Chapter 476

Adrian Roland's pupils constricted abruptly.

He hadn't expected Stella Valentine to reach out so suddenly.

"Little Star..." His voice trembled slightly.

Stella didn't respond, focusing solely on unbuckling his belt.

The motion felt achingly familiar.

During their passionate days, Adrian would always guide her hands to his waistband. At first, he taught her how to undo it—later, he'd simply close his eyes and savor her touch...

The memory made her movements more efficient.

With a soft click, the belt slid free and draped over the chairback.

She tugged his shirt hem loose, transforming the usually immaculate CEO into someone casually disheveled.

"Vincent said you took the kids to their kindergarten event?" Adrian attempted small talk.

"Mhm." Her hands remained gentle, careful to avoid his healing leg. "Does it hurt?"

"No."

His answer came too quickly—a telltale lie.

Stella yanked the pant leg down decisively, then froze at the sight of scalded skin.

The thin summer fabric had offered no protection against the boiling coffee.

She blotted the area with tissue, her fingertips brushing surgical scars with featherlight caution.

"Really no pain?"

"...Really."

Her half-formed smile vanished. She strode toward the door. "I'll get you fresh pants."

Outside, Vincent Astor scrambled away from eavesdropping.

In the bedroom, Stella retrieved lightweight shorts. The children's laughter floated from the living room where Benjamin Langley served snacks.

"Mommy's helping Daddy find something," the old butler explained.

"Are they making up?" Celeste Roland's eyes sparkled.

Ethan Valentine analyzed pragmatically: "They need more time."

The two younger girls already cheered.

Back in the study, Adrian clutched his untucked shirt with white-knuckled grip.

"I can manage," he muttered, ears burning crimson.

Stella suddenly recognized the role reversal.

He'd always been the one in control—their first kiss, skipping classes, those blush-inducing nights...

Even during their transactional evening, he'd held all the power.

A cool breeze dissipated the heated memories.

She efficiently swapped his pants. "Still hurting?"

Adrian stared at her proximity, words failing him.

A timely knock interrupted.

"Mr. Roland, Mrs. Roland—found the burn ointment!" Vincent's voice carried through the door.