Chapter 76

Stella's POV

Two miles from the filming location, we strolled through New York's fashion district. Adam wore a black cashmere coat and a mask that covered half his face, yet still managed to draw attention. His height and the confident way he carried himself made him impossible to ignore.

Damn, my handsome man.

"Someone's taking pictures of you," I whispered, nodding subtly toward a woman across the street with her phone raised."This area is popular with content creators doing livestreams."

Before Adam could respond, a young woman with a professional camera approached us, her assistant holding a ring light.

"Excuse me! I'm a relationship content creator. Would you mind answering a couple of questions for my channel? You two make such a gorgeous couple!"

I hesitated, uncomfortable with the attention.′′UJm,we're not-""She's my wife," Adam interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I stared at him, momentarily stunned by his direct response. We'd never discussed how to handle such situations in public.

The blogger's eyes widened with delight. "Married? You seem so young!"

′′I′'m above the legal marriage age," I replied, fighting the urge to fidget under her scrutiny.

"That's wonderful! Here's my question for today's segment:How do you resolve conflicts in your relationship?"

Before I could formulate a safe, generic answer, Adam spoke.

"Sex."

I nearly choked, my face instantly burning. "Adam!"

The creator seemed equally shocked but quickly recovered with professional enthusiasm. "Well! That's certainly... direct! Thank you for your honesty!"

She scurried away, clearly having gotten more than she'd bargained for, while I stood frozen in mortification.

\---

"Are you out of your mind?" I hissed once we were alone again. Adam looked genuinely puzzled by my reaction. "What did 1say wrong?" "Everything!" I ran a hand through my hair in frustration."What if someone recognizes us?"

He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You don't want people to know about our marriage?"

I lowered my gaze, uncomfortable with his direct question."Keeping our marriage private... might be more convenient." *And if we eventually separate, it would be less complicated*,I added silently.

Adam's expression cooled several degrees. "The video won't be released."

The certainty in his voice should have been reassuring, but something in his tone made me shiver.

\---

We continued walking, looking for a place to eat. I suggested a well-known restaurant nearby, but Adam dismissed it with a curt,"Too noisy."

As we turned a corner, I spotted a familiar figure stumbling out of a bar ahead. My heart sank as the male lead from our production noticed us and deliberately blocked our path."Well, well," he slurred, alcohol heavy on his breath. "If it isn't the high-and-mighty Stella. You slut, in Lancaster's bed last night and with another m an tonight?" I felt Adam stiffen beside me. The male lead. too drunk to recognize Adam with his mask, continued his tirade.

"How many men are you slecping with, huh? You think you're so special because you've got connections?" He leaned closer.the stench of alcohol making me recoil. "Everyone knows you're just a worthless-"

What happened next was so fast I barely registered it. Adam moved with dendly precision. his fist connecting with the actor s stomach. As the man doubled over. Adam followed with several more calculated strikes that left him crumpled on the sidewalk.

"Adam. stop!" I grabbed his arm. "This is a public place! Calm down!"

The actor's friends rushed over from the bar, looking ready for a fight. I quickly stepped between them and Adam.

"Think about it," I warned the actor, who was still struggling to stand. "You're a public figure. How will it look if this gets out? It's better for everyone if we all just walk away now." The actor glared at us through watering eyes, clutching his ribs."Fine. But you haven't heard the last of this. You better watch out!" I pulled Adum away from the scene, not stopping until we were safely around th e corner. My heart was still racing from the confrontation.

"That idiot." I muttered, more to myself than to Adam.I glanced at him, surprised by his display of physical aggression."Don't be angry. He didn't recognize you."

Adam remained silent, his jaw clenched. He was still furious,but I couldn't understand why.

Adam's POV

I watched as Stella disappeared into the bathroom,the sound of running water soon following. Her quick exit indicated she needed space, probably to process the evening's events.

*What she didn't know was that I hadn't lashed out because that bastard insulted me. I attacked because he insulted her.*

My knuckles still ached slightly from the confrontation.That drunken fool had no idea how close he'd come to a far worse fate.

When had I started thinking of Stella as truly mine,beyond the legal arrangement? I couldn't pinpoint the moment, but the possessiveness I felt was undeniable. My phone vibrated. Taylor. "Sir, we've addressed the situation with the content creator," he reported. "She's agreed not to publish the video in exchange for an exclusive interview with one of our celebrities."

"What about the drunk?" I asked, lighting a cigarette. The nicotine helped clear my thoughts.

"His background check is complete," Taylor continued efficiently. "He's the youngest son of a Wall Street CEO. Spoiled,entitled, with a history of complaints from female co-workers that were quietly settled."

So,another privileged brat who thought he could say whatever he wanted without consequences. The type who relied on family connections to clean up their messes.

"Then take care of it," I instructed, exhaling a cloud of smoke.He would learn that some lines shouldn't be crossed, regardleSS of who his father was.

"Take care of what?"

Stella's voice startled me. I turned to find her standing in the doorway, wrapped in a hotel robe, her hair still damp from the shower. The sight momentarily distracted me from my vengeful thoughts.

"Trash," I answered simply, meeting her questioning gaze.Her eyes widened slightly, understanding dawning in them.She didn't ask for clarification, which intrigued me, Most women would have demanded explanations, expressed horror at the implied threat. But Stella merely observed, a complex mix of emotions playing across her face.

This was one of the many things that fascinated me about her -her pragmatism, her ability to accept the darker aspects of life without unnecessary dramatics.

I extinguished my cigarette, moving toward her with deliberate steps. The slight catch in her breath was satisfying.