Chapter 1824

As Cordell departed, Stella finally eased her tension.

She clasped Matthew’s hand, a smile gracing her lips as she remarked, “Now, all we need to do is await the results.

You cannot fathom the challenges I faced while retrieving that hair.

”

She pressed her hand to her chest, reflecting on the recent events.

The sensation lingered, akin to surviving a calamity.

Matthew couldn’t suppress his amusement.

“Truly?”

Observing Stella’s soiled attire, he furrowed his brow.

“What occurred?”

Stella cast her gaze downward, admitting, “It was Elizabeth’s doing, unintentionally…”

She recounted to Matthew in intricate detail how she requested Elizabeth to buy coffee and seized Bella’s hair under the guise of offering hairpin.

“Fortunately, my acting skills served me well.

Bella detected nothing awry, but Elizabeth’s behavior was odd, especially post-coffee purchase.

That was when my clothes got stained.

However, her disdain for me is no secret.

Her reaction was unsurprising.

”

Witnessing her elation, Matthew offered a faint smile.

“Excellent.

We await the results.

”

Stella expressed eagerly, “I’ve waited for this moment for so long.

A few more days won’t matter.

If only Bella truly turns out to be my mother.

”

Stella and Matthew engaged in conversation for a while.

Matthew recounted the day’s events involving Rylie and jestingly remarked, “I heard you dropped my name when you dismissed Rylie today.

Rare sight, to use my authority to intimidate others.

How did it feel? Does my name carry weight?”

Stella felt a hint of embarrassment at his words.

She feigned seriousness and countered, “Am I not entitled to lean on your influence? Or do you prefer others invoking your name?”

Matthew enveloped her in his embrace, affirming, “No one but you has that privilege.

I’m yours.

You can do whatever you want.

Henceforth, when you step out, make it known that Matthew is your husband.

”

His tone, smooth and alluring, held a captivating allure.

At his words, Stella’s cheeks flushed even darker.

Matthew playfully pinched her cheek and remarked, “It’s been a while, yet you still blush at my words.

I wonder, if I were to do something else, would your blush deepen further?”

Stella shot him a defiant glare.

“Who said I’m shy?”

Matthew’s smile widened.

“You’re not the shy one here.

That blush wasn’t yours.

”

Stella’s embarrassment shifted to irritation.

“Enough!”

She playfully punched his chest, to which Matthew responded with laughter.

After a brief moment of playfulness, Stella’s expression grew serious.

“I still find it odd.

Did you notice Bella’s demeanor yesterday? She seemed agitated and almost hostile toward me, but today she’s back to normal.

What’s going on?”

After pondering for a moment, Matthew proposed, “Perhaps the misunderstanding has been rectified, leading her to realize her misinterpretation and subsequently alter her demeanor.

”

Reflecting on Bella’s recent behavior, Stella experienced an odd sensation, yet she struggled to conceive of any alternative explanation aside from Matthew’s proposition.