Chapter 266

"It's not a date," Stella Valentine explained softly. "Joy Fairsprene works at the TV station and needs my help. Plus, with their wide audience, we might find a matching bone marrow donor."

Adrian Roland's frown eased slightly.

"Fine. I'll inform Grandfather. I'll pick you up on Sunday."

Stella didn't refuse.

This was all part of their agreed-upon act.

"How is Grandfather's health?"

"Growing weaker by the day."

"Spend more time with him."

"Hmm."

When they arrived, Stella moved to the backseat and unbuckled the children.

"Ethan, Luna, say goodbye to Daddy."

Little Luna waved obediently, but Ethan winked at Adrian. "Daddy, you promised to tell Luna a bedtime story tonight."

Luna immediately pouted. "Daddy, don't go, okay?"

Adrian's gaze shifted to Stella.

Their eyes met briefly before she quickly looked away.

"Children's education is important," Adrian said, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Parents should lead by example."

"What are you implying?"

"As a father, I can't break my promises. I've already lied to Ethan once today."

The children tugged at her sleeves. "Mommy..."

Stella hesitated.

Refusing further would make her seem unreasonable.

But letting him into her home...

"Next time, okay?" she coaxed gently. "On Sunday, when we visit Great-Grandpa, you can stay with Daddy."

Their faces fell instantly.

Adrian had already parked and approached, scooping Luna into his arms. "Don't force it. I'll take them to a hotel."

"That's not—"

"Then you're guarding against me?"

Stella fell silent.

Adrian gave her a long look before striding into the hotel lobby.

"One suite."

The front desk clerk checked the system. "Only Room 1231 at the end of the hall is available."

"That's fine."

Stella rushed in just in time to hear the room number.

"No!" The word escaped before she could stop it.

Both the clerk and Adrian turned to her.

"Isn't that room under long-term lease?" Stella demanded.

"The guest failed to renew the payment," the clerk explained. "By policy, we can rent it out again."

"How long has it been overdue?"

"It expired last Thursday."

Exactly seven days.

Stella immediately pulled out her card. "I'll renew it."

The clerk glanced uncertainly at Adrian.

"I want that room," Adrian said coldly. "Perfect chance to see where he stayed."

"That room means a lot to me," Stella's voice trembled. "I'll pay for Room 0826 instead."

"Do I look like I need the money?"

Adrian took the keycard and headed straight for the elevator.

Only after the doors closed did the clerk exhale. "That man has an intimidating presence."

A housekeeper suddenly clapped her hands. "I remember now! He was the one who leased Room 1231 long-term!"

The clerk gasped after checking the records. "It really is the same person!"

"I knew he looked familiar," the housekeeper said knowingly. "Just a lovers' quarrel."

"How do you know they're married?"

"Look at those children," the housekeeper gestured toward the elevator. "The boy resembles him, the girl looks like her. Could they be anything but family?"

The elevator doors opened again.

Stella stepped inside and pressed the button for the 8th floor.

The clerk's eyes widened. "You were right! Room 1231 was originally leased to Mr. Roland!"

The housekeeper smiled triumphantly. "I told you. Those two are bound by fate."