Chapter 258

Morning light filtered through the gap in the curtains.

Adrian Roland opened his eyes, disoriented for a few seconds by the unfamiliar ceiling. Then a small head popped out from under the covers.

"Daddy..." Ethan rubbed his eyes, his little face scrunched up. "My tummy hurts..."

Only then did Adrian remember spending the night at Stella Valentine's place. Seeing his son's flushed face, he sighed and threw back the blanket.

"Go to the bathroom. Now."

As Ethan dashed out clutching his stomach, the aroma of breakfast already filled the air.

Stella was busy in the kitchen. The gray suit she wore today accentuated her slender waist perfectly. She froze when she noticed him.

"Toiletries are in the bathroom," she said without meeting his eyes, arranging bowls and chopsticks. "Grace took Luna for morning exercises."

Adrian nodded, but his gaze lingered on her. Three years had passed, yet that stubborn pride still clung to her.

"Mommy!" Luna's bright voice rang from the doorway. The little girl threw herself into Stella's arms, her eyes red. "I had a bad dream last night..."

Stella's heart ached as she lifted her daughter. Adrian noticed her arms trembling slightly—Luna wasn't so small anymore.

"Let me." He took the child effortlessly. Luna immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his shoulder.

Stella hesitated. Adrian cut straight to the point. "I'll take them today."

"You're not working?"

"Taking Ethan to the office." He bounced Luna in his arms. "And I'll keep our daughter with me."

Ethan burst out of the bathroom, bouncing excitedly. "Daddy, are we going to fight monsters?"

Breakfast ended in cheerful chaos. Stella stood by the entrance putting on her shoes, her brow furrowed.

"Luna needs a snack at ten. Add honey to her milk." The words tumbled out rapidly. "Afternoon fruit portions shouldn't exceed—"

"I remember." Adrian interrupted. "I'll bring them back exactly as they are tonight."

Stella searched his eyes. "Promise?"

"If Adrian Roland wants something, he doesn't need to use children as bargaining chips."

The Maybach stopped in front of Shi's Jewelry headquarters. Stella lingered in the passenger seat. From the backseat came Luna's sweet reminder: "Mommy, be careful of bad people!"

"Daddy will protect Mommy!" Ethan declared solemnly.

Seeing his wife's worried expression in the rearview mirror, Adrian suddenly leaned over and unbuckled her seatbelt.

"Be back by six," he murmured near her ear. "Or I'll come get you with the kids."

Stella's eyes widened, but he'd already returned to the driver's seat, a faint smile playing on his lips.

In the New Frontier Group lobby, employees gaped as their workaholic CEO walked in—carrying an angelic little girl in one arm and holding the hand of a boy who looked just like him.

"Mr. Roland, is this...?"

"My son and daughter." He squeezed Luna's small hand. "Say hello."

Luna buried her face shyly against his shoulder while Ethan puffed out his chest. "Hello, sir! I'm here to help Daddy fight monsters!"

Before the elevator doors closed, Adrian turned to his stunned assistant. "Buy some kid-friendly meals and toys."

The assistant stammered, "Sir, the board meeting this afternoon—"

"Postpone it." He nuzzled the top of his daughter's head. "Today, my little girl comes first."