Chapter 279

The air in the dining room was suffocatingly tense.

The bruise on Stella Valentine's forehead stood out starkly. Adrian Roland's brows were furrowed deeply, and Edward Roland looked ashen.

Alexander Heilbronn rose at the perfect moment. "TING, the deal is settled. We'll sign next week."

"Good." Adrian forced a smile.

As they shook hands, Alexander suddenly lowered his voice. "STAR looks familiar. Have we met before?"

"Did you see her in Milan?"

"No, I've never been to Italy."

Adrian replied coolly, "She studied jewelry design there."

Alexander's eyes widened. "'Stellar Whispers' collection! She's the genius designer?"

"Yes."

"My God! If I'd known it was her, this deal would've been done ages ago!" Alexander turned excitedly to Bianca Cardenas. "Darling, we've struck gold!"

Bianca took the hint, linking arms with her husband. "Adrian, go take care of Stella. We'll see ourselves out."

As they left, Adrian heard his grandfather mutter, "Stella's sweet and sour ribs were delicious..."

In the guest room, Stella had just dried her tears.

Her phone vibrated.

"Miss Valentine, congratulations on your new lover." The hoarse voice made her spine stiffen instantly.

"Mr. Xavier?"

"Dr. Melford seems nice. You two make a good pair." A cold laugh came through the line. "Time to fulfill your promise—we found a match."

Stella shot to her feet. "Who?"

"Patience," Mr. Xavier drawled. "Whether they're willing to donate depends on your skills."

"Conditions?"

"Negotiate that yourself." He paused meaningfully. "I've sent the address. Remember our agreement."

Stella suddenly asked, "Are you so afraid of Mr. Alistair seeing me because of that letter?"

Dead silence.

"He's in Houston right now, isn't he?" Her grip tightened on the phone. "That forced breakup letter you made me write was the real knife."

"Silence!" Mr. Xavier roared. "You'll never see him again!"

A knock interrupted them.

Adrian's voice came through the door. "Stella?"

Mr. Xavier's tone turned dangerous. "You lied to me? You're together?"

"I just brought the kids to visit Edward." Stella kept her voice steady. "All I care about is Celeste's donor."

"Remember, I made him 'die' once. I can do it again." The threat was icy. "Including those two children of yours."

The call ended just as a text notification chimed.

Stella stared at the name on the screen, pupils contracting—Victor Lefèvre?!

How could it be him?!

"Stella?" The voice outside grew urgent.

She opened the door to Adrian's worried gaze. He bent to examine her forehead. "Let's go to the hospital."

"No need." She instinctively pulled away, her temple throbbing.

If it really was Victor...

Just days ago, he'd threatened to jump off a building. Now he was supposed to donate part of his liver?

As she wrestled with the thought, a warm hand gently touched her injury.

Adrian's fingertips carried an electrifying warmth as they lightly soothed the bruised skin.