Sanford was caught off guard, utterly unprepared for Declan’s directness about his emotions. However, though caught off guard, he masked his emotions and replied, “I’m only concerned this could derail my plans.”
He tried to dismiss the accusation, but Declan’s skeptical expression showed he wasn’t convinced.
Declan leaned back and said, “Since you arrived in Seamarsh, all I’ve seen is you prioritizing Stella over the mission.”
His words carried a hint of reproach.
Sanford remained quiet, suppressing his thoughts, determined not to let Declan discern his feelings.
Declan continued, “With Stella in this condition, you should use this opportunity to your advantage. Stop wasting time questioning me. The process doesn’t matter-only the outcome.”
From this exchange, Sanford concluded that Declan had no hand in Stella’s predicament. Yet, he also recognized that his impatience had betrayed more than he intended. 1
Frustration simmered within him. He knew he needed to be more guarded especially with someone as shrewd as Declan.
As Sanford wrestled with his thoughts, Declan stood, placed a firm hand on his shoulder, and remarked coldly, “Sanford, remember your objective. Stella is only alive because she’s useful. Anyone without value won’t stay that way for Long.”
His voice was chillingly final.
Sanford felt a jolt of shock at the harshness of Declan’s words.
As Declan began to leave, Sanford called after him. “Does the map even exist? I studied under Stella’s father for years and never saw him meet anyone significant. He died when Stella was still a child-how could she know anything? Maybe we’ve been chasing shadows all along.”
Declan’s temper flared. Snatching a plate from the table, he hurled it at Sanford.
Sanford didn’t dodge, and the plate hit his chest.
“If you fail to uncover anything, don’t think I won’t deal with Stella myself!” Declan snapped, his voice icy. His glare was as sharp as a blade.
Sanford left the tense meeting, his face dark with thought.
Walking to his car, he tried to unravel the mystery of who had targeted Stella. The more he considered it, the more tangled the situation seemed.
Settling into the driver’s seat, he leaned back, eyes narrowing in concentration.
After some deliberation, he decided to enlist Dexter’s help. Dialing Dexter’s number, Sanford spoke with firm resolve. “Dexter, something’s happened to Stella. I need you to dig into it immediately.”
After ending the call, Sanford was visibly torn. His thoughts swirled, intensifying into a throbbing headache. The sting in his chest seemed trivial as his concern for Stella took center stage.
The incident had sent shockwaves through Stella’s circles. Kyra, Byron, Waldo, Lucia, Bella, and Alissa hurried over, their faces etched with worry.
Seeing their profound concern, Stella was touched yet felt a pang of guilt.
Lucia, spotting Matthew, wasted no time. “Matthew, you’ve become a stranger since your memory loss. Stella’s trouble partly lies on your shoulders.”
Matthew remained silent, absorbing Lucia’s sharp words without a word.