Chapter 268

Ethan looked up with sparkling eyes. "Daddy, you don't need to buy more toys. My room is almost full!"

Adrian Roland remained silent for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in."

His ambiguous tone left it unclear who the invitation was for.

Ethan eagerly pulled Stella Valentine forward. "Mommy, look! This room is so much bigger than ours!"

The presidential suite, Room 1231, remained unchanged.

Stella's gaze swept across the living room, lingering on the sofa arranged by the floor-to-ceiling windows—a familiar setup Mr. Alistair had personally adjusted.

"Come here."

Adrian's deep voice sent a tremor through her heart.

He sat on the sofa with Luna in his arms, his sharp gaze piercing. "What? Feeling nostalgic?"

Stella quickly averted her eyes. "Not in front of the children."

Adrian scoffed but said nothing more.

"Mommy, I'm hungry," Luna wriggled into Stella's arms. "Want eggs."

Stella held her daughter close and turned to Adrian. "What did they have for lunch?"

"Luna loves steamed eggs. Ethan needed proper nutrition, so I had a balanced meal prepared." His tone was stiff. "I'm their father. I wouldn't neglect them."

"That's not what I meant." Stella's voice softened. "You may not love me, but you've always been good to them."

"Who said I don't love you?"

The words slipped out before he could stop them. Both froze.

Stella's eyes widened. Adrian clenched his jaw, then laughed bitterly. "Fine. Let's clear the air today. Stella, I—"

"Stop!" She cut him off in panic.

Understanding, Adrian patted Ethan's shoulder. "Take your sister to play in the room. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy."

Ethan grinned mischievously. "Got it! No eavesdropping!"

"Mommy, hungry..." Luna whined pitifully.

Adrian scooped her up. "Daddy will order steamed eggs right away. And your favorite pork floss buns with strawberry cake, okay?"

At the mention of eggs, Luna beamed. "Okay!"

"Go with your brother. Food will be here soon."

The children disappeared into the bedroom, leaving the living room in silence.

Adrian sighed. "These years... you've worked hard."

"I'm their mother. It's my duty."

"I'll make it up to them."

Stella nodded. "You even know what Luna likes to eat. Benjamin told me you used to change her diapers yourself."

"But I still failed them." His gaze darkened. "Those Iron Man toys... Mr. Alistair bought them, didn't he?"

"Yes."

"Though I dislike him, I should thank him for that."

Stella lowered her lashes. "He doesn't need your thanks. He genuinely cared for them."

"Stella, let me finish." Adrian took a deep breath. "Today, I cleared my schedule for two reasons—to spend time with the kids, and to finally understand something. The old me... was a complete bastard. After my parents died, I thought you betrayed me. I nearly lost my mind. But that's no excuse for how I hurt you."

"That was so long ago..."

"I need to say this." His voice was firm. "From the day we met to our separation, I've pieced it all together. If Mr. Alistair were still here, I'd never interfere. But now... I just want a chance to make things right."

Stella shook her head. "You don't have to."

"I know you don't need it, but I..." He smiled bitterly. "I truly know I was wrong."

Her lashes fluttered.

"Stella, I truly know I was wrong."

"Don't." She turned away. "Let the past stay in the past. We can move on separately. There's no need to force anything for the kids."

"I'm not using them to trap you."

"Then drop this. Just treat them well."

His voice cracked. "You still won't forgive me?"

"If our roles were reversed, could you?"

"I... understand."

Stella stood. "I'll take them downstairs."

"Let me care for them tonight. You rest." Adrian's tone was resolute. "I'll keep searching for bone marrow matches. If you need anything, just ask."

After a pause, Stella said, "There is one thing."

"What?"

"Let me have this room."

......

At 8 a.m., a phone call startled Stella awake.

"Hello, is this Ms. Stella Valentine?" A sweet female voice asked.

She checked the caller ID—a local landline.

"Who is this?"

"I'm calling from Houston TV's Destiny Calling production team. Just confirming your attendance for tomorrow's recording?"

"Yes." She rubbed her temples.

"Great. Let me verify your details. Our records show you're a single mother of two, correct?"

"Yes."

"Your preferences for a partner include: height 6'1", age 25-35, annual income no less than... five million?"

The hesitation at "five million" was palpable.

Stella flushed. "That must be a mistake. Please remove that."

"Apologies, but your info board is already designed." The woman tactfully added, "Though we do have one gentleman who meets all criteria. But... given his status and you being a single mom, the outcome might not be ideal."