Chapter 450

Joy Fairsprene paced anxiously outside the police station. When Stella Valentine emerged, she rushed forward. "That was quick! I thought you'd have a huge fight."

Stella remained calm. "Let's go."

"Already?" Joy's eyes widened. "Aren't you staying to watch her execution? After all the lives she ruined, she's getting off easy!"

Stella shook her head gently. "The law will deliver justice."

As Joy was pulled toward the car, she persisted. "Really not staying? I took time off just so you could witness this moment."

Stella extended her hand. "Give me the keys."

"What keys?"

"The car keys."

Joy blinked in surprise. "You can drive now? When did you learn?"

"Since you're so reluctant to leave, maybe I should go first."

Joy finally laughed and handed over the keys. "Fine, no watching. It's not like she can escape anyway."

Once inside the car, Joy kept stealing glances at Stella while buckling her seatbelt.

Stella pretended not to notice, closing her eyes to rest.

"Stella..."

"Hmm?"

"What did you say to Lily Savigny? I thought you'd tear into her."

"Hate." Stella opened her eyes. "She killed my father and Martha. How could I not hate her?"

"Then why are you so... composed?"

"Because hate changes nothing. She'll pay for her crimes, but the living must keep moving forward."

On the drive back, Joy drove more carefully than before. "Stella, do you still love Adrian Roland?"

Stella's lashes trembled slightly, but she didn't answer.

"You've changed these past six months," Joy hesitated. "You used to be strong, but you always relied on others for hope. Now... you stand on your own."

Stella murmured, "Everyone must learn to get back up."

"But isn't it lonely to shut out love completely?"

Stella turned to her. "Did Julian Valois put you up to this?"

"What? No—"

"Then it was Adrian."

Joy smacked the steering wheel in frustration. "I hate how you smart people see through everything! I just don't get why this counts as matchmaking!"

Stella chuckled. "Love and hate aren't black and white. Some things aren't about forgiveness... Never mind. Play a song."

"Which one?"

"Love and Hate."

The melancholic melody filled the car, a weathered female voice singing:

Love and hate entwined

Like shadows in the snow

How to piece together shattered dreams...

Joy listened thoughtfully to the lyrics.

When they parked outside Brilliant Star Group, Joy glanced around.

"Looking for something?" Stella asked.

"Nothing. Just checking parking spots."

Stella unbuckled her seatbelt. "Head back before rush hour."

"How will you get home tonight?"

"Taxi."

Joy suggested, "Get a driver's license. It's more convenient."

After a pause, Stella nodded. "Alright. I'll register tomorrow."

Joy brightened. "Really? That's great!"

Before exiting, Stella said meaningfully, "Tell Julian he doesn't need to hide. And... thank him for me."

Joy's eyes widened. "How did you—"

"With your driving skills, he'd never let you come alone." Stella smiled faintly. "Besides, Adrian's in the car too, isn't he?"