Chapter 274

Laughter echoed at the entrance of the Roland family estate.

Benjamin hurried forward, lowering his voice. "Young Master, your foreign friend and his wife have arrived. They're inside chatting with the old master."

"Friend?"

"A dark-skinned gentleman. He brought many local specialties to visit the old master."

Stella frowned slightly. Adrian had never mentioned such a friend.

In the living room, Edward Roland was engaged in lively conversation with a foreign man of deep complexion. Beside him sat an elegant Asian woman in a moon-white cheongsam that accentuated her graceful figure.

Adrian intertwined his fingers with Stella's. "Alexander."

The foreign man turned with a brilliant smile. "TING!"

His clumsy Mandarin drew a chuckle from Adrian, who smoothly switched to fluent English. "Learned Chinese already?"

Alexander sighed in relief, responding in English. "Too difficult. That's why I brought an interpreter." He winked at the woman in cheongsam.

Stella noticed Alexander's lingering gaze. Adrian subtly pulled her closer behind him.

"TING, this must be your new bride?" Alexander asked abruptly. "I missed last week's wedding. My congratulations are belated."

Stella's chest tightened. Last week should have been their wedding day.

Adrian's arm tightened around her waist, his voice steady. "This is my wife, STAR."

"What a beautiful name!" Alexander gushed, using over a dozen "very"s to describe their compatibility.

Adrian's lips curved slightly. "Took me forever to win her over."

"Worth it."

"Absolutely worth it."

Benjamin discreetly led the children to the playroom. Alexander watched their retreating figures thoughtfully.

Stella whispered, "Why does your friend keep staring at me?"

"Not a friend," Adrian cleared his throat. "Africa's largest gemstone supplier. He only does business with married entrepreneurs."

Stella's pupils contracted. "You're monopolizing the raw gem market?"

"Only way to guarantee profits."

"What about antitrust laws?"

"I'm just providing channels," Adrian said dismissively. "They can purchase as needed."

"At your inflated prices?" Stella's voice turned icy. "Including my company?"

Adrian blinked. This wasn't something he'd normally say.

"For you," he softened his tone, "I can offer cost price."

"Hey!" Alexander interrupted. "What are you newlyweds whispering about? I heard Chinese cuisine is amazing. Aren't you taking me to try some?"

Edward suddenly boomed in Mandarin, "Restaurants? Nothing beats home cooking!"

Benjamin looked uneasy. "But the chef took leave today..." His gaze shifted to Stella. "Though we do have an excellent cook right here."