He wiped the blood from the side of his mouth, his gaze never wavering from Matthew’s, defiance burning in his eyes.
In the ward, the butler, startled by the commotion, quickly flung the door open.
The sight of Sanford and Matthew facing off, their eyes alight with fury, made his heart skip a beat.
“Mrs. Clark, it appears they’re fighting. Mr. Quimby has blood on his Lip. Should I contact hospital security?” the butler inquired, his voice filled with worry and unease.
Stella’s brow furrowed, her face hardening. “There’s no need.”
Setting down the food container she’d been holding, she quickly Left the ward.
The moment she stepped outside, she saw Matthew preparing to throw another punch. In a low, angry voice, she demanded, “Matthew, haven’t you had enough?”
Sanford, his back to Stella, couldn’t resist giving Matthew a faint, smug smile.
Sanford knew his words had hit their mark, igniting a fire in Matthew and sowing discord between him and Stella.
Stella stepped between them, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of the blood at the corner of Sanford’s mouth. A spark of anger flared within her, sharp and unrelenting.
Turning to Matthew, she demanded, “Are you serious? Sanford is like a brother to me. To you, is he just someone you can strike? Seamarsh may be your territory, but does that give you the right to disrespect my family?” Her voice quivered with a blend of anger and disappointment.
Matthew hurried to explain, his tone softened with regret. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
He realized that his impulsiveness had caused more harm for him.
But Stella wasn’t in the mood to hear his excuses. “I don’t want to hear explanations. You’ve caused enough trouble. Leave now, so people won’t be gossiping tomorrow about the Prosperity Group’s CEO brawling in a hospital. I can’t bear this kind of humiliation.”
Without sparing another glance at Matthew, she turned her attention to Sanford’s wound.
Sanford offered a small smile but winced as the movement tugged at his injury.
“Don’t move,” Stella said firmly.
Matthew stood there, his gaze fixed on Stella as she showed concern for Sanford, jealousy burning hot and uncontrollable within him.
He grabbed Stella’s hand roughly, yanking her away from Sanford. His grip was firm, almost painful, and Stella winced as a sharp ache shot through her wrist.
“Matthew, release me!“ she ordered sharply.
But Matthew didn’t budge, his voice low and forceful. “I am your husband,” he declared.
Stella’s eyes locked onto his, her expression cold and unforgiving.
“You’re truly disgusting right now.”
At Stella’s harsh words, Matthew felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.