Chapter 320
The wind howled across the mountain peak as Stella Valentine tightened her grip around Celeste. She shut her eyes, feeling the weightlessness from the motorcycle's breakneck speed along the winding mountain road.
"Where exactly are we going?" Her voice fractured against the rushing wind.
"Mount Rainier." Adrian Roland's muffled reply came from inside his helmet. "Only place without surveillance."
Stella opened her eyes to increasingly familiar scenery. The motorcycle hurtled at terrifying speeds along the steep cliffs, each sharp turn making her heart pound.
"Slow down!" she shouted.
Adrian ignored her, twisting the throttle harder. Stella could only clutch Celeste tighter, praying they'd survive.
When the bike finally stopped, Stella's legs trembled. She jumped off holding Celeste, squinting against the blinding sunlight.
Celeste suddenly wriggled free and marched toward Adrian.
He removed his helmet, locking eyes with the unfamiliar girl. Her fox-like gaze held none of Luna's sweetness.
"So you're Celeste?"
The child tilted her head, then shook it firmly. "You're not my daddy."
Adrian arched a brow at Stella, who rushed over to take her daughter's hand. "He's Ethan and Luna's father."
"Then where's my daddy?" Celeste's question silenced Stella.
"You can call me Dad," Adrian offered.
"No." Celeste's stubborn shake sent her curls bouncing. "You're not."
"Quite the attitude," Adrian remarked dryly.
"She's unwell." Stella protectively pulled Celeste behind her, noticing the wound on his neck. "Does it hurt?"
"Compared to my arm? Nothing." He wiped away blood carelessly. "Why did you meet that Dr. Melford today?"
Stella's gaze darted away. "For Celeste's treatment."
"Really?" Adrian stepped closer. "Then why won't you look at me?"
Her head snapped up, eyes blazing. "Happy now? Should I repeat myself?"
Tension crackled between them.
"I just find him suspicious," Adrian retreated slightly. "Does he resemble Mr. Alistair?"
"This has nothing to do with him!" Stella's voice rose. "What's between us is completely different."
"I know." His laugh held self-mockery. "I'm not worthy of comparison."
Stella turned away as mountain winds tangled her hair.
"William's men are watching you," she changed subjects. "How will you explain that neck wound?"
Adrian scoffed. "You think I fear him?"
"But what if he threatens the children?" His sudden counter froze her. "If he uses Ethan, Luna or Celeste against you—what then?"
Stella's face drained of color.
"That's why I must stay hidden." His voice turned gravelly. "Once they know your weakness, you and the kids will never be safe."
She bit her lip. "But Grandfather's birthday is this weekend. That injury..."
"Here, mister." Celeste suddenly produced a bandage from her bag. "Put this on."
Adrian stared at the unpredictable child. "Why give it to me?"
"Because you like Mommy." Celeste blinked mischievously. "Anyone who likes Mommy is good."
Chuckling, Adrian applied the bandage using the rearview mirror.
Stella pinched her daughter's cheek. "Don't talk nonsense."
"I'm not." Celeste jutted her chin. "That Dr. Melford looks at Mommy differently."
Wind sent autumn leaves spiraling around them. Three elongated shadows stretched across the mountain peak in the setting sun.