She pushed the check back. "Victor and I are merely colleagues. Besides..." She paused deliberately. "I'm already a mother of two."

The teacup trembled in Eleanor's hand.

"What?!"

Stella calmly smoothed her skirt. "Your investigation seems incomplete. Victor did confess his feelings, but I believe that was merely his rebellion against your matchmaking pressure."

Eleanor's expression shifted from shock to dawning comprehension. She recalled her son's recent vehement declarations about never marrying—the abrupt change had indeed been suspicious.

"My apologies for the presumption." Eleanor pocketed the check, then pivoted sharply. "But for my son's sake, I still hope you'll resign voluntarily."

Stella's fingertips turned icy.

"Very well." She lifted her chin suddenly. "On one condition."

"Name it."

"My father's car accident six years ago—I need your help investigating it."

Eleanor's pupils contracted briefly before her composure returned. "I'll try. But after so many years, no guarantees."

"Thank you."

......

The Roland ancestral home blazed with light.

Old Mr. Roland paced the parlor with his cane until the front door opened.

"Finally decided to come home?" The patriarch glared at his exhausted grandson. "Off chasing that Lily Savigny again?"

Adrian Roland loosened his tie. "Business meetings."

"Bullshit!" The cane struck the hardwood floor sharply. "The whole city's reporting that woman's scandals today! When will you wake up?"

Adrian collapsed onto the sofa, burying his face in his hands. "Grandfather, my parents' deaths can't go unavenged."

"What does Stella have to do with that?" The old man's voice cracked with anguish. "Shi Feng was at fault! But you married your parents' murderer's daughter for revenge?"

"She abandoned me when I needed her most." Adrian's voice was raw.

Old Mr. Roland gave a mirthless laugh. "Do you still believe that?"

After a prolonged silence, Adrian's shoulders shook slightly. "It doesn't matter anymore... Grandfather, I can't let her go... But I can't face her now..."

The elder sighed deeply, patting his grandson's back. "To err is human, to repent divine."

"Too late." Adrian raised bloodshot eyes. "She's... with someone else now."

"Who?!"