Chapter 316

Stella Valentine froze momentarily, realizing how dismissive her earlier words must have sounded.

"It's not what you think, Dr. Melford," she explained softly. "I genuinely have something urgent."

"Something important?"

"Yes."

"Where are you headed?"

"The airport. I need to pick someone up."

Dr. Charles Melford's lips curved into an understanding smile. "What a coincidence. That private restaurant I mentioned is near the airport. How about joining me for dinner after you collect your guest?"

Before Stella could decline, he added, "Even if you won't give me a chance to pursue you, at least let me take you out for a farewell meal. Closure matters."

"You've misunderstood—"

His eyebrow arched. "Is it... your man you're picking up?"

"No!" Her hands flew up in protest. "It's a little girl."

"Your daughter?"

"...Yes."

"Perfect. I did my residency in pediatrics."

"Dr. Melford—"

"We could discuss the liver transplant procedure during the drive."

That gave Stella pause.

Celeste was returning specifically for surgery. Medical knowledge wasn't her forte—any additional insight would be valuable.

"Alright."

"Where shall I pick you up?"

"No need. Let's meet at the Oceanview Boulevard intersection."

A quiet chuckle. "Still keeping me at arm's length."

She exhaled slowly.

Living at the Roland family estate complicated things. If Old Mr. Roland or Benjamin spotted an unfamiliar man collecting her, the explanations would be exhausting.

Though clearly disappointed, the physician remained gracious. "Understood. Fifteen minutes."

As she ended the call and turned toward the door, Benjamin appeared holding a bowl of steamed egg custard.

"Going out, Miss Stella?"

"To the airport."

The elderly butler frowned. "Best not take the children. Luna coughed all night, and airports are crowded."

Stella agreed. Medical discussions would frighten the little ones.

Kneeling, she cupped her daughter's round face. "Stay home with Ethan today, sweetheart?"

Luna's large eyes crinkled into crescent moons. "Can you bring back egg waffles?"

"Of course."

The girl immediately grasped Benjamin's hand. "I'll wait for Celeste."

"What an understanding child," the butler remarked warmly.

Stella's heart melted. Her daughter was so easily pleased.

But Benjamin had a point. Gentle-natured Luna shouldn't risk the airport crowds.

"Once your cough's better, we'll visit the amusement park."

"Yay~"

Rising, Stella nodded to the butler. "Thank you for watching them."

He waved dismissively. "I'd be delighted if you had more children for me to care for! That pear soup—"

Pear soup!

Heat flooded Stella's ears as she bolted for the door. "I'm leaving now!"

Benjamin's laughter followed her. "Still as shy as when you were little."

"Why is Mommy shy?" Luna's curious voice carried.

"Because she's thinking about your father."

"Does thinking about someone you like make you shy?"

"Exactly!"

Stella half-ran until the estate disappeared from view.

That night with the pear soup...

Thankfully, nothing had happened.

But Adrian had clawed at his scars, endured ice-cold showers, even collapsed—all to resist the aphrodisiac's effects.

Her phone chimed.

"Miss Valentine? I've arrived."

Snapping back to the present, she hailed a cab. "Five minutes!"

Oceanview Boulevard was nearly deserted. The black Lexus stood out immediately.

That make... Mr. Alistair used to drive one too.

Understated. Unlike Adrian's garage full of Porsches.

"Miss Valentine." Dr. Melford's eyes brightened. "You look lovely today."

Her minimal makeup, pink plaid shirt, and jeans gave her a collegiate air.

"Just picking someone up. No need for formality."

His mouth twisted wryly. "I wore a suit specially."

She averted her gaze.

"Never mind. This was always about the surgery." His tone turned self-deprecating. "You didn't join that matchmaking show to find romance, did you?"

A pause.

"Because... you've reconciled with Mr. Roland?"