“Grandpa!” The urgency in Sanford’s voice was palpable.
He pressed on, desperate to prevent a potential disaster. “You cannot go-meeting her now will jeopardize everything we’ve planned.”
Declan was persistent. He glanced back at Sanford and said, “Don’t worry, I’m just going to take a look. I won’t reveal my identity.”
Then he reminded in a firmer tone, “Don’t forget about our three- month agreement. If you fail to complete the task, I can no Longer guarantee that Stella will remain safe in Seamarsh.”
After saying his parting words, he left the room without a backward glance.
Sanford’s expression turned grim. He balled his hands into fists as waves of emotions roiled inside him. There was anger at Declan’s rash actions, as well as worry about the potential danger that Stella might face.
Meanwhile, Matthew was about to finish with work when his phone rang.
It was Lindsay.
“Matthew,” came her soft, slightly aggrieved voice on the line. “My mom wants to invite you to dinner. I’m sorry, I… I couldn’t refuse her. Can you make time for us?”
She made it sound like she was terrified of Betsey and Leona for some reason.
Matthew hesitated for a moment, but eventually agreed. “Alright, send me the address.”
In a private room of a well-known restaurant, Betsey was leaning over the table just as Lindsay hung up.
“So?” she asked eagerly. “Did Matthew agree to come?”
Lindsay nodded. “Yes, he said he’ll be here.”
Robin’s face broke into a smug smile when he heard that. “See? Now, Matthew is willing to move heaven and earth for Lindsay’s sake. Just look at her! After all those years with the Clark family, she’s never had it as good as she does now with her leg issues. Ha! I daresay losing the ability to walk is a small price to pay for a lifetime of wealth and comfort.”
His words were nothing short of degrading, and he didn’t bother to hide the disdain from showing.
Lindsay felt a pang of humiliation. She suddenly regretted having turned to Robin for help.
Since Joann’s incident, she had cut ties with her. And Lindsay was never truly accepted by the elite circles despite living with the Clark family for most of her life. Thus, she had no one else to turn to.
In her desperation, she sought out Robin.
Now, it was looking more and more to be a very bad decision.
Lindsay tried to comfort herself. If the scoundrel proved to be a threat to her, she would never hesitate to get rid of him, once and for all.
Robin continued with his despicable tirade, while Lindsay remained silent. On the surface, she was docile and submissive, but there was a glint of determination in her lowered eyes.
Leona watched and listened to him without showing an ounce of sympathy for Lindsay. “Sending you to the Clark family was planned by Lucia’s friend,” she proceeded to explain. “We are your real family, Lindsay, the one who truly care for you.”
Lindsay almost laughed at her face. Leona’s blatant hypocrisy disgusted her. Still, Lindsay nodded obediently and said, “I understand.”