Chapter 130

"Mr. Alistair, this tie..."

He chuckled softly. "Does it look familiar?"

Stella Valentine frowned in thought. "I feel like I've seen it somewhere before. Did my father wear something like this?"

"Don't force yourself to remember." He pulled her closer. "Stella, I have two things to tell you—one good, one bad."

She tilted her face up. "Tell me the bad news first."

"Sophia Durand is more cunning than we thought." His voice darkened. "She made Victor Lefèvre transfer all his assets to her name. The company, properties, stocks—everything belonging to the Valentines now belongs to her."

A chill ran down Stella's spine. "How could they—"

"Don't panic." His hand soothed her back. "The good news is, you still hold 50% of the Valentine shares."

"But after the merger, it's only 25%..."

"It's enough." His whisper brushed her ear. "Go to the company. Learn the situation. With me behind you, all of Houston is your support."

She bit her lip.

The Unique Jewelry project wasn't finished yet. She couldn't abandon it midway.

"No rush." He read her hesitation. "Wait until Ethan starts school and Luna is settled with Martha. Then focus on this."

"Mr. Alistair..."

"Hmm?"

"I met Edward Roland today."

He didn't seem surprised. "Did you have congee?"

"Yes." Her voice softened. "He wants to see the children... tomorrow."

"Should I arrange someone to go with you?"

"No need." She shook her head. "Grandfather Roland is very kind."

A brief silence. "They should meet their great-grandfather."

"...Alright."

"Tired?" He noticed her distraction.

"Just a long day." She changed the subject. "Do you think Joy and Julian Valois will end up together?"

He laughed low. "Your little spy is too obvious."

Her ears burned. "You knew?"

"Julian only told me the parts about me." His tone was knowing. "No other details."

"Mr. Alistair!"

"Don't like me like this?"

Her cheeks flushed. "...Only if it's you."

He kissed her. "My little star is so sweet."

She stiffened. "What did you just call me?"

"Does it matter?" He evaded. "It's still you."

Night fell, leaving only their breaths in the quiet dining room.

He led her to sit. "Eat. I'll feed you."

Deliberately avoiding that name.

"Mr. Alistair." She hesitated. "Your voice sounds... different today."

"Oh?"

"Before, it was hoarse. Now it's just deep."

A soft chuckle. "Maybe from quitting smoking. But you still recognize my voice, don't you?"

She nodded.

The familiar cologne confirmed it was him.

"I'm overthinking things." She mocked herself.

"It's the withdrawal." He leaned closer. "Really not hungry?"

She shook her head.

Then the world spun.

"Ah!"

Pinned beneath him, his kisses burned like wildfire.

"Martha took the kids to the movies." His voice turned rough. "We have time."

Heat flooded her cheeks as she understood.

"May I?" His plea was desperate. "Stella..."

Her throat tightened. "But I'm not—"

"You'll be mine soon." His mouth silenced her protest.

Gentleness gave way to urgency. Dizzy, she opened her eyes.

Moonlight spilled over them. His tie swayed before her—navy blue with a checkered pattern.

A memory flashed.

Eighteen-year-old Adrian Roland had received the exact same tie as a birthday gift.