Chapter 317

"No." Stella Valentine's denial was firm.

Dr. Charles chuckled. "Since you're not back together, that means you're still single. So I still have a chance."

"I'm not considering any romantic relationships right now." Stella met his gaze directly. "My focus is on running the company and taking care of my family."

Dr. Charles didn't press further. He opened the car door for her, shielding the top with his hand. "Let's go pick up your daughter from the airport first."

Stella remained rooted in place.

"What's wrong?"

She walked straight to the back seat, her voice calm. "The front passenger seat is for the lady of the house. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to sit there."

"So formal?"

"It's better to be clear from the start."

Dr. Charles shook his head helplessly and gently closed the door.

The car glided smoothly along the road.

Stella watched the scenery flash by outside the window, suddenly remembering how Mr. Alistair drove. He was always steady behind the wheel, but on a motorcycle, he became a completely different person—like that terrifying ride up Mount Rainier that nearly gave her a heart attack.

"Something amusing?" Dr. Charles glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

Stella quickly schooled her expression. "Nothing."

"Did you find a liver donor?"

"Yes. A matching donor was located."

"That fast?"

"Luck, and some help from a friend."

At the airport arrivals hall, little Celeste sat atop her suitcase as a flight attendant wheeled her out.

"Mommy!" The little girl waved excitedly.

Stella hurried forward and scooped her up. "Were you scared flying alone?"

"The pretty lady kept me company!"

After thanking the flight attendant, Celeste eyed Dr. Charles warily. "Mommy, who's this uncle?"

"This is Dr. Charles. He's a very skilled doctor."

"Is he going to be my new daddy?" Celeste asked bluntly.

Stella's ears burned. "Don't say silly things. He's just a friend."

"My teacher says mommies and daddies belong together." Celeste tightened her arms around Stella's neck.

At three years old, Celeste was smaller and frailer than most children her age. The bluish veins beneath her pale skin stood out starkly.

"Is this your youngest?" Dr. Charles asked.

"Yes. Her name is Celeste."

"A poetic name."

"Uncle, don't waste your time. Mommy won't like you." Celeste lifted her chin. "I look like Daddy, and I act like Daddy too!"

Dr. Charles laughed. "That stubborn temper is exactly like Mr. Roland."

Stella quickly intervened. "She must be hungry. Let's get some food."

A private restaurant was nearby.

Celeste fell asleep in her arms. As they entered, Stella nearly tripped over the threshold.

"Careful!" Dr. Charles steadied her just in time.

"Thanks, I wasn't paying attention—"

...

Not far away, a camera shutter clicked softly.

"Finally caught this guy. Driving a beat-up Lexus—just some broke doctor."

"His profile does kinda look like Adrian Roland."

"Stella's into this type? Trading down from the premium model?"

"Maybe... he's fast?"

The two men snickered.

"At least we can report back to Mr. Rubenstein. This doctor had the nerve to hit him twice—he's dead meat."

"Wait, we didn't get a shot of his left hand! If there's no knife scar, he's not the helmet guy!"

"Shit. We already sent the photos to Mr. Rubenstein."

A WeChat notification pinged.

Mr. Rubenstein's raspy voice came through the speaker:

"Doesn't matter. I've got other ways to confirm. Just do as I said..."