Chapter 385
His fingers suddenly tightened.
Stella felt the world spin violently as her throat was crushed, each breath becoming a luxury.
"You...kill me...you won't...escape either..."
Vincent's laughter exploded in her ears. "Forgotten? This face is my best shield. The police will only go after Adrian Roland."
Her heart plummeted to the depths.
So this was his plan all along!
With identical faces, who would believe Adrian had a twin brother?
Especially since Adrian was a public figure—security cameras would only capture "Adrian Roland committing murder."
Even the hotel staff could testify she'd entered Room 1231 with Adrian...
"Does it hurt?" Vincent wiped her tear with his thumb. "Pity. You could've lived if you'd just helped me seize the Roland fortune and replace Adrian."
The air grew thinner.
Stella kicked desperately but couldn't budge him.
"Now you'll pay for ruining everything."
Darkness crept into her vision.
Just before losing consciousness, Vincent suddenly released her.
She collapsed against the wall, coughing violently, gulping precious air.
Vincent crouched down, eyes venomous. "Listen well. Cross me again, and I won't just kill you. I'll use this face to commit every crime imaginable. Your children will grow up as a murderer's sons, trampled underfoot forever."
Stella gasped for air as her vision cleared.
Vincent's face hovered inches away.
Identical to Adrian's, yet utterly different in the eyes.
Adrian's gaze was always forthright, while Vincent's brimmed with darkness.
"Why are you smiling?" Vincent snarled.
Stella pointed weakly at the window. "Two falling objects in a row? Hotel security will be here soon."
"I have enough time to finish you."
"But you can't escape." Her lips curved. "Your fingerprints are on the phone and lamp. Faces can lie, not fingerprints. The Roland fortune will still be Adrian's. You get nothing."
Vincent seized her throat again. "You're dead!"
"I'm offering you a way out." She pried at his fingers. "Adrian promised you half the fortune. Take the money and leave Houston. Abandon your revenge."
Vincent suddenly laughed. "Stella Valentine, I think I'm starting to like you. Few women dare bargain with a wanted man."
"Because you're no fool." She met his gaze. "You know how to choose what benefits you most."
"Ha! Fascinating."
"Choose. A life on the run? Or wealth and peace? We'll keep your secret. You can live comfortably."
......
The phone rang abruptly.
Adrian answered. "Vincent."
"Sir! Mrs. Roland's phone is pinging at Houston Grand Hotel!"
"Understood."
"Should we alert the police? She might be in danger—"
"No police." Adrian's voice tightened. "I just spoke with Stella. She's safe for now."
"Then what—"
Adrian closed his eyes.
His chest ached dully.
He'd anticipated this outcome when the truth surfaced. Yet hearing her vow to erase all memories of Mr. Alistair still felt like a dull knife twisting in his heart.
One misstep led to this.
Even stolen moments as Mr. Alistair were just a mirage.
"Sir! There's trouble at Houston Grand Hotel!"
Adrian's eyes flew open. "What happened?"
"Falling objects hit a car. Owner called police. The location...directly below Room 1231."