Chapter 361

"Ms. Valentine, apologies for keeping you waiting."

Dr. Melford arrived in haste, his tall frame accentuated by the black suit. The way he adjusted his tie was uncannily similar to Adrian's.

Stella gave a slight nod. "Thank you for making time, Dr. Melford."

"My pleasure." His gaze softened. "A major surgery like this—how could you handle it alone?"

Celeste immediately clung to Stella's leg. "My daddy's coming soon!"

Dr. Melford arched a brow. "Mr. Roland is attending today?"

Stella checked her watch. "He promised he would. Traffic must be holding him up."

"Successful men are always at the mercy of their schedules." Dr. Melford sighed. "Rather than waiting for someone perpetually absent, it's better to find someone who can always be by your side."

Celeste stomped her foot in outrage. "Don't say bad things about my daddy!"

"Celeste!" Stella quickly intervened.

Dr. Melford remained unfazed. "Children don't understand the complexities of adulthood."

"She doesn't need to."

A cold, deep voice cut through the air. Adrian strode forward, his suit jacket draped over his arm, his tie loosely hanging around his neck.

Dr. Melford instinctively took half a step back. "Mr. Roland..."

"Are you that idle, Dr. Melford?" Adrian positioned himself protectively in front of Stella. "As I recall, you're neither the lead surgeon nor employed at this hospital."

Celeste threw herself into her father's arms. "Daddy! This uncle wants to take Mommy away!"

Dr. Melford met Adrian's gaze evenly. "A single woman has the right to be pursued."

Adrian's lips curled into a smirk. "Seems you've been too busy to check the news lately."

"What do you mean?"

"Take a look at this morning's finance section." Adrian turned to Stella, his voice gentling. "Victor tried to flee. I intercepted him."

Stella's pupils contracted. "He went back on his word?"

"The agreement is legally binding. He has no choice." Adrian wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "It's time to take Celeste to the OR."

Stella glanced back to thank Dr. Melford, but Adrian firmly guided her away.

"His outfit today was too deliberate," Adrian murmured. "Someone's orchestrating his approach to you."

A chill ran down Stella's spine. "Who would do that?"

"Whoever it is," Adrian's eyes sharpened, "they won't lay a finger on you."

At the OR entrance, a nurse stood waiting.

Celeste suddenly burst into tears. "Daddy, I'm scared..."

Adrian knelt on one knee, meeting her eye level. "I promise you'll see me the moment you wake up."

"Pinky swear!" Celeste hooked her tiny finger with his. "I have a secret to tell you... after I come out."

"Deal. I'll be waiting to hear it."

As their daughter was carried into the OR, Stella clenched the hem of her shirt.

"Eight hours, and she'll be back with us." Adrian enveloped her icy hand in his. "I've arranged for the best medical team."

Stella stared at the sealed OR doors. "Sometimes I wonder... if that other child had survived..."

Adrian's arm tensed, pulling her closer. At the far end of the corridor, Dr. Melford stood shrouded in shadows, the eerie blue glow of his phone screen illuminating his face.