Chapter 29

Adrian Roland's brows furrowed. "Lily has a pure heart."

"Pure?"

"She suggested visiting your mother today. Otherwise, why would I come?" His lips curled into a sneer. "For you?"

Though she had resolved to sever all ties, his words still pierced her heart like needles.

"Adrian, you always know how to hurt me the most."

His gaze flickered briefly before turning icy again. "You lied to me first."

"I didn't!"

"Then explain the car accident. Explain how your uncle seized Roland Group. And you just ran away?!"

"You hated me back then. I was pregnant and afraid you wouldn't accept the baby, so I went to the U.S. to give birth. I planned to return once you cooled down..."

Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression unreadable. "So the boy from the last surgery... is also mine?"

Stella Valentine nodded softly. "Yes."

"..."

"Ethan has sepsis and needs a stem cell transplant. I forced you into divorce so I could conceive another child for the match."

"..."

"Adrian, I never lied to you. Not once."

The air froze.

At the name "Ethan," Adrian stiffened.

Sun, Moon, Star—their childhood promise. Their son was named Felix, their daughter Luna.

And she called him Ethan.

"Stella," he closed his eyes briefly, inhaling deeply, "where is Ethan now?"

"The U.S."

His frown deepened. "With that man Hugo?"

"...Mr. Merovingian is my friend. Show some respect."

Adrian scoffed. "Was he who you met last night?"

"No." Stella suppressed her frustration. "I've told you the truth. Believe it or not. After the divorce tomorrow, I'll find a way to return Roland Group to you."

His expression softened slightly, his gaze holding something almost like... pity?

Stella smiled bitterly. Was her eyesight failing from the cancer? For a moment, she thought she saw warmth in his eyes.

But when she looked again, it was gone.

Even if Ethan stirred some compassion in him, two lives still stood between them.

And Lily Savigny was already by his side.

They... could never go back.

But perhaps it was for the best. With little time left, she only wanted to secure her mother's future and return Roland Group. Then she could die in peace.

"My condition is this: don’t let my mother know about the divorce. Her health can’t take the shock. And Lily—" Stella's voice turned cold. "I don’t know why she insisted on coming today, but she’s not welcome here again."

"How long can we hide it?"

"As long as possible." Her tone was flat. "Also, since you took Luna, keep your Lily in check. If anything happens to my daughter, I’ll haunt you both."

Adrian finally reacted. "Lily isn’t like that."

"Time will tell. I’m just warning you—don’t let Luna get hurt."

"She’s my daughter too!" Adrian growled. "I’m her father. I’ll protect her!"

Stella laughed bitterly. "Adrian, did you know? You once promised to protect me too."

"..."

"You swore to shield me for life, to never let anyone hurt me. Yet look at the hell I’ve lived through these years. Every ounce of suffering in my twenty-six years came from you."

"...That was different."

"How? Because I conspired with my uncle to kill your parents and steal Roland Group?"

"Wasn’t that enough?"

Stella smiled faintly. "What if I told you the accident was actually—"

The door creaked open.

Lily entered, holding a coffee cup. "There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere. Adrian, try the coffee I made?"

He took a sip. "Blue Mountain?"

"Your favorite. I brought ground beans, though it’s not as good as brewed. I’ll make you a proper cup at home."

Adrian nodded. "Alright."

"Oh, Ms. Valentine is here too." Lily feigned surprise. "How careless of me—I didn’t bring you a cup..."

Here we go again.

Stella cut her off. "No need. I don’t drink hot beverages."

"Why not?"

Stella smirked. "You know exactly why."

Her lung cancer—Lily was well aware. Hot drinks irritated her trachea, triggering violent coughing fits until she spat blood.

Thankfully, painkillers kept the symptoms at bay around Lily.

She’d never show weakness in front of this woman.

Adrian asked Lily, "Did you get the hot water?"

Lily nodded. "Yes. Oh, you left your phone in the ward. I brought it."

He pocketed the phone.

"Adrian."

"Hmm?"

"You got a call earlier. I answered it for you."

"Who was it?"

"Vincent Astor."

Adrian’s expression shifted. "What did he say?"

Lily pouted playfully. "He wouldn’t tell me. Said it was confidential and had to speak to you directly."

He patted her hand. "I’ll call him back. Business first."

"Of course. I’ll keep Ms. Valentine company."

"Mm."

As Adrian left, the dim stairwell held only the two women.

The masks came off instantly.

Lily’s face darkened. "What did you tell him?"

"Everything," Stella said lightly. "Including what you fear most."

Lily hissed, "He’ll never believe you!"

"Not now. But as long as I live, I’ll find proof and lay your crimes bare before him."

Lily’s eyes turned venomous. "Stella, I should’ve pushed you down the stairs with Martha!"

"Too late. If I die mysteriously now, you’re the prime suspect. Don’t worry—I’ve left a letter with someone trustworthy. If anything happens to me, it points straight to you."

"Stella! Don’t push me! Your mother’s still in the hospital. If you dare speak out of turn, I’ll make sure she—"

Slap!

The blow sent Lily staggering back.

She clutched her cheek, stunned. "You—"

Stella advanced. "Going to tattle? Go ahead. Adrian’s right outside. Let’s settle the truth about the accident once and for all."