Chapter 267

The elevator doors slid shut, cutting off the janitor's chatter.

Stella Valentine studied her reflection in the metal surface. Fine lines now framed her eyes.

Three years had erased every trace of him.

Only Mr. Xavier Atlante remained who could still speak of Mr. Alistair.

Ding—

The elevator stopped at the 12th floor.

At the end of the familiar hallway, Room 1231 waited in silence.

She'd walked this path too many times—first with trembling fear, then with hopeful anticipation, and now...

Mr. Alistair, if you're alive, why did you stop renting this room?

Did you truly... abandon me?

"What are you doing here?"

A voice in the darkness made her jump.

"Charlie?" She whirled around. "Is Mr. Alistair here? Where is he? Room 1231 or—"

"Mr. Alistair is dead." Charlie Macmillan's tone was icy.

"He's not!" She grabbed his sleeve. "You know where he is. Take me to him—"

"Let go!" Charlie shoved her away.

Her back hit the wall. Pain blurred her vision as tears spilled uncontrollably.

Charlie turned his face away. "Leave. Don't come back."

"Why?"

"You dare ask?" His jaw clenched. "He gave up everything for you, and you ran when he needed you most! What did he owe you in a past life to deserve this torment?"

"Torment?" She froze.

Charlie's expression darkened. "Just get out of Houston. The money he left will last your lifetime."

"Then why are you here?"

"Can't I mourn him?"

Stella wiped her tears. "Charlie, I know you hate me. But it was an emergency—I had to choose. Mr. Xavier slipped up. Mr. Alistair might be... alive."

Charlie's pupils contracted. "Mr. Xavier told you?"

"I tricked it out of him." She watched Charlie's reaction closely. "It's true, isn't it? Mr. Xavier hid him away."

Charlie sneered. "Trying to manipulate me again? I never should've helped you two. Mr. Xavier was right—women are stumbling blocks. And you... almost got him killed."

Again with "torment."

Stella frowned. She'd only known Mr. Alistair a few months. What "torment"?

Unless... he'd sacrificed for her before they even met.

"Charlie, please. You wouldn't be here without reason. He's... here, isn't he?"

After a pause, Charlie said, "Miss Valentine, if you have any conscience left, disappear. He's doing well without you."

"...Well?"

"Exceptionally well."

"That's good." Suddenly she smiled. "As long as he's happy. Did Mr. Xavier give him my letter? Is that why he's upset and won't contact me?"

"What letter?"

"You don't know?"

Charlie looked away. "...None of it matters. He doesn't want to see you. That's all."

"Did his arm heal? The car accident was so severe, he lost so much blood—"

"Stop fishing for information!" Charlie snapped. "I'll die before letting you near him this time!"

He stormed into the elevator.

Stella stood frozen, tears obscuring her sight.

Mr. Alistair was alive.

He truly... was alive.

Covering her mouth, she laughed through her tears.

Nothing else mattered.

"Mommy?"

Ethan Valentine peered at her from down the hall, head tilted.

"Mommy, what are you doing here? Daddy sent me to get you!"

She hastily dried her eyes and took his small hand. "Why didn't Daddy come himself?"

"He's shy!" Ethan blinked. "Mommy, can we get my Iron Man figures this weekend? Daddy bought all the limited editions!"

"Of course." She softened her voice. "What else has Daddy bought you?"

"Hmm..." Ethan concentrated. "Daddy said when we move abroad, he'll get me more Iron Man stuff..."

Her heart ached. She should've talked to him more that night.

"Ethan likes Iron Man? Daddy will buy them tomorrow."

The door to Room 1231 stood open.

Adrian Roland stood in the doorway holding Luna Roland, his gaze tender as it met hers.