Chapter 1676:

🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙 🍙

She knew the evidence she had provided when sending Robin to the police station was incontrovertible. There was no way the police would have released him without solid reasons. Moreover, the Wheeler family’s influence had waned; in Seamarsh, they lacked the clout to secure Robin’s release. It became clear to her: Matthew was fabricating this story.

Yet, her reply was icy, a simple, “I see.”

Matthew sensed the skepticism woven through her two words and pressed further. “You don’t believe me?”

Stella inhaled deeply, an effort to steady her swirling emotions. “Seeing is believing. I saw Robin having dinner with you. That’s the undeniable truth.”

The words were out before she could temper them, and regret washed over her immediately. She had hoped for a meaningful dialogue, not this sharp exchange.

Feeling as though she were a stranger to herself, driven by raw emotions, Stella’s discomfort grew. Matthew’s silence on the other end was telling.

With a mix of frustration and resignation, she clenched her jaw and ended the call. Only then did she notice the tears that had begun to fall—a silent testament to the turmoil within.

The following morning, Stella did her best to steady her nerves and went to work as if nothing had happened. The seed planted by Bella’s suggestion the night before had taken root, and Stella found herself seriously contemplating the idea of opening a brick-and-mortar store to elevate her brand.

Despite this newfound enthusiasm, the shadows of last night’s unsettling events lingered. Stella decided to maintain a cautious distance from Matthew for the time being.

Upon reaching the studio, she wasted no time in scouting for the perfect commercial space nearby. She meandered through the streets, meticulously examining each potential spot and probing into the leasing terms. Yet, all morning, the spaces proved either too cramped or poorly situated. As noon approached, her quest remained fruitless.

Back in the studio, Stella perched hesitantly at her desk. She remembered a promising spot on Frost Avenue, a property under the Prosperity Group’s banner. After a moment of contemplation, she rationalized that it was merely a small commercial space and, considering Fernando’s role as Matthew’s reliable right-hand man, he could likely facilitate the deal. With resolve, she decided to contact Fernando directly.

Simultaneously, at the headquarters of Prosperity Group, Lindsay and Robin were there to finalize the contract.

ɢ𝓪𝓵𝓷𝓸vє𝓵𝓼.co𝓶 for more reading

Fernando greeted them, explaining, “Mr. Clark is swamped with an important meeting today and couldn’t extricate himself, so he sent me to manage things. I trust this won’t be an issue?”

Lindsay, unsuspecting and amiable, replied with a smile, “Of course, thank you, Fernando.”

As she reached out to sign, Robin abruptly placed his hand over hers, his action ostensibly considerate yet carrying a veiled ultimatum. “Let me sign it.”

Fernando observed the exchange silently, his features momentarily betraying a flicker of disdain.

Lindsay, taken aback, felt her resolve harden. This property was a gift from Matthew; why should she concede it so readily?

She attempted to sway Robin. “Robin, isn’t what’s mine also yours? We’re family, after all. There’s really no need for such stark divisions between us.”

Robin, mocking her conciliatory tone, countered, “Precisely because we’re family—why all the drama? Just let me sign the contract.”

.

.

.