Chapter 247

Stella Valentine once adored the night.

As a girl, she'd lean on her windowsill awaiting dusk. Adrian Roland would pedal his bicycle beneath her window right on schedule, arms outstretched. "Little star, jump."

His seventeen-year-old arms never faltered. They'd sneak to the osmanthus grove beyond the estate, night winds carrying sweetness as he whisked her through moonlight.

Then she met Mr. Alistair.

The man who embraced her in darkness, his warmth banishing every fear. "Don't be afraid," he'd murmur. "I'm here."

Now nights held only biting cold.

No one caught her when she fell. No hands soothed her trembling back. That warmth had been a mirage—waking left only frost in its wake.

Morning light stabbed her eyes when the video call arrived.

Hugo Merovingian rubbed his shadowed eyes. "Sorry for the hour. But this little empress won't settle..."

A child's wails pierced through. Stella winced. "I'll return soon."

"Any progress with Celeste's marrow donor?"

Her smile stiffened. "They withdrew."

"What?" Hugo jerked upright. "After signing the agreement?"

"Life plans changed." She smoothed her expression. "I'll find another way."

"Harry Vance—"

"Would celebrate if Celeste vanished." Her laugh held ice. "I should've known."

Hugo's fist hit the desk. "That bastard!" Then softer, "Don't overextend yourself. Without you adopting her..."

"But she calls me Mommy." The words caught in her throat.

Before disconnecting, Hugo blurted, "I'm seeing someone." His screen flashed a beaming girl—sunshine personified.

At Brilliant Star Group, a manager wrung his hands. "Victor Lefèvre's been on the roof all night demanding you."

Elevator doors slid shut. "After New Frontier Group poached our clients, we're stuck with budget orders..."

Sixth floor. Victor's curses erupted. "Stella's a viper! Stabbing her own uncle!"

One leg dangled over the railing. Employees below stood paralyzed.

"Clear the floor." Stella unbuttoned her blazer. "I'll handle this."