Chapter 1815

Her lips parted, poised to offer an explanation, yet the sight of disappointment and revulsion in Bella’s eyes left her speechless, unsure of where to begin.

A throbbing headache plagued Bella.

Remembering Stella’s failure to deliver the dress on time only hardened her expression.

“I have little patience for those who don’t honor their commitments,” she went on indifferently.

Her gaze dropped to the dress Stella held.

“Margery has been hounding me all day, and at such a crucial time, you were unreachable.

You’ve let me down profoundly.

”

Stella opened her mouth to respond, but Bella cut her off sharply, announcing, “You will need to speak with Margery directly from now on.

As of today, I am withdrawing from this project.

”

Bewildered by Bella’s sudden change, Stella couldn’t grasp why she was denied even a moment to explain herself.

Desperate not to sever ties in such a manner, Stella made one last attempt to mend their fraying relationship.

“I’ve been working non-stop since I was informed of the deadline.

I received no prior warning…”

While she spoke, Bella suddenly staggered.

She reached out to steady herself against the wall, barely able to stand.

Stella immediately stopped speaking and moved to assist Bella, but Elizabeth blocked her.

Elizabeth fixed Stella with a fierce glare and snapped, “What more do you want? Are you trying to infuriate my mom to death? If you have any respect left for how kind she’s been to you, grab your ragged clothes and leave!”

After her outburst, Elizabeth shot Stella a scathing look and guided Bella back inside.

As soon as Elizabeth turned away, a sly smile played across her lips.

She hadn’t expected her impromptu scheme to work so well.

Had Bella been as lucid as before, she would never have fallen for such deception.

Elizabeth mused that if she had known the drug was this effective, she would have increased Bella’s dosage sooner.

Stella stood motionless, staring at the closed door.

Her feet felt like lead, and she found it hard to even draw a breath.

Matthew clasped her cold hand gently and suggested, “Let’s head home for now.

”

Stella remained silent, allowing him to guide her away.

In the car, Stella gradually regained her composure and made a composed call to Margery.

She apologized and arranged for the dress to be delivered.

Once that was settled, Stella’s pent-up emotions overwhelmed her.

Sensing her melancholy, Matthew wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering his support for her to lean on.

In a soft tone, he reassured her, “Don’t be downhearted.

Bella was probably just overwhelmed earlier.

That might explain her harsh words.

Plus, she didn’t seem to be in her best health today, which could have soured her mood.

How about we both go and apologize to her in a few days? What do you think?”

Stella shook her head, her voice tinged with resignation.

“I think Bella truly feels let down by me this time.

She might not even want to see me anymore.

”

As she recalled Bella’s disapproving gaze, her heart sank further.

Looking up at Matthew, she confessed, “I didn’t get any notification about the urgency.

Even so, I did everything I could to finish the dress promptly.

I just can’t fathom why she refused to hear me out.

”