Chapter 496

Stella Valentine whirled around, her pupils dilating slightly.

Adrian Roland immediately fumbled for words. "I didn't mean to—I would never force you. I just wanted... to look at you a little longer. I promise I won't use the children as an excuse to bring you here again."

This version of Adrian was unfamiliar to her.

From the moment they'd met, he had always been composed and strategic. Even when Vincent Atlante had suddenly appeared to disrupt their lives, Adrian had methodically countered every move. When had he ever been this vulnerable?

The few times he'd miscalculated had all been for her sake.

"I know," Stella said softly. "You don't need to explain. I understand."

Seeing she wasn't angry, the tension in Adrian's shoulders eased slightly. "I'd already decided not to disturb you anymore. You're free to go wherever you want, live however you please. I thought if I didn't see you, maybe the pain would lessen. But then you came back, moving into the old house under the pretense of taking care of the children..."

"Vincent escaping justice was my fault," Stella bit her lip. "I was afraid you'd be angry..."

"Yes, I was furious. After all these years, how could you not recognize me? But what hurt most was that you could tell us apart—yet you still helped him. I know you hate me, but that doesn't make it any less painful."

"Have you been drinking?"

"No."

"...You're talking a lot tonight."

Adrian lowered his head with a quiet laugh. "I know. Annoying, isn't it?"

"That's not what I meant."

"It doesn't matter. Nothing does anymore. I just thought... since I finally have this chance to speak with you alone, I might as well say what's in my heart. Better than tiptoeing around you every day."

Stella stayed silent.

"Little Star, you already know what I want to say. Today, I just want you to know this—the world is vast. Fly wherever you wish. I won't stop you, and I won't chain you down. But if you ever grow tired and need a harbor..." His voice trembled slightly. "Could you... consider me first?"

Stella's nose stung.

"You don't have to answer. I've said my piece, and you've heard it. That's enough." Adrian gently changed the subject. "Martha's wontons are almost ready. If you're upset, eat a little more."

By her estimate, the wontons should be done.

They descended the stairs one after the other. Stella walked ahead but couldn't resist glancing back to ensure he made it down safely.

In the dining room, Martha was waiting anxiously. "Mr. Roland, Miss Valentine, come quickly! The wontons are ready! I also made some side dishes you love, Miss Valentine!"

The children, hearing their favorite wontons were served, cheered and rushed toward the table—until Penny Anderson swiftly herded them to wash their hands.

Watching the children's lively antics lifted Stella's mood slightly. She didn't want to dampen Martha's spirits with a cold expression. "It's been so long since I've had wontons this delicious. I can never get the flavor right when I make them."

"It's not hard—just takes patience with the broth," Martha beamed, delighted to discuss cooking. "If you'd like to learn, I can teach you later."

"I've been too busy lately... Maybe another time." Stella hedged.

Learning to make wontons tonight would mean staying over again.

This time, she waited until Penny returned with the children before taking her seat, deliberately positioning herself between them. But Adrian sat directly across from her.

Now every time she reached for a dish, she met his gaze. Stella kept her head down, eating mechanically—even her beloved chicken wonton soup tasted bland.

Martha, assuming the couple was just having a minor spat, cheerfully set out utensils. "Miss Valentine, try these—I added nourishing ingredients. Very good for your health."

"Thank you." Stella used the motion of ladling soup to avoid his eyes. The hot broth warmed her from within. "Still as delicious as ever."

Martha grinned. "Eat more! There's plenty in the fridge—pork filling, shrimp filling. And I've got chicken broth simmering on the stove. Perfect for noodles too."

As Martha chattered, memories of warmth from the Rose Garden days flooded Stella's mind, gradually lifting her spirits.

"Ah, Miss Valentine, you're too thin—you need proper nourishment," Martha suddenly sighed. "Celeste mentioned wanting a baby brother. You'll need to build up your strength first. A woman's postpartum recovery is crucial—neglect it, and the consequences can last a lifetime..."

"Cough—!"