Chapter 301

Stella's eyes flickered with understanding.

She instantly grasped Adrian's concern.

The business world was a battlefield. If William Rubenstein discovered their deal with Alexander Heilbronn, he would sabotage it. All their carefully laid plans would crumble.

"Signing the contract first is wise," she murmured.

Adrian shook his head.

"You think that's what worries me?"

"Isn't it?"

His long fingers brushed through her hair as he spoke in a low voice, "What I fear is William discovering my weakness."

Stella's heart skipped a beat.

"I've made too many enemies over the years." Adrian's gaze darkened. "If they learn about you, they'll use you against me."

His fingertips felt cold against her skin.

"I can give up money and jewels, but William..." He paused. "He has no moral boundaries."

A chill ran down Stella's spine.

"How many people have you crossed?" Her voice tightened.

"Too many to count." His lips curled into a bitter smile. "In business, it's kill or be killed."

She suddenly gripped his arm.

"You weren't like this before!" Her voice trembled. "You used to believe in mutual success—"

"That was then." His eyes turned sharp as blades. "Now I want the summit."

"Why?"

"Because only at the top can I protect those who matter."

Stella's breath caught.

She remembered the gentle Adrian from years past.

"Did Lily change you?"

"Does she deserve that credit?" He scoffed.

The ringing phone shattered the tension.

Adrian glanced at the caller ID and frowned.

"Uncle Xavier."

He moved to the window, lowering his voice deliberately.

"I'm out."

Mr. Atlante's probing voice came through. "Alone?"

"Yes."

"Grant said you skipped the office today." A pause. "Don't tell me you're with that woman."

Adrian's expression hardened.

"I had a therapy session."

"How did it go?"

"Improving."

After hanging up, his eyes darkened further.

How did Xavier know about Victor Lefèvre?

Turning back, he found Stella staring at his phone.

"What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Nothing."

But her fingertips trembled slightly.

A sudden realization made Adrian's gaze turn razor-sharp.

"Stella, there's something I've never understood."

"What?"

"My parents' car accident..." His voice turned icy. "Lily couldn't have orchestrated it alone."

Stella's pupils contracted.

"You mean—"

"There's someone else behind it." He stared at his phone. "And they might be closer than we think."