Chapter 325

Dawn light filtered through the curtains as Stella Valentine awoke from her dreams.

The space beside her was empty, leaving only a faint trace of sandalwood cologne. Her fingers brushed over the cold sheets before curling slightly.

A gift box at the foot of the bed gleamed softly in the morning light. The embossed card bore familiar handwriting: "Wear this today."

A lavender floral sundress cascaded like water, paired with silver stilettoes adorned with diamond dust. A platinum jewelry set rested in a velvet case, its gems scattering prismatic sparks under the sunlight.

But what surprised her most was the matching hair ribbon.

She wove it into her raven-black tresses, tying it into a bow at the back. The remaining ends trailed over her shoulders, swaying with each breeze.

"Oh my God!" Joy Fairsprene's gasp echoed at the villa's entrance. "Stella, you look absolutely divine today!"

Julian Valois adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, admiration flashing in his eyes. "That ensemble suits you exceptionally well, Ms. Valentine."

"Right?" Joy hooked her arm through Stella's. "This outfit was made for you!"

Stella glanced down at the dress. "It's the new Chanel collection."

"Yet you make it look one-of-a-kind!" Joy suddenly lowered her voice. "Seriously, did Adrian pick this out?"

Julian chuckled. "Who else could match Ms. Valentine's preferences so perfectly?"

Joy pouted. "Not necessarily. Mr. Alistair also—"

Stella gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

The air stilled.

Julian studied Stella with quiet intensity. "Do you believe in fate, Ms. Valentine? That every encounter is predestined?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Some truths reveal themselves when the time is right."

Joy rolled her eyes. "I hate cryptic talk!"

Julian sighed. "Certain discoveries hold more meaning when made independently."

Stella tightened her grip on the clutch. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Is Mr. Alistair..." Her voice barely carried. "Is he doing alright?"

Julian's gaze flickered behind his lenses. "He wasn't in good spirits when we last met."

"And now?"

"Ms. Valentine," Julian exhaled, "he never stopped loving you. His absence has reasons."

Joy cut in sharply. "Enough! You're just covering for Adrian! Stella, don't listen—"

"Relationships are private matters," Julian interjected.

"Not this time!" Joy shielded Stella. "I'm vetting everything now!"

"Joy..." Stella began, only for old Mr. Roland's laughter to ring out behind them.

"This girl's got fire!" The patriarch leaned on Benjamin Langley's arm, eyes twinkling. "Julian, you've got your hands full!"

Julian stepped forward to assist him, wry. "Perhaps I owed her in a past life."

Mr. Roland patted his hand. "Youth should be lively. Speaking of—where's that grandson of mine?"

Benjamin gestured toward the entrance. "The young master has arrived."

Sunlight framed a tall, broad-shouldered silhouette in the doorway. Adrian Roland stood haloed in gold, his gaze piercing through the crowd—anchoring solely on Stella.