Chapter 257

Adrian Roland's breath hitched.

Mr. Xavier Atlante noticed the subtle shift immediately. "Mentioning Stella Valentine still unsettles you," he observed with a dry chuckle.

"Uncle Xavier, I'll handle all the business matters you've assigned."

"I trust you will." The older man's tone shifted. "But there are certain things you need to understand."

Adrian tightened his grip on the phone. "Beyond professional obligations, I'd prefer to make my own decisions."

"Meaning?"

"The company will remain my priority, but when it comes to personal matters—"

"This is about Stella again?" Mr. Atlante's voice turned glacial. "The moment she returned, your engagement with the Evans family collapsed."

"That had nothing to do with her."

"Then what do you want?"

Adrian tilted his head toward the night sky. "To take care of her and the children."

"Absolutely not!"

"Why?"

"She'll destroy everything you've built!" Mr. Atlante snapped. "Your career has flourished these past years. Would you throw it all away for a woman?"

A humorless laugh escaped Adrian. "She doesn't wield that kind of power."

"What if she demanded you abandon everything?"

The question struck like a dagger to the heart.

Victor Valence had posed the same inquiry.

The answer had been etched into his bones long ago.

Outwardly successful, he'd been a hollow shell for years. During bipolar episodes, only medication kept him functional. Countless sleepless nights ended with visions of Stella's tear-streaked face.

"Uncle Xavier, I just want to breathe easier."

"Your achievements bring you no joy?"

"Are you truly happy?"

Silence stretched between them. "Love is an illusion. Stella has moved on with someone else."

"But when she's near, I can sleep."

"Get better sleeping pills!"

"I've tried them all." Adrian's voice turned weary. "My psychiatrist says the bipolar disorder—"

"Quack medicine!" Mr. Atlante cut in sharply. "Focus on securing the African project first. As for that sham marriage of yours—"

The screen went black.

Dead battery.

Adrian exhaled as if shedding an immense weight. Stubbing out his cigarette, he waited until the smoke dissipated before returning inside.

In the master bedroom, Stella lay curled around Ethan, both deep in sleep. Her unconscious movement pulled the child closer, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.

Barefoot, he approached. The icy floor tiles sharpened his awareness.

As he settled beside them, the scent of jasmine enveloped him. The familiar fragrance gradually loosened the tension in his muscles.

Half-asleep, he felt gentle fingers tracing his jawline.

That touch—warm and achingly familiar.

Instinctively, he caught the wandering hand and pressed a kiss to its palm.

A tearful whisper reached him through the darkness. "...missed you..."

Adrian smiled in the shadows.

His little star still cried so easily.

"Hush," he murmured drowsily. "Tomorrow... we'll get married... I'll pluck the stars for you..."