Chapter 1967

he next morning dawned clear and crisp as Bennett made his way to Prosper Bay, his visage marked by a weighty sense of guilt.

Addressing Stella, he said, “The investigation has borne fruit.

I’m here to furnish you both with a thorough briefing.

”

He Locked eyes with Stella, his voice heavy with regret.

“I’m deeply sorry, Mrs.

Clark.

Unfortunately, the surveillance footage from the swimming pool has been compromised.

On the day of the engagement, we had many temporary staff members, which makes it hard to determine who was near the pool.

”

Stella’s expression grew thoughtful.

“It seems whoever did this planned very carefully,” she noted.

Bennett nodded, feeling the weight of the situation.

“And the medicine bottle?” Stella asked.

Bennett’s face darkened.

“We found fingerprints on the bottle that belong only to Joann.

I never thought she would stoop to such deceit.

I’m ready to end our engagement, and I apologize for the distress this has caused.

”

Matthew remained calm, his gaze firm.

“It’s not your fault.

I only need the conclusion of the investigation.

As for the marriage, that’s your choice to make, not mine to discuss.

”

His tone was cold, leaving Bennett at a loss for words.

The room filled with tension.

Noticing Bennett’s discomfort, Stella intervened, pushing the fruit platter across the coffee table toward him.

“Please, Mr.

Lowell, help yourself to some fruit,” she offered kindly.

Bennett muttered a thank you but refrained from partaking.

After a moment of contemplation, he looked up at Matthew and said, “Actually, there’s another matter I wished to discuss with you today.

Our company has a promising project in the pipeline, and I believe a collaboration between our companies would be mutually beneficial.

”

Matthew’s face remained expressionless, his to

ne cool and detached.

“Today, my focus is on family matters.

I’d prefer we leave business discussions for another time.

”

He knew Bennett wasn’t to blame for the events at the engagement party, yet the memory of Stella’s near-drowning and the trap he had narrowly escaped made it impossible for him to show any warmth.

He kept his distance, his demeanor frostily detached.

Recognizing the clear boundary Matthew had drawn, Bennett, ever the astute businessman, opted not to push the matter further.

With a resigned sigh, he acknowledged, saying, “Sorry for the inconsideration.

I won’t press the issue today.

”

Not long after, citing urgent business at the office as his reason, Bennett excused himself, leaving the room charged with a palpable, unresolved tension.

As they watched Bennett depart, Stella and Matthew made their way back inside the house.

Matthew broke the silence, his tone laced with caution.

“Though we’ve been friends with the Lowell family for years, our paths seem to have diverged recently.

Keep your guard up around Bennett from now on.

”

Stella nodded, fully grasping his concerns.

Yet, as they walked, Stella found herself wrestling with a nagging question: why hadn’t she outright rejected Bennett’s presence?

Shortly after Bennett’s departure, Stella’s phone buzzed with a call from Alissa.

“Stella, are you free now? How about bringing Bella over for a meal?”

Stella hesitated before responding, “Let me check with Bella first.

I’ll get back to you.

”