Chapter 384

"What more do you want? I've given you everything I can!"

On the phone screen, the large bed stood out starkly in the dim light. It was Room 1231 at the Houston Grand Hotel—a place he knew all too well.

Stella Valentine was tied to the center of the bed, her wrists red from the ropes, her eyes filled with terror.

Adrian Roland felt blood rush to his head. Ignoring hospital rules, he roared into the phone, "Vincent Atlante, if you lay a finger on her, I'll make you wish you were dead!"

"Wish I were dead?" Vincent's laughter crackled through the receiver. "I'd love to see you try."

"What do you want...?" Adrian's voice suddenly softened. "Just tell me..."

"What if I want your life?"

"Fine!" he answered without hesitation. "Put Stella on the phone. I need to know she's safe."

Vincent tsked. "Did you hear that, Miss Valentine? He's willing to die for you. Doesn't that move your heart?"

Adrian held his breath, his fingers tightening around the phone.

Was she crying? In the video, she was trembling with fear.

She was strong, but she was still just a young woman. Kidnapped by a desperate man, forced to face the truth—how hopeless she must feel.

"Stella... little star? Can you hear me?"

"The speaker's on," Vincent said mockingly. "Miss Valentine, say something. Or he'll think I've hurt you."

"Haven't you?"

Stella's voice was unexpectedly calm, even tinged with impatience. "Why drag me into your family feud? I've done nothing to either of you!"

Vincent's tone turned icy. "Watch your mouth."

"Adrian Roland, Mr. Atlante—I want nothing more to do with the Roland family. It doesn't matter who 'Mr. Alistair' really was. I'll erase that memory completely."

"Erase...?" Adrian felt as if he'd been struck by lightning.

"What else should I do? The man I loved turned out to be the one who hurt me the most. If it were you, could you forgive Lily Savigny?"

Adrian's throat worked, but no words came out.

"Please, just let me go. You played the devoted husband in public, and now all of Houston knows I'm your weakness. Today it's Vincent. Tomorrow it could be anyone. I just want a quiet life—no more of your battles!"

Vincent's gaze grew dangerous.

Stella spoke faster. "Vincent lied to me, but he's still your brother. He's suffered for over thirty years. He deserves his share of the Roland fortune."

"...I know."

"He promised to give me and the children a settlement once he gets the assets. He hasn't hurt me. Don't provoke him."

"But he kidnapped you."

"It was a moment of anger. We've agreed—he'll release me soon."

"'We'?" Adrian's voice shook. "You and him—"

"Just don't challenge him. Give him what he wants."

"Then... let me come get you?"

"No!" she nearly shouted. "You got hurt trying to recover your memories. We're even now. Stay away from me."

Before he could respond, she lunged at Vincent, snatched the phone, and hurled it out the window.

Twelve floors below, glass shattered.

Vincent stared at his empty hand and smirked. "Women. Always lying."

Stella backed away, grabbing a lamp and pointing it at him. "Let him go. He's badly injured—he can't fight you anymore."

Vincent easily wrested the lamp from her and tossed it out the window. Another crash echoed up.

"Clever women are such trouble." His hand closed around her slender throat, tightening slowly. "I told you to lure him here, not crush his hopes. Miss Valentine, you've ruined everything."