Chapter 175

The hospital cashier handed over a document. "Ms. Valentine, there's a remaining balance of $153,000 from your husband's medical deposit."

Stella took the paper, her fingers trembling slightly.

She couldn't touch this money without permission.

"Let my husband come another day to process the refund," she said softly.

As they stepped outside, Grace Laurent squinted against the harsh sunlight.

"Ma'am, try these." The driver Charlie Macmillan offered her a pair of sunglasses.

Grace studied the young man with surprise. "You are...?"

"The boss sent me to drive you and Ms. Valentine home."

Grace smiled warmly. "Young people these days are so considerate."

The car glided smoothly through the streets.

"This boy drives just like your father—so steady," Grace murmured to her daughter.

Stella squeezed her mother's hand. "Mom, I'll make sure those who hurt Dad pay for it."

Grace sighed but remained silent.

When they arrived at the Valentine estate, Charlie hurried to open their doors.

"Ma'am, the boss asked me to apologize for his absence. He's been extremely busy lately—"

Grace waved dismissively. "No need for formalities."

Suddenly lowering her voice, she asked, "Young man, does your boss's family... know about our Stella?"

Charlie maintained his polite smile. "The boss only has his grandfather now. The old gentleman adores Ms. Valentine."

Grace's expression shifted abruptly. "Wait—isn't your boss Mr. Valence?"

"Mom," Stella said wearily, "I've told you before. Victor Valence and I have nothing between us."

Realization dawned on Grace. "So it's someone else? What's his name?"

Stella bit her lip.

She still didn't know Mr. Alistair's real name.

Charlie smoothly intervened. "The boss said he'll visit you personally."

Grace relaxed slightly. "At least he has manners."

A shrill scream erupted from inside the mansion. "Where are my roses?!"

Sophia Durand stormed outside, her face purpling with rage at the sight of the demolished garden.

"Who authorized this?!" She grabbed a worker's arm.

The laborer timidly pointed toward the gate. "That gentleman's orders..."

Sophia finally noticed the trio at the entrance, her eyes flashing venom. "Grace Laurent! Was this your doing?"

Charlie stepped protectively in front of the women. "My boss's decision. Mrs. Valentine prefers sunflowers. From now on, only sunflowers will grow here."

Grace turned to her daughter in astonishment. "Stella, did you tell him about my love for sunflowers?"

Stella shook her head, equally bewildered.

Her phone vibrated.

[I've purchased all surrounding land. Soon this entire area will bloom with sunflowers.]

Her fingers flew across the screen. [How did you know?]

[Stella, that doesn't matter.]

[I just want to make you happy.]