Their expressions were somber as they contemplated the murky circumstances surrounding Robin’s death.
Neville was the first to break the silence, his gaze intense. “Should we consider a handwriting analysis? I have serious doubts about the authenticity of Katelyn’s suicide note.”
Matthew’s brow creased in thought, and after a moment, he responded, “That might be tricky without any of Katelyn’s known samples for comparison.”
A spark then seemed to ignite in his thoughts, his eyes briefly brightening. “Though, there’s a chance Kari might have left some writings back at the Clark family residence.”
Matthew whirled around to face Fernando with urgency in his voice.
“Fernando, make your way to the Clark family home and speak to the butler. We need to get our hands on anything handwritten by Katelyn.”
With a sharp nod, Fernando sped off to execute the task.
No sooner had Matthew delivered his instructions than his phone vibrated with an incoming call from Lucia.
He picked up, and Lucia’s voice, laced with worry, spilled out immediately. “Matthew, I’ve just seen the latest police report. Please tell me it’s true-Stella’s name has been cleared?”
He assured her calmly, “Yes, it’s true. Stella has been exonerated.”
Lucia, still unconvinced, pressed on. “I just can’t see Katelyn being involved in such a grim affair. She was too gentle, hardly the type to swat a fly, let alone step into the kitchen. How could she possibly… Her voice faded, uncertainty hanging in the air, before she regained her composure. “Matthew, there’s got to be something you’re not telling me. What’s really going on?”
He hesitated, and then chose his words carefully. “There’s something you should know. Robin did horrific things to Katelyn. Hearing this, Lucia’s anger surged. “That fiend! To think that I sent Katelyn to work with Lindsay, not knowing the dangers she faced from Robin! And Lindsay-how could she just stand by?”
Matthew Listened in silence as Lucia unleashed her fury.
As her anger ebbed, Lucia’s tone grew weary. “Please, Matthew, make sure Katelyn’s funeral is handled with care. I’ll leave the Wheeler family to your judgment. You know how to handle these matters.”
Matthew replied softly, “Of course, don’t worry about a thing.”
Lucia’s thoughts then turned to Stella. “Poor Stella must be overwhelmed by all this. How is she holding up? I’m thinking of visiting her to offer some comfort.”
Matthew, caught off guard and keen to keep Stella’s location a secret, responded quickly, “Actually, there’s no need to visit right now. I’ve arranged for Stella and her friend to spend a few days at a resort. They’ll be back soon, and I’ll make sure Stella visits you afterward.”
Lucia responded to Matthew’s reassurance with relief in her voice.
“That’s wonderful. A getaway will certainly lift Stella’s spirits. The most important thing is that both you and Stella are alright. There’s no need for you to come by just for my sake.”
Matthew let out a sigh of relief as he hung up the phone, glad to have alleviated Lucia’s concerns.
Neville, who had been watching the exchange with a raised eyebrow.
Quizzed Matthew. “Why did you fib to your grandmother? Have things been tense between you and Stella again?”
Realizing his assumption might be off, Neville quickly corrected himself. “Wait, that doesn’t add up. Miley visited Stella last night. Weren’t they at Prosper Bay?”
Matthew perked up at the mention of Miley. “Stella was with Miley last night?”