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

here to make amends

”

resemblance, Stella felt a profound sympathy for

that Haley’s escape was fueled by her yearning to

nod, Stella embraced Haley, murmuring, “You’ve

”

a poignant mother-daughter reunion, Matthew observed with

fixed on Haley, his frown deepened, finding

moment, Oliver

hasn’t

let her eat

talk after dinner,” Juliette

released her hold on Haley, dabbing her tears away with a

“Let’s have dinner first.

”

“Okay,” Haley agreed.

escort Stella to the dining

he inquired, “Do you

authoritative tone applied

had anticipated this moment and maintained

eyes and explained, “I visited

remain unconvinced, I’m

no mother would mistake her own