Chapter 264

Adrian froze.

"Stella?"

He had never called her that before.

It was always her full name Stella Valentine, or the affectionate "Little Star."

Yet the nickname slipped out so naturally that it surprised even him.

"What did you just call me?"

"My apologies."

"Why are you apologizing?"

"I've gotten used to hearing Penny call you that. It won't happen again."

Stella eyed him skeptically.

Penny had indeed always addressed her as "Stella," though she'd found it awkward and asked her to drop the honorific.

But the way Adrian said it just now made her wonder...

"Adrian, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"When you visit the cemetery... do you go alone?"

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Over the years, besides you and Grandpa... has anyone else visited your parents?"

"No. They preferred quiet lives. We kept the funerals simple."

"Truly... no one else?"

"Who are you asking about?" Understanding dawned. "Lily? I would never bring her there."

Stella had her answer.

He truly didn't know about Mr. Alistair's existence.

"Little Star, who exactly are you referring to?"

"Never mind. I'm going to pick up the kids now."

"I'll do it." Adrian countered. "I have news about the donor match."

Her entire body tensed.

He always knew how to control her.

The donor match dangled before her like bait, impossible to resist.

Twenty minutes later, she received his call and went downstairs.

Adrian gallantly opened the driver's door, but she walked straight to the backseat.

"Mommy!"

"Missed you!"

The two children tumbled into her arms.

"Were you good today?"

Luna pointed at her father with a conspiratorial whisper. "Daddy lied to Ethan!"

Adrian rubbed his temples. "My little traitor."

Stella's expression darkened. "Parents should lead by example."

"Then ask her what I supposedly lied about."

Luna piped up in her tiny voice: "Daddy said the game only has 300 levels!"

Adrian explained, "Ethan was getting too absorbed. I didn't want to be late picking you up."

Ethan looked devastated. "You... lied to me?"

"Which is more important—your game or Mommy?"

The boy hung his head. "Mommy..."

"Remember your priorities." Adrian turned to both children. "But lying was wrong. Daddy apologizes."

Ethan suddenly said, "Daddy seems like before now!"

"What before?"

"When we lived at Rosewood Gardens! You gave me Marshmallow there!"

Adrian's gaze shifted to Stella.

A ripple of emotion crossed her exhausted face.

"Where is Rosewood Gardens?" he asked.

"...Our old home."

"That run-down complex?"

"Yes."

"Did Mr. Alistair live there too?"

"...He did."

His eyes locked onto hers through the rearview mirror. "That tiny apartment... did you and Mr. Alistair share a bedroom?"