Chapter 76

"Goodbye" is a double-edged sword.

It carries the hope of reunion yet the finality of parting.

Adrian's hands trembled slightly on the steering wheel.

Stella's last words echoed relentlessly in his ears.

She had spoken so calmly, yet each syllable cut through him like a blunt knife.

Even in rejection, she maintained her grace.

Unlike Lily Savigny, who had shed all pretense - pressuring him into marriage while covering up Martha's death.

The only time he'd seen Stella lose control was when she attacked Lily at the villa.

That day, she'd been a lioness defending her cubs, unrecognizable from her usual composed self.

He returned to the ancestral home late at night.

Moonlight pooled across the courtyard like liquid silver.

Not wanting to wake his sleeping daughter, he leaned against the car door gazing upward.

"Young master!"

The elderly butler Benjamin started upon seeing him at dawn.

"What are you looking at?"

"The stars."

"But it's broad daylight—"

"Stella said stars never disappear." Adrian's voice turned hoarse. "Sunlight just obscures them."

Benjamin frowned. "Miss Stella still won't forgive you?"

"She shouldn't."

"But Luna needs both parents!"

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. "I'll prepare Luna's bottle."

......

Three days later, an email shattered the fragile peace.

The sender's name glared from the screen: Hugo Merovingian.

The man who'd raised Ethan for five years was now helping Stella file for divorce.

When the call connected, Hugo's tone was glacial.

"When does Mr. Roland wish to finalize the paperwork?"

"I want to see Ethan."

"He's not your son." Hugo's laugh held no warmth. "Get a paternity test if you don't believe me."

"Stella already told me everything."

Silence crackled through the line.

"You've changed," Hugo finally said. "But the damage is done. Stay away from them."

The dial tone buzzed as Adrian stared blankly at his phone.

Vincent called immediately after.

"Miss Savigny is asking for you."

"Block her." Adrian's voice could have frozen hell. "I'll see her tonight."

After hanging up, he played building blocks with Luna.

Her giggles temporarily numbed the pain.

But some matters demanded resolution.

The apartment door opened to the acrid scent of something burnt.

Lily waved uninjured fingers. "I burned myself cooking—"

"Enough theatrics." Adrian strode past her.

"Do you hate me now?" She chased after him. "This is all Stella's doing—"

"Stella would never stoop to your level."

Lily's face twisted.

Adrian whirled suddenly. "You used my phone to block her?"

"I...I was scared—"

"How did you get my password?"

"Your lockscreen was her photo!" Lily shrieked. "I guessed using your anniversary date!"

Adrian's pupils contracted. "How did you know our anniversary?"

"I—"

"Talk!"