Chapter 256

"You'll have to ask your mom about that."

Two pairs of identical eyes turned to her simultaneously. Stella Valentine froze under their gaze.

Suite 0826 had three bedrooms. Grace Laurent took Luna to one room, while father and son shared another, leaving the guest room for her.

"...Don't stay up too late. I'm going to the guest room."

The moment she turned, a hand caught her wrist.

Stella frowned. "What is it?"

Adrian Roland cradled their son with one arm, his injured limb hanging uselessly. The damp weather made his old wound throb, rendering his grip featherlight.

"Stay with Ethan tonight." His voice was soft. "Consider it making up for lost time."

Her gaze flickered.

"I won't do anything with him here." He paused. "Besides...the compatibility test results..."

Her head jerked up, but Ethan's hopeful expression melted her resolve. She couldn't miss that medical update.

The corner of Adrian's mouth lifted as he guided them into the bedroom—Ethan in one arm, her hand in the other.

The room was cramped. Aside from a bed and nightstand, it held nothing. Suite 0826 was a standard business accommodation, a far cry from the luxury of Room 1231, with a bathroom half the size.

"Sorry about the space." Stella flushed. "The bed might be tight."

"Smaller feels cozier." Adrian deftly removed Ethan's shoes and tucked him in with practiced motions.

"You...take care of children often?"

"Only my son." A quiet chuckle. "Fatherhood comes with instincts."

She fell silent.

Once Ethan was settled, Adrian turned to her. Stella bolted under the covers like a startled rabbit, making their son blink. "Does Mommy know kung fu?"

"Mommy's just...cold." Her ears burned.

Ethan immediately hugged her arm. "Daddy, come warm Mommy up!"

"No need!" She recoiled. "The blankets are plenty warm."

Adrian said nothing, simply lying down on Ethan's other side.

Twenty years of intimacy made thoughts transparent between them. He recognized her tension; she understood his restraint. This unspoken familiarity prickled down her spine.

"What story would you like?" Adrian changed the subject.

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Iron Man vs Sun Wukong! Daddy, who would win?"

"Sun Wukong, obviously." Adrian deadpanned. "Iron Man would still be flying while the Monkey King somersaults to the heavens."

Stella facepalmed internally.

"What about Iron Man vs Ultraman?"

"Iron Man. Ultraman's monsters are idiots."

"Iron Man vs Poseidon?"

Adrian raised a brow. "You know Poseidon?"

"God of the sea!" Ethan crowed. "Iron Man would rust underwater!"

They dissolved into laughter until Ethan's expression dimmed. "Kids at school call me a liar...say I don't have a dad..."

Adrian tightened his embrace. "Invite them to Houston. Daddy will host."

"Really?"

"Daddy never lies."

Amid the giggles, Stella grew drowsy. Half-asleep, she heard a phone vibrate. Adrian stepped onto the balcony.

"Uncle Xavier?"

"You're not at the office tonight?" The old man's voice was razor-sharp.

"At the hotel."

"With Miss Evans?"

"We broke up ages ago." A lighter clicked. "I have standards."

Mr. Xavier gave a satisfied hum. "Women are distractions. The Evans family was just a stepping stone—Africa's gem market is the real prize."

"I know."

"And that Stella is poison!" The sudden venom made Adrian's jaw tighten. "Adrian, you're my handpicked successor. You mustn't—"

Exhaling smoke, Adrian glanced at the sleeping figures inside. He stubbed out the cigarette.