Chapter 20

Adrian Roland stepped out of the hospital room. As the elevator doors closed, his phone screen lit up.

Lily Savigny's name flashed on the display.

"Adrian, where are you? Damian said you didn't show up at the firm today."

His knuckles turned white as he answered. "Out."

"Did you visit her?" Lily's voice held a probing tone. "How is she?"

"Her death means nothing to me." Adrian's voice was ice.

Silence stretched on the other end.

"Adrian, let's finalize the divorce soon." Lily's voice softened. "I can't keep living like this—"

"Enough!" His sharp interruption startled her. "This isn't the time."

Lily hesitated. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He drew a slow breath. "Focus on recovering."

Ending the call, Adrian immediately dialed his assistant.

"Vincent, investigate the biological father of Stella's two children."

"And get me her complete medical records."

Stella Valentine dragged her weakened body to the pediatric ward.

Through the glass, she saw her son gazing up at Hugo Merovingian.

"Uncle Hugo, will my sister like me?"

Hugo ruffled the boy's hair. "Of course. You'll be the best big brother."

"When can Mommy visit?" Ethan's eyes sparkled.

"Soon." Hugo's voice tightened.

Ethan suddenly lowered his voice. "Uncle Hugo, I have a secret."

"What is it?"

"I know you're not my dad." The boy blinked. "But I wish you were."

Hugo froze.

"Because you're nice to Mommy." Ethan spoke with solemn gravity. "If Daddy makes her sad, I don't want him anymore."

The nurse adjusting his IV blinked back tears.

"Such a sweet boy," she murmured.

Ethan smiled shyly. "Nurse, can you fix my hair? I want to look handsome for Mommy."

Outside, Stella clamped a hand over her mouth.

Tears blurred her vision as she stifled every sound.

Hugo stepped out, draping his coat over her shoulders.

"You'll frighten him looking like this."

She shook her head, nails biting into her palms.

"I will survive." Her voice scraped raw. "For my children. And for justice."

Hugo studied her. "Where's your proof?"

She lifted tear-burned eyes blazing with hatred.

"Lily. The Rolands. My father's death. Ethan's illness..." Each word fell like a hammer strike. "I'll make them pay for every drop of blood owed."

At the corridor's end, a security camera rotated silently.