Chapter 277

Chapter 277
Stella's POV

Sunlight streamed through the windows of Lancaster Manor as I adjusted the peonies in their vase, mentally going through my checklist for Sam's visit. It had been weeks since we'd properly caught up, and with everything that had happened recently, I desperately needed some normal social interaction to relieve the stress.

"Ouch!" A sharp voice interrupted my thoughts as I accidentally bumped into someone behind me. Looking up, I found Eric's face with its playful smile.

"Careful, Stella," he teased, "Did you forget I still live next door?"

I felt heat rush to my cheeks immediately but quickly composed my expression. "Of course not! How could I possibly forget about you?" I lied smoothly, though his knowing smile made it clear he didn't believe me.

Truthfully, between Adam, Thomas, and all the company drama, I had completely forgotten Eric was still staying at the manor. Between teaching, managing Rouge nightclub, and dealing with the recent scandal, Eric's presence had somehow slipped from my mind.

"Right," he drawled, leaning against the doorframe with a confidence that reminded me of Adam. "That's why you ordered lunch for exactly two people and told Joseph to prepare the small sitting room."

Caught red-handed, I winced apologetically. "Sorry, I've been so distracted lately. But hey, you could join us! Sam would love to meet you."

Eric crossed his arms, his expression morphing into one of mock hurt. "Sure, make me an afterthought. I get it."

Despite his exaggerated tone, I could sense the genuine disappointment underneath. No matter how tough he acted or how cool he tried to be, Eric was still just a young man who didn't want to be forgotten.

"The gaming tournament is next month, right?" I attempted to change the subject. "Once that's over, you won't have to train so intensely."

Eric's eyes lit up momentarily before he quickly controlled himself, returning to his deliberately affected indifference. "Yeah, just one more month of putting up with you all," he joked, though the excitement in his voice betrayed him.

"You know," I reached out to straighten his slightly askew collar, "for someone who pretends to be so eager to leave, you seem pretty comfortable here."

He dramatically brushed my hand away, feigning annoyance. "Don't get used to it. I'm only staying because Adam insisted I needed 'supervision'." He made air quotes and rolled his eyes.

"Of course," I played along, "that has nothing to do with you redecorating your room or Joseph making your favorite breakfast every morning."

Before Eric could retort, the doorbell rang, announcing Sam's arrival. His expression immediately shifted, the genuine vulnerability disappearing behind his carefully constructed mask of indifference—the face he showed the world.

This kid is so much like Adam sometimes, hiding behind the walls they've built for self-preservation.

Sam strode into the foyer with her usual confident aura, impeccably dressed in designer jeans and a silk blouse that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent. Her keen eyes immediately took in the scene—me standing there mid-conversation with Eric.

"Stella! Sorry I'm late," she called out, expertly handing her designer bag to Joseph. "Traffic was a nightmare." Her curious gaze shifted to Eric, one perfectly groomed eyebrow raising in question.

"Sam, this is Eric, Adam's cousin," I quickly introduced. "Eric, this is Samantha, my best friend and business partner."

Eric straightened up, his entire demeanor shifting into the "public persona" I'd come to recognize—slightly detached, somewhat haughty, perfectly presenting the image of a privileged young man raised in an elite family.

"Finally meeting you," Sam said, extending her hand. "Stella mentioned you're something of a gaming prodigy."

Eric's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting to be known for his gaming achievements in our circles, before he took her hand. "And you're the ruthless businesswoman who runs Rouge with Stella. Your reputation precedes you."

Despite this being their first meeting, the atmosphere was surprisingly comfortable. They knew enough about each other through me not to be complete strangers, and I could see Sam assessing Eric with that shrewd evaluating look she reserved for people she found interesting.

After we moved into the sitting room, Joseph brought in a tray of refreshments—delicate pastries, fresh fruit, and iced tea—placing it on the coffee table before discreetly withdrawing. Sam immediately picked up her drink, took a small sip, and settled comfortably into the luxurious armchair.

I waited until Eric was distracted, intently examining the refreshment array, before leaning closer to Sam and lowering my voice. "So, what's going on with you and Victor these days?"

The question wasn't random. After Victor's unexpected offer to help Adam during the scandal, I had a new perspective on him. Plus, I distinctly remembered catching a moment of intimacy between them at Victor's birthday party.

Sam nearly choked on her drink, using the cup to mask her regathering composure. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice deliberately casual.

"Don't play dumb," I continued in a lowered voice, "you know exactly what I mean."

Sam took another strategic sip of tea, obviously stalling. Just as I was about to press further, Eric announced he was heading to the kitchen for "real food" instead of the "rabbit food" Joseph had provided, giving us a brief moment of privacy.

As soon as he disappeared through the doorway, I launched my offensive. "I saw Victor kiss you at his birthday party, and you didn't push him away. In fact, you seemed quite... into it."

Sam's composed expression faltered slightly. "It wasn't exactly like that," she corrected, setting down her cup gently. "He didn't force himself on me. Actually... I kissed him."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. Sam had always maintained that she found Victor Moore insufferable—too charming, too wealthy, too confident. "So you're together now?" I asked, unable to hide the shock in my voice.

Sam shook her head, black hair cascading over her shoulders. "I left for that auction exhibition in Europe the next day. Just got back yesterday, haven't had time to clear things up with him yet."

"Clear what up?" I pressed, sensing there was more to the story. "Either you like him or you don't."

Sam was about to respond when a loud crash drew our attention to Eric standing in the doorway, several packets of chips and cookies scattered at his feet, his expression comically surprised.

"I wasn't eavesdropping!" he blurted immediately, bending to collect the fallen snacks. "I just happened to overhear... whatever that was."

Sam groaned, giving me an accusing look for not noticing Eric's return.

"Sam, you're kind of... savage," Eric commented with a hint of admiration as he picked up his dropped snacks. "I thought you and Mr. Moore were already a thing. Actually, everyone thinks that."

"That's exactly the problem," Sam explained, frustration seeping into her voice. "He's been making all these little gestures, making everyone think we're together. Isn't he notorious for being a playboy? How am I supposed to take him seriously?"

Eric resettled on the couch, tearing open a packet of chips. "So... should I say you're perfect for each other?" he asked with exaggerated innocence.

"That won't be necessary," Sam replied dryly, though I noticed the slight flush creeping up her neck.

"I need to have a proper conversation with him, once and for all," she continued, more to herself than to us. "This has been dragging on for too long."

Eric nodded sagely, as if he, a 22-year-old, was an authority on complicated romantic relationships. Then, his attention turned to his phone, his expression shifting as he scrolled through whatever had appeared on his screen.

"Wow," he murmured, eyes widening. "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?"

He turned the phone screen towards us, displaying a breaking news headline: "GRACE DAVIS REVEALS TRUTH ABOUT LANCASTER TRAGEDY: Adam's Brother Suffered from Severe Depression." I remembered I hadn't agreed to her conditions, and she was using this report to blackmail me into leaving Adam.