Chapter 132

"Grandfather Roland."

Stella Valentine spoke softly while giving Ethan's hand a gentle squeeze. "Say hello to your great-grandfather."

Ethan tilted his little face upward. "Hello, Great-grandpa! I'm Ethan Valentine."

Ethan Valentine.

The surname made Edward Roland's eyes darken momentarily.

He forced a smile. "Good boy. It's cold outside. Come in quickly."

The living room of the old mansion remained as opulent as ever, yet Stella felt prickles of discomfort down her spine.

Benjamin Langley cradled baby Luna with obvious delight, his wrinkled face full of tenderness. He rocked the infant gently, humming an off-key lullaby.

Stella exhaled in quiet relief.

Thank goodness Adrian hadn't kept Luna with him.

Given Lily Savigny's methods...

She recalled Mr. Alistair's words—this must be what he meant by Luna being well cared for.

Edward was now presenting an array of snacks to Ethan like precious offerings.

The coffee table overflowed with toys—Lego sets, remote-control cars, basketballs and soccer balls, every boy's dream.

The snack wrappers were brightly colored, clearly carefully selected children's treats.

For a moment, Stella felt disoriented.

Could Mr. Alistair's meticulous thoughtfulness have been inherited from Edward?

"Stella," Edward called helplessly. "This little one says he can't accept gifts from strangers without Mommy's permission."

She snapped back to reality, meeting Ethan's questioning gaze.

The boy stared longingly at the treats but stubbornly kept his hands behind his back.

Stella gave a slight nod. "You may accept gifts from Great-grandpa. Remember to say thank you."

"Thank you, Great-grandpa!" Ethan immediately cheered, his face lighting up with a radiant smile.

Edward's eyes sparkled. "Benjamin, look! That smile is exactly like Adrian's when he was little!"

"Indeed," Benjamin cooed at the baby in his arms. "The young master takes after his father, and the little miss resembles her mother. Both will grow into beauties."

"That rascal Adrian was blessed by the heavens to marry Stella." Edward chuckled heartily. "These two precious ones will make my old friends green with envy for life!"

Benjamin suddenly sighed. "If only the elder young master were still—"

"Ahem!" Edward coughed loudly.

Stella's eyes flickered.

She spoke casually. "Grandfather Roland, I heard... Adrian had a twin brother?"

The old man's expression darkened instantly. "Who told you that?"

"So it's true?" she pressed. "Why does the Roland family never mention him? He was also a Roland child—"

"He doesn't deserve it!" Edward slammed the table.

Ethan jumped in fright, scattering Lego pieces everywhere.

Edward immediately softened. "Great-grandpa wasn't angry with you..." He fumbled for a Transformer toy. "Do you like this?"

Ethan nodded timidly.

"Tell Great-grandpa, who's your favorite superhero?"

"I-Iron Man..."

"Good! Next time I'll buy you a whole room of Iron Man toys!"

The doorbell rang abruptly.

Benjamin smiled. "That must be the young master."

Stella glanced at Edward, only to find equal surprise on his face.

Benjamin's hesitant voice came from the foyer. "Miss, may I ask who you are?"

"I'm Adrian's girlfriend, Lily Savigny." A honeyed voice replied. "Our last meeting was too rushed. I came specially today to visit Grandfather."

Edward's face turned stormy. "That won't be necessary. Please leave."

But Lily had already barged in.

Benjamin, holding Luna, couldn't stop her as she strode into the living room in her high heels.

"Oh, Miss Valentine is here too." Lily's gaze swept over Stella before landing on her rounded belly.

Edward shielded Stella protectively. "My granddaughter-in-law brought my great-grandchildren to visit. Miss Savigny, showing up uninvited is rather ill-mannered."

Lily stroked her own abdomen. "Grandfather, I'm also carrying your great-grandchild."

"You—!" Edward trembled with rage. "Adrian doesn't even know how this child was conceived! Do you really think the Roland family collects trash based on baseless rumors?"

Lily's smile froze. "Grandfather, those are all lies—"

"Enough!" Edward thundered. "Stella having an affair? What nonsense are you spouting!"

Lily turned to Stella, venom flashing in her eyes. "She admitted it herself. Ask her if you don't believe me."

Stella gave a light laugh. "Miss Savigny is quite well-informed, isn't she?"

"So you admit it?" Lily pressed her advantage. "Since you've found someone new, stop clinging to Adrian!"

"Clinging to him?" Stella sounded amused. "I'd be delighted if you two were locked together forever and stopped bothering me."

Lily's face twisted. "You—"

"But Lily," Stella's eyes turned icy, "I haven't forgotten about the alcohol you forced down Luna's throat. Those photos were just the appetizer. If you dare touch my children again—"

"Photos? What photos?" Edward looked puzzled.

Lily interrupted hastily. "Stella! Do you think you're special just because you've latched onto some rich old man? The one who gave you that three-million-dollar diamond ring—"

"I'm not as filthy as you." Stella's voice was arctic. "Nor as desperate."

Edward erupted. "Benjamin! Throw this woman out!"

"Grandfather!" Lily shrieked. "She cheated and you're still protecting her?"

Ethan looked up confused. "Mommy, what's cheating?"

Edward immediately covered the child's ears and roared. "Get out! Don't pollute my great-grandson's ears!"