Chapter 1651:

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From the kitchen, Erin noticed the quiet return and cautiously peeked out. Spotting only Stella, she asked tentatively, “Would you like something to eat?”

Stella responded faintly, “I’ll freshen up first.”

With that, she headed upstairs.

At breakfast, Stella barely touched her food, pushing it aside after a few bites before heading directly to the studio. Not long after she arrived, Dexter entered to give her an update.

Dexter said, “Mrs. Clark, our investigation has confirmed that the deceased was Hiram Duffy. He has a younger brother and a seriously ill mother back in his hometown. A week after the chandelier incident, a large sum of money was deposited into his brother’s account. Additionally, someone mentioned that before his death, Hiram kept boasting about striking it rich. He even claimed that once he closed the big deal, he’d introduce them to Robin.”

After finishing, Dexter looked directly at Stella and asked, “How do you plan to handle this matter?”

Stella pondered for a moment before handing over the voice recorder Emery had given her. “Take this, along with the evidence you’ve collected, to the police. Let them handle it according to protocol.”

Dexter accepted the recorder and nodded. “Understood.” With that, he left.

Stella sank into her chair, rubbing her temples, her thoughts spiraling. If Lindsay was behind this, Stella had to admit the woman’s cunning. Involving Robin proved just how calculating she could be.

Her musings were interrupted by a knock on the door. Doreen stepped in.

Assuming it was work-related, Stella asked, “What’s the matter? Is there an issue with the orders?”

Doreen smiled warmly. “No, everything is running smoothly.”

Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she added, “By the way, Stella, I just saw an incredibly handsome man leaving the studio. Who is he?”

Stella glanced at Doreen’s eager expression, already suspecting where this was headed. However, she wasn’t in the mood for teasing.

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“He’s someone Bennett sent to assist with the investigation,” she replied flatly.

A spark of excitement lit up Doreen’s eyes. Tentatively, she asked, “So… do you think I could get to know him?”

Stella typically avoided meddling in her employees’ personal lives. However, she had a soft spot for Doreen and genuinely wished her happiness.

After a brief pause, Stella responded thoughtfully, “I don’t know Dexter very well, but from what I’ve seen, he seems capable and responsible. If you’re interested, feel free to give it a try—just make sure it doesn’t affect your work.”

Doreen’s face lit up, radiant with joy, like a child receiving a long-awaited gift. “Don’t worry, Stella! I promise it won’t interfere with my job. Thank you!” she exclaimed, practically skipping out of the room, her excitement contagious.

Stella watched her leave, a faint smile tugging at her lips. But as soon as the door closed, her thoughts began to wander.

Her mind drifted to her relationship with Matthew. Their story had felt unconventional—skipping over the usual stages of a relationship and diving straight into marriage. Everything had unfolded so effortlessly, so naturally, without the typical buildup.

Perhaps that was why, after the accident and his amnesia, Matthew had forgotten about their relationship so easily.

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