Chapter 271

The atmosphere at the recording studio grew subtly tense.

Dr. Charles Melford's slender fingers pressed the button to keep his light on. The moment it illuminated, the audience erupted in murmurs.

Stella Valentine stood frozen, her lashes fluttering faintly. She hadn't expected this choice from the doctor she'd only met once.

A ripple of movement passed through the darkened audience. Adrian Roland's imposing figure became barely visible as he uncrossed his long legs and leaned forward, his gaze burning toward the stage.

"Miss Valentine." Dr. Melford's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. "This is for you."

He opened his palm to reveal an exquisite Weeping Crabapple brooch. The silver petals still held the warmth of stage lights, glinting softly.

Stella's fingers instinctively brushed her empty collar before she realized it was missing. She carefully accepted the brooch, her fingertips accidentally grazing Dr. Melford's palm.

The contact sent a tremor through her.

Mr. Alistair's hands had felt like this too—knuckled and calloused. But his calluses were at the base of his fingers, while the doctor's were at the tips.

"This is..."

"A wedding gift." Stella's voice was barely audible. "I designed it myself."

Understanding flickered in Dr. Melford's eyes. "A very special Weeping Crabapple."

"The pendant variety," she explained without thinking. "They covered the trees on my wedding day."

"That sounds like a beautiful memory."

"Yes..."

Ahem!

Adrian had appeared behind them, his expression stormy. He seized Stella's wrist. "We're leaving."

Dr. Melford stepped forward. "Miss Valentine, would you like to have coffee tomorrow?"

"She's busy," Adrian cut in coldly.

"Mr. Roland," the doctor replied evenly, "divorced women have the right to pursue happiness too."

"Do you even know who she is?"

"A woman who deserves kindness."

Victor Valence materialized from nowhere, whistling. "Bravo! Never thought I'd see the day Adrian Roland gets schooled."

Adrian's glare could have sliced steel. "This doesn't concern you."

"Doesn't it?" Victor grinned, sidling up to Stella. "Who's it gonna be, Stella?"

Her gaze drifted past them, landing on two small figures nearby. Ethan clutched his sister's hand while Luna stood on tiptoes, watching anxiously.

She sighed. "The children are waiting."

Adrian seized the opening, pulling her close. "The black motorcycle? I'll have it delivered tomorrow."

"I don't need—"

"Watch your step." Dr. Melford's gentle warning sounded like it came from an old friend.

Stella froze mid-step.

That voice... It was too familiar. So much so that for a fleeting moment, she was back beneath that shower of falling crabapple blossoms.

Adrian's arm tightened around her. "You like black?"

She blinked up at him, dazed. "What?"