Chapter 265
“What’s wrong?” Stellan asked, her voice laced with concern when she noticed Rowena’s pale face after she ended the call.
“Nothing,” Rowena replied quickly, trying to mask her discomfort. “Just some daily reminders. I’m tired of hearing them.”
“He’s just concerned about you,” Stellan said, trying to offer a more understanding perspective. But sensing that Rowena might not want to talk about it, she probed gently, “You’ve been dating Mr. Richard for many years?”
“No, not even a year yet,” Rowena responded honestly.
“Oh,” Stellan mused. “Then you’re still in the honeymoon phase.” She hesitated, not wanting to push Rowena too much. “I won’t pry any further,” she added, sensing that she might be crossing a line.
The two women continued their day, enjoying their shopping trip and talking about everything from fashion to skincare, and even the entertainment sector. The conversation flowed easily, and Rowena found herself relaxing in Stellan’s company, grateful for the distraction.
Meanwhile, Ambrose had finished the entertainment center project and found himself with an unexpected surplus of free time. Despite several developers reaching out to him, he remained detached and kept a low profile. The shift from being incredibly busy to having no pressing matters left him feeling restless. He couldn’t stay at home for long, not with Stellan’s Reassuring Clinic in his line of sight. Not wanting to settle into a new place, he booked a hotel room for a month.
Now, half-lying on the hotel’s massage chair, Ambrose stared at a picture of Stellan on his phone.
“Stellan, you have no idea how much I miss you,” he murmured to himself, frustration evident in his voice.
Alaric had built such an impenetrable wall around her that Ambrose had no real chance of approaching Stellan. So, for now, he was left with only her photos on his phone.
“Mr. Vale.” The knock on the door broke Ambrose’s moment of solitude. It was Denny, entering without waiting for a response.
Ambrose sighed impatiently. “Isn’t Todd arriving tomorrow? I just want some peace today. Don’t bother me.”
If Todd arrived, the calm would be over. He needed this quiet day to himself—time to think, time to look at Stellan’s photos.
Denny, unfazed by Ambrose’s mood, pressed on. “Mr. Vale, it’s about Ms. Storm. She went to the mall today with a young woman, and Alaric wasn’t with her.”
“What did you say?” Ambrose straightened up, his attention snapping to full focus. “Alaric wasn’t there?”
Denny nodded. “Yes.”
Ambrose’s eyes lit up. For the first time in what felt like forever, an opportunity had presented itself. Alaric was out of the picture, and Stellan was out in public. This was his chance. “Keep an eye on them,” he ordered, already heading for the door. “I’m going over there now.”
At the same time, Stellan and Rowena were still at the mall, having shopped for hours. Afterward, they made their way to a stylish restaurant, their arms laden with bags.
Once seated, Rowena beamed. “Stellan, I had so much fun shopping with you today. I haven’t done this in ages.”
“Me too,” Stellan replied with a warm smile. “You’re so famous now; your schedule must be packed, right?”
Rowena nodded, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. “Yes, the entertainment industry is brutal. Being famous is a stroke of luck, but new stars emerge every year. No one stays on top forever.” She paused, a little thoughtful. “When stars still have commercial value, the agency pushes them to take on as much work as possible, whether they like it or not.”
“That’s true,” Stellan agreed. “You’re not entirely in control.”
“I’m not complaining, really,” Rowena added quickly. “I know I’m luckier than a lot of musicians because my songs are listened to by so many. I’m still young, and it’s good for me to keep working. But when my popularity wanes, I know I won’t be able to get hired, even if I really want to keep going.”
“You have a very clear perspective,” Stellan said thoughtfully. “I don’t know much about the entertainment industry, but I’ve met a lot of celebrities before. Most of them are arrogant because of their fame. It’s rare to see someone as grounded as you, especially with your level of success.”
“Singing is just a job,” Rowena said, her voice calm. “It happens to be one that the public knows about. It’s an honor for people to hear my music worldwide. How could I be arrogant?”
As Stellan first observed Rowena, she was always calm, unassuming, and easy to talk to—like a serene lake on a warm spring day.
“Your perspective is really refreshing,” Stellan said, her smile widening. “You’re truly amazing. Your success is well-deserved.”
Rowena blushed slightly, touched by the compliment. “You too,” she said sincerely. “I was actually really nervous about having dinner with you. I didn’t know how to interact with someone from a wealthy family.” She laughed lightly. “But you’re so approachable. No wonder Mr. Knight’s career is thriving. It’s because he married you.”
Stellan felt a wave of embarrassment, but she laughed it off. “Are we just flattering each other now?”
“A bit,” Rowena giggled.
“Let’s stop with the flattery, then,” Stellan said, her voice light. “We really hit it off. Let’s toast to that.”
They clinked their glasses and smiled at each other, both feeling the joy of having found a good friend.
Midway through their meal, Stellan excused herself. “Rowena, you keep eating. I’m going to the restroom.”
“Okay,” Rowena replied, continuing her meal.
In the restroom, Stellan hummed along to one of Rowena’s songs as she washed her hands. But as she stood up, she was startled to see Ambrose’s reflection in the mirror.
“Stellan, I finally get to see you,” Ambrose said, his voice dripping with something akin to desperation.
Stellan turned around, anger flaring instantly. “Are you still stalking me?” she snapped.
Ambrose stepped forward, a smug look on his face. “I just happened to run into you here today,” he said, as if it were all some coincidence.
Stellan’s heart raced as she reached for her phone to call the police, but Ambrose was quick to react, slapping her hand down. “Even if you call the police, they can’t do anything to me.”
“Ambrose,” Stellan’s voice wavered with frustration. “What do you want? I’m married to Alaric. We have three kids. We’re happy. There’s no chance for us.”
Ambrose’s eyes flashed with something darker. “Yes, the whole world knows how happy you are. But what about the Storm family? What about how Brennan was wrongfully killed?” He leaned in closer, his voice low. “What about that, Stellan?”
“Ambrose, shut up!” Stellan shouted, her anger rising. “You have no right to mention the Storm family or my father.”
Ambrose’s smirk remained. “Alaric will help you investigate, but what has he found after all this time?” he asked, his words taunting.
Stellan was seething now. “Stop trying to drive a wedge between us. Even if nothing is found, I won’t come to you. I’ve told you before: give up. Seeing you makes me sick.”
With that, she turned to leave, but Ambrose was quick to grab her wrist. “Stellan, I haven’t finished talking.”
“I don’t want to hear it!” Stellan hissed, struggling to break free.
“Who are you?” Rowena’s voice cut through the tension as she appeared in the doorway, having noticed Stellan’s absence and gone looking for her.
Ambrose turned, momentarily distracted by Rowena’s presence. That was all Stellan needed. She shoved him away, pulling Rowena by the hand as they made their exit.
But Ambrose wasn’t finished. “Stellan, I have very important information to tell you,” he called after them, his voice desperate. “Are you sure you don’t want to hear it?”