Stella responded graciously, “Sir, there’s really no need to mention it. It wasn’t a significant issue. My husband was actually the one who initiated it, so the fault lies with us.”
Declan looked at her with respect and said, “Your capacity for understanding and wisdom is truly remarkable. It’s unfortunate you married so young. However, your husband is the wealthiest man in Seamarsh, and you both seem to complement each other well. It truly is Sanford’s loss.”
Stella felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing Declan’s words.
Her relationship with Sanford had been improving recently, and she had nearly forgotten that Sanford had once shown an interest in her.
To move past the discomfort, Stella swiftly changed the topic and asked, “Sir, how are you feeling now?”
Declan said, “I’m fine.”
He then extended an invitation to Stella, saying, “If you’re available, I’d like to invite you to lunch as a way of apologizing.”
Considering that Declan had made the effort to come in person, Stella found it difficult to decline. Moreover, it was nearing noon, so she accepted his invitation.
“Alright, sir, thank you for the invitation.”
Together, they left the studio and went to a restaurant Declan had selected beforehand.
Stella half-expected to encounter Sanford at the restaurant due to the previous day’s events, but he was nowhere to be found when they arrived.
Secretly, Stella sighed in relief and felt more at ease.
Once they had ordered, Declan casually asked about Stella’s family.
Without overthinking her response, Stella said, “My family background is quite complex; it’s not something I can explain in just a few words.”
Declan showed a keen interest in knowing more and responded, “That’s alright. We have time.”
Stella then shared a brief overview of her past. “I was raised in an orphanage, adopted later on, and only recently reconnected with my long-lost mother and my father’s family.”
As Stella recounted her story, Declan displayed a profound sense of emotion and empathy for her challenging life experiences. “You’ve certainly faced many challenges, but thankfully, things seem to have turned out well for you in the end.”
Just then, the waiter arrived with their dishes, interrupting their conversation. They ate in silence for a while before Declan spoke up again.
“Considering you reconnected with the Lowell family at such a late age, your emotional connection to them might not be very strong yet, would you agree?” Declan asked, his tone casual.
Stella paused for a moment, and then spoke. “My cousin has always been kind to me, as have the elders. Bonds, they grow with time, don’t they?”
Declan offered another compliment, his voice laced with a touch of envy. “It seems you’re truly fortunate to have such a wonderful family.”
Despite his words, a faint ripple of unease stirred within Stella, her instincts alerted by Declan’s pointed interest in her familial connections.
With a gentle tone, she inquired, “Sir, your curiosity about my ties to the Lowells-may I ask why it piques your interest so?”
Declan, ever the smooth talker, waved off her concern with a practiced ease. “Oh, think nothing of it. I merely wondered if you had siblings I might introduce to Sanford. He buries himself in work and risks remaining a bachelor.”