Chapter 336

The banquet hall fell silent the moment Adrian Roland made his entrance.

All eyes turned toward him.

"Mr. Roland retiring at such a young age? Isn't it too soon?"

"Indeed. Even us old-timers haven't stepped down yet."

"The Roland family has worthy successors. The young master is exceptionally bright, and the two little misses are simply radiant."

Luna quietly tugged at Celeste's sleeve. "Hear that? Everyone's praising you."

Celeste shyly glanced back at Stella Valentine.

Stella gently pulled her into an embrace. "Your sister's right. Our Celeste is the sweetest."

Only then did the little girl break into a delighted smile.

"It's time for the birthday cake!"

Servants wheeled in a towering seven-tiered cake. Benjamin Langley hurried over, followed closely by Joy Fairsprene.

Julian Valois swiftly pulled Joy to his side.

Edward Roland, dressed in a deep red traditional jacket, looked less vigorous than before but still sharp-eyed.

He handed the cake knife to Adrian.

"Grandfather, you should do the honors."

"Who said you're cutting it?" The old man huffed. "Your hand is injured. I meant for you to give the knife to Stella. She's given our family three children—today, she's the one who cuts it!"

The guests, all shrewd observers, immediately grasped his intention.

Stella's sudden public appearance would inevitably raise questions. Edward's words were meant to legitimize her status.

Warmth spread through Stella's chest.

How long had it been since someone stood up for her like this?

Just as her eyes began to sting, the child in her arms was lifted away.

Adrian held both children effortlessly and grinned at his grandfather. "This isn't just a cake knife—it's practically a family heirloom. Are you handing it straight to your granddaughter-in-law?"

"You rascal!" Edward chuckled. "You're just worried your wife's arms will get tired from holding them."

"They are heavy. She's carried them all this time—today, it's my turn."

"Stella's lost weight. You'd better take better care of her from now on."

"Of course. She's the only granddaughter-in-law for me. As for whose grandson I am—that hardly matters."

Their playful banter showered Stella with respect.

But she heard the unspoken message beneath his words.

He was leaving her an escape route.

When she turned to look at him, he deliberately avoided her gaze.

A sharp pang struck her heart.

"Mommy?" Luna looked up at her with concern.

"I'm fine."

Adrian frowned. "Chest pain? Is it—"

"Just from standing in heels too long," she murmured.

His shoulders relaxed visibly. "You should've worn flats."

Stella accepted the cake knife. "Then I'll graciously accept the honor."

The seven-tiered cake stood nearly seven feet tall.

By the fourth tier, she couldn't reach any higher.

"Need a stool?" Benjamin asked.

Suddenly, Adrian knelt and gathered her skirt.

In the next instant, she was hoisted effortlessly onto his shoulders.

"Steady?"

"Ah—!"

Her startled gasp echoed as she was lifted to the cake's full height.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"My God! Mr. Roland is that strong?"

"Just who is this Mrs. Roland?"

"To tame an iceberg CEO like this—she's no ordinary woman."