Chapter 478

Seeing the situation turning precarious, Stella Valentine immediately stood up to leave. "Benjamin, I'm entrusting the children to you. There's an urgent matter at the company—I must go now."

She grabbed her purse and made a dash for the door, only to be stopped by Benjamin's firm grip.

"What's the rush?" He blocked her path with a plate of freshly baked cookies. "I made these especially for you—didn't even share them with the kids. Have some with hot chocolate."

As he headed toward the kitchen, he muttered under his breath: Why hasn't the young master come down yet? If he doesn't show up soon, she'll slip away.

"Really, I'm fine," Stella insisted, inching toward the exit. "I already had breakfast."

Her eyes kept darting to her watch, terrified the children might suddenly burst in from the backyard. If those three little ones latched onto her, escaping today would be impossible.

Benjamin's eyes gleamed with mischief. "At least say goodbye to them? I can't handle their tantrums if you disappear."

"Ethan will take care of his sisters." A confident smile touched her lips. "He's very responsible."

Benjamin faltered but refused to concede. "Then at least come for dinner tonight. I'll have the kitchen prepare your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs."

Stella froze.

"My mother is expecting me..." she hedged. "Besides, it's not a special occasion..."

"Since when do we need an occasion to eat?" Benjamin scowled. "Look how thin you've gotten! You're coming tonight, or I'll start packing the children's bags right now!"

Stella recoiled at the sudden threat.

"Maybe... another time?" she ventured.

Benjamin snorted. "Don't try that with me! This old man isn't senile enough to fall for your tricks!"

As precious seconds ticked by, Stella finally surrendered. "Alright, alright. I'll come after work."

"That's more like it." His stern expression melted into a grin. "Don't be late."

Relieved, Stella reached for the door—just as Vincent Astor came barreling down the stairs.

"Mrs. Roland! Your bag!"

She gasped, realizing she'd left her handbag upstairs.

"Thank you." Her fingers trembled slightly as she took it.

Vincent smiled. "Mr. Roland noticed it. He specifically asked me to bring it down immediately."

Stella's breath hitched. Her gaze flew to the second floor, but the hallway stood empty—only the curtains swayed gently.

"Please thank him for me." The words tumbled out as she bolted through the door without looking back.

Upstairs, Adrian Roland stood silently by his study window, watching her retreating figure until it vanished from sight.

Stella sprinted all the way to the office, barely making it through the doors before the clock struck nine.

"Stella?" Penny Anderson blinked at her, arms laden with files. "Since when does the boss punch in?"

"Bosses should lead by example." Stella steadied her breathing. "What's on the agenda today?"

Penny flipped open her tablet. "Sales just landed a major client. This afternoon, we're meeting with the runway coordinator about custom heritage jewelry."

Stella's eyes lit up. "Let me see the details."

"Here. They're interested in last season's Oriental Collection." Penny handed over the tablet. "The show's theme is 'Celestial Silhouettes.'"

Skimming through the materials, Stella's lips curved. "Perfect timing to debut our new cloisonné technique."