Chapter 91

The engine roared as Joy Fairsprene slammed the accelerator. The car shot forward like an arrow.

"That Lily Savigny is a bitch!" Joy smacked the steering wheel in frustration. "Don't worry, Stella. We'll go find Mr. Alistair and get answers!"

But Stella Valentine's gaze remained fixed on the rearview mirror.

The black Maybach still sat parked, its window slightly lowered, revealing the driver's sharp profile.

"Joy."

"Hmm?"

"What color is Mr. Alistair's car?"

Joy frowned in thought. "Zachary said it was black... some fancy model like May—"

"Maybach?"

"Yes!" Joy turned in surprise. "How did you know?"

Stella's fingers tightened unconsciously.

She didn't just know the car model.

She knew exactly who was behind the wheel.

"Stella?" Joy glanced at her worriedly. "You look pale."

"It's nothing." Stella forced a smile. "Probably just post-surgery fatigue."

Joy pulled up to the hospital entrance and hurried to open her door.

"Want me to come with you?"

"No need." Stella adjusted baby Luna in her arms. "You go ahead."

Luna giggled, tiny fingers grasping a strand of Stella's hair.

That smile... it looked just like Mr. Alistair's gentle expression.

The realization startled her.

"Miss Valentine?" A nurse peeked in. "Visitors claiming to be family."

Stella tensed. "Who?"

"An older couple. Said they're your uncle—"

Before she could finish, Victor Lefèvre barged in.

"Stella Valentine!" His face twisted in rage. "Why did Adrian Roland withdraw funding?!"

Stella smirked coldly. "Ask your daughter."

"You—!" Victor raised his hand.

"Try it." Stella met his glare. "Victor, remember who holds majority shares."

Her phone buzzed.

[Don't be afraid. On my way.]

Stella typed back: [Not necessary.]

The phone rang instantly.

"Mr. Alistair?"

"Five minutes." His voice carried urgency. "Don't provoke them."

Stella inhaled deeply. "Mr. Alistair... or should I call you Julian Valois?"

Dead silence on the line.

"I saw your car." Her voice softened. "Right outside the hospital."

Beep—

The dial tone cut off as the door swung open.

Julian Valois strode in, positioning himself between her and Victor.

"Let me handle this," he murmured.

The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped her.

Stella stared blankly at his broad shoulders.

"CEO Valois?!" Victor gaped. "Why are you—"

Julian cut him off coldly. "Outside. Now."

Sophia Durand tugged Victor's arm. "The CEO is right, let's discuss this—"

As the door clicked shut, Stella caught Julian's hushed whisper:

"Stella... I'm sorry."