Chapter 233

"He's gone!"

Adrian Roland's suppressed roar startled little Luna in his arms. The little girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and asked in a sweet voice, "Daddy, who's gone?"

His Adam's apple bobbed as he stared at his daughter's innocent face, unable to speak.

Stella Valentine swiftly stepped out of the car and pulled Luna into her arms. Suppressing her anger, she said coldly, "If you're still emotionally unstable, we'll leave first."

Luna squirmed in her mother's arms, looking longingly at Adrian. "Isn't Daddy coming home with us?"

"Daddy has work." Stella patted her daughter's back gently. "Grandma is waiting for us. Say goodbye to Daddy, Luna."

The little girl obediently waved. "Bye, Daddy."

Ethan clutched his mother's sleeve tightly, taking two cautious steps back.

A wave of unprecedented defeat washed over Adrian. Softening his tone, he pleaded, "Ethan, Luna, stay with Daddy, okay?"

Luna blinked drowsily.

But Ethan shook his head firmly. "You've changed, Daddy."

"How?"

"You never used to yell at Mommy."

Adrian gave a bitter smile. "Daddy was just tired. It won't happen again." He crouched down. "Can you help Daddy talk to Mommy?"

Ethan looked up at Stella.

But Stella's gaze was drawn to the distance—where a black-clad figure on a motorcycle sped toward them through the backlight.

The engine's roar made the ground tremble slightly.

The tall man, dressed entirely in black with a full-face helmet, approached like the wind—

"Mommy, who's that?"

"That's..."

Stella's heart skipped a beat. That silhouette was too familiar.

With a screeching halt, the motorcycle executed a perfect skid stop in front of them. The man planted one long leg on the ground and smoothly removed his helmet.

He smirked. "Long time no see, Stella."

"Mommy..." Luna stared at the motorcycle, eyes sparkling. "I wanna ride that..."

"Oh? This your daughter?"

The light in Stella's eyes dimmed instantly. Calmly, she introduced, "Victor, this is my daughter Luna and my son Ethan."

Both children greeted politely, "Hello, Uncle."

"The little girl is gorgeous—just like you." Victor Valence studied Ethan, then glanced at Adrian with a scoff. "Father and son look alike too."

Ethan puffed out his chest. "I'm Daddy's son!"

Victor teased, "What about your sister? Doesn't she look like Daddy?"

"Sister looks like Mommy!"

Victor laughed. "Quick thinker, huh?"

Adrian yanked Ethan behind him, glaring coldly. "My son takes after me."

Victor's smile faded. "What, afraid I'll steal him?"

"Haven't you stolen enough business?"

"Business can't compare to kids."

"My son is smart and adorable. Who wouldn't love him?"

Victor raised an eyebrow. "Now you claim him? Back when Stella was sick and struggling to raise them alone, you were too busy playing the field."

"That's family business."

"Divorced means it's not your family anymore." Victor turned to Stella. "I came to talk about us."

Adrian sneered. "You?"

"Better than you." Victor smirked confidently. "At least my hands are clean—unlike yours, with more women than I can count."

"None of your concern."

Victor shrugged. "All I see is Stella avoiding you."

He stepped closer to Stella. "Need a ride home?"

Stella stared at the motorcycle, lost in thought. "What model is this?"

"MV Agusta Brutale. You know bikes?"

She shook her head. "Just... feels familiar."

"Familiar?" Victor chuckled. "This beast isn't exactly 'friendly.'"

Stella forced a weak smile.

"Are you crying?" Victor noticed the redness at the corners of her eyes. "Tears over a motorcycle?"

As he moved closer, Ethan blocked him.

The little boy spread his arms protectively. "Stay away from my mommy!"

Victor laughed helplessly. "I'm not a bad guy."

"Still no!"

"Alright, alright..." Victor raised his hands in surrender. "This bike costs over twenty grand. Want one?"

Stella nodded. "Yes."

"For yourself?"

"Yes."

Victor looked stunned. "Seriously? This model isn't for women."

"Is there a law against women riding?"

"Well, no." Victor scratched his head. "You've changed."

"People change."

Victor tried to dissuade her. "There are safer ways to entertain kids. This bike's acceleration—"

"I know." Stella cut him off. "I've ridden one before."

Luna wriggled, reaching for the motorcycle. "Mommy, I wanna try..."

Victor patted the seat. "Hop on! Uncle will take you for a spin!"

"Wow!" Luna's eyes sparkled.

Victor sighed. "Those eyes—just like yours."

Stella held Luna tighter.

"Too dangerous." Adrian's voice was stern. "I'll drive you."

"No need." Stella replied coolly. "Focus on your wedding. Don't forget my invitation."

Just to see for Mr. Alistair.

After all, you're brothers.

"Just to what?"

"Nothing."

The motorcycle roared to life. Ethan perched on the fuel tank while Stella settled behind with Luna in her arms.

"Let's go!" Victor shot Adrian a mocking gesture before speeding off with the family.