Chapter 285

Stella Valentine's legs had gone numb from standing outside the bathroom door.

The sound of running water finally stopped.

When the door opened, she saw Adrian Roland leaning against the wall, his face frighteningly pale.

His left arm hung limply at his side while his right hand gripped his upper arm so tightly his knuckles turned white.

"Why are you still here?" His voice was hoarse.

Stella turned her face away and handed him a towel. "Put this on first."

Only then did Adrian realize his current state.

He gave a bitter smile. "With one hand, I can't—"

"I know," Stella interrupted. "Come here."

She closed her eyes as his heavy footsteps drew nearer.

A chill washed over her.

"You took a cold shower?" She frowned. "With your arm like this—"

"Needed to cool down." His voice was quiet.

Understanding dawned on Stella, her ears burning.

She fumbled to unfold the towel. "Is this height okay?"

"A little higher."

She rose onto her toes, her fingers accidentally brushing against his icy skin.

The faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air as Adrian instinctively lowered his head.

"Done." Stella stepped back quickly, nearly tripping over her own feet.

She peeked through barely opened eyes to ensure the towel was securely fastened.

"Thank you." His voice was uncharacteristically gentle.

Stella felt her cheeks grow warm.

Old Benjamin was right—this version of Adrian was indeed a gentleman.

"Why did you come back?" He sat on the edge of the bed, deliberately maintaining distance.

"I was afraid something might happen to you."

Adrian's eyes brightened. "You were worried about me?"

Stella didn't answer.

"Little Star," he said with quiet amusement, "you still care about me, don't you? Even after how I treated you earlier, you still came back."

Her fingers tightened around the hem of her shirt.

Logic told her she shouldn't interfere.

But he was Mr. Alistair's own brother.

No one in this world was closer to Mr. Alistair than him.