Chapter 224

"The meeting is adjourned. Submit the proposal to my office by next Monday."

The atmosphere in New Frontier Group's executive conference room was suffocating.

Adrian Roland loosened his tie with sharp irritation as he stood. The persistent ache in his chest reminded him of Uncle Xavier's warning. He decided to get a medical checkup.

"Mr. Roland, your stomach condition is concerning." The doctor adjusted his glasses, expression grave. "Your report indicates long-term, high-dosage sleeping pill use?"

"Yes."

"Records show you have bipolar disorder. Were these taken during manic episodes?"

He nodded impassively. "Attempted suicide a few times."

"Times?!" The doctor's eyes widened.

"Four or five. Lost count." Adrian's tone was as casual as discussing the weather. "Later, insomnia got worse. Pills were the only solution."

The doctor shook his head. "Your stomach can't handle this! You must stop immediately."

"Unnecessary."

"Your gastric perforation just healed. Continuing this could cause abdominal hemorrhage—life-threatening!"

Adrian frowned. "I'll deal with it when it happens."

"By then, it'll be too late!" The doctor flipped through charts. "Oddly, there's a six-month gap in your medication history. How did you sleep then?"

"Memory loss after the car accident. Don't recall."

The doctor sighed. "Any recent suicidal thoughts?"

"No." His reply was steel. "I'm busy."

Charlie's call came the moment he left the hospital.

"Sir, Ms. Evans went wedding dress shopping."

"Keep watching."

Charlie hesitated. "The driver was... Stella Valentine."

Adrian's left hand clenched the steering wheel. White-hot pain shot through his arm—a lingering effect from the crash, worse on rainy days.

But now, the agony in his chest eclipsed it entirely.

"Sir, I suspect Ms. Evans is Stella's plant. Her family's company has poached several clients..."

"Impossible." Adrian scoffed. "She's not that cunning."

"But Mr. Xavier warned—women deceive best! Lily Savigny proved that, and Stella once—"

"Enough!" His voice slashed like a blade. "I've investigated the accident. She went abroad to give birth to Ethan."

Charlie persisted. "But later she—"

"Silence!" Adrian inhaled sharply. "Send me the boutique address."

He hung up and slammed the accelerator.

Inside the bridal shop, Wendy Evans twirled before the mirror. "This one or the previous?"

Penny Anderson stood silent nearby. Stella had meant to leave, but the girl's limping gait made her stay.

While arranging Celeste's surgery, Stella received devastating news.

"The donor backed out?" Her voice trembled.

"A high school student prepping for military academy." The doctor suggested, "Have you considered the father? Blood relatives have higher match rates."

Stella's vision darkened. She braced against the wall to keep from collapsing.

Ask Adrian? He wouldn't even acknowledge the children...

"Miss?" Penny limped over. "Could you help Ms. Evans choose?"

"Emergency." Stella forced composure. "Take a taxi back—request male drivers."

As she turned, gasps rippled through the staff.