“You should head back to Clint. I’ll pick up the food container tomorrow,” he said.
“There’s no need,” she replied. “I’ll take it to the Lowells when I go.”
Sanford nodded, letting her leave without another word.
Sanford walked away, gripping the ointment tube tightly, unsure how to protect Stella.
When Stella returned to the floor where Clint’s ward was, she found Matthew still in the corridor.
She frowned but said nothing, walking past him toward the door.
Just as she reached for the handle, his voice stopped her.
“I’m sorry.”
She paused abruptly, her hand hovering over the handle, emotions swirling.
Matthew looked at her and added, “I was impulsive tonight. It won’t happen again. Rest-I’ll stay here and wake you if anything happens.”
Stella stood silently, her emotions in turmoil.
After a moment, she said, “Matthew, you should go home; the people here are enough. The butler can handle things. You won’t be of much help.”
But Matthew insisted, “Don’t worry about me. Fernando will bring some work later, and I’ll take care of it here.”
He couldn’t leave, not after his impulsive actions earlier.
Stella sighed. “Suit yourself.”
She turned, pushed open the door, and stepped inside. As she leaned against the door, her mind raced.
She wondered if her relationship with Matthew could ever be the same or if their future was already lost.
The butler, hearing the noise, turned around and approached her.
He asked with concern, “What was happening outside?”
Stella didn’t want to worry him, so she forced a calm expression. “It was nothing,” she said.
She quickly changed the subject. “Has my grandpa woken up?”
The butler shook his head. “No.”
Noticing his exhaustion, Stella softened. “You should go get some rest. I’ll stay here and keep watch.”
The butler hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. He knew he needed rest to be able to care for Clint properly.