Chapter 457

"Mommy, I saw you and Daddy hugging last night!" Ethan blinked his innocent large eyes. "On your bedroom balcony."

Stella Valentine nearly dropped her water glass.

She forced composure as she set the cup down, though the tips of her ears turned pink. "Ethan, sweetheart, we pretend we didn't see things like that, okay?"

The boy tilted his head thoughtfully before nodding with partial understanding.

Stella took her son's hand as they walked toward the teacher's office, her heels clicking rhythmically against the tiled floor. The homeroom teacher looked up from organizing lesson plans, her face brightening at their arrival.

"Ms. Valentine, you look even younger than at last semester's parent-teacher conference." The teacher greeted them warmly. "No wonder Ethan excels—he clearly inherited your wonderful genes."

Stella smiled politely while scanning the wall displaying outstanding students' photos. Ethan's beaming face stood out among them, his sunny grin subtly mirroring Adrian Roland's features.

"I actually wanted to discuss something important." The teacher produced an embossed invitation. "The National Youth Math Olympiad—our school only has one nomination slot."

Ethan's eyes instantly sparkled.

Stella accepted the gilded letter, fingertips tracing the raised font. The competition would be held in the capital, coinciding with her company's quarterly review.

"Mommy..." Ethan tugged her sleeve, voice brimming with hope.

The teacher added helpfully, "Three faculty members will accompany the students throughout the trip. All accommodations and meals are covered by the organizers."

Stella met her son's eager gaze, recalling Adrian's words from last night: "Stella, stop stretching yourself so thin."

"Of course you're going." She ruffled Ethan's hair. "Mommy's so proud of you."

As they left the school building, Ethan suddenly stopped. "Mommy, if you're too busy, I can—"

"Don't even think it." Stella crouched to his eye level. "Nothing matters more than you. Ever."

Ethan nodded vigorously before throwing his arms around her.

At the office building, the elevator was packed with employees rushing to clock in. Stella checked her watch—three minutes left.

"Coming through!" A familiar voice called from behind the crowd. Penny Anderson maneuvered through the throng with an armload of files, stopping beside Stella.

"Stella!" Penny grinned ear to ear. "Surprise! I'm your new secretary!"

Stella arched an eyebrow. "Does Adrian know?"

"Don't mention that penny-pincher!" Penny waved dramatically. "He even cuts budgets for afternoon tea. Your company's snack room has imported chocolates!"

Stella suppressed a laugh. She knew Adrian too well—this was clearly his roundabout way of placing a "spy" beside her.

"So," she feigned sternness, "you're here for the snacks?"

Penny winked. "Mostly conquered by your irresistible charm."

They shared a knowing smile. Warmth flooded Stella's chest—that man couldn't even show concern without scheming.