Chapter 204

"You finally decided to come back?!" Old Mr. Roland's eyes blazed with fury as his cane struck the floor with a resounding crack. "A dozen calls went unanswered. Do you even consider this your home anymore?"

A teacup whizzed past Adrian's temple, shattering against the wall in a burst of brown liquid. Blood trickled down his forehead, yet his expression remained unflinching.

"Grandfather looks well." He wiped the blood away casually, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Seems you've been thriving in my absence."

"Thriving my foot!" The old man's beard quivered with rage. "Look at Luna—she doesn't even recognize her own father now!"

Benjamin stepped forward, cradling the porcelain-skinned little girl. "Young Master, Luna just learned to say 'Daddy'..."

Adrian retreated half a step. "My hands are full. It's not convenient."

"Your left hand is empty!" Mr. Roland slammed the table and rose to his feet. "You won't even hold your own daughter? Are you even fit to be a father?"

"I'll be leaving soon." Adrian set down the gift box in his hands. "These are for you. I... may not have many chances to visit in the future."

"What do you mean?" The old man's face darkened instantly. "Are you abandoning this family?"

"Stella will take good care of the children. I trust her."

"You disgrace!" Mr. Roland swung his cane with full force. "How dare you mention Stella after all this?"

The cane struck Adrian's left arm with a sickening thud. He staggered, sweat soaking through his shirt, but not a sound escaped him.

Luna burst into terrified sobs, burying her face in Stella's chest. Ethan clutched his mother's sleeve, whispering to his sister, "Don't be scared. I'm here."

Stella gathered both children in her arms. "Mr. Roland, we should go."

"Stay right there!" the old man thundered. "We're settling this today!"

Adrian closed his eyes briefly. "I'm getting married."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"I've waited six years for this." His voice was soft but unyielding. "I won't miss my chance again."

Mr. Roland trembled with fury. "Get out! From this day forward, I have no grandson!"

Luna's wails pierced the air. Benjamin quickly ushered Stella toward the door. "Stella, take the children home first."

Glancing at the grandfather and grandson locked in their standoff, Stella murmured, "I'm planning to move abroad with the kids."

Benjamin's eyes reddened. "This new father... is he dependable?"

"He's good to us." She offered a small smile. "Take care of yourself and Mr. Roland."

Outside, Charlie already had the car ready. He adjusted the child seats efficiently. "Mr. Alistair asked me to drive you home."

As the car pulled away from the estate, Stella watched the shrinking mansion in the rearview mirror. "He's not coming back tonight?"

"He said he has one last important matter to handle."

"Mr. Grant visited me today." Stella's grip tightened around Luna. "He knows about Rose Garden."

Charlie slammed the brakes. "What?!"

"He was the one who sent Luna to me." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "He said I ruined Mr. Alistair's future."

"Don't listen to him!" Charlie's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "He'll be free soon..."

A distant rumble of thunder rolled across the sky. The storm was coming.