Chapter 199

"Again?" Stella Valentine frowned slightly. "Mr. Alistair, have you experienced something similar to Oliver before?"

Adrian Roland nodded, then smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I've fully recovered."

Following Dr. Jonathan Lowell's recommendation, the orphanage director finally agreed to let Joy Fairsprene temporarily foster Oliver. The chaotic environment wasn't ideal—the boy needed a safer space to grow.

"Auntie, where's my mom?" Oliver asked with innocent eyes.

Joy's eyes were still red-rimmed, but she beamed. "She went abroad for work. The pay is better and the job's easier there."

"Why didn't she take me?"

"Because..." Joy blinked playfully. "Flying stunts kids' growth!"

Her natural cheerfulness soon had Oliver giggling. As they left, Joy suddenly turned back, studying Adrian intently. "The resemblance... it's uncanny."

Adrian cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Don't worry, Stella," Joy patted her chest. "Oliver's in good hands with me."

Stella felt reassured. Joy had always been wholehearted with children. More importantly, with Oliver in her care, Joy would stay away from that suspicious Harry Vance.

The phone rang abruptly.

"Mr. Roland, the lawsuit materials against Sophia Durand and her daughter are ready. We can file anytime."

"Let legal handle it." Adrian's voice was low.

"The will is also drafted per your instructions—shares transferred to Mr. Xavier Atlante, vehicle liquidation funds deposited into Ms. Valentine's European account."

"Amount?"

"Seven figures."

"Sufficient."

"Tomorrow's the weekend. Ms. Valentine plans to take the children to the ancestral home."

"Understood. Expedite the lawsuit. I want no complications."

Hanging up, Adrian returned to Stella. She was conversing with Dr. Lowell, who tactfully excused himself. "Oliver will recover, just like my former patient did."

Watching the doctor leave, Stella slipped her arm through Adrian's. "Let's go home."

But the motorcycle headed toward the amusement park.

"Why here?" Stella gazed at the neon-lit entrance.

"The Ferris Wheel." His eyes mirrored the starlight. "To see the stars from the highest point."

Stella's heart fluttered. "That was my twentieth birthday wish."

"Great minds think alike." He laced their fingers together. "Before leaving Houston, tell me all your unfulfilled wishes."

As the wheel ascended, city lights scattered below like fallen stars.

"The night sky looked this beautiful six years ago too." She leaned against the glass. "I always envied the sun for warming hearts. Stars may shine, but few stop to admire them."

Adrian's heart twisted. He'd mistaken false sunlight for warmth, overlooking the brightest constellation beside him.

"Stella." He suddenly knelt on one knee. "Marry me."

Her cheeks flushed. "You... planned this?"

"No. The sky's too breathtaking not to act." His gaze burned. "Ask anything, and it's yours."

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Then... where's my star?"

"I've purchased a minor planet. It'll bear your name."

Stella's eyes widened. "Truly?"

"Absolutely." He clasped her hand. "So, yes?"

She grinned slyly. "My twentieth birthday list had two unchecked items. One was buying Dad a new car..."

"And the other?"

"Seeing snow in Houston." She winked. "Can the infallible Mr. Alistair manage that?"

"If I make it snow here, you'll marry me?"

"Deal."

"Then it's settled." His gaze turned resolute. "I'm taking this seriously."

"I was just—"

"No take-backs." He kissed her knuckles. "My bride."