Chapter 221

The elevator was so quiet they could hear each other's breathing.

Charlie suddenly let out a mocking laugh and stepped aside to clear the path.

As Stella Valentine stepped out, rapid button presses echoed behind her.

When the doors closed, her heart sank like a stone in her chest.

The hotel lobby at midnight stood empty and silent, a stark contrast to the airport chaos three years ago.

Charlie's panicked face flashed in her memory again.

"Miss Valentine, have you been deceiving Mr. Alistair all along?"

The boarding announcement blared in her ears. She closed her eyes with a faint smile. "What else?"

"But why? Mr. Alistair, he—"

"This is Adrian Roland's debt to me." She cut him off. "A father's debt paid by the son. A brother's debt paid by the sibling."

Charlie froze as if struck by lightning. "You don't know Mr. Alistair is actually—"

"Miss Valentine, final boarding call!"

She walked toward the gate without looking back.

Actually what?

None of it mattered now.

Stella took a deep breath and entered the convenience store. Her basket held daily necessities and the eggs her daughter had requested.

Back in the suite, only a wall lamp illuminated the living room.

Her mother Grace had already put Luna to bed. Joy Fairsprene dozed on the sofa with a sleepy Ethan in her arms.

"Stella!" Joy startled awake, nearly tumbling off the couch.

Ethan rubbed his eyes and rushed into her arms. "Mommy..."

She stroked his soft hair. "Go to sleep. Mommy needs to talk with Aunt Joy."

"But the eggs for Luna—"

"Little foodie." Joy yawned. "Auntie will make dancing steamed eggs tomorrow!"

Ethan nodded obediently, then suddenly remembered. "Uncle Hugo said Celeste spilled the milk powder. He wants you home early."

Her fingers twitched. "Got it."

Once the boy was in his room, Joy immediately leaned closer. "Celeste? As in sun, moon, stars, and Celeste?"

"Yes."

"She's almost three now? Younger than Luna..."

A tender light flickered in Stella's eyes at the mention of her daughter. "A little monkey. She just ripped up a million-dollar contract yesterday."

"Oh my!" Joy's eyes widened. "That's some destructive power..."

"Luckily she listens to Ethan." Stella massaged her temples. "Scolding does nothing, but one look from him and she sits right down."

Joy burst out laughing. "Sibling authority."

Her smile suddenly faded. Fidgeting with her fingers, Joy hesitated. "Three kids must be exhausting, especially Celeste..."

"Mom and Mr. Merovingian help." Stella gazed out the window. "Being busy is good. Too busy to think..."

Joy suddenly hugged her. "Celeste is so lively. Does that mean...?"

"The doctor says it's just a matter of time." Stella's voice was feather-light. "Three reasons for this trip. Celeste's treatment. Visiting Dad's grave..."

"And the third?"

"What's today's date?"

"December 16..."

"Half a month left." She murmured to herself.

"Left for what?"

Stella shook her head and fell silent.

After Joy went to sleep, she stood alone on the balcony. The night sky glittered like scattered diamonds.

......

New Frontier Group CEO Office.

The HR director peeked in nervously. "Mr. Roland, the secretary candidates—"

Adrian Roland braced against the desk as darkness clouded his vision.

"Another all-nighter?" The director reached to steady him but was coldly brushed aside.

In the conference room, a row of elite candidates sat ramrod straight.

Adrian scanned them, his temple throbbing.

"These are your selections?"

The director wiped his brow. "All PhDs from top schools with five-plus years—"

Resumes rustled as pages flipped. Suddenly, one landed in the trash.

"Mr. Roland! That's Milan Design Institute's—"

"Next."

Another hovered over the bin.

"This one has five years as an executive secretary!"

Only one resume remained. Adrian stared at the photo as if trying to see through the paper.

The director held his breath. Seventeen secretaries had come and gone in two years.

"Her."

Adrian strode out, leaving stunned candidates in his wake.