Chapter 153

"You have no right to arrest me! I'm not a thief!"

Lily Savigny shrieked hysterically, her pajama collar askew from struggling, revealing too much skin.

The security captain took a step back with a frown. "Ma'am, please cooperate with the investigation."

"I'm Adrian Roland's future wife!" She waved her phone wildly. "Dare to lay a finger on me!"

A rookie guard's eyes widened. "Captain, I recognize her! She's the one from last month's financial scandal—"

"Shut up!" Lily snapped.

The guards exchanged glances and retreated in unison.

"Let it go. The Roland family's drama isn't our business."

"Tsk, Mrs. Roland is such a kind woman..."

The whispers reached Lily's ears. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms.

Meanwhile, the aroma of spicy cuisine wafted from the kitchen of Rose Garden.

"Mom, when will Daddy be home?" Ethan glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time.

Stella Valentine placed the final dish of boiled fish on the table. "Let's wait a little longer."

The boy suddenly jumped off his chair and ran to the balcony. "Mom, look! Headlights!"

In the darkness, a pair of headlights cut through the night.

"It's Daddy's car!" Ethan cheered.

Stella watched the approaching light, her lips curving unconsciously.

By the time the doorbell rang, Ethan had already bolted like a cannonball.

"Daddy!"

Mr. Alistair caught the child with one arm, swaying imperceptibly.

"Missed me?"

"Super much!" Ethan clung to his neck. "We visited Grandma today!"

Stella approached, immediately noticing her husband had switched arms to hold their son.

"Are you hurt?" she asked softly.

He shook his head, producing a pet carrier from behind. "A gift for you."

Inside, a snow-white Samoyed puppy tilted its head at them.

"Oh my!" Stella knelt in delight. The moment her fingers touched the cage, the puppy licked them eagerly.

Ethan dashed around gathering materials for a dog bed, eventually sacrificing his favorite dinosaur pajamas.

"It's so soft..." The boy stroked the puppy gently, eyes shining like stars.

Watching them, Stella's eyes grew moist. "I've always wanted a dog."

"I know." His voice was tender behind her.

She looked up. "How?"

"Lucky guess." He chuckled. "Now we can raise it together."

Ethan suddenly lifted his head. "Daddy, you're really my real dad, right?"

The air froze.

Stella saw her husband's Adam's apple bob before he simply ruffled the boy's hair. "Go get water for the puppy."

Late at night, Stella stood on the balcony, gazing at the stars.

A coat draped over her shoulders.

"What's on your mind?"

"Just thinking... how strange fate is." She turned to him. "Thank you for the gift."

Moonlight revealed turbulent emotions in his eyes. "Stella, there's something—"

"Hmm?"

He simply pulled her into an embrace. "Never mind. We'll always be together from now on."

In the living room, the puppy sighed contentedly. Ethan's steady breathing drifted from his bedroom.

This moment of peace was more precious than any treasure.