Chapter 318

Morning light filtered through the private dining room's glass windows. Stella Valentine carried Celeste into the booth where Dr. Charles Melford had been waiting.

"The matsutake chicken here is quite famous," Dr. Melford said, opening the menu. "Shall we try it?"

Stella gently patted the drowsy child in her arms. "Something simple will do."

"I remember you used to love seafood."

"That was a long time ago." She met his gaze. "Dr. Melford, I wanted to ask about liver transplants."

He set down the menu. "Rejection is the primary risk. The donor's lifestyle matters—do they drink regularly?"

"Occasionally."

"Smoking?"

Stella's fingers stilled. "...Yes."

The booth door swung open as a server entered with tea utensils. Celeste stirred in Stella's arms.

"What tea would you like, sir and madam?"

"She's my mommy!" Celeste blinked awake. "Daddy's in a meeting at his company!"

The server retreated awkwardly. Stella sighed and squeezed her daughter's small hand.

"Mommy." Celeste looked up. "Daddy promised to take us to the aquarium today."

Stella hesitated. "He's very busy—"

"He promised!" Celeste pressed her lips stubbornly. "Daddy never lies."

Dr. Melford studied them. "Miss Valentine, what exactly is your relationship now?"

Celeste answered instantly, "Mommy and daddy live together! They'll give me a baby brother too!"

"Celeste!" Stella's ears burned as she lifted the child. "We should go."

As she stood, Celeste's foot knocked a butter knife from the table. Steel flashed—Dr. Melford caught the blade bare-handed.

Blood dripped between his fingers.

"Call an ambulance!" Stella signaled the server urgently.

Dr. Melford pressed a napkin to his palm. "It's nothing." His gaze held hers. "I'll contact you later."

Watching him leave, Stella looked down at Celeste. The girl's eyes brimmed. "Mommy, I didn't mean to..."

"You'll apologize to Dr. Melford tonight."

"Okay." Celeste buried her face in Stella's neck. "Can we see Daddy now?"

Outside, two shadowy figures pressed against a car window. "Left hand injury—it's him!"

His companion raised a phone. "Target confirmed. Move in."