Chapter 276

Stella's POV

At one o'clock, the news of Violet Lancaster's return to the country spread like wildfire through business circles. The announcement emphasized her impressive credentials—degrees from top universities and executive positions at leading European financial institutions. As it turned out, her teaching position at the University of London was merely a side job to her main career as a professional manager.

This was a brilliant move. Had Adam planned this all along? He's always several steps ahead of everyone else.

From my vantage point watching the livestream, I could see Violet stepping out of a black luxury car at Lancaster Group headquarters, with Taylor protectively walking beside her. Reporters swarmed around them, camera flashes flickering like a lightning storm.

She bears some resemblance to Adam, with the same elegant demeanor and determined gaze. But she seems more open, without Adam's sense of detachment.

Thomas Lancaster appeared shortly after, coming down from the building, displaying practiced charm and putting on a show of concern for his siblings.

What a fucking hypocrite. You're the one stabbing Adam in the back, you bastard.

"Violet," he called out, his voice carrying clearly through the microphone, "what a surprise. What brings you suddenly back to America?"

Violet's smile was polite but cold. "I'm here to take over as CEO of Lancaster Group."

Well done. Direct and straightforward, no beating around the bush, catching Thomas completely off guard.

The reporters erupted in excited chatter. This was front-page material—the Lancaster family fighting for succession rights while William Lancaster still lay in a coma.

Thomas's carefully crafted expression momentarily faltered. "I'm not sure you understand the situation, Violet. Perhaps we should discuss this inside."

"Why?" Violet's voice remained steady. "We come from the same background, Thomas. Both children of William Lancaster with different mothers. If you can claim leadership, why can't I?"

Slap! A hard hit to Thomas's face. Looking at his twitching face is so satisfying!

Thomas reached for her arm, clearly wanting to lead her away from the media circus. "This is not the place to discuss—"

Taylor smoothly intervened between them. "The media will find out eventually, Mr. Lancaster."

Taylor is the perfect assistant, always stepping up at crucial moments.

"So," Thomas asked, his voice hardening, "how does Violet take control of the company? She has no shares in the company since she fled to Europe years ago."

Taylor answered before Violet could respond: "Ms. Lancaster has been invited to serve as professional CEO by Adam Lancaster. Additionally, Mr. Lancaster intends to transfer his 5% shares to Ms. Lancaster as a performance incentive."

What a masterstroke! Thomas's face turned as sour as if he'd eaten shit.

The reporters frantically took notes, sensing the story becoming increasingly explosive.

By three o'clock, the news was everywhere: [By shareholder meeting vote, Ms. Violet Lancaster appointed as Acting CEO of Lancaster Group].

I refreshed the news repeatedly, observing developments. The immediate crisis at Lancaster Group seemed under control, but my uneasiness lingered. GT Group headquarters was still surrounded by reporters, and the allegations against Adam remained unresolved.

Thomas and those bastards, they should all go to hell.

"This only solves half the problem," I said to Adam, who was reviewing documents at the dining table. "What about GT Group? And those... allegations?"

Adam put down his tablet and looked directly into my eyes. "My brother died in a fire. I didn't start it, but I was the last person to see him alive."

This simple statement made my chest tighten painfully.

Adam's full brother. The man I never met but who indirectly influenced my fate.

"I'm not a murderer, nor am I mentally ill," he continued calmly, "but both the fire and the psychological evaluation were real."

I can feel the pain he's hiding beneath his calm exterior. This must have been one of the darkest chapters in his life.

"But why was there a psychological evaluation in the first place?" I pressed. "Why didn't anyone thoroughly investigate?"

"They did investigate," Adam replied, his voice detached as if discussing someone else's history, "with no conclusive findings. William Lancaster couldn't tolerate scandal associated with his children. The psychological evaluation was the cleanest way to make things disappear."

No wonder he hates his father so much. William would rather let his son bear the label of 'crazy' than let the truth come out.

I moved toward him instinctively, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. His body tensed under my touch, though his expression remained impassive.

"If you don't care about false accusations and public opinion," he said softly, "then neither do I."

This strong man, how many scars does he hide deep inside?

His arms encircled my waist, pulling me closer.

"I have no evidence to prove my innocence," he continued, "and Thomas has no conclusive evidence to prove otherwise. Given time, this will pass."

I nodded against his shoulder, but an idea was already forming in my mind.

But I won't let you bear this stigma. If you won't pursue the truth, then I will.

Two hours later, while Adam was in a video conference, I contacted a private investigator who had previously conducted background checks on potential Rouge employees for me. If Adam wouldn't investigate the truth, I would.

I need to know what happened. Not just for Adam, but for our shared future.

The detective's initial feedback was frustrating—Eric Lancaster's death case had been handled with extreme discretion. Records were sealed, witnesses were few, the official ruling was accidental death, and Adam's psychological evaluation was filed as a precautionary measure rather than evidence of guilt.

This was covered up from the beginning. Someone doesn't want the truth to come out.

But just as I was about to end the call, the investigator mentioned something strange: "The only odd detail I've found so far is that your husband's brother visited a psychiatric clinic multiple times in the months before his death. His girlfriend at the time—Grace Davis—accompanied him."

Hearing this name, my stomach twisted. Grace Davis—the woman everyone had once expected Adam to marry. The perfect match for the perfect family. Perhaps she was key to understanding what happened to Eric.

Grace Davis. That cold woman. The last person I want to contact. But now it seems she might have critical information.

"This could be a lead," I reluctantly admitted. "Continue investigating and keep me updated."

I had just ended the call when Adam approached from behind, his hands landing on my shoulders, his touch making my heart beat faster.

Shit, I hope he didn't hear what I was saying.

"You're overthinking," he murmured, his breath warming my ear. "Perhaps I should find ways to tire you out so you won't have the energy to worry so much."

His deep voice travels directly to my spine, sending heat flowing to my lower abdomen. Even in times of crisis, he can easily stir my desire. Damn hormones.

I turned, trying to act casual. "I'm not thinking about anything."

His knowing smile told me he wasn't fooled. "Liar," he whispered, his lips grazing my temple. "But let it be for now... for now."

He knows what I'm up to, but he's not stopping me. What does that mean? Does he want me to find out the truth?

As his arms tightly embraced me, I felt both protected and protective of him. Whoever spread these allegations about Adam would regret it—I would make sure of that. Even if it meant I had to contact that bitch Grace Davis.

Don't worry, Adam. They want to hurt you by tarnishing your reputation, but I'll make them pay. No one can hurt you, at least not while I'm by your side.