Chapter 437

Whispers surged through the crowd like waves.

"Rich people's marriages are all for show. Lovey-dovey on TV, but playing around behind the scenes."

"A man like Adrian Roland would never settle for just one woman."

"That poor kid. They can't just ignore Roland family blood, can they?"

"Can't you see? This couple teamed up to send that mother and child to prison! Look how filthy the boy is—does it seem like he's been cared for?"

"Women can be so cruel. Even targeting a child..."

The murmurs rose and fell.

Vincent clenched his fists. "Boss, I'll—"

Before he could finish, Stella's cool voice came through the microphone.

Her figure was blocked by reporters, but her composed tone carried clearly. "Since Adrian agreed, I have no objections. But I'm curious—if he truly consented, why didn't he send someone to bring you back to the Roland estate? Why let you cause a scene here at Shi's Jewelry?"

The crowd fell silent instantly.

Adrian was now the head of the Roland family. If he'd really approved, why would this mother and son need to make a spectacle?

Lily Savigny hastily defended, "He's too busy. He'll come for us soon."

"Fine. Then we'll wait together." Stella chuckled. "I'd love to ask him what he means by this."

Lily froze.

How could Stella dare to wait when she knew about Vincent Atlante's existence?

"Prepare refreshments for the reporters," Stella instructed the receptionist. "They've worked hard. Who knows how long this will take."

Though confused, the receptionist complied.

"And bring a chair for the child," Stella added. "Adults can kneel all they want, but children's bones are still soft."

Snacks were quickly distributed.

As the little boy reached for a pastry, Stella stopped him. "Wait."

Lily immediately shrieked, "Won't even spare a snack?"

"His hands are dirty. Clean them first." Stella personally wiped the child's hands with a wet wipe, speaking gently. "Now you can eat."

The boy happily devoured the treat.

"Mrs. Roland is so attentive to the child..."

"Meanwhile, his real mother only cares about arguing..."

The whispers turned Lily's face livid. She slapped the pastry from the boy's hands. "Don't eat that! Who knows if it's poisoned!"

The child rolled his eyes and swung his legs idly.

"Miss Savigny," Stella's voice turned icy. "Take your anger out on me. What kind of person bullies a child?"

"Stop pretending!"

"At least I wouldn't humiliate a child in front of the media." Stella met Lily's gaze. "What will his classmates think? You brought him here just to pressure me. He's been kneeling for an hour—hungry and exhausted—while you only care about venting?"

Lily had no retort.

"Also," Stella continued, "you claim we sent you to prison. Which prison? What was your cell number? How long were you there?"

"Houston Women's Prison! Four years—"

Stella crouched to the boy's level. "How old are you?"

He held up four fingers.

"Four years old." She stood. "So you were pregnant when you entered prison?"

"Yes! You didn't even spare a pregnant woman—"

Stella smirked. "If we really wanted to silence you, would we have let you give birth? Without this child, your accusations would be baseless. How could you cause such a scene?"

Lily gritted her teeth. "You'll see when Adrian gets here!"

"Fine." Stella suddenly raised her voice. "If he acknowledges you, I'll surrender my children's inheritance rights to your son."

From the shadows, Adrian's lips curved. "Seems we don't need to intervene."

Vincent had an epiphany. "Mrs. Roland's move is brilliant."

Vincent Atlante coveted the Roland fortune most of all. Now, how could he possibly admit this mother and son? Such a juicy prize—he'd want it all for himself.

"Mrs. Roland is too clever," Vincent marveled.

Adrian's gaze softened. "She was never weak."