Sanford seized the opportunity to say, “Well, there are also some tabloid articles about you online.”
Stella didn’t need further explanation to know that he was referring to the matters involving Lindsay. She didn’t want to delve into it, so she brushed it off and said, “You shouldn’t pay attention to rumors. They’re just baseless stories and will die down eventually.”
Sanford fixed his gaze on Stella and said earnestly, “Stella, ignoring the situation won’t make it disappear. The media is already stirring up rumors about your relationship with Matthew. Any hint of tension between you and him will only fuel their suspicions. I also heard Matthew will help Lindsay through her treatment. That puts you at a disadvantage. You’re remarkable and deserve so much more.”
Stella responded firmly, “And what does ‘so much more’ even mean?”
“Leaving Matthew? If I divorce him now, wouldn’t that just confirm what the media is speculating? Matthew and I are husband and wife. He only behaves this way because he’s lost his memories. When they return, if he still wants to separate, I’ll respect that choice.”
“Until then, I won’t walk away so easily.”
Sanford, clearly unsettled, said, “You don’t have to wait for things to happen to you, Stella. You can take charge and shape your own future.”
Before Stella could reply, her phone buzzed. Doreen’s name appeared on the screen.
She answered, and Doreen’s urgent voice filled the line. “Something terrible has happened!”
Stella’s expression darkened as she listened to Doreen’s report over the phone. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed her car keys and headed out without a word.
Sanford followed quickly, asking, “What’s wrong? Where are you going? Let me drive you.”
Stella, moving swiftly, called back, “The new warehouse is on fire. Let’s go there and help!”
At the edge of the city, thick black smoke blanketed the horizon.
Flames had engulfed the massive warehouse, threatening to devour everything within.
When Stella arrived, the scene was chaotic. Doreen and a small group of workers were scrambling to move materials out of danger.
Panic surged through Stella. She leaped from Sanford’s car before it fully came to a stop, and ran toward the blaze without hesitation.
“Stella, stop!” Doreen cried out after her.
She tried to block Stella’s path, but it was too late. The fire inside the warehouse was already roaring since that was where it had started. Only items near the entrance could be salvaged safely, and even that was risky.
Ignoring the warnings, Stella charged toward the deeper sections of the building, where the most valuable fabrics for their new fashion collection were stored. Losing those would be disastrous.
Outside, Doreen paced nervously, watching the flames climb higher.
She wanted to follow Stella but couldn’t get past the intense heat.
ALL she could do was shout Stella’s name in desperation.
Sanford ran over and froze at the sight of Stella’s daring.