Chapter 326

He appeared in a tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame. Even his dress shirt was the deep black of midnight.

His slender fingers held a lavender checkered tie as he strode directly toward Stella Valentine.

"Help me with this."

When Stella took the tie, she felt every eye in the banquet hall turn toward them. Joy Fairsprene's eyes widened comically, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'.

Julian Valois clamped a hand over Joy's mouth and unceremoniously hauled her away over his shoulder. Stella stared after them, stunned. When had the gentle, refined Julian become so domineering?

"People change." Adrian Roland's voice murmured by her ear.

He leaned down, pressing the tie into her palm. "Tie it high. Cover the bandage."

Understanding dawned. She rose onto her toes, deft fingers looping the silk around his neck. The scar near his Adam's apple peeked through no matter how she adjusted the fabric.

"Would you prefer a bowtie?"

"You know I hate those." His gaze burned into her.

Stella pressed her lips together. True—he'd always said bowties made him look like a waiter. That's why she only ever gifted him ties for birthdays.

"William Rubenstein is here," she whispered. "What if he notices?"

Adrian chuckled. "He won't get past security."

From across the room, Edward Roland's booming voice carried: "Isn't my grandson's wife stunning? Adrian won her heart at sixteen!"

"More grandchildren?" Stella's fingers faltered.

Adrian's eyes dropped to her flat stomach. "How much did Ethan weigh at birth?"

"Four pounds, three ounces." Her voice softened. "Luna was smaller—just four pounds."

He suddenly gripped her hand. "Did it hurt?"

Stella blinked. "The children were considerate. They didn't make me suffer much."

Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, he said, "Never again."

The banquet hall buzzed with activity. With each guest who approached to offer birthday wishes, Adrian murmured in her ear.

"Mr. Zhu—jade connoisseur. Ask his opinion."

"That guy with the pompadour," he sneered, "stay away."

Stella glanced up in confusion.

"Look at his eye circles." Adrian's tone turned sardonic. "Surely you know what those dark circles mean on a man?"