Chapter 201

Stella Valentine leaned back in her office chair and slowly closed her eyes.

This long, exhausting battle was finally coming to an end.

She should have seen it sooner.

Mr. Alistair's recent strange behavior—taking her on the Ferris wheel, proposing under the stars, desperately fulfilling her twenty-year-old wish list.

And that injured arm he refused to explain.

"Stella?"

Her mother's worried voice came through the phone.

"I'm listening, Mom." Stella opened her eyes, fingertips lightly tapping the desk. "I will clear Dad's name."

Grace Laurent's voice trembled. "When this is over, let's leave this place. This house... it's filled with memories of your father."

"Okay."

"About the company—"

"Someone will handle it." Stella cut her off, her gaze landing on the date on her computer screen. A sudden realization struck her. "Is today the weekend?"

"Yes. Weren't you supposed to take the kids to visit Grandpa Edward?" Grace hesitated. "No matter what happened between you and Adrian, the children need their father."

Stella hung up and organized her files.

As she stepped out of the company, a black Lincoln limousine silently pulled up in front of her.

The window rolled down, revealing Mr. Grant's smirk. "Miss Valentine, what a coincidence."

Stella took half a step back, her fingers subtly reaching for her phone in her bag.

"Relax." Mr. Grant removed his sunglasses. "I just want to discuss the final payment for those gemstones."

"I'll transfer it soon—"

"The money isn't important." His voice suddenly dropped. "What matters is... I know your Mr. Alistair's secret."

Stella's pupils constricted.

"Get in." Mr. Grant gestured invitingly. "Unless you don't want to know his true identity."

Four bodyguards in black silently surrounded her.

The car's interior was surprisingly spacious. The facing seats reminded Stella of scenes from crime movies.

Mr. Grant cradled a ball of white fluff in his arms.

"Your dog is adorable." He scratched the puppy's chin. "Luna is quite charming too."

"What did you do to my daughter?" Stella's voice shook.

"Don't worry. She's on her way to the Roland residence." He chuckled. "Speaking of which, your Mr. Alistair has sacrificed far more for you than you realize."

He leaned closer, whispering, "Power, status, his arm... even his life."

Stella's head snapped up.

"Stop waiting." Mr. Grant reclined, pity in his eyes. "He won't come."