Chapter 147

Stella Valentine held her phone, fingertips slightly chilled.

Victor Valence's voice still echoed in her ears: "What do you really want? Money or status?"

She shook her head gently, though he couldn't see it.

"Mr. Valence, we're not the same kind of people."

A scoff came through the phone. "Stop pretending to be noble. Manager Quentin said you're desperate for money."

"That was before."

"And now? For that so-called Mr. Alistair?" Victor's voice suddenly sharpened. "What kind of spell has he cast on you?"

Stella pressed her lips together.

Mr. Alistair's identity was a secret. She couldn't—and wouldn't—explain it to anyone.

"Mr. Valence, I hope you find the right person."

"Damn it!" The call ended with a violent click.

Stella stared at the darkened screen and exhaled deeply.

This spoiled heir would never understand that some things couldn't be measured by money.

Pushing open the hospital room door, laughter greeted her.

Ethan was animatedly gesturing about something, while Grace Laurent smiled, fine wrinkles forming at the corners of her eyes.

"Mommy!" The little boy rushed over like an excited bird.

Stella caught him, ruffling his soft hair.

Grace chuckled. "This child—he can't go a minute without clinging to you."

"Grandma," Ethan looked up, "because I love Mommy the most!"

Grace laughed heartily. "His personality is nothing like yours when you were little, Stella. You were so proud back then."

Stella's smile froze for a second.

She knew what her mother would say next.

Sure enough—

"He must take after his father."

The air in the room grew heavy.

Grace realized her mistake and quickly took her daughter's hand. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine." Stella forced a smile.

"Stella," Grace hesitated before continuing, "you're still young. You should think about your future..."

A dull ache pulsed at Stella's temples.

After dealing with Victor, now she had to face her mother's pressure about marriage.

"Mom, I know what I'm doing."

"Do you?" Grace grew anxious. "Do you really plan to spend your life alone?"

Ethan suddenly chimed in, "Grandma, Mommy has a new daddy!"

Grace's eyes widened. "What?"

Stella massaged her forehead.

This kid...

"It's true!" Ethan waved his arms excitedly. "New Daddy is a superhero! He comes to protect Mommy every night!"

Grace's expression shifted from shock to concern.

"Stella," she asked carefully, "are you... alright?"

Stella didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Mom, it's not what you think."

"Then what is it?" Grace frowned. "Is it... online dating?"

Stella opened her mouth but found no words.

Texting romance—technically, it counted as online dating.

Matchmade by the phone carrier.

"Grandma," Ethan said seriously, "New Daddy is amazing! Even cooler than Iron Man!"

Grace touched Stella's forehead. "No fever..."

Before Stella could explain, the door burst open.

"Aunt Grace!" Joy Fairsprene barged in, arms full of bags. "Look what I brought you!"

Ethan cheered and ran to her. "Godmother!"

Joy scooped him up. "Oh, my sweet boy!"

Grace smiled. "Joy, you should start thinking about settling down too..."

Joy's face fell. She grabbed Stella's arm and dragged her out. "Aunt Grace, we'll be right back!"

In the hallway, Joy clutched her chest. "Save me. Why are elders like this nowadays?"

Stella sighed. "Misery loves company."

"But," Joy leaned in, curiosity burning in her eyes, "what's this about Ethan's 'new daddy'?"

Stella gazed out the window.

Dusk deepened, city lights flickering to life.

"A... very special person," she said softly.