Chapter 477

Adrian's ears flushed pink as he stole furtive glances at Stella.

Seeing her expression remain calm as still water, the smile on his lips froze momentarily.

"The bandages are changed," he said in a low voice. "Just waiting for your burn ointment."

Vincent finally sauntered into the study, clutching a handful of medicinal creams.

"Madam, will any of these work?" He scratched his head. "I'm not very familiar with medications."

From anti-inflammatory creams to eczema ointments, he had brought everything imaginable.

Adrian's eye twitched imperceptibly.

An Ivy League graduate couldn't distinguish between basic ointments?

This was clearly deliberate stalling.

"Leave them," he said flatly.

Stella accepted the assortment, her fingertips lightly tapping two tubes. "This one for burns will suffice."

"Madam is amazing," Vincent said, eyes brightening.

"Vincent." Stella sighed. "Speak normally."

The assistant gave an embarrassed chuckle before suddenly thrusting the ointments toward her. "You should do it—I'm all thumbs."

Adrian turned his face away, pretending not to hear.

"It's simple." Stella pushed the tubes back. "Twice daily. You can manage."

She turned to Adrian. "Remember dietary restrictions."

"Little Star—"

The words caught in his throat.

Stella paused mid-step, then walked away without looking back.

Vincent leaned in. "Boss, Madam clearly—"

"Enough." Adrian lowered his gaze.

Whether she cared or not—it wasn't something he could presume to hope for anymore.

Downstairs, the children were feeding koi in the backyard.

Benjamin approached. "Is the young master badly injured?"

"Second-degree thigh burns. Not serious." Stella's tone softened slightly. "Please ensure he applies the medication properly."

"That stubborn boy." The old steward chuckled. "He won't escape my nagging."

An image flashed through Stella's mind—Adrian as a teenager with a fractured arm.

The tide of memories rose, and she swiftly severed the thought.