Chapter 343

Seven in the morning. The city was just waking up.

Stella Valentine stood before the rusted iron gate of the rose garden, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Miss, this area isn't safe," the taxi driver warned through the rolled-down window. "I've heard homeless people have been sleeping here lately."

"Thank you. I won't stay long."

With a sigh, the driver pulled away.

Morning mist enveloped the dilapidated neighborhood like a forgotten corner of time. Peeling paint and overgrown weeds couldn't disguise the unchanged layout from four years ago.

She followed her memory to the apartment building.

Her phone vibrated.

[Are you there yet?]

[At the building now.]

The moment she hit send, rapid footsteps echoed from the stairwell.

A snow-white Samoyed dashed to her feet, circling her excitedly.

"He remembers you."

That deep voice sent shivers down her spine.

Black leather shoes crunched through dead leaves, stopping before her. Her gaze traveled up pressed slacks, an immaculate dress shirt, finally meeting amused eyes.

"Long time no see, Stella."

She bit her lip hard.

"I know you're angry." His hand lifted toward her face, then retreated. "I broke my promise."

Morning light gilded his silhouette like a dream.

"Are you Mr. Alistair or—"

"Does Adrian know about this place?" he countered.

"He would have your memories."

"And him?" He gestured to the dog nuzzling her leg. "Does the Roland family keep pets?"

Stella shook her head.

"But he remembers you." His voice softened. "Just like I do."

Tears blurred her vision.

"Why didn't you come find me?" Her voice shook. "Uncle Xavier said you died—"

A warm palm cupped her cheek.

"I had no choice." He brushed away her tears. "Give me time to explain?"

Stella stepped back. "Prove you're Mr. Alistair."

He arched an eyebrow. "How?"

"Your real name."

"Adrian Roland II." No hesitation. "The second Adrian."

Her heart skipped.

"What else?" she pressed. "That night under the crabapple tree—"

"Cloud Return." He whispered the name. "Like the moon returning to the west tower."

The dam broke.

He spread his arms. "Want to check for scars?"

Smooth palms faced upward. No marks on his neck either.

Not him.

This wasn't Adrian Roland.