Chapter 328

Was William Rubenstein here to make accusations?

Stella Valentine's fingertips trembled slightly as she instinctively grasped Adrian Roland's sleeve. His large hand immediately covered hers, their fingers intertwining as she felt the warmth of his palm.

"What a coincidence," Adrian said with a cold smile. "Every time my wife meets a friend, you just happen to be there."

William's beady eyes darted past Adrian's shoulder, lingering on Stella. "Isn't that right? Though it's even more interesting how Mrs. Roland always rushes to deny any connection to you."

"Oh?"

"She claims you two went your separate ways long ago. As for that 'friend'..." William's voice dripped with sarcasm as he dragged out the word, "someone nearly cracked my skull open for her. Quite the friendship, huh?"

Adrian adjusted his cufflinks lazily. "My wife's affairs are none of your concern, Mr. Rubenstein."

He turned to leave with Stella, but William blocked their path. "Don't be in such a hurry, Mr. Roland! Your wife here is quite remarkable—" His words cut off abruptly as his gaze locked onto the faint bandage peeking from Adrian's collar.

"That injury..." William's eyes gleamed. "A wound on the throat can be deadly. Shouldn't you see a doctor?"

He gestured toward Adrian's height, raising his voice deliberately. Guests began gathering at the commotion, even Alexander Heilbronn pushing through the crowd.

"My God!" Alexander exclaimed. "What happened to your neck?"

Adrian adjusted his bowtie, but the slender column of his throat remained exposed. "Just a scratch."

"A scratch on the throat?" William fanned the flames. "Could it be... domestic violence?"

Gasps rippled through the onlookers. Stella dug her nails into her palm, leaning close to whisper in Adrian's ear, "Say I did it."

He arched a brow.

"Better than them knowing you hurt him," she said tightly. "At worst... I'll be labeled a shrew."

"I care."

The two words were feather-light yet struck Stella's heart like a hammer. She looked up at him—those star-filled eyes now reflecting her panicked expression.

"What happened last time," his Adam's apple bobbed, "won't happen again."

William's sneer interrupted their moment. "Don't tell me you're going to claim those are nail marks, Mrs. Roland?"

Stella took a deep breath. "Actually, I—"

"Bullshit!" William suddenly roared. "The night I was attacked, the culprit had scratch marks on his neck too!" He pulled out his phone and waved it. "I have medical reports and surveillance screenshots. Care to see, Mr. Roland?"

Alexander suddenly interjected in English, "They're clearly devoted to each other!"

"Devoted?" William smirked. "Then it makes even more sense that Mr. Roland attacked someone to protect his wife." He stepped closer. "Shall I call the police, or will you turn yourself in?"

Adrian's gaze turned glacial. "Looking to die?"

"I'm terrified~" William clutched his chest dramatically. "I just wonder... is Mrs. Roland afraid of accidents?"