However, as soon as the flight smoothed out, Stella bolted for the restroom.
Behind the locked door, she battled a relentless bout of vomiting that didn’t stop until she felt utterly empty.
Drained, she leaned heavily against the wall, gathering her strength to shuffle back to her seat.
Seeing her struggle back, Sanford quickly got a flight attendant’s attention and asked for a glass of water, offering it to Stella with a gentle, “Here, try some water.”
Bella chimed in, her voice laced with concern, “Why don’t we swing by a hospital in Dorburn, just to play it safe?”
Stella managed a weak shake of her head. “Really, it’s just a stomach bug. Nothing to fuss over.”
Bella nodded, relieved to see Stella’s color slowly returning.
Throughout the flight, Sanford’s mind seemed elsewhere, visibly tense about what awaited them in Dorburn.
Once they landed, Dorburn welcomed them with its unique allure.
The streets were a tapestry of architectural styles—from stately, intricately designed towers to charming, small-scale homes. The vibrant chatter of locals in colorful attire added a lively buzz to the atmosphere, enriching the air with the scent of exotic spices.
As they exited the airport, a sleek, luxurious car was ready at the curb, arranged by Sanford to whisk them away into the heart of this picturesque city.
As they approached the sleek limousine, Stella couldn’t help but be impressed once again by Sanford’s meticulous planning.
Just then, Bella’s friend arrived to pick them up.
Whitney Loftus, a chic and fashionable woman about Bella‘s age, greeted them with a warm smile.
“I’m really sorry, Mr. Quimby,” Whitney said to Sanford, her tone genuine. “It’s been ages since I’ve caught up with my friend, so we won’t need the limo. Thanks for setting it up though.”
Bella and Stella echoed Whitney’s apologies before joining her, leaving Sanford by the arranged car.
Once they were settled in Whitney’s car, with Whitney in the driver‘s seat, she couldn’t resist her curiosity about Sanford. “So, who is Sanford, exactly? Stella explained as they pulled away, “He’s the design director of Sanz Group. We’ve got some special ties; he’s also a friend.”
Whitney’s brow crinkled slightly. “He seems familiar somehow. Can’t place where I might’ve seen him.”
Stella waved off the puzzlement with a casual guess. “Maybe at some event? Sanz Group’s always throwing fashion shows around the globe. Easy to spot a face and forget the place, you know?”
Whitney let the topic slide without further ado.
Turning back to Stella with a bright smile, Whitney complimented her.
“Stella, you’re truly stunning. I was really looking forward to meeting you. Last time was such a missed chance.”
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving through various topics until they circled back to Kristian.
Whitney’s expression soured with indignation. “I never saw it coming from Kristian; he seemed above such malice. And Elizabeth, whom I’ve watched grow from a toddler? I can’t wrap my head around her scheming to murder her own mother.”