When Love Comes Late

The tension between Stella and Lindsay was palpable, and Lucia knew Lindsay’s presence might make Stella uncomfortable.

So, Lucia suggested, “Lindsay, the Wheelers called and said your mom was sick and wanted you to come home.

”

Although Lucia’s tone was soft, Lindsay could see through the polite facade; she was being dismissed.

Her expression grew stiffer.

In the past, whenever there was an issue with the Wheelers, Lucia would always step in to help Lindsay decline their requests.

But now, for Stella’s sake, Lucia was actively sending Lindsay back to the Wheelers.

Lindsay lowered her head, concealing the resentment in her eyes, and murmured, “I see.

I’ll ask for a day off and visit her tomorrow.

”

Seeing that Lindsay was being reasonable, Lucia sighed in relief.

But Lindsay’s hatred for Stella deepened.

Without Stella in the picture, she would still be the only person important to Waldo and Lucia, aside from Matthew.

Everything had changed because of Stella.

She could clearly sense the shift-Lucia and Waldo no longer cared for her as much as before; their warmth had been replaced by a newfound guardedness.

Though she was unwilling to accept this, she kept her feelings hidden, silently vowing never to let Stella feel too secure in her newfound position.

After the matter was settled, Lucia immediately contacted Matthew, informed him of their decision, and asked him to make the necessary arrangements.

Three days later, Stella was discharged from the hospital.

The Clark and Lowell families gathered for dinner, with Bella also in attendance.

To Stella’s surprise, Bennett brought Sanford along to the family gathering.

Sanford greeted her warmly, “Mrs.

Clark, it’s been a while.

”

Stella was surprised.

Bennett offered an explanation.

“Sanford was your father’s most trusted student, so I thought it fitting to formally introduce him to you.

”

With a food container in hand, Sanford calmly said, “I heard about your accident and injury.

I had the servants prepare this dish for you-it’s ideal for recovery.

”

Stella glanced at the food container, a fleeting memory surfacing of the countless times people had brought nutritious meals to her hospital room during her stay.

The food container looked strikingly similar to the one Sanford was holding.

“Was it you who sent the nutritious meals while I was in the hospital?” she inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Sanford nodded calmly.

“I heard about your injury and was quite concerned.

I wanted to do something for you, so I arranged for someone to cook the dishes and have them delivered.

I hope it helped with your recovery.

How did they taste?”

Stella responded politely, “I apologize for not trying them.

Since the food arrived without a name, and given the unexpected nature of my injury, I was cautious and didn’t eat it.

If I had known it was from you, I certainly would have.

”

Sanford smiled warmly.

“It’s perfectly fine.

You can try it today.

I think you’ll find it quite pleasant.

”

Before she could respond, Matthew, his expression devoid of emotion, pushed the food container aside and remarked coolly, “Mr.

Quimby, there’s no need for you to go to such Lengths.

The Clark family has more than enough chefs.

We don’t need anyone currying favor with us.

I trust you’ll be mindful of the occasion and your position.

”