Chapter 416

Stella Valentine helped Adrian Roland descend from the rooftop. They walked in silence, yet their years of relationship allowed their steps to fall into perfect synchrony, as if connected by an unspoken understanding.

Only when Adrian was safely seated did Stella's worry ease. She instructed their three children to look after their father before turning to fetch his wheelchair from the maid. Though exhausted, a quiet warmth bloomed in her chest at being able to care for him.

"Miss Valentine." Adrian's voice stopped her, his gaze fixed on the table. "Rest first. We'll leave after breakfast."

The children immediately perked up at the shift in their parents' dynamic, but Stella swiftly hushed their excitement. She guided each to wash up, pausing to cast one last lingering glance at Adrian—words trembling on her tongue yet left unspoken.

Their history was too complicated. The past stood between them like an invisible wall, making it impossible to return to being strangers yet equally difficult to pretend nothing had happened.

After breakfast, the car arranged by Benjamin Langley waited at the entrance. The elderly steward secured the wheelchair with a relieved smile. "Little Star, I'll entrust the young master to you. Someone needs to mind the house, so I won't accompany you."

Stella settled Ethan beside her, double-checking the girls' safety seats before responding, "Don't worry."

She hadn't planned to bring the children, but their insistence forced additional preparations. Pressed against the car windows, they chorused, "Goodbye, Grandpa Benjamin!"

Their innocent voices drew laughter from the steward and softened even Adrian's stern features.

Navigating the hospital proved challenging. Pushing the wheelchair, Stella reminded Ethan to watch his sisters. Following Benjamin's medical records, they located the orthopedic department.

The attending physician was a seasoned specialist who frowned upon examining Adrian's leg. "Didn't we advise against weight-bearing? The bones have shifted again."

Stella paled. "Is it serious?"

"Requires realignment. Strange—this level of pain usually can't be ignored." The doctor's eyes darted between them before lighting with realization.

He cleared his throat. "Young people, I understand. But moderation is key—you already have three children."

Adrian massaged his temples, unprepared for the respected specialist's sudden八卦.

Stella's ears burned crimson. "You've misunderstood—"

"I'm no prude." The doctor winked. "Wait until the leg heals. If you really can't resist—"

"Doctor!" Adrian cut in. "It was my own carelessness."

This only cemented the physician's assumptions. While the children looked on curiously—Ethan nodding sagely, the girls bewildered—Celeste tugged Stella's hand. "Mommy, why can't you hug Daddy?"

"Adult matters," the doctor chuckled, offering candy before turning to Stella. "My granddaughter idolizes you two—calls it 'celestial romance' or such."

He referenced the viral photo from old Mr. Roland's birthday banquet years prior, where Adrian had carried Stella in his arms—an image that once dominated headlines.

Stella hadn't expected the memory to resurface here. A smile tugged her lips unbidden. "That was us."

Adrian remained silent, but his gaze gentled.

The doctor continued唠叨, "Couples like you often push limits. Last week, a lad reinjured himself because his girlfriend got overeager—"

Flushing, Stella nodded hastily, desperate to avoid further inappropriate commentary.

Predictably, the man lowered his voice. "Honestly, you could take the initiative—"

The room plunged into silence. Adrian's expression cycled through shock, embarrassment, and disbelief while Stella turned scarlet.

Luna blinked up innocently. "Mommy, what do you and Daddy need that's so troubling?"