Chapter 72

Stella's POV

The hotel restaurant had been transformed for the welcome dinner. When I arrived, most of the production executives and lead actors were already seated. I deliberately arrived late to minimize interaction with Adam.

My pan failed completely. The only empty seat was next to him.

*Of course. The universe seems determined to put me in awkward situations.*

The director waved enthusiastically. "Stella! We've been waiting for you! Come. sit next to our generous sponsor!"

As I took my seat. I could feel Adam beside me, though he didn't acknowledge my presence. His attention seemed focused on his conversation with the director across the table, but his tense shoulders told me he was very aware of me.

*He's still angry. I should have explained better earlier,but l panicked.*

The director raised his champagne glass. "Let's toast to Mr.Lancaster's generosity! Stella, why don't you make the toast!"

A waiter immediately filled my glass with champagne.I hesitated, setting the glass down without drinking. "I'm sorry.

Director, but I can't drink alcohol."

"Since when?" The director raised his eyebrows in surprise."Come on. just one sip! Director's orders!"

I felt trapped. Normally, one glass of champagne wouldn't be a problem, but I was taking medication for my cold that strictly prohibited alcohol.

I glanced uncertainly at Adam, but he deliberately avoided my gaze.

*He could resolve this awkward situation with just one word,but he's choosing not to. Is he still punishing me?*

Seeing the awkward situation unfolding, unexpectedly, the lead actress came to my rescue. "Mr. Lancaster," she said brightly,raising her glass, "allow me to toast to your health and generosity!"

The director frowned slightly at being interrupted but quickly recovered. "Ah, yes! Let me introduce our lead actress, Mr.Lancaster. She's one of the rising stars in our industry!" The leading lady, a beautifully coiffed woman,gave Adam an inviting smile. "It's truly an honor to meet you, Mr. Lancaster." *She's flirting with him right in front of me. And he's not stopping her.* Adam barely glanced at her, his expression remaining impassive. The actress's smile faltered slightly at his cold response.

"Well," she recovered quickly, "it seems Mr. Lancaster is only interested in a toast from Miss Winston. I'll drink anyway!"

She took an exaggerated sip of champagne, but I could see the embarrassment in her eyes.

As dinner progressed, severaI production members raised their glasses to Adam, and each time the director gave me pointed looks, clearly expecting me to join in. My untouched champagne became increasingly conspicuous.

*This is ridiculous. I'm a professional, not a prop for social rituals.*

Finally, after the director's fifth suggestive glance, I turned directly to Adam, the first time during dinner.

"Do you really want me to drink this?" I asked quietly,my voice almost lost in the dinner conversation.

Adam finally looked at me, his green eyes unreadable.

*You bastard*, I thought.*You know I'm on medication*.With a half-surrendering, half-defiant smile, I nodded."Alright,I'll drink." I raised the glass to my lips, bracing for the burn. Something flickered in Adam's eyes-was it concern?

Just as the liquid touched my lips, a hand shot out, snatching the glass from my fingers. I stared in shock as Adam downed the entire glass of strong liquor in one go, his expression unchanging despite the alcohol's potency.

The table fell silent.

"Oh my God!" someone gasped.

Adam deliberately set the empty glass down with precision."Enjoy your evening," he said coldly.

Without another word, he pushed away from the table and maneuvered his wheelchair towards the exit.

"Stella, are you alright?" someone asked with concern.

"I'm fine." I forced a smile and stood up. "Please, continue without me. I have something to attend to. Apologies." I hurried through the hotel corridors, each step in my high heels sending sharp pains through my feet. *Where could he have gone?* I checked the bar, the lobby, even asked the valet if his car was still there. Nothing.*The presidential suite. Of courrsec∗ By the time I reached the top floor, my feet were screaming in protest. and I was out of breath. I knocked firmly on the ornate double doors. No response.

I knocked again, harder this time. Still nothing.

*Damn stubborn man!* I knew he was inside-where else could he be? I leaned against the wall, feeling frustrated and exhausted.

My aching feet finally gave in, and I slid down to sit by the door.*Fine. I'll wait. He has to come out eventually*.

Nearly an hour after I first arrived at his door, I felt someone watching me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and without turning. I knew Adam was there.

For a full minute, he said nothing, just stood silently behind me. The silence was suffocating.

"Hey," he finally said.

I jumped up, completely losing my balance and landing awkwardly on the floor. "God! How long have you been standing there?" He didn't answer, just looked down at me coldly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "What are you doing here?" I scrambled to my feet, dignity long gone. "Looking for you." His laugh was cold. "Looking for me?"

He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed up until I felt the door behind me. Adam leaned in, invading my space, his fingers gripping my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Stella," his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, "do you think you can toy with me? What am I to you-just a plaything you can pick up whenever you want?"

"No-"I tried to turn my head, but his grip was firm.

"No? Then what?" His anger only intensified. "Suggesting I find other women?"

"I never said that!" I felt completely wronged. "When did I ever suggest such a thing?I-"

I suddenly remembered what I had said earlier that day-something about rich men and their mistresses.

Was that what he misunderstood? But... I was just stating a fact.

Taylor's voice interrupted from the end of the hallway. "Mr.Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster, perhaps... you could continue this conversation inside?"

He swiped a key card, and the door behind me clicked open. As soon as we crossed the threshold, Adam stood up from his wheelchair with lightning speed, pinning me against the door.The impact knocked the breath out of me.

*He's really angry*, I realized in shock. I had never seen him this furious. Usually, when Adam was upset, he would become cold and silent-like locking me in a freezer to reflect on my actions.

This was different. This was pure rage.

He radiated anger, his usual control replaced by something primal. His eyes were like a wolf's-cold but with a violence that made my heart race with genuine fear.

His mouth crashed down on mine, not out of passion but as punishment. His teeth bit into my lower lip, hard enough to make me gasp in pain. One hand tangled in my hair,ruining my carefully styled updo, while the other gripped my waist so tightly I knew it would leave bruises.

I pushed at his chest, but it was useless. "Adam, stop-"