He watched as she pulled her hand free from his grip and turned to walk away with Sanford. Matthew stood there, frozen, as regret, loss, and helplessness churned inside him.
As the elevator doors closed, Stella and Sanford stood in tense silence.
Breaking the silence, Sanford spoke quietly, his voice calm but sincere.
“It’s not all Matthew’s fault for resorting to fists; I share the blame.”
Stella’s chest tightened with a mix of disappointment and anger toward Matthew. “You don’t have to defend Matthew. Ever since he lost his memory, he’s changed. He no Longer knows how to treat the people around me properly.”
Sanford sighed heavily. “It seems I’ve created another disagreement between you two.”
Stella fell silent, her thoughts a tangled mess.
The silence lingered between them for a while before Sanford said, “You go up and take care of Clint. I can handle this minor injury myself.”
Stella pushed aside her swirling thoughts and refocused on Sanford. “No, you were hurt because of me. I have to make sure your injury is properly taken care of,” she insisted.
When the elevator doors slid open, they stepped out together, and Stella immediately went to a nurse to retrieve an ointment and cotton swabs. In the quiet corridor, she began to gently tend to Sanford’s wound.
The two stood very close, Stella Looking solemn as she carefully cleaned Sanford’s wound.
Sanford watched her, his mind restless. Earlier, Declan had called, insisting Stella come to his place so Declan could hypnotize her and uncover the location of Kori’s treasure map hidden in her memories.
Declan’s methods were always extreme, and Sanford instinctively wanted to protect Stella, not hurt her. But he knew he couldn’t stop Declan’s plan.
Stella’s movements pulled him from his thoughts.
She stepped back, avoiding his gaze. “I have taken care of the wound”
“Take the ointment and apply it tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” he murmured.
As she turned to leave, he called her hesitantly, saying, “Stella, have you seen Declan lately?”
Looking puzzled, she replied, “I saw him a few days ago. We even had lunch. Why?”
Sanford shrugged. “It’s nothing.”
Stella turned around, ready to leave. Sanford stopped her again. “If he invites you over soon, find a way to say no.”
Stella was confused. “Why?”
“Declan’s rules are strict at home, unlike when he’s out,” Sanford explained quickly. “And you might be too busy to handle it all.”
Stella nodded, agreeing without much thought. “Alright, I understand.”