Betsey, stung by Lindsay’s words, immediately shot back. “Lindsay, don’t be deceived by Stella. I saw her and Sanford practically glued together! If they’re bold enough to act like that in public, who knows what they’re doing in private…”
Before she could say more, Matthew slammed a hand down on the table and roared, “Enough!“
The sharpness of his tone silenced the room. He stood abruptly, his eyes blazing as he fixed Betsey with a glare so fierce that she instinctively shrank back. Her defiance crumbled, and she lowered her head, too afraid to speak further.
Taking a deep breath, Matthew forced himself to rein in his temper. He turned to Lindsay and said curtly, “Get some rest. I’ll take you to the hospital for rehab tomorrow.”
Without another word, he strode toward the door.
Lindsay quickly followed him, her tone soft and soothing. “Matthew, please don’t argue with Stella. I truly believe there’s nothing between her and Sanford. Betsey must have misunderstood.”
She hesitated for a moment, and then added, “Betsey’s been acting out because of my leg situation. Her temper’s only gotten worse, and that’s probably why she’s targeting Stella. It’s my fault for not managing things better.”
Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
She looked so aggrieved, so fragile, that anyone watching would have felt an urge to console her.
Matthew glanced at Lindsay with calm eyes. “It’s not your fault. I’ll make sure Stella gets your message. You go back inside.”
With that, he strode away.
Lindsay watched him walk away, her pained expression shifting into a subtle smile.
She knew she’d nailed it. Matthew’s suspicion and anger toward Stella were growing, driving an even deeper wedge between them.
Matthew returned to his car, frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Pulling out his phone to call Stella, he noticed a message from her that had come in ten minutes ago.
He called her, trying to stay composed. “What hospital is Clint at?”
“Seamarsh Hospital,” Stella said.
After a brief pause, she said, “If you’re swamped with work, don’t worry about rushing. I’ll be staying overnight at the hospital and won’t be coming back tonight. I’ve told Lucia, so I’ll be missing tomorrow’s family party.”
“I’m heading to the hospital now,” Matthew said in a cold tone and hung up.
Stella listened to the dial tone, confused, feeling that Matthew was upset. She scowled, confused about what had gone wrong.
Clint had woken up just five minutes ago but then drifted back to sleep.
After examining him, the doctor reassured her that there was nothing to worry about.
Stella gently wetted his Lips with a damp cotton swab. She told the butler to go home and rest, reassuring him that she could handle the night on her own.
The butler declined firmly, his voice tinged with guilt. “I can’t. I have to stay and look after Mr. Anderson. It’s all my fault. If I had been there, Mr. Anderson wouldn’t have fallen.”