Chapter 286

Stella Valentine's gaze lingered on Adrian Roland's face.

Those deep-set eyes churned with emotions she couldn't decipher.

Like a drowning man clutching his last piece of driftwood.

"No particular reason," she averted her eyes. "I'd help anyone in need, let alone the father of my children."

Adrian remained silent for a long moment before forcing a bitter smile. "You're still so kind."

"Can we change the subject?" Stella cut him off. "Is your arm really okay? Should we go to the hospital?"

His face was paler than paper, yet he stubbornly shook his head. "No need."

"Does it hurt?"

"I can bear it."

But his knuckles had turned white from gripping his left arm, his entire body trembling slightly.

"Let's focus on business," Adrian redirected through gritted teeth. "About that platinum bracelet order—I have some thoughts."

Stella's eyes brightened. "What thoughts?"

"Male clients usually customize rings or tie clips. Bracelets clearly target young women."

She frowned. "Why must they be young?"

"Market trends. Women over forty prefer bangles—gold, silver, or jade. Bracelets suit younger tastes. Platinum on a tight budget narrows it to ages fifteen to thirty."

Stella froze.

This was her first glimpse of Adrian's razor-sharp business acumen.

The once idealistic boy had transformed into a strategic entrepreneur.

While stumbling in love, he remained undefeated in the corporate arena.

"Don't look at me like that," he murmured.

Stella snapped back to reality, hurriedly opening her laptop. "Go on."

Clutching his arm, Adrian asked, "Any other client requirements besides budget?"

"None."

"That confirms it. The buyer is a young man—financially strained, likely just starting his career."

Stella gasped. "You deduced that too?"

"Little Star, you're a design genius, but business is war." He paused. "Negotiation hinges on reading your opponent."

The phrase sounded eerily familiar.

"We reverse-engineer the client's situation from his demands to strike precisely."

"Then?"

"Imagine buying Joy Fairsprene a bracelet with only ten thousand. How would you approach the designer?"

Stella instantly understood. "I'd emphasize details—like incorporating monkeys since she's born in the Year of..."

"Now picture Julian Valois after bankruptcy."

Her eyes widened. "Male clients prioritize price and material over design specifics!"

"Exactly." Approval flickered in his gaze. "This order likely came from a struggling man who shopped around before choosing Shi's Jewelry in urgent need of sales."

Layer by layer, the client profile crystallized.

"You dissect business deals like criminal investigations."

Adrian shook his head. "No one's ever said that. There's...no one left around me."

"What do you mean?"

"Parents gone. Lover departed. Children absent." His bitter smile returned. "Who do I have?"

The words stabbed Stella's heart.

"You still have your grandfather. Benjamin Langley." Her voice softened. "Some endure greater loneliness—like those forbidden sunlight. At least you had twenty years of warmth. He was born into darkness."

"You mean...Mr. Alistair?" Adrian's voice trembled.

"I—"

"I know he's the only one in your heart." His eyes dimmed. "I don't hope to replace him. Just one thing—"