Chapter 302

Mr. Xavier remained silent for a long time.

Heavy breathing echoed through the phone.

"Uncle Xavier, I must get to the bottom of this," Adrian said, his voice low.

"Adrian, you've disappointed me."

"Shouldn't I investigate my parents' deaths?"

"You know what I'm referring to." Mr. Xavier's voice suddenly sharpened. "I asked about your schedule. Why deflect? If you weren't guilty, why change the subject?"

Adrian tightened his grip on the phone.

"Uncle, I don't want to keep making mistakes."

"Mistakes?" Mr. Xavier scoffed. "I saved your life twice. Gave you everything I had. Built you into the man you are today. That's a mistake?"

"I'll never forget what you've done for me. But—"

"Enough!" Mr. Xavier cut him off. "Last time, you said it was all an act with her. To put the old man at ease."

"...Yes."

"How long?"

"The doctors say Grandfather doesn't have much time. I want him to pass peacefully."

"So once he's gone, you'll cut ties with her?"

Adrian's knuckles turned white.

"I'm giving you one chance. Don't disappoint me."

The call ended abruptly.

Adrian stood motionless.

"Trouble at the company?" Stella asked softly.

She had deliberately stepped away earlier.

Adrian pocketed his phone and forced a smile. "Just a minor issue."

"Really?"

"Stella," he chuckled, "I only seem useless in front of you. In business, I'm the 'Grim Reaper' who makes people tremble."

She recalled Penny's exaggerated expression when mentioning that nickname.

Clearly, he was ruthless at work.

Adrian extended his left hand. "We're at the estate. Time to act."

Stella hesitated, then placed her hand in his.

His left hand lacked the strength of his right, holding her loosely.

"Mommy!" A small figure crashed into her arms.

Ethan dashed toward Adrian. "Daddy!"

Stella quickly intercepted her son. "Daddy's tired. Let him rest."

"Did Daddy go fight bad guys again?" Ethan blinked.

Benjamin hurried over to usher the children away. "Young master, that's not something to ask."

"Why? Daddy always tells me."

Benjamin smiled mysteriously. "Does Daddy look exhausted?"

Ethan studied Adrian. "He has dark circles."

"And Mommy? Is her face red?"

"It is! Mommy, you're blushing!"

Before Stella could explain, Benjamin distracted them. "The sweet soup is ready. Want some?"

"Three bowls for me!" Ethan's attention immediately shifted.

"What about Luna?"

"Are there eggs?"

"Of course. Cooked just for you."

The children skipped away happily with Benjamin.

Glancing back at their joined hands, Benjamin smiled warmly. "Should've happened sooner. If I'd known pear soup worked this well..."

Mention of the soup brought instant awkwardness.

Stella's cheeks burned.

Explaining would only make it worse. The charade had to continue—if it made Grandfather happy, so be it.

Adrian shifted to shield her. "Benjamin, we'll freshen up first."

"Of course. Though Miss Stella has no change of clothes..."

"She can wear mine." Adrian tightened his grip naturally. "We'll sort it tomorrow."

"Very well."

Stella suddenly tugged his sleeve. "Wait."

"What is it?" He leaned down.

She whispered near his ear, barely audible. "Today's sweet soup... it's not that pear soup, is it?"