Chapter 146

Grace's tears spilled over instantly.

Her trembling fingers brushed Ethan's cheek as she choked out, "Grandma isn't in pain. You're such a thoughtful boy."

When her gaze shifted to Stella, Grace sighed softly. "This child...he's the spitting image of Adrian..."

Stella nodded calmly.

She never denied this truth.

No matter what grievances existed between her and Adrian, the children were innocent. She would tell them the truth about their origins. Their future choices would be theirs alone.

Little Luna giggled in Stella's arms, tiny hands waving in the air. Grace extended a finger, which her granddaughter immediately grasped with surprising strength.

"This one takes after you," Grace said, smiling through her tears.

Stella gave a wry smile. "She has traits from both of us. The Roland genes are formidable."

"Silly girl, no matter who they resemble, they're your precious ones." Grace's expression darkened suddenly. "Actually, Adrian was...ah, what a pity."

"Mom, that's all in the past." Stella cut her off firmly. "We'll live our separate lives now. I can take care of the children."

Grace grew agitated. "You're still so young! Raising two children alone is no simple matter. I'll go complete my discharge paperwork right now—"

"I'm twenty-six."

"You'll always be my child." Grace's eyes welled up again. "Remember when you insisted on studying jewelry design? Running off to Milan alone kept your father awake night after night. Thank goodness Adrian visited you often back then—"

She immediately bit her lip in regret.

"Stella, what are your plans now?"

"First, finalize the divorce." Stella's eyes held steely resolve. "Before Lily can cause more trouble."

Grace nodded repeatedly before suddenly choking up. "It's all my fault...if I hadn't pushed you to help your uncle, your father's life's work wouldn't have..."

At the mention of Victor, Stella felt a sharp pang in her chest.

Her good-for-nothing uncle couldn't even grasp basic business operations—how could he possibly manage what her father had built?

"And the Roland family..." Grace said guiltily. "I failed Adrian."

Stella squeezed her mother's hand. "After the divorce and enrolling Ethan in school, I'll handle these matters. Father's shares still belong to me. Victor can't stop me from joining the board."

"But you're still a woman..."

Stella's laugh was icy. "Mom, who will humiliate whom remains to be seen. I will reclaim what Father left behind. The Roland assets will be returned to their rightful owners. Only then will the accounts be settled."

"Money means nothing. I just want you safe—"

The shrill ring of a phone interrupted them.

Seeing the caller ID, Stella frowned slightly. "Mom, I need to take this."

On the balcony, Victor's furious roar assaulted her ears the moment she answered. "Stella Valentine! Do you think my company is some flea market? Coming and going as you please? Get your ass back here now!"

"Mr. Valence, I sincerely apologize—"

"Katrina loves your designs." His tone shifted abruptly. "But I'm deeply unsatisfied! Did you take my confession as harassment? Or did that so-called Mr. Alistair force you to quit?"

"That's not—"

"So he's jealous?" Victor's anger flared hotter. "Bring him out! Let's see what kind of man dares to ruin your career!"

Stella drew a steadying breath. "Family matters required my attention."

Silence.

"Then..." His voice softened. "Who compensates the company's losses?"

"I'll design five jewelry sets free of charge."

"Who wants that?" he scoffed. "Two options: return to work or let me compete fairly with this 'Mr. Alistair'!"

"Mr. Valence—"

"What's wrong with me?" Victor's pride was wounded. "In Houston, aside from my brother Julian and Adrian Roland, I'm the most eligible bachelor!"

Stella sighed. "My heart belongs to someone else."

"Who?"

"Mr. Alistair."

"Impossible!" he declared. "Unless he's Julian or Adrian himself, no man outshines me!"