Chapter 39

Victor Lefèvre's face darkened instantly.

The seasoned business elites present immediately sensed the brewing family drama.

Stella Valentine had publicly humiliated Victor, showing no respect for the so-called "Shi Family CEO." The atmosphere grew tense.

"Stella," Victor suppressed his rage, adopting a paternal tone. "Let's discuss family matters privately. Don't air our dirty laundry in public."

Sophia Durand chimed in, "Yes, Stella. Your uncle searched everywhere for you. We were so worried."

"Worried?" Stella scoffed. "I was at the Roland estate. Your daughter is quite close to Mr. Roland, isn't she? Did she knowingly pursue a married man?"

Her words struck like thunder.

The guests exchanged glances. So the Shi heiress was actually Mrs. Roland?

The long-forgotten rumors of the Shi-Roland alliance resurfaced in their minds.

Victor's face turned ashen, his knuckles whitening. "Stella, must you cause chaos the moment you return?"

"Uncle, this is the Shi residence." Stella met his gaze. "Do I need permission to speak in my own home?"

"Who are you calling an outsider?!"

"Anyone who doesn't bear the Shi name."

A vein throbbed on Victor's forehead. His carefully maintained dignity was being shredded publicly.

Stella knew him too well. In their poorer days, he'd flaunted her father's cars and liquor. Now this ostentatious mansion reeked of his vanity.

Today, she would strip him bare.

"You have three days to vacate my property. Otherwise, I'll report you for trespassing."

Sophia finally dropped her act. "Stella Valentine! How dare you disown your own uncle?"

"My uncle?" Stella turned to Victor. "Did you ever treat my mother as your sister?"

"Of course!"

"Then why didn't you visit her once during her illness?"

"I...I didn't know!"

"You lived under the same roof. How could you not know?"

"Stella Valentine!" Victor bellowed. "Security! Throw her out!"

"Who dares touch me?" Her sharp command froze the guards mid-step.

As tensions peaked, a delicate voice spoke from the shadows. "If Miss Shi claims to be Mrs. Roland, let Adrian confirm it himself."

Lily Savigny gazed tearfully at Adrian Roland. "Adrian, is she really your wife?"

"That's none of your concern."

Stella turned to see Joy Fairsprene approaching gracefully.

"Joy?"

Joy stood beside her. "When we met at the hospital, I wondered why the Shi heiress needed money. Now I understand—someone's been stealing her life."

Lily paled. "And you are...?"

"Joy Fairsprene, Stella's best friend." Joy shielded Stella. "I witnessed their journey from school sweethearts to marriage. If she's not Mrs. Roland, then who is? You?"

Lily bit her lip. "...Adrian should answer that."

"Fine." Joy locked eyes with Adrian. "Mr. Roland, enlighten us."

Stella tugged her sleeve. "Joy, don't—"

"I know," Joy whispered. "But I won't stand by while someone destroys what you have."

The perfect couple?

Stella smiled bitterly. Their love had been crushed beyond recognition long ago.

"Mr. Roland," Joy pressed. "We're waiting."

All eyes turned to the silent Adrian.

Sophia interjected, "Adrian! You promised to cherish Lily! She stood by you during your darkest days. Will you betray her now?"

Tears streamed down Lily's cheeks.

Joy smirked. "Impressive acting. Did you study at Juilliard?"

"I didn't..." Lily sobbed. "Why is Miss Shi treating me this way..."

"You live in her home, steal her husband, and still play the victim?"

"Enough!" Adrian's voice cut through like a blade.

He took a deep breath, enunciating each word. "Stella and I...are divorced. Lily is the one I'll protect for life."

Joy gasped. "Mr. Roland, you—"

"Ask your dear friend," Adrian glared at Stella. "Ask what she did to my family. Lily, let's go."

He took Lily's hand and strode out, leaving stunned whispers in their wake.

The ballroom erupted.

"What just happened?"

"Did you see that?"

Victor seized the moment. "Security! Remove these troublemakers!"

"No need!" Joy grabbed Stella's arm. "This place is tainted. We're leaving!"

Stella numbly allowed herself to be led out.

Only under the osmanthus tree did Joy stop. "Stella...are you okay?"