The funeral was scheduled for two days later, on a somber Sunday morning. Because Stella didn't truly know the full extent of Melissa's social circle or her secret activities, she managed to contact only a select few trusted individuals her aunt had explicitly mentioned before she died.
The burial site was quiet, enveloped in a thick, mourning mist. Stella stood by the grave, looking completely frail, like a ghost of her former self. The grief had hollowed her out, leaving her sad and exposed.
Hadrian stood loyally by her side, still believing his elite male partner was mourning a domestic tragedy. He showed deep, genuine concern, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry about this, man," Hadrian murmured softly, trying to console her. "Take heart. We'll get through this."
Before Stella could even reply, a sudden commotion broke the silence of the cemetery.
A fleet of sleek, black luxury vehicles pulled up to the gates. Instantly, a massive security detail—twenty to thirty imposing guards dressed in pristine black suits, the kind used to protect the most powerful and wealthy elite in the world—rushed into the cemetery. They moved with military precision, quickly organizing themselves into three perfect, uniform lines facing Stella.
In total unity, the guards bowed their heads in deep, profound respect.
A prestigious lawyer, a man Melissa had trusted implicitly with her darkest secrets, stepped forward from the middle of the ranks. He carried a sealed, leather document case.
He stopped directly in front of Stella, bowed, and announced in a clear, resonant voice: "Madam... Miss Stella. I am here to present the final will and testament of Melissa Vance. She has passed everything—the entire organizational firm, its assets, and the company—completely to you."