Chapter 2085

With a resigned smile, she said, “I wish I could help you, but it’s been so long.

These days, I prefer not to dredge up the past.

I’m focused on enjoying the present.

”

Although she and Bella had acknowledged their relationship, Bella’s memories hadn’t yet returned.

Fearful that revisiting the past might upset Bella again, Stella had decided to keep it buried.

Bennett looked like he wanted to continue, but Stella spoke up first.

“I’m sorry, Mr.

Lowell.

If you need assistance, I could ask my husband to help.

But please, don’t waste your efforts on me.

I’m not the person you’re searching for.

” Her certainty was palpable.

Yet Bennett persisted, “And what if you are?”

His gaze locked on Stella, unwavering.

The message from Sanford was clear: his uncle’s daughter was still alive, having been adopted from an orphanage in Bysea-a history strikingly similar to Stella’s.

Stella even bore a resemblance to his uncle.

Driven by these coincidences, Bennett found it increasingly difficult to let go of these leads, unless incontrovertible proof showed Stella was in no way connected to his uncle.

Stella offered a wry smile.

“The world’s full of uncertainties, isn’t it?”

She harbored a deep skepticism about coincidences and the notion of fate, preferring not to set herself up for disappointment over uncertainties once more.

Bennett sensed Stella’s hesitance and chose to remain silent.

The rest of the meal passed without further conversation, and they both left quietly afterward.

As they were leaving, Bennett finally broke the silence.

“You came by yourself, right? Let me give you a lift home.

”

“No, thanks,” Stella declined, her tone firm.

“My husband will be picking me up later.

”

From her perspective, Bennett’s concern seemed misplaced, Likely because she reminded him of his uncle.

She didn’t want to encourage his misplaced affection, nor did she want him to face repeated disappointments because of her.

Her rejection was clear, so Bennett didn’t press the issue.

“Mr.

Clark hasn’t arrived yet.

I’ll wait with you until he does.

”

Stella was about to decline again but paused, thinking it might seem too intentional.

Reluctantly, she agreed.

Bennett stood by her side, quietly waiting.

After a moment, an idea struck him.

He accidentally collided with Stella, causing his brooch to catch in her hair.

“Quch!” Stella yelped, wincing in pain.

Bennett quickly apologized, “I’m sorry.

Your hair’s caught on my brooch, Hold still.

I’ll get it free.

”

A sharp pain radiated through Stella’s scalp as she remained still, unable to turn her head because of the entanglement.