Chapter 178

"Mr. Alistair..."

"Mmm." His voice sounded weary through the phone. "I planned to wait downstairs, but someone slept like a log and didn't answer my calls."

Stella Valentine fumbled for her phone on the bed.

Several missed calls glared from the screen.

She tugged her hair in frustration. "I'm sorry. I was dead asleep."

His strong arms pulled her back against his chest. "You've exhausted yourself these past years. You needed the rest."

"But you're the one working overtime—managing the company while overseeing my home renovation."

His low chuckle vibrated against her. "I don't mind at all."

"Mr. Alistair, do you ever sleep? My father used to say successful people master efficient rest."

"Then I should thank my future father-in-law for the compliment."

Heat flooded Stella's cheeks as she snuggled deeper into his embrace. "...My father died because of a conspiracy."

"I know."

"I'll make Lily Savigny and Sophia Durand pay!"

"They will. Karma always collects its dues."

"How are the kids?"

"Thriving. Ethan uses me as a climbing wall, and Luna's all smiles lately. Martha says her appetite's doubled."

Warmth blossomed in Stella's chest. "Did they miss me?"

"Ethan kept asking where you went."

"What did you tell him?"

"That superheroes take shifts, and it's Mommy's turn to save the world."

"...He bought that?"

"Absolutely. He was amazed both parents are superheroes."

Imagining her son's awestruck face, Stella giggled. "Won't you feel embarrassed when they grow up?"

Amusement colored his voice. "Embarrassment is for other people."

"You—mmph!" She pressed fingers to her tingling lips. "Mr. Alistair, you've turned wicked!"

"My apologies. I lost control."

The lingering warmth made her touch her mouth absently.

Two months with him felt like a decade's worth of living.

After weathering storms, she treasured this ordinary happiness.

But the man behind her clearly had other ideas.

October in Houston still clung to summer's heat.

Their entangled bodies spiked the room temperature.

His scorching breath hit her neck in ragged bursts.

She heard his swallow. Felt his...physical reaction.

After six years of abstinence, panic set in.

Even with two children, intimacy remained foreign territory.

"Let's—let's discuss business! With my mother as legal representative now, we should—ah!"

He nipped her shoulder.

She curled into a defensive ball.

"Stella, I'm only human."

"I know...but my mother's downstairs..."

"First-floor bedrooms have triple soundproofing. Unless you set off firecrackers..."

"...You planned this?"

"Learning from history. Where Adrian Roland failed, I succeeded."

Flustered, she swatted him. "You're proud of that?"

His laughter rumbled. "Enough teasing. I promised to wait until you're ready."

"Mr. Alistair..."

"About business—today's strategy is 'Play Weak to Win.'"

Understanding dawned.

"Victor Lefèvre craves flattery and crumbles under pressure. Forcing him would make him liquidate shares. We'll appease him first."

Stella nodded. "With combined shares from the original Shi and Roland families, he holds over 50% control."

"Luckily he distrusts even Sophia. Pity he's driven company value down 50% in six years."

Her lips twisted. "Business was never his forte. My parents' charity invited a wolf into our home."

"The corporate world rewards vigilance, not virtue."

"I understand."

His arms tightened. "Prove your worth. Earn his trust gradually."

"Understood."

"One more thing." His jaw clenched. "Stay away from Victor Valence. That brat's been a thorn in my side."

"What did he do?"

"Hmph."

He refused to elaborate like a petulant child.

The mystery solved itself next day when she met Joy Fairsprene.

"Victor Valence?" Joy stirred her lemon water. "He's obsessively investigating Houston's orphanages. His brother thinks he's having a breakdown."

"He actually went through with it?"

Joy sighed. "Stubborn as a mule. But if he uncovers Mr. Alistair's real name... Aren't you curious, Stella?"