Chapter 41

Joy Fairsprene's words sent a tremor through Stella Valentine's heart.

How should she explain her relationship with Mr. Alistair?

Employer and employee didn't quite capture it.

He treated her with the tenderness of holding something precious in his palms. He anticipated her every need, appearing precisely when she felt most helpless.

He had covered her mother's hospital bills. This meeting with her uncle was his arrangement.

And even...

Though they shared a bed each night without physical intimacy, an inexplicable closeness lingered between them.

"Miss Valentine, it's time to go," the driver reminded her.

Joy released her hand but still looked uneasy. "Stella, if you need money, I can help. Don't entertain those old men."

Stella smiled faintly. "Mr. Alistair is quite young."

"Really?" Joy eyed her skeptically.

"Yes." Stella squeezed her hand. "I'm counting on you for the job."

"Leave it to me!" Joy thumped her chest confidently. "My dad's waiting. You should go."

Stella watched the car disappear before turning away.

Her phone buzzed.

[You and Miss Fairsprene are close?]

She replied: [We've been classmates for over a decade. She's fiercely loyal.]

[Fairsprene Group's capital chain has snapped. They came today seeking funding.]

Stella's chest tightened. Joy had offended her uncle to help her—Fairsprene's financing would surely collapse now!

"Turn around!" she urged urgently.

As the driver prepared to change course, his phone rang.

"Mr. Alistair's orders," he relayed after hanging up. "He'll handle the Fairsprene matter."

Stella froze.

"He said this is repaying a debt he owes."

The suite at Houston Grand Hotel remained dimly lit.

Mr. Alistair sat at the dining table, the aroma of coffee swirling around him.

"About the Fairsprenes..." she began hesitantly.

"Worried I can't afford it?" He chuckled lightly.

Stella pressed her lips together. "It's a substantial sum. What do you want in exchange?"

"You already have it."

A sudden thought struck her. "Do you need my organs?"

Mr. Alistair burst into laughter. "Vivid imagination."

"Then why?"

"Atonement." His voice turned somber. "I wronged someone. You're the only one I can make amends to now."

When she tried to probe further, he diverted the topic. "What medication did you take today?"

She gripped her bag strap. "Just painkillers."

"Show me."

Under his piercing gaze, she reluctantly produced the bottle.

"Still hurting from the appendectomy?"

"Some tearing during childbirth," she murmured.

After a pause, he returned the bottle. "Don't overuse them."