Chapter 484

The sky outside darkened abruptly, heavy clouds hanging oppressively low.

Stella Valentine was absorbed in refining the floral details on her jewelry design, fingers dancing across the keyboard. Only when a blinding lightning bolt split the sky did she realize the approaching storm.

Her phone screen flickered with a lone notification—a reminder message from Adrian Roland.

"Stella!" Penny Anderson burst in, arms laden with files. "The weather bureau just issued a red alert. This rain won't let up anytime soon."

Stella turned to the window. Torrential rain submerged the city in mist, droplets hammering against the glass like ominous drumbeats.

"Contact Benjamin for me," she massaged her temples. "Tell him tonight's dinner is canceled."

Penny's eyes widened. "But the kids are waiting at the Roland estate! Ethan just texted asking when you'll arrive."

A thunderclap shook the office, making the water glass on her desk tremble.

Stella's fingers stilled. She remembered Celeste clinging to her neck that morning, chirping about their promised hot pot dinner.

"It's too dangerous to drive in this weather," she heard herself say.

As Penny reached for her phone, Stella's device rang. Vincent Astor's name flashed on the screen.

"Mrs. Roland," came Vincent's voice, distorted by rainfall. "Grace has arrived at the estate. The children were thrilled to see their grandmother—Luna keeps asking for you."

Stella clenched her phone. She should've known—Adrian always planned three steps ahead.

"How did Mother—"

"Mr. Roland said you'd worry about Grace being home alone," Vincent chuckled. "So he sent me to fetch her first. The hot pot ingredients are all prepared now."

Penny whispered beside her, "All company cars are flooded. Taxis have a two-hour wait..."

The rain intensified against the windows.

Stella closed her eyes. She could see the children gathered around the steaming pot, her mother's gentle smile, and... that silent figure lurking in the shadows.

"Stella," Penny leaned in suddenly, "some things need to be said face-to-face."

The words pierced like a needle. Stella scoffed, "Tell Vincent I'm avoiding spicy food lately."

"What?" Penny blinked. "But yesterday you promised the kids—"

"Ask him," Stella pushed the phone away. "Who warned me about dry weather this morning?"

The office fell silent except for the raging storm outside.

Both Penny and Vincent went quiet.