Chapter 436

The plaza before Brilliant Star Group headquarters swarmed with people.

Stella Valentine's car was trapped a hundred meters away, unable to move an inch. Camera flashes erupted like lightning, illuminating the entire street.

"Oh my god!" Joy Fairsprene pressed against the car window. "Is this a press conference?"

Stella's lips pressed into a thin line.

She didn't need to guess who was behind this. Brilliant Star Group had always maintained a low profile. Since her father's death, that spineless Victor Lefèvre wouldn't dare offend even a street thug. Only one relentless enemy could orchestrate such a spectacle.

"Joy, stay in the car."

"No way! That lunatic Lily Savigny is capable of anything!"

Stella unbuckled her seatbelt. "She's here for me."

The back entrance stood empty.

The receptionist paced anxiously. "Ms. Valentine! That woman is kneeling at the main entrance with a child, claiming you're trying to drive them to ruin—"

"How long?"

"Nearly two hours. More reporters keep arriving. We can't stop them."

Stella removed her coat. "Bring a chair to the entrance."

"Pardon?"

"One with a backrest."

Camera flashes descended like torrential rain.

Squinting against the glare, Stella strode toward the prepared chair. She sat gracefully, crossing her legs as she surveyed the farce unfolding below the steps.

Lily Savigny knelt with disheveled hair, her white dress stained with dirt. Beside her, a gaunt boy stared vacantly like a wooden puppet.

"Stella Valentine!" Lily suddenly lunged forward. "Are you satisfied after reducing us to this?"

The boy stumbled as she yanked his arm.

"How old is he?" Stella asked abruptly.

Lily faltered. "Th-three and a half! He's Adrian Roland's flesh and blood! The Roland family must acknowledge him!"

Reporters erupted in murmurs.

Stella smiled faintly. "Does Adrian know about this?"

"Of course! He promised at the funeral!" Lily shrieked. "Even beasts care for their young! Don't think you can deny it!"

Flashbulbs exploded in frenzy.

"Mrs. Roland, what are your thoughts on your husband's illegitimate child?"

"Is it true you framed this woman and sent her to prison?"

"Will the child be brought into the Roland household?"

Questions flooded like tidal waves.

Beneath the trees, Vincent Astor gripped the wheelchair handles. "Sir, Madam is—"

Adrian Roland raised a hand to silence him. His gaze remained fixed on the straight-backed figure at the center of the storm, dark currents swirling in his eyes.

"Let her handle it."