Chapter 66

Stella's POV

I was fully engrossed in reviewing the costume photos for the "Splendor" crew when my phone vibrated. It was Adam.

"What is it?" I asked without looking up, my eyes still fixed on a problematic detail of a dress hem.

"Reserve tonight for me," he said in that unmistakable tone that brooked no argument. It was clear this was not a request but a directive.

I glanced at the pile of photos still awaiting approval on my desk. "I have a deadline to meet-"

"It's already taken care of. Taylor and the production team have been informed."

Of course, he would have everything arranged in advance.I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "What should I wear?"

"Something beautiful," his voice dropped a notch, "though you always look beautiful."

The unexpected compliment caught me off guard. "Mr Lancaster, are you flirting with me?"

"Would you prefer I flirt with someone else,?" "You-"I felt my cheeks flush. "Just tell me where we're going."

"You'll find out soon enough," I could hear the smile in his voice. "A car will pick you up at six."

He hung up before I could respond. Typical Adam-always in control ofthe conversation.

At precisely six o'clock, I descended the stairs in a red cashmere evening gown. Joseph greeted me with his signature knowing smile.

"You look exceptionally stunning tonight, Madam," he said.

"Joseph, you're starting to soundI just like Adam with your compliments."

"I'm merely stating the truth, Madam. Though I believe Mr.Lancaster will express his appreciation in a more... direct manner."

I felt my cheeks heat up. Lately, everyone in the manor seemed overly invested in my relationship with Adam.

The car didn't head towards the financial district but drove north. When it stopped at the entrance of an amusement park,I thought there must be a mistake. But a young woman in business casual attire approached, her GT Group badge gleaming under the lights.

"Mrs. Lancaster, this way, please. Mr. Lancaster is waiting for you inside."

What on earth was Adam planning? And why was a GT employee at an amusement park?

Before I could figure it out, a little girl holding a bouquet of exquisite firebird roses appeared before me. "Happy birthday,pretty lady!" she said sweetly.

What followed was a continuous stream of bouquets-each accompanied by birthday wishes-until my arms were full of flowers. I noticed that these bouquets deliberately avoided red roses, using various other species instead.

Finally, we arrived at the castle in the amusement park. Adam sat in a wheelchair, looking strikingly handsome in a perfectly tailored black wool coat. His usual stern expression was softened slightly, and he held a large bouquet of red roses-the first I'd seen that night.

My heart pounded so hard I could almost hear it.

"Happy birthday, my dear," he said softly, his green eyes locking onto míne.

As soon as he spoke, the night sky behind the castle erupted in a dazzling display of fireworks, spelling out "STELLA

LANCASTER HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in the darkness.

The surrounding crowd burst into exclamations and cheers:

"So romantic!"

"Another birthday surprise!"

"Happy birthday, bride!"

"May you have many children!"

"Grow old together!"

I felt my cheeks flush. "Was this really necessary... to be so...high-profile?"

Adam's lips curved into that heart-stopping smile as he pulled me closer. "Mrs. Lancaster deserves all of this." His thumb gently brushed my cheek. "And the private celebration is yet to come."

My breath hitched. "Adam!"

"What?" He feigned innocence, but the heat in his eyes betrayed him. "I was only talking about dinner."

"You're impossible," I muttered, but couldn't help nuzzling into his palm.

He captured my hand,pressing a kiss into my palm. "Only for vOI" “Just wondering if Mrs. Lancaster might mind the late hour."

I couldn't control the moisture welling up in my eyes, so l lowered my gaze and accepted the flowers."Idon't mind."

"Not happy?" he asked gently.

I looked up and shook my head. "I'm very happy. Thank you,Adam."

This was the most heartfelt birthday I'd ever had, with the most sincere birthday wishes.

In the past, birthday parties were mostly about my identity as the "daughter of the Sheng family." People said what they thought I wanted to hear, but sincerity was scarce.

The surrounding tourists began to cheer:

"Kiss! Kiss!"

"Kiss!"

"Handsome guy and beautiful lady,kiss!"

The cheering grew louder.

"Ms. Lancaster, I've told you before, thank you is not enough."His gaze fell on my lips, the implication clear. I saw a playful glint in his deep green eyes, He sat in his wheelchair, waiting motionlessly, yet he seemed to be bathed in starlight.

I had no choice but to lower my eyes and smile, bending down.

My red lips met his.

That night in the presidential suite of the hotel. Adam proved just how thorough his birthday plans were.

"I have a meeting tomorrow morning," I weakly protested as his lips trailed down my neck.

"Cancel it."

"You can't just--" My words turned into a gasp as he found the sensitive spot behind my ear.

"Can't I?" His voice carried that dangerous edge that always made my knees weak. "It's the birthday girl's privilege."

"It's not my birthday anymore," I managed to say.

He pulled back slightly to look at me, his gaze intense. "Then I'Il have to make up for the missed birthdays." He walked over slowly, his shirt half-unbuttoned, showing his firm chest. My heart raced, and my fingers gripped my skirt. "Stella,I love you," he said in a low, husky voice,leaning close to my ear, his warm breath on my skin. I bit my lip, my cheeks burning.

He chuckled, his hand sliding up my thigh, stopping at the edge of my skirt, fingertips brushing my sensitive skin. I shivered, my body already reacting. He leaned down, kissing my neck slowly,his tongue leaving a wet trail.

"Is this enough?"he murmured, his fingers slipping into my panties, parting my wet folds, touching my swollen clit. I gasped, my hips lifting. His fingers moved skillfully, sliding in and out, circling,making me weak.

I grabbed his shoulders, nails digging in, voice shaky. “Don't stop... harder." He smirked, then kissed me hard,his tongue pushing into my mouth. His fingers sped up, thrusting deep,my wet walls clinging to him, making soft sounds.

I felt completely his, each thrust pushing me closer until a wave of heat hit me. I screamed, my body tensing, legs clamping around his hand as I shook through my climax.