Chapter 2063
When Love Comes Late
Fernando looked to Matthew, awaiting his decision.
âMr.
Clark, how shall we proceed?â
Despite her special connection to the Clark family, the responsibility for the incident clearly rested on Lindsay.
Fernando waited silently, his lips pressed tightly together.
Lucia, though she treated Lindsay like a granddaughter, was uncompromising in her principles.
She confronted Lindsay directly.
âWhat were you thinking? If Stella really had been pregnant, what then?â
Her voice trailed off, leaving the implication hanging heavy in the air.
Lindsay, feigning shock and innocence, quickly responded, âGrandma, I really didnât know.
It was just a gentle shake.
I didnât realize it would cause such a problem.
â
She tried to maintain her innocent facade.
But before she could elaborate further, Stella, overcome with emotion and frustration at Lindsayâs cavalier attitude, slapped her.
As the shock of the slap reverberated through the corridor, Lindsayâs face registered sheer disbelief.
She couldnât fathom that Stella, typically reserved and diplomatic, would confront her so publicly.
Stella, her voice steady and imbued with a cold resolve, addressed Lindsay.
âIâve known about your disdain for me for a long time, but out of respect for Lucia, Iâve kept my distance.
Yet, you continue to provoke me.
â
Lindsay tried to mask her growing resentment with an innocent tone.
âStella, what are you talking about? I really donât understand.
â
But Stella was unmoved, her gaze piercing as she continued, âAt the Lowell familyâs party, I had my suspicions about you, and now youâve made your intentions clear in front of everyone.
â
Feeling cornered, Lindsay scrambled to deflect the blame.
âStella, youâre misunderstanding something.
I had nothing to do with what happened before.
And today⦠it was an accident, truly.
You have to believe meâ¦â
âStop playing the innocent!â Stella cut her off sharply.
âYou werenât so naive at the Lowell familyâs party.
If you dislike me, we donât have to interact, but today, you went too far.
You tried to harm me, even though at the time you knew I was pregnant.
What have I ever done to you to deserve this?â
Resolved, Stella stood firm, her decision clear in her eyes and posture, ready to end the facade once and for all in front of Lucia and Waldo.
âStella, I really donât know what you are talking about.
â Lindsayâs denial came rapidly, her voice fraught with desperation as she gripped Luciaâs hand.
âGrandma, please believe me.
Iâm not capable of cruelty.
Iâve never even hurt a fly as a child.
How could I possibly hurt another person?â
Her tears gave her the appearance of being deeply wronged.
Luciaâs face was a portrait of turmoil.
Having raised Lindsay, the sight of her crying tugged at her heartstrings, stirring feelings of compassion.
Stella remained steadfast, unaffected by Lindsayâs emotional plea.
âThe surveillance footage is clear about what happened.
How can you deny it?â she challenged, her tone unwavering.