Chapter 246

"......"

"He orchestrated everything. Exploited our misunderstandings, took advantage of Lily Savigny and my illness, then extended a helping hand when you were at your weakest..."

Stella Valentine's fingers clenched abruptly, her nails digging deep into her palms. "Adrian Roland, after all this, you're just trying to tell me Mr. Alistair was a scheming liar?"

"I'm merely stating facts," Adrian's voice was hoarse. "How else would you explain how intimately he knew everything about you?"

"Enough!" Stella's voice cut through the night like a blade. "He's gone. A dead man can't even defend himself."

"Stella..."

"If you came here just to say these things, you can leave now."

Adrian remained rooted in place. Moonlight traced the tense line of his jaw. "...Fine. I won't say anymore."

Stella turned toward the window, her weary profile reflected in the glass.

She hadn't forcefully kicked him out.

The realization sent a flicker of emotion through Adrian's chest. He smiled bitterly to himself. When had not being despised by her become a luxury?

"Let me stay a little longer. Please."

Her back remained rigid. "...Do what you want."

"You're in a good mood today?"

"What?"

"You didn't throw me out."

Stella suddenly turned. "Your voice..."

"Too many cigarettes." He instinctively touched his throat. "Does it bother you?"

"No." Her gaze lingered on his Adam's apple. "Does it always sound like this after you smoke?"

"Three years clean. Broke that today." His smile was rueful. "Had some... complications."

Stella gave a slight nod but didn't press further.

Adrian suddenly stepped closer. "So, was it the voice? Is that why you let me stay?"

"......"

"Stella, you still have feelings for me, don't you?"

"Don't flatter yourself." She retreated half a step. "I just didn't want to wake the children."

The light in his eyes dimmed. "I see."

"We've been divorced for three years. I don't want my presence to affect you and Wendy Evans—"

"The wedding's canceled." He cut her off. "Mutual convenience. Nothing to do with you."

"You knew she had ulterior motives and still agreed to marry her?"

Adrian opened his mouth but remained silent. The situation with the South African gem dealer was too complicated—explaining would only sound like excuses.

Stella didn't press further. Under the starlight, the man's silhouette overlapped with her memories—broad shoulders, a sharp jawline, and those fathomless eyes.

Reason told her to send him away, but her body betrayed her will.

This familiar scene, this familiar voice...

Her final memories of Mr. Alistair had blurred. Her mind had blocked out the gruesome details of the car crash, leaving only fragments: Grant Rubenstein's cane, Mr. Xavier Atlante's walnuts, and the glaring pool of blood.

"Stella?"

"What?"

"That look in your eyes..."

She averted her gaze as if burned. "...Sorry."

"You never have to apologize to me."

The words struck her like lightning. Stella's head snapped up. "Say that again."

"You never—"

"Again."

Adrian frowned. "You're pale."

She pushed away his outstretched hand. "I'm fine."

"Because of my voice... and those words." Understanding dawned, turning his voice gravelly. "They reminded you of him, didn't they?"

Silence stretched between them.

"I get it now." Adrian's shoulders slumped. "Stella, you're right. I'm jealous."

"......"

"Jealous enough to go mad." His smile was bitter. "But how can the living compete with the dead? The deceased are always perfect."

"Have you been drinking?"

"No."

"You're talking too much."

"Annoying you?"

"...Yes."

Adrian dragged a hand down his face. "Fine. I'll stop. Thank you for giving me closure today. The deal stands—I'll keep searching for a liver donor for the children. As for Grandfather..."

"I know."

"Then I'll go."

Stella suddenly called out, "Wait."

"Yes?"

"The kids..." Her voice tightened. "Ethan misses you. So does Luna. You can... stay longer."

Adrian laughed, but his eyes remained hollow. "Stella, I have my pride too."

"What?"

"You're missing him." He took a step back. "But I won't be anyone's substitute."