Chapter 433

Adrian's voice cut through the silence of the room like shattered glass.

He rarely spoke this much, but tonight it felt like he was pouring out years of pent-up emotions. Each word sliced through her carefully constructed defenses like a razor blade.

Did she still love him?

Stella's hand instinctively pressed against her chest, where her heart throbbed painfully.

She had loved Adrian. She had loved Mr. Alistair. Two heartbeats for the same man, both all-consuming passions.

Yet the bone-deep anguish felt just as real.

The endless nights waiting alone in that empty mansion. The words that had pierced her heart like daggers. All branded permanently into her memory.

"Forget it, little star." Adrian's voice suddenly dropped low. "Consider it granting me mercy."

Stella's head snapped up, meeting his hollow gaze.

"The children—"

"I'll handle it." He cut her off. "The new nanny is excellent."

"They're not me."

The words escaped before she could stop them, startling even herself.

Adrian's expression froze momentarily before hardening again. "You don't get to choose."

He knew her too well. Any more pleading and he might weaken.

Seeing the tension in Adrian's profile, Stella assumed he was still grieving his grandfather. She softened her tone. "About Grandfather Edward's matter, I promise—"

"Enough." His knuckles whitened on the wheelchair arms. "Just move out."

"It's late." Stella abruptly turned toward the bathroom. "I need to shower."

Her movements were crisp and efficient, as if their conversation never happened.

Adrian remained frozen until the sound of running water snapped him back to reality. With a frustrated jerk, he wheeled himself to the study.

When Stella entered the bedroom later wearing a face mask, Adrian had just finished reviewing documents.

"You—" His Adam's apple bobbed. "What exactly do you want?"

She calmly applied skincare products. "My work isn't done."

"You're fired."

"Termination notice?" She arched an eyebrow. "Without official documentation, I remain the Roland family nanny."

Adrian fell silent.

The room grew so quiet their breathing became audible.

"Thank you for that night." Stella spoke suddenly.

Adrian stiffened. "What?"

"The design revisions." She met his gaze directly. "They were perfect."

He turned away. "Don't know what you're talking about."

After packing her things, Stella paused at the doorway. "Goodnight."

The door clicked shut softly.

Adrian stared at the closed door, memories of that night flooding back.

Truth was, he'd woken when she left the bed.

He'd watched her work through the night until dawn.

When she turned, he'd shut his eyes hastily—pretending to sleep.

Too afraid to let her see his vulnerability.

Longing was a floodgate—once opened, there would be no stopping the deluge.