Indeed, it was clear to Stella that the most significant person in Matthew’s life was no longer her, but Lindsay.
Waldo remained stoic, preferring not to involve Lindsay in this personal issue. He didn’t respond to her directly but instead instructed the butler, “Arrange for a car to take Lindsay home.”
Lindsay, taken aback by the gravity of the situation, hastily said, “I haven’t eaten today because of my check-up. May I stay for a meal?”
After speaking, she watched Waldo’s reaction carefully and added, “If your discussion with Matthew is private, I can stay in another room.”
Her tone was gentle, tinged with a plea, and her request was considerate.
Waldo’s expression softened slightly at her words.
Before he could respond, Matthew directed the butler, “Please take Lindsay to have some breakfast.”
The butler looked to Waldo for confirmation, and seeing no objection, he escorted Lindsay away.
.. ‘s …
Sitting beside Lucia, Stella couldn’t help but steal glances at Matthew.
Thinking about how different he seemed now than he did this morning filled her with sadness.
At that moment, Waldo fixed a stern gaze on Matthew and demanded, “Are you considering divorcing Stella?”
Matthew remained silent, his quietude interpreted as an affirmative answer.
Waldo was seething with fury, his complexion darkening with each passing moment. He jabbed his cane toward Matthew and demanded, “What nonsense are you up to now?”
Matthew continued his silence.
The fury in Waldo’s eyes intensified. “You know what? After your accident in Sothrea, you disappeared without a trace. Stella waited for you day in, day out; she couldn’t eat or sleep. Even after you lost your memory, she shielded us from the truth, always prioritizing you over her own suffering. What more do you want from her?”
He paused, a look of profound disappointment crossing his face. “Or have you always been dissatisfied with this arranged marriage?”
Observing Waldo’s escalating distress, Matthew finally spoke, his voice tinged with concern. “Grandpa, please, this is between us. We’ll resolve it.”
After speaking, he shared a significant glance with Stella.
Stella caught the meaning in his eyes instantly-Matthew suspected she had involved the elders to thwart their divorce.
The realization tightened her grip, frustration flooding through her as her gaze dropped.
Matthew’s indifferent demeanor toward Stella only exacerbated Waldo’s ire.
Abruptly rising, Waldo lifted his cane to strike Matthew but, before he could complete his sentence, the cane slipped from his grasp, and he collapsed backward, overwhelmed by his emotions.
Everyone’s expressions changed.
“Grandpa!” Matthew cried out, darting forward to catch Waldo just in time to prevent him from hitting the floor. Stella and Lucia rushed to assist, tears streaming down Lucia’s face, her vision blurring as she nearly collapsed in despair.