Chapter 393

When Vincent Atlante dragged Stella Valentine deep into the woods, she finally understood his plan.

He had chosen this location deliberately.

The hill where Adrian Roland sat provided a clear view of the entire forest.

But with both legs broken, he could barely stand—let alone come to her rescue.

Vincent had even calculated the timing.

Even if Adrian called the police immediately, the distance from downtown Houston was too great. The maze of winding roads would delay any rescue until it was too late.

"How amusing you two are." Vincent bound her to a tree with rough rope, his lips curling in mockery. "He'd die for you, and you'd push him away to save him. How pathetic—"

"Jealousy doesn't suit you," Stella interrupted coldly.

"Ridiculous!" He yanked the rope tighter. "I'm just here to witness your stupidity."

"At least we have someone willing to die for us." She lifted her chin. "You'll never know that kind of love."

Vincent's eyes darkened. "So the obedient act is over?"

"Why pretend when I'm about to die?"

"Curse all you want." He stepped back to admire his handiwork. "Adrian's suffering brings me joy. I should thank you both for the inspiration."

Stella thrashed against the ropes, making the tree shudder, but the bindings held firm.

Her hope dwindled with each failed attempt.

"I hadn't planned to involve you." Vincent brushed dirt from his hands. "You walked into this yourself."

Retreating several paces, he flashed a cruel smile. "Farewell, Miss Stella."

...

When Vincent returned to the hill, Adrian still leaned against the same tree.

A yellowed paper trembled in his grip.

"What's that?" Vincent narrowed his eyes.

Adrian carefully unfolded it. "Stella's birthday wish list."

"What nonsense is this?"

"She wrote it years ago." His fingers traced the fragile page. "I promised to fulfill every item."

Vincent scoffed. "Rich people's games."

"Perhaps." Adrian's voice softened. "She wanted a dog. Sunflowers. To cook for me."

"How sentimental."

"I loved that about her." A bitter smile touched his lips. "When she changed... that was my fault."

Vincent suddenly remembered. "That Samoyed—"

"And seeing snow in Houston."

"It never snows there!"

"But I made it happen." Adrian gazed into the distance. "A mercy from heaven."

Vincent waved impatiently. "Any more absurdities?"

Adrian read the final item. "She wanted me to give her a star."

"...You didn't actually—"

"I named a minor planet after her." His voice broke. "Never got to tell her..."

Vincent burst into laughter. "Now you never will!"

He pointed toward the woods.

Flames had already reached the tree line, advancing in a deadly ring.

Adrian's face drained of color. "What have you done?!"

"Guess."

Adrian tried to stand but collapsed.

"Save your strength." Vincent looked down at him. "Enjoy the fireworks."

"Vincent!!!"

"Revenge tastes sweet."

"Take me instead! Spare her!"

"Only her death will destroy you!" Vincent sneered. "Blame your own love."

Adrian fumbled for his phone with shaking hands.

Vincent watched in amusement.

Just as predicted, the broken man couldn't even kneel.

"Why not crawl?" Vincent crouched beside him, malice dripping from every word. "Let's see who's faster—you or the fire."