Chapter 415

Adrian Roland gazed at the starry sky, lost in thought.

The innocent chatter of his three children echoed in his ears. He couldn't help but wonder—how wonderful it would be if one of those stars really was Grandpa watching over them. The cigarette between his fingers had burned down to the filter, the sudden sting snapping him back to reality.

"Daddy's smoking again!" Ethan's voice rang out.

Adrian hastily crushed the cigarette and turned to see Stella holding their three children. Luna and Celeste were already asleep, but Ethan stared at him with wide, alert eyes.

"Sorry," he murmured, wheeling himself backward to leave.

Stella stopped him. "Benjamin told me everything."

Adrian froze. That old butler could never keep his mouth shut.

"Go to the hospital for a checkup," Stella said softly, yet firmly. "Do it for the kids."

He instinctively wanted to refuse, but the hopeful looks on their faces choked his words.

"Master Adrian, the car is ready," Benjamin appeared at the staircase, his face lined with concern.

Adrian rubbed his aching knee. The old injury from last night's rain had flared up worse than usual, but he had more pressing matters to attend to.

"Another time," he said flatly.

Stella suddenly knelt to meet his eye level. "Do you know what the kids look forward to most?"

Without waiting for an answer, she continued, "They're waiting to see their dad become a superhero."

Ethan piped up, "Superheroes always check their gear regularly!"

Luna stirred awake, rubbing her eyes before clinging to his leg. "If Daddy doesn't go to the hospital, I'll cry."

Adrian was torn between laughter and exasperation. These three little troublemakers were impossible to resist.

"Fine," he finally relented. "But just a basic checkup."

A victorious smile curved Stella's lips as she helped him up. Her warm, steady grip reminded him of their mountain-climbing days years ago.

"Slowly," she whispered.

As he rose, a sharp pain shot through his knee. He gritted his teeth, but beads of sweat still formed at his temples.

"Daddy, does it hurt?" Celeste stretched on tiptoes to wipe his forehead.

He forced a smile. "No pain. Daddy's Iron Man."

The children cheered, clamoring to help him downstairs. Stella lingered behind, watching the scene with unreadable emotions.

Benjamin sidled up to her. "Madam Stella always knows how to handle him."

She gazed at Adrian's stubbornly straight back and murmured, "Because he never says no to the kids."

The engine roared to life below. Stella took a deep breath and hurried after them.

This battle of wills with the most stubborn man was only just beginning.