After a brief pause, Stella was the first to move. She rushed to Waldo’s side, gently reassuring him as she said, “You misheard us. Miley and I were just having a casual conversation. No one’s actually divorcing.”
Waldo brushed off her attempt to help, keeping his distance. “Do you think I’m too old to understand what I hear? I’m not losing my mind yet.”
Taking a step forward, Lucia quickly interjected, “Why are you yelling at Stella? If you upset her, you’ll have to deal with me!”
Hearing this, Waldo quieted down, albeit reluctantly.
Taking a deep breath, Lucia turned to Stella, taking her hand and softly asking, “What’s happening? Who’s thinking about divorce? Is it Matthew?”
Stella hesitated, wanting to dismiss the matter lightly. “No, it’s not that serious,” she murmured vaguely.
Lucia, unconvinced, pressed further. “Tell me the truth, and I’ll handle it.”
Tears began to pool in Stella’s eyes, her voice caught with uncertainty. Upon seeing Stella’s distress, Waldo immediately turned to the butler behind him. “Call Matthew right now and tell him to come here immediately. I want to confront him in person!”
Miley, realizing the gravity of the situation, looked at Stella apologetically. “Stella… I’m sorry… I…”
Stella quickly reassured her, her voice gentle, “It’s not your fault. Don’t worry about me. You can go home now.”
.. Library
Miley, observing the tense atmosphere, felt a pang of concern. “No, I’ll stay with you.”
“Waldo and Lucia are here. I won’t suffer. You should go,” Stella insisted firmly.
Miley paused, considering Stella’s words, and realized she was right;
Waldo and Lucia would not let any harm come to Stella.
Given the personal nature of the Clark family’s issues, it wasn’t her place to stay.
After a moment of reflection, Miley softly said, “If you need anything, just contact me. I’m leaving now.”
“Okay,” Stella responded, offering a knowing smile.
After Miley departed, Stella assisted Lucia and Waldo into the living room, where they settled on the sofa.
Soon, Matthew returned, but he was not alone.
The moment Lindsay entered the living room, she sensed the tension, especially from Lucia’s and Waldo’s somber expressions.
Waldo, upon noticing Lindsay, displayed a look of displeasure. “Why did you come along?”
Visibly nervous, Lindsay explained timidly, “My legs were bothering me today, so Matthew took me to the hospital for a check-up. When I heard you wanted Matthew here, I thought it’d be nice to visit since it’s been a while.”
After her explanation, Lindsay asked Waldo with a hint of concern, “What happened?”
Stella, hearing Lindsay’s explanation, felt a surge of mixed emotions, saddened by the realization that immediately after leaving Prosper Bay, Matthew had hurried to Lindsay’s side.