Chapter 398
Vincent Atlante lounged in the car seat with a lazy smirk. "Quite the temper you've got."
"Got a problem with that?"
"Wouldn't dare. Thanks to your cooperation today, Ms. Valentine. Feel free to snap at me all you want."
He carelessly undid the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing his collarbones.
Stella Valentine recoiled, her fingers already gripping the door handle.
Vincent seized her wrist. "Running away?"
"You—"
Following her terrified gaze downward, he snorted. "Overthinking it. Just wanted a smoke."
He pulled a crumpled cigarette pack from his inner pocket, expertly fishing one out with his teeth before tossing the pack onto the dashboard. The lighter's flame flared, illuminating his sinister features.
"See clearly now? You're not my type."
Stella trembled. "That's what you were hiding in your chest?"
"What else?" He exhaled a smoke ring, grinning maliciously. "A guy who can't even afford meds—where would I get money for explosives?"
"Then the black powder in the woods—"
"Coal dust mixed with firecracker residue. Convincing, right?" He stomped on the gas, steering with one hand while waving the cigarette in front of her face with the other. "Never said it was dynamite. That was all your imagination."
"Vincent Atlante!" Her voice turned hoarse. "You planned this from the start! Even if Adrian hadn't been swapped out, you'd have lured him into those woods—"
"Just wanted to scare him at first." His eyes narrowed. "Didn't expect a bonus. Now I don't even need to dispose of a body—he'll rot in prison for ten years. The heavens are on my side."
"I'll go to the police! I'll tell them the truth!"
"Be my guest." He flicked ash. "Don't forget the documents you signed today. I'm the mastermind, and you're my accomplice. As for your three kids... Ms. Valentine, think carefully before acting."
......
The hospital's fluorescent lights stabbed at Adrian Roland's eyes as he lay weakly on the bed, his uninjured hand cuffed to the railing.
"Name."
"Adrian Roland."
"Cut the crap. Identity theft is a felony."
"I am Adrian Roland."
"Still lying? Mr. and Mrs. Roland just gave their statements."
Adrian forced his eyes open. "Mrs. Roland?"
"Yeah, Ms. Stella Valentine personally confirmed Mr. Roland's identity. What's left to deny?"
"She... is she okay?"
"With Mr. Roland around, what could happen?"
A splitting headache hit him, his vision darkening at the edges.
"What's your real name?"
Who was he?
The shadow who only dared embrace her in the dead of night.
The pitiful creature forever banished from the light.
"I asked you a question!"
"Adrian... the Second."
"Which 'Second'?"
"'When wild geese return under the moonlit tower...'" His voice rasped. "That's what she named me."
"Age."
"Thirty-three."
"Occupation."
"Businessman."
"Relation to Adrian Roland?"
"I am Adrian Roland."
"You just said your name was Adrian the Second!"
"Both names are mine." He shut his eyes in agony. "I have bipolar disorder."
The officers exchanged glances.
"So he's mentally ill..."
"Mr. Roland mentioned this morning—it's his twin brother who was kidnapped as a kid."
"Tragic. Should've been a wealthy heir..."
"Heard he stole to pay for his paralyzed parents' medical bills..."
Their footsteps faded.
Silence reclaimed the room.
Adrian bolted upright.
Stella gave a statement with "Adrian Roland"?
If he was here... who was that "Adrian Roland"?
Impossible...
How could she not recognize him?