Chapter 1586

“The esteemed designer is so occupied that she didn’t even notice me returning,” Matthew teased, gently taking the laptop from her grasp.

“Take a break.

”

As he prepared to set the laptop aside, he glanced at the screen and noticed that Stella had been browsing an online store and even placed some orders.

Knowing Stella’s discerning taste as a designer, Matthew found her interest in this particular store intriguing.

Yet, upon further inspection, a faint frown creased his brow.

Turning to Stella, he inquired, “Since when have you taken an interest in such a small-scale online store? Are you studying your competitors?”

Stella shook her head and clarified, “This is Devyn’s store.

”

Devyn?

It took Matthew a moment to recall who Stella was referring to.

Setting the laptop aside, he pondered, “Hasn’t she been gone from my company for quite some time now? Have you kept in touch with her?”

“I haven’t been in contact with her for a while, but she reached out to me today,” Stella explained, her concern evident in her voice.

She sighed and continued, “She seems to be going through a tough time lately.

Can you offer her some assistance?”

Matthew paused for a moment before nodding.

“If you admire her designs, then I’ll do what I can to help her.

”

Stella’s face lit up with joy as she approached Matthew and planted a ki*s on his cheek.

“Thank you, honey!”

Feeling the warmth of her ki*s, Matthew’s expression softened, a tender smile playing on his lips.

He leaned in to reciprocate, but Stella gently pushed him back.

“Off you go, take a shower.

You still have work to do afterwards.

”

Matthew glanced at Stella with helplessness.

Understanding her concerns about Bella, he sighed and said, “Fine, I’ll do as you say this time.

”

Stella’s cheeks flushed at his words.

“Go on, take your shower.

”

Without further ado, Matthew turned and headed for the bathroom.

As Stella watched him leave, thoughts of Bella flooded her mind again.

If Bella were her mother, she would be overjoyed.

Lost in her thoughts, Stella reached for a chocolate bar, taking a bite as inspiration struck.

She lowered her head and resumed her drawing.

Meanwhile, in Dorburn, Bella found herself struggling with her design, lacking the inspiration needed to continue.

Frustrated, she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes in an attempt to clear her mind.

However, her thoughts drifted to Kristian’s warning about Matthew, causing her to snap her eyes open, her expression grave.

If Kristian’s words held any truth, Matthew could pose a real danger.