Chapter 355

His silhouette looked unusually frail in the morning light.

Stella Valentine watched his retreating figure, her eyes suddenly burning. When had the man who once stood tall like a pine tree become so cautious?

Just days ago, he could effortlessly lift her. Now he could barely raise his arm.

Who had hurt him?

Why were both he and Julian Valois so tight-lipped about it?

Her phone vibrated, interrupting her thoughts.

[Stella, are you awake? Why haven’t you replied?]

Mr. Alistair’s message arrived right on schedule.

She checked the time—only seven o'clock.

[I’m awake.]

[Did you sleep well last night?]

[Yes.]

[You weren’t responding. I thought you regretted it.]

She took a deep breath. [We’ll talk when we meet in three days.]

The phone rang abruptly.

"Where are you?" Mr. Alistair’s voice carried an edge. "It doesn’t sound like you’re at home."

"The hospital." Her grip on the phone tightened instinctively.

"For the child’s surgery?"

"...Yes."

"Remember to meet me in three days." His tone suddenly turned eager. "We’ll return to the Roland estate together and take back what’s rightfully mine."

"What exactly?"

"The Roland empire!" His voice rose sharply. "With your shares added to mine, we’ll be the majority stakeholders. I’ll make Adrian Roland beg at our feet!"

Stella’s heart clenched. "Mr. Alistair, you’ve changed."

"People change." He scoffed. "Why should he have everything? This time, I’ll make him pay."

"I don’t want revenge."

"You will cooperate!" His voice turned vicious. "If you don’t show up in three days, don’t blame me for the consequences."

The call ended, leaving Stella chilled to the bone.

Was this really the man she once knew?

"So this is where you are."

Adrian’s voice came from behind her. His left arm was in a cast, yet he still managed to smile. "It’s time to pick up the kids."

At the family estate, the three children were having breakfast.

"Daddy!" Luna rushed over, standing on tiptoe to blow on his cast. "Pain, pain, go away!"

Ethan and Celeste joined in, their little faces solemn as if performing a sacred ritual.

"Daddy promises you," Adrian bent down to kiss Luna’s forehead, "I’ll get better soon."

Stella turned away.

Suddenly, she couldn’t tell who was lying anymore.