Chapter 402

The night was ink-black, enveloping the Roland family estate in deep silence.

Benjamin Langley stood outside the study door, his fingers hovering uncertainly before finally tapping lightly. "Master Adrian, may I have a word?"

The sound of wheelchair wheels approached, and Adrian Roland opened the door himself. His gaunt face looked ghostly pale under the lamplight, though his eyes remained piercingly clear. "What is it, Benjamin?"

Since the old master's passing and Adrian's imprisonment, the loyal butler had aged a decade overnight. He swallowed hard as he regarded the boy he'd raised. "Master Adrian, the three children... I'm afraid these old bones can't keep up anymore."

Adrian's fingers trembled slightly. Having been released from prison barely two weeks prior, still recovering from leg injuries and reeling from Stella's betrayal, he'd failed to notice Benjamin's exhaustion.

"Hire two reliable nannies," he said quietly. "Top market rates."

Relief flickered across Benjamin's face, but concern quickly resurfaced. "The current staff aren't suited for childcare, especially with young Luna and Celeste—"

He cut himself off abruptly. That forbidden name had nearly slipped out again.

Adrian's expression darkened as he wheeled toward the nursery. "Let the children choose."

In the playroom, Ethan was helping his sisters build block towers. At the knock, he bounded to the door while Luna and Celeste remained engrossed in their dollhouse.

"Dad!" Ethan's face lit up. The boy was his father's mirror image—except for those eyes. They always made Adrian's breath catch.

The girls abandoned their toys to cling to his arms, their lashes fluttering like butterflies. "Daddy, when is Mommy coming home?"

The air turned to ice.

Benjamin watched Adrian anxiously. The man's spine went rigid as he avoided their hopeful gazes. "Mommy... is very busy overseas."

Celeste's lower lip quivered, tears pooling. "But we miss her so much..."

Adrian's throat worked as he stroked her hair. "How about the carousel this weekend? We could—"

He broke off abruptly. Every happy memory was intertwined with her. Even after her betrayal, her ghost haunted him relentlessly.

By the block castle, three small heads huddled together. Adrian studied them, voice barely audible. "Grandpa Benjamin needs rest. Would you like a new nanny to play with?"

Three faces fell in unison.

"No!" The protest came in perfect harmony.