Chapter 154

The snow-white Samoyed puppy circled cheerfully around the living room, drawing laughter from the family of three. Martha emerged from the kitchen with the final dish, smiling warmly. "Mr. Alistair, Miss Stella, dinner's getting cold. Please eat while it's hot."

Adrian gave a slight nod and pulled out a chair for Stella with gentlemanly grace. He waited until she was seated before taking his place beside her. Martha settled Ethan into his booster seat while the puppy obediently curled up at the little boy's feet.

"Be good," Ethan cooed in an imitation of adult tones, gently stroking the puppy's head. "I'll play with you after dinner."

The table was laden with home-cooked dishes bursting with color and aroma. Alongside Stella's favorite mapo tofu were stir-fried beef with peppers and shredded pork with green peppers, accompanied by a tangy tripe soup to whet the appetite.

Ethan's eyes lit up as he eagerly grabbed his spoon. Having grown up in the States, authentic home-style cooking still amazed him. Every dish Martha prepared earned his enthusiastic praise, making the elderly woman beam with delight.

"Mom's cooking is just as good as Martha's!" The little boy mumbled around a full mouth, giving a thumbs-up.

Stella's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Eat as much as you like."

"No, no." Ethan shook his head vigorously. "Dad fought monsters all day. He needs it more."

With a chuckle, Stella placed the last piece of tofu into her son's bowl before turning to Adrian, who had barely touched his food. "Not to your taste?"

The man immediately shook his head and began eating heartily alongside Ethan. But the beads of sweat forming on his forehead betrayed him.

"Don't force yourself." Stella reached for a napkin to dab his brow. "Neither of you handle spice well. I'll make milder dishes next—"

A warm hand covered hers, gently guiding her back into her seat. "I love seeing how happy spicy food makes you." His eyes softened. "Just be yourself. Don't change for anyone. I'll...adjust to the heat gradually."

Stella's heart fluttered, then she noticed something odd near his temple. "You're hurt?"

Adrian shot to his feet, fingers hastily combing through his bangs. "Paint from the construction site."

"But there's blood on the napkin—"

"Stella." He cut her off as his phone rang. "I need to take this."

He fled like a man pursued—not even waiting for the elevator, taking the emergency stairs two at a time.

In the shadowed garden, Charlie stood waiting. Adrian barely made it to the corner before doubling over, retching violently, his face ghostly pale.

"Mr. Roland!" Charlie thrust forward a water bottle. "Why do this to yourself?"

Water soothed his burning throat as Adrian leaned against the wall, panting. "Can't...let her find out."

"Even if you can't eat spicy food, Miss Stella would never suspect—"

"No risks." Bloodshot eyes lifted. "She said she'd accept anyone...except Adrian Roland."

Charlie wrung his hands. "How long can you keep this up? The wound, your tastes, your habits—"

"Just until we deal with Victor and reclaim the Shi family." Adrian wiped his mouth. "Then we'll start fresh overseas."

"What about the company? Mr. Xavier—"

"Return what's his." Adrian's voice was calm. "That million dollars? I'll repay it a hundredfold."

Charlie stomped his foot. "He wants you as his successor!"

Adrian gave a hollow laugh. "What's the point?" The night breeze ruffled his exhausted features. "After facing death, I know what truly matters."

"But Mr. Xavier won't just—"

"I'll handle it." Adrian winced suddenly. "Got any bandages?"

Charlie produced a first-aid kit, then gasped upon brushing aside Adrian's damp hair. "This needs stitches!"

"Fell from the second floor. Not fatal."

"It'll scar!" Desperation sparked an idea. "Miss Stella will notice eventually!"

That finally broke through. Blood had already soaked through three gauze pads, trickling down his neck.

His phone screen lit up as Adrian typed with difficulty: [Stella, don't wait up. Handling some business.]

In the bedroom, Stella had just tucked in the children. Ethan slept soundly with the puppy curled beside him, while baby Luna smacked her lips in the crib.

Alone in the cavernous master bedroom, Stella suddenly found the space unbearably vast. Her fingers absently traced the phone screen, rereading that brief message.

Outside, the silent blue flash of an ambulance streaked across the night sky.