Chapter 145

Martha carried a steaming bowl of chicken wonton soup and suddenly chuckled. "Mr. Alistair came home last night sounding so happy."

Stella looked up from feeding Luna.

"He's so busy with work, yet he still makes time for you." Martha set the bowl on the table. "Last night, he played video games with Ethan and only left after you all fell asleep. Sigh..."

The doubt in Stella's heart instantly dissolved.

Replaced by aching tenderness. He worked all day, then rushed back every night. This had gone on for over a month.

She couldn't help texting him: "How are you not exhausted?"

Her phone vibrated almost immediately: "Why don't you check for yourself?"

Her ears burned as she tossed the phone onto the couch.

If he could still joke like that, he clearly had energy to spare.

Ethan was right—he might truly be an inexhaustible superhero.

"Mom, since Dad isn't here today, what are we doing?" Ethan asked around a mouthful of wonton.

Stella wiped his lips. "We're visiting Grandma—your mom's mother."

"Does she love us like Great-Grandpa does?"

"Of course." She ruffled his hair.

Martha hesitated. "Miss Stella, should I come with you?"

"No need. Please rest."

The doorbell rang suddenly.

Her heart skipped a beat. Had he come back?

A young man in a suit stood at the door. "Miss Stella, Mr. Alistair sent me to pick you up."

It was Charlie, the driver.

"The hospital? Is something wrong with my mother?"

"Your mother is recovering well." Charlie smiled. "Mr. Alistair remembered you mentioning she wanted to see the children."

Martha sighed. "He's so thoughtful."

"Uncle!" Ethan dashed over and grabbed Charlie's hand. "Are you my dad's friend?"

"I'm his subordinate."

"What's a subordinate?"

"Someone who... helps him with things."

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Then can you tell me stories about him? He never has time."

Charlie's smile faltered for a second. "Sure. I'll tell you on the way."

Stella carried Luna while holding Ethan's hand as they went downstairs. Charlie had already installed the child safety seat.

Once the car started moving, Ethan leaned forward. "Uncle, how amazing is my dad?"

"Very."

"Did he ever ride a dragon to save Mom?"

Charlie's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "He's sacrificed a lot for your mother."

"Will they have a happy ending?"

"Of course. That's why you and your sister are here."

Ethan suddenly frowned. "But Mom said we're from our old dad."

The air in the car froze.

Charlie quickly recovered. "But your new dad loves you just the same, right?"

"Yeah!" Ethan nodded vigorously. "Old dad left us, but new dad is the best!"

In the rearview mirror, Stella kept her eyes down, calmly playing with Luna.

Charlie sighed inwardly. Such a perfect couple... why did it have to be like this?

"Miss Stella," he changed the subject, "Mr. Alistair can't show up in person. He's worried your mother might misunderstand."

"I know." She gazed out the window. "He has his reasons."

In the hospital hallway, Charlie insisted on waiting outside the room. "Mr. Alistair's orders. We need to watch out for Victor Lefèvre."

Stella could only nod.

Inside the room, Grace Laurent was chatting with a nurse.

"Mom."

Grace turned. Her pupils contracted sharply.

"This is Ethan, my son." Stella placed Luna in her mother's arms. "And this is Luna."

Grace trembled as she touched both children, tears streaming. "You only told me about your daughter..."

"Grandma!" Ethan stood on tiptoes by the bed. "I'll blow on it so it doesn't hurt!"

Watching them, Stella finally let her tears fall.