Chapter 5

Stella finally understood what Rowan meant when he mentioned proof.

She realized that he didn't believe she loved him. He still thought she was using him, all to make Randy jealous.

He probably thought she wouldn't dare kiss him in front of Randy, which was why he made such a flippant remark. But he was wrong.

Stella wasn't afraid.

Rowan looked down at her and saw her beautiful eyes blink. In that instant, the light in her eyes seemed to shimmer like starlight, and he suddenly had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, the next second, Stella lifted her chin and kissed him on the lips without hesitation.

A sharp gasp filled the air as the already quiet banquet hall grew even quieter.

Rowan's mind went blank, and he couldn't think straight. He couldn't even count how many times this had happened today.

She really dared to do it. Even if she wanted to provoke Randy, he wondered if she realized that this move might be too much. He wondered if it would anger Randy to the point where he would lose control.

Rowan's thoughts were a mess, but Stella didn't stop. She wrapped her slender arm around his neck, her soft lips lingering against his as she gently kissed him, then parted her lips and softly bit his bottom lip.

She whispered, "Rowan, open your mouth."

Rowan suddenly snapped back to reality. His throat tightened, and his lips twitched. For a brief moment, he truly had the urge to open his mouth.

However, the sound of a man's low, mocking laugh reached his ears. "Mr. Morse, what are you trying to do?"

Rowan's gaze flicked to the side. He saw that Randy had stood up and seemed to be heading their way, but another man was blocking him.

The man standing in front of Randy was Joseph Snee, one of Rowan's friends.

When Rowan walked in, Joseph and a few of his friends were about to stand up and greet him, but when they saw Stella standing beside him, they hesitated and decided to wait and observe first.

Everyone had seen the trending topic. They all wished they had been at the red carpet to witness the drama in person.

But they didn't expect to see Stella kiss Rowan in front of everyone again.

The crowd was in shock. Meanwhile, Joseph was stunned but still kept an eye on Randy.

As soon as Randy saw Stella kiss Rowan, his pupils constricted. He suddenly stood up and made his way toward them.

Joseph immediately got up as well, stepping in front of Randy to block his path. With his hands casually tucked into his pockets, he looked at Randy with a calm and almost bored expression.

He said, "What are you trying to do, Mr. Morse?"

He wasn't about to let Randy ruin Rowan's good moment. That wasn't going to happen.

Randy's expression darkened as he clenched his fists. "Move aside!"

Joseph chuckled. "You think just because you tell me to move, I will? Do I look like I have no pride?"

Randy gritted his teeth, his gaze cold as he snarled, "I'll say it again—move aside!"

Joseph shrugged, his grin smug. "What are you going to do if I don't?"

Randy's expression turned even darker. He raised his fist, ready to punch Joseph in the face.

But Joseph didn't flinch. With a sneer, he tilted his head, sidestepping just enough to grab Randy's fist. He twisted it downward with force, making Randy gasp in pain.

The scene immediately erupted into chaos.

Randy's friends rushed forward, and Joseph's side wasn't far behind, with seven or eight people joining in.

These were the heirs of powerful families in Londale, known in elite circles. The others stood frozen, too afraid to make a move, not wanting to get caught up in the mess.

Amidst the noise and pushing, a voice cut through the tension. "Are you trying to start a fight?"

"Damn, Joseph just twisted Randy's arm out of place. Get him!" another voice yelled.

"You guys? All of you? Come on then!"

Just as the situation threatened to spiral further, Rowan's cold voice rang out. "Enough."

With just one word, the chaotic scene instantly fell silent. A dozen people rolled up their sleeves and turned to look at Rowan.

Rowan leaned lazily against the couch, his legs casually crossed. Stella was beside him, her head lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing them look over, Rowan smiled faintly, his voice cool and calm. "If you want to fight, take it outside. Not here."

The crowd was momentarily confused, wondering why they were even about to fight in the first place.

But once Rowan spoke, the impulse to act fizzled out. After all, this was the Fairchild family's territory, and no one wanted to risk the consequences of a fight here.

A few people shot Randy a questioning look, waiting to see what he would do.

Randy's face was pale from the pain, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead as he clutched his injured wrist. However, his eyes were fixed on Stella.

