Chapter 1965

She viewed them both as irksome.

Massaging her temples, she told Joann, “I need to leave.

I’m not feeling well.

”

Joann, misinterpreting Lindsay’s distress as disappointment from the failed scheme, whispered reassuringly, “I know today was my fault.

I’ll make it right.

”

Acknowledging her, Lindsay quickly said her farewells and rushed off.

Her mind was troubled as she headed to the hospital, determined to discern whether Matthew harbored any suspicions toward her.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Matthew, having just received medication that eased his condition, recalled Stella’s earlier words.

He looked puzzled and inquired, “You mentioned falling into the water at the Lowell’s.

What exactly happened?”

Nikolai observed a change in Stella’s attire and asked with evident concern, “I couldn’t help but notice your absence from the celebration in the banquet hall earlier.

Stella, what happened?”

Stella’s face was etched with gravity as she recounted, “I found myself crossing paths with Bennett in the garden.

We had a brief conversation, and as I walked away, a chilling premonition of being followed overwhelmed me.

Just as I spun around to confront this feeling, I was suddenly thrust forward, losing my balance and tumbling into the cool embrace of the swimming pool.

Hearing my cries, Bennett rushed back and escorted me to change my clothes.

”

With a touch of sarcasm, Nikolai commented, “What was meant to be a grand engagement celebration has been marred by unfortunate incidents, one after another.

It seems even the heavens are discontent, attempting to disrupt Bennett’s union with Joann.

”

Matthew, whose silence spoke volumes, scrutinized Stella with a discerning eye, his expression softening only after confirming she was unharmed.

Breaking the silence, he inquired, “You’ve had limited interaction with Bennett.

What exactly was discussed during your encounter?”

Stella hesitated, her mind wrestling with the complexities of the truth, for the encounter had layers not easily explained.

She gave a casual response.

“It appears he had made a mistake, thinking I might be his relative.

”

Matthew’s brow creased in thought.

Nikolai, with a note of surprise, interjected, “Relatives within the Lowell lineage?” After a brief pause, clarity seemed to strike him, and he added, “I remember now, Bennett had an uncle, a master of the arts, famed for his talents.

Unfortunately, he and his wife, as well as their child, became casualties in the relentless conflicts faced by the Lowell family.

”

Stella’s eyes widened in shock.

“Is such a somber story really part of the Lowell history?”

Nikolai nodded solemnly.

“It was a matter of great public scrutiny in Bysea.

Bennett’s uncle chose a life of seclusion, rarely stepping into the public eye.

Rumor has it he married a designer, and they welcomed a daughter.

Tragically, their peace was shattered when calamity struck, claiming their lives.

”

With a heavy sigh, Nikolai continued, “This episode cast a long shadow over the Lowell family, prompting them to relocate abroad and gradually fade from the public spotlight.

”

As Nikolai spoke, each word seemed to bear the weight of the tragedy years ago, stirring an inexplicable ache in Stella’s heart.

Turning his gaze toward Stella, Nikolai added, “If my memory serves correctly, his uncle’s daughter would be your age now, assuming she’s still among the living.

I suspect Bennett may mistakenly think you were that child.

”

Stella now understood the complexity hidden within Bennett’s gaze whenever their paths crossed.

She sighed, reflecting on the cruel turns of fate.

“Were those responsible for the tragedy ever brought to justice?” she asked.

Nikolai shook his head, the sorrow evident in his eyes.

“The matter was quickly silenced.

Only a select few, along with the Lowell family, know the full extent of what happened, but their anguish is undeniable.

”

Nikolai sighed once again, his thoughts heavy.