Chapter 1678:

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“The suitable ones are either rented out or sold,” Fernando answered. “There are vacant spots in other areas, but they are quite a distance away, and Mrs. Clark is looking into having a store close to her studio.”

Matthew fell silent again. Then, he instructed, “Try negotiating with our tenants and buyers. Offer to buy a unit back. Just make sure to compensate them according to the contract they signed.” He made sure to add, “Handle this with the utmost discretion. Make sure you don’t mention my name or that of the Prosperity Group.”

Fernando assumed that Matthew wanted to surprise Stella with the commercial space as a gift, so he readily agreed. He was just relieved that a solution to his dilemma was in sight.

Then he remembered something else. “Mr. Clark, you might want to know that the property meant for Lindsay was signed under Robin’s name. Should I help her handle it?”

Matthew’s brows furrowed again, but all he said was, “This matter is the Wheeler family’s business. Let them deal with it as they see fit. We’ve done our part, so there’s no need to interfere further.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked Fernando in the eye. “Did you manage to find out how Robin got released?”

Fernando told him the truth. “The police refused to disclose the specifics, but they did confirm having received the order to let Robin go. They sent the message to Leona. Currently, we find ourselves at a dead end. The answer lies with the police.”

This new information led Matthew to brood for a long time after.

Fernando leaned forward, musing aloud, “Mr. Clark, could this drama be a clever ruse orchestrated by the Wheeler family?”

Matthew shook his head firmly. “The Wheelers don’t have the pull to orchestrate a show like this with police cooperation. That said, you’d still be wise to dig into their recent contacts—maybe there’s a clue waiting to be uncovered.”

Meanwhile, Stella turned to Dexter with a decisive air. “I want you to dig into who orchestrated Robin’s release,” she said, her tone leaving no room for debate.

Her thoughts lingered on her conversation with Matthew from the previous night. Their exchange had left a bitter taste—sharp words and unresolved tension—but despite that, she couldn’t entirely dismiss the faith she had in him. If Matthew had indeed freed Robin and lied to her face, she wouldn’t hesitate to sever their bond once and for all.

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Not long after, Dexter approached Stella with fresh intel. “Mrs. Clark,” he began, his tone cautious, “I discovered that it was Lindsay who pulled the strings for Robin’s release.”

Stella’s brows shot up in surprise. “Did Matthew put her up to it?”

Dexter hesitated. “I couldn’t trace it that far. Whoever orchestrated this went to great lengths to stay anonymous. But anyone capable of influencing the police like that has to be someone with serious clout here in Seamarsh.”

A sharp, bitter laugh escaped Stella’s lips. The news only added fuel to her growing doubts about Matthew.

Dexter noticed her reaction and asked tentatively, “Should we keep digging?”

Stella shook her head, her weariness seeping into her voice. “No, don’t bother. If he’s hell-bent on keeping this under wraps, let him take it to the grave. It’s his secret to hold, not mine to uncover.”

Her words carried a note of finality, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of sadness as she turned to the window. Her gaze drifted to the world beyond, but her thoughts were miles away, tangled in a web of emotions.

Just then, the sound of a light knock interrupted her reverie.

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