Stella's POV
The setting sun cast long shadows through the study windows as I pored over fashion industry reports. Three days until the final interview. Despite Adam's position, I was determined to earn this on my own merit.
"Mrs. Lancaster." Joseph's voice interrupted my concentration. "Mr. Lancaster has returned."
I looked up just as Adam appeared in the doorway, his presence immediately filling the room. Even after discovering his true identity as GT Group's CEO, he still had that effect on me.
"Still studying?" His eyes fell on the scattered papers, something unreadable flickering across his face.
"The final interview is important." I shuffled the papers, trying to look more organized. "I want to be prepared."
"Joseph." Adam's attention shifted to the butler hovering in the doorway. "What's the update?"
Joseph cleared his throat delicately. "Sir, the facility called again. They mentioned Madam had another... episode last night."
What Madam?IS there someone I don’t know?
Something dark passed over Adam's face. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
"Tell Stella we're going out tomorrow." His voice carried that edge of command that brooked no argument. "And contact the facility in advance."
Facility? My curiosity piqued, but Adam's expression warned against questions.
"Of course, sir." Smith bowed slightly. "I'll make the arrangements."
After Smith left, Adam's eyes found mine. "Get some rest. We have an early start tomorrow."
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see." His smile held secrets. "Wear something... appropriate for meeting my impotant family."
My heart did a weird skip. Meeting his family? But before I could press for details, he was already heading for the shower.
\---
The next morning found me scrutinizing my reflection with unusual care. Adam had said family, but which family member?
I finally settled on an outfit that straddled the line between elegant and approachable – flowing wide-leg pants in a soft cream, paired with a silk camisole and an oversized cashmere cardigan.
"Those aren't suitable." Adam's voice cut through my thoughts as I reached for my favorite heels.
"They match perfectly!" I defended, clutching the heels. "And they're not even that high."
"Your knees haven't fully healed." His tone left no room for argument. "Flat shoes only."
"Adam." I tried for reasonable. "Why are you so fixated on this tiny injury?"
"Tiny?" His eyes darkened. "You saved my life."
"I was just—"
"I’m just care my savior." His hand came up to trace my jawline, making my breath catch. "Is that so hard to accept?"
"But it's meeting your family!" I couldn't quite keep the whine out of my voice. "I don't want to look sloppy."
His thumb brushed my bottom lip, effectively derailing my train of thought. "Trust me."
Those two words shouldn't have affected me so much. But something in his eyes made my protests die in my throat.
"Fine." I sighed dramatically. "But if your family thinks I'm some poorly dressed nouveau riche..."
His laugh rumbled through his chest. "Nobody who's met you could ever think that."
\---
The VIP parking area of Manhattan's most exclusive shopping district was deserted when we arrived. Taylor was already waiting, several shopping bags arranged carefully on a marble bench.
"Sir." He nodded respectfully. "As requested."
I peered into the nearest bag, my eyes widening. Inside were at least half a dozen pairs of designer flats.
"You bought out the entire flat shoe section?" I couldn't help but laugh.
"Choose." Adam's voice held that dangerous edge of amusement. "Unless you'd prefer I carry you."
The memory of being in his arms sent heat flooding my cheeks. "I can walk!"
I settled on a pair of intricately embroidered ballet flats that perfectly complemented my outfit. "See? These work much better with this look than those plain ones from earlier."
Adam's blank expression clearly said he saw absolutely no difference.
"You really are hopeless with fashion." I couldn't help but smile at his obvious confusion. "How did you even become CEO of a company with such major fashion brands?"
"I hire people who understand these things." His hand found the small of my back, guiding me toward the car. "Speaking of which..."
But whatever he was about to say was cut off as Taylor opened the car door. The drive that followed was filled with a tension I couldn't quite name – anticipation mixed with something deeper.
When we finally turned onto a private drive, my curiosity got the better of me. "Mr. Lancaster, where exactly are we going?"
"Just wait a moment." His eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, but his hand found mine, squeezing gently.
The facility that emerged through the trees took my breath away. It looked more like a luxury resort than any kind of medical center – pristine gardens, a man-made .
A nurse in an impeccably pressed uniform met us at the entrance. "Mr. Lancaster. She's been asking for you all morning."
"Her condition?"
"Much better today. She had her hair done first thing this morning, insisted on wearing the emerald silk dress." The nurse's smile held genuine warmth. "Said she needed to look perfect to meet her son’s wife."
Son? My heart started racing. But hadn't Adam's mother... died?
"This way, please." The nurse led us through marble hallways .
We emerged onto a terrace overlooking the lake. And there, standing by the ornate railing in a flowing emerald dress, was a woman I'd only seen in old society photos.
My breath caught in my throat.
"Mom." Adam's voice carried a touch of tenderness.
The woman turned, and I felt my world tilt sideways. Because there, very much alive, stood Irena Lancaster.
"You finally brought her." Her smile was radiant as she studied me. "My son's savior."
How is this possible? The words stuck in my throat as I struggled to process what I was seeing. Everything I thought I knew about the Lancasters' history suddenly needed rewriting.
Adam's hand tightened on mine, and when I looked up at him, his eyes held a clear message: There's so much you don't know yet.
"Welcome to the family, my dear." Her eyes, so like Adam's, sparkled with something that might have been tears.