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.

her, face void of emotion,

made no effort to hide her condescension, stating bluntly, “You should be aware that I’ll be

”

to respond, which

this point forward, treat my words as if they were

to consult me before making any

understand,” Stella replied dismissively, eager to avoid any

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

leaving my office, Miss

fell flat, eliciting none

reaction left Elizabeth

growing rage, Elizabeth stood abruptly, her voice dripping

mistaken in thinking you can just take over my mother’s studio by ingratiating yourself

I’m her daughter.

favor with her temporarily, but

manipulative tactics to yourself and stay away from

remained seated, staring

to appear unfazed,

support that Elizabeth received from Bella, a safety net that would shield her

Stella doubted