Chapter 454

The sound of running water in the bathroom stopped.

Stella Valentine stepped out, drying her damp hair. She noticed Adrian Roland was still awake, bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp as he intently read The Little Prince.

"Why that book all of a sudden?" she asked casually.

Adrian closed the book, fingertips brushing its gilded cover. "Business has been slow lately. Rare free time."

She turned to fetch the hairdryer when his voice stopped her. "The children are growing up. They shouldn't only hear fairy tales. I want to find stories with more depth."

Her movements stilled.

"They'll move to Skyline Garden with you tomorrow." His voice softened. "In my current condition... visiting them isn't convenient. I'll prepare more stories for when..."

He left the sentence unfinished, but Stella understood.

She knew this man too well. As a legendary negotiator in the business world, Adrian excelled at reading people. Years ago when teaching her negotiation tactics, he'd emphasized targeting what mattered most to the other party.

Now, he'd precisely struck her weakest spot—their children.

A rainy night four years ago flashed through her mind. That Adrian had used the same gentle tone to deliver the most piercing words. After all this time, he could still see through every defense she erected.

If the mountain won't come to me, then I must go to the mountain. The saying surfaced inexplicably in her thoughts.

The hairdryer's hum drowned out reflection. By the time she finished and lay down, Adrian had turned off the lamp, the book placed aside.

At dawn, Stella headed early to Skyline Garden. After cleaning the apartment with Editor-in-Chief Jessica Blanchet and stocking up on supplies, she prepared to return for the children at dusk. But Penny Anderson arrived first with the three kids and Benjamin Langley in tow.

Benjamin's eyes were red-rimmed as he held Ethan's hand, repeating, "Take good care of your sisters. Call Grandpa if anything happens..."

Penny approached quietly. "Mr. Roland said this SUV has child safety seats. Use it for now. We can switch if it's uncomfortable."

Stella nodded at the understated black vehicle.

"How's your driver's test going?"

"Passed the written exam. Road test and maneuvers are scheduled tomorrow."

Penny frowned. "Should I handle school runs this week?"

After consideration, Stella agreed. Tomorrow was Monday—the children couldn't miss school.

The Skyline Garden duplex, though smaller than a house, comfortably accommodated two adults and three children. Stella chose the upstairs bedroom, leaving the more convenient ground floor for Jessica.

When she descended after settling the kids, Jessica still sat hunched over her laptop, black-framed glasses reflecting screen light. Her teacup stood empty, fingers flying across the keyboard.

"These people can't even handle reprint procedures..." Rubbing her temples, Jessica drained the fresh tea Stella offered.

Stella sat opposite. "Trouble at work?"

"Magazine sales keep dropping. Advertisers are fleeing." Jessica suddenly smiled. "But working overtime feels good now."

"Had an epiphany?"

"Mm. Used to obsess over winning Hugo back. Focusing on work now, I realize..." She shrugged. "Divorce is oddly freeing."

Stella studied her teacup pensively.

Jessica leaned forward abruptly. "Why aren't you pushing Production to work overtime? That jewelry set is in high demand! Multiple celebrities have inquired."

"No rush." Stella sipped her tea.

"No rush?" Jessica's eyes widened. "This could revive Shi's Jewelry!"

"Influencer trends are fleeting." Stella set down her cup. "I'm building a legacy brand, not chasing viral fads. Strictly two hundred sets—no overproduction."

Jessica gasped in realization. "You want word-of-mouth prestige?"

"I want the Shi name remembered." Stella gazed at the darkening skyline, her resolute reflection superimposed on the glass.