Chapter 103

"Joy, could you do me a favor?"

Stella Valentine perked up immediately. "What is it? Just say the word!"

"Help me find an apartment. It doesn’t need to be too big—just enough for me and the two kids."

Joy Fairsprene understood. "Right, your uncle’s family has taken over the Roland estate. You’ll need a place after being discharged. Any specific requirements?"

Stella smiled softly. "Just something simple and cozy."

"Leave it to me!"

Joy worked with astonishing efficiency. The very next day, she had good news.

She drove over to pick up Stella and the children for a viewing.

The neighborhood was older but well-maintained, with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

"The landlord is amazing!" Joy led little Ethan inside by the hand. "Three bedrooms, a living room—120 square meters. There’s even space for a live-in nanny. The landlord is in a hurry to move abroad, so the rent is only $1,500. It’s practically a steal!"

Stella gave a small smile. "We really are lucky."

Her phone buzzed. A text from Mr. Alistair:

[Do you like the place?]

Stella typed back directly:

[Did you arrange this?]

[Yes and no.]

[Which is it?]

He sidestepped the question:

[The neighborhood is quiet but conveniently located. There’s a kindergarten two minutes away, a supermarket nearby, and the hospital is close.]

The hospital was within easy reach—medical care would never be a problem.

He had thought of everything.

Joy was still gushing. "The weirdest part? The landlord contacted me! Isn’t that strange, Stella? I didn’t even go through an agent, and he just called out of the blue..."

Stella asked quietly, "Did he say how he got your number?"

"No, he just said he had a place to rent..."

"Maybe it was fate."

Joy frowned. "This is too coincidental... Stella, maybe we should look at other options? Something feels off..."

Stella stopped her. "It’s fine. This place... was arranged by Mr. Alistair."

"Julian Valois?" Joy’s eyes widened. "He’s changed so much! It’s like he’s a completely different person!"

Stella walked through the apartment and noticed every detail had been meticulously considered.

The master bedroom had an enormous king-sized bed—even larger than the one at the hotel.

Her cheeks warmed slightly.

Though she had just given birth, the implication of that bed was unmistakable.

"Stella!" Joy came running over, holding a pack of diapers. "Look!"

They were Luna’s size.

Not just diapers—every baby essential was already stocked.

"I can’t believe a man could be this thoughtful. I’m jealous," Joy sighed.

The other room was filled with children’s supplies—Ethan’s schoolbag, stationery, even a piggy bank.

Joy gasped. "Anyone would think the kids’ real father prepared all this!"

Adrian Roland?

Stella shook her head. His tenderness had long been reserved for Lily Savigny.

"Stella," Joy said seriously, "stay with Mr. Alistair. He’s a better man than Adrian."

Stella nodded. "What about you?"

After all, Julian had once been Joy’s fiancé.

Joy burst out laughing. "Have you forgotten about Harry? That jealous puppy would throw a fit!"

"Joy, the arrangement is just for show. Don’t let it become real..."

"I know!" Joy cut her off. "I’ve got this under control."

Ethan came barreling into Stella’s arms. "Mommy! Is that our room?"

Stella held him carefully, ignoring the twinge of pain from her incision. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" Ethan’s eyes sparkled. "How did you know Iron Man is my favorite?"

Stella smoothed his hair. "It wasn’t me..."

"Then was it Aunt Joy?"

Joy scoffed. "Not me. Your dad bought it."

"My dad?!"

"Not your birth father. Your other dad."