Chapter 220

Stella Valentine chuckled softly. "No rush. Let's wait a little longer."

"Aren't you worried Ethan and Luna will get impatient? Those two are so bold—traveling alone on a flight! The plane should've landed by now. With this traffic, I'm not sure we'll make it in time."

Stella remained calm. "Ethan knows his limits."

"That he does," Joy Fairsprene said proudly. "My godson got his brains from his father, but his character is far superior. That scumbag ex of yours doesn't deserve to be called human."

At the mention of him, Stella fell silent.

Joy changed the subject. "How long are you staying this time?"

"It depends on my mother." Stella sighed. "She's been dreaming about my father lately. Since his death anniversary is coming up, I brought her back to visit his grave. We'll return once she's at peace."

Joy hesitated. "Stella...why not stay in Houston? Your father's company is still here. Things are chaotic overseas—nowhere is as safe as home."

"I know..."

"Wait—don't tell me you've met someone abroad?"

Stella laughed. "Between work and the kids, I barely have time to breathe, let alone date."

"Then why insist on living overseas?" Joy lowered her voice. "Is it...because of Mr. Alistair?"

Stella's fingers clenched the fabric of her skirt.

"I remember...his accident happened just days before your father's death anniversary. Are you returning now because..."

Joy trailed off.

That fateful morning three years ago, Mr. Alistair and Stella had been heading to the airport when their car was struck.

In the end, Stella flew abroad with her children and mother. Mr. Alistair...never left the hospital.

Joy sighed inwardly. No wonder Stella avoided Houston—this city held too much pain.

Just when Mr. Alistair had begun helping her heal, he was ripped away in an instant.

"Stella, I know a temple with powerful blessings. Let's visit soon," Joy offered gently.

"Alright."

The accident ahead was finally cleared, and traffic began moving. Joy floored the accelerator, speeding away from the congestion.

They arrived at the airport twenty minutes late.

Ethan was buying milk for his sister at a convenience store. Three-year-old Luna still drank milk daily.

"Brother..." Luna suddenly tugged Ethan's sleeve, pointing into the distance. "Mommy..."

Ethan hastily paid and scooped her up. "Mom! Aunt Joy!"

"My goodness! Who is this handsome young man?" Joy's eyes sparkled. "Only eight and already this dashing? You'll break hearts when you're older!"

Luna immediately wrapped her arms around Ethan's neck. "Mine!"

The tiny girl's adorable voice melted Joy's heart. "Let me hold you! You're too precious!"

Luna glanced at Stella for permission before reaching out.

"Does living abroad make children this beautiful? Especially Ethan—he's the spitting image of that scumbag Adrian!"

Ethan frowned. "Scumbag?"

"I mean...'wow guy'!" Joy backpedaled. "Someone so handsome people say 'wow' when they see him."

Ethan tilted his head. "Aunt Joy, did you make that up?"

"Of course not! It's internet slang. You wouldn't know living overseas."

"Really?"

"Absolutely!" Joy said without blinking. "Would I lie to you?"

Ethan studied her. "Aunt Joy, I trust you, but your eyes keep darting to the lower left when you speak. That's a classic sign of lying. In negotiations, opponents would've called you out already."

Joy laughed helplessly, pinching his cheek. "You little rascal! When did you learn to expose people?"

Stella suppressed a smile. "Alright, Luna needs her nap. Let's head to the hotel."

Joy drove them back, unaware her choice of lodging made Stella uneasy.

When she'd learned of Stella's return, Joy had booked rooms at the Houston Grand Hotel. Stella only realized upon arrival but didn't want to refuse her friend's kindness, planning to switch hotels later.

As they pulled up, Joy's perennial struggle resurfaced—parallel parking.

"I'll do it," Stella said.

"You can drive now?"

"Had to learn overseas. For school runs."

With practiced ease, Stella reversed into the spot, impressing Joy. "Stella, you're amazing at this!"

Once parked, Stella invited, "Come up for a bit."

At least their room was only on the eighth floor.

Grace Laurent had been anxiously waiting. "Ethan! Luna! Let Grandma see you...how could you fly alone? Mommy told you to wait at home!"

"Grandma, I missed you!" Ethan threw himself into her arms.

Grace immediately softened, hugging him. "Don't ever do that again, understand?"

Ethan nodded. "Grandma, I wanted to see Daddy. That's why we came."

"But your father..."

"Daddy went to fight monsters, I know. But he's been gone so long...shouldn't he be back by now? Grandma, I really miss him."

Grace sighed. "Well, you're here now...are you hungry? Let Grandma make noodles."

Luna piped up in her tiny voice. "Grandma, want eggs!"

"There aren't any in the hotel. I'll buy some tomorrow, okay?"

A growl interrupted them—Luna's empty stomach protesting.

Ethan explained, "She barely ate on the plane. The food was bad."

"I'll go buy some." Stella grabbed her wallet. "There's a supermarket nearby."

Joy stood. "It's late—want company?"

"No need, I know this area." Stella smiled. "You've been driving us around all week. Wait here—I'll get ingredients to cook you something nice."

"Yay! Your chicken soup is the best!"

"I know."

Stella rode the elevator down alone.

Ding—

The doors slid open on the first floor.

Both occupants froze—one inside, one outside the elevator—

Their eyes locked in stunned recognition.