Chapter 85

Stella's POV

Cautiously. I cracked open the door, ready to slam it shut at the first sign of danger. Before I could react, a powerful force pushed from the outside, shoving the door inward.

Adam stepped into the stall, his green eyes blazing with an intensity that made my breath catch. In one fluid motion, he backed me against the wall, his lips crashing down on mine in a fierce,possessive kiss.

"Adam,you-mmph!" I struggled against him, pushing at his chest. "Let me go! Let go!"

He ignored my protests, one hand pinning my wrists above my head while the other roamed freely over my body. His kiss was demanding, almost punishing, leaving me gasping for air when he finally pulled back.

"Adam, have you lost your mind?" I whispered furiously.′′This is a bathroom! The Morgans' bathroom!"

"You could speak louder," he suggested coldly. "Maybe James will come to your rescue." His words stung, but I was more concerned about someone discovering us. If anyone walked in and found Adam Lancaster-supposedly wheelchair-bound for years-standing perfectly fine in the women's restroom, it would be a scandal of epic proportions.

Even in my anger and humiliation, I found myself worrying about protecting Adam's secret. How pathetic was I, still putting his interests above my own dignity?

I felt his fingers at the back of my dress, slowly pulling down the zipper. My body trembled, a confusing mix of desire and outrage coursing through me.

"Adam," I whispered, my voice catching as tears welled in my eyes, "if you force me now, I won't forgive you this time."Despite my efforts to sound firm, my voice wavered,betraying my emotion.

He paused, his fingers still on the zipper.'"Why are you crying?"

I didn't answer, refusing to meet his gaze as tears spilled down my cheeks, landing on his immaculate suit jacket.

"Are you that unwilling?" he asked, his voice softer now,almost uncertain.

Still, I remained silent, keeping my eyes averted. After what felt like an eternity, Adam slowly pulled the zipper back up, securing my dress. "Better now?" he asked, his tone unreadable.Before I could respond, the muffled sound of Mrs. Morgan's birthday speech echoed from the main hall.

I seized the opportunity, ducking under his arm and rushing out of the stall. In the outer area of the restroom. I was surprised to find only Adam's empty wheelchair and, a short distance away, James looking concerned.

"Stella, where have you been?" James asked, taking a step toward me. "Adam's been looking for you..." He paused, his eyes widening as he might notice my reddened eyes and smudged lipstick. "What happened? Are you okay?"

I quickly pulled a face mask from my purse and slipped it on,hiding the evidence of what had just occurred.

"James, why are you here?" I asked, desperate to change the subject. "Your mother's birthday ceremony has already started.Shouldn't you be by her side?"

"Adam said you wandered off, so I came with him to look for you," James explained, still studying me with concern. "Are you sure you're alright? And where is Adam?"

′′I′m right here," Adam's voice came from behind me, making me jump. James glanced between us, his expression shifting as understanding dawned. An awkward silence fell, broken only by the distant sounds of the party. "I, uh." James stammered, clearly uncomfortable, "should we head back now. Adam?"

"I'm sorry, James," I interjected before Adam could respond.′′I′m not feeling well. I think I need to go home."

"What about Adam?" James asked. looking uncertain.

"We're leaving," Adam stated firmly. "Please convey our apologies to your mother."

"Oh, alright," James replied, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Let me walk you out."

As James led us toward the side exit, I felt Adam's presence behind me like a physical weight. The tension between us was palpable, a silent battle raging beneath our polite facades.

James opened the door for us, the cool night air a welcome relief against my flushed skin. As I stepped outside, I caught James noticing the absence of the pearl hairpin from my hair.his expression briefly registering surprise before smoothing into a neutral smile.

"Thank you for understanding," I said softly, unable to meet his eyes. James nodded, his gaze flicking between Adam and me."Take care,Stella. Adam." As the door closed behind us, leaving us alone in the darkness.I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very cold despite the mild evening temperature.

I felt Adam's hand at the small of my back, steering me toward the waiting car. Neither of us spoke. There was nothing left to say.

The silence in the car was suffocating. I gazed out the window at the night scenery. Adam sat beside me, seemingly engrossed in his phone, but his rigid posture betrayed his awareness of the tension between us.

Taylor glanced at us through the rearview mirror. "Mrs.Lancaster, you seem upset. Is everything alright?"

I forced a smile, avoiding his concerned gaze. "Just tired. It's been a long night."

Taylor's eyes flickered between Adam and me,clearly noticing the distance-both physical and emotional-between us.Normally, Adam would casually rest his hand on mine,or I would lean on his shoulder. Tonight, we sat at opposite ends of the back seat, as if the cushion between us was the Atlantic Ocean itself.When we finally pulled into the circular driveway of the Lancaster estate, I didn't wait for Joseph to open the door. As soon as the car stopped, I pushed the door open myself and headed straight for the mnain entrance.

"Madam, shall I prepare some tea for you?" Joseph called after me, clearly surprised by my sudden move.

"No, thank you. I'm going to bed," I replied without looking back,continuing towards the grand staircase.

I could feel Adam's gaze burning into my back, filled with unspoken questions, but I couldn't face him. Not tonight. Not after hearing the gossip about Grace Davis and her exhibition in Toronto.

Behind me, I heard Joseph's hushed voice. "Sir, is something wrong between you and Mrs. Lancaster? You both seem-"

The sound of Adam's wheelchair rolling across the marble floor cut off whatever Joseph was about to say. I quickened my pace,reaching our bedroom before Adam could intercept me.