Chapter 161

"Going to the civil affairs bureau on Mid-Autumn Festival?" The driver shot her a puzzled look through the rearview mirror.

Stella Valentine's fingers stilled for a moment. "Yes."

She checked the documents in her bag—marriage certificate, ID card, household register—everything was there.

Her phone screen lit up.

[On your way?]

Mr. Alistair's messages always came at the perfect time.

This new phone was specially chosen by him—simple, elegant, and just the right size for her palm.

[Almost at the civil affairs bureau.]

[Be safe.]

[Don't worry. He won’t do anything to me.]

A white Porsche screeched to a halt in front of the bureau, leaving ugly skid marks on the pavement.

When Adrian Roland stepped out, the right front bumper already bore a deep scratch.

"You're here," he said with a bitter smile.

Stella walked straight toward the entrance. "It’s not crowded today. Let’s get this over with quickly."

The lobby buzzed with noise and laughter.

"Marriage registration has a long line today," a cheerful guide informed them. "The divorce window is over there."

The corner window stood empty and quiet.

"Has the cooling-off period ended? Thirty days?"

"Today’s the last day," Stella replied calmly.

At the marriage registration counter, couples chatted excitedly in line.

"I want two babies!" a girl cooed.

Her boyfriend quickly agreed. "Whatever you say. Can we sign now?"

"What if you change after we’re married? Divorce is so hard these days."

"Look over there—" The boy pointed toward the divorce window, accidentally meeting Stella’s gaze. He immediately fell silent, embarrassed.

She looked away, her knuckles turning white from gripping her bag too tightly.

"We made promises like that too," Adrian said hoarsely. "Ethan and Luna..."

"None of that matters now," she cut him off.

The clerk adjusted his glasses. "The wife is forfeiting all assets? And full custody of both children?"

"Yes."

The official seal came down with a dull thud.

"Congratulations on your single status," the clerk said, handing over the divorce certificate.

Stella turned to leave but froze when a phone rang.

Adrian’s face paled. "Benjamin? Now? She might... Okay, I’ll try."

He grabbed her wrist. "Grandfather had a heart attack. He wants to see you—one last time."

She yanked her arm free. "We’re done."

"Please." His eyes were red. "Do it for him. Repay the kindness he showed you."

The Roland mansion still looked grand, but decay lingered beneath the opulence.

Benjamin wrung his hands at the entrance. "He just stabilized. Don’t say anything upsetting!"

"What happened?" Adrian quickened his pace.

"It’s all Lily’s fault!" Benjamin groaned. "She insisted on visiting today, saying it was a day for family reunions... The moment he heard, he collapsed!"