Chapter 240

The ambulance siren pierced through the night sky.

The hospital was only ten minutes from the stadium, while the Roland family estate lay on the outskirts of the city.

By the time Stella Valentine arrived, the emergency room lights were already on.

Benjamin Langley slumped on the hallway bench, his hands trembling uncontrollably. "The doctor said... the old master can't survive more than three more attacks like this..."

Adrian Roland stood by the window, the cigarette between his fingers burned down to the filter.

"Young master!" Benjamin suddenly grabbed his arm. "What's wrong with little Stella? That woman on TV—"

"Benjamin." Adrian stubbed out the cigarette. "It's not what you think."

"Then what is it?" Tears streamed down the old man's wrinkled face. "The master keeps talking about his great-grandchildren, saying he failed Stella. Young master, for his sake—"

"Miss Valentine?"

Benjamin's head snapped up, his cloudy eyes suddenly brightening. "Stella! You and the young master—"

Before she could respond, a hand closed around her wrist.

Adrian pulled her into an alcove, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need a favor."

"What?"

"In front of Grandpa..." His Adam's apple bobbed. "Pretend we've reconciled."

Stella frowned.

"The doctor said..." His voice cracked. "He doesn't have much time left."

At the end of the hallway, Benjamin stood on tiptoe, hope shining in his eyes.

Stella remembered how Mr. Edward Roland's hands always trembled when he saw the children.

He was Mr. Alistair's grandfather.

"Fine." Her response came abruptly. "But I have conditions."

Adrian's eyes lit up. "Name them."

"Find me a matching liver donor." She held his gaze. "No empty promises."

"I swear." The answer came instantly. "I'll bankrupt myself if I have to."

She nodded, then caught a familiar scent.

"You changed your cologne?"

Adrian adjusted his tie. "Smoking more lately. Needed something stronger."

"Miss Evans doesn't like the smell?"

"Don't know." His expression turned indifferent. "Not worth remembering trivial things about unimportant people."

Stella pressed her lips together. "That's unfair to her."

"Fairness was never what she wanted." Suddenly, he extended his hand, palm up. "May I?"

His fingers trembled slightly.

When Stella placed her hand in his, both froze at the contact.

His palm was drenched in sweat.

"Nervous?" she asked.

Adrian gave a humorless smile. "Afraid you'd change your mind."

Benjamin nearly collapsed to his knees when he saw them walking back hand in hand. "Heaven has eyes!"

The emergency lights finally dimmed.

The doctor removed his mask. "The blockage in Mr. Roland's arteries is severe, but he's too old for surgery. One more episode and..."

Benjamin bowed repeatedly.

"He's awake." The doctor glanced at them. "Family may see him now."

Machines beeped rhythmically in the sterile room.

Edward Roland opened his eyes weakly, his gaze landing on their joined hands.

Tears welled in the old man's wrinkled eyes, tracking down his weathered cheeks.

Stella's nose stung unexpectedly.

A frail, needle-marked hand strained toward them.