Chapter 323

They began their descent as dusk settled over the mountains.

Adrian Roland shifted his motorcycle into the lowest gear. "The surveillance will be down tonight. Let's take a detour before heading back."

"Mm."

The journey down was slower and steadier than their ascent.

The motorcycle's backseat was cramped with three people, little Celeste wedged awkwardly in the middle.

"Mommy."

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Daddy is so handsome."

Stella Valentine's ears tinged pink. She murmured a soft agreement.

Celeste giggled. "Is that why you fell in love with him?"

The question caught Stella off guard. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to know more about you two!"

"...Ask your father."

Adrian chuckled. "Your mother was the campus belle back then. Suitors lined up all the way to the school gates."

"But Mommy chose you!" Celeste gave a thumbs-up. "Daddy's the best!"

The innocent praise warmed Adrian's heart.

His gaze softened. "Winning her over wasn't easy. She was quite the challenge."

"That's not true! Mommy's always gentle."

"Now she is. Back then, she strutted around like a proud little peacock. Adorable."

Stella swatted his shoulder in mock outrage. "Don't fill her head with nonsense."

"I'm serious." Adrian's voice suddenly dropped. "Remember your twentieth birthday wishlist? I nearly ran myself ragged fulfilling those."

Stella's head snapped up. "How did you know about that? Those were private diary entries."

Adrian froze.

"You read my diary?"

"No..." He hesitated. "Lily Savigny had it."

The name hung like ice between them.

"She found it while staying in your room. I took it from her when I saw it."

"Where is it now?"

"Locked in my study's most secure cabinet."

Stella's pulse quickened. "Who else has seen it besides you and Lily?"

"Likely no one. Why?"

Her mind raced to Mr. Alistair's actions—getting her a dog, planting sunflowers, riding the Ferris wheel under stars—each perfectly matching her list.

If the diary hadn't been shared, how could he have known?

"Absolutely certain?"

Adrian considered. "Lily might have shown Sophia Durand, who may have told Victor Lefèvre. But—" He stopped abruptly. "Stella, what are you thinking?"

She shook her head, thoughts in turmoil.

Mr. Alistair had no connection to Victor's circle. Unless...

Twin intuition?

The possibility stole her breath.

Warm light welcomed them as they approached the ancestral home.

Grandfather Edward and the children were already asleep. Stella carried Celeste upstairs quietly.

"Mommy," Celeste whispered, eyes shining. "Is this Daddy's house?"

"Yes. Great-grandfather and Uncle Benjamin live here. They're wonderful people."

"Can we stay forever?"

"Of course."

"What about Grandma?"

"She's visiting friends." Stella kissed her forehead. "After Great-grandfather's birthday celebration, we'll go to the hospital. Once you're better, you can do anything you want."

Celeste cheered and hugged her. "I want to stay with you and Daddy always!"

"Good. Now let's get you washed up for bed."

"I can sleep alone!" The little girl puffed her chest. "I'm three and a half now!"

Stella laughed. "Our Celeste is growing up."

"And," the child added with a mischievous twinkle, "Daddy should sleep with Mommy! No more separating!"