When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Chapter 2173

Stella paused briefly before replying softly, “Yes, he has been back for a few days.

”

Sanford, watching Stella’s profile closely, probed further, “Are things difficult between you two?”

His words struck a nerve, and Stella shot him a frown.

Sanford looked at the drinks scattered on the table, offering an apologetic smile as he explained, “I saw you drinking alone.

Most people only do that when they’re nursing some emotional pain.

Besides, if everything was alright, Matthew would not have let you come to a bar by yourself, right?”

His perception left Stella without a response.

She lowered her gaze, tending to her wound with a casual air, and murmured, “You’re overthinking it.

”

Once the wound was cleaned, she gently applied a bandage over it.

With that done, she glanced back at Sanford, offering a polite smile.

“Thank you.

”

raised an

to thank

rarely get an opportunity to be of

”

not in the mood

cut straight

do you have such an interest

drink, Sanford locked eyes

brief pause, he smiled, downed his drink in one swift

pronounced, but before she could pose another question,

fixed on Stella, he posed

interest in a woman?

Stella

sentiment in Sanford’s words, reinforcing her belief that Matthew’s earlier counsel to keep her distance

that

made it

emotions and responded with a formal tone, “I appreciate your

I am

”