Chapter 329

Stella Valentine's wrist was suddenly seized.

The man's palm burned against her skin, his grip so tight it threatened to crush her bones.

William Rubenstein puffed out his beer belly, grinning with greasy satisfaction. "Let everyone bear witness! If that bandage on Mr. Roland's neck hides a knife wound, it proves he's the one who attacked me!"

Adrian Roland's gaze turned glacial.

He released Stella and closed the distance between them in two strides, his voice dangerously low. "Name your terms."

"So you admit it?"

"Cut the crap."

"I want the Alexander gemstone shipment."

"Done."

"Free of charge." William's beady eyes narrowed. "Ninety percent."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Ambitious."

"A small price for Mrs. Roland's safety, no?" William lowered his voice. "You've made plenty of enemies over the years. Imagine if they discovered your weakness..."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Not me. But what about the families of those CEOs you drove to suicide?" William smirked. "I hear your wife has been going out alone lately..."

Murderous intent flashed in Adrian's eyes.

"Ninety percent for her protection—a fair trade." William rubbed his hands. "Don't you agree?"

"Deal." Adrian's voice could freeze hell. "But if word of this spreads—"

Before he could finish, Stella yanked his tie.

Rising on her toes, she ripped off the bandage and sank her teeth into the wound.

A sharp hiss escaped Adrian.

Blood trickled down Stella's chin.

The crowd erupted.

"Oh my God!"

"Domestic violence? In public?"

Wiping her mouth, Stella glared with wide eyes. "That's for refusing to buy me that purse!"

William gaped.

The spectators exploded into chatter.

"So it was a bite mark?"

"She went feral..."

"Who knew Mr. Roland was into that?"

As whispers swirled, Adrian's throat bobbed, his gaze darkening.

Stella's ears burned scarlet, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "What? Never seen married couples play rough?"

Julian Valois appeared with perfect timing. "Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served in the—"

The dispersing crowd kept murmuring.

"The Ice King is whipped by his wife?"

"No wonder he rejected those socialites—he likes them wild..."

Stella's legs trembled, barely supporting her.

Suddenly, Adrian cupped the back of her head and licked the wound with deliberate pressure.

"Good performance," he murmured, lips curling. "Shall we continue tonight?"