Chapter 283

"When did this happen?"

"At the TV station today, while you were talking to Dr. Charles." Adrian's voice was tense. "I avoided the kids and smoked in the restroom. I even walked around outside to air out the smell."

Stella frowned slightly. "How much did you smoke?"

"I lost count. About half a pack."

"Don't do this again."

"Alright. I won't."

"This isn't for me or the kids. It's for you. Do you know how terrifying lung cancer is?"

"But you didn't get sick because of smoking..."

"No, I didn't." Stella smiled bitterly. "During those five years alone, I barely even encountered secondhand smoke."

Adrian's voice lowered. "Do you still feel unwell sometimes?"

"It's manageable. If not for the scar, I might have forgotten about it."

"Don't skip your regular check-ups."

"We'll see. There's too much going on right now." Stella changed the subject. "You should rest. Grandpa still needs you."

"Is Shi's Jewelry in trouble?"

"Yes. There's a difficult client."

"Let me take a look?"

Stella hesitated, eyeing him. "Your hand..."

"It's much better." Adrian's gaze burned intensely. "Stella, let me help you. Please."

She noticed the cold sweat on his forehead, his right hand gripping his left arm so tightly his knuckles turned white.

With a sigh, Stella fetched a warm towel from the bathroom and pressed it against his arm. "This should help. Let me know when it cools down."

A glimmer of moisture flashed in his eyes. "Okay."

She brought over her laptop. "The client wants a platinum and diamond bracelet, but their budget is only ten thousand."

Adrian frowned. "That doesn't even cover the cost."

"We've proposed over twenty designs, but they all exceed the budget."

He studied the designs carefully. "None of these will work. We can't operate at a loss."

"But Shi's Jewelry needs clients right now."

Remembering Victor's previous outburst, Adrian clenched his jaw. "I'll go see him tomorrow."

"I'm coming too." Stella said. "Someone told me Victor is a match for Celeste."

"Did Dr. Charles mention it?"

"That's not important. If he can save Celeste, you won't have to worry anymore."

Adrian smiled bitterly. "Stella, I don't mind the trouble."

"But I do." Her tone was firm. "Let's keep things as they are. I'll handle Celeste's situation myself."

"She's not even related to you..."

"Because of Mr. Alistair." She cut him off. "I have to save her."

"What does she have to do with him?"

"Stop asking!" Stella's voice rose sharply. "If he wants money, I'll give him money. If he wants the company, he can have it. If he wants me to kneel, I'll kneel! As long as he saves Celeste!"

Adrian suddenly curled up in pain, letting out a muffled groan.

Stella rushed to his side in alarm. "What's wrong? Is it— Ah!"

The world spun as he pinned her beneath him. His eyes were bloodshot, his breathing ragged, his entire body burning hot.

"Let me go!" She struggled desperately. "You lied to me!"

"Stella..." He rolled away with difficulty. "The pear soup... was tainted... Get out of here..."

"You—"

"Lock the door..." He collapsed onto the floor, gritting his teeth. "Go! Unless you plan to stay..."