Chapter 487

Stella's porcelain spoon paused mid-air as the warm broth slid down her throat, dispelling the lingering chill. Only then did she notice her clothes still carried the dampness from the rain, sending a shiver down her spine.

At the other end of the table, Penny and Vincent were locked in a heated battle over the last beef meatball.

"I saw it first!" Penny glared at the bubbling pot, chopsticks poised like weapons.

Vincent swiftly intercepted with his own chopsticks. "Finders keepers."

"That's cheating!" Penny stomped her foot. "We agreed to split them evenly!"

The three children watched the spectacle with glee, their giggles punctuating the argument. Ethan even set down his utensils, propping his chin in his hands to enjoy the show.

Stella sighed and used serving chopsticks to give each combatant a meatball. "You're setting a bad example for the kids."

Ethan immediately straightened, mimicking adult seriousness. "Exactly. You should share."

Vincent reluctantly released the contested meatball into Penny's bowl. "Ladies first."

Penny took a triumphant bite, exaggerating her enjoyment. "Delicious!"

Adrian observed the scene, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Through the rising steam of the hot pot, he murmured to Stella, "Mr. Langley... meant no harm."

"I know." She lowered her gaze, stirring her bowl absently.

"After Grandfather passed, the house became too quiet." Adrian's voice was barely audible. "The children... they brought life back to this place."

Stella's fingers stilled, but she offered no reply.

As the lively dinner wound down, Penny suggested playing Gomoku. After three consecutive losses, her face turned stormy.

"Just admit defeat." Vincent smirked. "Even the kids could beat you."

Penny's eyes darted toward the window. "The rain stopped! I need to feed my cat!" She grabbed her purse and fled, leaving Vincent bewildered.

Stella looked outside at the freshly washed night sky. Rising with quiet relief, she said, "Mom, we should go."

Grace glanced at the children. "What about them?"

Stella crouched to their eye level. "Sweethearts, do you want to come home with Mommy or stay with Daddy a little longer?"

Luna tugged her sleeve. "Can't you stay, Mommy?"

"Mommy has work tomorrow." Stella smoothed her daughter's hair.

Celeste immediately clung to her arm. "We'll go with you! We can visit Daddy tomorrow!"

The innocent declaration drew soft laughter from the adults. Adrian lowered himself carefully with his cane. "Daddy's door is always open."

He helped the children into their coats and instructed Vincent to see them home. His every movement was measured, polite—so unlike the Adrian she once knew.

"Next weekend..." Stella hesitated. "I'll bring them over again."

Adrian's eyes brightened, his lips curving unconsciously. "Good. My leg should be better by then. I can play with them properly."

Something fluttered in Stella's chest, but words failed her. She nodded slightly. As she turned away, she caught the faintest sigh behind her.