Chapter 25

Adrian's gaze turned icy, freezing the air between them.

Lily's fingertips trembled. She had kept this secret for six years without a single slip.

Her plan was to confess after their marriage certificate was signed. By then, it would be too late for him to back out. Even if he was furious, she could soften him with her gentle persistence.

But today, he suddenly wanted to visit the Valentine residence.

And Stella was there!

She had no choice but to provoke Stella, forcing her to leave with her mother. If they met, the consequences would be disastrous.

Lately, Adrian had grown distant—especially after returning from the hospital.

Her instincts told her Stella was behind this.

"Adrian..." Lily wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, pressing her cheek against his back. "Are you hungry? I can make you some noodles."

"No need."

"Then... should I prepare Luna's bottle?"

"I'll do it." Adrian gently poked the baby's dimple as she giggled in his arms. "Little traitor. You smile for anyone who holds you."

The baby cooed, blowing tiny bubbles.

"Adrian..."

Her whining shattered the tender moment between father and daughter.

His brow furrowed. "What is it?"

His cold tone stung. "...Nothing."

"Lily, I want no secrets between us." He turned to face her directly. "Do you understand?"

She bit her lip and nodded.

"Then tell me now—are you hiding anything else?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

Lily suddenly flared up. "Did Stella say something to you? She hates me for taking you away! You can't trust her!"

Adrian looked away. "Just asking."

"...I don’t even mind being a stepmother. How can you still doubt me?"

"Don’t overthink it."

Lily huffed. "I'm going to shower. I'll sleep in the guest room tonight."

This tactic always worked before.

But today, Adrian didn’t even glance up. "No need. I’m staying at the old house tonight. Benjamin will take care of Luna."

"You're going to see her?" Her voice shook.

"The old house," he corrected, lifting the baby and grabbing his keys. "I’ll be staying there for a while. Contact my secretary if you need anything."

"Adrian..."

"Go inside."

The engine roared to life as he drove away. Lily slammed the door hard behind her.

The Roland family estate stood desolate in the twilight.

Ivy crawled over the brick walls, with only a single warm light glowing from the window.

"Who’s there?" The old butler opened the door, his face lighting up. "Adrian?"

"Benjamin."

"Come in! Where’s Stella?"

Adrian’s throat tightened. "Her mother is ill."

"Then you should be with her." Benjamin sighed. "That girl acts strong, but deep down..."

The baby’s fussing interrupted him.

The old man’s eyes sparkled. "And this is...?"

"My daughter."

"Oh my!" Benjamin cradled her carefully. "Those eyes—she looks just like Stella when she was little!"

"Can you watch her for a few days?"

"Of course!" The butler held the baby protectively. "You should hurry to Stella. She must be—"

Adrian remembered Stella in the hospital.

Pale face. Defiant eyes.

The absolute finality in her voice when she told him to leave.

She was nothing like the timid girl from his memories.

"By the way," Benjamin suddenly turned serious, "your parents' accident wasn’t what it seemed. Don’t take it out on Stella."

Adrian smirked coldly. "You still believe in her?"

The old man stared in shock. "Don’t you?"