Chapter 475

When was the last time he heard Stella Valentine's voice? Adrian Roland's memory blurred. His fingers twitched, and the scalding coffee cup toppled over.

Vincent Astor lunged forward but was a second too late. The dark liquid splashed across Adrian's trousers as the porcelain shattered on the floor.

The loud crash startled Stella outside. She pushed the door open, her pupils contracting. "What happened?"

"Mrs. Roland." Vincent forced a smile.

Stella's gaze bypassed him entirely, landing on Adrian. "Are you alright?"

She stepped carefully around the mess, reaching for his soaked pants. Adrian caught her wrist. "I'll handle it."

Her brows knitted. The moment her fingertips brushed the damp fabric, her expression changed. "This is boiling hot!" Her voice trembled slightly. "We need to treat this now."

"No need." Adrian's eyes hungrily traced her features. She'd lost weight—her jawline sharper, faint shadows beneath her eyes.

"Vincent." Stella turned to the assistant.

Vincent had been staring blankly at the ceiling. He startled. "Huh?"

"Fetch fresh trousers and burn ointment." She was already clearing the desk with efficient motions. "I'll take care of this."

Vincent practically fled, nearly colliding with the doorframe in his haste.

The study fell silent enough to hear breathing.

"How...have you been?" Adrian's voice was rough.

"I'm fine." Stella pressed her lips together. "But you—"

Her fingers moved to unbuckle his belt. He stopped her again.

"I can manage," he insisted.

Stella inhaled deeply. "Adrian, your leg injury hasn't healed. This isn't the time for stubbornness."

Adrian said nothing. He remembered shielding her effortlessly from stray soccer balls during their campus walks. Now he couldn't even dodge a coffee cup.

"Not your fault," he murmured. "Don't force yourself."

Releasing her hand, he turned his face away. "It's just...I'm only wearing one pair today."

The moment the words left his mouth, both froze. Stella's ears turned scarlet. Adrian's throat bobbed.

The air thickened for several heartbeats.

"Pretend...this never happened," Adrian ground out.

But his movements were visibly sluggish. Stella couldn't bear it any longer—she reached over and unclasped his belt herself.