Chapter 53

Stella Valentine had spent countless nights agonizing over custody of her daughter.

Though her cancer surgery was successful, the shadow of recurrence loomed over her. She didn't know how long she had left—three years, maybe five.

Logically, she shouldn’t fight for custody. But the thought of her mother losing both her husband and granddaughter was unbearable.

Luna was her mother’s reason to keep living.

More importantly, she could never entrust her daughter to Lily Savigny. That woman was ruthless—she’d even orchestrated Ethan’s sepsis. What wouldn’t she do?

Adrian Roland adored their daughter, but he trusted Lily blindly. He’d ignored Joy Fairsprene’s eyewitness account of the abortion.

As a mother, Stella had to protect her child.

"Stella."

Mr. Alistair’s voice pulled her back to reality. He sat in the shadows of the sofa, his tall frame barely visible.

"Remember, I’ll help you secure custody, but we must wait for the right moment. Acting rashly will backfire."

She nodded softly. "I understand."

"Come sit." He patted the space beside him.

The custom sofa was over two meters long. She perched at the far end, keeping her distance.

The faint scent of his cologne drifted toward her.

"Stella, what kind of man do you like?" he asked abruptly.

She blinked. "Kind. Loyal. Responsible."

"That’s all?"

"Most men can’t even meet those standards."

He chuckled. "Your expectations are low."

"They were higher when I was young." She smiled wryly. "Tall, handsome, athletic, top grades..."

Back then, she’d been the untouchable heiress of the Valentine family, dismissing every suitor—until Adrian appeared.

She hadn’t accepted him out of love, but because she believed only he was worthy of her.

"Stella, you have a chance to choose again." His voice grew closer.

A warm hand covered her eyes, his cologne enveloping her. She felt his heated breath against her skin.

"I’m pursuing you."

Stella froze. "But you love someone else."

"At first, I thought you resembled her." His voice deepened. "But now, I see you’re different."

"Stella, have a child with me."

Her entire body stiffened.

"After meeting Luna, I want one of our own."

"Mr. Alistair, are you drunk?"

"Sober or not, it doesn’t matter." His tone was firm. "Be with me. I’ll take care of your family, reclaim the Valentine fortune, and avenge every wrong done to you."

The next morning was bright and clear.

Stella brought a pot of rib soup to the hospital. At the door, she heard her mother’s excited voice.

"My daughter skipped grades and graduated from the best design school!"

The nurse laughed. "She must have an amazing husband."

"Of course!" Grace Laurent’s voice brimmed with pride. "All I care about is that he treats her well."

"You’re so lucky."

"And I have a granddaughter! I can’t wait to meet her!"

Stella pushed the door open. "Mom."

"Stella!" Grace’s eyes lit up. "Where’s Luna?"

"The hospital has too many germs. You’ll see her after discharge." She ladled soup, avoiding her mother’s hopeful gaze.

"Right, she’s still so small." Grace pulled her down to sit. "You just gave birth—stop running around."

"Mm."

"Oh," Grace lowered her voice, "no intimacy during postpartum recovery. It’s bad for your health—"

Stella’s ears burned. "Mom!"

"Don’t be shy." Grace grinned. "Once Luna’s older, have more children. The Valentines only have you, and the Rolands only have Adrian. A big family is livelier."