Chapter 448

Julian Valois tapped the desk with his slender fingers, producing crisp sounds. "So you're just going to stay like this?"

Adrian Roland lowered his gaze, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "This is fine. She has her world, and I'll keep to my place."

"Going back to being 'Mr. Alistair' again?"

"That was the closest I've ever been to happiness."

Julian couldn't help but laugh. "Two emotionally constipated people in a relationship—what a perfect match."

Adrian looked up. "Did Joy send you to stall me?"

Julian spread his hands. "Since you've seen through it, just play along. I can't stand women making a scene."

Adrian's eyes fell to his legs. "In this state, where could I even go?"

Julian's expression softened. "It takes time to heal broken bones. Consider it a forced vacation. Vincent is just a puppet on paper—the company's real power is still in your hands."

"Hmm."

"You've dealt with Lily, Victor, and Mr. Xavier. What about Vincent?"

Adrian was silent for a moment. "He's still Roland blood."

"Letting him go?"

"I'll think about it."

Stella Valentine nearly twisted her ankle when Joy Fairsprene yanked her into the car.

The red sports car sped down the highway as Stella clutched the seatbelt, her knuckles turning white.

"Joy, slow down!"

Joy ignored her, flooring the accelerator.

The scenery outside grew increasingly desolate until they stopped before a gray-white building.

"Where is this?"

Joy lowered her voice mysteriously. "Taking you to see something interesting."

Walking through the heavily guarded corridor, Stella suddenly realized where they were.

"Which cell is Lily in?" Joy stopped a guard.

"308. Hurry—you only have twenty minutes."

The door opened, revealing a room split in two by a cold glass partition.

Joy patted her shoulder. "Settle your debts. I'll wait outside."

As the door closed, Stella heard the violent pounding of her own heart.

Clang—

The sound of the iron door opening was especially jarring.

Lily Savigny shuffled in, ankle chains dragging, her orange prison uniform hanging loosely. She looked up and grinned when she saw Stella.

"Here for one last look?" Her voice was rough as sandpaper.

Stella studied the woman who had once been radiant. The purple dresses and flawless makeup were gone, replaced by hollow cheeks and bruised arms.

"Nothing to say?" Lily tilted her head. "Here to laugh at me?"

"I just wanted to see what kind of demon could destroy so many lives."

Lily burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the empty room. "Four lives for two—worth it!"

"Those were real people!"

"So what?" Lily pressed closer to the glass, madness gleaming in her eyes. "You know the funniest part? Adrian hated you to the core, yet he still became 'Mr. Alistair' to protect you. And me? I wasn't even good enough to be a stand-in."

Stella clenched her fists. "That child—"

"Ha!" Lily slammed her palm against the glass. "You actually believed that lie? Didn't Joy tell you? I've been infertile for years!"