Chapter 155

Mr. Alistair returned sooner than expected.

Stella Valentine was curled up in bed, texting Joy Fairsprene about Julian Valois's latest outrageous antics. Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.

The bedroom was dark, lit only by moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains. His familiar cologne carried a faint trace of tobacco.

"You're back?"

"Mmm." His voice was rougher than usual. "Had to handle something urgent."

Stella turned in his embrace. The scent of cigarettes grew stronger, making her sneeze.

"You smoked again?"

"Stood outside for half an hour to air out." Exhaustion laced his words. "Wanted to see you."

She touched his cheek. "Smoking less would be better for you."

"I know." His palm pressed over her heart. "Does it... still hurt?"

Stella shook her head. The past days had been so peaceful, she'd almost forgotten she was still ill.

"My divorce from Adrian Roland will be finalized this Friday," she murmured.

After a pause, he pulled her closer. "Then let it be. I'll stay with you."

......

The shrill ringtone shattered the morning quiet.

"Miss Valentine, a Mr. Valence claiming to be your supervisor is here to visit your mother," the nurse said hesitantly. "After last time, we didn't dare let him in without—"

Stella was instantly alert. "Victor Valence?"

She immediately called him. His lazy drawl answered, "Miss me that much?"

"What are you playing at?"

"Just showing corporate concern for an employee's family." His chuckle grated. "Come over. We'll talk."

Hanging up, Victor flashed his phone at the nurse. "Convinced?" Without waiting, he strode into the hospital room with gifts in hand.

Grace Laurent startled at the sudden intrusion.

"Good morning, Mrs. Laurent." Victor set down the packages, straightening his collar. "I'm Stella's boss. Also... her admirer."

Grace's eyes brightened. "You're the one my little star mentioned yesterday?"

Victor's brows rose in delight. "She talked about me?"

"That girl's too shy for details." Grace warmly gestured for him to sit. "How old are you, young man?"

"Twenty-nine. Three years older than Stella."

Grace studied him approvingly. "Our Stella has two children—"

"I know." His smile never wavered. "It doesn't matter to me."

The door burst open. Stella stood panting in the doorway, glaring at Victor. "Mr. Valence!"

He rose smoothly. "Perfect timing. Your mother and I were just discussing you."

Stella looked at Grace's approving expression and felt her scalp prickle. "What did you tell him?"

"Mr. Valence seems lovely." Grace patted her daughter's hand. "Be polite to your superiors."

Victor smirked. "She's usually quite fierce—hangs up on me constantly."

Stella couldn't take another second. "Sir, shouldn't you be at the office? Let me walk you out."

At the hospital entrance, she finally snapped. "What's your game?"

Victor's lips curved. "Isn't it obvious? I'm courting you."