Chapter 70

Adam's POV

The untouched crystal glass in my hand refracted the faint light.reflecting my tense expression.

"Adam," Mark lounged opposite me. deliberately maintaining a casual tone, "there is a grand party next week. Old and new aristocrats will gather-a perfect social opportunity. Half of Manhattan's high society is vying for an invitation."

"Not interested." My tone was as sharp as shattered glass.

"Come on, you can't hide forever!" Mark leaned forward, "The mysterious GT's CEO finally makes an appearance-everyone's eager to catch a glimpse. And those debutantes..." He raised an eyebrow suggestively.

I glared at him coldly. "Are you here to report the investigation results, or should I find someone else to handle this?"

Mark immediately dropped his playful demeanor. He pulled out a tablet, his expression turning serious."Stella'Grandma has been quite busy. Academic competitions, private tutoring,advanced courses-she's been secretly supporting Stella all these years." "Where's the money coming from?" I pressed, "Anna Winston relies on her husband's allowance for her designer bags.Where' s the funding for Stella's education coming from?"

"That's the most interesting part." Mark lowered his voice, "The money trail is too clean. Unnaturally clean. It's as if someone meticulously erased all traces afterward."

"And the baby swap?"

"Even stranger. Who could swap a baby at a crowded party without leaving a single witness? And Lucy conveniently returning to the Winston family..." Mark paused, observing my expression, "Adam, are you investigating this because you've fallen for Stella?"

The click of high heels interrupted our conversation. A young actress sashayed over, her red knit dress more suited for a nightclub than a luxury resort.

"Mr. Lancaster," she cooed, "why so serious? Let me add some fun to your evening." She picked up the decanter,leaning forward to showcase her assets, "This vintage wine is exquisite."

Her red dress unexpectedly triggered a memory: Stella on her bírthday,elegantly dressed in red silk, her smile pure and warm. The contrast made my stomach churn."Leave," I said coldly, "and that dress-you're only embarrassing yourself. Red doesn't suit you." Watching her flee, her face flushed, Mark whistled. "Harsh. even by your standards. But I noticed you didn't deny falling for Stella."

I chose to ignore his comment. "Continue the investigation. Dig deeper. Something about this whole situation feels off."

"You're avoiding the question." Mark persisted with a grin."Admit it-Adam Lancaster has fallen for his own wife."

My gaze could freeze hell. "Focus on finding answers. Mark.Leave the rest alone."

\---

Stella's POV

I stood by the props table, the low hum of the heater making the air feel surreal.

My throat was still hoarse from coughing all night, and I rubbed my nose, grateful I didn't have to shiver today.

Lisa bounced over, her eyes sparkling like she'd struck gold."Stella, have you heard?" she whispered conspiratorially,"Someone donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to make things better for the crew! Heating, fans, even that new lounge area-all of it!"

I paused, looking down at the edge of my sweater, my fingers unconsciously tightening. Hundreds of thousands of dollars?

Who would be so generous? I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "That's vey generous. The donor must be very kind."

In the distance, the lighting crew huddled together, whispering."It must be Lucy's boyfriend," one guy said, winking at Lucy.She happened to walk by, and at his words, she gave a smug smile, shrugging her shoulders as if to confirm. "Maybe," she drawled, basking in their envious looks.

I bit my lip, pretending not to hear. Brian? The guy who only sends flowers?* I didn't believe it, but I had no interest in exposing her. The set's atmosphere warmed up, the heater making my cheeks flush, but I felt a hollowness in my chest-this kind of excitement always seemed to exclude me.

"Lucy!" someone called from across the set, "Your boyfriend is amazing! First the roses, now this!"

I watched Lucy's practiced fake smile. I had to admit, she was skilled at accepting undeserved praise.

"Brian, darling!" her voice was sickly sweet, echoing across the set, "Everyone's praising your sponsorship! They say I have the best boyfriend! I love you so much!" I rolled my eyes internally at her performance. Through the phone,I could hear Brian's confused response. *Rookie mistake*, I thought, *never claim credit for something you can't prove*. At lunch. Lucy cornered me with her bouquet, wielding it like a weapon. "About Rouge..."

"Ready to apologize to Sam on your knees?" I cut her off without looking up from my script.

"You-" she sputtered. pulling out her phone. "Mom! Hasn't that old lady talked to Stella yet? This bitch is still mocking me about Rouge!"

Though I couldn't hear Anna's full response. Lucy's shrill"What do you mean Adam said not to bother her?" made me smile into my coffee cup.

In the afternoon, the director's announcement brought new drama to the set. "Exciting news! Our generous benefactor is visiting the set today!"

"Lucy!" someone screamed. "Your Brian is so romantic!"

I watched Lucy adjust her designer coat, basking in the attention.

I tried to focus, but the surrounding chatter felt like a tidal wave, overwhelming me. Lucy was still preening, but I just felt annoyed. *Does she really think she's the center of attention?*I bit my lip, forcing myself to concentrate on my lines. Until the low rumble of wheels cut through the noise like a knife. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat. A wheelchair rolled into view, and Adam emerged, stopping in the center of the set. His face was as cold as ice, his gaze sweeping the crowd before locking onto mine.

Was he the one who donated the money? My throat tightened.and I couldn't find my voice. Lucy's smug expression crumbled 名 into panic. The surrounding chatter ceased, as if someone had hit the pause button.

Adam appeared, impeccably dressed in a perfectly tailored suit,looking devastatingly handsome.

I stood up so quickly I nearly knocked over the entire makeup table. Everyone stared in stunned silence as Adam surveyed the set.

The roses slipped from Lucy's hand. I couldn't tear my eyes away.Why had he come here, enduring the public scrutiny he despised, just to see me?

"Ladies and gentlemen," the director announced excitedly, "I'd like to introduce our generous sponsor, Mr. Lancaster of GT Group, who has generously provided funds to improve our working conditions!"

Enthusíastic applause broke out. I noticed Adam was uncomfortable being the center of attention. He made a slight gesture, and Taylor immediately stepped forward.

"Mr, Lancaster appreciates your warm welcome," Taylor said calmly, "but he's only here for a routine inspection. Please continue with your normal work."

Despite Taylor's words, I could still see curious glances directed at Adam. His green eyes scanned the crowd until they found me, and when our gazes met, I felt that familiar electric jolt.

"This is-" the director began introducing me.

"Ah yes, this is our Assistant Costume Director, Stella Winston.She's doing excellent work in our wardrobe department." His eyes brightened. "In fact, Miss Winston could perhaps show you some of her designs? She's very talented."

Panic rushed through me. This was my workplace, my professional environment. Just yesterday, I was fighting against Anny's sabotage, trying to establish myself as a professional.The last thing I needed was for everyone to think I got this position because of my relationship with Adam.

*If I acknowledge our relationship now, won't everyone think I don't deserve to be here? That I only relied on my husband's connections?*

I stepped forward with a professional expression. "Hello, Mr.Lancaster. I'm Stella Winston, Assistant Costume Director for'Splendor.' Pleased to meet you."