Chapter 158

"Who's calling this early..." Joy Fairsprene's groggy voice mumbled through the phone. "Take your calls outside. Don't disturb my beauty sleep!"

Stella Valentine glanced out the window where the sunset painted the sky in shades of tangerine.

"Apologies, Miss Valentine. One moment."

"Alright."

The rustle of fabric was followed by the sound of a sliding door opening and closing.

"Miss Valentine?"

"I'm here."

Julian Valois's voice finally cleared. "Joy was... up very late last night. I wanted her to rest. What do you need?"

Understanding dawned on Stella.

"You and Joy... got back together?"

Julian chuckled. "As long as you're still entangled with Mr. Alistair, she'll keep coming to me for updates. In a way, I should thank you."

"But Joy doesn't want marriage. Your family—"

"If she doesn't want to marry, we won't. If she doesn't want children, we won't." His tone was light. "The Valois family still has Victor. We're not lacking heirs."

"..."

"By the way, what did you need from Joy?"

Stella hesitated. "My bag was stolen. I needed to borrow money for the cab fare."

"Should I transfer it via WeChat?"

"My phone was in the bag."

Julian paused. "Cash, then? What about Mr. Alistair? Can't reach him?"

"No one's answering. Maybe because it's an unknown number..."

"Strange. That number should only have your contact..." He changed the subject. "Don't worry. I'll come now. Rose Garden Apartments, right? Fifteen minutes."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

After hanging up, Stella dialed Mr. Alistair's number again. Still no answer.

She returned the phone to the driver. "Someone will come to pay."

The driver nodded. "Good."

Twenty minutes later, the cab pulled up to Rose Garden.

Julian was already waiting. He handed the driver a hundred-dollar bill. "Keep the change."

The driver drove off cheerfully.

"Does it still hurt?" Julian reached out to steady her.

Stella tensed. "How did you know I was hurt?"

"Weren't you knocked over during the robbery?"

"Yes, but..." She bit her lip. "Did Mr. Alistair tell you?"

Julian stiffened. "Well..."

"You reached him? He knows I'm hurt? Why isn't he answering my calls?"

Julian gritted his teeth. "He didn't recognize the unknown number. He tried calling you back, but your phone was gone. He's on his way now."

"Really?"

"Of course." His voice was firm. "That number only saves your contact. All other calls go unanswered. Feeling better now?"

Stella nodded slightly. "Much better. You and Joy..."

A softness flickered in Julian's eyes. "I'll always be her final harbor."

Stella didn't doubt his sincerity. Given his status, waiting this long for Joy was rare.

But would the Valois family accept her stance on marriage? Remembering Eleanor Valois pressuring Victor about weddings, she worried for the couple.

"Let's get you upstairs." Julian pressed the elevator button. "Mr. Alistair insisted on seeing you home safely."

"You're... close?"

"Yes."

"How did you meet?"

Julian evaded. "Our families have been friends for generations."

"But he left the Roland family years ago."

"...Fate, I suppose." He smoothly changed the subject. "Here we are."

After watching Stella enter her apartment, Julian nearly sprinted away, bypassing the elevator for the stairs.

He dialed the moment he got into his car. "Where are you?"

"Drive forward a hundred meters. Under the trees. Tested—no line of sight from the apartment windows."

Julian started the engine, muttering, "Your relationship is like a spy thriller..."

A hundred meters away, Adrian Roland leaned against his car, smoke curling from his lips. The ashtray on the nearby trash bin overflowed with cigarette butts.

Julian frowned as he approached. "You ignored her call just to smoke?"

"I had to adjust my voice."

"Right. She thinks you're Mr. Alistair now. Can't risk sounding the same."

"How is she?"

"A little down, but fine. I watched her go inside."

Adrian nodded. "Thanks."

"Decision made?"

"Yes." He stubbed out the cigarette. "Let 'Adrian Roland' disappear. It cuts ties with Lily Savigny and makes Uncle Xavier back off."

"Living as Mr. Alistair from now on? Abandoning New Frontier Group?"

"Getting her back is miracle enough." Adrian gazed into the distance. "New Frontier goes to Uncle Xavier. Once this is settled, we'll take the children abroad."

Julian sighed. "Your love story is..." He hesitated. "But passports and visas—your brother is already... Can it be done?"

Adrian's eyes darkened. "There's always a way." He pulled a small leather notebook from his breast pocket, fingertips brushing the cover. "Art majors and their impossible wishlists."

"Mr. Alistair?"

A woman's voice froze them both.

Julian whirled around. Stella stood a few paces away, having somehow left her apartment unnoticed.

Her gaze locked onto the figure behind Julian. "Are you Mr. Alistair... or Adrian Roland?"