Chapter 1667:

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Stella chuckled and responded, “It’s after hours. I prefer not to intrude on my employees’ free time.”

Even as she said this, a hint of curiosity lingered in Stella’s mind. Why was Dexter here? Was Bennett with him too?

Carly, who had quickly caught the name of the man, leaned in with interest and asked, “Who’s this Dexter? Doreen, are you hiding a secret boyfriend from us?” Alissa, clearly intrigued, leaned forward and asked with the curiosity of an investigator, “So, Doreen, who exactly is this Dexter? What’s his job? And what’s his family like?” Alissa couldn’t help but think about Doreen’s complicated family background. Knowing her father wasn’t the best influence, she worried that Doreen might be getting involved with the wrong person.

Doreen, caught off guard by their barrage of questions, fumbled her words. “He… he’s just someone Stella asked to help out. Nothing is going on between us.”

Doreen’s words didn’t seem to convince anyone, so she glanced over at Stella, silently asking for support.

Stella, catching the hint, said, “Things at the studio have been hectic lately, and Doreen couldn’t manage everything on her own. So, I asked Bennett to send someone to help out with a few tasks. That’s where Dexter comes in.”

Alissa nodded thoughtfully, replying, “Ah, I get it now. As long as he’s someone we know, it’s fine. Doreen, you’re at an age where dating is normal. If he’s a good guy, you might want to think about it.”

Doreen’s cheeks deepened in color, and in a shy voice, she murmured, “Seriously, nothing is happening. Can you stop teasing me?”

Trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, she grabbed the menu and suggested, “How about we order some food? I’m starving.”

Dexter slipped into another dimly lit private dining room at that moment.

There, Sanford was seated opposite his grandfather.

The elder, Declan, presented a picture of austerity, his meticulously styled gray hair narrating tales of the past. His deep-set eyes, imposing and authoritative, demanded immediate respect.

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Stepping closer, Dexter leaned in and whispered cautiously, “Mr. Quimby, Stella has arrived as well.” A shadow flickered across Sanford’s face as he murmured softly, “Did she cross your path?”

“No, I just had a word with Doreen downstairs, and she brought up Stella,” Dexter explained quietly.

After a moment’s reflection, Sanford directed, “You’d better leave now. It’s crucial Stella doesn’t spot you here.” Acknowledging with a nod, Dexter exited the room with discreet steps.

As the door gently clicked shut, Declan, who had been dining, paused, his utensils resting on the table as surprise flickered through his eyes. “Stella? Is Kori’s daughter here as well?”

Sanford’s expression remained unreadable, though a slight twitch of his brow betrayed his concern. He faced Declan, his voice steady. “Grandpa, what brought you away from Lyllmann so suddenly?”

Gazing back with a mix of amusement and cunning, Declan’s smile widened. His eyes, gleaming with a mischievous spark, revealed his tactical acumen. “Sanford, you’re not fooling anyone. You’re dodging the issue.”

Sanford kept his composure, his voice even. “I’m not avoiding anything, Grandpa. You have pressing responsibilities back in Lyllmann, and it’s been years since you left. Seamarsh is riddled with uncertainties and lurking dangers. I’ve made arrangements for your safe return tonight.”

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