Chapter 1591
When Love Comes Late
Emotion flickered in Devynâs eyes, yet she held back, remembering Elizabethâs warning.
âYour offerâs kind, but one time is all you can manage.
How could you possibly assist every time?â
Her smile didnât reach her eyes.
Stella caught the edge in Devynâs voice and sensed her misstep.
With an uneasy smile, she amended, âUnderstood.
If design troubles ever crop up, just give me a shout.
Iâm here to lend a hand whenever you need it.
â
A nod from Devyn, and her features relaxed.
âAlright, letâs get to it.
â Stella steered away from the tension.
Both dove into the sea of sketches and concepts sprawled before them.
As they worked, Devyn stole glances at Stella, her curiosity piqued.
Feigning nonchalance, Devyn asked, âYouâre covering for Bellaâs assignments too, right?â
A frank nod from Stella.
âYeah, thatâs right.
â
She eyed her bandaged hand.
âIâve got to stick to simple designs for now, then pass them to Matthew for the finishing touches.
â
âMr.
Clark has been a real ally to you,â Devyn remarked.
Stella gave a heavy nod, her gaze drifting to Devynâs screen.
âHowâs your project shaping up?â
Devyn flashed a quick smile.
âIâm nearly there.
â
âWow, youâre speedy!â Stella was impressed.
âThatâs about the only thing Iâve got on you.
Iâd be outpaced in any contest,â Devyn said, dismissing the compliment.
The light in Devynâs eyes dimmed at her own words.
Stella remained silent, catching the shift in mood.
There was a sense of heaviness, unspoken but felt.
Stella knew Devyn as a burst of confidence and zeal, but now there was a hint of retreat in her.
Stellaâs heart went out to her.
She knew the past days had taken their toll on Devyn, but it wasnât her place to pry into private sorrows unshared.
So, Stella gave Devyn a thoughtful look, then turned her gaze away.
Silence hung between them until a knock at the door broke it.
Erin entered with a warm offering.
âMrs.
Clark, Mr.
Clark asked me to bring you these,â she said, presenting two steaming cups of milk.
âThanks so much, Erin.
â Gratitude filled Stellaâs voice.