Chapter 1848

Bella absorbed this in silence, torn between disbelief and the unsettling patterns in Elizabeth’s recent behavior.

Could Elizabeth really be involved?

Seeing her hesitation, Matthew said, “If you’re unsure, maybe try sounding her out first.

I get where you’re coming from.

I hope I’m wrong about who’s to blame here.

”

Bella appreciated that Matthew was looking out for her.

She knew she shouldn’t let her emotions get the better of her.

After a moment’s reflection, she nodded and thanked him.

“I appreciate you arranging a doctor for me today.

I’ll keep a closer eye on things.

”

There were many aspects outsiders couldn’t assist with.

Ultimately, this was something she had to handle herself.

Matthew made his point and left it at that.

He dropped off Bella at her place and then went home with Stella.

On the way, Stella couldn’t contain her confusion.

“Could it really have been Elizabeth who did this? Bella is her own mother.

How could she?”

In Stella’s view, the idea that a daughter could so cruelly manipulate her mother was unfathomable.

Matthew responded evenly, “Not everyone holds familial ties in high regard, especially someone like Elizabeth.

Haven’t you already understood what she’s capable of doing?”

Stella looked down, acknowledging his point.

Matthew focused on the road ahead and replied, “If it really was Elizabeth, then it’s up to Bella to decide her next steps.

”

Stella exhaled deeply.

“I just hope we’re being overly cautious and that Elizabeth hasn’t really lost it.

”

As Bella returned to her place, she spotted Elizabeth engaged in a phone call in the living room.

Upon noticing her presence, Elizabeth abruptly ended the call and rushed over, her expression a mix of concern and anxiety.

“Mom, where have you been? Why didn’t you tell me you were going out? I was so worried! I even asked Andrew to help me find you,” Elizabeth exclaimed, her worry palpable.

Bella looked at Elizabeth with conflicted emotions.

While her daughter’s concern appeared genuine, Bella couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Elizabeth had never shown such overt concern for her whereabouts before.

Despite her doubts, Bella couldn’t dismiss the fact that Elizabeth had grown up before her eyes.

Yet, Matthew’s suspicions lingered in her mind.

Lost in her thoughts, she stared at Elizabeth, who began to feel uneasy.

“Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

Bella snapped out of her reverie and shook her head.

Elizabeth persisted, “Where were you today? I’ve told you to rest at home since you’re not feeling well.

”

Elizabeth couldn’t shake the suspicion that Bella had secretly gone to see Stella again.

Otherwise, why would she be acting so secretive?

Bella chose not to disclose the truth to Elizabeth, simply replying, “Oh, I didn’t go anywhere important.

I felt fine today, so I just went out for a walk.

”