Chapter 275

Was he asking her to play along with this charade?

Stella Valentine sighed inwardly. She never expected even business negotiations required acting out marital bliss. Suddenly, she thought of Lily Savigny—five years of maintaining that facade in front of Adrian Roland. She could never match that level of perseverance.

She'd rather pull all-nighters sketching designs than live behind a mask.

Adrian's gaze burned into her. "Is this alright? I don't want to trouble you."

Alexander Heilbronn immediately picked up on the oddity. "TING, is this how you normally speak to your wife?"

Stella arched a brow. "You understand Chinese?"

"I have an interpreter!" Alexander chuckled, gesturing to the Asian woman beside him. "TING, I do prefer working with married men. But don't lie to me—are you and STAR really married?"

Adrian's smile stiffened. "Of course we are."

"Then why haven't you touched each other since arriving? Not even a whisper without keeping your distance? Body language never lies."

Alexander's scrutiny was razor-sharp.

Stella countered, "Why insist on working with married men?"

"Married men are more responsible."

"That's not necessarily true. Some cheat despite being married, while others remain devoted despite being single. Marital status doesn't define character."

Alexander crossed his arms, studying her. "STAR, you're right. But I need reliable partners. Marriage is the simplest filter—at least married men are emotionally stable."

Stella nodded. "Fair point."

"Your English is excellent."

"Thank you. I lived in the U.S. for three years."

"Just returned?"

"About a week ago. My accent's still decent."

Alexander suddenly grinned. "You returned a week ago, yet TING claims you married half a month ago. Either you've been together much longer, or—he was originally set to marry someone else."

Stella's pulse jumped.

She'd underestimated this seemingly casual foreign businessman. Every question was a trap.

Alexander pressed on. "Everyone knows TING is a workaholic with no time for romance. So, TING, did you hire an actress last-minute?"

Old Mr. Roland grew agitated. "Young man, Stella is my granddaughter-in-law. Why would we lie?"

The interpreter whispered to Alexander.

He locked eyes with Stella. "STAR, your eyes are as pure as starlight. I believe you wouldn't deceive me."

All eyes were on her now.

Including Adrian's.

Stella clasped her hands solemnly. "I am indeed a Roland. I swear it's the truth."

Old Mr. Roland beamed. Adrian's expression turned complicated. Alexander looked thoughtful.

Stella met their gazes without flinching.

Finally, Alexander smiled. "Good, I believe you. STAR, I hear Chinese cuisine is amazing—especially Mapo Tofu. Can you make it?"

"I can. What else would you like?"

The interpreter listed: "Spicy Blood Pudding, Chili Pepper with Century Egg, Stir-Fried Pork with Peppers."

Stella hesitated. "Can Alexander handle spicy food?"

The interpreter laughed. "Don't worry."

"Could we swap the Stir-Fried Pork with Peppers for Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple? My husband has a sensitive stomach—he can't handle spice."

The interpreter nodded approvingly, whispering to Alexander.

Approval flickered in his eyes.

A wife would naturally know her husband's dietary restrictions.

Stella sighed inwardly. This wasn't a business negotiation—it was an obstacle course.

"Then Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple it is. He's curious about that."

"Alright, I'll prepare dinner."

She practically fled to the kitchen, exhaling in relief. The cutthroat games of commerce weren't her forte.

The kitchen door creaked open softly.

The interpreter smiled gently. "Preparing dinner alone is too much work. Let me help."

Stella was about to decline when sudden realization struck—

This was likely another test.