Chapter 1975

With a flicker of unease, she shifted the blame.

“Well, I don’t know.

I was called away by your brother at that time, and only later did I learn what had transpired.

”

Unnoticed, she gave Joann a covert glance, a silent plea to keep her composure.

Then, Lindsay advised, “I understand your distress, Joann, but remember, the keystone of this marriage is Bennett’s stance.

As long as you did nothing wrong, no one can pin this on you.

”

Her implication was clear: denial would shield Joann from blame, and even if she begged for Stella’s forgiveness, it couldn’t change Bennett’s decision.

Fortunately, Joann was quick on the uptake.

Mulling over Lindsay’s words, she realized the wisdom in them.

Most importantly, she didn’t want to be so humble to Stella.

Seizing Molly’s arm, she declared, “That’s enough, Mom.

You might think an apology will free us, but they’re just tightening the noose.

What can we possibly do against such malice? Let’s leave.

We shouldn’t be here fueling someone’s ego.

”

With those parting words, laced with arrogance, Joann pulled Molly toward the exit.

“I didn’t do it.

Believe what you will.

”

After saying those sarcastic words, she left with her mother.

Having successfully dispelled Joann, who posed a constant threat of exposure, Lindsay allowed herself a brief sigh of relief.

Yet, as she returned to the dining table, she sensed the thick air of solemnity that had settled over the room.

Waldo, his face etched with concern, broke the silence.

“What transpired at the engagement party? Why did members of the Crawford family feel compelled to apologize to you?”

Though Waldo and Lucia held unwavering faith in Stella, curiosity drove their inquiry for the truth.

Stella and Matthew, keen not to alarm the elders, downplayed the incident.

“It’s a minor issue; we’ve managed it well,” Stella assured.

However, Waldo’s discerning gaze caught the slight falter in her assurance.

He knew too well that Stella and Matthew w

ere the kind to shield their troubles while parading their triumphs.

Getting little from them, he turned his expectant gaze to Lindsay.

“Lindsay, what do you know?”

Feigning a casual check of Stella’s reaction, Lindsay responded cautiously, “I’m not entirely sure of the details.

I heard Stella was pushed into the water and that Matthew was drugged.

”

By saying that, she completely distanced herself from these matters.

Unsuspecting, Waldo absorbed her words with a growing fury.

“Why were we not informed of such grave occurrences? If the Crawfords hadn’t shown up today, would you have kept this hidden from us?”

Seeing Waldo’s genuine anger, Stella hurried to pacify him.

“We’ve resolved the issues, and both Matthew and I are fine now.

”

Waldo’s anger was not directed at them, but at the Crawfords’ audacity.

With decades in the business world under his belt, he understood the implications of their hasty apologies.

Clearly, they were deeply involved in the incidents, or why else would they rush to admit their faults?

Lucia also felt a surge of indignation.

“I was too polite to them just now.

Had I known about this, I would have thrown them out on the spot!”

Stella quickly soothed her, “Please, don’t be upset.

I’m okay now.

Besides, I didn’t let them take advantage of me.

It’s okay.

”

Matthew, recalling Molly and Joann’s demeanor, clenched his jaw, his expression darkening.