Chapter 249

"Victor..."

Victor pressed a finger to his lips in a silencing gesture. He casually took the documents from the officer, signed with a flourish, then grabbed Stella's wrist and pulled her outside.

The familiar MV Agusta Brutale waited at the police station entrance.

Its jet-black frame gleamed coldly under the sunlight, wild lines blending seamlessly with elegant curves. Tossing her a helmet, Victor flashed a roguish grin. "Daydreaming? Waiting for them to discover our marriage is fake?"

Her knuckles whitened around the helmet straps. "Why did you come?"

"The news exploded," he scoffed. "Victor Lefèvre's little drama ruined your company's carefully built reputation."

"Maybe I never should have—"

"You were born to hold a paintbrush," Victor interrupted. "I still remember your Stellar Whisper collection in Milan. When heaven opens a window, it slams a door—how else would mere mortals survive?"

Stella froze. The man known for his biting sarcasm was... comforting her.

"Thank you."

Victor straddled the bike, impatiently honking. "Want to thank me? Come somewhere with me."

"Where?"

"You'll see."

She took a deep breath and secured the helmet. As the engine roared to life, her arms instinctively circled his waist.

Wind screamed past her ears.

The black beast weaved through traffic. Watching the blurring scenery, Stella's mind drifted back to that rainy night four years ago.

"Mount Rainier?" She stared at the winding mountain road.

Victor removed his helmet, his hair tousled by the alpine wind. "Feeling lucky?"

"Lucky how?"

"With your life," he smirked. "Playing savior for some random kid—Mother Teresa reincarnated?"

Her fingers trembled. "Joy told you?"

"Three drinks in, that idiot nearly disclosed your bra size." His eyes narrowed. "The Huos aren't worth destroying your future."

Mountain gusts whipped her hair.

"Celeste is different."

"How?" Victor sneered. "Her own mother balked at medical bills, yet you volunteer as cash cow?"

Tucking stray strands behind her ear, she whispered, "I can protect her."

"Protect yourself first!" Victor suddenly snapped. "Know what Adrian Roland is doing? Monopolizing Africa's gemstone trade!"

Her phone vibrated.

Stella stiffened. Only one person sent texts now.

"Hand it over." Victor snatched the device. "Package pickup code?"

Her shoulders slumped in relief.

"Important?" He raised an eyebrow.

Eyes reddening, she stared at the screen. "Extremely... important."

"More dead man's relics?" Victor clawed his hair in frustration. "Get on!"

The return ride was faster.

At the courier office, Stella's shaking hands accepted the international parcel. Customs labels swam before her eyes.

Victor frowned at the box. "Joy clearly said—"

Before he finished, Stella was already sprinting into the sunset with her treasure.