Chapter 13

Stella Valentine stared at her phone screen, fingertips trembling slightly.

"You blocked me?"

Adrian Roland's icy voice came through the receiver. "I told you, there won't be any stars these days. In seven days, we're getting divorced."

She suddenly laughed. "Adrian, do I look like a man-eater to you?"

"Even floods and wild beasts aren't as terrifying as you."

A sharp pain pierced Stella's chest, her nose stinging. "Do you think my heart can't feel pain?"

That's why he could stab her so mercilessly.

"Your heart is harder than stone. How could it hurt?"

"You'll regret this."

"Yes, my biggest regret is ever meeting you."

The call ended with a violent click.

Stella tossed her phone aside and smiled bitterly.

She should've known better than to humiliate herself.

A soft knock came at the door. Martha Clementson peeked in. "Stella, how did it go with the young master? He used to dote on you so much—"

"Martha." Stella cut her off, forcing a smile. "I'd love some of your chicken wonton soup."

Relieved by her calm demeanor, Martha nodded. "I'll make it right away. The young master loves it too, so I'll prepare extra—"

Stella remained silent.

He wouldn't come.

Martha suddenly clapped her hands. "Oh! The day the old master had his accident, a suspicious mechanic from the 4S shop came by. When the young master arrives, I must tell him—"

"Did you see their face?"

"It was a young woman. I thought it was strange at the time—"

Stella bolted upright. "Lily Savigny works at a 4S shop!"

Martha's face paled. "You don't mean—"

"She admitted it herself. She tampered with the car!"

"Oh heavens!" Martha gasped. "When the young master comes, I'll tell him everything!"

Stella's pulse quickened.

Adrian didn't believe her, but he'd trust Martha.

With trembling hands, she took out her phone and pressed record. "Sweetheart, Mommy found a way... Once Daddy learns the truth, I'll bring him to see you..."

A metallic taste flooded her throat. She turned her head and spat out blood.

Wiping the traces away hastily, she curled under the blankets.

Her body alternated between chills and fever as consciousness slipped away.

In her dream, Adrian held her tenderly, apologizing, promising to visit their baby...

BANG!

A deafening crash jolted her awake.

"Martha?"

Silence.

Outside, the rain had stopped.

On the lawn, a twisted figure lay in a pool of glaring crimson.

"Martha—!!!"