Chapter 5

When they returned home, Liam was sitting in the living room beside his great-grandmother, waiting for his parents to arrive.

"Mommy…" As soon as he saw his mother enter the room, he ran toward her.

"Have you eaten yet?" Stella asked as she adjusted her son's hair.

"Why doesn't the family go to a restaurant? It's good for Liam to get out for a bit," Anna suggested. Nathan merely stepped back, unwilling to argue with his grandmother.

They went to the best restaurant in town, and as Nathan finished parking the car, he glanced at the scene before him. From a distance, he saw Stella and Liam, mother and son, hugging and chatting. Their bond was so strong, so natural, that they seemed oblivious to the world around them.

At that moment, Nathan felt something stir deep within his chest.

No matter how much he tried to deny it, Nathan had to admit Stella was an excellent mother. She had always cared for Liam meticulously, just as she was doing now. Even during the meal, she paid close attention to him, helping him choose his dishes with care.

When Liam had eaten his fill, he looked around and suddenly pointed to the entrance.

"Mommy, Uncle's here."

Stella followed the direction of his finger. Through the revolving doors, a group of men entered, led by a tall, handsome figure—it was Victor.

Victor noticed them too. After a brief word with his companions, he walked over.

"Uncle Victor!" Liam exclaimed joyfully, rushing to greet him.

Victor smiled warmly, ruffling the boy's hair, before looking up to nod at Nathan.

"President Collins, what a surprise to see you here."

Nathan recognized the gentle man before him. He was Victor Arbex, the eldest son of the Arbex family. However, Nathan hadn't expected him to be so close to Stella and Liam. Out of politeness, Nathan nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent.

"I just returned from a business trip. I went to visit Liam, but the doctor told me he'd already been discharged," Victor explained to Stella, who smiled softly.

"He was released just yesterday," she replied.

"Let’s plan something soon," Victor said. Stella nodded, glancing at his waiting friends. "Liam, Uncle has to go now. Finish your dinner, alright?"

"Bye, Uncle!" Liam waved.

Nathan leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips. His eyes lingered on Victor's retreating figure.

As a man, Nathan was sensitive to another man's gaze toward a woman. The way Victor looked at Stella carried a distinct affection.

So this was why Stella had so readily agreed to divorce once Liam recovered. Was she planning to be with Victor?

Interesting.

Stella felt Nathan's gaze but merely shrugged it off, as though unbothered.

After finishing their meal, they stepped outside to wait for Nathan, who had gone to fetch the car. Stella noticed Liam shivering, his face cold and his nose starting to run. She knelt to search for a tissue to wipe his nose.

Liam's attention was caught by a cotton candy stand shaped like an airplane. Mesmerized, he wandered toward it. Suddenly, a car came speeding toward him.

Hearing the commotion, Stella looked up. Her heart nearly stopped. Without thinking, she darted forward, scooping Liam into her arms as the driver swerved to avoid them.

Thankfully, the driver was unharmed. He stepped out, visibly shaken, and approached them.

"Miss, are you and the boy alright? I'm so sorry—my brakes failed!"

Stella was too shaken to reply. She pulled Liam close, inspecting him anxiously.

"Liam, are you hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Still pale with fear, Liam clung to her. After a moment, he whispered, "Mommy, I'm okay."

"You scared me so much," Stella said, lifting him off the ground.

Nathan, who had just pulled out of the parking lot, witnessed the incident from across the street. His eyes widened at the sight of Stella rushing into danger without hesitation.

Relieved to see both mother and son unharmed, he drove over quickly. He stepped out and approached Stella, offering his hand to help her stand.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Stella shook her head. Other than looking a bit pale, she seemed fine. Liam, too, was uninjured, though clearly frightened.

"Come on, let’s get in the car," Nathan said, picking Liam up and placing him in his seat.

When they returned home, Stella took Liam straight to his room to bathe him. By then, the color had returned to his cheeks, and the fright had faded.

Stella knelt beside him, kissed his forehead, and said, "Liam, next time you're near the road, you need to be more careful, okay? You're a little man now, and you must pay attention. And remember, if you want something, just ask Mommy. Have I ever said no?"

Liam nodded obediently.

Stella waited until he was fast asleep before leaving his room. She went downstairs quietly and retrieved a first aid kit.

Sitting on the couch, she rolled up her pant leg. Around her knee was a wound, the dried blood causing the fabric to stick to her skin. With great effort, she peeled it away, revealing the raw injury. She disinfected it carefully, wincing as the solution stung.

Suddenly, a hand reached out, taking the bottle from her grasp.

Startled, Stella looked up to see Nathan. Without a word, he unscrewed the cap, sat down across from her, and gently took hold of her leg. He placed her injured knee on his lap.

Nathan’s movements were practiced. He cleaned the wound, applied medication, and bandaged it skillfully. When he finished, he lowered her leg back to the floor.

Stella stared at her bandaged knee, then up at the man in front of her.

"Thank you," she said softly.