Chapter 101

The elevator stopped on the 12th floor, and Stella Valentine's heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Hugo Merovingian's room was on this very floor.

Her arms tightened slightly around Luna.

Five years. This was the first time she could speak to her son while fully conscious.

Anticipation and nervousness tangled together.

"Ethan's been nervous since last night," Hugo chuckled. "You two have identical expressions."

Stella pressed her lips together, freeing one arm to reach for her son.

"But," Hugo paused, "Ethan looks so much like Adrian Roland."

Her throat tightened. "They're father and son."

"If Adrian demands visitation rights..."

"I know," she cut him off. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Hugo stopped at room 1208. The moment his fingerprint unlocked the door, it swung open from inside.

Ethan stood there in a navy-blue suit, eyes sparkling. "Uncle Hugo, is Mom here?"

The door opened fully. Mother and son locked eyes.

Tears instantly spilled down Ethan's cheeks. His lips trembled, speechless.

"He sleeps with your photo every night," Hugo murmured.

Stella knelt, arms open. "Ethan, I'm your mom."

"Mom!" He crashed into her embrace, sobbing. "I missed you so much..."

Her tears fell. "I missed you too... Do you hate me?"

Ethan shook his head violently. "Mom promised to come get me!"

"Yes, I'm here now." Her voice broke. "We won't be apart anymore."

Ethan pulled back suddenly. "Are you coming back to the States with us?"

"We're staying here," she wiped his tears. "Uncle Hugo has work too."

"Anywhere is fine as long as I'm with Mom." He clung to her. "You won't leave again, right?"

Stella hesitated.

"Is Dad coming?" Ethan peered around hopefully.

"Dad's busy." She changed the subject. "This is your sister, Luna."

Ethan approached cautiously. "She's so cute! She's smiling at me!"

Watching her children, warmth flooded Stella's chest.

Hugo helped her up. "Let's talk inside."

Ethan buzzed around like an excited bee, tending to his mother and sister.

"This kid's always acted like a little adult," Hugo smiled.

Stella pulled her son close. "Sit with Mom for a while?"

"Don't be scared, Mom." Ethan puffed out his chest. "I'll protect you and Luna."

She ruffled his hair, laughing. "Ethan is our hero."

"Can I hold Luna?"

In the bedroom, Ethan lay beside his sister, eyes shining. "She's so tiny."

"You were this small once too."

"Mom," Ethan asked suddenly, "did you make up with Dad?"

Her throat constricted. "It's complicated... But he'll visit you both."

"Dad must be a good person," Ethan said innocently. "Or Mom wouldn't have loved him."

Outside the door, Adrian leaned against the wall, heart splitting.

Did he deserve that title?

Soft breathing sounds came from the bedroom—both children asleep in each other's arms.

Stella gently closed the door to find Hugo frowning on the balcony, phone in hand.

"What's wrong?" she asked when he hung up.

"I must return to the States immediately. My client's situation worsened."

"Go ahead."

"But you and Ethan..."

"It's fine." Stella smiled. "With that very important friend here, I fear nothing."