Sanford said nothing, simply pushing a document across the table toward Stella and motioning for her to examine its contents.
“Take a look at this, and you’ll understand,” he said.
Stella’s eyes scanned the document, uncovering a grim picture: Doreen’s father, a chronic gambler prone to violence, had racked up millions in debt, mysteriously cleared in recent days. At the same time, her mother had been desperately seeking employment across town.
After digesting the contents, Stella looked up, her brow furrowed. “Are you implying Doreen’s involved?”
Sanford gave a grim nod. “She’s your assistant, Stella. If anyone had the access and opportunity to do something shady, it’s her.”
Stella immediately defended Doreen. “That’s absurd. She wasn’t even near me when everything went down, and I haven’t seen anything suspicious about her. You can’t accuse her just because her family’s situation improved suddenly.”
Sanford sighed deeply. “This isn’t about baseless accusations. Bennett handed me this report after investigating people close to you. Right now, Doreen seems Like the likeliest suspect. I know you trust her, but until we uncover the truth, you need to tread carefully.”
Stella remained quiet, torn between her trust in Doreen and the Logic in Sanford’s words. Though his reasoning made sense, her heart resisted the idea of betrayal.
With a heavy heart, she left the restaurant alongside Sanford.
As they reached the street corner, Sanford hesitated before softly calling her name.
Looking into her eyes, he spoke with quiet sincerity. “Stella, don’t worry. We’ll uncover the truth. Just promise me you’ll stay vigilant and take care of yourself in the meantime.”
His reassurance, though kind, felt like a refrain she had grown tired of hearing. It offered little solace in her storm of uncertainty.
She gave a small, distracted nod. “Thanks, Sanford. I’ll be careful.”
Noticing her weary expression, Sanford felt a twinge of guilt.
For a moment, he hesitated before asking something unexpected. “Stella, do you recall anything about your father?”
Her brows furrowed in confusion. “My father? Not really. Why do you ask?”
Sanford lowered his gaze, his tone tinged with regret. “I just.. I feel I should’ve done more for you. I can’t help but feel responsible.”
The self-reproach in his voice stirred something in Stella. Her heart softened as she looked at him, a quiet warmth replacing her earlier unease. Offering a reassuring smile, she said gently, “None of this was your fault, Sanford. Sometimes things happen beyond anyone’s control. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
After parting ways, Stella returned to the studio.
Doreen was taken aback when she saw Stella and hurried over, her face etched with concern. “Stella, you’re here. How’s everything going with the case?”
Stella’s gaze lingered on Doreen for a moment, making the Latter uneasy.
Doreen asked, her voice tinged with anxiety, “Stella, why are you staring at me like that?”
Snapping out of her thoughts, Stella quickly replied, “It’s nothing.”
She then shifted the conversation. “By the way, how have the studio’s orders been Lately?”