Beside him, Warren quickly glanced at Randy and then back at Stella. "Stella, didn't you see what happened to Randy? His hand is practically broken.

"Why are you just standing there? Hurry up and take him to the hospital."

Everyone turned to look at Stella, including Rowan.

Just moments ago, when Stella had asked him to open his mouth, he had nearly lost control. Fortunately, the commotion caused by Joseph and the others had snapped him back to his senses.

He told her to let go. "Enough. Do you want to put on a show in front of everyone?"

She froze for a second, then lowered her head.

Rowan glanced at her, noticing that she still had her head down as if she hadn't heard Warren's words. His brow furrowed.

He wondered if he had been too harsh with his words.

Randy had already reached his limit. Ever since Stella had entered the banquet hall, he hadn't even gotten a glance from her. This wasn't like her.

Whenever he was around, her eyes would always follow him.

Suddenly, Randy felt a wave of unease. It was as if something was slipping out of his control.

He gritted his teeth and spoke through clenched jaws, "Stella, when you're done causing a scene, come over here. I won't hold today's actions against you."

His tone was almost like a concession.

Stella finally raised her head and looked at Randy. It was the first time she had looked at him tonight.

After a brief moment, she stood up and walked toward Randy. The darkness in Randy's eyes faded, replaced by a slight smirk.

He knew it.

Stella had done all of this to provoke him, to get under his skin.

The others exchanged glances but remained silent, instinctively stepping aside as Stella approached.

Joseph hesitated for a moment, but when it came to Randy, he could stop him. There was no reason to stop Stella.

Reluctantly, Joseph stepped aside, shooting Randy a glare before shaking his head at Stella.

He couldn't believe it. Stella's taste in men was terrible. Rowan was far better than Randy.

Rowan's eyelashes fluttered as he lowered his gaze. His hands were clasped casually on his lap, though his knuckles turned white from gripping them tightly. He restrained himself, fighting the urge to pull her back.

Every time he said something even slightly harsh, she would put on a cold expression. But when Randy said a word, she was eager to rush over.

He sneered.

It had been so many years, yet he still couldn't get used to it.

It was just that Stella had used him too thoroughly today. She played her part so well, so daringly, that he was left momentarily confused. He even found himself secretly pleased, believing that she had finally come to see him.

He sighed inwardly. He would help her one last time.

Rowan sneered lightly. As Stella reached Randy, Rowan stood up, too tired of the whole scene, and walked toward the exit.

He had only taken a few steps when he heard a string of exclamations—"What the hell?", "Damn!", "Fuck!", and a low groan that sounded like it came from someone in unbearable pain.

Rowan frowned and turned around. He saw Randy bent over, his body trembling with pain.

The men around Randy instinctively took a step back, wincing as though they felt his pain.

Meanwhile, the girl in front of Randy was retracting her leg. She turned to Rowan and asked, "That's Randy, right?"

Her lips pressed together in a playful yet innocent expression. "Rowan, you don't like him, right? So, I thought I'd prove it. Does this prove it, Rowan?"

Rowan's brows tightened. He couldn't help but wonder if Stella really had amnesia.

Seeing that he didn't respond, Stella blinked at him, her delicate brow furrowing slightly.

She reached out to him, her voice soft and almost sugary. "My leg feels like it's cramping, Rowan. Could you carry me?"

The banquet hall fell dead silent, except for Randy's painful gasps.

Rowan stared at Stella for a few seconds, his gaze as dark and intense as an abyss. Then, without saying a word, he walked toward her.

He stopped right in front of her.

He didn't say a word. He bent down, his strong arms effortlessly wrapping around her shoulders and the back of her knees, lifting her with ease.

Stella wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at him with sparkling eyes. Her smile was sweet, her gaze full of warmth.

Randy, perhaps finally recovering from the pain, gritted his teeth and looked up. His expression twisted with fury as he saw Rowan holding Stella.

"Rowan, put her down. She's mine…"

He had a bad feeling. If Rowan carried her away, he would truly lose her.

Rowan simply tilted his head and looked at him. His eyes radiated a chilling coldness, yet his lips curved into a smile. "From now on, she's mine."

Stella had made her choice. Whether she had amnesia or was using him, there would be no turning back now.

With a smile, Rowan tightened his hold on her, and with steady, confident steps, he walked out of the room.