Chapter 156

Victor Valence abruptly withdrew his arm, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Your mother mentioned you brought me up."

Stella Valentine froze. "Impossible. She doesn't even know I worked at Unique Jewelry."

"Liar." Victor leaned in, his breath hot against her face. "She said it herself."

"Mr. Valence, I repeat—I didn't."

Victor suddenly smirked. "Stella, I've figured it out. Aside from being stubborn, narrow-minded, overthinking everything, and prone to wild assumptions—you're actually decent marriage material."

Stella arched a brow. "That's quite the list of exceptions."

"So what? I don't mind." Victor shoved his hands in his pockets. "The matches my mother arranges irritate me. But you..."

He paused, eyes burning. "Suddenly marriage doesn't seem so terrifying."

Stella stepped back. "I told you I have a—"

"Your 'Mr. Alistair'?" Victor scoffed. "I checked. In Houston, only my brother and Adrian Roland outrank me. So either you're lying, or..."

His gaze turned pointed. "You're having a mental breakdown."

Stella clenched her fists. "The world has many capable men."

"Please. I know every influential figure in Houston." Victor advanced. "Unless... Adrian wore a disguise to trick you."

Stella's heart skipped.

A disguise...

Mr. Alistair did resemble Adrian, but...

"It's not him," she stated firmly.

Victor's tone unexpectedly softened. "Whether this 'Mr. Alistair' is real or not, remember—you have me as backup."

"Why me?"

"Who knows?" Victor shrugged. "Like how my brother is obsessed with Joy Fairsprene. Once you've met the best, everyone else is a compromise."

Her phone vibrated.

[Tell Victor I'll prove my existence to him.]

Stella turned the screen toward Victor.

"A text?" He laughed mockingly. "Stella, are you actually unhinged? Who texts these days?"

"None of your business."

"My father's birthday is Friday." Victor abruptly changed topics. "You're coming."

"I'm busy."

Victor lowered his voice. "About that car accident six years ago... I found the dashcam footage."

Stella's pupils constricted.

Victor gave her a long look before walking away.

In the hospital room, Grace Laurent looked hopeful. "Was that young man the Valence heir?"

"Mom, we're not involved."

"But last time you mentioned—"

Stella hesitated. She didn't even know Mr. Alistair's real name.

"When the time's right, I'll introduce him."

Outside, a white Porsche blocked her path.

Adrian Roland stepped out. "Get in. We're discussing the divorce."

Dark circles shadowed his exhausted eyes.

The car remained silent for minutes.

"You keep the villa. Plus two million in child support."

"I don't want money."

"It's for the kids." Adrian gripped the wheel. "I want monthly visits."

After a pause, Stella nodded.

"And..." Adrian hesitated. "Never mind."

"What is it?"

Adrian smiled bitterly. "I can't be as carefree as you."

"When your heart dies, carefreeness comes naturally."

Stella pointed ahead. "Drop me here. My boyfriend... wouldn't like it."