Chapter 261

"I'm not leaving."

"Besides the matter with the child, I'll also help you handle your father's company."

Stella Valentine chuckled softly. "Mr. Atlante, the more you rush to send me away, the more certain I am that Mr. Alistair is still alive."

"Are you trying to trick me into revealing something?"

"Takes one to know one."

Mr. Xavier Atlante's voice dropped abruptly. "Miss Valentine, making an enemy of me isn't wise."

"I never intended to be your enemy," Stella replied calmly. "You want an heir who's completely focused, so you tore us apart—even lied about his death. When I heard the news in Europe, I suspected it immediately. Did you hide him away? I'd rather believe that."

Silence stretched on the other end.

"I love him. I want him to be happy. If choosing me comes at too high a cost, I'll walk away on my own." Stella paused. "Mr. Atlante, a woman isn't necessarily an obstacle to success. As long as he's alive and well, it doesn't matter if I'm in his life or not."

"More mind games?"

"This time, it's the truth." Her voice trembled slightly. "I just want to know if he's safe. Answer that one question, and I'll give up immediately."

"..."

"You used Celeste's life to threaten me. I can't fight back. With your resources, hiding someone is child's play."

Stella took a deep breath. "To be honest, I came back for two reasons: to find a liver donor for Celeste and to save the company. If Mr. Alistair is in Houston, his skills would eventually lead me to him—unless you never let him surface again."

"Miss Valentine," Mr. Atlante's voice turned icy, "your words are truly repulsive."

"Negotiations require showing your hand. That's what he taught me."

"What else did he teach you?"

"He also said to demand repayment for every injustice suffered."

The sound of walnuts rolling echoed through the line as Mr. Atlante seemed to weigh his options.

"Uncle Xavier." Grant Rubenstein's voice suddenly cut in. "The Lu'an Melon Seed Tea just arrived."

"Get out."

Footsteps faded, followed by the click of a door closing.

"Miss Valentine."

"I'm listening."

"My greatest regret is not bringing him back sooner." Mr. Atlante sighed. "One of him was headache enough. Now there's you."

Stella laughed softly. "The fact that you can spar with me for this long proves you're in excellent health. You'll live a long life."

"Is that a blessing?"

"Of course."

"Aren't you hoping I'd die sooner so you can reunite with him?"

Stella was silent for a moment. "If he's alive but hasn't come looking for me, there are only two possibilities: either he's still recovering from severe injuries—which wouldn't stop me from returning—or... he simply doesn't want to see me."

Mr. Atlante burst into laughter. "Miss Valentine, you should've been a detective."

"Everyone has their own fate." Her voice remained steady. "If he truly doesn't wish to see me, what are you afraid of? Why not just tell me?"

"You're right." His tone suddenly lightened. "Fine. Yes, he's alive."

Stella's breath caught.

"Not just alive—he's thriving."

"Then he—"

"That's enough." Mr. Atlante cut her off. "Don't push your luck."

A realization struck Stella. "Was it because of that letter? Did he see what I wrote and then—"

"I said I won't say more." His voice turned cold again. "My connections far exceed your imagination. Deal with Shi's Jewelry first. I'll contact you when there's news about the liver donor. Don't test my limits."

The call ended abruptly.

Stella clutched her phone, a sharp pain piercing her chest.

"Ms. Valentine?" An assistant's voice came from outside the door. "A Ms. Fairsprene is here to see you."

"Let her in."

Before the words fully left her mouth, Joy Fairsprene had already pushed the door open. "I told them I'm your best friend! Stella!"

Stella forced a smile and stepped forward to greet her.

"Got any food? I'm starving!" Joy rubbed her stomach dramatically.

Stella gestured for the assistant to prepare something, then pulled a milk candy from her pocket.

"You keep candy in your suit jacket?" Joy's eyes widened.

"Open."

Joy obediently accepted the candy, mumbling around it, "You're the best."

"Fighting with Julian again?"

"He wants me dressed like a snowman!" She pouted. "It's December, so what? The sun's blazing..."

"Joy," Stella interrupted softly, "cherish the present."

Joy's voice quieted. "I know..."

"Right now, I'd give anything just to hear Mr. Alistair nag at me again..."

"Oh!" Joy suddenly clapped her hands. "That's why I'm here! Our station just launched a new dating show—all the male contestants are tall, rich, and handsome. Wanna give it a shot?"