Chapter 43

"Damn jinx!" Joy Fairsprene pinched her own arm hard, her gaze locked on the scene ahead.

Stella Valentine followed her line of sight. Lily Savigny was practically draped over Adrian Roland. The woman cooed something, and Adrian immediately knelt to examine her ankle with practiced ease.

Lily deliberately stomped her foot, drawing an indulgent smile from Adrian as they entered a jewelry store arm in arm.

"Why are they going to a jewelry store?" Joy's eyes widened. "Are they really getting married?"

Stella withdrew her gaze, voice calm. "It was always inevitable."

If not for her six-year absence, Lily would've been Mrs. Roland long ago.

"Let's go in." Joy yanked Stella forward.

The sudden movement sent a sharp pain through Stella's healing wound. She gasped. "Joy, don't—"

But Joy was determined. "You saved my father's business. Today, I'm treating you."

"I don't want to see them..."

"Stop hiding!" Joy gritted her teeth. "The more you avoid them, the bolder they get. Today, I'll expose that fake lily's true colors!"

The jewelry store's glass door swung open under Joy's forceful push.

A sales associate greeted them with a polished smile. "What may I show you ladies today?"

"The most expensive piece you have!" Joy slapped the counter. "And I mean the priciest!"

The associate hesitated. "Our most exclusive item is a new couple's ring set..."

"What, single women can't buy rings?" Joy scoffed.

The commotion caught Adrian's attention. His expression darkened. "Following me now?"

Joy rolled her eyes. "Mr. Roland, do you own the streets?"

"Of all jewelry stores in Houston, you chose this one?" His eyes turned stormy.

"Because I can!" Joy planted her hands on her hips. "Unless you plan to buy out the entire store?"

As tensions escalated, Stella tugged her friend's sleeve. "Joy, let it go."

"Why should we?" Joy raised her voice. "Adrian Roland, if you hate the Valentines so much, why marry their niece? Stop pretending to be noble!"

Adrian's face hardened. "My personal affairs are none of your concern."

"Who cares about you?" Joy turned to the associate. "Where's that ring?"

The associate presented a navy velvet box. "This limited edition couple's set is designed by our head jeweler."

The modest diamonds carried an eye-watering price tag.

Joy paled slightly while counting the zeros.

Lily sighed dreamily. "So beautiful..."

"If you like it, we'll take it," Adrian said flatly.

"But Ms. Valentine saw it first..."

Joy whispered to Stella, "I might be short on funds..."

Stella pushed the box away. "We're not interested."

The associate immediately turned to Adrian with a sycophantic smile. "Mr. Roland, this set makes perfect wedding bands."

"Wedding bands?" Lily blushed. "I'm not Mrs. Roland yet."

"Soon enough." The associate glanced meaningfully at Adrian.

Lily leaned against him. "Is that true, Mr. Roland?"

After a pause, Adrian said, "Get our sizes measured."

The associate beamed, scurrying to assist them.

Joy stomped her foot in frustration. "Stella, let's buy something else!"

Just then, Stella's phone vibrated.

[Bank account unfrozen. $5,000,000 deposited.]

Followed by:

[Buy it.]

Her head snapped up, scanning the crowded street for a familiar figure.

[Don't look. We'll meet when the time comes.]

Her fingers trembled as she replied: [This is too much. I don't need—]

[You do.]

[Wear it for me.]

Joy rushed outside. "Stella, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." Stella pocketed her phone, resolve hardening. "Let's go back for that ring."

She pulled Joy toward the store, slamming a black card onto the counter under Adrian's stunned gaze.