Chapter 330

Julian Valois coughed lightly and turned away. "They've all left."

Stella Valentine wished the ground would swallow her whole.

That impulsive moment now filled her with unbearable shame.

Adrian Roland looked down at the petite woman, her face a picture of regret like a startled rabbit.

He chuckled softly, stepping forward to shield her. "Thanks."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "No need. You've helped me too."

"Us?"

"Indirectly."

Adrian frowned. "Business?"

"It's about Joy Fairsprene."

"Joy? What does she have to do with me?"

Julian suddenly grew serious. "Adrian, have you ever experienced strange memories?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like suddenly recalling scenes you've never lived through."

Adrian's gaze sharpened. "Why ask that?"

"So you have."

"I need to confirm something."

Adrian stared at him. "Ever since I woke from the accident, you've been looking at me oddly. Do you know something?"

Julian sighed. "I do know certain things. About you and Stella. But I'm unsure if I should say."

"If it concerns Stella, I must know."

"But the truth might hurt her."

Adrian suddenly smiled. "Then forget it."

"Really don't want to know?"

"I do. But if it harms her, I'd rather never know."

Julian murmured, "You haven't changed."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Julian clapped his shoulder. "If you two reconcile, I'll tell you everything."

"Deal."

"I'm going to find Joy."

Adrian teased, "So anxious? Think she'll disappear from my house?"

Julian gave a wry smile. "Different troubles, similar situations. Go check on Stella—she doesn't look well."

Adrian turned to see Stella still standing there, her slender frame looking fragile.

"Stella?"

She whirled around. "Yes?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Don't worry, it doesn't hurt."

Stella stole a glance at his neck. "I'm just... now all of Houston knows we..."

"Afraid Mr. Alistair will find out?" Adrian's voice softened. "If he returns, I'll explain."

Stella shook her head. "He won't come back."

"Why would he leave you?"

"He had no choice."

"What reason could justify abandoning you?"

She bit her lip. "My existence would hinder him."

Adrian suddenly grew impassioned. "What nonsense! Would his success magically appear without you? Were foolish kings in history suddenly wise just because they lacked beautiful companions?"

Stella stared at him, startled. "You..."

"If it were me, I'd never sacrifice love for ambition."

Her smile turned bitter. "You were quite decisive when you chose Lily Savigny."

"That was during a bipolar episode—I couldn't control myself—"

"Enough." Stella cut him off. "Let's get that bite treated. It's deep—we can't let David Rubenstein notice."