Chapter 184

"Oh my god! Mr. Roland looks absolutely devastating in that suit today!"

"Stop dreaming. He's already engaged to the Laurent heiress."

"I heard Miss Laurent is pregnant. The wedding must be soon."

"The company's cash flow is broken. If not for the Laurent family's influence, why would Mr. Roland step in to save it?"

The receptionists' cheeks flushed with excitement, even the milk delivery guy kept glancing over.

Stella Valentine followed their gaze.

Adrian Roland stood out effortlessly in his impeccably tailored black suit, his broad shoulders and narrow waist commanding attention as he strode through the lobby. His entourage of assistants faded into the background.

A decade later, this man still held the power to captivate.

"Miss Valentine, don't you think Mr. Roland is gorgeous?" The receptionist clutched her milk glass, eyes sparkling.

Stella pressed her lips together. "The most beautiful things are often the deadliest."

"What?"

"Nothing." Stella set the milk aside. "Is Mr. Roland here to discuss the investment?"

"Yes! Mrs. Durand and Miss Savigny arrived early to wait for him."

A flicker passed through Stella's eyes. "Where's the restroom?"

"Straight ahead, then turn right."

Stella thanked her and left.

She knew exactly where the restroom was.

Just as she knew the fire escape led directly to the sixteenth floor.

When she pushed open the stairwell door, Jason Macmillan stood guard outside the CEO's office.

"Miss Valentine?!" His eyes widened in shock.

"Relax." She adjusted the collar of her floral sundress. "I'm not here to make trouble."

Jason fumbled for his phone. "I'll inform Mr. Roland—"

"Don't bother." She raised a hand to stop him. "I'll announce myself."

Sophia Durand's syrupy voice drifted from inside. "Adrian, Lily made you breakfast—"

"Unnecessary." Adrian's tone was glacial. "Let's focus on business."

Sophia forced a laugh. "You know the company's situation—"

Stella leaned closer as Lily Savigny's saccharine voice chimed in. "Adrian, for our child's sake—"

"Child?" Adrian's冷笑 cut through the air. "Are you certain?"

"O-of course—"

"Hospital records show you were never pregnant." His voice dripped with disdain. "I pulled the IVF files too."

Lily's voice turned shrill. "You investigated me?"

"Considering..." Adrian drawled, "I was unconscious after being drugged that night. How exactly would there be a child?"

Stella's fists clenched outside the door.

So that was the truth.

She took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

Three pairs of eyes snapped toward her.

Lily paled. "Stella Valentine?!"

Stella walked straight to Adrian, looking down at him. "Mr. Roland. Long time no see."

His pupils contracted.

She continued, "I'm here for business. Those gemstones are premium quality. Invest now, and I guarantee you'll double your returns."

"You?" Sophia shrieked. "Who do you think you are?"

Calmly, Stella withdrew a document from her bag. "My father's股权转让书. I'm now the majority shareholder."

Silence engulfed the room.

Adrian rose slowly, his gaze burning into her. "Terms?"

"Strictly business." She lifted her chin. "Buy the gems at market price, and we split the profits fifty-fifty."

Lily lunged forward. "Over my dead body! Adrian came to help me!"

Stella sidestepped coolly. "Miss Savigny, business runs on利益, not sentiment."

She turned back to Adrian. "Don't you agree?"

Suddenly, he smiled.

Taking the document, his fingers brushed hers deliberately. "Miss Valentine. Pleasure doing business."