Chapter 430

"How is that impossible?" Vincent's fingers tapped an irritating rhythm on the table. "Didn't you all swear to compensate me? Changing your minds already?"

His gaze slithered over Stella like a venomous snake.

Penny stepped between them. "Someone like you doesn't deserve compensation! What does the Roland family owe you? Should they be responsible forever for what your mother did?"

Vincent slammed the table, making the ashtray jump.

"Then what about my suffering?" He bared his teeth in a grin. "Since you're showing no mercy, don't blame me for what happens next. I will attend that memorial service."

Stella's fingers clenched beneath the table.

She knew exactly what Vincent intended. If he showed up at the memorial, Adrian's reputation would be ruined.

"Over my dead body," she said, her voice icy.

Vincent leaned in, his breath hot against her face. "Don't forget—right now, I'm 'Adrian Roland.' What if I suddenly appeared at a nightclub with some girls on my arms? Front page news—"

"Enough!" Stella shot to her feet. "You can go. But you will behave."

Vincent smirked in victory. As he turned to leave, he deliberately knocked over a vase on the coffee table.

Amid the shattering glass, he walked out without looking back.

"Stella..." Penny looked at her with concern.

Stella watched Vincent's retreating figure through the window. "Have him watched. On the day of the service, don't let him near the cemetery."

The memorial day arrived swiftly.

Stella stood by the window, watching her three children sitting properly dressed on the sofa.

"Mommy, will Great-Grandpa become the brightest star?" her youngest daughter asked, tilting her head up.

Stella knelt to adjust her collar. "Yes. He'll always watch over us."

As she stood, she noticed Ethan's worried gaze.

"Is Daddy okay?" the boy whispered.

Stella ruffled his hair. "I'll check on him."

In the next room, Adrian sat alone in his wheelchair. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting fractured shadows across his pale face.

"Everything's arranged," he said without turning. "Vincent—"

"He's contained," Stella said softly. "You... take care of yourself."

Adrian's shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly.

Just then, Benjamin knocked urgently. "Stella, Ms. Fairsprene is here."

In the children's room, Joy pulled Stella into a fierce hug.

"You idiot!" She pounded Stella's back with tear-filled eyes. "How could you not tell me something this big happened?"

Stella finally let her tears fall.

She clung to her best friend like the only lifeline in a storm.