Chapter 2196

Taking the hint, Robin closed his mouth, his discomfort obvious.

Sanford paid no mind to Robin or Lindsay, his eyes locked on Matthew.

With a taunting smile, he said provocatively, “It’s awfully late, Mr.

Clark.

What brings you here at this hour?”

Matthew, clearly agitated by Sanford’s presence, replied with a frosty tone, “I’ve come to pick up Stella.

”

Sanford smirked and challenged him, saying, “I suppose you were with this woman when Stella needed you.

It’s late now.

Seems a bit tardy to start worrying about your wife, doesn’t it?”

Matthew’s expression remained cold and unyielding.

“Stay out of it.

I need to see Stella.

”

Defiant, Sanford pressed, “What if I refuse?”

The air thickened with tension as they stared each other down, their icy glares clashing like flint and steel, each man bristling with the intent to overpower the other.

Meanwhile, Stella was inside a bedroom, tossing and turning in her sleep.

Disturbed by the muffled voices, she rose to investigate.

Slipping into a coat, she approached the doorway.

As she drew closer to Sanford, she began to inquire, “What’s going.

.

”

However, the sight of Matthew rendered her speechless.

Staring at him, she was frozen in place, hardly daring to blink for fear he might vanish.

Her heart surged with surprise.

As she opened her mouth to speak again, her eyes clouded over, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.

Stella noticed Lindsay and Robin behind Matthew.

Her expression changed from surprise to resentment upon seeing them.

How dare they confront her after everything that had happened?

Catching Stella’s eye, Lindsay swiftly moved to take charge, beginning her performance.

Her eyes filled with tears as she stammered, “I’m so sorry, Stella… I just learned about what Robin did.

”

Stella’s hands balled into fists.

Wiping her tears, Lindsay added, “I brought Robin here to apologize.

Fortunately, no permanent damage has been done.

”

Stella was all too familiar with Lindsay’s performances, each more insufferable than the last.

She had had enough of tolerating it, enough of playing along.

With a dismissive laugh, Stella cut through the facade.