Aidan Sterling’s Adam’s apple bobbed violently, his lips parted as those images buried deep within him, dirty enough to chill his teeth, surged once more, burning his rationality.
What could he say?
Say that Shane Donovan was a complete hypocrite, a beast with vile intentions who had coveted his sister for years?
Say that despicable guy had long ago...
He couldn’t bring himself to say it!
The secret seared his heart like a red-hot iron, silencing him completely.
"No reason!" Aidan’s temples throbbed with anger, his fists clenched tightly, knuckles creaking, "Regardless... it can’t be Shane Donovan! He’s not a good match! Stella won’t be happy with him!"
"Nonsense!" Theodore Sterling’s expression darkened, "I’ve watched Shane grow up; in terms of ability and character, he’s top-notch. Innovatech Bio was founded single-handedly by him, and now it’s valued at billions! The Donovan Family is at the top of The Kaelon Circle! He cares for Stella, and Old Mr. Donovan personally called to discuss the marriage. Clearly, they truly value Stella..."
He took a deep breath, looking at his son whose emotions were clearly off, and softened his tone, "Moreover, rumors are already spreading like wildfire in the city. For a girl like Stella, reputation is paramount! This matter, whether public or private, leaves no room for negotiation!"
Aidan glared at his father, his chest heaving violently.
He knew his father was right.
Business marriage, strong alliance, quelling rumors, preserving reputation...
Every single point was irrefutable.
But whenever he thought of his sister being tied to that scheming beast, he wished he could rush to the Donovan Family and bring her back!
"Dad..."
"Enough!" Theodore interrupted him, "This matter is settled! I know you care for Stella, but this concerns her lifelong happiness and reputation; you cannot act on impulse!"
Aidan’s face was sullen, and he stopped speaking, his loose hair partly covering his eyes, and his dark eyes gleamed coldly.
He suddenly turned and yanked the door open...
"Bang—!"
The door was slammed shut with a thunderous sound.
...
Meanwhile, in the old Donovan mansion.
Stella Sterling sat somewhat apprehensively on the sofa, while Shane Donovan, who had changed into a clean shirt, carried a faint scent of crisp wood and medicine.
Old Mr. Donovan turned and instructed Butler Alfie beside him, "Go, have the kitchen prepare some snacks and bring out my treasured box of pre-Qingming Dragon Well tea."
He smiled at Stella, "Stella, will you join grandpa for a cup of tea in the conservatory? A few pots of Scholar’s Orchid just arrived, blooming splendidly. Come see if you like them."
Feeling it was hard to refuse, Stella had no choice but to stand up, "Alright, Grandpa Donovan."
Hearing this, Shane also naturally stood up.
"What are you following us for?" Old Mr. Donovan immediately scolded him, "A wounded person should stay put in the house! Don’t wander around!"
Shane halted his steps, his gaze fleetingly crossing Stella’s.
Stella instinctively avoided his sight.
Old Mr. Donovan, as if unaware of the subtle tension between the two, cheerfully invited Stella, "Come along, Stella, with grandpa."
Stella had no choice but to follow Old Mr. Donovan through the winding corridors to the glass conservatory at the back of the mansion.
The conservatory was as warm as spring, with a variety of rare flowers competing in brilliance, the air filled with the refreshing scent of flowers and tea.
Old Mr. Donovan personally brewed the tea with skilled hands, chatting with Stella about flowers, all the while deftly steering the conversation towards anecdotes of Shane’s childhood.
"...Don’t be fooled by his cold demeanor now; as a child, he was a little rascal, climbing trees for nests, fishing in rivers, getting more than his fair share of spankings from his father."
Holding a warm teacup, Stella listened to the old man’s ramblings, her nerves slightly relaxed, and couldn’t help but imagine what a young Shane might have looked like.
"After his father’s accidental death, he changed, became more reserved, withdrawn..." Old Mr. Donovan sighed, his eyes filled with heartache and nostalgia, "He bore the burden of The Donovan Group and founded Innovatech on his own... no easy feat without someone to care for him by his side."
Listening, Stella felt a pang in her heart.
When Shane founded Innovatech Bio, nearly no one in The Kaelon Circle supported him; they all assumed he was playing around...
After all, everyone knew, without his father’s protection, it was impossible for a young boy to stand firm in the Donovan Family, much less achieve anything.
Yet he single-handedly turned Innovatech Bio into a commercial empire and maintained his position as the rightful heir of the Donovan Family with absolute influence!
She didn’t need to imagine how difficult Shane’s journey must have been.
"Stella," Old Mr. Donovan’s tone suddenly changed, looking at her with a loving gaze, "Shane, that child, may be somewhat reserved and doesn’t say sweet words, but once he decides on something, on a person, he persists to the end. Since he’s chosen you, he will certainly treat you well and protect you."
Stella’s cheeks heated up, and she lowered her head, unsure how to respond.
Could she tell Old Mr. Donovan that all of this was fake?
All for a makeshift solution to a crisis?
She couldn’t say it.
Old Mr. Donovan, seeing the slight blush on her cheek, simply thought the young lady was shy, smiling even more warmly.
After a while, he excused himself, saying he had matters to attend to in the study, and left the conservatory, but not before urging Stella to linger and enjoy the flowers.
Soon, Stella was alone in the expansive conservatory.
She looked at a full-blooming Scholar’s Orchid in front of her, the petals layered and pristine as jade, but her thoughts drifted elsewhere.
...
Main house, second floor, study.
Shane Donovan stood by the window, his gaze penetrating the clear glass, falling upon the slender figure lost in thought within the flower room.
Between his fingers, he held an unlit cigarette, his eyes deep and heavy.
Butler Alfie entered silently, speaking softly, "Young Master, Young Master Aidan has just... left the Sterling old mansion by car, and bought a ticket to... Riveria."
Shane’s gaze remained unchanged, only giving a faint "Hmm."
He had anticipated Aidan would not sit idly by.
He couldn’t possibly just watch Stella and him get engaged; he would certainly cause trouble to ruin things.
"Old Mr. Donovan went to the conservatory and chatted with Miss Sterling for a while, and just left." Butler Alfie continued to report.
Shane crushed the unlit cigarette and turned to walk out of the study.
"Young Master, your injury..."
"Never mind."
...
In the conservatory, Stella was staring intently at a twin-bloom Scholar’s Orchid.
"Do you like it?"
A deep voice suddenly sounded from behind, startling Stella.
She quickly turned around, seeing Shane standing behind her unknowingly, very close, and she could smell the faint scent of medicine mixed with that familiar cool woody fragrance.
"Why are you here?" Stella instinctively took a half step back, her back hitting the cold flower stand.
"My house, can’t I come?" Shane raised an eyebrow slightly, stepping closer.
The space in the conservatory was already limited, and as he approached, the distance between them instantly became audible in breath.
Stella could even see the faint edge of a white bandage beneath his shirt collar...