Chapter 238

"Mr. Roland, I don't want money." Wendy Evans tapped the armrest with her crimson nails. "All my relatives and friends thought I was marrying into wealth. Now that the engagement's canceled, I've become the laughingstock of my entire social circle."

"Name your price."

"What I want is my dignity back." Her red lips curled. "If we're photographed at this concert today, I can tell everyone I was the one who dumped you."

Adrian Roland sneered. "Suit yourself."

"Stay until the show ends, or I'll make a scene at your company." Wendy lowered her voice. "I'll let everyone know what a heartless playboy the great Mr. Roland really is."

Office gossip meant nothing to him.

But his old-fashioned African business partner valued moral character above all. If this scandal blew up, the hundred-million-dollar gemstone deal would collapse.

"I'm going to the restroom." He stood abruptly.

Turning the corridor corner, he heard a familiar female voice.

"Harry Vance, are you even human?"

"Miss Valentine, I told you I never wanted that child."

"Then why sleep with women? Now that the child needs a liver donor, you're just going to abandon them?"

"What man would refuse an easy lay?" Harry scoffed. "I heard Adrian Roland got you pregnant after two nights. If he can walk away, why shouldn't I?"

Stella's voice trembled. "You—"

"Leave or I'll call security." Harry waved impatiently. "That brat's better off dead anyway. Saves me the trouble."

"How could anyone say that?"

"Security!"

Several burly men rushed forward.

Adrian snapped the wrist of the first guard who reached for Stella.

Amid the man's howls, he glared at Harry. "Bullying women. How impressive, Mr. Vance."

Harry paled. "Mr. Roland? Aren't you getting married today? Shouldn't you worry about your bride seeing you with your ex-wife?"

"None of your concern." Adrian yanked Stella toward the exit.

The car door slammed shut.

Stella gave a bitter smile. In three days back in Houston, this was already the second time he'd shoved her into a vehicle.

"Explain." He locked the doors.

"What?"

"That child." Adrian's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "I thought it belonged to 'Mr. Alistair.' Turns out it's Harry Vance's? You really aren't picky."

"It's not what you think."

"Then what? Friends with benefits?" His voice rose sharply. "I waited until marriage to touch you, but you'd spread your legs for trash like—"

"Adrian Roland!" she cut in sharply. "Watch your language."

"Your actions don't deserve polite words."

"Open the door. I'm leaving."

"Not a chance."

Stella shook with anger. "We've been divorced for three years! Who I'm with is none of your business! Did I say one word about your wedding?"

"I just regret wasting over a decade on you."

"The feeling's mutual." Her laugh was icy. "All those years meant less to you than Lily Savigny."

Adrian rolled down the window violently, reaching for a cigarette before remembering her lung condition. He hurled the pack outside.

"Wasn't today your wedding?" Stella eyed his all-black attire. "Getting married in this? Ms. Evans has unique tastes."

"Uniquely shameless," he mocked.

In the rearview mirror, his sharp profile was tense. The tall bridge of his nose cast shadows, his thin lips pressed into a hard line.

Deafening screams erupted from the stadium.

"Who actually listens to this caterwauling?" Adrian sneered. "And some woman actually bred with that garbage."

"Go back." Her voice softened. "Don't keep Ms. Evans waiting."

"I don't need your advice."

"Then let me out."

"How are you saving that child?" He turned abruptly.

Stella froze.

"Consider it making up for Ethan." His tone was gruff. "Needs a liver transplant? Neither you nor Harry are matches?"

"Harry has liver disease—it's genetic. As for me..." Her lashes lowered. "I'm not biologically related to her."

Adrian choked. "She's not yours?"