Chapter 390

The moment she hung up, Stella Valentine's fingers trembled slightly.

She couldn't bear to imagine Adrian Roland's expression upon hearing those words.

With a violent motion, she flung her phone into the distant wasteland. It traced a silver arc under the moonlight.

The silence was suffocating, broken only by the rustling of dry grass in the wind.

Vincent Atlante was right—this truly was a place where no one would hear her screams.

The harsh glow from the cabin's windows pierced the darkness.

When she pushed the door open, Vincent lounged against the headboard, flipping through a garishly covered book.

The pink title "CEO's Runaway Bride" glared obnoxiously.

"Finished?" he asked without looking up.

Stella stared at the book, her brow furrowing involuntarily.

"What?" Vincent snapped it shut, smirking. "Think I shouldn't read this trash?"

She averted her gaze and perched on a small stool in the corner.

"Tossed your phone?" he suddenly asked.

Her fingers twisted together instinctively.

"Knew it." He snorted. "Would say anything to keep him away, wouldn't you? Hate him? Never forgive him?"

Her lips pressed into a bloodless line.

"Women." Vincent shook his head in mock admiration. "Hearts full of love, mouths full of venom."

"I just..." Stella hesitated. "...don't want the children to lose their father."

Vincent abruptly sat upright, eyes narrowing dangerously. "Not afraid I'll snap?"

"You said you don't hit women."

"Unless you cross me."

Her lashes lowered. "I am afraid."

"Then why—"

"But I'm more afraid something will happen to him."

Vincent studied her for a long moment before bursting into laughter. "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" He slapped his thigh. "Did you really tell him you'd fallen for me?"

She gave a slight nod.

"I knew it!" Rubbing his hands gleefully, he crowed, "Two idiots, made for each other."

......

Dawn's pale light crept across the sky when a shrill ringtone shattered the stillness.

Stella jolted awake.

Vincent leisurely retrieved another phone, his smirk triumphant.

"Here already?" he drawled into the receiver. "Fine, I'll bring her over... Hahaha, Adrian, your little star was quite... enthusiastic last night..."

She bit her lower lip until it bled.

"Impatient?" Vincent deliberately raised his voice. "Our tastes always did run similar..."

Hanging up, he stretched lazily. "Let's go meet your beloved."

His jeans pockets were conspicuously empty.

Stella exhaled silently in relief.

"Looking for something?" Vincent suddenly loomed over her. "A weapon?"

"Where is he?"

"Nearby hillside." His grin widened. "Specially asked me not to tell you."

Of course he'd come.

Vincent's arm snaked around her waist, reeking of tobacco.

"Almost moves me," he whispered against her ear. "Maybe I should... let you two be?"

Her body turned to stone. "Since when are you merciful?"

"Never." His laughter rang hollow. "Just thought of something funnier—making him wish he were dead."

"He's already—"

"Not enough!" Vincent's grip turned vicious. "This is nothing! I want him to taste every humiliation I endured!"

Stella struggled. "His mind is already broken!"

"Perfect." His smile turned feral. "Miss Valentine... ever done any acting?"