Chapter 500

Penny Anderson was about to press for answers when a familiar soft cough echoed from outside the kitchen.

She immediately fell silent and retreated to a corner, shrinking like a startled rabbit.

Adrian Roland entered carrying a crystal fruit bowl filled with glistening cherry tomatoes. He snorted. "Many have the intention, few dare to act."

Hiding behind the counter, Penny secretly gave a thumbs-up. The boss's intimidating aura never changed.

Stella Valentine's lips twitched. "What exactly did you do back then?"

Adrian's eyes cooled as he recalled those betrayals. "Nothing much. Just taught them the meaning of keeping one's word."

Those reckless youthful days now seemed both childish and thrilling. He unconsciously rotated his wrist, where an old scar remained.

"No wonder you always complain about wrist pain," Stella suddenly realized.

"Physics teacher said it best," he said solemnly. "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."

Stella suppressed a smile and popped a tomato into her mouth. The sweet-tart juice burst on her tongue like memories laced with both honey and vinegar.

Martha and Penny exchanged glances before quietly exiting with the fruit bowl.

"There was one who got away," Adrian suddenly admitted. "That slick-haired principal's son. Out of respect for the old man, I only used words, not fists."

Stella froze. She remembered that boy who always avoided her—apparently not out of dislike.

"How exactly did you 'educate' him?" She massaged her temples.

Adrian spread his hands innocently. "Just a few words. Who knew he'd be so easily frightened?"

Outside the door, eavesdropping Martha shook her head with a chuckle. "Ah, youth... Miss Stella is fortunate to have someone who protects her so fiercely."

Stella lowered her gaze. Without those misunderstandings, they could have been the couple everyone envied.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Luna came running with paper cutouts. "Teacher said this is family homework—we all have to do it together!"

Celeste added, "Big brother drew the hair. Daddy drew the face."

When Stella looked up, she met Adrian's smiling eyes. Resigned, she picked up a crayon and drew a happy face on the paper figure.

"Stella, I just remembered an unfinished proposal!" Penny grabbed her bag and bolted as if wolves were chasing her.

Just as Stella moved to follow, a hand caught her wrist.

"About William Aldridge," Adrian's voice turned low. "I know how men think. That dinner invitation? He definitely has ulterior motives."

As night deepened, Stella felt her cheeks grow warm. This jealous side of him hadn't changed one bit since their youth.