Chapter 38

The Valentine mansion blazed with lights as Sophia Durand's birthday gala reached its crescendo. Crystal glasses clinked while laughter floated through the grand hall.

Victor Lefèvre guided his wife through the crowd with proprietary ease, playing the gracious host. Sophia's meticulously maintained face glowed with triumph, her smile never faltering.

"Mr. Lefèvre, your daughter and Mr. Roland make such a striking couple!" A guest gestured toward Lily Savigny and Adrian Roland conversing intimately nearby.

Sophia straightened with pride. "Adrian fell for our Lily at first sight. Pursued her relentlessly. A lady must maintain some decorum, of course."

"Persistence breaks resistance!" Victor boomed, drawing knowing chuckles from the circle.

"You'll soon control Houston's entire business scene!"

"Between the Rolands and Valentines, we'll need your patronage!"

Flushed with liquor and flattery, Victor's tongue loosened. "The wedding? Soon, very soon. Once Adrian finalizes his divorce—"

"Divorce?" The guests exchanged startled glances.

Sophia intervened hastily. "My husband's had too much to drink. Adrian has always been single—completely devoted to our Lily."

A drunken guest slurred, "But I distinctly remember Mr. Roland was married to the Valentine heiress—"

His companion clamped a hand over his mouth. "You're drunk, Lee! That gold-digger took the money and ran. Adrian despises her!"

Lee persisted. "I saw him let her sit on his shoulders to pick osmanthus blossoms. Doted on her like—"

"Ancient history!" The friend hissed. "With the Valentines ruined, that woman disappeared—"

"Who is this 'Miss Lefèvre'?"

An icy feminine voice cut through the chatter. All heads turned toward the entrance where a vision in midnight blue stood framed in the doorway, diamonds scattering light across her gown like captured starlight.

Lee rubbed his eyes. "An angel descended?"

"You're mistaken, sir." The woman glided forward. "Mr. Lefèvre's daughter doesn't share his surname."

"Preposterous!" A middle-aged man snapped.

Her lips curved. "Uncle Langley, when you couldn't find work after technical school, my father made you assistant manager. Have you forgotten your benefactor?"

The man paled. "Miss...Valentine?"

"Stella Valentine. This mansion's rightful owner." Her fingertips brushed the vandalized wall. "Such a shame to see my mother's designs defaced."

A stunned silence fell. No one expected the long-vanished Valentine heiress to materialize tonight.

Lily tugged Adrian's sleeve. "Adrian, is that—?"

But Adrian stood transfixed, his gaze locked on Stella. Lily followed his stare and gasped—the intruder wore identical celestial heels to hers.

"Stella, darling!" Sophia forced a smile. "I'm your aunt—"

"Mrs. Durand," Stella interrupted. "Hosting parties in my home without permission is rather presumptuous."

Sophia's face tightened. "After your father passed, my husband kept this family afloat—"

"How diligent of Uncle." Stella surveyed the crowd. "Now that I've returned, he can transfer control of the company today. As Father's sole heir, everything belongs to me."

Victor erupted. "How dare you speak to elders this way!"

"My mother taught me," Stella's eyes flashed, "to guard what's mine against thieves. I'll compensate Uncle's six years of 'hard work' at ten times standard wages. But Valentines remain Valentines—never Lefèvres."

The ballroom held its breath as tensions crackled between Stella and Victor's faction. Adrian remained motionless, emotions warring in his gaze.

Lily's nails dug into his arm hard enough to draw blood.