Chapter 37

Stella's POV

"Perfect! The photographer's enthusiasm echoed rhroo ghh 《aīGroup's state-of-the-ant studio. "Nrs. Loncasuer, yoar saxlung ns simply impeccable!

I smiled slightly. making a final adjustment to the model's pre

"That's a wrap. everyone!" The photographer glanced an hes watch in disbelief. We're done an hout and a haif ahead of schedule.Incredible!

The model practically bounced over. her eyes sporkling wàn excitement. "Mrs. Lancaster, you must join us for dinner!We need to discuss future collaborations!"

"I appreciate the invitation." I began diplomatically, but l'mn afraid I have other plans this evening."

With my infuriatingly handsome CEO husband. I added silently. The thought of Adam waiting for me at our favorite restaurant brought an inexplicable warmth to my chest.As I exchanged contact information, my phone vibrated. Luci s name flashed on the screen, instantly souring my good mood."Stella." Her voice was as sweet as poisoned honey. "Be smart and resign from CT Group while you still can."I couldn't help but laugh. "Really. Lucy? After your disastrous contract debacle. you still dare to threaten me?"

"You have no idea what you're dealing with." Her tone turned ugly. "My family's power-"

"Is nothing compared to GT Group." I cut her off coldly. "You`ve already lost once. Do you want another round?"

I hung up before she could respond. but her tone left me uneasy. Lucy wasn't usually so direct with her threats.

Before I could analyze further, my phone rang again. Seeing the number from Brooklyn Nursing Home, my blood ran cold.

"Mrs. Lancaster?" The nurse's voice was barely concealing panic."Your grandmother... she's gone missing. We've searched everywhere, but in this storm-"

Thunder rumbled outside, emphasizing her words. My hands shook as I grabbed my things and rushed to the exit without even taking an umbrella.

Raindrops pelted down like icy needles, soaking my designer suit in seconds. Lightning cast stark shadows on the deserted streets as I desperately tried to hail a cab.Need a ride?"I turned to see Brian's car idling by the curb, his perfectlypracticed concerned expression clear through the window.

"No." The word came out sharper than intended. "I'll find my own way."

"In this storm?" He raised an eyebrow. "Come on. Stella.Whatever our past. I won't let you freeze out here."

Another clap of thunder made my decision for me. Every wasted minute increased the danger to my grandmother.

"Fine." I slid into the passenger seat, keeping as much distance as possible. "Brooklyn Nursing Home. Quickly.please."

"The great Stella, accepting my help?" His smile held something I couldn't decipher. "How the mighty have fallen."

I ignored his jibe, focusing on my phone, trying to call the nursing home again. No answer.

Adam's POV

"Sir." Taylor's cautiously neutral tone immediately put me on alert. "The restaurant called to confirm your reservation with Mrs. Lancaster..."

I didn't look up from the merger documents. "Amd?"

＂She left the studio early. She was savm geing Agohesitated. "Your nephew's car."

My pen snapped in two.

"Brian's car?" The words came out as a dangerous growl."Why would she be in Brian's car?"

"Unclear, sir. But given the storm-"

Lightning illuminated my office, casting sharp shadows on the walls. The thought of Stella with Brian sent a dark, violent emotion surging through me.

"Find them." The command was almost inhuman. "Now."

Stella's POV

The fluorescent lights of the nursing home cast sickly shadows in the empty corridors as I practically ran through the building.

"We've already called the police," the head nurse wrung her hands nervously.′′But in this weather..."

"Show me the surveillance footage." My voice was steadier than I felt. "Now."But the grainy video revealed nothing useful-just my grandmother resolutely heading towards the garden entrance before the storm cut the power, turning the screen to static.I was moving before the footage ended,ignoring Brian's calls to wait, heading straight for the garden. The rain had turned the ground into treacherous mud, but I couldn't stop. Every second could mean...

There. A flash of familiar emerald green by the rose bushes.

"Grandmother!" My heels sank into the mud as I ran towards the fallen figure."Oh, God,please..."

She lay there motionless, silver hair mingling with rain and blood. My hands shook as I checked her pulse, nearly collapsing with relief at the faint beat.

"We need an ambulance!" I shouted towards the building,cradling her head gently. "Now!"

The next few hours blurred into a haze of sirens and hospital corridors. Words like "subdural hematoma"and"criitical window" floated through the urgent whispers of doctors.

"She needs surgery." The neurosurgeon's voice broke through my daze. "Within 72 hours. But given her age and condition..."

"I know a doctor, Dr. Weber, who can save your grandmother."Brían's voice carried that perfect blend of concern and authority. "But his schedule..."I understood immediately. Of course-the specialist who could save my grandmother was only accessible through Brian's

connections.

"What do you want?" My voice was hollow.

Brian's smile in the harsh hospital lights was chilling. "You know what I want, Stella. You've always known."

"She's your grandmother too, and you're marrying Lucy."I reminded him, though I knew it was futile.

"Speaking of Lucy." His laugh was devoid of humor."Did you really think the timing of your grandmother's 'accident' was a coincidence?"

Something in his tone made me pause."What?"

"Oh, you haven't heard?" His laugh was icy. "Lucy has been quite... chatty with your grandmother. Telling her you were forced to marry Adam. That he can barely stand to look at you.That you're a laughingstock."

The realization hit me hard. This was Lucy's threat. She wasn't just targeting me-she was targeting my grandmother.

"That's why she's been so agitated lately." My hand clenched."Lucy has been feeding her lies.""Smart girl." Brian stepped closer."Though I must admit, Lucy does have a flair for drama."My blood ran cold. "Why would she do this? To mygrandmother?"

"Your grandmother?" Brian's smile was venomous. "Funny you still call her that, given everyone knows you're just an adopted nobody."

My hands balled into fists. perfectly manicured nails digging into my palms. "Why are you here? To gloat?"

"Actually." he moved closer, trapping me against the wall,"I'm here to offer you a deal."

"Share a night with me." His fingers brushed my cheek,sending a shiver down my spine. "That's the price to save her life. Quite a bargain, isn't it?"