Chapter 494

The children gathered around her unharmed—no injuries, no fright. This should have been a relief.

But the bizarre turn of events left her struggling to process it all.

Benjamin was about to explain when a familiar figure approached. The woman bent down and spoke gently to the children, "The steamed buns are ready, but only one each. Too many will spoil your dinner."

She was a middle-aged woman dressed simply yet neatly. Her round face, hair coiled in a bun, and kind eyes radiated warmth.

Stella's pupils contracted. "Martha?!"

Memories flooded back—the night Mr. Alistair's car crashed, Mr. Xavier's life-threatening ultimatum, her forced exile overseas...

Martha had believed they were leaving as planned, unaware of the turmoil that followed. She beamed. "You look even more radiant than before, Miss Stella."

The years of managing Shi's Jewelry had stripped away her time for vanity but honed her into a poised career woman.

"Motherhood teaches independence," Stella deflected lightly, her gaze sweeping the empty living room before settling on the study upstairs.

Benjamin seized the chance to excuse himself, vanishing toward the kitchen.

Ethan bounded to Martha's side, eyes sparkling. "Martha, are we having cola chicken wings tonight? And your chicken wonton soup?"

The usually composed boy transformed into an eager little foodie. Martha chuckled. "Wontons, yes. Chicken wings tomorrow. Or your tummy won't have room."

Stella pinched her son's cheek playfully. "No bedtime stories if you overeat."

"I don't need them!" Ethan puffed his chest before dutifully taking his sisters' hands. "Homework time."

Once they were gone, Stella turned to Martha. "Did Adrian bring you back?"

"Only recently did I learn from the news that 'Mr. Alistair' was actually CEO Roland." Martha glowed with approval. "Such a blessed match—he treats you so well, and the children are brilliant..."

Stella's smile faltered. She too had once been oblivious to her husband's dual identity.

Martha suddenly looked contrite. "My apologies about fetching the children without notice."

Stella's breath caught. Adrian's calm demeanor earlier now made sense.

"When did you return? Will you stay?"

"Just arrived today." Martha sighed. "My daughter-in-law and I don't get along, and my son's always absent. Better to work than stew. When Mr. Roland called, I came straightaway!"

So Adrian had been searching for a nanny all along. Stella's nose tingled. During those dark years, Martha's kindness had been as precious as Mr. Alistair's solace.

"Stay, just like before."

"Gladly!" Martha wiped her hands cheerfully. "Your favorite wontons are simmering—let me check them."

As she hurried off, the study door creaked open. Penny gasped, "Stella? How—"