Chapter 241

The golden glow of sunset streamed through the glass window, outlining Adrian Roland's profile with a radiant halo.

He leaned slightly forward, meeting her at eye level.

"Stella, I've waited too long for this day."

His voice trembled slightly as cigarette ash scattered from his fingertips.

"If you agree, there's no turning back."

Suddenly, Mr. Alistair's voice echoed in her memory—equally tender, equally restrained, with the same subtle inclination of his body.

If not for the difference in their voices...

"Little Star?"

Stella Valentine snapped back to reality, the light in her eyes dimming. "Let's go."

Inside the hospital room, nurses were checking old Mr. Roland's blood pressure.

"The patient can't be moved yet. We'll transfer him to a regular ward once his readings stabilize."

"I refuse to stay!" The elderly man's booming voice filled the room.

Adrian motioned for the nurses to leave.

"Grandfather."

"Get out! Marry whoever you want from now on!"

Adrian tightened his grip on Stella's hand. "I brought your granddaughter-in-law to see you."

"No!"

"Really?"

"Are you deaf?"

Adrian pretended to turn away. "Then we'll leave first."

The old man abruptly sat up. His eyes brightened at the sight of Stella, then narrowed approvingly when he noticed their joined hands. "Little Star's back?"

Stella seized the chance to withdraw her hand and approached the bed. "Grandfather Edward."

"Where are the children?"

"At home. I'll bring them to visit after you're discharged."

The elder immediately threw off his blanket. "I'm leaving now!"

"You should stay for observation," Adrian advised.

Stella added softly, "The kids are too energetic. Let's wait until you've recovered."

The previously irate old man nodded obediently.

Benjamin Langley chuckled nearby. "Feeling better now, sir?"

Suddenly, the elder grasped Stella's hand anxiously. "You're not leaving again, are you?"

She stiffened. "I might have to return after handling some matters."

"Make that rascal help you!" He glared at Adrian. "And what's this nonsense about another woman in the news?"

Stella produced concert ticket stubs. "A misunderstanding. We attended together."

Only then did the old man relax, scolding Adrian again. "Remember you're a married man!"

"I know."

"Knowing isn't enough!" He turned to Stella. "If he mistreats you again, I'll set him straight!"

Her voice softened. "I'll always be your granddaughter-in-law."

The elder's eyes reddened. "Good child..."

Noticing his fatigue, Benjamin escorted them to the door. "Visit more often when you can."

"She's busy. I'll come alone," Adrian said.

Stella immediately countered, "No need for assistance."

The atmosphere between them chilled instantly.

Once Benjamin left, Stella quickly stepped back. "The act's over. About the liver donor—"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Do I have thorns?"

"Distance benefits us both."

He suddenly closed the gap between them. "Your eyes betrayed you earlier."

"You imagined it."

"When you said you'd always be Grandfather's granddaughter-in-law—what did you mean?"

Stella turned to leave but was yanked back.

Their elongated shadows tangled in the sunset glow, mirroring the complicated ties that bound them together.