Chapter 22

Grace Laurent's clouded eyes suddenly brightened at the news of her granddaughter. "Really? When did this happen?"

"Recently."

"You silly girl, why didn't you tell me such important news?" Grace's trembling hands removed the jade bracelet from her wrist and pressed it into Stella's palm. "Your father gave this to me as a token of love. I've worn it for over twenty years. Let it be my gift to my granddaughter."

At the mention of her father, both women's eyes welled up.

"Your father adored you. As long as you and Adrian are happy, he can rest in peace."

"...Yes." Stella swallowed her tears. "Mom, let me take you to the hospital first."

Before she could finish, the door burst open.

Stella turned, her pupils contracting sharply.

"What are you doing here?"

Lily Savigny strode in on stiletto heels, crimson lips curling. "I live here now."

"You?"

Grace shrank back, clutching her daughter's hand with trembling fingers. "Stella...she's the stepdaughter your aunt brought into the family..."

Stella narrowed her eyes.

Lily was more formidable than she'd anticipated.

This woman was cunning, ruthless, and knew exactly how to manipulate men—no wonder she'd ensnared Adrian so completely.

What surprised Stella more was Lily's connection to her uncle's family. After the car accident years ago, her uncle had been the primary beneficiary. Now it seemed likely he'd been involved.

But with Ethan safe now, she had nothing left to fear.

"Miss Savigny, we meet at last." Stella extended her hand with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Lily arched an eyebrow, refusing the handshake as she scrutinized Stella warily.

Withdrawing her hand, Stella kept her tone gentle. "Did you need something from my mother?"

"Not me. Adrian." Lily lifted her chin. "He has questions for her."

"Where is he?"

"On his way."

"Questions about the accident six years ago?" Stella chuckled softly. "Miss Savigny, we both know the truth. If Adrian keeps digging, you won't like the consequences. So do us both a favor—stop him. My mother is ill and needs hospitalization."

She helped Grace to her feet. "Let's go, Mom."

"Wait." Lily blocked their path. "Miss Valentine, a word in private?"

"We have nothing to discuss."

"Not even about saving your mother's life?" Lily leaned in, whispering, "Divorce him immediately if you want her to live."

Stella's laugh was icy. "I'll save my mother myself. As for divorce—the power is in my hands now. Push me further, and I'll never sign those papers."

"How long can a dying woman hold out?"

"Care to wager on it?"

"On what?"

"On how long I'll survive. Every day I breathe, I remain Adrian's lawful wife while you skulk in shadows. Let's see whether death claims me first—or Adrian uncovers your crimes."

"You—!" Lily's flawless face twisted. "Stella Valentine, know your place!"

Stella shrugged. "What do I have left to lose? What can you possibly do to me?"

She guided her mother past Lily and out to the car.

During the drive, Grace fretted. "Stella, about the accident—"

"Later." Stella squeezed her hand. "Your health comes first."

The diagnosis was devastating.

The doctor's expression darkened. "Severe anemia compounded by advanced pneumonia—clearly from prolonged malnutrition and neglected illness. What kind of family neglects their elder like this? A few more days, and it would've been too late!"

Stella's fists clenched. She never imagined her uncle's family would abuse her mother so cruelly—his own sister!

Grace, pale as parchment, still worried for her daughter. "Don't confront your uncle...he's too powerful now..."

The words cut Stella to the core.

What had she been doing all these years?

Groveling for a man who despised her, while her own mother suffered?

Did Adrian know?

Even if he did, he'd turn a blind eye. To him, her father would always be his parents' murderer.

"Admit her immediately." The doctor handed over a bill. "Payment at the first-floor counter."

After settling Grace in her room, Stella approached the cashier.

"$3,820."

"Here."

The card was rejected. "This one's frozen. Another?"

One after another, all her cards were declined.

The clerk offered sympathy. "Perhaps contact a family member? The patient needs medication."

Stella smiled bitterly. All accounts were under the Valentine name—now controlled by her uncle.

Lily's retaliation.

But Grace couldn't wait.

Scrolling through her contacts, Stella found all old friends long estranged. These years spent chasing Adrian had isolated her completely.

At life's most critical moment, she had no one.

"...Stella Valentine?" A familiar voice spoke behind her.