Chapter 389

Stella Valentine bit her lower lip until it turned white, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Pity. He won't live much longer." Vincent Atlante squinted at the dying sunset. "If you don't apply the ointment soon, the wound will scab over."

She silently twisted open the medicine jar, spreading the cool salve over her swollen wrist.

A sudden force yanked her backward.

Click—

A blinding camera flash erupted, then vanished just as quickly.

"Relax. Just keeping a memento." Vincent scrolled through his phone gallery with a smirk. "Beautiful women always photograph well."

Stella instantly understood. "You're using these photos to lure Adrian here."

"Too messy to make a move in the city. Easier to let him walk into the trap himself."

"Do you really have to kill him?"

"My entire life was destroyed. Someone has to pay." Venom dripped from his words. "His parents are dead. The old man's on his last breath. Adrian's the only one left to settle this debt."

"Uncle Roland and the others were deceived by Victor too!" she pleaded.

"Don't worry. None of them will escape."

"Vincent, isn't it better to let go and start fresh?"

"Start fresh?" He seized her chin, fingers digging in. "My life was shredded to pieces long ago!"

"But—"

"Shut up!" He flung her aside. "Don't think agreeing to release you gives you the right to lecture me. Remember your place, Miss Valentine—you're just bait."

A shrill ringtone shattered the tension.

"How prompt." Vincent whistled. "Seems Mr. Roland is in quite the hurry."

He answered with mocking cheer. "Like the photos? Sunset and beauty—such poetic composition."

Adrian's voice came through gritted teeth: "I'm coming. Don't you dare touch her."

"What if I already did?" Vincent taunted. "A hug? A kiss? What's the big deal?"

"Vincent! You're dead!"

"Sent you the coordinates." A lighter flickered in Vincent's grasp, flames dancing in his pupils. "Before dawn. We end this."

Stella grabbed his sleeve. "What are you planning?"

He pointed toward the ink-black mountains. "To make him disappear. Without a trace."

Her blood turned to ice.

"Say your goodbyes." Vincent shoved the phone at her and locked the door behind him.

"Stella?" Adrian's voice was achingly tender through the receiver.

Her tears splattered against the screen. "Adrian..."

"Don't cry. I'll be there soon." His whisper could shatter hearts. "No matter what happens, stay alive."

"You...don't mind?"

"Losing you is the only thing I can't survive." A bitter laugh. "Not like I have long anyway."

Paper rustled in the background.

"Listen carefully. Tomorrow when Vincent leaves, run east five hundred meters to the convenience store. Charlie will be waiting."

His words accelerated.

"Take care of Grandpa and the kids when you get back. If...if you meet someone..."

His voice fractured.

"Never mind. I take it back." Self-mocking humor laced his tone. "We married twice—once with papers but no ceremony, once with a wedding but no license. That counts as complete, right?"

The night wind carried away her stifled sobs.

"Stella, some things need saying before it's too late."

An engine roared to life.

"I've loved you. Always."