Chapter 1922

The change in their relationship made her feel embarrassed; she hadn’t been able to call her “Mom” for a long time.

Bella seemed to notice her hesitation and said generously, “Don’t worry.

I’m still adjusting to this new identity myself.

Let’s just let things happen naturally.

”

Seeing that Bella didn’t care about it, Stella was relieved.

In an apartment, Joann Crawford greeted Lindsay at the door, who was arriving to move in.

She welcomed Lindsay warmly, saying, “You’re finally here.

I’ve been waiting for you.

”

With a hint of embarrassment, Lindsay replied, “Thank you for taking me in.

I just returned from abroad and wasn’t sure where else to go.

”

Joann waved dismissively, saying, “Why so formal? Remember when we were kids? You saved me from drowning.

I owe you big time.

This is my chance to repay you.

No need for politeness.

”

“It’s been a long time.

Let’s not dwell on it,” Lindsay said with a smile.

“No way,” Joann insisted, helping Lindsay with her luggage.

Seeing she only had one bag, Joann asked with a touch of dissatisfaction, “Is this all your stuff?”

“I just moved out from my sister-in-law’s place.

I didn’t want to impose with too many belongings in other people’s place,” Lindsay explained.

Joann frowned, thinking Lindsay might have been mistreated, and remarked disapprovingly, “Who is she? Why does she have to interfere?”

“It’s not just about her.

I just didn’t feel comfortable staying there,” Lindsay clarified.

The more Joann dwelled on it, the stronger her conviction grew that Stella was to blame for Lindsay’s troubles.

Defending Lindsay, she remarked, “I’ve heard about your so-called sister-in-law, Matthew’s wife.

She comes from a humble background.

Does she think marrying Matthew will change who she is?”

Turning to Lindsay with a hint of ambiguity, Joann added, “Besides, you’re not related to Matthew by blood.

If you had not gone abroad, you might have been his wife.

”

Alarmed, Lindsay quickly interjected, “Please don’t say that in front of Stella.

It’s not true.

People might get the wrong idea.

”

Joann squeezed Lindsay’s hand sympathetically.

“You’re too gentle and kind-hearted to be mistreated by someone like Stella.

”

Lindsay looked timid.

“She’s been kind to me, taking me in for a few days.

I’m an outsider, not part of the Clark family.

It’s understandable.

”

Changing the subject, Lindsay pulled Joann to sit on the sofa.

“Let’s not dwell on this.

How’s the engagement party planning going?”

With a radiant smile, Joann replied, “I’ve delegated everything to my fiancé.

My only job is to show up on the day.

”

Though Lindsay smiled, inwardly she felt disdain.

Rumors about Joann’s pursuit of Bennett Lowell had already circulated among their circle.

Joann went to great lengths, even traveling abroad, to pursue Bennett.

If the photos of them in bed hadn’t been exposed, he would never have accepted her.

At this moment, Joann’s heart brimmed with sweetness, oblivious to the contempt in Lindsay’s eyes.

Resting her head on Lindsay’s shoulder, she declared, “You’re my closest friend.

You must attend my engagement party.

My brother will be there too, ready to support you against Stella.

”

At the mention of her ignorant playboy brother, Felix Crawford, Lindsay’s disdain for Joann deepened.