Chapter 1713

He turned the question over to Elizabeth.

A shadow crossed Elizabeth’s face.

Clinging to her pride, she grasped Andrew’s arm and introduced him.

“I seemed to have forgotten to introduce him earlier.

This is Andrew Griffin, my boyfriend and also my first love.

”

She emphasized “first love” with a tone of superiority, clearly proud of and flaunting Andrew’s significance.

Stella was indifferent to Elizabeth’s romantic declarations.

After Elizabeth’s prolonged introduction, Stella simply stated, “Congratulations.

I look forward to possibly attending your wedding someday.

”

Elizabeth’s face turned pale.

It felt like her punches had landed on a soft cushion.

She gritted her teeth, clearly unhappy.

Her gaze toward Stella was filled with disgust, almost as if she could ignite Stella with her fury.

Bella sensed the tension might escalate.

Just then, as a group approached, she saw a chance to defuse the situation, suggesting, “Please, go greet the other guests.

We’ll find our way inside.

”

“Alright,” Stella responded quietly.

“Fernando, would you mind escorting Bella and Mr.

Griffin?”

She didn’t mean to ignore Elizabeth; she just didn’t want to face a cold rejection from her.

Fernando took the lead, with Bella clutching Elizabeth’s hand tightly as they followed.

Stella watched them leave, her heart heavy with worry.

Her relationship with Elizabeth was so strained that it seemed beyond repair and likely to worsen.

If Bella truly was her mother, how could Stella maintain peace with Elizabeth without causing Bella discomfort?

Seeing her distress, Matthew quickly understood her dilemma.

He wrapped an arm around her, offering reassurance.

“Don’t worry.

I’m here for you, ready to handle whatever comes our way.

”

Confronted by his determined stare, Stella gathered her courage and nodded.

“Am I interrupting?” A woman’s voice came, playful and teasing.

Stella’s attention snapped back to the familiar voice.

She turned around and saw Flossie, who had a playful expression on her face.

Today, Flossie wore a sleek fishtail dress.

Stella glanced at her and noticed her belly looked a bit fuller than before.

However, Stella didn’t dwell on it and said, “You didn’t come to the party and went to bed early last night, yet you arrived quite Late today.

”

“I had to take care of some things at home, which delayed me.

”

Flossie approached Stella, took her hand, and gave her a thorough once-over before complimenting her, “You look absolutely stunning today.

You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.

Make sure you toss the bouquet my way.

”

She whispered the last sentence into Stella’s ear and winked at her.

Stella nodded, and then asked Flossie, “Did you come here alone? Where’s your boyfriend?”

“He’s got some things to take care of.

He’ll be here shortly.

I’ll introduce him to you once he arrives,” Flossie said.

Then, spotting Edmund entering, she turned to Stella with a hint of intrigue and said, “Before he arrives, there’s someone else I want you to meet.

”

Stella looked puzzled, but before she could ask further, she saw Flossie signaling to Edmund.

She glanced at Matthew, who shook his head to indicate he hadn’t invited Edmund.

Stella’s brow furrowed.

Edmund stopped walking and positioned himself beside Flossie.

In a quiet tone, Flossie introduced him, “This is my biological father, Edmund.

”

Stella, taken aback, exclaimed, “Your father? Why haven’t you mentioned him before?”

“I only found out myself not long ago,” Flossie responded with a grin.

Seeing Flossie’s evident joy, Stella chose not to press further and simply offered her heartfelt congratulations.

Edmund addressed Matthew with a neutral tone.

“Mr.

Clark, it’s a pleasure to meet you.

We will likely have business dealings in the future.

I look forward to your cooperation.

”

Matthew raised an eyebrow.

He didn’t have significant ties with Edmund, and their business interests were distinct.

Edmund’s comment left him perplexed.

Nevertheless, considering Stella’s close relationship with Flossie, Matthew managed a slight nod, keeping his confusion to himself.