Chapter 408

Adrian Roland sat in his wheelchair, fingers absently tapping the armrest.

The playful noises from the next room gradually faded, allowing his tense nerves to finally relax. Only the rustling of turning pages and the soft ticking of the clock remained in the study.

He reached for the bone china cup on the desk, only to find it empty.

"Tsk." His brow furrowed.

Caffeine was his only lifeline now. Yet the wheelchair confined his movements, making even refilling a cup an impossible task.

Just as he was about to call for Benjamin Langley, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," he said without looking up. "Benjamin, could you please—"

His words cut off abruptly.

It wasn't Benjamin standing at the door, but little Luna Roland clutching a cartoon-patterned coaster. Steam rose from the freshly brewed coffee resting on it. The girl looked up at him with sparkling eyes.

"Daddy, Mommy said you need this."

Adrian's fingers trembled slightly as he accepted the cup. The familiar aroma instantly told him this was Stella Valentine's handiwork.

"Mommy worked hard in the kitchen," Luna blinked. "She said Blue Mountain Coffee is your favorite."

His Adam's apple bobbed.

"And she said you forget to drink water when you're working," Luna counted on her fingers. "Even worse than us kids."

A chuckle escaped him despite himself.

"Daddy should thank Mommy," Luna suddenly whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer.

Adrian ruffled his daughter's hair without responding.

"Daddy," Luna climbed onto his lap without warning, "when will you and Mommy make up?"

The question pierced his heart like a needle. He took a sip of coffee, letting the bitterness spread across his tongue.

"Want to go out this weekend?" He deflected. "We could fly kites."

"I want both Mommy and Daddy!" Luna pouted, her eyes growing moist. "Mommy clearly cares about you..."

Flustered, Adrian wiped the tears from his daughter's eyes. "Daddy will think about it, okay?"

Luna sniffled but quickly regained her cheer. She launched into an animated retelling of a fairy tale before suddenly dropping her voice:

"Daddy, is it because you have short legs that you use a wheelchair?"

Adrian nearly choked on his coffee.

"I promise not to tell Ethan and Celeste!" Luna raised a tiny finger solemnly.

"Little glutton," he pinched her nose playfully, "trying to scam chocolate again?"

Luna stuck out her tongue, but her gaze remained fixed on the coffee cup. "Daddy's coffee smells so good! I want some!"

"It's very bitter," he warned.

"I'm not scared!" She puffed out her chest like a brave little soldier.

Adrian shook his head in resignation but handed her the cup nonetheless.