Chapter 396

"Stop!" Stella Valentine's blood ran cold.

Vincent Atlante stood flanked by two officers, his lips curling into a sinister smirk no one noticed. All eyes were drawn to the roaring flames in the distance and Adrian Roland lying motionless in a pool of blood.

"If I'm going down, I'm taking others with me," Vincent sneered.

Stella stepped forward, voice barely above a whisper. "I can offer you a way out."

"You?" His eyes narrowed.

"Not a plea." She met his gaze. "A deal."

Before he could respond, a female officer rushed over. "Ms. Valentine? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

The officer exhaled in relief. "We need your help identifying them. The two Mr. Rolands look identical—"

Vincent suddenly slung an arm around Stella's shoulders. "Sweetheart, the kids are waiting for us."

Her body stiffened.

His fingers traced her back, pressing deliberately against the detonator concealed beneath her clothes.

"This is..." The officer hesitated. "Ms. Valentine, could you—?"

Every eye at the scene fixed on Stella. She clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms.

"How many years for arson and theft?" she asked abruptly.

The officer blinked. "At least twenty, combined. Why do you—"

"Just curious what my husband's brother will face."

Vincent tightened his grip, crushing her against him. Through the fabric, she felt the cold metal box pressing into her ribs.

"Don't be scared," he cooed, fingers applying dangerous pressure.

Stella shuddered.

"Oh! So you're the real Mr. Roland." The officer nodded in realization. "Then the other one is...?"

Vincent smiled politely. "My twin. Mentally unstable. Apologies for the trouble."

He forced Stella's face into his smoke-scented jacket. Her hand inched toward the device that could obliterate them all.

"We'll come by tomorrow for statements," Vincent told the police. "My wife's had quite a shock tonight."

The officer studied Stella uncertainly. "Ms. Valentine, are you sure—?"

Vincent's grip turned vicious.

"Yes..." Her voice trembled. "He's my husband."