Chapter 278

The crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the dining room of the Roland family estate.

Edward Roland sat at the head of the table. To his left were Alexander Heilbronn and Bianca Cardenas, while Adrian Roland and Stella Valentine occupied the right side. The aroma of the dishes couldn't mask the tense atmosphere hanging in the air.

Alexander set down his chopsticks, studying Adrian's face.

"Adrian, I've noticed something strange."

"Hmm?"

"You're like two different people." Alexander gestured. "One sharp as a blade, the other gentle as water."

Bianca nodded in agreement. "It's true."

Alexander burst into laughter. "You don't have split personality disorder, do you? No offense—it's just that you seem completely different from the man in those videos."

Adrian gave a wry smile. "My parents only had one child."

"Just joking." Alexander waved his hand. "Let's enjoy these dishes. Though it's a shame there's no wine."

"Your stomach can't handle alcohol," Bianca interjected. "Stella worked hard on this meal. You should eat more."

Edward took a bite and brightened. "Stella, your cooking is exceptional!"

He turned to Adrian with a stern expression. "Don't you dare upset Stella again! Every time you two fight, I don't get to see the children. Three years—Ethan's grown so tall, and Luna can already chase after her brother!"

"Ethan takes good care of his sister," Adrian said softly.

"That's what older brothers do." Edward sighed. "If only your brother were still here—"

Clatter.

Stella's chopsticks fell to the floor.

She bent to pick them up, only to hit her head against the table when she straightened. The table shook violently as Adrian rushed to steady her.

"Does it hurt?"

His fingers brushed her cheek, coming away wet.

"I'm fine." Stella turned away, but tears continued to stream down her face.

Bianca hurried over. "It's swelling. I'll get an ice pack."

"I'll go." Adrian started to rise, but Bianca stopped him. "Stay with Stella."

Edward's voice was thick with concern. "Stella's always been quick to cry, but this time she really hit hard..."

The more Stella wiped at her tears, the more they fell. She suddenly stood. "Excuse me, I need to rest."

Before Adrian could react, she had disappeared into the guest room.

Silence settled over the dining room.

Adrian turned to his grandfather. "You mentioned... I had a brother?"

Edward's expression darkened. "Your mother was carrying twins. You were born healthy, but your brother..." He held his hands apart slightly. "He was this big. Looked perfect, just... wasn't breathing."

Adrian froze as if struck by lightning.

"Your mother never recovered. We agreed never to speak of it—it would only upset her. After she passed, and then with everything between you and Stella... we never told you."

"Where is he buried?"

"I don't know." Edward shook his head. "Perhaps it's better that way. Adrian, you're all I have left. You and Stella must make things work."

Adrian's throat tightened. Between him and Stella stood the shadow of "Mr. Alistair"—a man now dead, yet forever etched in her heart.

"Who arranged the burial?"

"Victor Lefèvre. Stella's uncle."

Adrian's pupils constricted. "Victor?!"

"Yes. Your father entrusted him with it. Do you want to look for the grave?"

Adrian's voice was hoarse. "I should do something for him."

Edward's eyes reddened. "If you find it... light incense for me. After thirty years... I just want him to visit me in a dream."