Stella’s face darkened with fury as her mind raced to unravel who could be behind such a calculated plot to frame her for Robin’s death.
As Stella exited the police station, she was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the uneven ground beneath her feet.
She stumbled, her body pitching forward.
Without hesitation, Matthew reached out and caught her, pulling her firmly into his arms.
Sanford had instinctively moved to help but wasn’t as quick as Matthew.
His hands hovered in the air for a moment before he withdrew them, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face.
Stella, snapping back to reality, became aware of Sanford’s presence.
Flushed with embarrassment, she quickly pulled away from Matthew’s embrace, taking a deep breath to compose herself.
Once steady, she looked at Sanford and asked, “Sanford, what are you doing here?”
Sanford replied, “Doreen called me, saying you were taken away by the police. I was so worried that I came as quickly as I could.”
Ignoring the displeased Look on Matthew’s face, he turned to Stella with concern. “Were you frightened?”
Stella shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of apology. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”
Sanford offered a faint smile. “Bennett isn’t in Seamarsh, but he insisted I get to the bottom of this.”
His words eased some of Stella’s guilt, and she cast him a grateful glance.
Matthew, disliking the interaction between Stella and Sanford, felt his temper flare. Without a second thought, he grabbed Stella’s hand, ready to leave.
His actions, a little rough, irritated Stella.
Already shaken by the day’s events, her main concern was the baby. She shouted, “Matthew, slow down! You’re hurting me!”
Matthew seemed oblivious to her protests and kept pulling her along.
Seeing this, Sanford frowned and stepped forward, blocking Matthew’s path. His tone was firm as he said, “Matthew, didn’t you hear her? You’re hurting her!”
Matthew, his face twisted with anger, barked back, “Get out of the way! Stop interfering!”
Sanford stood his ground, his posture unwavering. “Don’t push too far. Stella needs care right now, not your recklessness.”
The tension between the two was palpable, their confrontation reaching another stalemate.
At that tense moment, Sanford’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw Dexter’s name flashing.
Narrowing his eyes, he wondered why Dexter would call at such a time.