Chapter 324

"No! No!"

Little Celeste squirmed in Stella's arms like a wriggling fish. The sudden movement made Stella's arms sag under the weight.

A warm, large hand steadied her waist just in time.

"Daddy!" Celeste cheered, launching herself at Adrian with a sunflower-bright smile.

Adrian caught his daughter effortlessly with one arm, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Good girl."

His gaze lingered on Stella's face, noting the faint shadows beneath her eyes. Between caring for their sick daughter, managing Shi's Jewelry, and dealing with Mr. Atlante's medicinal pear soups, she was clearly exhausted.

"I'll put Celeste to bed," he murmured. "You go shower first."

Stella blinked. "You?"

"Mhm."

"You know how to put a child to sleep?"

Adrian arched an eyebrow. "I raised Luna when she was a baby."

"But Celeste is three. Toddlers are the most difficult."

"I've handled five-year-olds. Three is nothing."

The moment the words left his mouth, both froze.

Stella studied him skeptically. "When did you take care of a five-year-old?"

Adrian himself seemed puzzled. Other than infant Luna, he'd never cared for another child. Ethan had been five four years ago, but back then...

"Slip of the tongue," he cleared his throat.

Stella pressed her lips together. "Lily's child would be about three now, wouldn't they?"

Adrian's eyes turned glacial. He leaned in until his breath brushed her ear. "Do you really think I'd take care of her child?"

"I just—"

"You're doubting me." His low voice held unwavering certainty as he met her gaze. "Stella, there's nothing between Lily and me but hatred. She killed my parents and tried using pregnancy to evade justice. As for whose child she carried—that's irrelevant to me."

His cadence grew more reminiscent of Mr. Alistair—gentle yet unyielding.

Stella lifted her eyes, starlight shimmering in their depths.

"During the trial, she said—"

"IVF requires my cooperation," Adrian chuckled darkly. "I've never participated in such procedures."

His fingertips grazed her cheek. "From the day we reunited, I vowed never to lie to you again."

Stella's gaze dropped to the wound on his neck, her brow furrowing. "Bathing is hard enough with your hand injured. Now your neck too."

As Adrian reached to touch it, she seized his wrist.

"Don't!" she chided urgently. "Remember in high school when you got hurt playing soccer? It was almost healed until Lucas touched it and caused an infection."

The shared memory hung between them like mist.

"Fine, I won't touch it," he conceded softly.

"Then how will you bathe?"

"I won't."

Stella wrinkled her nose in distaste. "After fighting and speeding today? You reek of sweat."

Adrian suddenly grinned, leaning closer to whisper, "How about... you bathe me instead?"

The tips of her ears burned crimson.

Before she could react, his lips brushed hers feather-light. He ruffled her hair just like years ago. "Just teasing. I'll manage."

Stella stood rooted, fingertips unconsciously touching where he'd kissed. The spot still tingled with residual warmth.

His voice carried from the bathroom. "Stella?"

"Yes?"

"Are you still there?" Caution laced his tone. "I was afraid you'd gotten angry... and hidden from me again."