Chapter 459

Adrian Roland glanced at his wristwatch, a tender smile flickering in his eyes. "She must have gone to pick up the kids by now?"

"Right, Stella just left." Penny Anderson, his secretary and confidante, was accustomed to handling these trivial matters for Stella. She discreetly studied Adrian's expression, noting how his stern demeanor always softened at the mention of Stella.

The double salary made the extra workload more than worth it—she even enjoyed it.

Adrian tapped the desk with his slender fingers, his tone laced with amusement. "So now I'm her personal firefighter?"

"Pretty much." Penny suppressed a laugh before adding, "But the projects Stella hands over to you are all high-profile clients. It means she trusts you the most."

The remark visibly pleased him. A low chuckle escaped his lips. "She's still as lazy as ever, banking on me never refusing her."

Ever since their school days, Stella had always tossed her toughest problems his way. Even after all these years, that little habit hadn't changed.

While swiftly scanning and emailing documents, Penny mustered the courage to tease him. "But you don’t mind, do you? The 'blame' from the lady boss is in a league of its own. The files are in your inbox now."

She was the only one in the company bold enough to joke with Adrian this way. Everyone knew the feared "Ice-faced CEO" was utterly defenseless when it came to his ex-wife.

A notification chimed. Adrian opened the email and skimmed through it, admiration flashing in his eyes. "This is her standard—this client is as good as secured. Tell her the proposal is flawless."

Penny's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Mr. Roland, wouldn’t it be better if you told Stella that yourself?"

As an outsider, she saw the lingering feelings between them clearer than anyone.

Adrian's gaze darkened briefly before he half-jokingly threatened, "Keep gossiping, and I’ll deduct your bonus."

Stella's grip on the steering wheel was still a bit unsteady, but she’d improved since first getting her license. After picking up Ethan from elementary school, she hurried to the kindergarten.

"Mommy!" Luna and Celeste rushed into her arms like excited little birds.

Stella kissed each of their foreheads apologetically. "Sorry I’m late."

Ethan checked his watch with mock seriousness. "Only six minutes." He blinked. "But if you buy us ice cream, we’ll forgive you."

The two girls immediately cheered in agreement. Stella couldn’t help but laugh as she settled them in and fastened their seatbelts. "One cone each—no bargaining."

"Yay! Mommy’s the best!" The car filled with laughter and chatter.

Watching their innocent, joyful faces in the rearview mirror, Stella suddenly found the traffic less frustrating. If only the adult world could be as simple as a child’s.

Luna and Celeste played finger games in the backseat, giggling like wind chimes as they poked and tickled each other.

"I win!" Celeste raised her tiny hand triumphantly.

Luna pouted. "This game isn’t fair! Let’s play house instead!"

Ethan, sitting protectively beside them, reached into his backpack for toys, every bit the responsible big brother.

Listening to their lively chatter, Stella’s lips curved upward. "Did you have fun at school today? Make any new friends?"

"I helped a classmate solve a problem!" Ethan puffed out his chest. "Just like you taught me."

"Good job." She turned to the girls. "What about you, Luna and Celeste?"

"We built a castle together!" Luna gestured excitedly.

Celeste suddenly remembered something. "Oh! Mommy, the teacher said there’s a fun game with parents this weekend!"

"Parents?" Stella froze.

At a red light, she quickly checked the kindergarten group chat. Amid a flood of "Received" replies, a cheerful announcement stood out:

"Dear parents, this weekend’s 'Happy Little Sprouts' family event is coming! Fun games to strengthen bonds, plus a mystery prize! Please join us! ❤️❤️"

The teacher’s playful message made Stella’s smile falter.