Chapter 28

"Mom, don't talk too much." Stella Valentine gently pressed down her mother's trembling hand. "The doctor said you need rest."

She smoothed the pristine white sheets, her fingers leaving faint creases in the fabric.

Grace Laurent's pale lips curved into a tender smile. "Where have you been, my little star? The nurses were looking for you."

"I went to the bank to withdraw money for the medical bills." Stella sat by the bedside, clasping her mother's cool hand.

"Is there enough?" Grace asked anxiously. "You know the password to my card—"

"It's fine." Stella cut her off softly but firmly. "The Valentines may have fallen, but we can still afford hospital fees."

She lowered her lashes, hiding the bitterness in her eyes.

Her mother's card?

Already locked tight by Uncle Victor's family.

Everything under the Valentine name now belonged to the Lefèvres.

"Your uncle just forgets things sometimes..." Grace murmured.

"Mom, have some apple." Stella picked up the fruit knife. Sunlight glinted coldly off the blade.

Grace suddenly noticed Adrian Roland standing by the window. "Adrian is so thoughtful to visit despite his busy schedule. Stella, have you been giving him trouble again?"

Stella's hand stilled.

She lifted her gaze to Adrian. The man stood impeccably dressed by the window, sunlight gilding his silhouette but failing to warm those fathomless eyes.

"Not at all," she said quietly.

"Don't lie!" Grace chided. "After all Adrian has endured for you these years—"

Adrian spoke abruptly. "You flatter me."

Grace clasped their hands together. "That car accident... Our family owes yours. Adrian, if you hold any resentment, direct it at me—"

Adrian jerked his hand away.

The air froze.

"Mom," Stella broke the silence, "Adrian and I will handle our own matters."

Grace sighed. "Stubborn child..."

"Auntie," Lily Savigny interjected sweetly, "Actually, Ms. Valentine and Adrian have already—"

"Ms. Savigny!" Stella's voice turned sharp. "Would you mind fetching some hot water?"

Lily's face fell. She shot Adrian a wounded look.

The man gave a curt nod. "Go."

Once Lily left reluctantly, Stella stood. "Mom, Adrian and I need to talk privately."

Grace brightened. "Go on. Clear the air between you."

At the end of the hallway, in the stairwell.

Adrian shut the door behind them, his navy suit accentuating his broad shoulders. The blue-and-white striped tie was knotted perfectly—but not in the way she'd taught him.

"You learned to tie your own tie?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.

"Lily did it." His reply was matter-of-fact.

Stella's lips twisted.

How pathetic that she'd even asked.

"Where were you last night?" Adrian suddenly closed the distance between them.

His familiar cologne enveloped her. Stella instinctively stepped back. "None of your business."

"Staying out all night while claiming to be gravely ill?" His laugh was icy. "How many lies have you told, Stella?"

"Does it matter?" She met his gaze squarely. "In your eyes, I've always been a liar."

Adrian's jaw tightened, his expression darkening.

"Let's divorce." Her voice was steady. "We'll finalize it this afternoon."

The air turned leaden.

"You smell like another man." Adrian suddenly seized her wrist. "Couldn't wait to jump into someone else's bed before the ink dries?"

Stella struggled. "Let go!"

"Who is he?" His grip tightened. "Who are you throwing yourself at now?"

"Adrian!" She winced in pain. "We're discussing divorce. Stop changing the subject!"

"Isn't this what you've always wanted?" Her laugh was brittle. "Now that I'm agreeing, why are you losing it?"

Adrian's eyes darkened dangerously. "Finally showing your true colors."

"I have one condition." Stella drew a steadying breath.

His lips curled mockingly. "Name your price."

"Keep your Lily in check." She enunciated each word. "Don't let her near my mother again."