Chapter 1668:

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Declan’s grin took on a fox-like cunning, a playful light dancing in his eyes. He teased out his words slowly. “Sanford, seeing you this flustered is a rarity. What’s troubling you? Are you afraid I’ll meddle with Stella?”

Sanford’s eyes narrowed, his tone sharpening as he responded, “My concern isn’t what you might do to her. I’m worried you’ll throw my plans into disarray. Every move is critical, and we cannot afford a single slip-up.”

A chilling glimmer flashed in Declan’s eyes, carrying a stark warning. “I’ve advised you before to expedite your plans. If you’re not up…

… to the task, I’m prepared to step in. However, be warned, it won’t be a scenario you can easily manage.”

Sanford’s expression tightened, his tone firm and unyielding. “Grandpa, I assure you, everything is firmly in my hands. We still have plenty of time before the three-month deadline approaches. You’re acting prematurely. Patience is essential, and impulsive actions could dismantle all we’ve built.”

Declan’s response was a harsh laugh, echoing slightly in the quiet room. His piercing gaze settled on Sanford, probing and incisive. “You seem different, Sanford. You weren’t always this cautious. Is Stella the reason behind this change?”

Quick to dismiss the implication, Sanford answered with deliberate clarity, “No, it has nothing to do with her. My focus is solely on the comprehensive strategy.”

Unswayed, Declan stood up, adjusted his attire with a crisp, practiced motion, and announced his intent, his voice laced with determination. “Since I’ve made the journey here, I shall take it upon myself to meet Stella. I’m eager to understand what makes her so intriguing.”

With a resolved stride, he began to approach the door.

“Grandpa!” The urgency in Sanford’s voice was palpable. He pressed on, desperate to prevent a potential disaster. “You cannot go—meeting her now will jeopardize everything we’ve planned.”

Declan was persistent. He glanced back at Sanford and said, “Don’t worry, I’m just going to take a look. I won’t reveal my identity.”

Then he reminded in a firmer tone, “Don’t forget our three-month agreement. If you fail to complete the task, I can no longer guarantee that Stella will remain safe in Seamarsh.”

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After saying his parting words, he left the room without a backward glance.

Sanford’s expression turned grim. He balled his hands into fists as waves of emotions roiled inside him. There was anger at Declan’s rash actions, as well as worry about the potential danger that Stella might face.

Meanwhile, Matthew was about to finish his work when his phone rang. It was Lindsay.

“Matthew,” came her soft, slightly aggrieved voice on the line. “My mom wants to invite you to dinner. I’m sorry, I… I couldn’t refuse her. Can you make time for us?” She made it sound like she was terrified of Betsey and Leona for some reason.

Matthew hesitated for a moment, but eventually agreed. “Alright, send me the address.”

In a private room of a well-known restaurant, Betsey was leaning over the table just as Lindsay hung up.

“So?” she asked eagerly. “Did Matthew agree to come?”

Lindsay nodded. “Yes, he said he’ll be here.”

Robin’s face broke into a smug smile when he heard that. “See? Now, Matthew is willing to move heaven and earth for Lindsay’s sake. Just look at her! After all those years with the Clark family, she’s never had it as good as she does now with her leg issues. Ha! I daresay losing the ability to walk is a small price to pay for a lifetime of wealth and comfort.”

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