Chapter 88

Stella's fingers trembled violently.

The name "Julian Valois" on her phone screen burned her eyes.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end froze her in place.

That voice...

It was too familiar.

So familiar she almost believed Mr. Alistair was standing before her.

"Miss Valentine?"

"Y-yes, I'm here." She pressed a hand to her racing heart. "Hello, Mr. Valois."

A soft chuckle came through the line. "Just call me Mr. Valois."

Stella bit her lower lip.

Mr. Alistair.

Mr. Valois.

The two titles tangled on her tongue, nearly slipping out.

"I heard you weren't feeling well." Julian's tone was gentle, almost tender. "Are you better now?"

Stella glanced at Joy playing with Luna.

"Much better. Joy is keeping me company." She hesitated. "Would you like to speak with her?"

"No need." Amusement colored his voice. "I called specifically for you."

Her heart skipped a beat.

"I'd like you to design a jewelry set." Julian said. "For someone very important."

"Is it... for your girlfriend?"

"You could say that."

Stella clenched the bedsheet. "What style does she prefer?"

"What about you?" Julian countered. "What do you like?"

"Emeralds... and roses."

"Then that's settled." His decision was final. "No rush. Take your time with the design."

Her hands still shook when she ended the call.

"Stella?" Joy scooted closer. "Who was that?"

"Julian Valois." Stella stared at her phone. "He wants me to design jewelry."

Joy's eyes widened. "How did he—"

"I don't know." Stella shook her head. "Maybe he got my contact from the company."

Joy suddenly grabbed her hand. "Come on. I'm taking you somewhere."

Zachary's computer screen glowed blue.

Surveillance footage from the hospital entrance played frame by frame.

"This one." Zachary pointed. "Appeared at midnight two nights in a row."

Stella watched the black sedan, her breathing growing ragged.

Her phone vibrated.

[Stella, stop looking.]

Her fingers jerked. The phone clattered to the floor.

"What's wrong?" Joy bent to pick it up.

Stella snatched it first. "Let's go."

"We're about to identify the owner!" Zachary called after them.

But Stella was already dragging Joy out the door.

In the car, Joy couldn't hold back. "You're just giving up?"

Stella gazed at the blurring scenery outside.

"Sometimes ignorance is better."

Joy suddenly gasped. "Stella, look—"

A familiar figure hurried through the hospital entrance.