Grace's POV
I watched Adam leave, too surprised to even call after him. In all the years I'd known him, I'd never seen him drop everything like that, especially not in the middle of a workday.
"Ms. Davis, I can arrange transportation for you," Taylor offered, his expression professionally neutral.
"No need, I drove myself," I replied automatically, my mind still processing what had just happened. "Wait a moment, Taylor. I heard you mention 'Mrs. Lancaster' earlier. I wasn't aware that Adam had a wife."
Taylor's expression became even more closed off. "Regarding that matter, you should speak directly with Mr. Lancaster."
Mrs. Lancaster. Adam has a wife? Adam is married?
The realization hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me struggling to stay upright. Not just dating, not just living together—married. Adam had actually married someone.
While I was building my career in Europe, dreaming of returning to him when the time was right, he had moved on completely.
"Who is she?" I asked, unable to keep the tremor from my voice.
Taylor remained stoic. "Ms. Davis, these are private matters that Mr. Lancaster should discuss with you himself."
But I already knew. It had to be Stella. That's why he rescheduled meetings for her, why he rushed out just now, why everyone at GT Group treated her with such respect.
That's why Mark and James had been so protective of her.
"I understand," I said, gathering my composure. "Thank you, Taylor."
As I walked toward the elevator, my mind spun with questions. Why hadn't Adam told me? Why Stella, of all people? What did she have that I didn't?
But the real question burning in my heart was simpler and more painful: Was I already too late?
Stella's POV
I had barely made it to my car when my phone rang, Lucy's name flashing on the screen. I contemplated ignoring it, but knew she would only keep calling until I answered.
"Hello?" I said, starting the engine.
"Stella!" Lucy's voice came through, shrill with panic. "The school situation still isn't resolved! You promised to help me!"
I pulled out of the parking space, maneuvering into afternoon traffic. "I never promised anything."
"Yes, you did! At Grandma's birthday celebration, you said you'd see what you could do!"
"I said I'd think about it," I corrected her, "and I did. There's nothing I can do, Lucy. You violated university policies. Actions have consequences."
"You're not even trying!" she screeched. "You hate me, don't you? You want to see me fail!"
I sighed, stopping at a red light. "Lucy, this has nothing to do with my feelings toward you. Your actions have caught up with you, that's all."
"You've never helped me with anything!" she spat. "Always think you're so much better than everyone else!"
"Goodbye, Lucy." I hung up, tossing my phone onto the passenger seat.
Before I could even process the conversation, my phone rang again. This time it was my former advisor from the university. I answered, curious about the unusual call.
"Professor?"
"Stella," her voice came through, sounding stressed. "Lucy Winston is causing a scene at the administration office. The Winston family told us you would handle the situation. They're claiming this affects your reputation as an honored alumna, and they're asking you to come to campus immediately."
Of course they are. The Winston family was trying to use me as leverage, attempting to pressure the university through my alleged concern for my reputation.
"I understand," I said, already changing lanes to head toward the university. "I'll be there soon."
The administration building was bustling with activity when I arrived. As I approached the office, I could hear Lucy's raised voice even from the hallway.
When I entered, all eyes turned to me. Lucy stood in the center of the room, red-faced and tearful, while the professor and several administration staff looked distinctly uncomfortable.
"Stella!" Lucy exclaimed, rushing toward me. "Thank goodness you're here. Tell them this is all a misunderstanding!"
I studied her for a moment—this girl who had been raised as my sister but had never shown me anything but contempt. Today I felt no anger toward her, only a weary pity.
"Ms. Winston," the professor greeted me with evident relief. "As I explained on the phone, your... sister has been involved in several academic integrity violations. The Winston family insisted you would want to address this personally."
I nodded, then turned to the administration staff. "I want to make my position clear. This matter should be handled according to university policies, without any special consideration for me or my family connection. I'm just a graduate who values the integrity of this institution. I cannot and should not influence disciplinary procedures."
Lucy's face contorted with rage. "What are you saying? You're supposed to help me!"
"Lucy," I said calmly, "I am helping you—by letting you face the consequences of your actions. That's how people learn and grow."
"You're enjoying this!" she accused, her voice rising. "After taking up so much space in my life, you can't even show a little compassion! You're heartless!"
I felt a flash of genuine anger. "Taking up space in your life? Lucy, you used my academic certificates to secure your admission! You've been riding on my achievements since day one. Instead of working hard, you chose to cheat and bribe your way through college. This situation is entirely of your own making."
"You're just afraid to help me!" Lucy shouted. "You're afraid to stand up for me because you care more about your precious reputation! Don't you care about that old woman anymore?"
"I'll speak with Grandma myself," I replied firmly. "This isn't about her, and it's not about me either."
One of the administration staff cleared her throat. "Ms. Winston—Lucy, I mean—your sister's achievements at this university are legendary. The suggestion that she would be jealous of you is... well, it's absurd."
Lucy's face flushed deeper, but before she could respond, the professor stepped forward. "I think we've covered everything necessary. Stella, thank you for coming. We'll handle the rest according to standard procedures."
I nodded, relieved that the confrontation was ending. "Thank you, Professor."
As we walked out of the administration office, the professor shook her head. "If the Winston family hadn't come to the school with this situation, we would never have guessed your relationship with them was so... complicated. Remember, Stella, you're in charge of your own life. Don't let them define you or limit your potential."
I smiled at her, grateful for the support. "I won't. Thank you for everything, Professor."
She patted my arm affectionately. "Now, I believe someone else is looking for you." She nodded toward the end of the hallway.
I turned to see Henry standing there, his expression brightening when our eyes met.
"Your half-sweet coffee," Henry said, placing the steaming cup in front of me. "Cold drinks aren't good for your health, so I ordered hot instead."
We sat in a small café near campus, the afternoon light filtering through large windows. After the confrontation with Lucy, Henry's quiet company was exactly what I needed.
"Thank you," I said, wrapping my hands around the warm cup. "Henry, that forum post about Lucy... it was you, wasn't it?"
His eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"
I smiled. "The student council manages the university forum. All trending posts require your approval. And the professor mentioned the post was meticulously organized, like formal evidence. Mr. Jones, you have the makings of an excellent attorney."
He blushed slightly, adjusting his glasses. "I'm sorry, Ms. Winston. I didn't mean to cause trouble for you. I just couldn't stand by while she used your family connection to manipulate the system."
"No need to apologize," I assured him. "But I'm concerned about you. If the Winston family discovers you were behind this, they might retaliate."
"They won't," Henry replied with surprising confidence. "My family is... adequate. The Winstons wouldn't risk confronting us."
I couldn't help but laugh at his humble yet pointed phrasing.
"What's so funny?" he asked, looking confused.
"Nothing," I said, still smiling. "I just think you're unexpectedly adorable."
His blush deepened. "Ms. Winston, while I call you my senior, I am actually twenty-two years old."
"Adorable isn't just for children!" I protested, then relented at his embarrassed expression. "Alright, I won't call you adorable anymore."
I hadn't realized until now that Henry likely comes from serious money, I thought, probably from a family more powerful than the Winstons, just less flashy about it.
For the first time that day, I felt myself genuinely relaxing, the tension from the confrontations with Grace and Lucy finally easing. Henry's straightforward kindness was refreshing after navigating so many complicated relationships.
Suddenly, I felt that familiar sensation crawl up my spine—the unmistakable feeling of being watched. I glanced toward the window and nearly choked on my coffee.