Chapter 382

Vincent Atlante clenched a cigarette between his teeth, its crimson ember flickering in the dim bedroom.

Thick smoke stung Stella Valentine's throat. She covered her mouth, coughing twice as tears pricked her eyes.

"Almost forgot," Vincent exhaled a smoke ring. "Adrian Roland mentioned you have lung issues. Shouldn't smoke around you."

Instead of extinguishing it, he took a deep drag and blew the smoke directly at her. "Too bad I hate following his orders."

Stella suppressed another cough, steadying herself against the sofa as she stood.

"Running away?" Vincent grabbed her wrist.

"Opening a window." She winced as his calloused palm ground against her burn blisters. Pus seeped out, staining her sleeve.

Vincent studied his hand with amusement. "Not like the precious Mr. Roland's hands, are they? He grew up in luxury. I clawed my way through the dirt."

Suddenly Stella remembered Mr. Alistair's hands.

Those hands had always cradled her fingers gently, brushing her hair in the moonlight. Though slightly rough, they never caused her pain.

She should have realized sooner.

The forced handholding at the rose garden. The brutal way he'd tried to assault her. Beyond the identical face, Vincent shared nothing with Mr. Alistair.

Even his voice had changed—now hoarse with a strange regional lilt, unsettling as a snake's hiss.

"Let's end this." Vincent tossed her purse at her. "Call Adrian Roland."

"Using my name?"

"Naturally." His lips twisted. "Men don't need women as messengers. I keep my word—no matter the outcome, you walk free."

Stella gripped the purse strap. This madman clearly intended to drag Adrian down with him.

She had to stay calm.

Vincent wanted to exploit her influence over Adrian. But what if that influence didn't exist?

The Roland security system was impenetrable. If Adrian refused to see him, Vincent wouldn't get within ten feet.

"Hate him?" Vincent leaned in suddenly. "After what he did, why not help me destroy him?"

"He's my children's father." Stella's laugh was icy. "I won't seek revenge. Nor will I forgive."

"Such a saint."

"I just won't humiliate my kids." She lifted her chin. "When they're grown, Adrian and I will become strangers."

Vincent narrowed his eyes. "Still love him?"

"Love someone who nearly killed me?" Her voice shook. "Even Mr. Alistair was a lie. What's left to cling to?"

A phone notification chimed.

Vincent smiled as he saved the recording. "Perfect. This will make him walk willingly to his death."