Hearing Roger's compliment, Stella didn't blush like before; instead, her face went deathly pale.

Beautiful?

The thing she hated most was people complimenting her looks.

Back then, when that monster was torturing her and Charlotte, his favorite thing to say was, "You're so beautiful, the director loves it."

"What's wrong?" Seeing her sudden change in expression, Roger's smile vanished, and he looked serious.

He quickly mentally reviewed what he had just said.

"Nothing." Stella put down her silverware but didn't stand up. "I'm going upstairs to pack my things."

"What did I say to upset you?" Seeing her ready to leave, Roger grabbed her hand, his expression serious. "If you don't like my jokes, I won't make them anymore."

"Once you're packed, I'll drop you off at the university."

Today was the start of the semester at Kingswood University.

"That's okay," Stella said, pulling her hand back, her voice low. "Charlotte is going in today to handle her leave of absence paperwork. I'll go with her."

Roger stared at her intently for a few seconds but didn't push the issue. "Be careful on the road."

"I will." Stella nodded, quickly grabbed her backpack, and came downstairs with Charlotte.

Before she could take two steps, Roger called out to her. "Wait."

She stopped, and before she realized what was happening, a handful of candy was stuffed into the side pocket of her backpack.

It was her favorite peach flavor.

Stella froze, instinctively looking at Charlotte beside her.

"Tsk." Charlotte had her hands in the pockets of her loose trench coat, which barely concealed her baby bump. She looked radiant, showing no signs of fatigue from the pregnancy.

"At this stage of pregnancy, you need to monitor your sugar intake." Roger sat in his chair, his long, elegant fingers resting lazily on the table. A faint smile graced his handsome, stoic face.

Charlotte didn't argue, but she didn't leave either. Her beautiful eyes were fixed stubbornly on him.

She looked like she wasn't leaving until she got what she wanted.

"But..." Knowing he'd be in for it if he didn't appease her, Roger tossed the two remaining candies in his hand to her. "These are for the babies."

"If that sly fox asks, don't throw me under the bus."

"Playing favorites," Charlotte muttered, unwrapping one and popping it into her mouth before taking Stella's hand. "Let's go."

"Okay." Seeing the siblings' dynamic, Stella smiled and followed Charlotte out.

In the car, Charlotte drove while Stella sat in the passenger seat.

"Are you mad?" Charlotte glanced at Stella as she started the sports car. "About what Roger said?"

"No." Stella paused for a moment before shaking her head.

"Actually, he wasn't entirely lying to you." Charlotte gripped the steering wheel. Since getting pregnant, the sharp edge in her eyes had softened considerably. "He really was set up on blind dates."

Stella's eyes widened slightly, waiting for the rest.

"My aunt set up a few women for him to choose from," Charlotte explained patiently. "To be honest, the family knows he likes you, but they think you're not interested."

"They probably did it to help him move on from you."

Hearing this, Stella blinked, immediately trying to clarify, "It's not that I'm not interested in him."

"Oh?" Charlotte smirked, her smile meaningful, her tone light. "So, you are interested?"

"I..." Stella opened her mouth, realizing she was only making it worse. Her cheeks flushed hot.

"After that..." Charlotte didn't tease her further, continuing, "Most of the girls my aunt introduced him to had a very similar vibe to you."

"The original plan was to test whether he actually liked you, or just your personality type. But who knew..."

Stella was hooked, listening with rapt attention.