When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Still wary, Stella withdrew her hand, responding, “Just an accident.

”

Fixing her gaze on Haley, she questioned, “Where were you? Why do you come to me now?”

Dropping her gaze, Haley revealed, “I miraculously survived a car crash that year.

Burdened with debts, I had no choice but to entrust you to Mr.

Anderson.

”

Tears traced down her face as she continued, “I had plans to reunite with you after securing a stable job, but fate had other plans.

I was abducted and sold to another country.

The journey home was fraught with suffering.

”

A lump formed in Stella’s throat; she understood the arduousness of Haley’s escape from the clutches of kidnappers.

Haley wiped her tears, resolutely meeting Stella’s gaze.

Clasping Stella’s hand, she vowed, “Stella, don’t hold it against me.

had no

to

”

felt a profound sympathy

blame, acknowledging that Haley’s escape was fueled by her yearning to

a nod, Stella embraced Haley, murmuring,

”

mother-daughter

deepened, finding the

Oliver

hasn’t

let her

after dinner,” Juliette suggested with a warm

hold on Haley, dabbing

“Let’s have dinner first.

”

“Okay,” Haley agreed.

escort Stella to the dining room, a hushed voice cut through

“Do you have any

applied pressure, making Haley

had anticipated this moment

and explained,

remain unconvinced, I’m open to a DNA

mother would mistake her