Chapter 1568
When Love Comes Late
Her eyes darted around until they landed on a motorcycle parked by the roadside, a glimmer of relief washing over her.
As they settled into the cafe, Fernando entered with another man in tow who appeared disheveled and unkempt, resembling a homeless individual.
His eyes were obscured by long, matted hair; his body was caked with mud; and his nails were overgrown.
Trembling with panic, the man awaited instructions.
âProceed,â Fernando commanded.
The homeless man raised his head, scanning the room until his gaze fixated on Haley.
He lunged toward her and shouted, âItâs her! Sheâs the one! She told me to push the door!â
âLet go of me! Stop talking nonsense!â Haley cried out in fear, desperately struggling against the homeless manâs grip.
Despite her efforts, his hold only tightened, his jagged nails digging into her skin, causing her intense pain that rendered her immobile.
Frantically, she pleaded with Stella for assistance.
âStella, please!
Iâm your mother.
You have to believe me! This man is just a stranger!â
Yet, the manâs grip remained firm as he locked eyes with Haley, his expression contorted with rage.
Through gritted teeth, he accused her, âYou hired someone to kill me! You offered me money to do your dirty work! But I took your money and fled the city, sparing my life.
My friend wasnât so lucky.
He died because of me, and now, Iâll have my vengeance!â
Stella watched the unfolding scene in shock, her voice quivering as she questioned, âWhy? Why would you pay a homeless man to hurt me? Am I not your daughter?â
âNonsense! Heâs making things up!â Haley blurted, her voice laced with desperation.
Tears welled in her eyes as she faced Stellaâs hurt expression and Matthewâs icy glare.
Panic surged through her, but a flicker of hope remained.
She had a trump card-the DNA test.
Taking a deep breath, she pleaded, âStella, believe me.
Iâm your mother.
Weâve been apart for so long, but now weâve finally found each other.
Why would I hurt you? Trust me, I didnât do this.
â
âIt was you!â Just then, the homeless man lunged towards Haley, his hand raised in anger.
Before he could strike, Fernando intervened.
Matthew cast him a glance, and Fernando ordered the bodyguards to escort Haley away.
Haley struggled as two large men seized her arms.
Fernando snorted.
âFine, if you refuse to confess.
Weâll investigate.
But until the truth comes out, youâre leaving Prosper Bay.
Iâll find you somewhere else.
â
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.
âJust stay quiet and wait.
When youâre ready to admit your actions, you can emerge.
But know this, Mr.
Clark has a variety of methods to make you talk.
â
His chilling words sent shivers down Haleyâs spine.
Her gaze darted up to meet his cold stare, then quickly dropped away.
Without a word, Fernando barked an order, and the bodyguards began dragging Haley away.
Fear choked Haley.
She threw a frantic look towards Stella, but the latter was motionless.