Chapter 474

Stella Valentine was adjusting the children's collars when Vincent suddenly announced, "I'll make tea," and vanished in an instant.

Adrian Roland's figure flickered past the second-floor railing.

She averted her gaze and turned to Benjamin. "The kids have been begging to see Grandpa Benjamin. Today, they finally got their wish."

Benjamin's eyes crinkled with laughter. "What's so special about this old man? But young master..." He lowered his voice. "He often smokes alone on the balcony in the middle of the night."

Stella's fingers twitched.

When she looked up again, the second floor was empty.

"Still struggling with sleep?" She feigned nonchalance. "No matter how busy work gets, he should rest."

The words died on her lips. Some concerns crossed boundaries if voiced too often.

"Young master claims insomnia," Benjamin sighed, then brightened. "I heard Shi's Jewelry is doing well lately?"

At the mention of the company, Stella relaxed slightly. "Just starting to recover. But it'll keep improving."

"Wonderful, wonderful." Benjamin's wrinkles deepened with his smile. "This warms my heart more than honey."

"Celeste!" Stella raised her voice. "Slow down! Did you forget last time you fell?"

Ethan immediately herded his sisters like a protective hen. "Listen to Mom."

Luna tilted her small face. "Where's Daddy? Still sleeping?"

"Young master started working before dawn," Benjamin glanced upstairs meaningfully. "Perhaps..."

Stella interrupted. "Let's go inside first. Don't keep Grandpa Benjamin standing."

The three children raced hand-in-hand toward the living room, their little shoes tapping against the floor. Benjamin trailed behind, then suddenly slapped his forehead. "Oh! I forgot to tell young master you're here!"

"No need for special announcements." Stella smoothed her skirt, eyes downcast.

"Young master's old injuries have been acting up, and these old legs can't climb stairs." Benjamin gave her a pointed look. "Perhaps..."

"Mom should call Daddy!" Celeste tugged her sleeve insistently.

Luna blinked with starry eyes. "Daddy must miss us."

Stella turned to her eldest. "Ethan..."

"The girls say they're hungry." Ethan took each sister's hand. "I'll take them to the kitchen with Grandpa Benjamin."

In a blink, the living room stood empty.

Stella stared at the spiral staircase, fingers unconsciously twisting her purse strap.

Upstairs, Adrian had been staring at untouched documents for ten minutes.

Vincent entered with a tea tray. "Madam's favorite Lu'an Melon Seed—"

"Coffee."

Three minutes later, steaming Blue Mountain coffee sat on the desk. As Adrian reached for it, Vincent opened his mouth to warn him—

"Adrian." A soft knock accompanied the familiar voice. "Are you free now?"

The porcelain cup crashed onto the papers, dark liquid spreading rapidly across the surface.