Chapter 397

"That's my brother." Vincent Atlante's lips curved into a gentle smile, but his tone carried unshakable resolve. "We're identical twins, but he was sent away as a child. We only recently reunited. I never imagined he'd do something like this..."

The female officer's expression cleared with understanding. "No wonder you look exactly alike."

"Family matters should stay private. I'd appreciate your discretion." Vincent gave a slight nod, every movement exuding the authority of the Roland family's leader.

The officer hesitated. "But your brother's crimes are serious. I'm afraid—"

"How long is the sentence?" Vincent cut in.

"At least ten years."

The delicate figure in his arms trembled violently.

Vincent tightened his hold without a word, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Don't be afraid. Let's go home to the children. Officer, are we free to leave?"

"Miss Valentine needs to sign the paperwork." The officer extended the documents.

Vincent slid the papers toward Stella Valentine, his voice deceptively tender. "Sign it, little star."

Her tears splashed onto the page, blurring the ink.

Ten years.

With this signature, Adrian Roland would spend a decade behind bars.

But if she exposed Vincent now, with all these witnesses...

"Little star?" Vincent forced the pen into her shaking fingers, whispering against her ear. "Think of the children. Three... two..."

"I'll sign!"

She scrawled her name, the jagged letters mirroring her shattered heart.

"How considerate of Mr. Roland," murmured an envious voice in the crowd.

Vincent tucked away the documents with satisfaction, steering her toward the exit.

"Wait!" Stella suddenly clutched his sleeve, her voice breaking. "Let me see him... just once..."

Vincent's eyes turned glacial. "Remember your place."

"The papers are signed. What are you afraid of?" Her red-rimmed eyes pleaded. "He's going to prison..."

His only response was shoving her roughly into the car.

The door slammed shut.

"Vincent!" She pounded on the window.

"Quiet." He hit the accelerator. "I'll arrange a visit before he's transferred."

"You're pathetic."

Vincent chuckled. "I'm the CEO of Roland Group now. Pathetic?"

"Karma will find you."

"By the time Adrian gets out, the Rolands will be hollowed out." A thought struck him. "Ah, those assets transferred to the children..."

"Over my dead body!" Stella snapped.

"Then his time in prison..." Vincent drew out the words meaningfully. "I have many 'old friends' inside."

She shook with rage. "You're vile!"

"Blame yourself for being his weakness." His eyes crinkled in amusement. "Torturing you is more fun than killing him."

Before he finished, Stella lunged for his chest.

Tires screeched as Vincent seized her wrist. "Trying to die?"

"Hurt him," she hissed, "and we'll go down together."

"You?"

"Ten years is long enough to find my chance." Her gaze was razor-sharp. "Test me."

Vincent studied her for a long moment before laughing. "Drive."