Chapter 30

Adrian Roland stood by the window at the end of the hospital corridor and dialed Vincent Astor's number.

"Mr. Roland," Vincent's voice came through the receiver.

"Any progress?"

"The DNA sample from the young master can't be retrieved. The hospital's sterilization was too thorough. To confirm paternity, we'd have to go to Switzerland."

Adrian's fingers tapped absently against the windowsill. The way the child had looked at him when calling him "Daddy" had inexplicably softened his heart.

"Mr. Roland, I found the boy's admission records. His appearance..."

"Go on."

"Bears a seventy percent resemblance to yours."

Silence stretched between them.

"Should we continue the DNA investigation?"

"No need." Adrian's voice was low. "Find a way to bring him back from Switzerland."

"Understood."

"Also, dig into Hugo Merovingian's relationship with Stella Valentine."

Hanging up, Adrian remained by the window, lost in thought. His tie suddenly felt suffocating. He tugged at it impatiently but couldn't loosen the knot.

"Let me help." Lily Savigny reached out.

"No." He sidestepped her, realizing only then that the tie hadn't been tied by Stella today.

Lily's eyes reddened. "This was your birthday gift from me."

Adrian paused. "Apologies. Work has been overwhelming lately."

"You act strangely every time you see Stella." Lily studied him intently. "Adrian, what's wrong with you?"

"Company matters."

"You never lied to me before."

Adrian slammed on the brakes. "Lily, you're being overly sensitive."

"It's you who's changed!" Her voice trembled. "Ever since Stella returned, you've—"

"Enough." He restarted the car. "I'll take you home first."

Lily clenched her purse strap. "You promised to spend time with me."

"Luna needs me." Adrian kept his eyes on the road. "And don't visit the hospital again."

"Why not?"

"Mrs. Laurent requires peace and quiet."

Lily bit her lip. She knew better than anyone what emotions lay hidden in Adrian's gaze when he looked at Stella.

——

In the private ward, Stella gently adjusted the blanket over Grace Laurent.

"Miss Valentine," a nurse whispered, "the stem cell transplant fees for the children remain unpaid."

At the payment counter, Stella stared at the bill, her fingers turning cold. When she swiped her card, the POS machine printed the receipt with perfect timing.

The exact amount.

She smiled bitterly. That man had calculated even this down to the cent.

9 PM, Room 1231 at Houston Grand Hotel.

"The door's unlocked." A deep voice sounded from inside.

The room was pitch black. Stella groped forward until warm hands enveloped hers.

The scent of eau de cologne lingered as the man guided her to the sofa.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Water is fine."

A chilled bottle was pressed into her palm. "Thank you," she murmured. "I'll repay the surgery fees as soon as possible."

"Unnecessary." He sat beside her. "This is a transaction."

"Will you stay tonight as well?"

"Mmm."

The man sighed suddenly. "Pity. There are no stars tonight."

"What?"

"Happy birthday, Stella Valentine."