Chapter 391

"What do you mean by that?"

"You reminded me. There's no greater torment than watching the woman you love fall into another man's arms."

Stella Valentine's pupils constricted. "You— Ah!"

The arm around her waist tightened painfully, squeezing the breath from her lungs. "Let's go. If you perform well, I might leave his body intact."

Dragged forward against her will, she stumbled out of the courtyard.

Dawn had yet to break. Mountain mist swirled around them, veiling everything in haze.

Yet she recognized him instantly.

Adrian Roland clearly recognized her too.

Their eyes met—and he froze as if struck by lightning.

She felt his gaze trail slowly down her face before settling on her waist, where Vincent Atlante's hand gripped her possessively.

He hadn't driven here. The familiar MV Agusta Brutale stood nearby. His hospital gown hung loosely from his frame, the casts on his limbs gone. Empty sleeves fluttered in the wind, and hospital slippers remained on his feet.

His lips moved, forming silent words.

The howling wind drowned them out. Vincent sneered, "What did he say?"

Stella turned her face away. "Nothing."

"Your little secret?"

"...He congratulated me."

Vincent's grin widened. "Does it hurt?"

"Shut up..."

"Begging requires the right attitude. You should be weeping, pleading for me to spare him."

"Would it work?"

"How would you know unless you try?"

"Then I beg you—"

"Begging won't change anything." Vincent laughed cruelly. "You're so naive, little girl."

"The only man I've ever loved is Adrian Roland."

"First love? No wonder you can't let go."

Her voice trembled. "Can't you spare him?"

"No." His answer was absolute. "He dies today."

Stella closed her eyes in despair.

"Not going to keep begging?"

"You won't agree anyway."

Vincent pulled her closer, laughing. "Let's go. Your man's been watching us long enough—his heart must be bleeding by now."

He deliberately pressed Stella against him as they approached Adrian.

Adrian's gaze burned like a brand, but she couldn't meet it, turning her face away.

"Mr. Roland honors his word." Vincent stopped before him. "Didn't even bring a car."

Adrian finally tore his eyes from Stella. "I agreed to your terms. What now?"

Vincent pointed toward the distant cliff. "Little Star accidentally dropped my phone down there. Be a gentleman and fetch it."

Adrian's brow furrowed. "This is between us. Let's talk elsewhere."

Vincent considered it. "Fine."

"Wait!" Stella grabbed Vincent's arm. "I'm coming too."

He raised an eyebrow. "Afraid he'll hurt me? Mr. Roland isn't that kind of man."

"I don't trust this."

Vincent spread his hands at Adrian. "Women and their fears."

Adrian didn't look at her. "Let's go."

The three reached the cliff's edge.

A frigid wind howled. Stella shivered.

Adrian instinctively moved to remove his coat, then remembered he wore only a hospital gown. Still, his fingers went to the buttons.

"Don't." She stopped him.

Vincent tightened his hold. "This should keep you warm, yes?"

"...Yes."

She retreated half a step. Her peripheral vision caught Adrian's collar blowing open, revealing his bare chest.

He made no move to fix it, smiling bitterly instead. "If I die today... will you forgive me?"

Vincent scoffed. "Obviously."

"I was asking Stella." Adrian's gaze burned. "I nearly killed you years ago. Now I repay that debt with my life. Would that... earn your forgiveness?"

Vincent cut in, "Dead men don't need forgiveness."

"My conscience is clear—except regarding her." Adrian's voice roughened. "Not for this life. Only the next. Stella, let's start over in our next life."

Vincent sneered. "Next life? Who believes in that?"

"If I believe, it exists."

"Mr. Roland came prepared, I see."

Adrian's throat worked. He seemed to wrestle with words before addressing Vincent. "Grandfather hasn't long. I'll repay what the Rolands owe you. Victor Lefèvre is at my villa—do as you please with him. As for the assets—"

"Transferred to me?"

"No." Adrian met his gaze squarely. "They're divided among my three children. You may access the funds only if you treat Stella and them well. Otherwise, you get nothing."