Chapter 136

Edward Roland's aged hands trembled slightly, his eyes rimmed red. "Stella, is there really... no chance for Adrian?"

The plea in the old man's voice made Stella Valentine's chest ache.

"Grandfather Edward, regardless of what happens between Adrian and me, you'll always be Ethan and Luna's great-grandfather."

The implication wasn't lost on him. He sighed deeply. "The Roland family has wronged you."

"I should go. Please rest well."

"Adrian, escort her—"

Stella shook her head immediately. "No need. I'll take a cab."

But Adrian Roland was already standing. "I'll drive you. We should discuss custody arrangements."

"There's nothing to discuss."

"The divorce papers didn't specify custody terms." His voice was low.

Stella whirled around and strode out of the hospital room.

Edward pounded the bedside in frustration. "Foolish boy, go after her!"

Adrian gently tucked the blanket around his grandfather. "I'll bring her back."

"Go now!"

Outside the hospital entrance, Stella spotted the familiar black Porsche immediately.

This car held too many memories.

After the accident six years ago, the license plate had changed from 0826 to 0000—like a declaration that everything had reset to zero.

"Lost in thought?"

That familiar voice behind her made her heart skip. For a fleeting moment, she thought it was Mr. Alistair. Then reality reasserted itself—it was broad daylight.

"The children stay with me." She cut straight to the point.

Adrian's gaze was complicated. "Let's talk in the car."

"Unnecessary."

"I won't force you to do anything." His voice softened. "The kids are waiting."

At the mention of Ethan and Luna, Stella reluctantly took the passenger seat.

When Adrian leaned toward her, she stiffened. "What are you doing?"

"Just buckling your seatbelt." His smile was bitter. "I always did that before."

"I'll do it myself."

The car merged into sluggish traffic.

Enclosed in this space, memories flooded back.

During her Milan study abroad, he'd wait in this car outside campus. She'd rush into his arms like an excited bird, and he'd always fasten her seatbelt with such care.

Those sweet moments felt like another lifetime now.

"You don't need to guard against me like this." He broke the silence.

"It's not guarding. It's boundaries." She stared out the window. "After divorce, we're strangers."

"I'm still their father."

"You can visit with prior arrangements."

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Do you really hate seeing me that much?"

"Yes."

"I know I was wrong—"

"It doesn't matter anymore." She cut him off. "The only thing left to discuss is the children."

"Fine." He inhaled deeply. "I want them two days each week."

"That's too frequent."

"It's standard court-approved visitation." He paused. "I'll take good care of them."

After a silence, Stella conceded. "On one condition."

"Name it."

"Lily Savigny stays away from my children." Her voice turned icy. "Not even once."

"Agreed."

She blinked in surprise. "You don't trust her either?"

"Trusting her once cost too much." Shadows crossed his eyes. "I know it's too late for apologies, but I'll spend my life making it up to you and the kids."

Stella tucked a loose strand behind her ear. "Drop me off ahead."

"Stella..."

"Is there something else?"

Adrian's whisper was nearly inaudible. "What exactly... stands between us?"