Chapter 312

Mr. Alistair is alive?

Adrian Roland's pupils constricted violently. The teacup in his hand nearly slipped from his grasp.

He had never considered this possibility.

That man was supposed to be... How could this be?

"Grant Rubenstein, you'd better explain yourself." Adrian's voice was icy. "This isn't something to joke about."

Grant leisurely adjusted his cuffs, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Why so agitated, Mr. Roland? Could it be... you're afraid?"

"I have nothing to fear." Adrian forced himself to remain composed. "I just won't tolerate your nonsense."

"Nonsense?" Grant suddenly laughed. "Mr. Roland, don't tell me you actually believed you could permanently take Mr. Alistair's place?"

Adrian's knuckles turned white.

He had thought about it.

When he first heard of Mr. Alistair's death, he had even felt a secret flicker of relief.

"If he's alive, why hasn't he come to see Stella?" Adrian's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.

Grant gave him a meaningful look. "You really don't remember?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing." Grant shrugged. "Just amusing that you'd ask such a question."

Adrian shot to his feet, the chair screeching against the floor.

"Speak plainly!"

Grant took a leisurely sip of tea. "Calm down. You'll reopen your wounds. Uncle Xavier would be upset if he saw."

Adrian inhaled sharply and forced himself back into his seat.

"What are you trying to say?"

"It's simple." Grant set down his cup. "Mr. Alistair could return at any moment. And you... should prepare yourself."

"Where is he?"

"That..." Grant's smile turned cryptic. "You'll know when you remember who you really are."

A vein throbbed at Adrian's temple.

He sensed hidden meaning in Grant's words but couldn't grasp the key.

"What are you two discussing so intensely?"

Uncle Xavier's voice suddenly came from the doorway, cutting through the tension.

"Nothing important, Uncle." Grant immediately adopted a respectful tone. "Mr. Roland was just asking about the natural gas situation."

"Oh?" Uncle Xavier wheeled himself inside. "Is it fixed?"

Adrian forced a smile. "Yes, everything's resolved."

"I knew I could count on you." Uncle Xavier nodded approvingly. "Grant, you should learn from Adrian."

Grant's smile stiffened. "Of course, Uncle. You're right."

"Come, let's finish our meal." Uncle Xavier gestured to the table. "This pilot fish was quite a challenge to catch."

Adrian mechanically picked up his chopsticks, the food tasteless in his mouth.

The revelation about Mr. Alistair's survival echoed relentlessly in his mind.

If this was true...

Did Stella know?

"Adrian?" Uncle Xavier asked with concern. "Not hungry? Does the food not suit you?"

"No, it's delicious." Adrian forced himself to take a bite of fish.

"Good." Uncle Xavier smiled warmly. "By the way, how are negotiations with Alexander going?"

"Almost finalized. Just waiting to sign the—"

Grant abruptly stood. "I'm finished."

"You've barely eaten." Uncle Xavier frowned.

"Lost my appetite." Grant said coldly before grabbing his cane and leaving the dining room.

Uncle Xavier sighed. "That boy's temper grows stranger by the day."

Adrian responded absently, his gaze following Grant's retreating figure.

He needed to uncover the truth.

No matter the cost.

Outside on the beach, Grant lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

"Mr. Rubenstein." A servant approached quietly. "Everything went as you instructed."

"Hmm." Grant exhaled a smoke ring. "What was Adrian's reaction?"

"Shocked. He kept asking about Mr. Alistair."

Grant smirked. "Of course he was shocked. After all..."

"After all what?"

"Nothing." Grant stubbed out the cigarette. "Tell me, what expression do you think Adrian will have when he realizes he is Mr. Alistair?"

The servant gasped. "That's..."

"Even more interesting," Grant narrowed his eyes, "if he ever learns the truth about that car accident..."

The ocean wind howled, scattering his unfinished words into the night.