Stella had just stepped into the bustling mall when her phone buzzed to life.
She answered quickly. “Matthew, there’s something you should know. We have a family party tomorrow.”
From the other end, Matthew’s response was prompt and to the point.
“I’m aware. I’ll be taking Lindsay to the hospital and then join you afterward.”
There was a brief pause before Stella murmured a subdued “Okay,” her voice trailing off into silence.
Feeling the shift in her tone, Matthew asked, “Something wrong? Are you not happy with this?”
He added, “I have to talk things over with Ronan about Lindsay’s progress before considering treatment abroad.”
With a faint smile, Stella replied, “It’s nothing, really. Just finding it hard to find the right words. I’m at the mall, hunting for Kyra’s gift.” She ended the call shortly after.
Upon entering a jewelry store, Stella approached a saleswoman with a purposeful stride. “Hello, I need a classy necklace for someone special who’s turning seventy.”
The saleswoman, eager to assist, presented a selection of elegant necklaces. As they perused the options, Sanford appeared unexpectedly.
Catching sight of him, Stella’s eyes widened slightly. “Sanford, what a surprise! What brings you here?”
He flashed a rueful smile, showing his undone cuff. “Just wrapping up some business nearby and needed a new pair. What about you?”
“I’m on a mission to find the perfect gift for Kyra,” Stella explained. “Since you know her better than I do, maybe you could help me choose something she’d love?”
With a nod, Sanford agreed, “Absolutely.”
Guided by the saleswoman, they selected two striking necklaces. After some deliberation, Stella decided to buy both, with plans to surprise Lucia with the second one.
She gestured to Sanford. “Pick out your cufflinks while I handle the checkout.”
A twinge of guilt washed over her as she noticed the fading bruise on Sanford’s face-a harsh reminder of his recent run-in with Matthew.
Sanford accepted her offer, saying, “Since I’ve provided advice for the necklaces, why don’t you pick out a pair of cufflinks for me?”
They made their way to the men’s section, and Stella quickly chose a sophisticated pair of cufflinks. As she reached for her card to pay, a sharp, malicious voice sliced through the air. “Does Matthew know you’re spending the Clark family’s money on a lover?”
Stella and Sanford turned sharply to face Betsey and Leona, who stood there with expressions of scorn.
The duo had been shopping when they caught sight of Stella with a companion, prompting them to barge into the situation.
Stella’s brow furrowed, irritation sparking within her.
With no intention of entertaining their intrusion, she addressed the saleswoman with composed urgency. “Could we expedite the payment, please?”
But Betsey was not about to let the moment pass. She whipped out her phone and captured two photos of Stella and Sanford, her smile oozing satisfaction. “I’ll show these to Matthew. While he’s hard at work, his wife seems to be quite busy shopping with another man.”