“Stella, you and Lindsay setting up shops on the same street-doesn’t that spell trouble?” Bella ventured, her voice tinged with concern.
“I’m afraid it might ignite some friction.”
With a gentle shake of her head, Stella brushed off the concern.
“Our offerings don’t overlap; we don’t have any conflict of interest. Besides, I’ll appoint a manager to run the day-to-day, keeping my interactions with Lindsay to a minimum.”
She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “And let’s not borrow trouble. Lindsay’s act of saving Matthew has smoothed over many wrinkles. I hold no grudges.”
Bella’s worries had painted grim scenarios, but Stella’s calm assurance acted like a balm. “If you’re at peace with this, then I’m content. You’re right; Lindsay’s bravery in Matthew’s crisis shouldn’t be overshadowed by petty grievances.”
Their dialogue was sliced through by the shrill cry of a ringing phone.
Stella glanced at the display, Lucia’s name flashing up. She answered, and Lucia’s voice bubbled through enthusiastically. “Stella, are you free tomorrow? Remember, we promised to catch up monthly. Someone’s just sent over a bounty of fresh fruits and fish. Why don’t we dine with the Lowell family?”
“Absolutely, I’ll be there,” Stella confirmed with a smile.
After ending the call, Stella shared news of Lucia’s invitation with Bella and asked if she was interested in joining.
Bella paused, her hesitation palpable, before she gently refused. “No, Stella, go on without me. My memory hasn’t come back yet, and I barely know the Lowell family. It might just be too awkward.”
Stella nodded, accepting Bella’s reluctance without question.
“Alright then, take some time to rest. I’ll drop you off and then find a thoughtful gift for Kyra for tomorrow’s event. She did gift me that lovely set of jewelry; it’s only right I return the gesture.”
Bella acknowledged with a quiet nod.
Once Bella was comfortably settled at home, Stella ventured out to find the perfect gift. During her drive, she reached out to Matthew, but only found herself greeted by a busy signal.
Disappointment tinged her thoughts as she wondered about Matthew’s whereabouts and why he was out of reach.
At the headquarters of Prosperity Group, Matthew was ensconced in his well-appointed, bright office, documents piled around him like miniature skyscrapers.
He was deep in conversation with Lindsay, whose voice bubbled over with joy and gratitude.
“Matthew, I’m absolutely in love with this store. Fernando’s design team has truly outdone themselves. Thank you for orchestrating everything. I’d be utterly lost without your guidance,” Lindsay effused, her words skipping any mention of Stella.
Matthew offered a muted response. “Mm, I’m delighted to hear you’re pleased.”
His gaze drifted to his phone on the desk, catching sight of Stella’s missed call. His heart thumped with a mix of regret and anticipation, his thoughts momentarily adrift.
As he was about to suggest ending the call, Lindsay chimed in again, “Matthew, I’ve got rehab training at the hospital tomorrow. Could you come with me?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Matthew consented. “Okay, I’ll be there.”
He quickly wrapped up the call under the guise of urgent work and immediately returned Stella’s call.