Chapter 486

"What idea?" Adrian frowned slightly, his gaze shifting between Benjamin and Stella. He genuinely didn't know the old butler's plan, only sensing that something had been arranged.

The three children clung to Adrian the moment they returned from school. Luna and Celeste hugged his arms on either side while Ethan sat on his lap, all three chattering nonstop, too excited to even watch cartoons.

Stella stood at the staircase, gripping the railing tightly. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "Using a child's injury to trick me—do you think that's funny? Don't you understand what Celeste means to me?"

Adrian was stunned by her sudden outburst. It had been a long time since he'd seen Stella so visibly upset. Instinctively, he softened his tone. "I'm sorry, I—"

He gently patted Luna and Celeste's backs. "Daddy needs to get Mommy a towel. Play with your brother for a bit, okay?"

"No!" Celeste tightened her grip on his arm and looked up at Stella. "Mommy, we want to stay with you."

Luna climbed onto Adrian's back like a koala, refusing to let go.

Stella took a deep breath. Already furious about the deception, she grew even more irritated by the children's lack of discipline. "Get down from Daddy right now. How many times have I told you not to be so rude?"

The girls flinched at her sharp tone and immediately slid off Adrian, nervously twisting their fingers together.

Ethan quickly stepped forward. "Mom, it's my fault for not watching them. Please don't be mad."

Seeing their timid expressions, Stella's anger faded slightly.

Adrian pulled the children close. "It's fine to relax at home. Even if you tear the roof down, Daddy will fix it."

"Children shouldn't be spoiled." Stella frowned. "Rules are important. I know you want to make it up to them, but there have to be boundaries."

Luna and Celeste hung their heads, hands clasped tightly. "Mommy, we're sorry..."

Adrian ruffled their hair. "Mommy just wants what's best for you..."

Watching the four of them, Stella suddenly felt like the villain. She turned and headed upstairs. "I'm going to change."

Her old belongings were still neatly arranged in their original places at the Roland residence. She quickly found fresh clothes and changed. When she came back downstairs, Grace had already arrived.

"Stella," Grace greeted warmly, "I heard the kids were staying here tonight, so I came over. Did you get caught in the rain?"

"No, Vincent drove me." Not wanting to worry her mother, Stella changed the subject. "How did you get here so fast?"

Grace smiled. "Benjamin said we're having hot pot tonight, so I came to help. The bone broth is ready, and there's corn and ribs in the mild side. Have a bowl later."

"It smells amazing!" Penny poked her head out from the kitchen like a cat drawn to fish. "This double-flavored pot is incredible!"

The chef brought out a steaming copper pot, the rich aroma making everyone's mouths water.

Benjamin cheerfully directed, "Kids sit on the mild side, everyone else can choose. Miss Anderson, be careful—it's hot."

"Got it!" Penny eagerly dropped beef balls into the spicy broth. "These need more time to soak up the flavor."

Vincent rolled his eyes and added cabbage to the mild side. "Don't just eat spicy food. Have some soup to warm your stomach."

"Pfft, I can handle extreme spice!" Penny stuck out her tongue, making everyone laugh.

The atmosphere grew lively. When they gathered around the table, Stella noticed the only empty seat was beside Adrian.

"Mom," she turned to Grace, "why don't you eat first? I'll take care of the kids."

Grace shook her head with a smile. "Benjamin can help. Sit down and eat."

Reluctantly, Stella took her seat. Adrian wordlessly pushed a warm bowl of soup toward her. "Have some first."

"...Thanks."