Chapter 63

Adam's POV

The antique clock in the study struck half past two. The Manhattan skyline glittered outside my window, with only the desk lamp keeping me company in my solitude.

My phone vibrated. It was Tyler.

"Everything has been taken care of," he reported. "The record of the incident at the police station has been expunged."

"And the nightclub?" I asked, drumming my fingers on the desk.

"The surveillance footage shows that Brian initiated the altercation. He attempted to assault Mrs. Lancaster and Miss Roberts. We have witnesses corroborating their account."

Tyler paused before adding, "Sir, you should know that for the past twenty years, Mrs. Lancaster has celebrated her birthday on this day."

My fingers froze mid-air. "Today is her birthday?" "Yes, sir. Everyone in New York knows about Lucy's birthday party at Rouge, but no one mentioned that it was also Mrs.Lancaster's birthday."No one, Including me.′′Iunderstand." I said, forcing the words out. "Thank you,Tyler."

I immediately dialed Mark's number, waiting through several rings before a groggy voice answered.

"Do you know what time it is?" Mark sounded half-asleep and very annoyed.

"I need you to set up a topic for tomorrow morning," I said,skipping the pleasantries.

"What?"

"Just say that Lucy was taken to the police station last night."

"You woke me up at three-thirty in the morning for gossip about your nephew's girlfriend?" Mark was incredulous. "You really want me to smear her in the media?"

"Just do it. Go back to sleep," I replied, hanging up before he could argue. Lucy certainly wasn't worth the effort, but Stella was. The realization hit harder than expected. When did her well-being become so important? This was no longer just about appearances. Something had changed, and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. When I entered the bedroom, the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated Stella's sleeping form. She was curled up with her back to the door, looking much smaller and more fragile than when she was awake.

I slipped into bed, instinctively reaching out to pull her into my arms. Her hands were cold-as they always were in winter-and she instinctively moved closer to my warmth.

I gently turned her to face me. In sleep, she had shed all her defenses-so different from the woman who had decisively subdued Brian at the nightclub just hours ago.

"Happy birthday, Mrs. Lancaster," I whispered.

After a moment, I added, "Happy birthday, Stella."

Saying her name felt surprisingly intimate, more personal than our physical relationship. Hearing her name, she didn't wake but made a small sound in response, then snuggled closer.

I studied her face in the dim light. When had I started to care about her? Was this what it felt like to love someone?

With these questions lingering, exhaustion finally caught up with me, and I drifted into sleep.

Stella's POV Morning light filtered through the curtains. casting a golden band across the bed. I blinked awake, puzzled by the unusual weight around my waist. Turning gently. I was surprised to find Adam still in bed, his arm possessively draped over me.

He's still here? I glanced at the clock-it was past nine. Adam was usually long gone by now.

I tried to move away. but his arm tightened. "Don't move." he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

We were so close that my heart began to race. Waking up in someone's arms felt more intimate than sex-it was an unconscious surrender to another person's presence.

"It's already nine," I whispered. "Don't you need to go to the office?"

Adam didn't respond, instead pulling me closer. resting my head under his chin.

His phone rang from the nightstand. I nudged him. "Your phone."

"Ignore it," he mumbled into my hair. The ringing continued. "It might be important." I insisted.feeling his heartbeat against my cheek. "Turn it off," he ordered, not bothering to opon his exea. I reached over him to grab the phone, checking the caller ID. "It's Tyler," I said, answering before Adam could stop me. "Hello.Ty−′′

"Sir?" an unfamiliar male voice interrupted. "The board is waiting for the quarterly review. Will you be joining us soon?"

I froze, realizing my mistake. This wasn't Tyler's personal call-it was Adam's work phone. "I'm sorry. I thought-"

"Wait, who are you?" The man's voice rose in panic. "Tyler! A woman answered Mr. Lancaster's phone!"

There was a rustling sound before Tyler came on the line."Mrs.Lancaster? Is Mr. Lancaster awake?"

"Not fully," I admitted, glancing at Adam, who still hadn't bothered to open his eyes.

Tyler sighed. "I understand. He hasn't slept more than ten hours in the past three days during the Europe trip. After landing, he went straight to the police station to get you." I looked at Adam with newfound understanding, noticing the shadows under his eyes and the faint lines of fatigue on his face. Without thinking, I reached out to smooth the crease between his brows. "I'll reschedule the meeting," Tyler added. "Let him rest." "Thank you, Tyler." I said softly.

As I ended the call. Adam opened his eyes, finding me touching his face. His green eyes. still hazy with sleep,locked onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away.