Chapter 306

The answer was obvious.

Stella's silence spoke volumes.

Adrian's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "I always seem... to be one step behind."

"What do you mean?"

"I met you first. Married you first. But everything I should have done for you—Mr. Alistair did it before me." His voice was low. "People only remember the first."

Stella avoided his gaze, quickly moving to her desk. Her fingers tapped restlessly on the mouse. "Let's not talk about this."

"Fine." He placed the documents on the table. "Arrange for the children's return as soon as possible."

Her eyes landed on the flamboyant signature—Victor Lefèvre.

"How did you manage this?" She looked up sharply.

"It doesn't matter." He tapped the agreement lightly. "Just focus on preparing for the surgery."

"Did you threaten him? Or—"

"Stella," he interrupted, "take care of yourself."

Her hands trembled as she locked the papers in the drawer.

"The diamond bracelet project—"

"It's already in production." A thought suddenly struck her. "Thank you for the hint."

A flicker of amusement crossed his eyes. "You're smarter than I thought."

With the weight lifted from her chest, she relaxed for once. "You were right. Male clients prioritize cost-effectiveness. When I asked what flowers girls like, he immediately suggested jasmine designs."

"Using smaller diamonds cuts costs while keeping the sentiment."

"You understand consumer psychology well."

"Business is mind-reading." His gaze softened. "Just like your StarWhisper."

Her smile faltered. "That's all in the past."

"Little Star," he asked suddenly, "did you and Mr. Alistair... design anything together?"

"...A brooch."

"The design?"

"Weeping crabapple."

"And now?"

"Put away."

The light in his eyes dimmed. "Like StarWhisper?"

"..."

"I should go." She looked away.

"Kicking me out?"

"You have work at the company."

With a wry smile, he turned. His retreating figure radiated exhaustion.

Stella massaged her temples.

The pain had come from him. So had the tenderness.

This agreement must have cost him immense effort, yet she'd rushed him out.

How ironic.

Right and wrong between them had long blurred.

For the children. For Grandpa Edward.

This was how it had to be.

......

In the parking lot, two men in police uniforms whispered.

"That was quick. I expected some office passion."

"Bet he got his hands all over her under that suit."

"Is she stupid? Ditching a rich, handsome CEO for some faceless loser?"

"Heard they hooked up years ago. Met at the golf club."

"Two kids and still cheating? Adrian's got a solid green hat."

"Maybe he's bad in bed? That's what really matters for a man."

"No wonder it was fast—can't last!"

"Mr. Rubenstein wanted info, but her lips are sealed."

"Don't push it. Adrian Roland isn't someone to mess with."

They hastily stripped off the uniforms and tossed them into the trunk.

The car roared to life and sped away.