Chapter 95

Adrian's fist connected with Harry's face before he could react.

Harry staggered back, knocking over a vase behind him.

"Mr. Roland, what—"

"Stay away from Stella." Adrian's voice was glacial.

Stella rushed forward and grabbed his arm. "Adrian!"

"You're the one acting insane!" His eyes burned with fury. "First Julian, now this playboy—"

"We're divorced!" Stella cut him off.

Adrian's throat worked. "I regret it."

A bitter laugh escaped her. "So what? Should I grovel in gratitude?"

"The children need us—"

"They need me." She took a step back. "Where were you when Luna was sick? Where were you when Ethan got bullied?"

He reached for her. "Let me make it right—"

Stella slapped his hand away.

"Do you remember that blue dress I wore at eighteen?" she asked suddenly.

Adrian froze. "The one your father gave you?"

"Yes. I cried over it for a week." Her gaze drifted to the window. "But even if it returned now, it wouldn't fit anymore."

She turned back to him. "Just like you."

His face went pale.

"Mr. Alistair found me when I was dying in the ICU." Her voice was soft. "You were helping Lily pick her wedding dress."

Joy burst in with a water pitcher. "You bastard!"

She planted herself in front of Stella like a bristling cat.

"He's my boyfriend!" She pointed at Harry's swelling cheek. "Who gave you the right to hit him?"

Adrian sneered. "The way he looks at Stella—"

"Psycho!" Joy hurled a pillow at him. "She has Julian now. Nobody wants your pathetic regrets!"

Stella gently stilled her friend's hand.

"Adrian," she said calmly, "delayed affection is worthless."

The room plunged into silence.

Adrian's knuckles whitened before his hands fell limp at his sides.

As he turned to leave, he heard Stella tell Joy, "Ask Julian to dinner tonight."

The door slammed shut with a deafening crash.