Chapter 364

"Huh?" He scoffed, eyes brimming with mockery. "Have you lost your mind?"

Adrian Roland stood at the cliff's edge, the mountain wind howling around him. His shirt clung to his gaunt frame like a second skin, making him resemble a reed about to snap.

"She's afraid of thunder. You must stay with her during storms, even if you're working."

"..."

"She has low blood sugar. It flares up in summer—always carry candy."

"..."

"Half of her lung was removed. Never smoke around her. If you must, go outside and air out completely."

Vincent Atlante dug at his ear impatiently. "Are you fucking done?"

Adrian ignored him. "She likes lavender and hates ginger. Gifts with star patterns are best."

"Damn it!" Vincent kicked a pebble violently. "What am I, her nanny?"

"What's your name?"

"Vincent Atlante." His lips curled into a grin. "Impressive, right? Soon I'll take the Roland name. How fucking tragic."

Adrian's gaze darkened. "Do as you please. Just don't let her realize you're not Mr. Alistair."

"Oh, playing the devoted lover now?" Vincent clapped sarcastically. "Go on, I'm listening."

"The passenger seat is hers alone." Adrian unlocked his phone. "This is a map of Mount Rainier's back trails."

Vincent glanced at the screen. "Treasure hunt?"

"There's a crabapple tree. When she wants to visit, follow this route."

"How thoughtful." Vincent wiped imaginary tears. "I'm moved."

Adrian pointed north. "Fifteen steps that way. Your son is buried there."

Vincent's smile froze.

"Your third child. Stillborn." Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. "Visit with her... as his father."

"I won't remember!" Vincent suddenly roared. "Stop with this deathbed bullshit!"

"Then tattoo it on your skin!" Adrian yanked him by the collar. "If you mistreat her, I'll make you beg for death!"

Vincent licked his teeth. "Giving up New Frontier Group?"

"It can rot with my corpse."

"Madman!" Vincent shoved him away. "For a woman? Worth it?"

"I owe her." Adrian's voice was gravel. "If you harm a single hair—"

"What? Kill me?" Vincent leaned in. "What if I take her to bed? Knock her up?"

Adrian's knuckles cracked.

"The kid won't be a Roland." Vincent smirked. "Too dirty for my blood."

"Shut your mouth!"

Vincent clapped excitedly. "Finally some fire! That's more like it!"

His expression twisted with hatred. "Know how old I was when sold to that mountain village? Five! Licking boots for pennies! Every Roland deserves to die!"

"Father and mother didn't know you survived—"

"That's why they're dead!" Vincent laughed wildly. "Now it's your turn! I'll make you watch as I—"

CRACK!

Adrian's fist sent him sprawling. "You're dead!"

Vincent spat blood, grinning. "Go ahead. Kill me. Would you doom her to widowhood?"

He wiped his mouth slowly. "I'll be sure to... cherish her. Every. Single. Night."