Chapter 1978

They ended the call after concluding their conversation.

Matthew overheard their conversation.

As soon as Stella ended the call, he inquired eagerly, “Are you heading to Dorburn?”

Stella nodded in confirmation.

Matthew declared, “Count me in.

”

Stella responded with a hint of surprise, “You too?”

Concerned about the looming piles of work awaiting him at Prosperity Group, she cautioned, “You still have responsibilities at the company.

Can you afford to leave? Don’t push yourself too hard.

”

Matthew smiled and reassured her, “I can make time.

Plus, the film and television project I’m collaborating on with Kristian still has scenes to shoot in Dorburn.

It’s essential I visit to oversee everything firsthand.

”

Stella understood that this was merely an excuse, wondering why the CEO of a company needed to concern himself with scenes being shot for a film and television project.

But she chose not to press the issue further.

Instead, she linked arms with a smile and gratefully said, “Thank you for coming with us.

”

Matthew smiled faintly, gently embraced her, and planted a tender ki*s on her forehead.

Over the next three days, tranquility reigned.

The Crawford family kept a low profile, steering clear of any trouble, while Lindsay remained conspicuously absent.

Stella savored the tranquility, relishing the peace and quiet.

One evening, as Stella wrapped up work, Bella’s call came through.

Bella’s voice held a hint of urgency.

“Stella, where are you at the moment?”

Stella was taken aback.

Bella, usually composed and level-headed, sounding flustered was unusual.

Whatever had rattled her w

as Likely significant.

Her expression turned serious as she asked with concern, “What’s the matter?”

Bella simply suggested, “Let’s meet up.

It’s hard to explain over the phone.

”

Hearing the tremor in Bella’s voice, Stella reassured her swiftly, “I’ll come over right away.

Don’t worry.

”

After reassuring Bella, Stella hurried to the agreed-upon meeting spot.

The two met in a private room of a coffee shop.

As Stella pushed the door open, she found Bella seated anxiously, fidgeting in her chair.

Stella wasted no time.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

Once the waiter had left their private room, Bella retrieved her phone and handed it to Stella.

“Take a look at this first,” she urged.

The screen displayed a photograph.