When Love Comes Late by PASSION

His eyes twinkling, Matthew laughed.

“Not even close.

”

Stella, half-amused and half-serious, cautioned him, “Don’t overstep.

”

“It’s merely a ki*s.

How can it be too much?” Matthew quipped, his eyebrows arching playfully.

They had grown close, making it hard for him to pull away despite Stella’s insistent nudges.

Finally, he left the room reluctantly.

No sooner had Matthew left than Elizabeth entered the office, her demeanor stormy after having inquired around to locate this new workplace.

Her anger palpable, she made no effort to hide her feelings.

Upon seeing that Matthew wasn’t there, Elizabeth dropped all pretense of civility, strode past Stella without acknowledgment, and took a seat in the office chair with an air of authority.

face void of emotion, as tension filled the

no effort to hide her condescension, stating bluntly, “You should be aware that I’ll be taking over my mother’s responsibilities

”

respond, which

this point forward, treat my words as if

consult me before making

Stella replied dismissively,

a note of firmness, Stella then said, “If there’s nothing else of importance, I need to get back

you mind leaving

Stella fell flat, eliciting none

Elizabeth feeling

growing rage, Elizabeth stood abruptly, her voice dripping

be mistaken in thinking you can just take

I’m her daughter.

favor with her temporarily,

manipulative tactics to yourself and stay away from my mother,” she snapped,

remained seated, staring blankly, her composure

efforts to appear unfazed, Elizabeth’s words had

from Bella, a safety net that

doubted she’d ever experience that kind of